Broadcasting
A Policy Blueprint for a New Era of African Innovation
By Doron Avni, VP, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Emerging Markets, Google
The dawn of the AI age presents a unique opportunity for Africa. With the right policies, the continent can experience accelerated socio-economic progress. According to a recent study by Public First, AI could increase the Sub-Saharan African economy by over $30 billion annually, and is already revolutionizing various African sectors.
For instance, AI-powered ultrasound checks are accessible in remote areas, AI combined with satellite imagery helps assess village electrification, and AI and cloud connect youth with jobs via mobile search. As the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid wrote at the introduction to the recently adopted Continental AI Strategy: AI “is seen as a driving force for positive change, socio-economic transformation, and cultural renaissance.”
Strong government policy is crucial for unlocking Africa’s AI potential, and new research confirms this critical link. The Google-commissioned AI Policy Blueprint for Africa report by Nextrade Group, which surveyed over 2,000 African students, businesses, and organizations, reveals a striking connection between policy readiness and AI adoption. The report demonstrates a clear correlation: African countries with established, pro-AI digital policy frameworks also have significantly higher AI adoption rates than their peers with less mature policy frameworks. This is especially timely as governments across the continent are actively working on AI strategies at the national level, with some already having adopted them. This data underscores the vital role governments play in creating an environment where AI can flourish.
To guide this crucial government leadership, the AI Policy Blueprint report provides a practical roadmap. Building upon the foundational recommendations from Google’s AI Sprinters report, this blueprint offers specific policy guidance across four key pillars: infrastructure, skills development, investment in innovation, and responsible AI regulation. For each pillar, the blueprint outlines specific policy actions African nations can take to accelerate AI adoption and maximize its benefits for their citizens. The report was designed to help policymakers in the task of translating the exciting vision of the recent AU Continental AI Strategy into practical policies aimed at achieving it.
One of the most important recommendations the report makes is on data readiness. The blueprint emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to high-quality datasets that reflect Africa’s diversity. Governments can achieve this by opening up non-sensitive public data for AI development, promoting data transfer across borders, and encouraging the use of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs). The blueprint also stresses the importance of harmonized data protection frameworks to ensure privacy and security as AI systems are deployed. Crucially, the blueprint advocates for a “cloud-first” approach in the public sector, where governments prioritize cloud-based solutions for data storage and service delivery.
By migrating to the cloud, governments can effectively manage and process the vast amounts of data required for AI, unlocking its potential to improve public services and address critical challenges. The report, scanning the global horizon for AI policies, mentions Singapore as a prime example, where the government has issued guidelines that allow for greater flexibility in using personal data for AI development while still protecting privacy.
This call for government leadership is echoed by the very people who stand to benefit most from AI. The report reveals a groundswell of excitement among African businesses, especially fast-growing firms, with many seeing AI as “absolutely transformative” for their operations and predicting significant revenue gains—as much as 20% annually. In fact, almost 90% are already applying AI to research, data analysis, marketing content creation, and even coding. Moreover, a majority of Africans believe AI can boost productivity and accelerate national development. These individuals and businesses expressed hope that governments will proactively support this progress by ensuring AI is used safely and responsibly, equipping young people with essential AI skills, and helping small businesses leverage this powerful technology.
Governments must also lead by example, actively adopting AI within their own operations to demonstrate its value and build public trust. The report found overwhelming support for this approach, with over 80% of respondents agreeing that governments should invest in AI to improve public service delivery. Adoption of AI by governments not only improves government efficiency but also inspires confidence in AI across all sectors, encouraging wider adoption.
At Google, we are committed to being a steadfast partner for African governments, businesses, and individuals on their journey to capture the vast opportunities presented by AI. We believe in the power of technology to drive progress and improve lives, and we are dedicated to supporting Africa’s digital transformation. Our recent announcements, including a $5.8 million commitment to AI skills development and the expansion of speech technology to include 15 more African languages, demonstrate our ongoing investment in the continent’s future. We are committed to working with African governments as they embrace AI, not just as policymakers but as active users, demonstrating its transformative potential to their citizens and the world. We are confident that by working together, we can unlock Africa’s immense potential and build a future where AI empowers everyone.
Showmax has released the trailer for the second season of its Nigerian Original epic drama series, Cheta M. The new season premieres on Monday, 6 January 2025 with three new episodes released every week.
This epic tale follows the star-crossed love story of Adanna (Oluchi Amajuoyi) and Nnanna (Kingsley Nwachukwu), whose bond is tested amid the escalating conflict between the kingdoms of Mgberi, led by the tyrannical King Jideofor (Kalu Ikeagwu), and Ajaani, ruled by the cunning patriarch Nze Ezeugo (Nonso Odogwu).
Their love faces formidable opposition from Ojigijaga (Jsmile Uhuru), the enigmatic spiritual shaman of Mgberi, and a web of envy, desire, and political scheming by those around them.
