Tech

OCP Africa partners UM6P to launch digital farming school in Cote d’Ivoire

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2023

Leading global provider of phosphate and derivatives, OCP Africa has entered into a partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) of Morocco to set up a “Digital Farming School” in Cote d’Ivoire.

The project, which is located in Yamoussoukro, saw the laying of the foundation stone on Friday, with the pioneering project presenting a significant milestone in digital agriculture aimed at providing unique opportunities for young Ivorians passionate about AgriTech, according to Mohamed Hettiti, Vice President of OCP for West Africa.

At the foundation stone-laying ceremony which was attended by key officials includin the Ivorian Minister of Higher Education, Adama Diawara, Abdelmalek Kettani, Moroccan Ambassador in Ivory Coast, Hettiti and UM6P’s Bouchaib Boulanouar, the Minister said the establishment of the Digital Farming School underscored “Morocco’s commitment to mutually beneficial South-South cooperation with Ivory Coast aligning with the instructions of King Mohammed VI.”

“The establishment of this Digital Farming School marks a major milestone in the field of education and agricultural innovation in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

“This investment of great importance comes in addition to the major projects that Morocco is carrying out in Côte d’Ivoire, in line with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for mutually advantageous South-South cooperation.

“This pioneering school, with its innovative pedagogical approach, will be the first project of its kind on the continent, offering new opportunities to young Ivorians passionate about AgriTech,” he added.

A press statement by OCP Africa said the project would be carried out in close collaboration with the National Polytechnic Institute Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INPHB-Côte d’Ivoire), and would be the first branch of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in sub-Saharan Africa, located in the Yamoussoukro Technopole.

“The project will see the light of day this year as decreed by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Alassane Dramane Ouattara, thus demonstrating the commitment of the Ivorian government to support educational initiatives and technology for youth,” the statement noted.

“In the next 10 to 12 months, the first cohort of a hundred talented young people will join the school, benefiting from excellent training in Agritech and having an experimental farm next to the school as a laboratory,” it added.

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

16 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.