TechPression

Tag: Tech

  • Nigeria, Estonia strengthen ties in tech and trade

    Nigeria, Estonia strengthen ties in tech and trade

    Nigeria and Estonia have announced plans to strengthen their economic and digital partnerships, marking a new era of collaboration between the two nations. This announcement came on Friday during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his Estonian counterpart, Minna-Liina Lind, in Abuja, Nigeria.

    Read also: BayoGPT appointed new Deputy CEO of Nigerian edtech firm Gradely

    Strengthening economic partnerships

    Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the importance of boosting private-sector partnerships, particularly in technology and startups, by establishing a structured framework to create an enabling environment.

    He noted, “Estonia is very advanced when it comes to technology when it comes to e-government, and already our private sectors are leading the way in terms of collaboration, startups, and several other engagements in technology.”

    The ministers discussed trade delegations and potential business exchanges, with plans for Estonian businesses to visit Nigeria soon.

    Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minna-Liina Lind, highlighted the shared principles between the two nations on international affairs, stating, “What we share is not in size, because Estonia has 1.3 million people, what we share definitely is our principle stance on international affairs in the national fora, both in the United Nations and elsewhere.”

    Nigeria’s exports to Estonia valued $22.2 million in 2023, primarily consisting of cocoa and cocoa preparations. Estonia is keen on increasing trade volume with Nigeria through various business opportunities. The presence of Estonian companies like Bolt in Nigeria underscores the existing collaboration between the two countries.

    Read also: Nigerians can now pay taxes via Flutterwave on FIRS’ TaxPro Max

    Enhancing digital cooperation

    Estonia’s digital advancements offer a robust platform for collaboration with Nigeria’s vibrant startup ecosystem. Minister Lind acknowledged, “Estonia is a very digitally advanced country, so we know that here also there are many, many vibrant startups and many advancements in that sphere, so we want to also collaborate on that.”

    Nigeria’s efforts to build digitally connected societies align with Estonia’s digital public infrastructure and e-governance expertise. Establishing embassies in both countries is expected to cement their relationship further and facilitate deeper cooperation in these areas.

    As both nations move forward, they are poised to leverage their complementary strengths to foster a more integrated and mutually beneficial partnership. Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Bosun Tijani, ‘s visit to Estonia in May 2024 also highlighted the focus on digital transformation and innovation. This ongoing engagement reflects a commitment to shared prosperity through technological and economic collaboration.

  • Tunisian fintech startup EasyBank secures $370,000 in funding boost

    Tunisian fintech startup EasyBank secures $370,000 in funding boost

    On February 4, 2025, EasyBank, a Tunisia-based FinTech startup, announced it had secured $370,000 in investment to expand its digital financial services. 

    The funding, equivalent to 1.2 million Tunisian dinars, came from undisclosed investors. EasyBank plans to use the investment to broaden its reach in underserved markets across the Middle East, North Africa, and France. 

    Read also: Tunisia digitises health sector with new e-platform for medicines, health products

    EasyBank’s mission and services

    EasyBank, founded in 2023 by entrepreneurs and fintech specialists led by CEO Mohamed Khelifi, uses digital technologies to simplify banking products and make financial services more accessible.

    The company’s platform facilitates access to loans and various banking services.

    By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI), EasyBank offers personalised advisory services and streamlines processes based on eligibility criteria and loan access.

    EasyBank’s mission is to make financial services accessible to everyone by simplifying banking products through innovative and comprehensive digital solutions that facilitate access to loans and various banking services. 

    Mohamed Khelifi stated, “Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional banking and the digital economy… With this investment, we are well-positioned to scale our operations and bring our solutions to new markets, ensuring that more people can benefit from transparent and efficient financial services”.

    Read also: i3 seeks innovative healthtech startups for cohort 3

    EasyBank investment reflects MENA fintech growth

    The investment in EasyBank is part of a more significant trend of increasing fintech investment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

    Several other fintech startups in the Middle East also secured substantial funding in the same week as EasyBank’s announcement. 

