TechPression

Tag: UNICEF

  • UNICEF using machine learning to enhance vaccine delivery in Africa

    UNICEF using machine learning to enhance vaccine delivery in Africa

    UNICEF has announced the implementation of machine learning technologies to enhance immunisation programs across Central and West Africa. 

    This initiative was launched on Wednesday as part of the “Reach the Unreached” (RTU) pilot program in countries such as Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, and Mali.

    Harnessing technology for immunisation

    The RTU initiative leverages machine learning to analyse population data and estimate vaccination coverage more accurately. This approach has enabled regional and country office teams to map over 1.1 million unreached children, providing valuable insights to identify regions at risk of falling behind. 

    According to Rocco Panciera, UNICEF’s geospatial health specialist, “While the proliferation of granular population estimates and vaccination coverage datasets is beneficial and possibly game-changing, these new sources of information will only make an impact for improving health programming and health outcomes if they’re integrated into existing information systems and decision-making processes at the country level”.

    Manuel Garcia-Herranz, FDN’s principal researcher, noted that without technology, experts lack insights into how data bias and algorithmic inequalities affect combined population estimation and vaccination coverage models. “Even for single models, understanding performance across different socioeconomic contexts is challenging,” Garcia-Herranz said.

    Read also: Airtel-UNICEF partnership brings Internet to 100 schools in Zambia

    Collaborative efforts for improved vaccination coverage

    The RTU initiative is a collaborative effort between UNICEF and the Frontier Data Network (FDN). This partnership aims to address child rights inequities, starting with immunisation and birth registration. 

    By harnessing the power of machine learning and collaborative partnerships, UNICEF seeks to improve immunisation coverage and reduce vaccine-preventable diseases across Africa. 

    The organisation collaborates with governments, businesses, and non-governmental organisations to engage communities, procure and distribute vaccines, and facilitate affordable access to vaccination services.

    UNICEF’s broader efforts include strengthening immunisation systems and reaching marginalised communities. Each year, approximately 6 million of the 20 million children born in West and Central Africa miss out on life-saving vaccines during their first year of life, often referred to as ‘zero-dose children’.

  • Safaricom–UNICEF partnership to enhance youth engagement in Ethiopia

    Safaricom–UNICEF partnership to enhance youth engagement in Ethiopia

    Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC and UNICEF have partnered to provide free access to the U-Report platform in an effort to empower youth nationwide.

    According to the announcement made by Safaricom Ethiopia on Tuesday, the platform users will benefit from free messaging services for a year as part of this program. Through providing them with essential information and improving community communication, this cooperation demonstrates Safaricom Ethiopia’s commitment to assisting youngsters, especially in rural areas.

    Read also: Safaricom Ethiopia donates 10 million ETB to Mekedonia Charity supporting the aged and disabled

    About U-Report

    U-Report is a cutting-edge youth messaging app developed by UNICEF International with the goal of teaching youth how to participate in social development programs, such as community assistance and disaster response.

    U-Report, which has over 36.1 million users across 99 countries, is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people. Over 17,000 people have joined the network since its January 2024 launch in Ethiopia.

    Advantages of the Safaricom–UNICEF partnership 

    The new agreement opens the door for the distribution of important information about social development, health, and education, with a focus on people without smartphones.

    By bridging the digital divide, this free messaging service gives young people in rural areas the chance to participate in decision-making processes and obtain crucial information.

    As part of its dedication to digital transformation, youth empowerment, and community development, Safaricom Ethiopia is aggressively growing its 4G network services.

    By providing free access to U-Report, the organisation is promoting youth involvement, information availability, and significant community contributions.

    Read also: Safaricom Ethiopia donates 30 laptops, 6 Wi-Fi routers to schools

    Beyond telecom services 

    This recent development of Safaricom’s partnership with UNICEF to empower Ethiopian young people through U-Report is a testament to the dedication of the telecommunication company to make impact beyond providing telecommunication services.

    On Saturday, the company donated 10 million ETB to the Mekedonia Charity Organisation to support their work in providing hope, dignity, and care for the elderly and disabled.

    “We believe in the power of the community, and today we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to making a meaningful difference,” the company stated.

