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Tag: 2023

  • Top 11 technology trends in 2023

    Top 11 technology trends in 2023

    The technology landscape is ever-evolving, with groundbreaking trends shaping the way we live, work, and communicate. This article delves into the top 15 tech trends of 2023 that are set to redefine industries and influence global progress.

    Global Tech Market Overview

    In 2023, the global tech market is projected to reach a staggering $4.4 trillion, reflecting a 4.7% growth compared to 2022, as per Forrester Research, Inc. This growth will be driven by various regions, with the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) at the forefront. These regions are expected to experience the fastest tech spending growth, at 5.6% and 5.4%, respectively, by 2027. In contrast, North America and Europe are forecasted to grow at rates of 5.1% and 3.6% during the same period. Notably, tech software and IT services are poised to account for 66% of global tech spending by 2027.

    The rise of cloud application and platform services is set to be a pivotal factor in this surge. Forrester Research, Inc. projects that the public cloud market will reach a monumental $1 trillion by 2026, capturing almost a quarter of the global tech spending.

    Read also: Top technology trends in Software Engineering for 2023

    African Internet Economy and Esports

    In Africa, the internet economy is projected to swell to $180 billion by 2025, surpassing the continent’s GDP by 5%. Saudi Arabia, as part of its investment in tech, has unveiled plans to allocate $25 billion to the sector. Savvy Games Group, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is leading the way, committing around $37.8 billion to transform Saudi Arabia into a global gaming hub.

    Asia’s Tech Dominance

    In the Asia Pacific, China is poised to lead tech spending with an annual growth rate of 7% from 2024 to 2027. Meanwhile, India’s domestic tech sector is expected to grow by an impressive 9.6% in 2023. According to Michael O’Grady, principal forecast analyst at Forrester Research, the next five years will witness even more substantial growth in tech spending. Factors such as increased R&D investment in the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and North America, along with companies in APAC investing more in software and IT services, are anticipated to drive tech spending.

    Pioneering Companies in Tech Advancements

    Several tech giants are driving these transformative trends, each contributing uniquely to the evolving tech landscape.

    1. Generative AI and Applied AI

    Generative AI and Applied AI represent pivotal segments of AI technology with immense potential. These developments are heralding significant breakthroughs across various sectors.

    2. Quantum Computing

    Quantum computing is set to impact several industries, including automotive, financial services, chemicals, and life sciences, creating an estimated $1.3 trillion in value by 2035.

    3. Web3

    With the evolution of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, Web3 has become a reality, redefining the internet experience for users. The Web3 market is estimated to grow to $81.90 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 44.5%.

    4. Green Technology

    Green technology is emerging as a critical trend as governments and companies strive to reduce their carbon emissions. The global green technology market is expected to reach $89.18 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 20.60%.

    5. 3D Printing

    The use of 3D printing technology is expanding across various industries, making it a central tech trend in 2023. The global 3D printing market is projected to reach $98.31 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 18.92%.

    6. Robotics

    The integration of AI into robotics is driving a significant trend in the field, making robotics a highly sought-after technology. The global robotics market is estimated to reach $102.4 billion by 2028.

    7. 5G Technology

    5G technology, after generating considerable excitement in recent years, continues to play a central role in shaping the telecommunications industry. The global 5G technology market is anticipated to grow to $348.76 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 45.2%.

    8. Cybersecurity

    As online security threats escalate, the importance of cybersecurity is more significant than ever. It’s a pivotal technology in preventing cyberattacks and safeguarding sensitive data. The global cybersecurity market is estimated to reach $424.97 billion by 2030.

    9. Bioengineering Technology

    Bioengineering technology, which fuses biology and technology, is creating innovative processing methods across various sectors. The global bioengineering technology market is expected to reach $538.56 billion by 2029.

    10. Blockchain

    Blockchain is revolutionising the digital finance industry, shaping decentralised finance and banking through cryptocurrencies. The global blockchain market is projected to reach $674.41 billion by 2030.