    Lendo, a Saudi Arabia-based fintech, secured a $690 million warehouse facility from J.P. Morgan, while Forus, another Saudi P2P lending platform for SMEs, landed a $60 million credit facility. Khazna, an Egyptian fintech, raised $16 million in a pre-Series B round to expand into Saudi Arabia.

    EasyBank’s expansion plans align with the increasing adoption of digital financial services in North Africa and the broader MENA region. The company aims to capitalise on the growing tech-savvy population and address the challenges faced by unbanked and underbanked populations

  • Top 10 tech skills you need to land a high-paying job in 2025: Coursera report

    Top 10 tech skills you need to land a high-paying job in 2025: Coursera report

    Coursera on Thursday announced its Job Skills Report 2025, revealing the top 10 tech skills anticipated to be in high demand. 

    Founded by Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, Coursera has become a major player in online learning, helping people gain the skills they need for the modern job market.

    Read also: 7 African startups bringing smart homes to the continent

    Cybersecurity takes centre stage

    The report shows that cybersecurity is at the forefront of the skills needed for the future. With cyberattacks on the rise, companies are looking for experts who can protect their data and systems.

    “Six of the top 10 skills—including incident management & response, threat management, and SIEM—are direct pathways to meet these needs,” Coursera noted. 

    This means that jobs like Cybersecurity Specialist and Chief Information Security Officer will be in high demand as businesses seek to safeguard their information.

    Generative AI: The new frontier

    Another essential skill highlighted in the report is generative AI (GenAI). Interest in this area has increased dramatically, with enrollments in GenAI courses rising by 866 percent compared to last year. 

    This growth shows how important AI is becoming in various industries. Coursera emphasised that understanding how to use AI effectively can lead to greater productivity and innovation.

    Read also: A step-by-step guide to setting up Fedapay for your business

    The report lists the top 10 skills expected to be most valuable in 2025:

    Prompt engineering

    Applied GenAI

    Data analysis

    Cybersecurity

    Business optimisation

    Risk management

    Software development

    User experience design

    Web development 

    Content production and management

    These skills are essential for new job seekers and those looking to advance their careers in a digital world.

    Coursera’s findings come from data involving over 5 million learners and more than 7,000 institutional clients. This wide-ranging information clearly shows what skills are becoming important as industries continue to change.

    Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera, expressed enthusiasm about the report’s findings, highlighting “the critical skills that individuals and institutions are prioritizing for 2025.”

    He pointed out that adapting to these changes is crucial for both job seekers and companies as they face an economy driven by innovation.

    As we approach 2025, technical and soft skills will be necessary for success in many fields. With Coursera leading the way in online education, learners can access valuable resources that can help them succeed in this ever-changing job market.

  • AfriLabs, NASENI join forces to boost Nigerian tech startups

    AfriLabs, NASENI join forces to boost Nigerian tech startups

    AfriLabs, a pan-African hub network, and NASENI, Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, have joined forces to create an innovation lab to help young entrepreneurs and innovators across Nigeria bring new technologies to market and support long-term economic growth.

    The partnership between AfriLabs and NASENI to launch the NASENI Innovation Hub was announced during the 2024 AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) held from November 5 to 8 in Cape Town, South Africa, with the hub officially launched on November 15, 2024.

    This collaboration shows innovation is crucial to economic growth and employment creation, especially in a rapidly changing world. The program aims to empower young entrepreneurs and promote technological advancement by combining the resources of both organisations.

    Read also: AfriLabs launches Connect Deal Room to facilitate local investment landscape

    Overview of AfriLabs and NASENI

    AfriLabs is a prominent network organisation that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. It connects technological hubs, startups, investors, legislators, and other innovation ecosystem stakeholders.