    As part of its continued commitment, it also provided free Air-fiber connectivity for the fundraising period and a dedicated M-PESA Ethiopia charity donation section and short code to make it simpler for Ethiopians to support Mekedonia’s mission. This will help with fast and dependable data connectivity needs.

    Likewise on Friday, Safaricom gave vital support to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Gebi Resu Zone, Dulesa, and Awash Fentale woredas in the Afar area in solidarity with the communities impacted by the recent earthquake.

    In addition to clothing and sanitary supplies gathered from its employees, its assistance consists of 25 quintals of macaroni and 25 quintals of rice valued at one million birr.

  • Airtel equips 1,200 Nigerian schools with tablets, internet access

    Airtel equips 1,200 Nigerian schools with tablets, internet access

    Over 1,200 schools have been provided with tablets and internet connectivity through the Reimagine Education Programme, giving the teachers and students access to digital learning resources. Airtel reveals this in a statement on Wednesday.

    The Reimagine Education Programme is a partnership by Airtel and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that was introduced in 2022 to digitise education for underserved students.

    The initiative which is a flagship five-year partnership with UNICEF, has also given over 1 million students access to high-quality digital education resources and trained over 17,000 teachers on their effective usage.

    Read also: AXIAN Telecom signs GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter to enhance disaster management

    While discussing the effects of the Reimagine Education Programme, The Group Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar said during his visit to one of the beneficiaries of the program, St. Agnes Primary School in Maryland, Lagos, that St. Agnes Primary School has made impressive strides through Nigeria Learning Passport initiative.

    “What I witnessed today at St Agnes is truly remarkable,” Mr. Taldar stated after seeing students and educators engage with the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), one of the learning resources made available to schools through the program.

    Goal of the Nigeria Learning Passport 

    The goal of the NLP is to encourage learning in and out of the classroom by offering parents, teachers, and students easily accessible, high-quality educational materials.

    Alongside Mr Taldar were important Airtel officials, such as Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, UNICEF representatives led by UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office Celine Lafoucriere, the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, and representatives from the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board.

    The initiative, according to Airtel, is a vital step in closing the educational gap and guaranteeing that more Nigerian kids have access to high-quality educational materials.

    “What I saw today at St. Agnes Primary School was impressive, and we are encouraged by the impact made for students and teachers through our partnership with UNICEF,” Taldar told the media following a demonstration of NLP and digital learning tools.

    He added, “Our partnership with UNICEF is one of the ways we are ensuring that more children in Nigeria and beyond have access to digital learning tools that will equip them for their future. This visit reaffirms our dedication to making education more inclusive, accessible, and impactful.”

    Read also: Airtel outage leaves subscribers frustrated, stranded in Zambia 

    Bridging digital divide in the educational system 

    Dinesh Balsingh, CEO and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, emphasised the value of technology-driven education, the effects of Airtel’s collaboration with UNICEF, and the Nigeria Learning Passport’s function in giving educators and learners access to vital digital resources.

    He said, “At Airtel Nigeria, we are deeply committed to empowering young minds through technology-driven education. Our visit to St. Agnes Primary School underscores our dedication to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that more Nigerian children have access to quality learning resources.”

    “Through our partnership with UNICEF, we continue to invest in initiatives like the Nigeria Learning Passport, which provides students and teachers with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

    UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office Celine Lafoucriere, on her part, stressed the value of teamwork to Reimagine Education.

    “Education is a fundamental right, and digital learning has become a key enabler in bridging educational gaps. Our partnership with Airtel Africa and Airtel Nigeria continues to provide innovative learning solutions, ensuring that every child, regardless of location or socio-economic status, has the opportunity to learn and thrive,” she stated.

    “We are excited about the ongoing implementation of the Nigeria Learning Passport and the transformation it brings to education in Nigeria,” she added.

    Recall that Airtel and UNICEF visited Oremeji Primary School Ajegunle Lagos, one of Airtel Nigeria’s seven adopted schools, in 2023.

    This visit to St. Agnes Primary School is part of a larger partnership with schools that benefit from the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a digital education platform created by UNICEF in collaboration with Microsoft and the Nigerian government that supports learning in and out of the classroom by offering parents, teachers, and students easily accessible, high-quality educational content.

