Telecom
Bharti Airtel Inks Long-term Strategic Investment with QFE
Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications services provider has entered into a binding agreement with Qatar Foundation Endowment (“QFE”), under which Bharti will issue 199,870,006 of its new shares to QFE representing a shareholding of 5% in the Company, post issuance of the new shares.
As per the agreement, QFE will subscribe to 199,870,006 new shares of Bharti at a price of INR 340 per share amounting to a total consideration of USD 1.26 billion (INR 6796 crores). The investment will further strengthen the capital structure and provide further flexibility for the Company to deliver on its growth strategy.
Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman, Bharti commented thus, “I am delighted to welcome another high quality long-term institutional investor to our shareholder base. This strategic partnership with QFE demonstrates the confidence they have in the Company and our strategy for growth. In addition, this agreement exemplifies further strengthening of the already deep economic and cultural relations between Qatar and India. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with QFE”.
Speaking on the agreement, Rashid Al-Naimi, acting chief executive officer, QFE, said, “We are excited to be making a significant investment in one of the leading telecommunications companies in the world. As a long-term global investor, our shareholding gives us exposure to a high growth sector in key emerging markets. QFE looks forward to supporting Bharti in realising the full potential of this world class business.”
Goldman Sachs acted as sole financial advisor to QFE on this investment.
Telecom
TD Africa and Huawei Join Forces to Empower KOMU Students with ICT Skills
In a significant stride towards empowering students with the requisite skills to thrive in the global technological landscape, TD Africa has formed an alliance with global ICT leader, Huawei, to establish an Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) hub at Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Owerri.
During the official launch of the ICT Academy held in Owerri, the Vice Chancellor of KOMU, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, expressed optimism about the transformative impact the ICT hub would have on the university. He stated that the academy would promote tech excellence and foster self-reliance among students.
Representing the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and e-Governance, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering digital literacy.
He noted that the ICT Academy aligns perfectly with the vision of building a digital city in the state, equipping students with essential skills for the global tech workforce.
Chioma Chimere, the Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, underscored the growing importance of digital literacy. She encouraged the students to take advantage of the ICT Academy, which opens a new avenue of knowledge that will distinguish them in the digital space.
Huawei’s representative, Gari Li, urged the students to seize the opportunity provided by TD Africa and Huawei to develop their digital skills.
He emphasized the role of ICT in shaping the 21st century, stating that the ICT Academy offers hands-on experience and knowledge essential for thriving in the modern technological era.
As technology continues to drive progress in the 21st century, TD Africa reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth continent-wide, fostering self-reliance, and preparing them for success in the digital economy.
Telecom
Task Systems, Microsoft Collaborate to Boost Business Productivity with Co-pilot
Leading ICT solutions provider Task Systems, in collaboration with Microsoft, recently hosted an event that left an indelible mark on its business partners.
The event, a masterclass in leveraging technology for competitive advantage, was designed to explore the transformative potential of Microsoft Copilot.
The gathering brought together industry experts, thought leaders, and decision-makers, all eager to discover the myriad possibilities that Microsoft Copilot offers.
Held in a collaborative atmosphere, the organisers engaged attendees in thought-provoking presentations, panel discussions, and break-out sessions tailored to the unique needs of various roles, including CTOs, CFOs, and HR Managers.
The event commenced with an inspiring opening speech by Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, the Managing Director of Task Systems.
She warmly welcomed the guests with a blend of eloquence and passion and shared a brief history of Task Systems.
She highlighted the company’s mission to empower businesses with the right tools, a mission that has seen Task Systems evolve into a trusted tech solution provider beyond sub-Saharan Africa.
Mrs. Ijogun emphasized that Copilot is not just a tool but a strategic enabler that allows executives, industry leaders, and, in fact, anyone, to streamline operations and maximize impact.
Thereafter, Microsoft’s Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs. Olatomiwa William took the stage, expressing her gratitude to Task Systems for orchestrating such a pivotal event.
