Tech

Nigeria hits Tier 3 in Global Cybersecurity rating

Published

3 months ago

September 15, 2024

Nigeria has been placed in Tier 3 in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union. The current GCI 2024 ranked countries into five tiers, with Tier 1 having the highest cybersecurity commitment across legal, technological, organisational, capacity-building, and cooperative criteria.

Tier 3 country Nigeria is one of 105 that have improved digital infrastructure but are still developing cybersecurity frameworks.

Nigeria was rated as “establishing” its cybersecurity efforts, demonstrating growth in digital services and connections but underlining the need for more development to incorporate cybersecurity measures properly.

The research noted that Nigeria had improved its cybersecurity despite such limitations. It also noted a “cyber capacity gap” in several nations, including Nigeria, due to skills, staffing, and budget issues.

“Building trust in the digital world is paramount,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “The progress seen in the Global Cybersecurity Index is a sign that we must continue to focus efforts to ensure that everyone, everywhere, can safely and securely manage cyber threats in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.”

The research also showed that the world’s least developed countries were making progress, but they required support to accelerate.

GCI 2024 statistics showed that the typical LDC had the same cybersecurity status as many non-LDC developing countries in 2021.

ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau Director Cosmas Zavazava said, “The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 shows significant improvements by countries that are implementing essential legal measures, plans, capacity-building initiatives, and cooperation frameworks, especially in strengthening incident response capabilities.

“ITU’s cybersecurity projects and programs are supporting those national efforts to more effectively manage cyberthreats, and I hope that the progress demonstrated by this latest index encourages countries to do more in developing secure and trustworthy digital systems and networks.”

Related Topics:Cyber Security Featured Nigeria

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Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

18 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.