TechPression

Tag: Technology

  • The role of technology in President Tinubu’s 2024 budget

    The role of technology in President Tinubu’s 2024 budget

    In his address to the citizens of Nigeria on the first of January 2024, President Bola Tinubu laid out some of the critical economic plans for the coming year.

    In his New Year’s speech in Abuja, the President said that his government would speed up the delivery of services in many areas. 

    It is important to point out the many areas in Nigeria’s economy that will require modern technology adoption if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will achieve his ambitious plans.

    The president talked about his administration’s goals for 2024 and his plans for the social and economic well-being of Nigerians in his speech. Where does tech come into play? 

    Read also: Tinubu appoints Desmond Akawor as RMAFC federal commissioner

    Stable energy supply through power installations

    The President said his administration will install power plants nationwide to ensure reliable power supply. 

    “In December, at COP28 in Dubai, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and I agreed to a new deal to speed up the delivery of the Siemens Energy power project, which will provide reliable electricity to our homes and businesses under the Presidential Power Initiative, which began in 2018. 

    Other power installation projects nationwide are improving transmission line reliability and grid integrity. My administration recognises that the economy cannot transform without reliable electricity.”

    Return local petroleum refining 

    The Port Harcourt and Dangote refineries will start operations this year, according to the President. 

    His administration’s goal for the year is to restart all state-owned refineries. 

    “Port Harcourt Refinery and the Dangote Refinery will fully open in 2024, advancing our efforts to restart local petroleum product refining,” he said. 

    Food safety and food security 

    According to President Tinubu, the most essential things in his plan are ensuring enough food for everyone and lowering the cost of food. 

    Nigeria’s food prices have gone up by a worrisome 32.84%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). 

    At the same time, the president said in his speech that he would help lower the cost of food by giving farmers incentives to grow crops. 

    We will expand our strategy to grow maise, rice, wheat, millet, and other staple crops on 500,000 hectares of farmland nationwide to assure food security, affordability, and supply. The President stated the National Wheat Development Programme began dry season cultivation on 120,000 hectares in Jigawa State last November. 

    Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms 

    The President also said his administration will alter tax and economic policies to boost business. He stated that he would remove any obstacle to local and foreign investment in the country.

    He said, “In this new year, we will race against time to codify and simplify all the fiscal and tax policy reforms we need to protect business value.” On every international tour, I’ve told investors and businesspeople the same thing. 

    Nigeria is business-ready. I’ll combat every hurdle to Nigeria’s business competitiveness and eliminate any clogs to make Nigeria a destination for local and foreign investment. 

    New Living Wage implementation for employees

    Additionally, the President reaffirmed his promise to raise the minimum wage to $204 by 2024. 

    Those who are poor, defenceless, or working should not have their economic goals or material well-being ignored, according to him. 

    These thoughts led us to decide that hardworking Americans should be paid a higher minimum wage starting in the New Year. Besides being innovative from a business point of view, he said, “doing this is also the right thing to do – morally and politically.”

  • Airbus, BMW challenge launch “The quantum computing challenge”

    Airbus, BMW challenge launch “The quantum computing challenge”

    Airbus and BMW Group launched “The Quantum Mobility Quest,” a global quantum computing challenge to solve aviation and automotive problems.

    This challenge, sponsored by The Quantum Insider and AWS, will reward participants worldwide with €30,000 in prizes spread across five categories. The goal is to advance the use of quantum applications in transportation by 2024.

    The two industry giants’ collaboration is a significant step towards using quantum technologies to improve transportation efficiency, sustainability, and safety.

    Isabell Gradert, Airbus’ Vice President of Central Research and Technology, believes now is the time to highlight quantum technology and its potential impact on society. Airbus needs to bridge the gap between scientific exploration and its potential applications, so partnering with BMW Group helps mature the technology.

    To join our challenge of bringing about a significant paradigm shift in the design and operation of aircraft, we are looking for the world’s top students, PhD candidates, academics, researchers, start-ups, companies, or industry professionals.”

    Read also: Top 11 technology trends in 2023

    Understand quantum machine

    Quantum machines, such as quantum computers, use superposition to compute using quantum bits (qubits). Quantum computers can process information differently from classical computers, which use bits representing 0 or 1.

    These machines do many things well. They excel at logistics, financial modeling, optimisation, and complex resource allocation. Chemical, physical, and materials science use quantum machines to model quantum systems, materials, and molecules.

