TechPression

Category: Innovation

  • Rack Centre’s $250 million facility sets new benchmark for African data infrastructure

    Rack Centre’s $250 million facility sets new benchmark for African data infrastructure

    For over 12 years, Rack Centre, a Nigerian-owned company, has been the backbone of the country’s digital infrastructure. As Nigeria’s tech scene continues to boom, the need for secure and efficient data storage is more pressing than ever. Rising to meet this demand, Rack Centre just pulled off a major milestone: the launch of its brand-new LGS2 facility, the largest data centre in both Lagos and Nigeria.

    Techpression Media covered the event on April 10. 

    The LGS2 facility, a towering testament to innovation, multiplies Rack Centre’s capacity eightfold, catapulting Nigeria into the spotlight as a potential hub for data management in West Africa. This 6,000-square-metre facility, boasting a 13.5 MW IT load, is set to transform connectivity and support businesses across the region. With a $250 million investment backing this pan-African vision, courtesy of Actis and Convergence Partners, Rack Centre is not just expanding space—it’s redefining possibilities.

    Related News: Rack Centre doubles down on AI and sustainability with new Lagos 2 facility

    The LGS2 site is protected by 10 layers of physical security—from biometric access to round-the-clock CCTV—certified to ISO 27001 standards. The company’s shift toward solar power, with panels soon to crown the facility, aligns with global green tech trends. “It’s about managing power smartly in a resource-scarce environment,” Rack Centre CEO, Lars Johannisson, said. 

    Rack Centre’s customer base and future

    Serving giants like banks, ISPs, and cloud adopters, Rack Centre’s carrier-neutral stance fosters a vibrant ecosystem of interconnectivity. 

    The commissioning also signaled Rack Centre’s ambition to lead West Africa’s digital transformation, with LGS2 halving data transfer latency to Europe and the USA, a feat poised to lure global players to Lagos.

    Nigeria’s data boom and power solutions

    At the event, Rack Centre’s founder and chairman, Maher Jarmakani, tackled one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges: power. He revealed that Rack Centre alone consumes 12MW, a significant chunk of the estimated 50–100 MW total capacity for data centres across the country.

    Still, Maher remains optimistic. He sees improvements in Nigeria’s grid, gas supply, and substations as opportunities to build a scalable and robust data centre industry. With over 200 million people and 50 percent internet penetration, the demand for cloud services, telecoms, and streaming is only growing.

    Related Post: Raxio secures $100 million from IFC to build data centres in Sub-Saharan Africa

    ”Currently, there are 16 in Nigeria. He emphasizes the importance of reliable power and cooling for these centres and notes that while the structures are physical, the internal technologies will continue to evolve,” says Maher Jarmakani. 

    He also reassured both businesses and the public that all data stored at Rack Centre is securely encrypted and protected under Nigerian law.

    How Rack Centre is redefining data in Nigeria

    Since 2013, Rack Centre has solidified its status as a business-to-business powerhouse, a narrative enriched by CEO Johannisson. He described data as “the new crude oil,” a resource Rack Centre manages with precision for over 138 million Nigerian internet users. The LGS2 launch marks the next chapter. Techpression noted the facility’s 7,200 square meters of lettable space and its hyperscale design, aligning with reports from Data Center Dynamics about a related 12 MW project groundbreaking.

    At the launch, Johannisson made it clear: Rack Centre is not hopping off to South Africa; rather, it is committed to building Nigeria’s digital future, he said.

  • MTN to rival Netflix and Showmax in Africa with new streaming platform

    MTN to rival Netflix and Showmax in Africa with new streaming platform

    On Monday, MTN announced its collaboration with Synamedia, a UK-based video software provider, to launch a new streaming platform designed for mobile and fibre subscribers across the continent. The service is aimed at challenging industry leaders like Netflix and Showmax, offering high-quality, localised content tailored to the diverse needs and preferences of African audiences.

    Enhancing digital content accessibility

    The partnership marks MTN’s bold entry into the competitive video-on-demand market, positioning it alongside global giants like Netflix and regional players like Showmax.

    Selorm Adadevoh, MTN Group’s Group Chief Commercial Officer, noted, “We see a unique opportunity to transform video consumption in Africa with high-quality, accessible, and relevant content. This partnership enables us to leverage cutting-edge technology and deep customer insights to enhance entertainment experiences and drive digital inclusion.”

