Tech

Timbuktoo Africa Foundation establishes headquarters in Rwanda

Published

8 months ago

March 29, 2024

The Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, which was set up by African leaders during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland in January, has settled for Rwanda as its headquarters.

The Foundation was launched as a bold partnership between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), African governments, and the private sector.

The Timbuktoo Foundation which is fully promoted by the UNDP, aims to address critical gaps and work with African governments, investors, corporates, and universities, to support the African startup ecosystem.

In a statement issued by the UNDP, the innovation foundation will be hosted at the Kigali International Financial Center, Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

“This is Africa’s moment. And we must stand up for the continent now. I am proud to lend my support to the foundation and its fund, which are most critical in setting the path of its early wins,” Natalie Jabangwe, the foundation’s Interim Executive Secretary, said in the statement.

Also confirming the move,
Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, said collaborative networks will be created across institutions.

“We welcome the establishment of Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.

“We invite African governments and partners to unite in our mission, creating a vibrant pan-African innovation ecosystem.

“Together, we will forge collaborative networks spanning universities, startups, and venture capital, driving sustainable growth and prosperity for all,” Ingabire said.

According to Ahunna Eziakonwa, the Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, the UNDP designed Timbuktoo as an offering for African youth to spark the startup revolution.

“The Timbuktoo initiative is already building university innovation pods in 13 African cities, including Kigali, as centers for research and development, offering young innovators space to transform their ideas into minimum viable products and profitable ventures, according to the UNDP,” she said.

“Timbuktoo is also establishing thematic hubs as centers of excellence across Africa to offer a world-class one-stop shop for ecosystem and venture-building support in technology areas.

“The UNDP is targeting more than 1,000 startups from across the continent as part of the initiative’s efforts to spark Africa’s startup revolution with an estimated investment of more than 1 billion U.S. dollars over the next 10 years,” Eziakonwa added.

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

22 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.