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How STEP is Empowering Startups and Talent in Africa
Africa is rapidly becoming a hotbed for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements. Yet, for many startups and talented individuals, the journey from concept to market traction and revenue is often fraught with challenges. Enter the Startup and Talent Enhancement Program (STEP), a pioneering initiative by IDEA Africa, with support from the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub. STEP is not just a program; it’s a transformative force empowering startups and talent across Africa to scale up and achieve sustainable growth.
The vision of STEP is simple yet profound: to bridge the gap between potential and success for startups that have moved beyond the post-revenue stage but are struggling with technical debt, growth hacking, marketing, and other critical areas. How? By giving them access to a large pool of professionally trained talent, strategic market advice from industry experts with years of experience, and a community with like-minded people and fellow founders. By providing targeted intervention and strategic resources, STEP ensures that these startups are not just surviving but thriving.
STEP’s approach is holistic, providing support in multiple areas crucial for startup success. From offering technical assistance, helping startups overcome technical debt and improve their product offerings to providing growth hacking strategies and tools to drive rapid growth and scale operations, to offering marketing insights and resources to effectively market products and reach the right audience and also assisting startups in developing robust business strategies that ensure long-term success.
STEP is committed to empowering individual talent and helping mentors attain fulfilment. By connecting skilled professionals and experienced mentors with high-potential startups, STEP not only helps these individuals find meaningful work and fulfilment but also fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. This creates a dynamic ecosystem where both startups, talent and mentors can thrive.
To maintain the quality and impact of the program, STEP employs a rigorous selection process. Startups are evaluated based on their growth potential, market fit, and alignment with STEP’s objectives. This ensures that only the most promising startups, ready to embrace transformative changes, are chosen. The result is a cohort of high-potential startups primed for success.
Why STEP?
We are not just another initiative, but an organisation committed to transforming lives and businesses. We believe in the power of local startups to drive economic growth and create jobs. With tailored support and resources, we help you overcome challenges and reach new heights. Also, we provide comprehensive talent and mentor support, connecting you with skilled professionals who can help take your business to the next level. At STEP, we are dedicated to the professional growth of individuals. Through our program, selected talent will receive upskilling opportunities and access to job placements that match their skills, ensuring a bright future for all.
Application Details:
Key Dates:
- Application Period: July 22nd – August 31st, 2024
How to Apply for Startups, Talent and Mentors:
- Click www.steptech.ng
- Select your track
- Create an account with us
- Verify your email
- Log in to start your application
How to Apply for Hubs:
- Send a mail to [email protected] with “Hub Application” as the subject
Join Us in Transforming the Startup Ecosystem
We invite all innovators, from startups to mentors, talent, and hubs, to join us in this exciting journey. STEP is your opportunity to make a significant impact, drive innovation, and contribute to the growth of the startup ecosystem in Enugu, Rivers, and Ekiti states.
“Scaleup with STEP” is not just a call to action; it is a testament to the potential and resilience of African startups and talent. By providing targeted support, fostering connections, and driving innovation, STEP is paving the way for a brighter future in Africa’s tech landscape. Join STEP today and be a part of this incredible transformation.
Join Our Community
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates, success stories, and live Q&A sessions. One of the most vital parts of STEP is the community that we are creating. By joining STEP, you join a community of like-minded innovators, tech enthusiasts, and industry experts. This community is a place to collaborate, share experiences, and form long-term connections that can help your startup grow.
Follow STEP’s innovative and exciting journey on social media platforms @steptechnigeria on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
For more information, visit our website or contact us at [email protected].
Telecom
VCON 2024: QNET Boosts Wellness Products with Cutting-Edge Technology
QNET, a leading brand in the global direct selling industry, has disclosed significant improvements to its health and wellness products, leveraging the latest advancements in technology.
This development was announced at the ongoing V-Malaysia Conference (VCON) at the Penang Spice Convention Center, Penang in Malaysia, marking QNET’s 26th anniversary and the beginning of a new business model to foster entrepreneurship, self-reliance, personal development, and contribute to the economic growth of communities.
With 8000 people from 30+ countries in attendance, including Nigeria, the company’s representatives demonstrated how the improved health and wellness products enhance the overall health benefits and user experience, which further highlighted QNET’s commitment to innovation, well-being and genuine products and services.
According to Techeconomy.ng, QNET has integrated advanced biotechnology and nanotechnology into its nutritional supplements and personal care products which were unveiled at the conference themed: ‘Unstoppable’.
Read Also: V-Convention Underscores QNET’s Commitment to Transparency and Accountability – Biram Fall
These upgrades are designed to improve bioavailability, ensuring that essential nutrients are absorbed more effectively by the body.
Some of the improved products QNET unveiled at V-Malaysia 2024 are; EDG3 Plus, Amezcua Bio Disc 3, Amezcua Chi Pendant 4 and Amezcua E-Guard X, while its lifestyle products include the Home Pure Nova and Home Pure Zayn.
EDG3 Plus is a mixed-berry flavored powder supplement that contains amino acids that the body uses to produce glutathione. Glutathione is said to protect DNA from free radicals, fight pathogens, and pollutants.
On the other hand, the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4 is a wearable wellness device designed to balance a wearer’s energy field and promote overall health.
While Amezcua products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, they are designed with Amezcua’s proprietary pendant technology to maintain specific frequencies that harmonize the wearer’s biofield.