    Data processing is optimized by quantum machine learning. Quantum computers break cryptographic codes with complex algorithms. Quantum computing aids AI data analysis and pattern recognition.

    Quantum power for future transportation

    Quantum computing has the potential to solve issues that many regular computers simply can’t. Vehicle transport and other data-heavy industries could benefit from this game-changing technology, which could change how factories work and open new ways for people to get around.

    In “The Quantum Mobility Quest,” participants are encouraged to optimise aerodynamics with quantum solvers, integrate quantum machine learning into future automated mobility, optimise for a more sustainable supply chain, and use quantum simulation for corrosion inhibition. The freedom to introduce quantum technologies may unlock unexplored transportation applications.

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    Challenge structure and assessment

    The Quantum Insider (TQI) hosts the two-phase challenge. Four months are spent developing theoretical frameworks for problem statements. Then, finalists implement and benchmark their solutions. Candidates can test their algorithms on Amazon Web Services (AWS) quantum computing.

    Senior quantum experts and Airbus, BMW Group, and AWS representatives will carefully evaluate proposals. The five challenge winners will receive €30,000 each, with results announced in 2024.

  • ICT helps Nigeria’s real GDP growth by 15.97%

    ICT helps Nigeria’s real GDP growth by 15.97%

    Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q3 2023 was 15.97% higher than it would have been without Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

    This information was included in the Q3 GDP numbers provided by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) the next day. Compared to the 15.35% recorded during the same time last year, this shows a rise in funding.

    However, the sector’s contribution was lower in Q3 than in the previous quarter (Q2 2022).

    In Q2, ICT made up 19.54 per cent of the real GDP, according to statistics from the NBS. In Q3, that number went down.

    NBS says that the ICT sector includes four activities: publishing, telecommunications and information services, motion picture, sound recording, music production, and broadcasting.

    Read also: NCC applauds Swedish partnership for ICT in Nigeria

    Telcom leads

    In the third quarter of 2023, the ICT sector grew by 6.69% year-over-year in actual figures. In accurate terms, this was primarily due to operations in the telecommunications sub-sector, which added 13.50 per cent to the GDP.

    The telecom business, led by mobile network operators like MTN, Globacom, Airtel, 9mobile, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), affects almost every part of the economy.

    In addition, Broadcasting, which added 1.39 per cent, was the ICT sub sector most similar to telecoms.

    ICT nominal contribution

    The NBS says the ICT industry added 11.57% to the total nominal GDP in the third quarter of 2023. This is more than the 9.58% it added in the same quarter of 2022 but less than the 14.83% it added in the previous quarter.

    In real terms, the sector grew at 6.69% year over year in the third quarter of 2023.

    The NBS also said that the rate was 3.84% points lower than it was during the same period in 2022.

    “The sector grew by -10.30% in real terms from one quarter to the next.” In the third quarter of 2023, the sector comprised 15.97% of total real GDP. This was better than the same quarter the previous year when it made up 15.35%, but lower than the previous quarter when it made up 19.54%, NBS said.

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    The economy’s overall health

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report indicated that the economy of Nigeria expanded by 2.54%, which is a marginal improvement from the 2.51% expansion registered in the second quarter of 2023.

    The present growth rate is higher than the 2.25% that was achieved in the third quarter of 2022 when compared to the quarter that corresponds to the current quarter in 2022.

    The performance of the Nigerian economy, as measured by GDP during the third quarter of 2023, was driven mainly by the services sector, which contributed 52.70% of the total GDP and expanded by 3.99% during that period.

    In addition, the agricultural sector experienced an increase of 1.30 per cent compared to the 1.34 per cent growth in the same quarter of 2022.

    The manufacturing industry saw an increase of 0.46%, which is an improvement from the -8.00% that was registered in the same quarter of the previous year.

  • Nigeria calls for adoption of technology to fight corruption

    Nigeria calls for adoption of technology to fight corruption

    In a bid to combat rising cases of money laundering and terrorism, Nigeria, a member state of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), has called for the adoption of modern technologies.

    Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, emphasised the critical role of technology during the 2023 summit for Compliance Officers in the sub-region. With an estimated 4.4 million people facing acute food insecurity, technology is seen as a crucial tool to address illicit financial flows that exacerbate these challenges.

