News
Africa Online Safety Fund Announces Grant Winners
The Africa Online Safety Fund (AOSF), an initiative supported by Google.org, has announced the winners of this year’s grants. Among the recipients are six organisations operating in Nigeria: Access Drive Capacity Development Foundation, Epower, Lagos Mums Foundation, TechSocietal, Teens Can Code, and Zikoko Citizen.
The selection of the 22 winning organisations from seven countries was announced by Impact Amplifier (IA) from its headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa. Nigeria led the count with the highest number of awards, followed by five to South Africa and four each to Ghana and Kenya. Cameroon, Somalia, and Zimbabwe each had one winner.
These organisations, while representing seven countries, will implement internet safety interventions across 15 African countries in total. Just over 350 applications were received in the 2023 cohort, from which a shortlist of 40 entries made it for the final selection process.
Each of the eventual winners will receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Making the announcement, Impact Amplifier Director, Tanner Methvin said, “With over 500 million people having access to the internet in Africa, reflecting just under 40 per cent of the continent’s population, online safety issues are of critical concern.”
The AOSF, Methvin said, supports innovative approaches to addressing the complex safety issues the internet presents. “The winning innovative solutions range from unique ways of combating mis and disinformation, establishing investigative teams to track cyber criminals, supporting journalists targeted with hate speech and bullying, integrating online safety training into school curriculums, and much more.”
The AOSF offers grants to organisations throughout Africa that address one or more of the safety issues the internet facilitates. It is however focused on four primary countries: Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa in this funding round.
There are three categories of funding: Transformative, Maturing and Catalytic. Transformative projects are intended to be larger in scale, reach multiple geographies and/ or potentially large numbers of beneficiaries, and be scalable as a solution. The Maturing projects are intended to test ideas at a larger scale, try new ideas within existing projects, and reach new audiences. The Catalytic projects are intended to be smaller, targeted, and potentially only locally or culturally specific.
Transformative projects are a maximum grant of $50,000, Maturing projects up to $25,000, and Catalytic projects $10,000.
In addition to announcing the winners of the AOSF awards, Impact Amplifier, again with the support from Google.org, is developing the first Africa focused online safety research, education and support platform. Funding solutions to online safety since 2021, Impact Amplifier has realized that the only way to combat the scale of this challenge is by creating an ecosystem approach. Part of developing this ecosystem involves centralising some of the key tools needed for support. To this end it is developing an online platform, which aggregates all the research which has been done regarding online safety in Africa, making this key knowledge available to policy makers, civil society, academics, business and the general public. Additionally, the platform will be hosting education materials to teach children and adults alike how to protect themselves online. This content will include curriculum, testing materials, evaluation tools, and general awareness content, enabling anyone interested in learning how to protect themselves or others with easy access to all the content they need. Finally, despite our best protection efforts, online violations occur. Once someone has been the victim of an online crime or violation getting help is hard to navigate. To address this, the platform will centralise all the ways that people can seek support no matter where they are in Africa. This new platform will be launched in February 2024.
ABOUT THE NIGERIAN WINNERS:
The Access Drive Capacity Development Foundation (ACDF) https://accessdrive.org moulds leaders, promotes digital citizenship, and prepares students for a tech-driven future through immersive experiences, industry partnerships, and a focus on comprehensive capacity development, fostering problem solvers and innovators for Africa’s economic growth. The Foundation’s Digital Safety First project tackles the problem of early school dropouts by offering comprehensive online safety education for re-enrolled students in economically disadvantaged public secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. It focuses on children, parents, and teachers, with the establishment of DSF Clubs to ensure ongoing learning and peer mentoring, and training of parents and teachers with the necessary skills to guide and support students in their online experiences.
Epower www.epower.ng is a technology and digital education organization by Comcast Plus that is focused on promoting safe and responsible internet use, notably among younger generations, through the innovative Cyber Hygiene App. The app is complemented by physical and virtual training, policy collaboration, and the establishment of cyber hygiene clubs to foster a culture of cyber safety within schools. Epower’s Cyber Hygiene App is an innovative, multifaceted solution addressing cyberbullying and unsafe digital behaviour by providing education, awareness, and action. It offers specialized content for students, parents, and teachers.