She delved into the capabilities of Copilot, urging participants to leverage this powerful tool to achieve unprecedented productivity.
“Copilot enables you to focus on what is important by allowing you to use your creativity in a way that creates meaning and impact,” she noted, encapsulating the essence of the event.
Mr. Timothy Lothering followed with a succinct yet insightful presentation.
He delved into the technical and strategic advantages of Copilot, shedding light on its functionalities and how it can revolutionize business operations.
His presentation was a catalyst for the engaging discussions that ensued, with participants eager to delve deeper into the practical applications of Copilot.
The event was not just about discussions and presentations; it also featured games that added a layer of excitement.
Participants had the opportunity to win cutting-edge gifts, further enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.
For many attendees, the insights and tools provided by Task Systems and Microsoft will undoubtedly serve as invaluable assets in tackling operational challenges and optimising productivity.
As the event drew to a close, the founder and Chairman of Task Systems, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the power of tech to bring about economic transformation in Nigeria.
He expressed his gratitude to all the participants and partners, reaffirming Task Systems’ commitment to driving technological advancement and empowering businesses.
Task Systems continues to position itself as a leader in delivering cutting-edge ICT solutions, ensuring businesses are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape.
This collaboration with Microsoft underscores its dedication to empowering organizations with tools that drive transformation and success.
Telecom
NITDA Urges NYSC Members to Champion Digital Literacy for Nigeria’s Future
In a decisive move toward bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and fostering an inclusive digital economy, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who are serving as Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative champions to double their efforts in training and sensitising Nigerians on the transformative potential of digital literacy in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The gathering, which is one of the flagship programmes under NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), focusing on grassroots engagement, and seeks to provide underserved communities with essential digital knowledge, empowering individuals to access opportunities in an increasingly digitally-driven world.
In his keynote address, Inuwa said, “you are the ambassadors of our shared vision to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge needed to navigate and excel in the digital economy. Your dedication and resilience will ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as we build a technologically driven, globally competitive economy.”
While reminding the champions of their critical role in actualising NITDA’s ambition to achieve short-term target of 70% digital literacy by 2027, and 95% by 2030, Inuwa emphasised that the goal inspire confidence, build capacity, and pave the way for a digitally inclusive society.
He added that the DL4ALL initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation-driven economic growth, youth empowerment, and national prosperity.
Inuwa emphasised the far-reaching impact of the initiative, noting “this programme is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in our collective future.
“A digitally skilled workforce will not only transform our economy but also position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.”
“Through your efforts, we will empower millions of Nigerians to unlock their potential, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“This is our collective responsibility. The digital future we envision for Nigeria begins with the work you will do in your communities. Let us commit ourselves to this cause, knowing that the seeds we plant today will yield a harvest of opportunities for generations to come,” he added.
He affirmed NITDA’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s digital transformation and fostering a future where no citizen is left behind.
The Director General’s remarks were met with enthusiasm by the champions, who expressed their readiness to serve as change agents in their assigned communities. For many, the initiative represents an opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while gaining experience in leadership and community engagement.
As the champions prepare for deployment to various communities across Nigeria, their responsibilities are to impart knowledge, sensitise communities about the benefits of digital skills in everyday life, including financial inclusion through digital banking, leveraging e-commerce platforms for small businesses, and understanding cybersecurity essentials to navigate the digital space safely.
The Digital Literacy for All initiative is a movement that embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. It brings together key stakeholders, including NITDA, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the NYSC, and other strategic partners, all working towards the shared goal of fostering digital inclusion.
As part of the initiative, champions received intensive training to prepare them for the field. This training includes hands-on workshops on digital tools, effective communication strategies for engaging diverse audiences, and techniques for tailoring content to meet the specific needs of different communities.
As these champions embark on their journey, their efforts are expected to create a ripple effect that will transform lives and communities across Nigeria.
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