Season 1 ended on a dramatic note as Adanna and Nwoye’s (Nnamdi Agbo) wedding faced a series of shocking interruptions, from uninvited guests to Chidalu’s (Celia Okechukwu) brazen attempt to hijack the ceremony that led to her death.
At the heart of Season 2, Nnanna and Adanna’s love story is further tested with forgotten memories, their intertwined family histories, and the unrelenting forces threatening their bond. As they journey through the chaos, they must decide how much they are willing to risk and sacrifice for love and the fragile peace they yearn for.
“With Cheta M, we’re telling a story that’s rich in culture and layered with suspense, love, and spirituality”, says showrunner, James Omokwe who has been celebrated for his work on Showmax’ first Nigeria Original, Diiche as well as Africa Magic titles: Ajoche, Riona and Itura.
“This season, we wanted to explore not just the drama, but the raw humanity of our characters, their sacrifices, fears, and resilience. We know season one left a lot of questions and curiosity as to what happens next, and I’m looking forward to audiences unravelling the twists and revelations we’ve woven into this epic tale.”
The return of Cheta M builds on Showmax’s strong and growing lineup of Original content, which includes recent releases such as Princess on a Hill, Wura S3 and Style Magnate.
Cheta M Season 2 will premiere Monday, 6 January 2025, with three new episodes released weekly. Fans can also binge the first season on Showmax ahead of Season 2’s premiere.
Broadcasting
Bernhard H. Mayer’s Serendipity Collection by QNET: A Fusion of Luxury and Sustainability
In a bold fusion of elegance and responsibility, QNET is proud to present the Serendipity Collection by Bernhard H. Mayer, a stunning line of jewelry that combines luxury with sustainability. Crafted from recycled gold and ethically sourced gemstones, this collection represents a new standard in fine jewelry, blending timeless beauty with a commitment to the environment.
Designed to celebrate life’s serendipitous moments, each piece in the Serendipity Collection is a tribute to the delicate balance between nature and sophistication. The four-leaf clover, a symbol of luck, is reinterpreted with precision and artistry, transforming it into wearable treasures.
Key Features of the Serendipity Collection:
- Serendipity Luck Earrings & Pendant: Three versatile ways to wear – choose simple white gold hoops for understated elegance or add peridot and green garnet charms for a vibrant pop of color. These charms can also be worn as a pendant, making this set effortlessly adaptable.
- Serendipity Fortune Pendant & Earrings: This set captures the heart of luxury with 16 diamonds and a heart-shaped Swiss blue topaz, set in a four-leaf clover design made from recycled gold. It’s a symbol of prosperity and refined style.
- Serendipity Chance Pendant & Earrings: Merging four hearts into a modern clover, one heart is adorned with 21 diamonds for a dazzling display of synchronicity. Ideal for those who value understated glamour.
- Serendipity Bloom Earrings & Pendant: Inspired by nature, these garnet-encrusted flowers can be worn as delicate standalone earrings or paired with clover charms for a bolder look. Versatile and vibrant, they bring the essence of a blooming garden to life.
Trevor Kuna, Chief Marketing Officer of QNET, said, “The Serendipity Collection speaks to those who seek meaning in every moment.
“These pieces are not just about adornment, they’re a reflection of personal values—combining luxury with sustainability.”
Kuna further added that the design team made a point to emphasize the brand’s eco-conscious approach, saying “Every gemstone in this collection is ethically sourced, and every piece of gold used has been recycled.
“We believe true luxury is not only about beauty but also about making responsible choices for the planet.”
The Serendipity Collection is now available on QNET’s global e-commerce platform, offering customers the chance to embrace both elegance and ethical craftsmanship.
Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has launched a one-stop-shop website to provide Nigerians with information and resources on renewable energy.
L-R: Taiwo Tella-Ndukwe, Director of Operations; Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director; and Lovelyn Okafor, Director of Programmes, all of the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) during a media parley in Lagos.
The platform, dubbed Distributed Energy Resources (DER), aims to promote awareness and adoption of renewable energy solutions in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch event, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director of CADEF, emphasized the importance of exploring renewable energy alternatives.
“It’s not just about solar energy, but also solar cookers and hot water systems,” she said. “The key is to find options that fit within your budget.”
“The Nigerian government has set a target of generating at least 30% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. While this goal may be ambitious, CADEF is working to promote awareness and adoption of renewable energy solutions”.
The DER website provides information on renewable energy options, including solar power, financing options, and installers. It also offers a platform for individuals and businesses to explore solutions and connect with experts in the field.
CADEF is collaborating with government agencies, such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Power, to promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
The organization is also committed to promoting awareness and adoption of renewable energy solutions, particularly among rural communities.
In response to questions about affordability, Professor Ndukwe-Okafor emphasized that renewable energy solutions can be tailored to individual needs and budgets.
“While solar energy may not be affordable for everyone, it can provide a viable alternative for those who can afford it,” she said.
CADEF’s initiative is a step in the right direction towards promoting renewable energy in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with energy challenges, it is essential to explore alternative solutions that can provide sustainable and clean energy for all Nigerians.
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