  • Harnessing technology to combat Female Genital Mutilation in Africa

    Harnessing technology to combat Female Genital Mutilation in Africa

    Today, February 6, marks International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation—a day when we reflect on one stark reality: Over 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone this harmful practice. In Africa, where FGM is most prevalent, technology is emerging as a powerful tool in combating this injustice.

    The statistics are stark: more than 4 million girls are at risk each year, according to UNICEF. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions that can reach communities effectively. Mobile apps like i-Cut are pioneering efforts by connecting girls at risk with rescue services through mobile devices. These digital tools empower communities to take action against harmful practices by disseminating accurate information about the health risks associated with FGM.

    Read also: Applications open for ‘READY Salone’ to equip 3,000 Sierra Leonean women, youths with tech skills

    Tech revolution against FGM: Can mobile apps save lives?

    For instance, following our discussion on mobile apps like i-Cut, it’s clear that technology can bridge geographical gaps and provide accessible support systems for those affected. A notable example is how these apps have successfully connected numerous girls at risk with rescue services across Africa. By leveraging such platforms, we can ensure timely interventions and save lives.

    Social media plays a pivotal role in spreading awareness about FGM across Africa. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow individuals to share facts that challenge myths surrounding this practice. For example, successful campaigns using hashtags like #Unite2EndFGM help amplify voices against this injustice globally.

    Moreover, digital campaigns can educate communities about the severe health implications of FGM. The World Health Organization notes that most girls are cut before they turn 15 years old, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention through tech-enabled education programs.

    Exposing Myths Through Digital Advocacy

    Digital advocacy has become a powerful tool in exposing myths surrounding FGM. Social media campaigns not only raise awareness but also mobilize public opinion against such practices. By sharing personal stories and experiences online, survivors of FGM help humanize the issue and inspire others to join their fight for justice.

    For instance, social media platforms have been instrumental in challenging cultural norms around FGM by promoting dialogue between different generations within families and communities.

    Read also: Women in Gaming Africa to debut at SiGMA Africa 2025, championing inclusivity 

    Accelerating Progress with AI-Powered Solutions

    AI-driven tools not only help analyze data more efficiently but also enable targeted interventions by identifying high-risk areas more accurately than traditional methods allow targeted interventions Digital education modules using interactive content could reach wider audiences more effectively than traditional methods AI-driven chatbots could streamline reporting processes making it easier for those affected or at risk

    To report suspected cases of FGM or seek help within African countries. Local helplines available through government websites or NGOs provide immediate support. Apps designed specifically for reporting such as i-Cut offer secure channels.

    Online forums dedicated to anti-FGM initiatives allow individuals to share concerns anonymously.

    While there’s still much work ahead eradicating female genital mutilation entirely from our societies today’s commemoration serves as an important reminder of how far we have come but also how much further we must go together towards achieving zero tolerance towards such heinous acts on humanity especially young innocent lives who deserve nothing but protection love care & safety above all else!

    As we strive towards eliminating FGM by 2030 let’s leverage technology as our ally—share your voice against this injustice using #Unite2EndFGM today! Together we can create safer futures where every girl grows up free from harm!

  • Guinea expands digital access to education with internet for 2,200 public schools

    Guinea expands digital access to education with internet for 2,200 public schools

    Guinean authorities plan to provide Internet access to 2,200 public schools, especially those in rural areas. The announcement came after a meeting on January 6, involving representatives from UNICEF Guinea, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of the Digital Economy, with the Ministry of National Education and Literacy confirming the decision on January 8.

    The program is a component of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) and UNICEF’s 2019 Giga project.

    Read also: Congo seeks Qatar’s expertise to accelerate digital transformation efforts

    Goals of the initiative 

    The main goal is to offer digital access to children, particularly those in underserved regions, and to align with Guinea’s broader efforts to improve connectivity in educational institutions.

    Guinea Telecom, a state-owned company, declared in July 2023 that it would offer free Internet to Guinean students, further advancing the country’s educational digital agenda.

    Bridging the educational gap between urban and rural areas 

    By connecting 2,200 public schools in rural areas, this project will not only promote digital inclusion but also help reduce the educational gap between urban and rural locations.

