October 2024

The Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling has been established in Kenya to act as an incubator for public sector innovation aimed at enhancing service delivery.

It is hosted in the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, Kenya, and is a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Kenyan government, and Microsoft.

“This will accelerate the continent’s transformation agenda enabled by digitalisation and adoption of emerging technologies like AI,” said John Tanui, Kenya’s principal secretary: state department for ICT and digital economy.

According to David Ombee, project communications officer at UNDP Kenya, the centre would serve as a hub for promoting innovation and improving civil servants’ digital and AI competences, capacities, and mindsets across Kenya and Africa.

“The goal is to equip public sector employees with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a digital environment, drive innovation, and enhance public service delivery to propel Africa’s digital transformation agenda,” he said.

The AI centre is in line with the Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032, which aims to improve digital literacy among 300,000 public sector workers.

One of the centre’s most notable elements is the proposed Public Sector Innovation Fund, which will provide micro-grants to encourage public officials to apply their newly acquired digital abilities to solve real-world problems.

This fund is expected to encourage civil servants to build and implement innovative digital solutions that address the unique issues of their sector.

Source: IT Web

MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, has emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability through its Project Zero initiative and other initiatives outlined in its sustainability framework.

Ms. Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe made this statement during a media engagement in Accra to update the media on MTN’s operations and initiatives to improve connectivity and enhance customer experience, among others. She pointed out that MTN Ghana is committed to contributing to a more sustainable future and is implementing a variety of comprehensive strategies.

Adwoa Wiafe stated, “With respect to the environment, one key focus is the reduction of our carbon emissions to achieve net zero by 2040. MTN is therefore actively investing in solar and other renewable energy sources to power its operations, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, and decreasing its carbon emissions.  The company is also optimizing its network infrastructure and equipment to reduce energy consumption, ensuring that our operations are more sustainable..”

She added, “In addition to these initiatives, MTN is working to promote sustainability within its supply chain. The company encourages its suppliers and partners to adopt more environmentally friendly practices, ensuring that its operations contribute to a more sustainable value chain.”

Project Zero aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, aligning with the global effort to combat climate change. At the core of Project Zero lies MTN’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices.

MTN’s Project Zero is aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, UN SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and 13 (climate action). Project Zero leverages the latest technologies and service partners to enable business sustainability through greater energy efficiencies, low-carbon emissions, risk reduction, and cost control.

Source: businessghana.com

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has started implementing the ECOWAS “Free Roaming Initiative” to help reduce the cost of telecommunication services for citizens travelling outside Ghana.

The agreement currently among Ghana, Benin and Togo, would allow citizens in those countries to make and receive calls, send SMS, and access the internet, at an affordable rate by Mobile Network Operators. 

The Deputy Minister of Communication, Charles Acheampong, speaking at the launch in Accra, said the initiative would deepen the existing relationship among Ghana, Benin, and Togo. 

He noted that the “Free Roaming” initiative would enable “affordable and seamless” communication across the three West African borders and allow citizens to stay connected “without the burden of high roaming charges or the inconvenience of [owning] multiple SIM cards.” 

“By enabling affordable and seamless communication across our borders, we are not only enhancing the convenience of travel and business but also strengthening the social and economic fabric of our nations. 

“This initiative symbolises our dedication to advancing and strengthening regional integration within the ECOWAS community. It also reinforces the ECOWAS treaty’s ideals and demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration,” he stated. 

Beyond communication, he said the arrangement would have a rippling effect on cross-border trade, economic activities, and encourage more travels within the ECOWAS sub-region. 

Mr. Acheampong called for “stability and security” of telecommunication networks while the ECOWAS “Free Roaming Initiative” was being implemented. 

“Cybersecurity threats are a reality in the digital age and it is incumbent upon us to implement robust measures to protect the privacy and data of our citizens. By working together, sharing best practices, and investing in technological advancements, we can create a secure and resilient regional communication ecosystem,” he said.

He commended implementing partners in Ghana, Benin and Togo, and urged other West African countries yet to implement the initiative to come on board. 

The Deputy Minister tasked stakeholders to adopt measures, including conducting customer surveys and establishing “Billing Feedback Systems” to monitor the success of the initiative. 

Dr Joe Anokye, Director General, NCA, said the Authority would monitor usage of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative and gather feedback to inform future regulatory actions and decisions. 

Praising collaboration between the three countries, he said NCA and Mobile Telecommunication Companies would take steps to inform the public about the initiative. 

Mr Yaw Boamah Baafi, Vice Chair, ECOWAS Roaming Implementation Committee, Ghana, explained that that “Free Roaming Initiative” would last for 30 days or 300 minutes, as indicated in specific guidelines. 

He said aspects of the arrangement would allow citizens outside their home countries to receive calls without charges, and that discussions were ongoing in other African countries towards implementation of the initiative. 