    Read also: Kenya’s (CA) suspends CEO Ezra Chiloba over alleged corruption

    Challenges and Opportunities in the Technological Landscape

    Mr. Edwin Harris, the Director-General of GIABA, acknowledged the transformative potential of technology in preventing money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. However, he highlighted the challenges, emphasising the necessity of aligning new technologies with international standards for data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity. Harris stressed the need for innovative solutions, including data analytics and machine learning, to enhance safety analytic compliance and effectively tackle financial crimes.

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    Nigeria’s Efforts in Leveraging Technology Against Financial Crimes

    Mr. Tukur Mobibbo, the Director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), underscored the dynamic nature of financial crimes and the imperative of using technology to assess associated risks. While noting varying levels of technology compliance across West African countries, he highlighted the impact of terrorism and financing of terrorism in the region. Nigeria’s proactive approach involves deploying a crime record information system to over 40 competent authorities, leveraging technology to address challenges in cryptocurrency transactions. This multi-pronged strategy showcases the country’s commitment to staying ahead in the technological fight against financial crimes.

    The summit served as a crucial platform for participants to exchange experiences and foster collaboration in leveraging technology to curb money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation. The urgency of embracing modern technologies is paramount, given the escalating threats faced by the West African region. As discussions unfold, the focus remains on developing effective strategies that harness the power of technology to safeguard financial systems and enhance regional security.

  • Wits researchers secure US$300,000 for tech projects

    Wits researchers secure US$300,000 for tech projects

    Wits University researchers have secured funding through the Afretec Member Inclusive Digital Transformation Research Grant. The fund is a $300,000 initiative aimed at fostering collaborative efforts in knowledge creation among its member institutions.

    The projects, spanning various disciplines, aim to contribute to the inclusive digital transformation of Africa and empower the next generation of technology leaders.

    Read also: Raenest sponsors Nairobi’s sixth Africa Tech Summit

    A Decade of Collaborative Innovation with Afretec

    The Afretec Member Inclusive Digital Transformation Research Grant represents a decade-long commitment to collaborative efforts between Wits University and other Afretec member institutions. Members include Carnegie Mellon University Africa, The American University in Cairo, and the Universities of Lagos, Nairobi, and Rwanda. The grant, totaling $300,000, is dedicated to supporting knowledge creation over a three-year period.

    Advancing Digital Education in South Africa and Rwanda

    A team from the Wits School of Education, in collaboration with the University of Rwanda, secured a grant for their project, “Improving Digital Education and Learning Innovation in the Rwandan and South African Teacher Education Systems.” The initiative aims to bridge the digital knowledge divide in Africa by promoting digitally innovative teaching approaches and fostering collaboration between education institutions in South Africa and Rwanda, particularly in under-resourced rural schools.

    Culturally Sensitive Social Robotics for Africa

    Professor Benjamin Rosman from the Wits School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics received significant funding for the project, “Culturally Sensitive Social Robotics for Africa,” in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University Africa. The research addresses the impact of cultural norms on the acceptance of social robots in Africa. The project aims to identify and incorporate verbal and non-verbal social and cultural norms into social robots, ensuring consistent and culturally sensitive interactions. The study focuses on various African countries, recognizing the diversity of cultures on the continent.

    Financial Inclusion via Novel Intelligence and Alternative Data

    Led by Professor Chimwemwe Chipeta from the Wits School of Economics and Finance, the project “Finia: Financial Inclusion via Novel Intelligence and Alternative Data” explores data-driven digital strategies for financial inclusion and education in Africa. The project aims to design effective digital financial literacy strategies, examine factors driving the transition to digital financial services, and utilize machine learning tools to predict financial distress in African startups. The initiative aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequality.

    Low-Cost, Accessible Biotechnologies for African Hair and Dark Skin Colours

    Researchers from the Wits Department of Neurological Surgery, in collaboration with multiple institutions, are involved in the project “Low-Cost, Accessible Biotechnologies for African Hair and Dark Skin Colours.” This research focuses on refining electroencephalography (EEG) and Pulse oximetry (PulseOx) technologies to accommodate all African hair types and remove biases in measuring blood oxygen saturation.

    The project “Towards IoT-enabled Privacy-preserving Large-scale Healthcare Analytics in Africa,” led by Professor Turgay Celik from the School of Electrical and Information Engineering and Dr. Dineo Mpanya from the Department of Internal Medicine, aims to make monitoring cardiovascular diseases more accessible. The initiative focuses on designing low-cost, privacy-preserving, and scalable digital technologies based on the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor and identify abnormal electrocardiogram patterns in patients.