    Read also: Thailand launch e-Visa application for Nigerians, Ghanaians, other African nations

    Additionally, by improving access to the Internet and promoting entrepreneurship, the initiative will have a positive impact on local communities.

    According to DataReportal, Guinea had 4.87 million Internet users in early 2024, representing a 33.9 percent penetration rate.

    This initiative supports the need for new teaching methods and resources to transform education across Africa, with the Internet offering significant opportunities to overcome learning gaps identified by UNESCO.

  • Airtel-UNICEF partnership brings Internet to 100 schools in Zambia

    Airtel-UNICEF partnership brings Internet to 100 schools in Zambia

    Airtel and UNICEF are making significant strides in transforming the educational landscape in Zambia, having connected 100 schools to the Internet as part of their ongoing partnership. Launched in January, the partnership seeks to improve access to quality education through digital connectivity, bringing new opportunities for both students and teachers across the country.

    The partnership aimed to attain or at the very least “progress the fourth sustainable development goal, ‘education for all’,” UNICEF stated in January.

    Expanding Digital Access Across Zambia

    The partnership seeks to close Zambia’s digital gap by connecting schools in urban and remote areas to the Internet.

    Read more: IHS Nigeria and UNICEF launch a digital impact initiative

    Given Zambia is a nation beset by limited Internet connectivity, the partnership is deemed a major step forward as it will furnish the students  with vast educational resources, including e-learning platforms, academic content, and interactive tools that enhance their learning experience.

    Empowering teachers and students through UNICEF’s Learning Passport

    Central to the initiative is the Learning Passport, an innovative digital platform developed by UNICEF. The platform provides free access to quality educational content for children and young people, including videos, lesson plans, and interactive exercises. Students will be able to learn at their own pace, making use of a range of digital resources that were previously unavailable to many.

    Airtel-UNICEF partnership brings Internet to 100 schools in Zambia

    The Learning Passport aims to give all learners, including those in rural and underserved communities, access to the same educational opportunities. 

    Additionally, the platform is designed to be inclusive, with features that cater to students with disabilities, ensuring they are not excluded from the digital learning revolution.

    Read more: Why computer programming should be for all students

    Airtel and UNICEF in Zambia, in conjunction with the Zambian Ministry of Education, recently conducted a blended learning training session for 50 educators from 50 schools across the Eastern, Lusaka and Southern Provinces. In this training, participants were acquainted with the digital Learning Passport and optimised the routers supplied to their respective institutions.

     Also, the impact of vandalism and its impact on this project was acknowledged during the program. In the inauguration, Dr Brenda Musanya, a representative from the Ministry of Education’s Directorate of Open and Distance Learning (DODE), urged educators to protect the routers diligently and to maximise the training opportunity by posing numerous enquiries to facilitate connectivity for the designated schools.

  • IHS Nigeria and UNICEF launch a digital impact initiative

    IHS Nigeria and UNICEF launch a digital impact initiative

    UNICEF and IHS Nigeria have a successful relationship that enhances Nigerians’ lives, especially children’s. Through teamwork, they advance education, healthcare, and child protection.

    IHS Nigeria, a renowned telecoms infrastructure provider, and UNICEF, a global humanitarian organisation, have collaborated to boost Nigeria’s sustainable development.

    Through cooperation, programmes to improve education, healthcare, and children’s rights have been implemented, giving Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations a better life.

    Read also: Federal Government empowers Northern Nigerian Women

    UNICEF’s School-to-School Connectivity project, launched in 2022, aims to bridge the digital divide in education. IHS Nigeria collaborates to provide internet connectivity to 400+ public secondary schools and donates 200+ mini-tablets to underserved communities.

    This unlocks online educational resources, interactive platforms, and digital tools for students.

    The project complements the Nigeria Learning Passport, an online and offline curriculum application reaching 1 million users, designed by UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Education.

    Oxygen innovation: UNICEF & IHS Nigeria save lives

    IHS Nigeria played a vital role in supporting Nigeria’s COVID-19 response with a comprehensive approach, including co-financing essential supplies such as 10,000 test kits, oxygen concentrators, personal protective equipment (PPE), and vaccines with the European Union and APM Terminals for the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    Additionally, they collaborate with UNICEF to supply over 130,000 test kits, significantly expanding testing capacity for early detection and isolation and ultimately helping to protect frontline healthcare workers and save lives.

