General News
Tech’ll Fuel Changes in MEA Education Sector- Salcito
Anthony Salcito is the vice president, Education for Microsoft Corporation’s Worldwide Public Sector organization. Under the role, Salcito works with education institutions and partners globally to embrace technology to optimize learning environments and student achievement.
He oversees the worldwide execution of Microsoft’s vision for education and its partnership and technology outreach efforts via the Worldwide Partners in Learning, Partners for Technology Access, and Public and Private Alliances programmes.
The education innovation enthusiast has been a Member of the Advisory Board of RM Educational Software, Inc. since April 2010.
Prior to the role, Salcito served as Director of HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc until February 03, 2012. Salcito helped launch the U.S. Partners in Learning program in 2003, which was recognized in 2009 with the Public-Private Partnership Award from the U.S. National Governors Association, among other accolades.
With Microsoft’s key role at the Inaugural BETT Middle East Leadership Forum & Expo, held in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Education Council at Intercontinental Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Salcito in an interview with peter ugwu re-echoed Microsoft’s innovations in education as driven by the penchant interest to empowering global leaders towards solving challenges confronting education systems. Excerpt
Significances of Inaugural BETT Middle East Leadership Forum & Expo
The Forum accords us the opportunity to learn, emphasis on the need to progress. This is a time in history that is very critical to push hard and drive for innovation and change in schools. So we need to challenge each other to push harder and faster for the changes needed in the education sector.
Global Educational Challenges and Microsoft’s Identified Solutions
That is very right. One of the things we have seen as a challenge is: teachers need support, training, encouragement and that is applicable in any part of the world. We have been investing and working hard on tools for online training through Microsoft Educator Support.
I was in Skype session with teachers in Nigeria a couple of weeks ago, to train them on Microsoft platform.
It is very remarkable for us to celebrate these teachers; make them feel special. These teachers are our heroes.
Another thing we have seen globally is that teachers are unprepared for the changes and dynamics in education.
Now, we are working in line with UNESCO teachers’ capacity framework to help them, building a community for them to share their ideas.
We also see leaders struggling for change. There is a change in skills, likewise the cultural changes; universally that is a challenge. We have working Microsoft Education Leadership Transformation Framework which is a way of assisting the leaders embrace the kind of change they want to see in schools. So, we are working hard to see these achieved.
From the technology standpoint, we see some challenges as well. Access to bandwidth is a challenge. Microsoft is working to develop technologies that can function in low connectivity domains, as well as working with innovations to extend connectivity leveraging on TV broadband or whitespaces to extend the low cost connectivity to schools.
Microsoft Office365, Azure and Relevance to Transforming Education
One of the things to note is the value preposition Office365 has with regards to skill sets. The International Data Corporation (IDC) reported that globally Office365 is one of the top five skills requested.
The peculiarity is that, it is built on Word, PowerPoint, Excel experiences, but extends to Cloud ideation where teachers can share and connect to other classrooms around the world.
It contains tools where teachers can collaborate and share ideas; teachers can have one-to-one relationship with the students.
All that functionality and capability are provided in Office365 for free; a secured cloud environment where schools can manage innovation.
They can integrate their systems such as a Module (Learning) Management System to the Office365, as an endpoint solution at a very low cost.
So, we think that it is a very powerful set of tools for schools and Microsoft is working to providing training and materials to help schools leverage it; help teachers connect it, teach. For schools that have ‘Office’ for clients, a lot of the connectivity solutions are supported, because you can take notes in OneNote or manage emails…and they synchronize, especially when you have connection; and without connection you can still do your work. So, we are thinking ahead to bring seamless, affordable and adaptable solutions to every region.
Microsoft’s Assessment of MEA, Leadership and Preparedness for 21st Century Education Requirements
I would say that the reality of embracing technology is supported. I think we need to ask: are we really ready for changes that will happen in the classroom?
There are leaders in the regions (Middle East and Africa, MEA), who are seeing the changes in the classrooms. Globally, no leader in each of the regions think they are done.
The best schools in the developed countries would want to continue to push forward and there are many other countries that want to move faster. So, there is universal acceptance and the willingness to embrace the change.