    11. Space Technology

    Governments are investing heavily in space technology, with missions to various planets and improvements in satellite infrastructure. The global space technology market is expected to reach $700.28 billion by 2029.

    These tech trends in 2023 represent the dynamic nature of technology and the continuous pursuit of innovation to enhance and streamline various aspects of life and industry. As they continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world.

  • Top technology trends in Software Engineering for 2023

    Top technology trends in Software Engineering for 2023

    Gartner, Inc. has determined the most important strategic technological developments that will affect software engineering between now and 2023 and beyond.

    These findings were presented by analysts at the Gartner Application Innovation & Business Solutions Summit, which took place in London.

    “Software engineering leaders are under continuous pressure to adopt modern architectures and technologies. To do this well, they need to know which trends have the greatest potential impact for their digital business efforts within an actionable planning horizon,” said Joachim Herschmann, VP Analyst at Gartner. 

    “Gartner’s top trends represent a set of approaches and technologies that soft-ware engineering leaders must leverage over the next two to three years to stay ahead of the curve, innovate and thrive in an environment of constant disruption.” he added.

    Read also: ALX to teach software engineering to 50,000 African women

    The Software trends

    1. InnerSource

    A software development method known as InnerSource is one that utilises open-source practises but is applied to proprietary technology.

    When it comes to soft-ware development, organisations have the ability to close gaps and break down silos when they embrace an open source approach. This results in a software development lifecycle that is both more robust and more tightly wound.

    According to Herschmann, the end effect of using InnerSource is the production of higher-quality software as well as improved documentation because it enables teams to generate software more quickly while also improving their ability to collaborate.

    2. Developer Experience

    The term “developer experience” refers to the entirety of the interactions that take place between developers and the various tools, platforms, processes, and people that they collaborate with in order to create and deliver software products and services. Enhancing the developer experience is absolutely necessary for the achievement of success with digital projects and the formation of high-performing teams.

    According to Gartner, the term “developer experience” encompasses more than just “developer tools and technologies.” According to Herschmann, the tools that are utilised on a regular basis unquestionably play a role in increasing the overall quality of the developer workflows. However, the experience a developer has is also dependent on aspects that are not related to technology. These consist of having time set apart for in-depth, creative, and important work, as well as having the personal freedom to experiment with new things without the fear of failing at them.

    3. AI-Augmented Software Engineering Teams

    The application development process can be sped up with the help of AI-augmented software engineering, which makes use of AI technology to assist software engineering teams in their work. They are able to rapidly develop various types of artefacts, like as design elements, application code, or test cases, which they can subsequently enhance and reuse, hence speeding up the process as a whole.

    According to Herschmann, AI-augmented software engineering requires not allowing technology replace software engineering teams but rather making software engineering teams’ jobs more efficient by relieving them of repetitive work.

    4. AI-Empowered Applications

    When enterprise data, advanced model building capabilities, and generative artificial intelligence services are combined, the end result will be data-enhanced apps that drive improved business decisions. Applications that are enabled with AI have the potential to enhance the information that is accessible within a company and its applications, automate workflows, and construct models that assess risk or recommend the next best actions.

    In order to achieve their goals using artificial intelligence (AI), leaders in software engineering should approach AI model development differently from application development and coordinate the actions of teams working on both application development and model construction.

    5. Platform Engineering

    Platform engineering is the discipline that focuses on the construction and operation of internal self-service developer platforms for the purpose of soft-ware delivery and life cycle management. It assists developers in discovering, operating, securing, improving, and building upon complicated distributed information technology systems, particularly when the developers are not technical specialists in the systems themselves.

    Platforms offer a selected collection of tools and services that collectively result in an improved experience for developers. They also increase the consistency and quality of IT solutions, cut down on redundant tools and procedures, unify parallel efforts by many teams, enforce security and compliance requirements, and include ubiquitous automation in their design.