    Read Also: YouTube Premium hikes subscription fee in Nigeria, South Africa

    The platform will utilise Synamedia’s advanced cloud-based technologies to offer linear television and on-demand video content. It will feature diverse monetisation models, including subscriptions, ad-supported content, and free streaming channels with targeted advertising.

    A curated content strategy tailored to local cultures, languages, and viewing preferences will benefit each market.

    Expanding entertainment options

    With a customer base of 291 million across 16 African markets, MTN aims to capitalise on the rapid adoption of smartphones and improved telecommunications infrastructure.

    Paul Segre, Synamedia CEO, emphasised, “Thanks to MTN’s leadership and innovation, smartphone owners across Africa will be able to enjoy innovative linear TV and on-demand video. By taking advantage of the breadth of our integrated, cloud-based portfolio to quickly deploy new services at scale, MTN will be able to create a groundbreaking set of offerings for customers and viewers that will drive new revenues.”

    This partnership highlights MTN and Synamedia’s dedication to improving access to quality content in Africa. They aim to benefit audiences and strengthen the continent’s digital ecosystem by utilising innovative technologies and a localised strategy.

  • AfCFTA launches 2025 digital trade innovation challenge

    AfCFTA launches 2025 digital trade innovation challenge

    The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has launched the 2025 Digital Innovation Challenge in Trade, an initiative designed to empower young African innovators to develop cutting-edge digital solutions that address cross-border trade barriers for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This challenge was announced on Wednesday.

    Empowering young innovators

    The challenge is open to African innovators and entrepreneurs aged 18 – 35, including individuals, teams, startups, and enterprises working on digital solutions that tackle cross-border trade challenges for MSMEs. These solutions can be in the ideation and prototype or operational and scaling phases. As noted by the AfCFTA Secretariat, the goal is to find “bold, scalable, and innovative digital solutions” that can enhance intra-African trade and unlock new economic opportunities across the continent.

    Applicants are encouraged to propose digital innovations in areas such as:

    Market Intelligence & E-Commerce Platforms: B2B/B2C platforms, trade data analytics, and market intelligence tools.

    E-Commerce & Logistics: Solutions for warehousing, supply chain management, and last-mile delivery.

    Cross-Border Professional Services: Digital platforms for virtual consulting, legal, accounting, and business advisory services.

    Digital Financial Services: Innovations in digital payments, trade finance, and mobile banking.

    Trade & Investment Facilitation: Digital tools to streamline trade procedures and regulatory compliance.

    Entrepreneurial Skills Development: Digital platforms for training, mentorship, and capacity-building for MSMEs.

    Benefits and opportunities

    Participating in the challenge offers numerous benefits, including access to funding and mentorship from AfCFTA partners and investors, networking opportunities with African and global trade experts, and potential pilot programs within the AfCFTA framework. Winners will receive recognition, funding, mentorship, and access to finance opportunities. The challenge is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for Africa’s brightest minds to play a key role in shaping the future of digital trade on the continent.

    Applications for the challenge opened on March 26, 2025, and the deadline for submission is April 18, 2025.

    The selection process will involve assessing the innovation’s uniqueness, potential for expansion into multiple African markets, and impact on addressing cross-border trade barriers for MSMEs. The top five winners will be announced and will have the opportunity to pitch at BIASHARA AFRIKA 2025.

  • GTCO Plc reports historic N1 trillion profit in 2024

    GTCO Plc reports historic N1 trillion profit in 2024

    GTCO Plc has reported a record pre-tax profit of N1.266 trillion for the 2024 financial year, a significant increase from N609.3 billion in the previous year.

    The bank holding company also saw a sharp rise in gross earnings of N2.148 trillion, up from N1.186 trillion in the previous year.

    GTCO’s profit after tax surges to record-breaking N1.017 trillion

    Additionally, GTCO reported an 88.4 percent increase in profit after tax to N1.017 trillion from N539.6 billion the previous year. This represents the highest profit ever reported in the bank’s history. 

    As part of its earnings announcement, GTCO declared a final dividend of N7.03 per share, payable on April 24, 2025. This marks a 151 percent increase in the payout, bringing the total dividend for the 2024 fiscal year to N8.03 per share.

    GTCO reports N56 billion in e-transactions

    The bottom line grew as a result of moderate increases in fees and commission expenses as well as net fees and commission income from the group’s e-business, account maintenance fees, and commission on foreign exchange transactions.