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    Wits Representation Across Afretec Pillars

    Wits University is actively involved in various Afretec pillars, with representatives contributing to teaching and learning, knowledge creation, entrepreneurship, inclusion and diversity, and impact. The university is allocated $500,000 per annum for each pillar committee’s activities, in addition to $500,000 for collaborative infrastructure projects within the Afretec network.

    Afretec: Driving Inclusive Digital Transformation in Africa

    The Afretec partnership, formed in November 2022, brings together leading technical universities across Africa with the Mastercard Foundation. Focused on three pillars—teaching and learning, knowledge creation, and entrepreneurship—Afretec aims to develop technology leaders who can spearhead inclusive digital transformation and create dignified jobs.

    The partnership envisions fostering digital transformation across African economies and societies by prioritizing the rapid development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge and solutions. The network plans to expand to ten universities by 2023, with ongoing collaboration through various committees and activities.

  • Flutterwave obtains international money transfer license in Malawi.

    Flutterwave obtains international money transfer license in Malawi.

    The largest financial technology business in Africa, Flutterwave, has bought an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) license in Malawi, giving it a more significant presence in the continent. 

    The change was written about on the company blog and by Gbenga Agboola, CEO and co-founder, on his Twitter account.

    This comes after a string of efforts to grow the business that led to it entering new areas all over Africa. In the end, Agboola says, this is what the company wants to do.

    An exciting thing for me is being able to say that Flutterwave’s solutions help Africans find their way around the world’s banking system. I’m happy to say that we now have a license to operate as an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) in Malawi. He said, “With this license, we will be able to make it easy for Malawians living abroad to send money back home through the Send App.”

    The CEO said the team is devoted to giving clients the most incredible experience, and Malawians at home and abroad should anticipate that. He also thanked the Reserve Bank of Malawi for trusting the fintech and looked forward to this fantastic adventure to provide Malawians with the best financial services.

    Read also: RLO addresses food security, tech skills in Malawi 

    Flutterwave’s global and African expansion

    World Bank projections predict global remittances will expand 1.4% to $656 billion in 2023, and Flutterwave is poised to lead this expansion in Africa and beyond. The corporation entered North Africa in March by acquiring Egyptian Payment Services Provider and Facilitator licenses.

    Flutterwave can accept and process payments locally and globally as an official payment service provider with the licenses. Flutterwave for a Business, including store, payment connections, invoicing, and checkout, can be deployed in Egypt with these licenses. 

    India was the company’s first Asian market entry in September. Our cooperation with IndusInd Bank enabled the expansion. Bloomberg reports that Flutterwave is the first African startup to scale up remittances from India to Africa, simplifying the procedure for users.

    Flutterwave announces engineering mobility program with Capgemini

    In what has since been called “Flutterwave’s summer of international growth,” Africa’s biggest payment company would finish its risky expansion by allowing payments in the US and Canada in August.

    As a company, Flutterwave knows how important it is to help people and companies easily navigate the world’s financial landscape. “This expansion shows how committed we are to making our customers happy by bringing the world closer to their fingertips,” Agboola reported.

    According to March of this year, it had handled 100 million funds worth $20 billion in 33 African countries.

     

  • Egyptian edtech Crafty, secures $400,000 for startups

    Egyptian edtech Crafty, secures $400,000 for startups

    Crafty Workshop, an education technology company based in Egypt, has raised $400,000 in seed funding. EdVentures led the round. It was the first business venture capital fund in the Middle East to focus on edtech.

    Crafty Workshop is a top e-learning tool for the creative industries started in 2019 by Hadeer Shalaby and Amgad Moustafa. The new business has a lot of different artistic workshops and classes. It’s for people interested in art, design, drawing, programming, making games, photography, animation, crafting, and more.

    The platform aims to make high-quality education easy so students can improve their artistic skills and follow their dreams.

    Crafty Workshop is not only a place to learn, but it also teaches job-related skills, which helps solve the critical problem of young unemployment. When the company offers vocational training programmes, it gives students the information and skills they need and helps them find jobs and career opportunities.

    Hadeer Shalaby, co-founder of the edtech startup, spoke at the funding round and was excited about the company’s future. He also said the extra money would help the seed-stage startup grow faster.

