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IBM Boss Says “New Collar” Jobs to Transform Skills Market

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Africa has approximately 200 million people between the ages of 15 and 24. By 2040, the continent is expected to be home to the world’s largest labor force, with an estimated working age population of 1 billion.

Meanwhile, the Continent’s economies grapple with economic development challenges and the quest for growth and a new social order driven by technology, they will also need to make corresponding qualitative investments in their abundant human resource – or skills markets.

But, IBM boss has identified “new collar” jobs as the transformational.

The Continent’s economies continue to struggle with numerous development challenges and opportunities, underpinned by shifting commodity trade flows, global realignment of capital flows and the emergence of a new class of businesses and citizens keen on exploiting the latest technology tools and trends.

There is also a growing awareness that successive generations of Africans will need new skills sets which will enable them to compete globally.

This local-to-global mindset exists in Africa as well as in societies grappling with social and economic development across the world.

Analysts have referred to this trend as the arrival of economic globalization. Whether we realize it or not, economic globalization is real.

It brings with it advanced technologies, global value chains and pent up demand for a new caliber of technology-aware, mentally agile work force.

A raft of public and private sector initiatives seem poised to radically change the way companies calibrate job specifications and engage the job market for requisite skills and competencies.

Dipo Faulkner, IBM’s country general manager for West Africa said IBM’s new “Digital – Nation Africa” initiative is a direct response to this unfolding scenario, as it seeks to transform Africa’s skills landscape, beginning with the fast-growing economies of Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and Morocco.

Findings by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, has also revealed that Ghana, Mozambique and Mauritius will also be rolling out versions of this ground breaking initiative next year.

“You’ve obviously heard about white collar jobs, and blue collar jobs. This traditional classification was probably sufficient for the old era of work and industrialization. We are now in the new era of the knowledge-based economy and this unfolding era requires new skills sets, something we like to refer to as new collar jobs,” Faulkner says.

“New Collar” is a term used by IBM to describe new kinds of careers that do not always require a four-year college degree but rather sought-after skills in cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, cloud, and much more.

Faulkner explained that as part of IBM’s global agenda to build the next generation of skills required for the “new collar” careers, IBM is investing $70 million in much-needed digital, cloud, and cognitive IT skills to help support Africa’s 21st century workforce.

The initiative will provide a cloud-based learning platform designed to provide free skills development programs for up to 25 million African youths over five years, enabling digital competence and nurturing innovation in Africa.

 “Investing in human capital development and equipping the work force with relevant skill sets for fast changing world of work is crucial for economic growth,” Faulkner said. “In Nigeria, specifically, IBM will be partnering with government bodies and agencies, institutions in academia, civil society, technology incubators and development agencies including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which has a special focus on fostering market-driven ICT skills in Africa and the Middle East.”

From all indications, the IBM initiative aligns with and supports the Nigerian government’s social investment programs, as outlined in the proposed 2017 fiscal budget. The Nigerian authorities plan to create jobs for 350,000 unemployed graduates as well as 50,000 non-graduate youths who will be engaged as artisans and in other creative fields.

This plan is under the N-Power Volunteer Corps, a component of the government’s Social Investment Programme. Of the N157.75bn reportedly being appropriated for the N-Power Volunteer Corps scheme in the 2017 budget, N4.5bn is expected to be earmarked for science, technology, engineering and mathematics program to support young Nigerians in building skills in those disciplines.

IBM’s big picture perspective is that for the youth of Africa to be able to benefit from a cognitive future there needs to be a much higher level of digital literacy. The global technology firm says that at the top of the skills pyramid are developers, who need to know how to create solutions that can leverage the power of cognitive, and entrepreneurs who are aware of marketplace opportunities and potential.

Experts in technology and academia say that the “IBM Digital – Nation Africa” scheme should help raise the continent’s overall digital literacy, increase the number of skilled developers able to tap into cognitive engines and enable entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs grow businesses around the new solutions.

Through a free, cloud-based online learning environment delivered on IBM Bluemix, the premier cloud platform for business, the initiative will provide a range of programs from basic IT literacy to highly sought-after advanced IT skills including social engagement, digital privacy, and cyber protection.

Advanced users will be able to explore career-oriented IT topics including programming, cybersecurity, data science and agile methodologies, as well as important business skills like critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to empower African citizens, entrepreneurs, and communities with the knowledge and tools to design, develop, and launch their own digital solutions.

IBM’s latest skills initiative for Africa will provide access to thousands of resources, in English, free of charge, including: Ready-to-use mobile apps; Guides – web guides, demonstrations, interactive simulations, video series, and articles; Online Assessments – A range of self-assessment tests to track the progress of individuals, together with industry recognized ‘Open Badges’ aligned to digital competencies.

