Telecom
Facebook launches Second Edition of “My Digital World” Across Sub-Saharan Africa
Facebook has announced the launch of 2021 edition of “My Digital World”. Originally launched in June 2020, ‘My Digital World is a digital literacy program which is accessible across Sub-Saharan Africa and designed to provide young people and the general public with the skills needed to navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly.
The 2021 edition of “My Digital World” is now accessible on the new website https://mydigitalworld.fb.com/ssa/ that hosts new updated content that is relevant to today’s realities.
The program provides educators and trainers with training and resources to reach young people across Sub-Saharan Africa, equipping them with information and skills to help them thrive in an increasingly complex and digitally connected world.
“Through My Digital World, Facebook is reaching learners across the region and shaping the Sub-Saharan digital community for the better,” Phil Oduor, Policy Programs Manager for Economic Impact and Digital Literacy at Facebook said, “Designed for young people aged 13 – 18 years in high-tech and low-tech communities, the content has adaptable step-by-step instructions to fit their needs and learning environment.
“The lessons help participants learn tangible skills such as protecting personal information, identifying reputable sources, understanding misinformation themes, and recognizing healthy online relationships.”
‘My Digital World’ lessons are divided across six content pillars:
● Introduction to Digital Learning: Demonstrating to learners what the internet is, identifying information that can be shared over the internet, determining various methods for accessing information online, and identifying the benefits, roles, and responsibilities of digital citizenship.
● Digital Foundations: Teaching learners how to leverage tools to protect their digital devices and their personal information online, as well as that of others.
● Digital Wellness: Supporting learners’ ability to engage with others (both individuals and the larger collective) online in empathic and positive ways, protect their physical and mental health, and explore their identities.
● Digital Engagement: Helping learners develop executive functioning, critical thinking, and the skills needed to evaluate and share media and information online, as well as engage with different cultures and contexts.
● Digital Empowerment: Helping learners use technology and social media to create positive change and better opportunities for themselves, their communities, and the world.
● Digital Opportunities: Preparing learners to create the next wave of technology and succeed in their careers and pathways.
Over the years, Facebook has trained thousands of African youths through existing digital literacy programs across Sub saharan Africa such as ‘Safe Online with Facebook’ in Nigeria, ‘Ilizwe Lam’ in South Africa and ‘eZibo’ in Zambia. With the program also successfully implemented in Ethiopia, Côte D’Ivoire, Kenya and Senegal, “My Digital World” will, this year, be launched in Ghana, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ghana.
All content is available and can be accessed for free, the program will be available in English, French, Kiswahili, and Amharic.
‘My Digital World’ partnered with organizations across Sub-Saharan Africa to develop the learning modules and resources in the curriculum.
Telecom
NCC Calls on Judiciary to Champion Nigeria’s Digital Transformation
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasized the judiciary’s crucial role in Nigeria’s digital transformation. During the Annual Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida highlighted the judiciary’s reliance on digital tools to enhance justice delivery.
He stressed the need for special protections for telecommunication infrastructure, which faces disruptions from vandalism, theft, and restricted access.
Maida called for judicial support to implement the Presidential Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
This order prohibits unauthorized actions against such infrastructure without a lawful court order.
The judiciary’s role in protecting fundamental rights, enforcing digital contracts, and developing digital jurisprudence is vital for Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the NCC’s efforts to protect consumers from unfair practices and emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to the telecommunications sector.
She highlighted concerns such as cybersecurity risks, consumer data protection, and the need for improved dispute resolution frameworks within the digital economy.
The workshop aims to equip judicial officers with the technical expertise required to address emerging legal challenges in telecommunications.
Nigeria’s digital economy has significant growth potential, with projected revenues of $18.30 billion by 2026, expected to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote innovation.
The NCC is working with key stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of the Presidential Order and to keep Nigeria competitive in the global digital economy.