    “We are thrilled that EdVentures has given us this investment. It will help us grow faster and bigger in the Edtech space.” We’re excited to reach more people in the Gulf Region, add more material to our library, and improve what we offer schools doing creative projects.

    Read also: Injini selects 12 SA edtechs for Mastercard Foundation Fellowship

    More on Crafty Workshop

    Egypt produces few educational technology companies, but when they do, they are remarkable. Crafty Workshop offers a wide range of courses and workshops taught by creative specialists, making it stand out.

    The programme emphasizes relevant skills and procedures by being attractive, practical, and adaptable to real-world situations. The portal offers live or pre-recorded online courses.

    The startup expects this financing to boost its growth and expansion. By 2024, the company plans to expand to the Gulf Region and add 500 creative industry topics to its portfolio. It also aims to provide a product for creative production colleges.

    Crafty has secured two successive investments from EdVentures, the biggest MENA Edtech investor, starting in 2019. As the startup has grown, VC company General Manager Maged Harby said it has been a good cooperation.

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    We’re happy to keep helping Crafty Workshop. Crafty has achieved significant progress in Egypt and the Gulf since our 2019 investment. We invest in edtech ecosystem innovation and human capability development at EdVentures. The General Manager remarked Crafty Workshop fits our vision and goal.

    The successful funding of Crafty Workshop shows the growing need for affordable and high-quality creative education. The organization continues to equip creative professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to flourish.

  • LAUTECH’s research group to host Nanotechnology Conference

    LAUTECH’s research group to host Nanotechnology Conference

    The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology‘s (LAUTECH) Nanotechnology Research Group, known as NANO+, is gearing up for its annual conference set to take place from November 20 to 23.

    With the theme, “Nanotechnology in the fourth industrial revolution: Opportunities for emerging economies,” the conference promises to be a groundbreaking event in the field of nanotechnology.

    This year’s conference is a collaborative effort involving not only LAUTECH’s NANO+ group but also the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. The event will be hosted by NASRDA at its headquarters in Lugbe, Abuja.

    The conference will be led by Prof. Rom O. R. Kalilu, the acting Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH, as the Chairman. Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, will grace the opening ceremony on November 21 as the Special Guest.

    Dr. Halilu A. Shaba, the Director-General of NASRDA, will co-chair and host the conference alongside Mfon E.J. Bassey, the Director of Chemical Technology in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Steering Committee on Nanotechnology Policy Development.

    Read also: Accra Technical University Obtains $152,869 For Health Research Innovation 

    Exploring Nanotechnology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

    The conference will bring together a diverse audience, including scholars, policymakers, members of the armed forces, students, and representatives from the private sector. The focal point of discussions will revolve around the advancements in nanotechnology within the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Key areas of exploration will include manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, environment, security, and defence, with a focus on achieving sustainable development.

    Khalil Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), will deliver the keynote address. The event will feature presentations from internationally recognized scholars during plenary sessions.

    A Call for a Center of Excellence and National Policy

    Prof. Agbaje Lateef, the Head of LAUTECH’s NANO+ group, expressed gratitude to the collaborators for their support and emphasised the importance of establishing a centre of excellence in nanoscience to further advance nanotechnology in Nigeria. He also called on the Federal Government to expedite the passage of the National Policy on Nanotechnology in Nigeria, underscoring the critical role of such policy in fostering research and development in the field.

    The upcoming conference promises to be a significant milestone in advancing nanotechnology in Nigeria, providing a platform for experts and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and harness the full potential of nanotechnology for the nation’s development.

    Nanotechnology is increasingly being recognized as a game-changer in the modern world, and Nigeria’s proactive steps in embracing this technology are poised to make a substantial impact on the country’s future technological landscape.

    Nanotechnology’s Potential Impact on Innovation and Development in the Africa

    Nanotechnology, the science of manipulating materials and devices at the nanoscale, has captured the imagination of scientists, researchers, and policymakers worldwide. Its applications are far-reaching, from advanced healthcare solutions and renewable energy to water purification and innovative materials.

    In Africa, the potential of nanotechnology to drive innovation and development is becoming increasingly evident. A continent with diverse challenges, from healthcare access to energy security, nanotechnology offers solutions that can leapfrog traditional approaches.

    Researchers have overtime maintained that nanotechnology is a game-changer for Africa. It allows the world to tackle complex issues with precision and efficiency; whether it is for improving healthcare, improving agriculture, the possibilities are boundless.