The badges can then be shared with prospective employers: Volunteers – Creation of a volunteer program to support and promote digital literacy within their communities and App Marketplace – Provision of a platform on which new applications can either be made freely available or sold.

Faulkner was exchanging views with tech industry experts and media at IBM’s Client Innovation Center in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.

“The demand for new collar skills will continue to grow, and we need to increase the number and nature of opportunities made available to workers,” he said.

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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Flexify Solutions Launches CyberAgric App to Revolutionize Agricultural Sector in Nigeria

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Flexify Solutions, a leading tech-based firm in Oyo State, has introduced “CyberAgric,” an innovative solution designed to drive food production in Nigeria.

Flexify Solutions Launches CyberAgric App to Revolutionize Agricultural Sector in Nigeria

This is in recognition of the crucial role of modern agricultural practices in ensuring food security.

Food security is a top priority for every nation, and Nigeria is no exception.

CyberAgric is a cutting-edge mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support Nigerian farmers, particularly those involved in cash crop cultivation such as cassava and maize.

The app’s groundbreaking features include early disease detection, with the capability to identify diseases like Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) in cassava leaves within the first two weeks of infection.

By utilizing smartphone cameras, farmers can capture images of their crops and receive real-time analysis and recommendations, empowering them to take proactive measures to protect their crops and ensure optimal yields.

Moreover, CyberAgric is designed to function offline, ensuring accessibility for farmers in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.

Speaking on the significance of CyberAgric, Johnson Oyeniyi, CEO of Flexify Solutions, emphasized the app’s accessibility and educational value. “Our goal with CyberAgric is to ensure that every Nigerian farmer, regardless of their location or internet access, can benefit from advanced agricultural technology,” said Oyeniyi.

“Beyond disease detection, the app serves as an educational platform, providing farmers with the latest agricultural best practices and expert resources.”

Flexify Solutions collaborated closely with Cybermate Technologies to tailor CyberAgric to the specific needs of Nigerian farmers.

The app initially focuses on cassava and maize cultivation, addressing the critical challenges faced by farmers in these sectors.

Through advanced AI-driven disease detection capabilities, CyberAgric aims to mitigate the impact of crop diseases and enhance food security in Nigeria.

Flexify Solutions Ltd is a global company specializing in disruptive digital solutions. With a strong focus on innovation, Flexify Solutions excels in crafting AI solutions optimized for mobile platforms and driving transformative change across industries.

With a proven track record in mobile app development, Flexify Solutions seamlessly integrates cutting-edge AI technologies to create intelligent solutions that resonate with users and drive success.

 


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Global Mobile Banking Malware Grows 32% in 2023

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Kaspersky has released its annual Financial Threats Report for 2023, offering a detailed analysis of the evolving financial cyberthreat landscape.

The report reveals significant increases in mobile banking malware and cryptocurrency-related phishing, signaling growing threats to digital financial assets.

The previous 12-months has witnessed a substantial rise in the number of users encountering mobile banking Trojans, with attacks on Android users surging by 32% – contrary to 2022.

The most prevalent banking trojan was Bian.h, accounting for 22% of all Android attacks. Geographically, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan recorded the highest share of users encountering banking Trojans, with Turkiye leading mobile banking malware attacks, with almost 3% of users affected (2.98%).

While the number of users affected by financial PC malware saw an 11% decline in 2023, Ramnit and Zbot were identified as the predominant malware families, targeting more than 50% of affected users. Consumers continued to be the primary target, comprising 61.2% of all attacks.

In 2023, financial phishing remained a significant threat, accounting for 27.32% of all phishing attacks on corporate users and 30.68% on home users. E-shop brands were identified as the top lure, with 41.65% of financial phishing attempts.

Additionally, PayPal phishing represented 54.78% of phishing pages targeting electronic payment system users. The report also highlighted a 16% year-on-year growth in cryptocurrency phishing, with 5.84 million detections in 2023 compared to 5.04 million in 2022.

E-shop phishing was identified as the most prevalent, recording 41.65% of all financial phishing pages. Amazon emerged as the most mimicked online store, accounting for 34% of phishing attempts, followed by Apple at 18.66% and Netflix at 14.71%. PayPal was the most targeted payment system, with 54.73% of attacks.

Cryptocurrency-related phishing and scams continued to grow, with Kaspersky preventing 5,838,499 attempts to follow cryptocurrency-themed phishing links – a 16% increase on 2022. Scammers mimicked cryptocurrency exchanges and offered coins in the name of large enterprises like Apple.

“Money has always been a magnet for cybercriminals, and a substantial portion of malware attacks are financially motivated. The surge in mobile malware witnessed last year highlights a concerning trend in cybercrime.