    The bank received roughly N56 billion, N32 billion, and N34.8 billion in revenue from fees associated with electronic transactions, account maintenance fees, and foreign exchange commissions, respectively.

    Fees and commission expenses were moderated at N31.5 billion, while bank charges totalled N24 billion.

    Interest income is the main source of GTCO’s 2024 gross earnings

    According to an examination of the financial statements, interest income continued to be the main source of the group’s gross earnings in 2024, accounting for more than 62 percent of total earnings.

    But there was a noticeable change in its makeup. Although loan and advance interest income increased 73 percent year over year, its proportion of total interest income decreased from 54.88 percent in 2023 to 38.91 percent in 2024.

    Investments in securities at amortised cost, FVTPL, and FVOCI, on the other hand, increased by 230.15 percent to N582.856 billion, or 43.44 percent of interest income.

    On the expense side, interest costs increased by 148.31 percent year over year to N283.215 billion, of which 78 percent (N220.46 billion) came from customer deposits, a 115 percent increase over the previous year.

    Read also: GTbank scraps POS fees as CBN increases ATM withdrawal charges

    GTCO’s customer deposits increase to N10 trillion

    The notable increase in customer deposits, which increased by N2.6 trillion (+35 percent YoY) to N10 trillion, is correlated with this steep increase in interest costs.

    This indicates strong deposit mobilisation, but it also indicates that GTCO is paying more to draw in and keep deposits, most likely as a result of more competitive funding markets and higher interest rate environments.

    Net interest income increased by an astounding 142.41 percent to N1.059 trillion despite the rise in interest expenses, indicating that higher yields on assets—particularly investment securities—surpassed the cost of deposits.

    Other revenue is another important component of GTCO’s profitability. The bank reported N517.500 billion in unrealised fair value gains on financial instruments (2023: N367.266 billion).

    Key highlights of GTCO’s financial year result (2024 v. 2023):

    • Gross earnings: N2.148 trillion; +81.07 percent YoY
    • Interest income: N1.342 trillion; +143.63 percent YoY
    • Interest expense: N283.215 billion; +148.31 percent YoY
    • Net interest income: N1.059 trillion +142.41 percent YoY
    • Impairment charges: N136.662 billion +32.74 percent YoY
    • Net interest income after impairment charges: N921.924 billion +176.24 percent YoY
    • Net fees and commission income: N189.711 billion +73.37 percent YoY
    • Profit after tax: N1.266 trillion +107.82 percent YoY
    • Basic EPS: N35.44 +85.84 percent YoY
    • Cash and cash equivalent with banks: N4.673 trillion +102.33 percent YoY
    • Loan and advances: N2.786 trillion +12.32 percent YoY
    • Total Assets: N14.796 trillion +52.67 percent YoY
    • Customers’ deposit: N10.013 trillion +44.78 percent YoY
    • Share capital & premium: N346.299 billion +150.60 percent YoY
    • Retained earnings: N1.320 trillion, +127.55 percent YoY
    • Shareholders’ fund: N2.712 trillion +83.60 percent YoY
  • Papua New Guinea restores Facebook access following counter-terrorism operation

    Papua New Guinea restores Facebook access following counter-terrorism operation

    Papua New Guinea lifted a surprise ban on Facebook just days after its implementation. The ban began on Monday and was initially described as a “trial” aimed at curbing hate speech, misinformation, and adult content by officials.

    However, it was later revealed that the shutdown was part of a broader counter-terrorism operation.

    Background and implementation of the ban

    The ban was enforced without prior notice and affected approximately 1.3 to 1.6 million Facebook users in the country.

    Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr. initially stated that the move was a “test” to limit harmful content, emphasising that it was not intended to suppress free speech but to protect citizens from detrimental material. He noted, “The unregulated spread of misinformation, hate speech, pornography, exploitation, incitement to violence on platforms like Facebook is intolerable”.

    However, critics, including opposition MP Allan Bird, characterised the decision as “draconian,” arguing that it marked a dangerous step towards suppressing freedoms.

    Bird stated, “There are no limits to the powers that the police minister can wield under this new legislation. It is a harsh law aimed at stripping away our freedoms”. The ban also sparked concerns about political autocracy and human rights abuses, with Neville Choi, president of the National Media Council, describing it as “bordering on political autocracy and an abuse of human rights”.

