Tech

Airtel Rwanda partners with UNICEF to increase access to digital learning

Published

2 years ago

April 3, 2023

Airtel Rwanda has entered into a partnership with UNICEF to help accelerate its roll-out of digital learning through connecting schools to the internet and ensuring access to learning platforms in the country.

The agreement between Airtel Africa and UNICEF is a five-year pan-African partnership to help increase digital learning through connecting schools to the internet and ensuring free access to learning platforms across 13 countries.

Under the agreement signed on Monday, Airtel Africa has made a commitment to provide US$50 million support in-kind (Data, SMS) and US$7 million in cash over the span of the 5-year period, according to a statement by the mobile operator.

“As a result of this partnership, students in Rwanda are set to receive access to digital learning resources for both teachers and students free of charge,” it said.

“In the coming weeks, a total of 20 schools will receive internet connectivity that will benefit up to 12,000 young learners and their teachers.

“In addition, Airtel has zero-rated five platforms that hold a wealth of content from the official Rwanda Education Board curriculum freely accessible to anyone who has an Airtel Rwanda SIM card,” the statement added.

Acting UNICEF Representative in Rwanda, Ms. Min Yuan, in a release, said:

“The sky is the limit when students and teachers can use digital connectivity to learn and teach wherever and whenever possible.

“We are honoured to partner with Airtel Rwanda as we embark on this endeavour to provide thousands of school children and their teachers access to the internet.”

Also speaking during the signing ceremony, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, Mr. Emmanuel Hamez said:

“It gives Airtel Rwanda great pleasure to extend our world class internet to the young learners in Rwanda.”

“I commend the Government of Rwanda, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of ICT & Innovation for providing a conducive environment that makes such initiates possible.”

Airtel Africa and UNICEF has a similar project in other African countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Tanzania and Uganda.

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.