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    6. Digital Immune System

    In order to ensure that applications are of a high quality and have a high level of resiliency, Digital Immunity integrates best practises from the fields of observability, software testing, chaotic engineering, software development, site reliability engineering, and software supply chain security.

    Herschmann pointed out that many software engineering organisations are already using some of these strategies, but none of these practises by themselves will be sufficient to achieve the goal of building highly-resilient systems. Together, however, these practises constitute a powerful continuous quality approach to ensure that complex digital systems continue to run even if the “house is on fire.”

  • Nigeria to host Africa Internet Governance Forum 2023

    Nigeria to host Africa Internet Governance Forum 2023

    At the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2023) that will take place in Abuja, Nigeria, from September 18th to September 21st, 2023, Nigeria is scheduled to play home to 54 African governments in addition to other continental Internet governance stakeholder blocs.

    This year’s event, which is the 12th edition of the annual forum, is being hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on behalf of the Federal Government. It is scheduled to take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, with the theme, “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation”.

    The Internet Governance Forum will serve as a platform for meaningful debate and collaboration on Internet Governance among diverse sectors and regional projects. The goals of the Forum are to improve digital connection, address difficulties related to Internet Governance, and empower Africa through digital transformation.

    The African Youth Internet Governance Forum will take place from September 13 through September 18, 2023, and will serve as a prelude to the main event.

    Read also: Tech experts to convene at Nigeria ICT Impact CEO forum

    About the forum 

    The series of events that will take place during this year’s programme will begin with the Parliamentarian Symposium, which is scheduled to take place from September 18-19, 2023. During this event, members of the Parliament from all of the participating countries will have the opportunity to consult and network with one another in a roundtable discussion that is designed to better understand the roles of the legislature, and to nudge deeper synergy with parliaments on Internet Governance in Africa.

    AfIGF 2023 promises to be a rare assemblage of key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, and a broad spectrum of actors in the private sector intentionally rallied to discuss important matters focused on the development, access, and governance of the Internet in Africa. This is a crucial gathering of stakeholders and investors in Africa’s digital future.

    The Internet Governance Forum is a vibrant and inclusive platform that brings together stakeholders from across the African continent and other international partners, to engage in discussions that will shape the future of Internet Governance. The Forum is structured in a variety of gatherings, including dialogues, workshops, panel sessions, symposia, and roundtables, among other types of events.

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    More Information on the Africa Internet Governance Forum

    Other focal sessions at the event will include plenary discussions, interactive workshops, and expert panels focusing on topics such as Digital Inclusion and Connectivity; Cyber Security and Data Protection; Digital Rights and Freedom of Expression; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies; E-Commence and Digital Economy; and Data Governance and Trust, amongst others. These sessions will take place throughout the course of the event.

    It is also anticipated that participants will address the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in relation to digital literacy and access to the internet in a manner that is intended to hasten the pace of development on the continent.

    At the event, high-ranking speakers, policymakers, industry professionals, and thought leaders from all around Africa and beyond will share their knowledge and insights. The forum will generate actionable recommendations that can inform policymaking, drive investments, and shape the future of Internet Governance in Africa. 

    It will do this by reshaping the trajectory of the digital landscape on the continent and paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future. These recommendations will be generated through the expertise and insights of the participants.

  • OPay, Kuda among top fintech firms in 2023

    OPay, Kuda among top fintech firms in 2023

    The fintech landscape continues to evolve, with companies around the world vying for the top spot in various categories. 

    A recent evaluation of over 1,500 firms across nine different fintech segments revealed some of the biggest global players. 

    Among these, OPay and Kuda stand out, making significant contributions to the digital payments and neobanking categories, respectively.

    OPay, founded in 2018, has emerged as a trailblazer in the digital payments category. With its unique and innovative services, the company has attracted approximately 40 million registered app users and employs 500,000 agents in Nigeria. As a one-stop mobile-based platform, OPay facilitates payments, transfers, loans, savings, and other essential financial services.

