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Computer Warehouse Moving to Greater Heights

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When in September 1992 the Computer Warehouse Group (CWL) started operations as a provider of Information Technology many people did not give them a chance as they saw the exercise as another ill-fated Nigerian dream. Undeterred, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Austin Okere had a vision. He would later go on to prove critics wrong that the country was incapable of producing world class beaters in the ICT.
  Setting out with only four staff the operation has not only being around for the past 15 years but has recorded tremendous growth in all spheres of business development. The success has acted as catalyst and motivation for the opening of a support centre in Ghana as a first phase of its West African sub-regional strategy. In addition to that, it has the following subsidiaries: GWL Systems Limited, DCC Networks Limited and ExpertEdge Software Limited.
Sales Strategy
It has hinged its sales strategy on customer referrals given that many satisfied customers proclaim their success which has become their most valuable asset to potential customers. The bond from this relationship has transformed it from being a provider of ICT to that of a trusted advisor to its customers. Such level of trust is informed by the fact that the organization has always maintained consistent and impeccable track record in its niche operations.
The happy clients are many and they include MTN Communications Limited, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc whose seamless infrastructure attest to the hard work of Computer Warehouse Group.
Strategic Alliances
I n furtherance of its objectives to provide efficient information technology systems to clients, the Group is into alliance with major IT companies of the world. The strategy is intended not only to provide it with best-in-class solutions but more so provide CWG with best practices in technology and services in order to deliver the solutions right the first time and all the time.
Against this backdrop remains the idea behind the creation of three different companies so as to foster core competencies among the companies in their niche segments. For example, CWL Systems Limited specializes in the supply and integration of computer hardware, e-payment systems and ancillary equipment. DCC Networks Limited, the company’s communications subsidiary, specializes in VSAT, Metropolitan and Wide Area Networks (WAN), Local Area Networks (LAN), Systems integration and deployment, systems analysis and e-payment systems design and implementation.
Successes
CWL has deployed key infrastructure solutions covering enterprise and data centre servers, desktop computers and notebooks as well as Automated Teller Machines (ATM) to customers across industries, including the largest and most advanced Sun Microsystems installation in sub-Saharan Africa. It has key customers in the Government, Banking, Oil Gas, Manufacturing, Telecommunications and Education.
Between 1998 and 1999 the company set out to sell and install new banking application to banks. According to James Agada, Managing Director of ExpertEdge Software Limited pessimists queried the move on grounds that it was impossible given that every bank then had its own software that was incompatible with others. Matters were made worse because there were 89 banks in the country and moreover Computer Warehouse was the underdog in the market. Today, 50% of the consolidated banks in the country run on the company’s Finacle software applications.
Human Resources
As has been the company’s standard, quality manpower remains the bedrock of its success. When it started, only 4 persons were on its staff. Currently, it has more than 350 employees with about 85% being IT professionals holding the industry’s top rated certifications. This pool of motivated workforce has seen the company become “one of the most entrepreneurial businesses in Nigeria”. In fact, the Columbia Business School in 2008 observed that Computer Warehouse Group “has thrived in difficult circumstances because of an entrepreneurial culture that embodies the work ethic, personal responsibility and integrity of its founder”.
Achievements
Computer Warehouse Limited has a formidable presence in the market and this is reflected in several awards and high levels of partnerships and certification attained with major global computer companies. Today, it is the only Dell Authorised Service Provider (DASP) in West Africa. More over it is a Microsoft Gold Partner, an HP Value Partner, Authorised Channel Solution Partner and Global Warranty Provider for Sun Microsystems, IBM Value Partner and Netapp Platinum Partner.
Awards Won
Recently, the organization received the prestigious African Information Society Merit Award (AISMA) as the leading ICT Company of the decade. Presenting the award to the CEO, Austin Okere the society noted that “the company appears set to lead the revolution of the ICT industry in Nigeria and the rest of Africa”. Before then, it won the Gold Award for Excellence from Sun Microsystems (2003), Best Marketing partner for 2003 from Sun Microsystems, Top Achiever and most successful Partner of the 2004 Fiscal year from Sun Microsystems, Wincor-Nixdorf award for best new partner (2007), dell enterprise partner of the year 2008 and Netapp award for EMEA Best Partner for 2008.