    Currently, AfriLabs boasts an extensive network of 496 hubs spread across 261 cities in 53 African nations, making it one of the largest networks of its kind on the continent. This vast reach enables AfriLabs to facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and resource mobilisation among diverse players in the tech space.

    On the other hand, NASENI is a Nigerian government agency dedicated to enhancing the country’s science, technology, and engineering infrastructure. Established to promote innovation and industrialisation, NASENI focuses on developing homegrown solutions that meet local needs while positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global technology landscape. The agency’s mission includes supporting research and development initiatives, fostering partnerships between academia and industry, and providing essential resources to innovators.

    The role of the NASENI innovation hub

    The newly launched NASENI Innovation Hub will offer Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups vital infrastructure, capacity building, mentorship, and resources. This initiative aims to nurture innovative concepts, stimulate industrialisation, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global tech ecosystem. The hub will help young innovators turn their ideas into viable businesses by providing acceleration support, leading to job creation, increased technological exports, and enhanced economic productivity.

    Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, emphasised the importance of the partnership with NASENI: “Our partnership with NASENI represents a significant step toward nurturing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Together, we are not just creating an Innovation Hub – we are building a pipeline for groundbreaking ideas that will shape Nigeria’s future industries and foster economic growth. We believe this collaboration will be key in scaling innovative solutions that address local challenges and have a global impact.”

    Read also: AfriLabs expands to new African cities countries

    “At NASENI, we are committed to transforming Nigeria into a global leader in technology and industrialisation. The establishment of this innovation hub marks a pivotal step in fostering homegrown solutions, nurturing local talent, and creating a dynamic ecosystem that will drive sustainable development through science and engineering.

    We believe that by empowering innovators and providing the infrastructure they need, we can fast-track industrial growth and economic diversification for Nigeria’s future,” said Khalil Suleiman Halilu, EVC of NASENI.

    The NASENI Innovation Hub will implement various programs to support the ecosystem. These include a global innovation return program for Nigerian researchers abroad, initiatives to empower women in engineering, a FutureMakers program for young talent development, an initiative for innovators tackling public sector challenges, and an acceleration program. Through these efforts, the hub aims to cultivate a robust environment that promotes the success of Nigerian innovators and startups.

  • Kwara government unveils plans to boost youth innovation, tech startups

    Kwara government unveils plans to boost youth innovation, tech startups

    Kwara state in North-Central Nigeria is emerging as a key player in supporting technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

    The state government, at the conclusion of the three-day 7th Kwarabuild Tech Conference in Ilorin, the state capital, reaffirmed its dedication to creating a robust tech ecosystem.

    Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, The state commissioner for business, innovation, and technology, Yusuf-Adelodun, made this statement, noting that the event demonstrated the state’s commitment to youth empowerment and technical growth by bringing together experts, industry leaders, and more than 1,500 young people.

    Read also: EBank launches InfoSec Academy to empower youths, drive digitalisation in Egypt

    Yusuf-Adelodun says the state government has invested heavily in youth development and technology. She stressed that the Kwarabuild Tech Conference helped startups network and flourish.

    Additionally, the commissioner reaffirmed that the government was still committed to working with tech experts, professionals, and entrepreneurs to solve important issues like funding, policymaking, and new program development.

    Kwarabuild: a hub for collaboration and growth

    Temi Kolawole, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, praised Kwarabuild for putting together the state’s most prominent tech event for young people.

    “The Kwara government consistently supports individuals and groups committed to addressing youth challenges. We are focused on empowering our youth on a massive scale,” Kolawole stated.

    Engineer Taofik Abdulkareem of Plat Technology Limited, Temi Kolawole of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, and Olushola Gegele of Premium BlInnovation and Investment Limited were some of the experts who spoke on panels.

    Thanks to these professionals, participants now have a better understanding of the prospects available in the fields of technology, agriculture, and business.

    Empowering youth for economic independence

    Kwarabuild Co-Founder Ibraheem Zulkifli announced that 1,500 youngsters from the North Central region and beyond attended the two-day pre-conference workshop in his opening comments.