    OPay’s vision extends beyond mere profit, as it aims to reach over 60% of Africa’s unbanked population, offering them access to basic financial services that were previously out of reach. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote financial inclusion and create opportunities for socio-economic development.

    Read also: Opay plans to launch digital bank in Egypt

    Kuda: Redefining Neobanking

    Kuda, also known as Kuda Technologies, entered the fintech arena in 2019 and has since made a significant impact in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. By 2021, Kuda’s valuation reached an impressive $500 million, making it the seventh most valuable bank in Nigeria.

    As a licensed microfinance bank, Kuda distinguishes itself by providing user-friendly services without additional charges. The platform encourages saving habits by incorporating tracking tools that help users monitor their spending and improve financial management.

    July 2023 marked a momentous milestone for Kuda as it surpassed six million customers in Nigeria. This accomplishment solidifies Kuda’s position as a frontrunner in the fintech industry, largely attributed to its enhanced banking app. The app offers an array of services, including savings, payments, and credit facilities, catering to both retail and business customers.

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    The Evaluation Process

    Scope and Categories:

    The evaluation encompassed nine fintech categories, including neobanking, digital payments, digital assets, digital financial planning, digital wealth management, alternate financing, alternate lending, digital banking solutions, and digital business solutions.

    Performance Metrics:

    Each of the 1,500 firms underwent rigorous assessment against key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue, user numbers, and total funding raised. This meticulous analysis aimed to determine the industry’s frontrunners and understand their impact on the market.

    Global Giants on the List:

    The esteemed list featured some of the most prominent global fintech firms, exemplifying the industry’s competitive landscape and disruptive potential.

    Leading the Charge:

    Ant Group, Tencent, PayPal, Stripe, Klarna, and Revolut were among the distinguished names that secured their positions on the list. These industry giants are instrumental in shaping the future of fintech and driving innovation across the globe

    In a rapidly changing fintech landscape, the competition to be recognized as a leading player is fierce. The evaluation of over 1,500 firms across diverse categories highlights the significant contributions of OPay and Kuda in the digital payments and neo banking sectors, respectively. These companies’ emphasis on financial inclusion, user-centric services, and innovative solutions has set them apart in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry. 

    As the fintech space continues to grow, expect more groundbreaking players to emerge, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of finance.

  • Top 9 in-demand tech jobs in 2023

    Top 9 in-demand tech jobs in 2023

    As the digital world continues to flourish, the tech industry is one of those industries that is continually and swiftly developing. This has positioned it as one of the most lucrative industries to work in, provided you can keep current and aren’t terrified of learning and expanding your knowledge reach.

    With the advancement of technology and the rising need for it, there are more chances than ever before! Previously, persons who excelled at programming or web development were often regarded as the finest applicants for a position. But things have changed drastically. Contrary to popular belief, many additional technology-related careers do not entail software engineering or web design.

    Tech firms are searching for workers with a range of skills who can help them realize their vision of the future. The more specialized you are in these professions, the more competitive you will be in this rich business.

    Read also: How to Open a Verified PayPal Account in Nigeria for Free (Updated)

    Some of the in-demand tech jobs are as follows:

    1. Cybersecurity Analyst

    A cybersecurity analyst guarantees the safety and authenticity of a company’s computer systems and networks. They detect and prevent cyber assaults and create security rules and processes to avoid future attacks.

     

    2. Full-Stack Developer

    A full-stack developer is in charge of developing and designing APIs and front-end and back-end development. As a professional, you must be knowledgeable about all stages of the development process, from development through deployment and upkeep. You must be aware of the following as a full-stack developer:

    • Technologies such as MongoDB and Node.js 
    • How to Create and Design an API
    • Scripting and coding
    • Fundamentals of web development
    • Database Fundamentals

    According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, web developer positions are expected to expand by 13% between 2018 and 2028. There are now over 23 million developers worldwide, with work opportunities rapidly expanding. 