The pendant is said to, among other things, support against stress, protect from electronic pollution, promote quality sleep, and enhance productivity and creativity.
Read Also: QNET Reaffirms Commitment to Adhere to Ethical Practices, Local Laws & Regulations
The Amezcua Bio Disc 3 is a product that is said to restructure water molecules and increase energy levels.
During the demonstration session, the QNET team said Amezcua Bio Disc 3 is part of a holistic approach to pain management that also includes the Bio Light 3, which is designed to provide natural pain relief.
According to QNET, the enhanced product line will[D2] , help boost energy levels in the body thereby improving mental clarity, physical endurance and overall wellness. The company’s focus on research and development ensures that its products are not only scientifically backed but also align with modern health trends.
During a media chat, Mr. Trevor Kuna, the chief marketing officer (CMO) of QNET, said that with a local presence in 30 countries and a multilingual global support centre servicing 12+ languages across 14 hubs worldwide, QNET ensures seamless experience for its vast network of distributors and customers.
The company also boasts of six global logistics hubs and more than 50 product stockists globally, “further solidifying our international footprint”, he said.
He described Africa as an important market for QNET, He said QNET is contributing towards community development and empowerment of entrepreneurs to make extra income through direct selling on the continent.
According to Kuna, QNET’s business model does not support a ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality, rather a resilient spirit to remain ‘unstoppable’ despite challenges.
Read Also: QNET Unveils Amezcua Bio Light 3 & Bio Disc 3 for Peak Athletic Performance
He said the company will continue to partner with local authorities to weed out people who do not comply with the company’s ethical marketing policies. This, he said, will ensure only genuine Independent Representatives (IRs) of QNET get to promote QNET products to the public.
“QNET is a global direct selling company that sells products and services in areas such as health and nutrition, personal care, home and living, travel and luxury, and education. QNET’s business model aims to foster entrepreneurship, self-reliance, personal development, and contribute to the economic growth of communities”, he explained.
VCON also witnessed the unveiling of QNET’s Watch and Jewellery brand “Bernhard H. Mayer’s” Serendipity Collection, featuring jewellery made from sustainable materials and the Limited-Edition Wave Rider watch, highlighting QNET’s commitment to sustainable luxury.
Telecom
100Pay Expands Crypto Adoption with $200K Startup Fund
100Pay, one of the leading players in the crypto payments industry, has announced a significant step forward in promoting cryptocurrency adoption across Nigeria with the launch of a $200,000 startup fund.
In addition to the funding, the platform also unveiled its new 4,000-square-meter headquarters in Port Harcourt, signaling a major step in its expansion plans across Africa.
The initiative, according to the crypto firm, is designed to support businesses and startups focused on integrating crypto payments into their operations, particularly through 100Pay’s innovative PAY Checkout platform.
The company said in a statement that the $200K fund aims to empower startups driving crypto adoption through PAY checkout, enabling them to access resources and support needed to implement crypto transactions in physical stores, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps.
Some of the startups that already benefited from the fund include Everest Mobility, a ride-sharing platform; Cloudnotte, an edutech firm dedicated to making education more accessible; and Meedleman, an escrow service designed to protect freelancers and ensure timely payments.
According to 100Pay, its PAY token, which offers users discounted crypto payments, is central to this program, providing businesses with a seamless way to accept digital currencies straight to their local bank accounts.
“With over 20,000 businesses already onboard, we’re focused on making crypto more accessible for Nigerian businesses,” said Brainy Josh, CEO and founder of 100Pay.
“Our $200K startup fund is a key part of that vision, giving businesses the tools and support to attract crypto-savvy customers,” Josh remarked.
Josh revealed that the company’s infrastructure enables payment acceptance in over 20 cryptocurrencies.
He highlighted the platform’s capability for swift conversions from USDT and PAY tokens to Naira, thereby eliminating the need for peer-to-peer transactions.
He also disclosed that 100Pay’s infrastructure is driving HXAfrica, a Security and Exchange Commission-licensed housing exchange. According to him, HXAfrica simplifies real estate investment through tokenization.
The CEO disclosed that it is partnering with Nano Apps, a cross-platform app store, to support app developers within its ecosystem.
“We are also forming strategic partnerships with major tech and retail brands, including LG, Samsung, Hisense, and BRUHM.”
The company is also working with top e-commerce platforms, ride-sharing services, and utility payment apps to integrate its PAY Checkout system.
In terms of expansion, 100Pay is also creating job opportunities, with over 50 new hires and plans to add 1,000 jobs in the next 24 months, the CEO said.
“The company’s Port Harcourt headquarters is home to a growing team of engineers and customer support specialists,” he stated.
Telecom
Leverage technology to drive Nigeria’s STI, NOTAP DG urges stakeholders
Dr Obiageli Amadiobi, Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has admonished stakeholders in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem to leverage on technology and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to drive to foster Nigeria’s STI commercialisation.
Speaking at a press briefing to commemorate the ‘African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property,’ Amadiobi said Technology and Intellectual Property Rights system have long been recognized as the foremost important factor in nation building and wealth creation.
She said, “Ideas and knowledge are increasingly becoming veritable instruments in international trade relations as codified in the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) under the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement to which Nigeria has been a signatory since January 1, 1995.”
According to the NOTAP boss, the commemoration demonstrates the great importance which the African nations place on Science, Technology and Innovation as an engine that drives development.
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