    Read also: Get ready: Meta AI calls are coming to WhatsApp

    Lifting of the ban and counter-terrorism efforts

    On Wednesday, the ban was lifted after the police successfully conducted a counter-terrorism operation. Police Commissioner David Manning explained that Facebook was taken down as part of efforts to apprehend individuals involved in attempts to incite terrorism.

    Manning stated, “A counter-terrorism operation is underway to apprehend two men connected to attempts to incite an act of terrorism. Over the past hours, police had reduced the immediate threat to the community, and temporary restrictions on the Facebook social media platform have been removed”.

    The operation aimed to disrupt a criminal network using Facebook to incite violence and social unrest. With the immediate threat mitigated, the police focus on identifying other alleged offenders and targeting their financial assets. As access to Facebook has been restored, the police commissioner reminded users to exercise caution when using social media.

  • MTN ends 8-year sponsorship of South Africa’s national rugby team

    MTN ends 8-year sponsorship of South Africa’s national rugby team

    MTN South Africa has announced the end of its long-term sponsorship of South Africa’s national rugby team after eight years of “record-breaking success.” The telecom provider, owned by the MTN Group and listed on the JSE, made the announcement on Tuesday.

    During the period of MTN sponsorship, the Boks won the Rugby World Cup twice: in 2019 and 2023.

    “This has been the most awe-inspiring and rewarding partnership for MTN after coming in as lead sponsors during a more difficult period for rugby in 2017 after the Boks had not fared as well after last winning the World Cup in 2007,” said MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi in a statement.

    He continued, “For us, it was about more than branding; it was about redefining transformation by returning rugby to the people and fostering the spirit of ubuntu. We demonstrated leadership and commitment to South African sport and could not be happier with the results.”

    Read also: MTN South Sudan launches free data bundling for new smartphone users

    MTN South Africa to explore new opportunities 

    It’s unclear at this time if SA Rugby has found a new sponsor. In order to “explore new opportunities that will drive progress for even more sportsmen and women around the country,” MTN South Africa, according to Molapisi, intends to change its sponsorship strategy.

    “I believe rugby and its development are set to reach even greater heights built on the firm foundation of transformative success, loyalty, support and excellence that has been seen over the past eight years,” Molapisi said.

    SA Rugby’s president applauds MTN South Africa for its Support 

    Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, praised MTN for its support during a challenging time for rugby in South Africa.

    “If you remember, we put out a call to corporate South Africa to partner with us at a challenging time for rugby in this country, and MTN answered that call, loud and clearly. Together, we have enjoyed what will, in time, I’m sure, be regarded as a golden age for the sport in this country,” Alexander said.

    Despite ending its rugby sponsorship, MTN will continue its support of football through the MTN8 sponsorship.

  • AfricInvest and Swedfund champion gender inclusion with new €15 million fund

    AfricInvest and Swedfund champion gender inclusion with new €15 million fund

    Swedfund, Sweden’s development finance institution, has announced a €15 million investment in the AfricInvest Small Cap Fund, a move aimed at promoting gender inclusion by allocating at least 30 percent of the portfolio to women-led or female-owned businesses across Africa.

    This private equity initiative, announced on March 21, 2025,  aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, addressing the persistent challenge of capital access for these businesses. SMEs are recognised as vital contributors to job creation, innovation, and economic growth on the continent.

    Read also: Cassava Technologies to launch Africa’s first AI factory with NVIDIA partnership

    Sofia Gedeon, Swedfund’s Investment Director for Sustainable Enterprises, highlighted the alignment of this investment with measurable sustainability goals.

    She stated, “This investment will allow Swedfund to expand its support for underserved businesses across Africa. AfricInvest aligns its investments with measurable sustainability outcomes, allowing us to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote greater inclusion”.

    AfricInvest plans to channel funds into diverse sectors such as agribusiness, healthcare, education, consumer goods, manufacturing, and services. By integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its operations, AfricInvest aims to create lasting economic and social benefits.

    Additionally, gender inclusion remains a key focus of the fund, with at least 30 per cent of its portfolio allocated to women-led or female-owned businesses.

    AfricInvest’s decades-long commitment to African development

    AfricInvest, a pan-African investment platform, has managed private equity and venture capital since 1994. It has raised $2.3 billion and sponsored roughly 230 firms in 38 African nations over 30 years.

