Brief (580)
The Organization of Information and Communication Technologies Professionals in Senegal (OPTIC) recently announced the 7th edition of the International Fair for Professionals of the Digital Economy (SIPEN). This event is scheduled to take place on June 27-28 in Dakar. The event will focus on the theme "Accelerating Digitalization: A Powerful Lever for the Competitiveness of the Senegalese and African Economy."
Kenya’s government has trained over 390,000 youth in digital skills and generated 139,000 online jobs within the past year. Information, Communication, and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo revealed this at the launch of the Jitume ICT Hub in Ruiru on May 20.
Since 2016, Kenya's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has grown by an average of 10.8% annually, emerging as a key driver of economic development and job creation, with positive impacts extending across various sectors of the economy, according to the “Kenya Economic Update: Accelerating Kenya’s Digital Economy” 2019 report by the World Bank.
Google is accepting applications for the 2024 Hustle Academy, a 5-day bootcamp to boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This year's program features a new focus on business-oriented artificial intelligence (AI) training.
Since 2022, the Hustle Academy has supported over 10,000 businesses in securing funding and creating jobs through education, mentorship, and networking. New AI modules will help businesses make data-driven decisions, optimize operations, and develop AI-powered marketing strategies.
Applications for the 2024 cohort are open to SME owners in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Kenyan youth have secured free ICT training through a partnership involving Zone 01, the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (ULCGA), the County Government of Kisumu, and Lake Hub. The County Government of Kisumu revealed on May 17 in a release.
The selected cohort, 96, out of 13,000 applications received, will undergo a two-year training program for free using a peer-to-peer learning model.
The program aims to develop skilled professionals in web app development, data engineering, AI, video game development, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
Glint Ventures, an Egyptian consulting and investment firm, announced on Monday, May 13, the first close of Glint Fund II, its second venture capital fund, at $3 million. The fund aims to support Egyptian startups with investments ranging from $250,000 to $500,000.
OpenseedVC, a U.K.-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage tech companies in Africa and Europe, announced the first close of its seed fund at $10 million on Monday, May 20. The fund will target investments in startups across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, healthtech, and productivity tools.
"Our thesis is that by backing experienced operators early in their journey with the right capital and support from peer operators, you can build a diversified portfolio that generates incredible returns for investors and provides crucial support for ambitious operators when they need it most," said Maria Rotilu (photo), founder of OpenseedVC.
Congo is implementing a €66.55 million project to build its national data center, according to an AFDB release dated May 17. Co-funded by the AfDB (€52.47 million) and the Republic of Congo (€14.50 million), the project includes constructing a data center and laying a 600-kilometer fiber cable.
The data center, a three-story building, will feature server and monitoring rooms, meeting spaces, and essential energy and air-conditioning equipment. Set for completion by December 2024, it is expected to be the main hub for the country’s digital data and support national projects like the digital identification initiative, boosting Congo’s digital infrastructure and security.
Kenya’s Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy has proposed the Information and Communications Technology Authority Bill 2024 to improve the technology sector. The draft bill, published in April 2024, outlines a licensing regime for ICT operators and establishes a framework for improved service delivery. For Cabinet Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, the bill aims to strengthen ICT service delivery by ensuring security, efficiency, and high quality, and simplifying ICT integration into public services.
The bill creates accreditation categories based on experience and technical skills. If passed, the relevant authority will assign accreditation levels to individuals or organizations that meet the prescribed requirements.
Egyptian fintech startup MNZL announced a successful $3.5 million funding round last week. The capital will fuel technology development and propel the company's growth within the Egyptian market.
"We at MNZL are going beyond a mere adjustment; it’s a complete revolution in credit access. This shift not only empowers families by providing financial leverage but also contributes to broader economic prosperity in the region," declared MNZL's co-founder Sameh Saleh.
Digify Africa has launched the 2024 Digify Pro Online program, a digital entrepreneurship initiative in collaboration with Meta and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF). The program targets unemployed youth aged 18-35 in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. It aims to address youth unemployment by providing comprehensive digital marketing and entrepreneurship training.
The program consists of three levels: Foundational (6 weeks) introduces participants to digital marketing basics and professional skills; Intermediate (10 weeks) delves into strategic topics like content creation and data analytics through real-world tasks; Advanced (6 weeks) offers elective training in areas such as paid advertising and marketing data analytics with AI-driven methods.
Applications are open until June 2, 2024, for South Africans.
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Viridian has launched RaiseReady, a seven-week program to enhance fundraising skills for female entrepreneurs in South Africa and Kenya, starting May 27th. It will equip participants with skills for equitable investor engagement, fostering support for women-led ventures. Applications are open.
Viridian, an impact agency, designs programs for early-stage entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations across Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem to bridge the gap between startups and angel investors.
On Monday, May 13, Jacques Fame Ndongo, the Cameroonian Minister of Higher Education, inaugurated a digital development center at the University of Yaoundé 2 Soa. The center, which can accommodate 40 students, features a smart classroom. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology for digitization and the production of multimedia courses, as well as distance learning.
On Thursday, May 9, Algerian Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Karim Bibi Triki, announced the upcoming installation of 1,000 new automated teller machines (ATMs) by Algérie Poste across the country. This initiative aims to meet the increasing demand for banking and financial services. It will help facilitate daily life for citizens, especially in areas where access to traditional banks is limited.
“Every May, we commemorate Africa Month, marking a time when the colours of African heritage and the bright promise of its future are brought to the forefront through vibrant celebrations. This year, we're thrilled to partner with the African Union to amplify these celebrations, inviting the world to #DiscoverMyAfrica through the power of YouTube Shorts,” Google reveals
“The #DiscoverMyAfrica Challenge is part of the African Union’s collaborative effort in driving innovation through strategic partnership with Google, through the Office of the Youth Envoy, Make Africa Digital (MAD) initiative,” an AU release, dated May 2, states.
This initiative celebrates Africa's diversity and heritage, empowering youth to share their stories globally. The challenge covers various aspects of African life, including music, art, food, fashion, and landmarks.
Hikmatu Bilali