    He stated that the training was intended to encourage economic empowerment and technological independence.

    “Our goal is to uncover hidden talents among these participants and equip them with the tools to achieve self-dependence,” Zulkifli declared.

    He urged the state government and stakeholders to work together to help youth escape poverty and unemployment.

    Zulkifli added that participants received instruction on distinguishing and resolving a variety of technology issues during the event that took place on both days.

    Read also: Lagos launches second phase of digital skills training, targets one million youths by 2030

    He also praised the state government for fostering youth development, stating, “Kwara State has never experienced this level of support before. We are truly grateful.”

    Adeola Olaleye, an Abuja-based co-founder, stated, “Our platform provides an avenue for youths to discover and harness their talents.”

    Salahudeen AbdulRauf and Kulepa Boluwatife were among the participants who expressed their appreciation for the program, claiming that it significantly impacted their understanding of technology and the development of computer software.

    The 7th Kwarabuild Tech Conference highlighted Kwara State’s ambition to become Nigeria’s technology and innovation hub. The state fosters a vibrant tech ecosystem by investing in youth development and supporting startups. As participants leverage the skills and connections gained from the event, Kwara’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and addressing challenges positions the region for a promising future in the tech industry.

  • Osinbajo advocates for human investment over technology in Africa’s climate crisis

    Osinbajo advocates for human investment over technology in Africa’s climate crisis

    Amid growing concerns about the climate crisis in Africa, former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Oluyemi Osinbajo, has introduced a fresh perspective on addressing these pressing issues. Speaking at the Babacar Ndiaye 2024 Lecture in Washington, D.C., Prof Osinbajo underscored the importance of prioritising human resource investment as a key strategy in the fight against climate change. 

    He stated, “There’s this need for us to focus on those things that will enable our people – a critical thing for me is an investment in human resources as opposed to just [technology] structures, etc.”

    On October 26, during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings, Prof Osinbajo highlighted the necessity of investing in education to build the capacity of Africa’s young population. 

    “Investments in education right now are important – because a lot of the technology, a lot of everything we are talking about, will be independent of human capacity – so we will definitely need to invest in human resources,” he explained, emphasising the need for training in digital skills, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to mitigate the effects of climate change.

    Read also: Africa Adopts Modern Technology to Improve Governance

    The ripple effects of climate change on education and health

    Prof  Osinbajo illustrated how the climate crisis profoundly impacts educational opportunities and healthcare access across the continent. He pointed out that climate change disrupts essential services, further aggravating existing challenges. 

    “The climate crisis affects practically everyone; it affects, for example, in some of our countries, educational opportunities; it affects healthcare, right? Because of the devastation that has taken place,” he remarked.

    A UNICEF report indicates that climate change threatens vital services, including water, sanitation, and health, posing a significant risk to children’s well-being and future prospects. Prof Osinbajo’s advocacy for a shift towards human capital investment is particularly pertinent in light of these alarming trends.

    Diverging views on solutions: Technology vs. human development

    While Prof Osinbajo champions human investment as crucial to addressing climate challenges, other experts contend that technological advancements are equally necessary. Mr Mohamed Adow, founder and director of Power Shift Africa, stated, “Technology is an essential part of how we tackle climate change in Africa.” 

    He underscored the role of renewable energy technologies, which have improved the efficiency of harnessing clean energy from natural resources like wind and sun.

    Read also: Tinubu to Meta: Nigeria Will Lead Africa in Digital Technology

    The call for international collaboration

    Mr Adow also stressed the need for international cooperation, advocating for wealthier nations to facilitate technology transfer to the Global South. 

    “What would really help accelerate the African energy transition away from fossil fuels would be if this technology, which is largely developed in the Global North, would be shared with countries in the Global South,” he said. 