    AfricInvest hopes to fill the SME finance gap using Swedfund’s resources and skills to promote responsible growth. The fund also promotes sustainable business practices through climate-focused tactics.

    Read also: Tony Elumelu Foundation supports 3,000 African entrepreneurs with $15 million grant

    “With decades of experience and a strong presence across the continent,” Gedeon remarked, “the fund is well-positioned to contribute to economic growth and social development”.

    This collaboration between Swedfund and AfricInvest underscores their commitment to advancing sustainable private sector development in Africa. Through inclusion and ESG principles, this project aims to turn African SMEs into economic engines and provide equal opportunities for all stakeholders.

  • Proparco supports Equity Group with €1 million to enhance climate-smart agriculture in Kenya

    Proparco supports Equity Group with €1 million to enhance climate-smart agriculture in Kenya

    On Tuesday, Proparco and Equity Group announced a deal that will provide the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) with €1 million in technical assistance for the execution of its high-impact project, “Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems” (CRAFS).

    The goal of this collaboration with Equity Group, a long-time client, is to assist small Kenyan farmers in implementing sustainable farming methods.

    The signing ceremony was held in Nairobi on Tuesday, with Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, and Arnaud Suquet, French Ambassador to Kenya, in attendance.

    Read also: Adeniyi and Gloria Abiodun launch $1.3 million fund to train aspiring software engineers in Africa

    Agriculture: backbone of Kenya’s economy 

    Kenya’s economy is mostly driven by agriculture, which contributes roughly 30 percent of GDP and 45 percent of export revenue.

    It supports 75 percent of rural communities and employs more than 70 percent of the rural workforce, 60 percent of whom are women and young people, making it the foundation of rural livelihoods.

    About Equity Group Foundation 

    Founded in 2008 as the social arm of Equity Group Holdings, the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) is a non-profit organisation with its headquarters in Kenya. It aims to improve Africans’ lives and means of subsistence.

    High-impact development initiatives are carried out by EGF, such as the “Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems” (CRAFS) project, which will assist smallholder farmers in Kenya in implementing Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).

    By using sustainable methods, this strategy lowers agriculture emissions, increases resilience to climatic shocks, and increases production.

    Benefits for Kenyan farmers 

    Small-scale producers will benefit from training, financial access, and information sharing through the CRAFS initiative, which is being coordinated by EGF in partnership with Equity Group.

    A committed field team will guarantee implementation on the ground, and value chain participants and suppliers are crucial in enabling farmers and microbusinesses.

    With an annual target of 15,000 farmers involved in livestock or agricultural value chains, the initiative will offer education, awareness-raising, financial access, connections, and knowledge sharing about sustainable production methods, waste-to-energy, water harvesting and management, and efficient energy use.

    Read also: KOKO secures Mirova funding to scale clean cooking in Kenya, Rwanda

    Comments from stakeholders 

    French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet emphasised that the collaboration between France, Proparco, and Equity Group will support SMEs and entrepreneurship,

    “In a country where agriculture is critical for employment, food security, environment and foreign currency earning, the collaboration between France through Proparco and EGF will be key to support SMEs and entrepreneurship,” said Suquet.

    Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa, said: “Proparco is very pleased to strengthen its partnership with a long-standing client and leading player on the African continent, Equity Group. Through its Foundation, Equity participates in concrete change by supporting Kenyan actors in agriculture, from small farmers to innovators. Our technical support backs this approach, and we thank EGF for its trust!”

    Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, said: “This partnership with Proparco is another milestone in a journey of people and nations. It’s about farmers, families, communities and nations gaining the knowledge and support to thrive in a changing world. By embracing Climate-Smart Agriculture, we will empower farmers to increase their productivity, build resilience against climate shocks, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Smallholder farmers need support to mitigate agricultural risks, and we are committed to helping them navigate these challenges.”

  • Digital Learning Day: Airtel Uganda connects 130 schools to the Internet

    Digital Learning Day: Airtel Uganda connects 130 schools to the Internet

    To commemorate the Digital Learning Day on Wednesday, Airtel Uganda connected its 130th school to the internet while planning to connect 70 more schools.

    This initiative is in collaboration with UNICEF Uganda and the Ministry of Education and Sports.