Lagos Mums Foundation https://lagosmums.com/ offers parenting and family life resources, education, and support to help parents, caregivers, and educators in Africa raise children who are successful digital citizens in the 21st century, with a focus on online safety. The Lagos Mum Foundation will develop a culturally relevant Online Safety for Successful Digital Citizens program to provide accessible online safety training for Nigerian parents, youth, and teachers, addressing the lack of sustained awareness of online safety issues. This initiative aims to empower families with training to prevent cybercrimes, cyberbullying, and mis/disinformation, reducing the risks faced by children online.
TechSocietal (Aspire Youth Development Center) https://techsocietal.org/ reduces digital inequalities and empowers digital access, especially for vulnerable groups like women and underserved youth, through capacity building, network building, advisory services, and advocacy to promote online safety, digital rights, and gender equality. These efforts allow them to bridge the digital divide and address broader socio-economic inequalities among Nigerian youth. TechSocietal is planning to establish a ‘Community of Practice for Online Safety’. The aim of this platform is to foster nationwide stakeholder collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill-building to enhance online safety for women and children.
Teens Can Code https://teenscancode.com.ng/ expands technology education and opportunities for young Nigerians aged 9-23, integrating STEAM into the educational curriculum while supporting educators and students, with a focus on play and fun in their programs. Teens Can Code’s Virtually Safe Initiative will employ a holistic approach to enhance internet safety for young. It includes organizing hackathons, creating internet safety clubs in schools, hosting conferences, distributing educational materials, conducting research on online safety, addressing online gambling issues, advocating for policy changes, and sharing recommendations with stakeholders.
Zikoko Citizen https://www.zikoko.com/category/citizen/is a web and social media-based platform that simplifies politics, policy, and governance for young Nigerians, providing honest and trustworthy news analysis and encouraging informed action. Its Citizen Situation Room on WhatsApp actively combats fake news and misinformation by leveraging the widespread use of WhatsApp in Nigeria, reaching a broad audience quickly. This model also utilizes open-source intelligence to address local issues faster and encourages community fact-checking through trained members, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.
Zinox Technologies Limited, a leading ICT solutions provider in West Africa, has engaged with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in Abuja, marking a significant step towards advancing innovation and sustainable energy solutions within Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Zinox Chairman (left) and Arc. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary, TETFUND (right) after the meeting
Under the theme “Advancing Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” the meeting aimed to establish a collaborative framework for technological transformation.
The Zinox delegation was led by Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, its chairman, and included key members of the company’s executive management team.
On the TETFUND side, Arc. Sonny Echono, executive secretary, was joined by members of his top management team for the high-level discussions.
The highlight of the visit was the establishment of a strategic partnership between Zinox Technologies and TETFUND to provide renewable energy solutions to universities and polytechnics across Nigeria.
Additionally, Mrs. Kelechi Eze-Okonta, managing director, delivered a comprehensive, world-class presentation on the company’s diverse verticals and advanced ICT services, underscoring the need for intentional policy measures to support indigenous technologies for sustainable economic growth.
The TETFUND team expressed their appreciation for Zinox’s contributions to technology awareness, implementation, and adoption in Africa.
Arc. Sonny Echono, executive secretary of TETFUND, conveyed his deep appreciation for the visit by the Zinox team and commended Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh for his unwavering and impactful contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation, stating that efforts are underway to establish a framework for effective energy solutions in tertiary institutions.
Highlighting Zinox Technologies’ expertise and proven track record, Arc. Echono expressed optimism about partnering with the company to develop scalable and efficient power solutions for academic institutions.
While both organizations remain committed to implementing innovative initiatives that enhance institutional capacity across the nation’s higher education sector, the visit marks a significant milestone in establishing a strategic partnership to equip Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with the essential technological infrastructure for a sustainable, digitally-driven future.
In a heartfelt tribute, MTN has hailed late Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an exceptional leader, steady hand and enduring legacy.
Pascal Gabriel Dozie, Former Chairman
In the tribute, MTN said it was deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dozie, founding chairman of MTN Nigeria.
He passed away at the age of 85
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him” the telecom giant said.
A pioneer, statesman, and titan of industry, Dr. Dozie played a pivotal role in the emergence of mobile telephony in Nigeria and in shaping the MTN Nigeria story.
He brought insight, experience, and leadership at a time when bold vision was essential.
He was instrumental in securing the early support and investment that brought the Y’ello dream to life. On May 16, 2001, he made the first call on the MTN network, a historic moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey.