    IHS Nigeria partners with UNICEF Nigeria’s Oxygen Security Project to address medical oxygen availability.

    Launched in 2022, the project has built 9 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants across 8 states, ensuring a reliable oxygen supply for healthcare facilities. Over 1,445 frontline healthcare workers have been trained in oxygen management, saving lives and improving healthcare outcomes for millions of Nigerians.

    For example, in Nigeria, the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital plant targets 1.6 million people and uses 4,000 litres of water weekly.

    UNICEF and IHS Towers collaborate on digital education initiative

    The 2019–2022 Child-Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI) project in some parts of Nigeria, such as Lagos, Bauchi, and Cross River States, encouraged local communities to provide integrated child-centric social services such as education, health, and nutrition.

    CFCI’s decentralised planning and resource management addressed child deprivation. Real-time data from Digital Community Information Systems (DCIS) help local decision-making and resource allocation.

    Data-driven approaches maximised kid well-being, efficiency, and community-driven development.

    IHS Towers bridges the digital divide in education through Giga, a global initiative of UNICEF and ITU. With a $4.5 million investment, IHS Towers provides vital tower data, including from Nigeria, to create a comprehensive map of internet connectivity. This data identifies areas with critical infrastructure gaps, enabling targeted interventions and ensuring no child is left behind in the digital age.

    The IHS Nigeria and UNICEF partnership transcends individual projects and presents a successful model for public-private collaboration.

    Read also: Zarttalent Foundation, Nigerian Universities offer tech skills to students

    UNICEF & IHS Nigeria: Partnering for a brighter future

    Ms Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, expressed gratitude for UNICEF and IHS Nigeria’s partnership, which has delivered results for children through critical oxygen support, COVID-19 interventions, school connectivity, and the Child-Friendly Communities Initiative (CFCI).

    Together, they are advancing sustainable development & a brighter future.

    Furthermore, the CEO of IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish, commented that at IHS Nigeria, they strive to deliver a long-term positive impact across their local communities.

    They continue contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through strategic sustainability partnerships, with a strong focus on education, healthcare, and community empowerment.

    They take great pride in collaborating with UNICEF Nigeria and remain committed to fostering a brighter future for Nigeria.

    They achieve tangible results in education, healthcare, and community development by combining resources and expertise. This successful model demonstrates the power of collaboration between the private sector and international organisations.

  • UNICEF StartUp Lab is Empowering Ghanaian Entrepreneurs

    UNICEF StartUp Lab is Empowering Ghanaian Entrepreneurs

    Ghana is a country with a vibrant and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, where many startups and businesses are using technology and innovation to solve social and environmental challenges. However, these ventures often face barriers such as limited access to funding, mentorship, partnerships, and knowledge.

     This is why UNICEF, in collaboration with KOICA and MEST Africa, launched the UNICEF StartUp Lab in 2019, a six-month accelerator programme that supports impactful startups and businesses working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for children and young people.

    The Programme Structure and Benefits

    The UNICEF StartUp Lab is a unique service that combines an intense, hands-on business acceleration with wide-reaching technical expertise and systems knowledge in the social sector, led by the UNICEF experts in Education, Health & Nutrition, Social Policy & Protection, WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene), and Child Protection. The programme aims to help the participants develop and scale their solutions, while also creating positive social impact and contributing to the SDGs.

    Read also: Nokia, UNICEF provide digital education to Senegalese children

    The participants of the programme enjoy a range of benefits, such as:

    – Funding: Each startup receives up to GHS 32,000 for product development

    – Partnerships: Access to a wide network of UN System partners

    – Growth: Intense, hands-on practical business acceleration

    – Knowledge: Direct access to resources and social sector programme experts

    The programme also hosts local networking events to celebrate the shortlisted startups for the UK Final, which will be held at the Winter Gardens Empress Ballroom in Blackpool in May. The UK Final is a prestigious event where the winners of the 12 award categories will be announced and celebrated.