Secondly, the change is really about technology as the core element. We know, the change requires leadership, people, and holistic embrace of the changes as quick as possible.
Technology will always be the fuel for the change; it will optimize, such as the learning requirements, opportunities for students, how content can be more personalized. Those things can be powered by technology, but technology shouldn’t be just the focus of the change.
Skill Sets for Relevance in 21st Century Work, Education, Environments, Etc.,
When we think about skills, from the workplace perspective, then, we are focusing on students who are great in communication, collaborations, critical thinking, creativity, and a lot of Microsoft’s products are designed to help people achieve this.
With and from the Cloud platform, companies communicate, collaborate and pass critical information to express ideas even with the PowerPoint. So, we have a number of products and the kids are excited about it by expressing their ideas with technology. Importantly, we are working with teachers to embrace how we assess the skills. Microsoft is committed to redefining the skills set relevant in the 21st century work environment by providing the kids with the tools while they are in school. As employers we need the students coming from schools to be well equipped.
Another skill that is really critical to Nigeria is entrepreneurship. We need to create the entrepreneurial mindset for students; not only to work for large companies like Microsoft, but to build ‘Microsofts’ in Nigeria.
4Afrika Initiative
A number of the 4Afrika initiatives are education specific. We work from everything around connectivity to providing tools like Office365, providing trainings for school leaders to drive the impact and providing business (startups). A number of universities are participating in that test in creating new startups.
Two key pillars of 4Afrika initiative are: Access and Skills. Access implies to connectivity; that is where emphasis on leveraging TV whitespaces or spectrum to provide access to the people. The skills development are through trainings to teachers, and molding or developing the students at very younger age.
Microsoft’s Penchant Interest in Education
Education is a priority for Microsoft as we invest, not only in resources, people, and developers, to think about how we can support the space. And this is something that will continue for Microsoft going-forward. It is needed and will thrive through a combination of working with the school leaders to drive the change, getting Insights from teachers and students on how we can build tools and products they need. Every school has a programme and expectation, so we will continue to support them in achieving those programmes.
Microsoft Enabled Hardware/Devices to Drive Education Contents
Yeah, for the most parts what we have been planning to do is work with manufacturers to produce lower cost-effective technologies that leapfrog some of the contents. There are some devices we have.
They are rugged, embrace smart-pens, convertible/detachable and are delivered to the people locally. It is really a priority for us. We want to gain and retain confidence in Windows 10 as platform for developers and hardware manufacturers to build on, while the Office365 provides the unrivaled connectivity experiences.
Message to African Leaders from BETT’16
I think, the change that we should aspire to be is big and not compromised by the realities of connectivity and budgets are presented today. We have the opportunity to change the mindsets of the kids, develop them to be employable and expand the footprints on the Continent.
Korea is one of the best performing countries in the world. If you paint the picture of connectivity downtimes about 50 years ago, you will see a completely different landscape. We need leaders in Africa to project 50 years ahead on what is possible and stand the foundation on the kids in classes today. And when you work with partners like Microsoft, be assured that with shared Insights we can together build solutions to see-off the challenges. Thank you.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has raised the alarm that some corrupt Nigerian politicians are now hiding their illicit wealth in cryptocurrencies to evade scrutiny and detection by anti-graft agencies.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman, EFCC
The EFCC boss said the agency had uncovered a growing trend where fraudulent public officials now used cryptocurrency wallets to stash stolen public funds and conduct illicit transactions.
Olukoyede made the revelation at an event commemorating Africa Anti-Corruption Day.
The event was held simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan, Oyo State.
Other speakers at the event lamented that Nigerians usually fell victim to crypto fraud, including the recent CBEX scam, where Nigerians lost over N1.3tn.
Olukoyede said, “Virtual asset fraud is on the rise. Our findings show that fraudulent politicians are already perfecting schemes and hiding their loot in cryptocurrencies to beat the investigative blackness of anti-corruption agencies.
“Stolen funds and unexplained wealth are being warehoused in wallets and payment for services are being done through this window,” he said.