    As Africa grapples with the increasing impacts of climate change, a balanced approach that integrates human resource investment with technological innovation remains essential for a sustainable future.

  • Nigeria, Switzerland forge strategic partnership to drive tech innovation

    Nigeria, Switzerland forge strategic partnership to drive tech innovation

    Nigeria has formed a strategic alliance with Switzerland through the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park, led by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.

    In a statement released on Saturday, Dr Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research Development Agency, announced and shared details of the partnership.

    EPFL, located in Lausanne, Switzerland, EPFL is a prestigious federal university and one of the top Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, alongside ETH Zurich.

    Over 280 firms in cutting-edge fields including biotechnology and artificial intelligence are supported by EPFL Innovation Park, which was founded in 1993.

    Dr Ale stated that this partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda, focusing on technology development and economic diversification. Minister Nnaji’s visit, according to the statement, demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to developing an economy driven by innovation.

    Minister Nnaji highlighted the significance of coordinating Nigeria’s growth ambition with EPFL’s proficiency in sustainability, health, and digital trust, stating, “This partnership represents a bold leap for Nigerian innovation.”

    Read also: Bluechip Data and AI summit 2024: Empowering the digital era for a future-ready Africa

    Partnership opens opportunities for local startups 

    “The collaboration opens doors for our local startups to leverage EPFL’s resources and mentorship,” the minister said, emphasising the park’s function as a link connecting scholarly research and market-ready products.

    He further stated that the minister discussed potential areas of mutual benefit with Ms. Lan Zuo Gillet, Managing Director of Fondation EPFL Innovation Park.

    “We are eager to collaborate with Nigeria and share our expertise in nurturing startups,” said Ms Gillet.

    The partnership also highlights Swiss entrepreneurs’ growing interest in the Nigerian market, particularly in healthcare and renewable energy.

    “The interest shown by Swiss startups could catalyse a technological revolution across our industries,” said Mr Nnaji said.

    Read also: The three tech giants driving Africa’s digital transformation

    Partnership to provide access to European markets 

    The minister said that the collaboration aims to provide access to European markets, increase Nigeria’s influence in global innovation, and open up new prospects for Nigerian researchers and entrepreneurs.

    “By embracing Switzerland’s cutting-edge ecosystem, we are setting a new standard for science and technology leadership in Africa,” Mr Nnaji added.

    He stated that the partnership is anticipated to provide noteworthy results, augmenting the country’s technological capabilities and generating high-quality job opportunities.

    “This partnership is not just an exchange; it is a transformative step toward establishing Nigeria as Africa’s innovation epicentre,” he noted.

  • Tech: The New ‘Oil’

    Tech: The New ‘Oil’

    What comes to your mind when you hear of oil? Wealth, right? What do your work colleagues mean if they jokingly ask you, “Have you gotten another job in an oil company?” They probably asked you such a question because you are intentionally or unintentionally ‘playing’ with your job because you’ve seen a higher-paying job.

    People working in an oil company are seen as men and women of timber and calibre. Men and women of affluence who are swimming in wealth. It is generally believed that once you work in an oil company, you live in luxury.

    Read also: TD Africa and CISCO’s Impact on Tech Skills in Africa

    Nigeria’s Economic Transformation: From Agriculture to Oil

    Nigeria experienced a notable surge in foreign exchange revenues amid the oil boom period in the 1970s. Until today, the petroleum sector has been the country’s highest revenue-generating sector since its discovery in 1956, thereby relegating the agricultural sector to the background, formerly the country’s primary revenue-generating sector.

    This article was not intended to bore you with Nigerian oil, which has been the bane of corruption in Nigeria today, but to use it as an analogy and draw your attention to the kind of wealth tech can fetch you.

    From Oil to Tech: The Evolution of Profitable Sectors

    As of today, tech experts are the most sought-after professionals in every organisation, and they are paid handsomely well for their expertise. One thing that makes tech different is that it’s not concentrated or monopolised by a few individuals like oil.

