Tech

Ethiopia to host Global Startup Awards Africa Summit in October

Published

1 year ago

July 16, 2023

The 2023 edition of the Global Startup Awards (GSA) Africa Summit, an initiative of the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG) and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), will be hosted in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia in October, according to the organisers.

In a statement announcing the upcoming event, the organisers said the annual GSA Africa Summit would take place at the newly inaugurated Museum of Art and Science, with the aim being to “unite the African startup ecosystem and celebrate the outstanding achievements of startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the continent,” GIIG and GSA Africa co-founder, Jo Griffiths said.

“The summit will bring together key stakeholders in African innovation including leaders from industry, government, academia, and the wider ecosystem – to meet and engage with the continent’s top technology solutions,” the statement said.

“Here, startups will have the opportunity to participate in a series of solution exchange workshops, where they can connect with industry experts to explore potential partnership opportunities.”

The statement added that a gala dinner would see 15 regional finalists who would be named winners of the 2022/23 season of GSA Africa.

“As African winners, these startups will be recognised for their exceptional role in addressing critical global challenges. Furthermore, they will have the exclusive opportunity to engage with the GIIG Africa Fund, offering a pathway to potential investment as future change makers.

“Critically, we want this event to act as a spark for younger generations, to encourage them to explore the world of innovation as a promising career path,” Griffiths said.

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Tech

Huawei launches cloud service in Nigeria

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Global technology company, Huawei, has launched its first African hyperscale local cloud service in Nigeria, making it the first international cloud provider to offer such services in the country.

The CEO of Huawei Nigeria, Chris Lu, who unveiled the new local cloud in Lagos on Wednesday, said it was powered by Tier 3+ data centres, providing ultra-fast services with a latency of just 15 milliseconds.

According to Lu, this will ensure that data storage and computing resources remain within Nigeria, benefiting local businesses and sectors, particularly fintech companies that require strict adherence to data protection laws.

At the launch event, themed “Leap Now With A Better Cloud,” Lu emphasised the company’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy.

He noted that the initiative was a significant milestone towards meeting the country’s data protection regulation, and alignment with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s objectives to limit cross-border data transfer and have data kept within the country.

“With disruptive technology, we can transform our daily lives, our industries, and our economy. Not knowing where your data is stored is terrifying,” Lu said.

“The Huawei local cloud ensures your data and that of your customers are safely protected. Our local cloud provides better latency, better services, and ensures data sovereignty for our customers.

“Huawei’s is offering enhanced data sovereignty, reduced latency, and bolstered support for local businesses.The service aims to support Nigerian startups, SMEs, and the broader tech ecosystem and aligns with Nigeria’s regulatory environment and digital transformation goals.”

Beyond cloud technology, Huawei has invested heavily in Africa’s tech ecosystem, forming partnerships with governments and private entities to drive digital transformation.

Tech

SunCulture partners Turaco to empower Kenyan farmers with affordable climate insurance

Published

2 days ago

December 10, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan solar-powered irrigation solutions startup, SunCulture, has joined forces with leading mass-market insurtech company, Turaco, to launch a platform called “SunCulture Protect”, aimed at providing enhanced protection to small holder farmers using SunCulture’s pay-as-you-go (PAYG) devices.

According to Samir Ibrahim, the CEO of SunCulture, the partnership between two leading Kenyan tech companies will address the urgent need for risk mitigation tools, such as insurance, for the most vulnerable populations, enabling and expanding access to healthcare.

“As the impact from climate change escalates, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are expected to rise, negatively affecting health outcomes and pushing millions of Africans into poverty,” Ibrahim said.

“At SunCulture, our mission has always been to help small holder farmers grow more food and improve their livelihoods.

“Partnering with Turaco allows us to extend our commitment by not only providing sustainable energy solutions but also offering financial security and peace of mind to our customers and their families,” he said.

He also stated that SunCulture Protect offers essential health and life coverage, safeguarding customers and their families against unforeseen medical expenses and risks that are exacerbated by extreme weather events.

Ted Pantone, CEO of Turaco, who also commented on the partnership, said he believed affordable insurance should be accessible to everyone, especially those that are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

“Our partnership with SunCulture enables us to provide essential coverage that not only protects livelihoods but also fosters long-term resilience among small holder farmers,” he said.