Olukoyede warned that while the rise of virtual assets had transformed financial transactions globally, it had also created new avenues for money laundering and financial crimes.
He said, “Technology is moving at a supersonic speed around the world.
“The advent of virtual assets is a response to one of the qualities of money as a store of value like it is known in our elementary economies.”
“However, as with every progressive innovation, fraud starts to usually evolve, evolve ways of perverting their genuine purposes,” he said.
He added that the EFCC was not helpless in the face of the sophisticated schemes, noting that proactive training and intelligence sharing had enabled the commission to identify and investigate such cases.
Airtel Nigeria, telecommunications and digital solutions provider, has reemphasised its commitment to national development with a two-day workshop for companies in Nigeria’s Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) and utility sectors.
Held from July 8 to 9, 2025 at the Lagos Continental, the exclusive event brought together C-suite executives and industry thought leaders to co-create transformative and tech-driven solutions for these critical industries.
Themed “Banking on Innovation: Powering Financial Services with Connectivity” on 1 and “Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Leap: Smarter Networks, Smarter Business” on Day 2, the sessions were designed to identify critical pain points, unlock business potential, and drive smarter, more connected operations across two of the nation’s most essential sectors.
Delivering the keynote address, Dinesh Balsingh, Managing Director/CEO of Airtel Nigeria, reaffirmed Airtel’s dedication to enabling and driving Nigeria’s digital transformation across the finance and energy sectors.
Speaking on the timeliness of the workshop, Airtel Nigeria’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh said, “From power and water to finance, transportation, and logistics, this is a defining moment for every sector. The real question isn’t whether to adopt digital solutions, but how quickly and intelligently we can do so. At Airtel Nigeria, we’re moving beyond basic connectivity and becoming a true digital partner to the industries we serve.”
He highlighted Airtel’s categories of enterprise solutions that has been created to improve quality of life. These groupings include Internet of Things (IoT) for such services as smart metering, leak detection, energy optimisation, and real-time asset tracking; Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS), which enables secure, multi-channel customer engagement via SMS, WhatsApp, Voice, and USSD; as well asl Network as a Service (NaaS), which delivers flexible, secure connectivity with cloud-ready agility.
Mr. Balsingh added that, “Nigeria’s power and energy industries are under growing pressure to modernise. Legacy infrastructure, fragmented systems, and lack of real-time visibility are major obstacles. Airtel is stepping in with the right tools, not just to connect, but to transform. With IoT, CPaaS, and NaaS, we’re laying the groundwork for smarter operations, improved service delivery, and better outcomes for businesses and consumers alike.”
Abhishek Biswal, Chief Business Officer, Digital Services at Airtel India, brought substantial insight to the discourse with a demonstration of Airtel’s IoT Hub and its transformative impact on energy distribution.
Biswal said, “The future of finance and energy is digital, and that future must be secure, scalable, and seamless. When financial players and utility providers partner with telcos like Airtel, we’re not just connecting systems; we’re building a smarter digital ecosystem for everyone.”
Reinforcing the CEO’s position, Ogo Ofomata, Director, Airtel Business, called for collaboration among the participating sector and their stakeholders.
“We don’t take lightly the trust you have put in us. Airtel operates in what we call the enabler industry. Sometimes we don’t even know there’s a problem until we come together like this. This workshop is about understanding your needs and working side by side to design solutions that truly fit,” she said.
In his remarks, Luc Serviant, Group Enterprise Business Director at Airtel Africa, highlighted the company’s role in driving digital transformation through sustained investments in 5G and LEO satellite connectivity, aimed at boosting remote operations and expanding access in underserved regions across the finance and energy sectors.
He said, “At Airtel, we understand that the future of is going digital, and reliable connectivity is the backbone of that future. From 5G to LEO satellite integration, we are investing in intelligent infrastructure that empowers service providers to operate more efficiently, respond in real-time, and deliver uninterrupted services to millions of Nigerians. This isn’t just about innovation; it’s about building the digital foundation that will power the nation’s next chapter.”