    Also, it doesn’t have to relegate any revenue-generating sector to the background, just as the discovery of oil did to agriculture. In contrast, tech is needed in every sector to improve their productivity, including the agricultural and oil sectors. That’s why, as somebody looking forward to building a career, you might want to consider tech.

    When you ask an average intending university student what course he plans to study, high-value courses such as medicine, nursing, accounting, engineering, law, and the like come out of his mouth. As an intending university student, you can add Information Technology (IT) or tech to the list of high-value courses. You can work anywhere as a tech specialist, including in the field of high-value courses mentioned earlier.

    Tech is specially designed, so you may not have to attend university to acquire this skill. You can learn it from any centre offering any tech skills. You can even learn it online from the comfort of your home. So, it is not limited to the four walls of the formal educational institution. This is to tell you that you don’t have to pay through your nose before acquiring tech skills.

    There are arrays of technical skills you may want to consider learning. They include data analysis, graphics design, cybersecurity, programming, product design, digital marketing, technical writing, python, product management, web development, cloud computing, mobile development, machine learning, DevOps, Artificial Intelligence, software development, etc.

    Read also: Nigeria gets 7th in internet speed among African countries

    I will give you an assignment to go and check the list of the top wealthiest people in the world. You’ll observe that most of them make their fortune from tech. I am talking of Elon Musk (Twitter), Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Larry Ellison (Oracle), Larry Page (Google), Sergey Brin (Google), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Ballmer (Microsoft), and the likes.

    Most advanced countries are also generating a significant chunk of their revenues from tech. For Nigeria to be counted among these countries, the government must invest more in developing human capacity for its teeming population in tech.

    Part of the government’s efforts to equip its teeming population with tech skills is through the introduction of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. The program is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy to generate a pipeline of technical talent in the country. The government must be commended for this. However, more still needs to be done.

    Kudos must also be given to various non-governmental organisations for organising tech skills for interested young people. Young people can leverage these various platforms to equip themselves with skills that may interest them.

    You can also continue to check on Techpression Media to acquire the information necessary to advance your tech skills.

    Tech is the future.

  • Tech CEO of the week

    Tech CEO of the week

    Nnamdi Ezeigbo, the Tech Guru Behind SLOT systems Limited who has revolutionized the Nigerian tech scene. From humble beginnings to building a tech empire, Nnamdi’s dedication and innovation have made Slot a household name in Nigeria and beyond.

    He has achieved remarkable success as the founder and CEO of SLOT Systems Limited, which is quite an influential figure in Nigeria’s tech industry. Nnamdi Ezeigbo is a Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder of Slot Systems Limited, a leading retail company for mobile phones, laptops, and other electronics in Nigeria.

    Read also: Top tech skills for women: breaking into the Industry with confidence

     He was born and raised in Delta State, Nigeria. Nnamdi Ezeigbo started his entrepreneurial journey by selling computer accessories before venturing into the mobile phone business. His company, Slot Systems Limited, has grown to become one of the largest retail chains in Nigeria, with numerous outlets across the country.

     Nnamdi Ezeigbo’s dedication and hard work have made him a successful tech CEO in Africa. He has made significant contributions to the growth of the Nigerian tech industry and has also received numerous awards and recognitions for his entrepreneurial skills, including the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award by the Nigerian Society of Engineers. 

    Under his leadership, SLOT has become a prominent player in the Nigerian tech retail industry. Ezeigbo’s achievements include:

    1. Building a successful retail empire: Ezeigbo started SLOT as a small business in 1998, focusing on mobile phone sales and repairs. Over the years, he expanded the company’s offerings and established a strong presence across Nigeria, with numerous retail outlets.

     

    2. Pioneering tech retail in Nigeria: Ezeigbo played a significant role in revolutionizing the tech retail landscape in Nigeria. SLOT became known for offering a wide range of genuine mobile devices, accessories, and other tech products, providing customers with reliable and quality options.