For 18 years, from 2001 to 2019, Dr. Dozie served as Chairman, leading with strength and conviction.
His presence on the Board was unifying. He championed good governance, corporate responsibility, and long-term value, deeply committed to the greater good. In challenging times, he remained a stabilising force.
“His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come,” Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria.
Some of his landmark contributions include:
The incorporation of the MTN Nigeria Foundation in 2004 and our commitment to dedicating a percentage of profit after tax to social investments;
The launch of one of Africa’s largest switching centres in 2010;
His significant role in 2015 during critical conversations around the regulatory fine and its resolution;
The introduction of Africa’s first 3G feature phone in 2018;
MTN Nigeria’s listing in 2019 on the premium board of the Nigerian Exchange.
“Dr. Dozie was instrumental in MTN Group’s expansion into Nigeria, providing visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our company’s history. His commitment to excellence and integrity set a standard that we continue to uphold,” Ralph Mupita, president & CEO, MTN Group.
His legacy goes well beyond MTN. He believed in Nigeria’s potential and dedicated his life to building a stronger nation.
His impact spanned banking, telecommunications, education, and public service.
He founded Diamond Bank, led the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, and served as Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, among many other distinguished roles. A generous mentor, he inspired and guided countless individuals who continue to uphold the values he lived by.
He was a quiet revolutionary. He could ease tensions with grace and consistently led with clarity and conviction.
He was warm, principled, and deeply respected by all who encountered him.
Fondly known as PGD, he was honoured with the national awards of Officer and Commander of the Order of the Niger (OON and CON).
Beyond the accolades, what we remember most is the man himself. He was innovative, dedicated, measured, thoughtful and humble.
“We are profoundly grateful for his time with us. His memory will remain a guiding light for MTN, Nigeria’s business community, and everyone who shares his unwavering commitment to progress built on integrity and service” MTN stated
Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in collaboration with Jigawa state government, commenced training of 150 youths on satellite technology and digital communication.
Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director, NIGCOMSAT limited,
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, held at Manpower development Dutse, Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director, NIGCOMSAT limited, highlighted the role of NIGCOMSAT in driving grassroots innovation in Jigawa state.
She explained that, the training is organised by Nigcomsat supported by Jigawa state government with the theme: “Space Technology for grassroots development”, aimed at empowering youths on digital innovations to create jobs opportunities and boost economy.
“The Nigcomsat youth empowerment programme, Jigawa is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping young minds with cutting-edge knowledge in satellite technology and digital communication”, she said.
The MD maintained that, the program designed to Foster innovation, enhance technical skills and create opportunities for youths in the ever-evolving space-tech industry.
According to her, during the training two key sub-program will be featured, Spacehack 2025 aimed at developing satellite technology to tackle real world challenges in areas like agriculture, disaster management, telecommunications and security issues.
She maintained that, the other part of the training focused on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology, a satellite communication system that uses small antennas to transmit and receive data, voice, and vedio signals.
In his remarks, Dr Habib Muhammad Ubale, director general, Jigawa State Economic Empowerment and Youth employment agency, urged the participants to concentrate, acquire the skills and stepdown the skills to others for better development.
Dr. Habib who is the effort is one of the twelve points agenda of Governor Malam Umar Namadi said, the training will create thousands of jobs, improve economy and reduce security challenges in the state.
Starlink, DStv, Others Pay “Peanuts” to Operate in Nigeria- Minister
Nigeria to Exit Grey List Soon – SEC
FG to E-Visa System in May 1 to Boost Border Security, Streamline Travel
FG Enters Tech Partnership with Ericsson
Security Operatives Arrest Suspects behind Illegal NIN Collection in Exchange for Money
Broadcasting2 days agoMTN Battles Netflix, Showmax with New Streaming Platform
News2 days agoHow KongaFM 103.7 Helped Cure My Insomnia Challenge
News2 days agoFG to Invest in Cutting-edge Broadcast Technology
Broadcasting2 days agoFG Begin Technical Upgrade of Government-Owned Media
Broadcasting2 days agoProf Osinbajo Seeks Stronger IP Protection in Nigeria, Africa
General News2 days agoMart Networks Brings Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutions from Infopercept to Africa
General News2 days agoOneData Revolutionizes Caleb University Campus Connectivity, Empowering Students for the Digital Age
General News2 days agoEvans Woherem’s Book, “Building A New Africa” Charts Bold Vision For Africa’s Future