    Read also: Airtel Uganda sees 13.9% growth in customer base, driven by surge in data usage

    Launch of computer lab, equipped with 20 computers 

    The highlights of this year’s event, which took place at Kasengejje Secondary School, was the official opening of the recently renovated computer lab, equipped with 20 computers and internet connection.

    Soumendra Sahu, the Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, underlined the company’s steadfast dedication to incorporating technology into Uganda’s educational system during the ceremony.

    “We are proud to be a strong partner in Uganda’s education sector. Since 2019, Airtel has been 100 percent 4G across the country. We have connected 18 schools in the Karamoja region alone, ensuring they have the same opportunities as those in Kampala,” Sahu stated.

    42,000 students, 15 public libraries connected to the internet 

    By connecting more than 42,000 students and providing more than 30 terabytes of data, Airtel is removing obstacles to digital learning and guaranteeing that no child is left behind. In addition to schools, the company supports 15 public libraries with internet access.

    Jane Egau, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, and Soumendra Sahu, MD of Airtel Uganda, presided over the event.

    In his remarks, Egau praised Airtel Uganda’s support of remote learning, pointing to programs like the “Learn From Home” packages that were especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Digital learning is highly effective, leading to improved learning outcomes due to its flexibility. Learning is no longer limited by physical constraints. I would therefore like to recognize Airtel Uganda once again for providing our learners with free online resources,” Egau noted.

    Read also: Airtel partners with Network International to promote financial inclusion across Africa

    Transforming education through sustainable solutions

    Stakeholders from the technology and education industries graced the occasion. Thomas Meyerer, a UNICEF representative, commended Airtel Uganda’s participation and emphasised how the project would transform education by using sustainable solutions.

    “This initiative is part of a broader UNICEF strategy to expand education-based content, capacity, and connectivity. These students will contribute to the country’s economic growth and reshape the national landscape while also helping to close the gender divide,” he said.

    The Director of Administration at the United Nations Regional Service Centre Entebbe, Mr. Paulin Djomo, emphasised the value of digital learning in the modern world.

    “If we do not empower you, you will be left behind. Digital learning improves how people learn, contribute to society, and become responsible in their jobs.” Djomo remarked.

  • ZICTA opens application for 2025 ICT Innovation Program

    ZICTA opens application for 2025 ICT Innovation Program

    Applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 cohort of the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority’s (ZICTA) ICT Innovation Program.

    The Authority’s flagship program is intended to give promising entrepreneurs and start-ups a platform to develop or turn their ICT-related concepts or business endeavours into valuable, impactful goods or services that tackle pressing issues in various spheres of Zambian society.

    April 28, 2025 is the deadline for applications.

    Read also: Zambia Digital Week 2025: Stakeholders to chart pact for Zambia’s digital future

    𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙮?

    Local innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 who have creative, feasible, and scalable tech-related initiatives are the target audience of the program.

    Each year, an independent panel of judges selects finalists based on their promising proposals and awards them financial support for project commercialisation.

    𝙀𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨

    The eligible sectors are: health; transport; E-Commerce; agriculture; education; energy; tourism and hospitality; banking and digital financial services; Environment, Climate Change, and Sanitation.

    Benefits for participants

    Benefits for the participants include the following: Business and technological development-focused training sessions; Soft skills and personal growth; Industry expert mentoring; Funding options to assist in the commercialisation or scaling of innovative ventures.

    𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙮

    The online application process can be completed at https://lnkd.in/eARC7Ssr

    The program aims to support research, development, and use of innovative technologies, as mandated under the ICT Act No. 15 of 2009. It encourages young people to make more innovations in the field of ICT.

    The initiative is supported by a number of partners, including Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited, Airtel Networks Zambia Limited, and many more.

    Read also: Zambia launches digital framework to improve public service delivery

    About ZICTA ICT Innovation Program 

    The ZICTA ICT Innovation Program aims to provide ICT innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs with technical and business development assistance.

    Since 2016, the Authority has been in charge of this initiative, and seven cohorts have been run so far.

    This program is specially designed for young people in the country who have creative, feasible, and scalable ICT projects or ideas that tackle contemporary issues in a range of economic sectors.

    It gives bright entrepreneurs a chance to develop, polish, or turn their tech-related ideas into valuable, impactful goods or services that help various facets of Zambian society.

    Mentoring from industry professionals, financial opportunities to assist in the commercialisation or scaling of creative ventures, training courses centred on business and technical development, soft skills, and personal growth are among the main advantages for the participants.