Tech

Huawei connects Kenyan special needs schools to internet

Published

1 year ago

August 10, 2023

Chinese global information and communication technology provider, Huawei has connected “special needs schools” in Kenya to internet, according to Huawei Kenya Deputy CEO, Steven Zhang.

Zhang, who made the announcement on Wednesday, said the company was ramping up learners’ access to the internet by extending the connectivity to children in special needs schools.

Zhang said the initiative was taking off with six special needs schools that will be linked to the national fiber optic cable in the second phase of its Digischool programme that will cover a total of 16 primary and secondary schools.

“The Digischool project has been designed to enhance the learning experience for students across schools in Kenya and to improve the overall administration of these institutions,” Zhang said.

“Huawei has spent 25 years helping build networks, connecting mobile devices, homes and government offices across the country.

“It is important for schools not to be left behind so as to prepare learners for their future careers in a digital economy by being connected and developing relevant digital skills.

“Following the completion of Digischool program’s first phase in which 13 schools were connected to the National Fiber Optic Cable, will now prioritize and expand school connectivity to further enhance education quality, accessibility, and equity,” Zhang said in the statement.

He added that the DigiSchool programme would also extend training in digital skills, and the responsible use of the Internet for teachers, school administrators, learners, and where applicable, parents.

Related Topics:Featured Huawei Internet Kenya Special Needs Schools

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Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

12 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant, Apple, accusing them of illegal mineral exploitation and allegedly using “blood minerals” in its supply chain.

In the suit filed on Tuesday, the DRC alleges that Apple has bought contraband supplies from the country’s conflict-ladden east and Rwanda, zones in which it allege the materials are mined illegally and then integrated into global supply chains before ending up in tech devices.

The DRC suit specifically mentioned Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

The DRC is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten which are used in electronic devices, with some mines controlled by armed groups responsible for human rights violations.

International lawyers representing the African country’s government have accused Apple’s local subsidiaries of taking these minerals from conflict areas and laundering them through international supply chains, with one lawyer telling journalists that Belgium had a moral duty to act given its history of exploiting the country’s resources under colonial rule.

However, in its response, Apple claims it conducts supplier audits and does not directly source primary minerals.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1262670-dr-congo-sues-apple-over-alleged-illegal-mineral-exploitation

Tech

Moroccan retail-tech startup Z raises $1.5m to drive intense growth

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Morocco-based B2B retail-tech marketplace, ZSystems, has announced closing a $1.5 million seed funding round which will see it carry out its ambitious expansion dreams.

In a statement by co-founder and CEO, Meriem Benabad, the funding round was led by Morocco-based Venture Capital firms, MNF Ventures (through its MNF II fund), Witamax (through Fund II and III), Cash Plus Ventures, and Kalys Ventures.

“This funding marks a pivotal moment for Z, as we aim to scale operations and bring cutting-edge solutions to traditional retail.

“Our vision is to empower small businesses and unlock growth across Morocco and Africa,” Benabad said.

According to Benabad, the newly acquired capital will support Z’s technology development, product catalogue expansion, and preparation for its next growth phase.

“Z is reshaping the retail landscape by integrating technology and innovation across the value chain. Its scalable platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market,” he added.

Founded in 2022 by the trio of Benabad, Samer Choumar and Youssef Ait-Haddouch, Z’s platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market.

Since launch, the startup has helped over 15,000 active retailers, and seen more than 800,000 orders placed.