    The Application Process and Criteria

    The UNICEF StartUp Lab is open to all startups and businesses from all regions of Ghana, regardless of whether they are UNICEF members or not. The programme is free to enter and has a simple online application process. The deadline for applications is Sunday 11 February 2024.

    The programme welcomes diverse ventures, with a particular focus on empowering women-led businesses. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

    – Your startup has been operational for 1+ year

    – Your startup is a registered business in Ghana (no NGOs, foundations, or individuals)

    – Your startup has technology as the core enabler of the business

    – Your startup has a business model with a social impact that addresses at least one of the SDGs

    – Open-source solutions, or startups that are willing to open-source their solutions, are particularly encouraged to apply

    – Startups with female founders/co-founders are encouraged to apply

    – Startups related to Health Tech, EdTech, Urban Tech, Climate Action, Fintech and WASH are strongly encouraged to apply

    If you are a Ghanaian entrepreneur with a passion for making a difference for children and youth, don’t miss this opportunity to apply for the UNICEF StartUp Lab and join a community of like-minded innovators. For more information and to apply, visit UNICEF StartUp Lab. For more tips and resources on how to start, run, and grow a social enterprise, visit UNICEF Innovation.

    Some Success Stories from the UNICEF StartUp Lab

    The UNICEF StartUp Lab is an accelerator programme that supports impactful startups and businesses working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals for children and young people in Ghana. Some of the success stories from the programme are:

    – Africa Goodnest: an e-commerce platform that helps customers discover and buy quality products crafted by local African talent and entrepreneurs. The startup graduated from the second cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab in 2021, and has since expanded its product range, customer base, and social impact.

    – AppCyclers: a waste management company that provides e-waste education, collection, recycling, and upcycling solutions. The startup graduated from the first cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab in 2020, and has since secured partnerships with major corporations, NGOs, and government agencies to reduce e-waste and create green jobs.

    African startup acquisitions decline

    – BookNook: an online platform that connects book lovers and authors, and promotes reading culture and literacy. The startup graduated from the third cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab in 2022, and has since increased its user base, content, and revenue, while also supporting local authors and publishers.

    – Dext Technology: a hardware company that produces low-cost science kits and curriculum for schools and students. The startup graduated from the first cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab in 2020, and has since reached over 100,000 students across Ghana and beyond, and won several awards and recognition for its innovation and impact.

    – Farmula: a digital platform that connects smallholder farmers to buyers and service providers, and provides them with market information and financial inclusion. The startup graduated from the second cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab in 2021, and has since grown its network, transactions, and social impact, while also empowering women and youth in agriculture.

    These are just some of the examples of how the UNICEF StartUp Lab is empowering Ghanaian entrepreneurs to create positive change for children and youth. The programme is looking for more innovative and impactful startups and businesses to join its fourth cohort, which will start in March 2024. If you have a solution that can make a difference for the SDGs, apply now and become part of the UNICEF StartUp Lab community.

  • Nokia, UNICEF provide digital education to Senegalese children

    Nokia, UNICEF provide digital education to Senegalese children

    Nokia, a major manufacturer of mobile devices and telecom infrastructures has partnered with UNICEF to provide more accessible digital education and training in some regions of Senegal, West Africa, in an effort to reduce the digital gap.

    The company tweeted that Nicole Robertson, Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance, praised this collaboration. “I am delighted to announce Nokia’s partnership with UNICEF to advance digital skills and coding for children and young people in Senegal.”

    Nokia helps close the digital divide by connecting underprivileged populations. Connectivity and digital skills increase employment, education, healthcare, and digital economy involvement.

    Nokia and UNICEF planned to include instructors and students in the desolate areas, with over 100 teachers and over 10,000 middle school pupils.

    The term “digital divide” is used to describe the gap between those who have access to digital experiences and those who do not, such as technology, the internet, etc.

    Digital illiteracy, or the inability to use and maximize digital technology to its fullest potential, and a lack of infrastructure are two common causes of the digital divide.

    Read also: Safaricom and Nokia collaborate on Africa’s first 5G slicing trial

    Nokia and UNICEF’s digital divide solution

    To achieve their objective of providing children and teachers in the remote area of Senegal with access to the Internet and digital education, Nokia and UNICEF have developed a comprehensive plan with the provision of specialized digital training, internet upgrades, and coding training.