 


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AXA Mansard Empowers Female SMEs with Financial, Digital Skills

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AXA Mansard, a member of AXA has empowered 200 female Small and Medium Enterprises with financial literacy and digital business skills.

In collaboration with SME 100 Africa, the two-day training, which was held in Lagos, is part of AXA’s lined-up programmes to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.

Speaking, Olusesan Ogunyooye, Head of Marketing AXA Mansard, said the training was aimed to empower female SME owners with skills to improve business output and position them for the increasing economic opportunities available in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Ogunyooye noted that the move was in line with AXA Mansard’s sustainability agenda, explaining that the company was convinced that support for women through its inclusive protection programmes was pivotal to its purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters and its mission of moving from being a payer to a partner.

He further said that focusing on digital skills was important because the company realised the importance of digital skills to the growth of the SME sector in Nigeria and wants to ensure that women were empowered enough to be a consequential part of that growth.

“It’s almost trite to say that SMEs are the engine for economic growth, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where over 45 million adults are business owners. What needs to be continually discussed is how Nigeria is going to unlock that potential for economic development and how much of that potential will be unlocked by women and for women.”

“For us at AXA Mansard, we are aware that digital will play a major role in unlocking these current opportunities and Nigeria’s economic future. So, to ensure that women are equally represented in unlocking these future potentials, that’s why we have collaborated with SME 100 Africa to support them in developing the required skills”.

“Our choice of digital and financial literacy skills is deliberate. We understand the power of the duo. We understand that helping these SMEs with the skills to attract more customers will be a faster means to empower them.

“We see that they have amazing products and services, but they need to understand how to attract value for themselves by attracting the right customers, and you will agree with me that virtually all customer segments are online in one way or another today.

“So, if we can empower them with digital business skills, we would have helped them with the heavy lifting of trying to find and attract customers”. Ogunyooye explained.

According to him, AXA Mansard believes that for the world to experience progress truly, there must be an equitable distribution of creation and access to opportunities for men and women. This quest for balance informed the SHE for Shield initiative, a women-centred inclusive protection programme of AXA Mansard.

SHE for Shield is a group of initiatives designed for the Nigerian woman. The goal is to see them grow, add value, and help them mitigate risks at every step.

According to the company, research has found that access to health care is one of the most important things to Nigerian women, regardless of their economic segment. They desire to be financially independent, secure, and respected in the community.

 


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IFC Invests in New 4DX Ventures Fund to Support Tech Startups in Africa

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IFC is investing $10.5 million in a new fund by 4DX Ventures, a New York-based venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage African technology companies across a broad set of sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, edtech, climate tech, and health tech.

IFC’s investment in 4DX Ventures Fund III will come from IFC’s $225 million venture capital platform, which was launched last year to strengthen emerging VC ecosystems and invest in early-stage companies in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Pakistan.

Africa is among the regions least served by venture capital, receiving just 2% of global venture deal volume in the third quarter of 2023. Access to capital on the continent has been further exacerbated by a slowdown in global venture capital investment.

Tech ecosystems are nascent, or even nonexistent, outside of more established markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.

“IFC and 4DX Ventures share the commitment to supporting tech entrepreneurs with innovations that will help Africa leapfrog in critical areas such as climate, health care, fintech, e-commerce, and education,” said Walter Baddoo, Co-Founder and General Partner of 4DX Ventures.

“We look forward to partnering with IFC to help promising tech startups build transformative businesses and realize sustainable development impact on the continent.”