“With the emergence of new and aggressive malware strains, attackers are evolving their tactics to target mobile devices more aggressively. This underscores the imperative for individuals and businesses to maintain heightened vigilance, update protective measures, and fortify device security accordingly,” commented Igor Golovin, a security expert at Kaspersky.


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Payment Link Integration as Growth Driver for E-commerce Businesses

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The African e-commerce market grossed USD 277.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 939.8 billion in 2023. However, with a global cart abandonment rate of 70%, many of which are related to payment issues, there is a clear need for ecommerce businesses in Nigeria and beyond to provide seamless and efficient transactions to increase their revenue and scale. An effective payment solution for e-commerce businesses is payment link integration.

Payment link integration emerges as a powerful tool for e-commerce businesses to facilitate payment in a convenient and streamlined way. This SeerBit article delves into what a payment link is, how it works, and its benefits for your ecommerce business.

What Is a Payment Link?

A payment link is a unique, shareable URL that directs the customer to a secure payment page where they can make payment for their purchase. This method ensures a seamless and streamlined payment process for customers, particularly removing the need for a physical card or a card terminal. A business can generate this link for any specific transaction and send it directly to the customer through one of several possible channels (email, social media, SMS, etc.).

Payment links make payments convenient for both businesses and customers. Even e-commerce businesses without a website can receive payments online with a payment link. For e-commerce businesses with websites, online payment link integration allows them to boost sales by selling their products on other platforms beyond the business’ website.

Here’s How Your E-commerce Business Benefits from Payment Link Integration
Implementing payment links in your e-commerce setup can offer several advantages that streamline the purchasing process for you and your customers. Here are some reasons why you should integrate payment links for your e-commerce business:

Customer Experience and Convenience
Payment links provide a convenient way for customers to complete transactions without having to navigate through a complex checkout process. This improves the customer experience during shopping as they can pay with ease. With just a click on the payment link, customers can quickly and easily make a purchase, reducing the likelihood of cart abandonment.

Flexibility
Payment links offer your business flexibility in receiving payments, as they can be customised for different types of transactions. It supports multiple payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, etc., allowing you to cater to your customer’s preferred payment method. Consequently, you have more successful transactions and an increased customer satisfaction level.

Improved Cash Flow
With payment links, the speed and efficiency of payments increase. Consequently, this helps to improve your business’s cash flow. The accompanying ease of payments also means that customers are more willing to part with their money, thereby boosting your bottom line.

Security
Payment links are typically hosted on secure payment gateways, ensuring the safety of sensitive customer information during transactions. By leveraging trusted payment providers and encryption technologies, you can instil confidence in your customers and protect their data from unauthorised access.

Reduces Payment Processing Error
Payment link ensures efficiency in the payment process, leaving little room for processing errors. It also ensures that customers don’t have to manually type in their payment information, hence cutting out the risks of human errors, such as wrong billing address or credit card information in the payment process.

Mobile-friendly
As mobile commerce continues to grow, having a mobile-friendly payment solution is crucial. Payment links are inherently mobile-friendly, allowing customers to complete transactions directly from their smartphones, whether they’re on the go or at home.

Tracking and Analytics
Payment links often come with built-in tracking and analytics features that provide valuable insights into customer behaviour, transaction trends, and sales performance. By analysing this data, you can make informed decisions to optimise your ecommerce strategy and maximise revenue.

How To Create a Payment Link for Online Payment
Creating a payment link to receive online payment involves the following steps:

Choose a payment gateway provider
The first step is to partner with a reliable payment gateway like SeerBit that offers payment links as part of its service. Read our blog post on what to consider when choosing a payment provider to help you make the right choice. A few factors to consider are your business needs, security, compatibility, and pricing structure. SeerBit easily checks all the boxes.

Create a SeerBit account
Once you’ve decided on SeerBit as your payment gateway provider, the next thing is to create your SeerBit account. This is a straightforward process that involves providing your business’ information and completing the KYC process for compliance.

Access and set up the payment link feature
SeerBit offers payment links as a part of its service. Once you’re logged in, you can create a payment link in your dashboard which you send to your customers. This link works for both one-time and recurring payments.

To set up your payment link, go to “Payments” on your dashboard, click on “Payment Links,” then “Create Payment Link” and fill in the required details. A link will be created afterward which you can send to your customer via email, messenger apps, social media, invoice, or QR code.

Conclusion
By integrating payment links into your ecommerce business, you make payments very convenient for your customers and considerably improve your customer satisfaction. SeerBit payment link offers you an easy payment collection process while allowing you to cater to your customers’ payment needs. SeerBit also uses the best security tools and the latest encryption and tokenization technologies to ensure the security of transactions and customer payment information.


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