     

    3. Data Analyst

    A data analyst’s main task is to assess the obtained data and analyse the complicated variables and trends. This enables firms to make better judgments in less time and at a lower cost. Being a data scientist is a demanding profession. You must be well-versed in computer science, machine learning, mathematics, data visualisation, communication, and deep learning. 

    • Data scientists are responsible for the following tasks:
    • Learning about machine learning algorithms
    • Developing data models
    • Programming with Python and other analytical tools
    • Identifying and resolving business issues

     

    4. Software Engineer

    A software architect’s primary responsibility is to optimise the development process by making design decisions and establishing technical standards for code, tools, and platforms. Companies engage them to test and build software on their behalf. 

    Software architects are in charge of comprehending client requests and specifications as well as doing hands-on work to create software prototypes. 

    The following are the essential abilities for becoming a software architect:

    • Modelling data
    • Knowledge of software architecture
    • Excellent programming abilities
    • Analytical abilities that are exceptional

     

    5. Database Administrator

    A database administrator is one of the IT jobs; they are in charge of administering and maintaining an organisation’s databases, ensuring they are safe, efficient, and up to date.

     

    6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist

    An AI specialist is in charge of creating and implementing AI solutions to tackle complicated business challenges, such as machine learning and natural language processing.

     

    7. Engineer in Robotics

    A robotics engineer is in charge of designing, developing, and testing robots and robotic systems, as well as their hardware and software components.

     

    8. User Experience Designer:

    A user experience (UX) designer is in charge of creating and enhancing the usability and functionality of digital goods such as websites, applications, and software.

     

    9. DevOps Engineer

    A DevOps engineer is in charge of the procedures, tools, and approaches necessary to balance demands across the software development process’s life cycle.

    This individual creates and manages a deployment framework, as well as integrates cloud services to allow automation and shell scripting in PHP, Python, and Ruby. DevOps engineer is a difficult career that involves more than just technical abilities. 

    Some of the skills required are:

    • Scripting and coding
    • Understanding of network setup and operation
    • DevOps expertise is required.
    • Understanding how to utilise programmes like Git and Jenkins
    • System management using Linux or Unix

    The aims of an IT operations team and a development team may vary. A DevOps engineer may be a member of the development team responsible for network operations or an operations team member responsible for application development.

    Overview

    While these are some of the most popular tech professions, many other well-versed professions in the area pay well, so it’s up to you to make the best option for yourself. One key benefit you have for all these career responsibilities is that whichever you choose will undoubtedly pay off based on your time commitment and tenacity in acquiring skills and expertise in the field. 

  • WhatsApp adds many more features for 2023

    WhatsApp adds many more features for 2023

    The popular instant messaging app, WhatsApp, has recently updated its features to give users a varied experience. Android mobile users can now make videos more conveniently than in the past.

    The latest feature set to be released will allow users to record video messages instantly on WhatsApp without keeping their fingers permanently on the camera button from start to finish.

    The new WhatsApp 2.23.2.73 update will allow users to freely make videos without holding their devices as they can switch to video mode and start recording.

    Read also: Users will soon be able to send “view once” messages via WhatsApp

    WhatsApp unwavering upgrades

    The platform has constantly been improving its features from the possibility of running the app on two devices simultaneously to the increase in the size of group members and the ability to hide your online status while using the app, the Meta group is not relenting on improving the experiences of the users.

    In 2022, WhatsApp updated and included many features, running on iOS or Android, and the company is not stopping in 2023, as a total of five new fonts will soon be available for use to customize users’ experience. 

    Other features unveiled 

    Cyber-sleuths at WhatsApp blog WABetaInfo, who dug into the app to discover new features, revealed that the app would soon allow users to copy WhatsApp photos and videos with their captions. The feature is currently being tested. This will enable users to easily share photos and videos with others as they can add a caption to explain what the content is about.