     

    3. Job creation and economic impact: Through SLOT, Ezeigbo has created employment opportunities for many Nigerians, contributing to job growth and economic development. His entrepreneurial journey has inspired others to pursue their own ventures in the tech industry.

     

    4. Tech advocacy and community impact: Ezeigbo actively promotes the adoption of technology in Nigeria, advocating for digital literacy and access to affordable tech products. He has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, supporting education and empowerment programs.

     

    Overall, Nnamdi Ezeigbo’s achievements as the CEO of SLOT Systems Limited have made him an influential figure in the Nigerian tech industry. His entrepreneurial success, commitment to quality, and impact on the community make him an inspiring leader.

  • Sama announces tech support for women

    Sama announces tech support for women

    Sama, a top company that offers solutions for annotating data and validating models, just launched a set of programmes to help women in technology through 2024.

    The company made it clear that it was committed to equal rights for women and breaking down barriers for them in the digital market.

    As part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day, Sama planned a series of events and activities, such as talks in high schools, roundtables with female tech leaders, and social media posts about extraordinary women in the company and the industry.

    “The gender poverty gap remains a serious global issue, and women are vastly underrepresented in the AI industry. Sama is committed to creating an environment where everyone can succeed, regardless of gender,” said Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama. “We are dedicated to developing the next generation of female leaders and building a more inclusive future for AI.”

    Read also: Sama plans to train 2000 youths, women with AI skills

    Women comprise 53% of Sama’s global workforce, 48% of its senior managers, and 50% of its executive team. This makes it a leader in the tech business in terms of gender representation. Through policies, programmes, and reviews by a third party, the company works hard to ensure everyone has the same opportunities.

    To ensure everyone has the exact chance in the digital economy, Sama will start a public lecture series this spring to teach young people about job possibilities in the tech industry. Lisa Avvocato, VP of Marketing at Sama, will give the first lesson at a secondary school in Kenya for girls from low-income families.

    Extra projects include:

    Companywide fireside chats and talks led by women year-round.

    Female employee mentorship, leadership development, and skill-building courses.

    A social media campaign highlighting different women’s enterprises and AI sector successes.

    Regularly reviewing hiring rules for gender balance, equal chances, and equal compensation.

    Leila Janah Foundation (LJF), Sama’s primary stakeholder, benefits from its performance. LJF gives East African women and youth jobs, not charity. The LJF launched the Women Founders Award to promote rural western Kenyan women entrepreneurs.

    “Despite progress, women still disproportionately experience poverty and insecure work globally,” said LJF Programme Director Liliosa Mbirimi. “Sama, the LJF, and others must help women escape poverty and enter the formal economy, addressing massive global inequality.”

    More info on SAMA

    Sama reduces machine learning (ML) model hazards. Sama source co-founders founded Sama to enable ethical and responsible AI technology deployment across sectors. Sama was founded to meet the growing need for robust risk management solutions in artificial intelligence.

    Read also: Mobily Pay has been granted a SAMA license to provide e-payment services.

    Sama started by tackling ML model bias and fairness. Sama set out to de-risk ML models with new solutions after realising that biased algorithms might harm people and communities. Sama pioneered methods to discover, analyse, and reduce machine learning algorithm biases with a broad team of data science, ethics, and social impact experts.

    Sama has expanded beyond bias avoidance to include more ML model risks over time. Sama helps organisations identify and fix AI system vulnerabilities using advanced explainability, interpretability, and transparency methodologies. Sama helps businesses confidently deploy ML models while meeting regulatory and ethical standards by delivering practical insights and best practices.

    Sama affects finance, healthcare, retail, and more—Sama partners with top companies to responsibly use AI technology, fostering innovation without unexpected repercussions. Sama leads the responsible AI agenda by conducting research, leading thought leadership, and partnering with industry stakeholders to shape the future of technology with fairness, accountability, and transparency.