4DX’s new fund will invest in companies with tech solutions that can improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Africa. The firm’s first two funds invested in companies such as Egypt-based e-commerce platform MaxAB, an IFC portfolio company; Ghana-based health tech firm mPharma; and Kenya-based B2B e-commerce platform Wasoko, formerly known as Sokowatch.

“By supporting the development of tech ecosystems in emerging markets, IFC’s venture capital platform aims to improve access to key services, boost business competitiveness, and promote job creation through digital transformation,” said Mohamed Gouled, Vice President of Industries at IFC.

“Our investment in venture funds such as 4DX Ventures will help African entrepreneurs access more financing and resources they need to scale tech innovations and bolster sustainable growth across the continent.

In addition to providing capital, IFC will work with 4DX Ventures to implement their environmental and social management system.


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Climate Action Africa Announces CAAF24

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Climate Action Africa (CAA) has announced the inaugural convening of the Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF24). This international event brings together stakeholders from across the world who drive thought leadership insights on how to encourage collaboration, catalyse actionable solutions, and urge governments, businesses, and individuals to invest in climate-smart initiatives.

The climate-focused event was announced at last week’s Friday international press conference held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja. This marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards a sustainable future. A precursor to the upcoming Climate Action Africa Forum scheduled for June 17-19, 2024, at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, this press conference brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the globe. The gathering’s main goal was to discuss the urgent need for sustainable development plans and climate-smart investments in Africa.

Framed by the theme “Green Economies, Brighter Futures: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate-Smart Development,” the international press conference became a vibrant platform for insightful discussions, strategic collaborations, and impactful engagements. It convened an esteemed gathering of leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore solutions for Africa’s pressing environmental challenges.

The event kicked off with a welcome address by the Executive Director and Co-founder of Climate Action Africa, Grace Mbah, who having announced the commencement of event registration as April 2nd, 2024, made the call for tech-driven solutions and innovations in the fields of emissions reduction, transportation, agriculture, energy, circularity and building and construction to apply to participate in the deal room.

Providing insights to attendees on how innovative approaches and collaborative action is at the heart of CAAF24, she extended an opportunity to like minded organisations who would like to partner by hosting side events and finally, a call for volunteers from across the continent.

“It’s no news that the world stands at a critical juncture, where decisive action is imperative to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Against this backdrop, CAAF24 serves as a pivotal platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discourse, and forge collaborative pathways towards a greener, more sustainable future.

The essence of CAAF lies in its commitment to shaping a climate-resilient Africa through co-creation, innovation, and sustainable investment. Through this initiative, we aim to catalyse solutions that enhance the sustainability and prosperity of the continent’s natural resources, people, and economies,” Grace stated.

During the International Press Conference, distinguished speakers and thought leaders emphasised the urgent need for collective action in tackling Africa’s climate challenges.

They delved into critical topics like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate finance, offering practical insights and inspiring initiatives.

Jummai Vandu, representing the National Council on Climate Change, expressed optimism about the initiative’s outcomes. “Today’s discussions,” she said, “underscore the urgency of our collective efforts to combat climate change. The National Council believes working together is key to driving meaningful action and creating a more sustainable future for Africa and beyond.”

With the International Press Conference complete, the stage is set for CAAF24. Stakeholders will converge to translate ideas into action, forge partnerships, and drive progress towards a climate-smart Africa.

Mrs. Taiwo Fashipe, Head of Media for the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi), echoed similar sentiments, stating: “The theme of this year’s Climate Action Africa Forum aligns with our goals, vision, and mission at the Presidential CNG Initiative.

“We look forward to using this platform to advance interest in and investment in greener and cleaner energy sources like CNG.”

Standing at a crucial juncture in Africa’s quest for sustainable development, CAAF24, convened by Climate Action Africa in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change, Channels Media Group, and Founder Institute, emerges as a beacon.

It brings together the private and public sectors, guiding the continent towards a future marked by resilience, prosperity, and environmental stewardship.

 


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