Present at the launch were Mr Herve Guedegbe, Executive Secretary, ARCEP-Benin, Mr Michel Yaovi Galley, Director General of ARCEP-Togo, and representatives from telecommunication companies in Ghana, Benin and Togo, who shared their excitement about the initiative. 

Source: Graphic Online

Huawei, in collaboration with local universities in Ghana, is set to commence the 9th edition of its global talent exchange event dubbed “2024-2025 Huawei ICT Competition”.

The event, aimed at providing students with the platform to compete healthily and exchange ideas with peers within and outside the country, seeks to enhance their ICT skills and introduce them to new technologies, increasing their ability to innovate.

This year’s competition, which has already started with a campus roadshow has so far seen the registration of 200+ students across 2 universities in 2 regions (Greater Accra and Volta).

In 2023, over 1,400 students from 15 universities in Ghana competed at the National level, with an all-girls Ghanaian team winning third place at the Global Finals.

The 2024-2025 edition is divided into 4 tracks – the network track which focuses on IP technologies such as Datacom, Security, DCN and WLAN; the Cloud track which focuses on IT technologies such as Cloud, Big data, and AI; and the Computing track which focuses on technologies such as openEuler, openGauss and Kunpeng and the innovation track which focuses on AI general, Ascend, CANN, MindSpore, cloud-native, and OpenHarmony.

Participants in this year’s edition stand a chance to win an array of enticing prizes, including an all-expenses-paid trip to China, cash rewards, and a selection of cutting-edge Huawei gadgets.

To be part of this enriching experience, prospective participants must be Ghanaian university students and should register by October 31, 2024, using the steps below;

1. Visit: https://bit.ly/SAR2024-2025 and choose Southern Africa.
2. Sign up for a Huawei account or log in with an existing Huawei account.
3. Click on Complete Registration.
4. Fill in the required details, noting to fill in the name of your university in the Academy section.
5. Choose the preferred competition track and type the account ID of the instructor in your institution.

For more information or further assistance, kindly contact ictacademygh@huawei.com.

Source: citinewsroom.com

Chief executive of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, joined a pivotal panel on tackling connectivity barriers, addressing the internet usage gap, and developing a more inclusive digital future during Climate Week 2024 in New York.

Hosted by policy and media think tank, Economist Impact and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) on the sidelines of the 74^th session of the UN General Assembly, Ing. Obo-Nai articulated her vision for overcoming the digital divide that hampers progress in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The panel, titled ‘From Digital Divide to Digital Dividend: Reviving the SDGs’, brought together leaders from technology, academia, policymaking, and civil society in their quest to discuss solutions in digital connectivity for sustainable development.

Moderated by the Principal of Policy and Insights at the Economist Impact, Pratima Singh, other panelists were Chief Regulatory Officer of GSMA, John Giusti; Vice President for Digital Transformation at the World Bank, Sanbu Kim; and Mauricio Lizcano, Minister of Information Technologies and Communications for the Government of Colombia.

Ing. Obo-Nai said access to digital technologies is a catalyst for economic growth and improved living standards. Reflecting on Ghana’s progress, she acknowledged the strides made in digital transformation, particularly in financial services, governance and education.

“Ghana has made significant progress in the last few years, by digitalising government services to reduce revenue leakage and improve efficiency in service delivery but to realise the full potential of digital transformation, we need intentional investment in connectivity to rural areas and digital skills development for young people,” she said.

On how digital connectivity plays a role in advancing the SDGs Ing. Obo-Nai said equitable access to digital resources ensures that people in underserved areas can access crucial services. “We are actively investing in fibre connectivity nationwide and providing cross border connectivity.

We are empowering people to use digital products and services to better their lives and businesses. Beyond infrastructure, digital literacy initiatives also ensure that all segments of society can utilise technology for greater inclusion and participation.”

Telecel Ghana’s substantial contribution to social impact through its Foundation helps to advance the UN SDGs 3,4 5, 8 and 10 on health, education and gender equality. The Foundation’s Connected Health programme provides free rural ultrasound screening for expectant mothers in their communities to prevent them from travelling long distances to receive antenatal support and the results transmitted to doctors through the power of mobile technology.

The Connected Education initiatives including STEM training, tech labs and digital libraries have impacted over 100,000 young people, 14 universities and several basic and senior high schools in all 16 regions. Additionally, the Foundation’s women-centred digital and financial literacy training is helping more women in rural communities to be financially independent and digital savvy.

Answering the question on the role of policy and regulation in ensuring access to connectivity, Ing. Obo-Nai said the potential of digital technologies is immense when paired with the right policy-making efforts.

“Policy can help achieve equity in digital infrastructure by ensuring access to affordable mobile devices through local assembly plants and less duties on devices and telecom equipment meant for rural deployment, fibre connectivity along major road corridors, diversified energy sources to power the connectivity infrastructure, access to spectrum auctions over long term in exchange for investment into coverage expansion and financial incentive for startups to drive innovation and provide employment.”