Telecom
Empowering Nigerian Entrepreneurs: 15Wins Ventures Unveils Z-Habitat Hub
15Wins Ventures, a Dutch-based venture builder, officially launched Z-Habitat Hub in Lagos on Thursday, October 24, 2024, marking a new chapter in the company’s efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The launch was attended by key dignitaries, including The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Bengt van Loosdrecht; The Netherlands Consul General in Lagos, His Excellency Michel Deelen; Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Youth Employment & Health Care, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos; Valkamiya Ahmadu, Senior Policy Advisor on Economic & Political Affairs (Abuja); and Adebola Adebowale, Chief Program Analyst for Lagos State.
Commenting on the significance of Z-Habitat in driving innovation and creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities, His Excellency Bengt van Loosdrecht said, “We see Z-Habitat Hub as a powerful connection point – a place where ideas can take root and thrive through collaboration.
“Many people in the west do not realize that Nigeria is a country on the brink of transformation.
“The domestic private sector, driven by young, well-educated individuals, is flourishing. This is a dynamic I have seen in other rapidly developing regions, and I believe Nigeria’s youth are on the cusp of an exciting future.’’
His remarks preceded the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which officially opened the hub’s doors to the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.
The Z-Habitat Hub will host various programs, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events, all aimed at empowering Lagos’s startup ecosystem.
The hub’s mission aligns with 15Wins Ventures’ goal to build a sustainable foundation for African tech development, bridging resources from its base in the Netherlands to local talent in West Africa.
Reflecting on the vision behind Z-Habitat, Nelson T. Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer of 15Wins Ventures, highlighted the hub’s role as a transformative force within Lagos startup ecosystem.
“Z-Habitat is a place where technology, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit come together.
“Our mission is to provide local entrepreneurs and creatives with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to turn their ideas into impactful solutions,” he said.
“Through Zarttalent, we have trained nearly 500 students and provided scholarships to underserved women. Now, with Z-Habitat, we are expanding our commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and broader community.’’
Guests were welcomed with a guided tour of the facility, led by Nelson, offering a firsthand look at the state-of-the-art workspaces.
The event also featured an energetic performance by local drummers and a showcase of creative expressions by local artists.
The launch of Z-Habitat underscores 15Wins Ventures’ commitment to fostering homegrown innovation and providing a structured, supportive environment for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
As Lagos startup landscape continues to thrive, Z-Habitat is poised to play a critical role in helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into impactful solutions that drive long-term growth.
Telecom
Treepz Drives Innovation, Wins Top Honors at African Union Event
Treepz, Africa’s leading corporate mobility startup, has been awarded the Best Startup Pitch in Africa at the 15th Annual African Union Private Sector High-Level Conference, held in Lusaka, Zambia on October 31st – November 2nd, 2024.
Amidst the line-up of startups that pitched at the conference, this award, organized by the Global Innovative Initiative Group (GIIG), was presented to Treepz in recognition of its innovative contributions and significant impact on transforming the mobility landscape across Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya.
In addition to winning the Best Startup Pitch in Africa award, Treepz was recognized across the continent and was awarded $5000 and $3,500 from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Google, respectively.
Commenting on the award, Onyeka Akumah, Founder and CEO of Treepz, stated, “We are honoured to have received several recognitions on the continent, including the Best Startup Pitch in Africa, for our work in the mobility sector across four countries”.
“We are also grateful to Jo Griffiths, Founder of GIIG for the extended invitation to pitch at the prestigious African Union private sector conference.
“The invitation speaks to our footprints in Africa and how we have consistently delivered exceptional mobility services to our customers, both home and beyond”, Onyeka added.
Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIGvelopment and People at Treepz delivered the pitch and received the award on behalf of the startup.
She expressed her excitement, noting that Treepz is well-positioned to significantly empower millions of daily commuters through the advancement of shared mobility across Afric) is a venture capital investment firm committed to enabling African tech entrepreneurs to thrive in businesses that pioneer innovative global solutions that meet the most pressing challenges of the time.
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