This workshop, which continues the series of sectoral engagements within Nigeria’s growing economy, concluded with feedback from stakeholders who called for the inclusion of regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in future editions.
The Credit Fund of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund has successfully closed its first investment, committing $10 million to Telecel Global Services Ltd, through a senior secured amortising loan.
The transaction marks a significant milestone in the operationalisation of the Fund. The Credit Fund is one of three Funds under the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, established by the AfCFTA Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to provide targeted transitional support to AfCFTA State Parties and private sector entities as they adjust to the requirements and opportunities presented by the AfCFTA Agreement.
Telecel Global Services, a subsidiary of the Mauritius based Telecel Group, provides wholesale voice and SMS services and enterprise connectivity solutions to more than 250 telecoms operators across Africa and globally.
With digital connectivity being at the heart of the trade and economic integration and success of the AfCFTA, this facility will support Telecel’s expansion in Ghana and Liberia, strengthen its infrastructure, and contribute to bridging Africa’s digital divide through enhanced connectivity and digital inclusion.
By investing in digital infrastructure in underserved markets, the Fund is helping reduce trade barriers, foster cross-boarder productivity and accelerate inclusive industrialization. Mr. Jean-Louis Ekra, Chairman of the Board of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Corporation, stated: “
The closing of our first deal marks a historic milestone for the Credit Fund and the broader vision of the AfCFTA.
This US$10 million investment in Telecel Global Services is a clear demonstration of how targeted capital can drive meaningful impact—accelerating digital connectivity, enabling intraAfrican trade, and supporting private sector-led development in priority sectors.
It is our commitment to ensure that such investments continue to bridge critical gaps, stimulate economic resilience, and unlock Africa’s vast potential.”
H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, noted: “This transaction demonstrates how the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund is beginning to serve its intended purpose – supporting State Parties and the private sector as we work to make this Agreement commercially meaningful.
By investing in digital infrastructure, we are addressing some of the most critical enablers of trade facilitation, industrialisation, and regional value chain development.”
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, added: “Today, we make another bold statement of our unwavering intent to ensure that Africans reap the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
We are proud to have commenced the operationalisation of the Credit Fund. With this Fund, we will provide vital support to African corporates, helping them retool and expand their operations necessary to capitalise on the AfCFTA opportunities.
The investment strengthens a critical enabler, the digital economy and regional connectivity, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to transforming the structure of the African economy.”
Marlene Ngoyi, CEO, FEDA, the Fund Manager of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, said: “This investment exemplifies the strategic intent of the Credit Fund – to catalyse growth and resilience in sectors that are vital for Africa’s structural transformation.
We are proud to partner with Telecel, whose operations directly advance intra-African connectivity and digital trade.”
The Credit Fund will continue to prioritise commercially viable investments that enable trade, support diversification, and promote inclusive growth in line with the broader AfCFTA implementation agenda.
EFCC Says Corrupt Politicians are Using Crypto Wallets to Launder Money
UBA Expands to More African Cities, Stamps Footprint in Saudi Arabia
NCC Speaks of Plans to Secure Telecom Infrastructure Nationwide
Africa’s Lawmakers Commit to Strengthening AI, Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing Frameworks
Ecobank Plans to Raise $250m Capital Through Private Placement
E-Financial2 days agoGOEs’ Remit Over ₦2tn to FG in 2024
News1 day agoCheck Point Report Finds Africa as Top Target for Cyber-attacks
Telecom2 days agoSave & Win: FCMB Promo Makes 12 Millionaires, Over 3,000 Winners
Telecom2 days agoMTN’s Karl Toriola and Business Leaders Champion Corporate Climate Reform
General News2 days agoSenate Orders Full Probe into N1.3 Trillion CBEX Ponzi Scandal
E-Business2 days agoNITDA Reaffirms Commitment to 95% Digital Literacy by 2030, as UBEC Pledges Collaboration
General News2 days agoUpSkill Universe Launches ‘Skills for Business’ to Empower 10,000 African SMEs, in Collaboration with HP and Google
Telecom2 days agoAnambra Deepens Digital Reforms, Eyes Top Ranking in Ease of Doing Business