Digital technologies directly contribute towards more than two-thirds of the UN’s SDG targets, including climate action, quality education, zero hunger, and no poverty.

Source: thebftonline.com

THE Chief Executive of Telecel Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai, has urged stakeholders in the digital industry to embrace 
 collaboration to drive digital transformation.
“No single government or private sector entity can address this alone. This requires partnership and collaboration. We must cultivate an ecosystem where startups, corporations, governments, and non-profits work in concert rather than in isolation,” she said.

Mrs Obo-Nai  who made the call in her keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 4th Ghana Digital and Innovation Week in Accra, referenced the recent statistics on mobile money transactions, which reached GH¢1.7 trillion in the first eight months of this year saying “the future of mobile money will be successful through partnerships and collaboration. The mobile financial service providers accelerated this growth because we opened up and chose to partner.”

The three-day conference and exhibition brought together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, tech students, start-ups and development agencies to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the digital space, strengthen industry  collaborations and provide a platform for digital businesses to showcase their innovative products 

Organised by a consortium led by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Ghana Hubs Network, and Impact Investing Ghana, other speakers at the opening event include the Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), the UN Resident Coordinator, the Deputy British High 
Commissioner and Development Lead at the German Embassy, among others.

Highlighting examples of collaboration, including the role of Telecel Ghana in connecting over 1,000 rural communities through a partnership with the government, she emphasised the power of breaking barriers and working together.

“Government provided the passive and radio infrastructure, and we as a telco brought our spectrum and reach of our transmission. This collaboration has made a significant impact,” she added.

Mrs Obo-Nai further encouraged digital industry stakeholders to leverage digital solutions in tackling local challenges in education, healthcare, and climate justice. 
She stressed that accelerating the vision of a digital-savvy Ghana can only become reality when we pool ideas, share insights, and collaborate within and across sectors.

Source: graphic.com.gh

The Mobile Money Advocacy Group Ghana (MoMAG), led by its President, Mr. Edward Ofori Agyemang, on October 4, 2024 paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, to express their gratitude for his presence at MoMAG’s 7th Anniversary celebration.

During the meeting, Mr. Agyemang highlighted several challenges faced by mobile money agents in Ghana, including long working hours, difficult working conditions, and frequent armed attacks. He called on the Chamber to assistance the association in addressing these issues, which threaten the livelihood and safety of their members.

Dr. Ashigbey praised the leadership of MoMAG for a well-organized anniversary celebration and acknowledged the association’s contributions to the mobile money ecosystem. He also shared the Chamber’s intention to re-engage leadership of the new government on E-levy once the new administration assumes office in January 2025. Furthermore, he commended MoMAG for introducing a pensions scheme for its members, which would help secure their futures.

A key highlight of the discussion was the announcement of the newly established EMIs Chamber of Ghana, which will focus on leading advocacy for an inclusive digital financial ecosystem through stakeholder collaboration and innovation, among others. Dr. Ashigbey informed the MoMAG delegation that they would now be dealing with the EMIs Chamber of Ghana going forward, rather than the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, which has been the point of call for MoMAG.

The conversation also touched on ways to develop mobile money agents professionally. Dr. Ashigbey suggested offering training programs that would equip agents with skills in diverse areas such as mortgages and insurance. He proposed a tiered system where agents could advance based on the complexity of the services they provide, with Tier 3 agents handling the most sophisticated operations.

Looking ahead, MoMAG outlined plans for several corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, including the construction of Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in select communities to improve healthcare access.

In closing, Dr. Ashigbey reaffirmed the EMIs Chamber of Ghana’s commitment to collaborating with MoMAG, the Interior Ministry, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and other stakeholders to tackle the robbery attacks on mobile money agents. He also suggested revisiting the registration process from a security perspective as part of the broader effort to protect agents.

MoMAG’s meeting with Dr. Ashigbey signals continued collaboration between the Electronic Money issuers and key stakeholders to address both operational challenges and security concerns for agents across the country.

Source: Chamber News Desk

MTN Group recently participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), engaging with ministers and heads of state from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda. The company was represented by Chairman Mcebisi Jonas, President and CEO Ralph Mupita, Senior Vice President of Markets Ebenezer Asante, MTN Nigeria Chairman Ernest Ndukwe, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, and Acting Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer Thato Motlanthe.

MTN’s leadership held meaningful discussions with several esteemed leaders, including President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, as well as key South African ministers Ronald Lamola, Solly Malatsi, and Parks Tau. In Nigeria, MTN representatives met with ministers Yusuf Tuggar, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, and Dr. Aminu Maida, and in Rwanda, they engaged with Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation.

The conversations focused on advancing Africa’s digital economy, fostering investment, and strengthening public-private partnerships across the continent. MTN emphasized its commitment to collaborating with these governments in realizing a more connected and inclusive future for Africa. The engagements reflect MTN’s ongoing role in shaping Africa’s digital transformation, driving connectivity, and building sustainable digital infrastructure.

Source: techafricanews.com