    Another feature that is currently under development is the ability to move WhatsApp chat history between Android phones without the use of Google Drive. This will make it much easier for users to transfer their chat history from one phone to another.

    A block shortcut in the chat list is also under development, which will make it easier for users to block unwanted contacts right from the chat list.

    Signing up for WhatsApp beta is the surest way to get the features faster, as it is unclear when WhatsApp will release these changes to the general public.

    WhatsApp new features for its app come to the beta version first before they are released to the regular version to enable the company to get feedback from testers about their user experience if there are bugs or any other issues that need to be sorted out before releasing it to billions of regular users across the world.

    WhatsApp Adds New Privacy Options, Enhancements

    How to become a WhatsApp beta tester

    You can sign up using your smartphone.  From the Google play store, search WhatsApp, and scroll down the page until you find ‘become WhatsApp beta tester’. Click ‘I’m in’ and then confirm with  ‘join’.

    You need to sign up with the same WhatsApp number you use. Once signed up, a message that says ‘you are a beta tester now’ pops up, and then you receive the updates. You can opt-out at any time you wish to.

  • Nigeria Computer Society reviews year 2022, assures best services in 2023

    Nigeria Computer Society reviews year 2022, assures best services in 2023

    President of The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Professor Adesina Sodiya, has assured that the umbrella body of all IT Professionals and Practitioners with over 15,000 memberships will continue to serve the interest of all and the nation in the IT ecosystem.

    Prof. Sodiya said this while speaking during a press conference on Nigeria Computer Society 2022 Strategic Review and 2023 IT Outlook recently at the Society’s Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos.

    According to him, NCS has remained relevant in promoting IT developmental Values and steadfast in the pursuit of its goals and vision.

    He gave the 2022 Programmes of NCS and their contributions to national development
    Activities of the Society as; Cybersecurity Forum and Workshop; Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Smart; Business Management; International Conference 2022; Tech-Innovation Development Programme; IT Whizkids Competition; National Information Technology Merit Awards 2022; NCS – Nigeria Computer Society NITMA 2022.

    Read also: Zebra Unveils Mobile Computer In Africa To Support Digitization

    Major achievements of Nigeria Computer Society in 2022

    The NSC president also gave some of the society’s major achievements as:

    Improved Recognition and Good Governance where he said NCS members are serving in many government committees which has improved the relationship with the ministry and effective engagement with the government.

    “NCS was appointed as a member of presidential committee on digital economy and e-government.

    “NCS is represented on startup bill. We are also represented on NIMC governing board”, he said.

    Inclusive Growth and Collaboration is another major accomplishments for an all inclusive and robust society, according to the President which the society has achieved through continued collaboration with various organisations like Bluechip Technologies; Federal Inland Revenue; Zinox Technologies, Military, State Government etc., in all the Society’s activities.

    “We engaged individuals and organisations that are practicing IT and the membership of NCS has massively increased through these interactions.” He said.

    Another major achievement of NSC is Enhanced programmes/activities, which included the 1st Bootcamp of the Technology Innovation Development Programme (TIDP) of innovators engaged in ways of improving their products for national use. This programme’s major sponsor is Mr Leo-Stan Ekeh. Also, the 2022 Nigeria Computer Society – Jim Ovia scholarship for 35 students comprising 20 undergraduates, 10 masters and 5 Doctorate was conducted; a yearly scholarship funded by Mr Jim Ovia through the Jim Ovia Foundation.

    According to the NSC president, The 2022 Calendar of activities was prepared and released in November 2021 for advanced planning and necessary budgetary provisions by both individual members and corporate bodies. The activities and programmes were carefully structured to expose members to modern skills and development in the field of Information Technology.

    International Partnership was also a milestone the NSC reached as the president described the relationship with international organisations like IFIP, British Computer Society, Oracle, and Cisco, as waxing stronger.

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