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    Nigeria’s Pioneering Role

    Nigeria, as one of Africa’s largest and most economically vibrant nations, is at the forefront of the continent’s nanotechnology initiatives. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with research institutions and universities, has been investing significantly in nanotechnology research and development.

    One of the most promising applications of nanotechnology in Nigeria is in healthcare. Nanoparticles are being utilised for targeted drug delivery, early disease detection, and medical imaging. These advancements are expected to improve healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

    Nigeria’s agricultural sector stands to benefit from nanotechnology. Nanoscale materials can enhance crop yields, increase nutrient absorption in plants, and improve soil fertility. Additionally, nanosensors can aid in the detection of food contaminants, ensuring safer and healthier food products.

    The pursuit of renewable energy sources is gaining momentum in Nigeria, with nanotechnology playing a pivotal role. Nanomaterials are used in the development of more efficient solar panels, energy storage devices, and water purification systems, addressing both energy and clean water challenges.

    While the prospects of nanotechnology in Nigeria are promising, challenges such as regulatory frameworks, ethical concerns, and equitable access need to be addressed. Ensuring that the benefits of nanotechnology reach all segments of the population is a critical aspect of its implementation.

    As Africa embraces nanotechnology, Nigeria’s role in spearheading research, development, and practical applications becomes increasingly significant. The collaborative efforts between government, academia, and the private sector will pave the way for innovative solutions to longstanding challenges.

    Nanotechnology is poised to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape, foster technological innovation, and contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals. In doing so, Nigeria, along with its African counterparts, is taking a giant step toward becoming a global player in the dynamic field of nanotechnology. As Africa pioneers the path to technological advancement, the world watches with anticipation as the continent leverages nanotechnology to shape its future.

  • Young South Africans, take centre stage in Samsung’s competition

    Young South Africans, take centre stage in Samsung’s competition

    Young South African innovators are taking centre stage in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition, where grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved communities are working on prototypes to address societal challenges.

     The competition, which officially launched in January 2023, aims to empower youth and develop their skills in the information communication technology sector, aligning with the country’s Fourth Industrial Revolution agenda.

    Before entering the prototype phase, participating learners underwent Design Thinking workshops in May 2023 to equip them with essential skills. These workshops taught them how to approach problem-solving creatively, think critically, and act like designers. Learners also learned about building effective teams and conducting research to transform their ideas into workable solutions for their communities.

    Read also: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G receives September 2023 software update

    Finalists Gear Up for Prototypes

    The finalist schools, located in the provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo, are now in the prototype development phase, which runs until the end of September 2023. They are working on diverse solutions for their communities, including sustainable road construction, addressing basic needs during power outages, alternative water and electricity solutions, and clean water access.

    Learners are enthusiastic about their projects and the competition. Igoline Coelho, a grade 11 learner from Mbilwi Secondary School in Limpopo, expressed determination: “Ours is a very simple solution but with the potential for a high impact. We hope it can catch on and be used by many other communities. We are a very competitive team and are determined to win the competition.”

    Keabetswe Malaza from Maphuthaditshaba Secondary School in Mpumalanga emphasised the broader impact: “Our solution will help households and small enterprises, so it will also have an impact on the local economy.”

    Amahle Skhosana from Adams College in KwaZulu-Natal highlighted the learning opportunities: “Using science, technology, engineering, and maths to solve our community’s problem has excited the entire team.”

    Sbongile Zulu from Buhlebemfundo Secondary School in Gauteng mentioned motivation: “We are determined to do well in this competition because if we win, the prize is double – we get to solve a problem in our community and also get an awesome prize for our school.”

    Empowering Youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

    Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition aims to increase interest and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) among South African learners. “As the learners enter this critical stage of the competition, we are getting excited and looking forward to seeing all the solutions they come up with,” said Hlubi Shivanda, Director for Business Operations of Innovation and Corporate Affairs at Samsung.

    The winning school will receive R100,000 worth of STEM equipment, with second and third places awarded R50,000 and R30,000 worth of STEM equipment for their schools, respectively. Additionally, each learner in the top three teams will receive a Samsung device. The final presentations will take place on October 3, 2023, with the winner announcement on October 4, 2023, at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre.

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    About the Solve for Tomorrow Competition

    Samsung‘s Solve for Tomorrow competition launched in South Africa in 2023 and focuses on empowering youth, particularly those from underserved communities, to engage with STEM fields and contribute innovative solutions to local challenges. The competition consists of multiple phases, including workshops, prototype development, and final presentations, with valuable prizes for schools and learners involved.