    According to Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Senegal, UNICEF protects children and youth from the digital revolution. Digital technology should assist all children in the classroom and at home, regardless of their background.

    “This catalytic relationship with Nokia is a big step in improving Senegal’s children’s education through innovative technology.”

    It’s remarkable how technology is changing the world. Tech is humanity’s biggest potential in the modern age. Coding will also be incorporated into UNICEF Finland and UNICEF Senegal’s training.

    15 Most In-Demand Tech Skills In 2023

    More on UNICEF and Nokia

    UNICEF, officially the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a UN agency that provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a presence in 192 countries and territories, the agency is one of the most well-known social welfare organizations. UNICEF provides vaccines, illness prevention, HIV treatment for children and mothers, nutrition, sanitation, education, and disaster assistance.

    Nokia, a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company, was founded in 1865. Nokia’s headquarters are in Espoo, Finland, in the larger Helsinki metropolitan area, but its roots are in Tampere, Pirkanmaa.
    Over the past 150 years, the firm has worked in many fields. Since the 1990s, it has focused on large-scale telecommunications infrastructure, technology development, and licensing. It was founded as a pulp mill and has long been associated with rubber and cables. Nokia helped design the GSM, 3G, and LTE mobile phone standards. Nokia sold the most mobile phones and smartphones worldwide for a decade, starting in 1998.

  • UNICEF’s Ghana Startup Lab is now accepting applications

    UNICEF’s Ghana Startup Lab is now accepting applications

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana is now accepting applications for the next group of the UNICEF StartUp Lab accelerator program. This is being done in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency and MEST Africa.

    UNICEF’s StartUp Lab helps businesses in Ghana that use technology to make a difference and work to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for children and young people.

    Benefits for participating startups

    There is cash available for each participating startup of up to GHS25,000 for prototyping.

    People who participate in the StartUp Lab can improve their business, technology, and communication skills. They will also be able to get feedback on how well their social impact and technology-driven solutions fit the problem they are trying to solve.

    It gives entrepreneurs a six-month curriculum that includes “Work Weeks,” which are intensive boot camps in Accra, as well as incubation at partner hubs, mentorship, and virtual learning sessions.

    Read also: Singaporean Tech startups now have an edge in South Africa

    The UNICEF StartUp Lab once again delivers a one-of-a-kind product by combining company incubation with extensive technical experience and systems understanding in the social sector. This is made possible by the reach of UNICEF’s and KOICA’s relationships.

    Young people who participate in the program will be able to talk to program specialists from UNICEF and KOICA and learn about how UN organizations can help.

    Participants not only get access to networks that can help them with their work, but they also get the chance to see if the impact-focused business they run meets the needs of the development community right now.

    Under the auspices of the KOICA-UNICEF Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Ghana Project, the UNICEF StartUp Lab has received funding and assistance. MEST Africa is in charge of carrying it out.

    In addition to financial and priceless technical support from UNICEF, KOICA, and MEST experts, participants stand a chance to gain free AWS credits; support from developers; to be featured on UNICEF blogs and websites; an opportunity to present products at UN events; dedicated support to apply for a Digital Public Good status; and dedicated support to apply for the $100,000 equity-free UNICEF Venture Fund funding. All of these benefits are on top of the money and invaluable technical help that UNICEF gives to participants.

    Nairobi-based Accelerator, ‘The Baobab Network’ Invests $200,000 In Four African Startups

    Qualifications for UNICEF Startup Lab applications

    Before a new business can be considered for the program, it must meet all of the following requirements:

    • The business must have been in existence for at least a year.
    • Requires the company to be Ghanaian-registered (no NGOs, foundations, or individuals).
    • The use of technology as the primary driver of the business is required.
    • It must have an open-source solution and a business model that has a social impact that meets at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    According to the program’s brochure, firms that are willing to make their solutions open-source and startups with female founders or co-founders are especially encouraged to apply.

    It was also said that the program’s goal is to include new businesses from all of Ghana’s regions.

    However, the actual onboarding of qualifying companies takes place in December, and the program will come to an end between January and June of 2023. The application period will stay open until October 21, 2022.

    interested applicants for any startups can apply Here