  • MyItura simplifies mobile health monitoring for Nigerians.

    MyItura simplifies mobile health monitoring for Nigerians.

    To discover how innovative technology has altered the world, visit Africa. Mobile money and e-commerce have proliferated swiftly across the continent thanks to mobile phones. Mobile-led digital progress has left healthcare behind.  

    Health care is scarce for most of Nigeria’s 200 million people. Nigeria is Africa’s largest mobile market. Nigeria spent only 3% of its GDP on healthcare in 2019, compared to sub-Saharan Africa (4.9%) and South Africa (9.1%). Most Nigerians reside in rural areas, where medical facilities, tools, and qualified personnel are scarce.

    MyItura was founded and funded by CEO Opeyemi Arogundade, CTO Adeolu Ogunye, Growth Manager Dr. Akingbola Adewunmi, and Medical Lead Dr. Similoluwa Oluwalana. It lets Nigerians get medical testing on their phones whenever they wish, improving preventive health care. It’s an all-in-one tool for identification, doctor visits, and self-care without a lab or hospital.

    Opeyemi states, “Like most Nigerians, we can all think of someone close to us who died too young from a disease that might not have been as bad if diagnosed and treated earlier, or if the person had been more health-aware or had better access to health care.” Opeyemi founded the business for this. Because it directly addresses Nigeria’s low preventive health care approach, MyItura is our solution.

     Read also: Zuri Health secures Investment from Five35 ventures for healthcare innovation

    How MyItura works

    MyItura offers a straightforward service. Users download the app on their smartphones, register, and choose a test. A medical practitioner will collect and send the samples to a partner lab for analysis. The test results are uploaded to the user’s MyItura account within 24 hours, which they can access on their phone or computer. 

    Users can purchase individual tests and get customised test packages based on their health needs. The website delivers personalized health advice based on test findings, helping them improve their health. They can also remotely check their health and consult with top experts nationwide using MyItura’s chat feature.

    “Itura means ‘good health’ or ‘comfort’ in Yoruba. MyItura empowers people to manage their health. Opeyemi says they want to make health monitoring easy for any Nigerian.

    Nigeria needs MyItura’s services

    Nigeria has the biggest economy in Africa, but many people don’t have access to primary health care. This is why MyItura’s services are essential. High blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer are also on the rise. The WHO thinks that non-communicable illnesses, mainly heart disease, cause 29% of deaths in Nigeria. Many of these can be stopped with early identification and treatment.

    “Everyone values good health and health monitoring, and in Nigeria, many health problems can be avoided if caught early,” says Opeyemi of the startup’s market. “Every Nigerian should be able to use our platform to take charge of their health and find possible problems.” 

    Opeyemi thinks that most Nigerians and Africans care about their health, but “roadblocks” like not trusting the system or having a bad experience at a hospital or health center keep them from moving.

    There is an attitude of silence about health problems. If a family member told me they were going to a hospital or clinic today, my first thought was to say, “I hope there’s nothing wrong” or “I’m sorry, are you feeling sick?” even if they were getting a checkup. To solve this problem, health services must be easy to get to without making other people nervous. MyItura wants to get rid of these big problems.”

    Cost and accessibility are crucial to market penetration, says Opeyemi. For N1,200 (just over $2 at the official exchange rate), users can get a medical test and use various free health tracking tools. Several doctors and labs get commissions for each test or patient.

    Many individuals are impoverished, uninsured, and unable to afford traditional healthcare, making affordability vital. Only a third of Nigerians have cell phones, which is essential for MyItura. The company will use USSD to reach the general market despite poor internet penetration.

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    MyItura aids Nigerian insurance companies and employers.

    MyItura wants to work with insurance companies and big businesses in Nigeria. Opeyemi says this way of doing things is a “win-win” for insurers because they can help their clients watch their health on a budget, lowering their long-term health costs. He says big health claims can be avoided if people’s health doesn’t worsen so often that they need expensive surgery.

    MyItura’s platform could change the way Nigerians get preventive health care, lower the number of diseases, and improve health results by making it cheaper and easier to get.

    Its success depends on its ability to grow in a tough market, make partnerships, and keep quality high. But Nigeria’s preventive health care system could get a lot out of the site. Nigerians can use innovative technology and MyItura to take care of their health.