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How New UK Funding for Tech Entrepreneurs will Boost Livelihoods in Developing Countries

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Andrew Mitchell, UK’s Development Minister has announced new UK funding for innovative mobile phone technology will help change lives in developing countries around the world.

He noted that harnessing AI technology to provide real-time agricultural advice to farmers in Nigeria and pay-as-you-go solar powered fridges are just some of the ways UK-funded mobile technology is improving livelihoods globally.

At a speech at Mobile World Congress last week, Minister Mitchell announced the UK is providing £37.3 million of new support for the Mobile for Development Programme, to help more people access mobile and digital technologies to find new opportunities and boost their livelihoods.

The programme, which the UK funds in partnership with UK-based mobile industry association GSMA and the private sector, has already benefitted more than 94 million people and focuses on women and girls, climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience and scaling up innovative solutions.

Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell said: “Mobile technology has the potential to revolutionise the lives of the poor by helping tackle the effects of climate change, creating jobs and boosting opportunities for women.

“The Mobile for Development programme has already benefitted more than 100 million people, and the UK’s new announcement aims to up the ambition, reaching 110 million additional people, including 60 million women.

“Together the worlds of development and mobile tech giants can be a powerful force to unlock opportunities and prosperity and meet the UN Global Goals.”

UK funding has previously helped scale up a digital hub in Pakistan, BaKhabar Kissan (BKK), which provides accurate weather forecasting data to farmers to help them make critical farming decisions such as the timing of seed sowing, irrigation, and fertilisation. With the help of this programme, BKK has almost doubled users from 6.6 million to 12.4 million.

Another innovative business, Ensibuuko, is providing digital skills training to help community saving groups in rural Uganda keep up with the latest digital products and services where previously they relied on paper record-keeping. Since gaining funding, Ensibuuko has benefited over 236,000 members of rural savings groups, 60% of whom are women, providing them with digital skills training.

John Giusti, President of the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation, said:”For more than a decade, the FCDO and the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation have worked closely in partnership to drive socio-economic and climate impact for the most underserved populations through digital innovation, and to date our partnership has improved the lives of more than 127 million people.

“Today’s renewal of our partnership will further amplify our joint impact by leveraging the power of digital and emerging technologies to support innovation, improve access to opportunities for women, and tackle the effects of climate change for the most vulnerable.”

With the increase in climate crises around the world, the need for new solutions to help vulnerable countries adapt is growing and mobile technology can make a big difference to people’s lives.

At Mobile World Congress, GSMA also announced the grantees for its Climate Resilience and Adaptation Fund which is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This fund is designed to test and scale up new technology to combat the effects of climate change in countries throughout Africa and Asia.

Some of the projects being funded include one using AI-powered satellite imagery to help smallholder farmers increase their yields and another to reduce food waste via an online grocery platform.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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51-Year-Old QNET User Breaks World Record with 20 Back Handsprings

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QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle company, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Anup Debnath, a 51-year-old fitness enthusiast, ardent user of QNET products, and resident of New Jersey, USA, who recently attempted to set a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to perform continuous back handsprings.

Debnath’s feat underscores the power of balanced health and wellness to maintain peak physical performance at any stage of life.

On October 19th, at the Marlboro Township Recreation Center, Debnath completed 20 continuous back handsprings, a remarkable testament to his strength, stamina, and unwavering discipline.

His journey back into gymnastics after nearly 27 years highlights the potential of a balanced lifestyle supported by QNET’s wellness products, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary physical goals.

“To accomplish something like this at my age takes intense dedication, a consistent fitness regimen, and harmony of mind, body, and spirit,” Debnath shared.

“For the past two years, I’ve relied on the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4 with Amezcua Resonance Technology (ART) to keep me centered and energized.

Paired with other Amezcua products, like the Bio Disc 3, which energizes my food and structures the water I consume, giving me mental and physical balance, and the Bio Light 3, which aids in recovery by alleviating pain and discomfort after intense training, these products enhance my overall well-being and empower me to push my limits.”

QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna, extended his heartfelt congratulations: “Anup’s achievement is extraordinary, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey.

“His belief in QNET’s Amezcua products reflects our mission—helping people achieve balance and wellness in every aspect of their lives.

“Anup’s story is a testament to discipline, resilience, and holistic well-being. We celebrate his inspiring feat and his commitment to greatness.”

QNET’s Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, which utilizes ART, is designed to support wearers in achieving holistic well-being by harmonizing physical, emotional, and mental energies.

Through Debnath’s achievement, QNET encourages individuals to explore how Amezcua technology can support their wellness journey at any stage in life, empowering them to achieve their own physical and mental potential.


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House of Reps Calls for N500bn Recapitalization of DisCos

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House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce a minimum capital base of N500 billion for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to continue operations.

The lawmakers argue that only financially robust DisCos can ensure efficient service delivery and maximum consumer satisfaction.

This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, a representative from Ogun State.

Isiaka criticized the current operations of DisCos, describing their actions as a threat to the economic stability and welfare of Nigerians.

He highlighted consumer complaints regarding the replacement of electricity meters, noting that DisCos often demand additional payments despite consumers already financing the installation of meters.

Isiaka expressed concern over the financial burden this places on households and businesses struggling with economic challenges.

The motion also raised issues of consumer trust, alleging that DisCos operate with impunity and disregard for consumer rights, despite oversight from the regulatory authorities and the House Committee on Power.

The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

They urged the Ministry of Power to take immediate steps to address the “reckless actions” of DisCos, labeling them as non-state actors threatening Nigeria’s economy.

The House further mandated the recapitalization of DisCos to a minimum of N500 billion, insisting that only financially capable operators should be allowed to continue providing electricity services.

Additionally, the House Committee on Power was directed to investigate the activities of DisCos to ensure accountability and protect consumer rights.


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Chinenye Anuforo of The Sun Newspaper Honored for Excellence in ICT Journalism

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Chinenye Anuforo, a distinguished journalist from The Sun Newspaper, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to ICT journalism in Nigeria.

Chinenye Anuforo receiving the ATAEx Award presented by Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, executive secretary of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON)

Last week, she received the ICT Innovation Storyteller Award at the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards, celebrating her ability to craft compelling narratives that highlight the complexities and potential of the ICT sector.

“Chinenye’s dedication to her craft is evident in her insightful analysis and engaging storytelling,” said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of the ATAEx Awards.

“Her work has consistently illuminated the significant impact of technology on society, making her a deserving recipient of this award.”

The accolades continued as Anuforo was named the ICT Reporter of the Year at the Africa Digital Awards (ADA) just a week later.

This prestigious award further cements her status as a leading voice in the ICT industry.

Mr. Tayo Adewusi, Publisher/Coordinator of NIICF & ADA, who presented the award, praised Anuforo’s role in shaping public discourse on ICT issues.

“Her reports have not only informed but also inspired, making her a true champion of digital innovation,” he said.

Expressing her gratitude, Chinenye Anuforo stated, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive these awards.

“I am grateful to my editors at The Sun Newspapers for their unwavering support and to the organizers of the ATAEx Awards and Africa Digital Awards for recognizing my work.

“It is a privilege to contribute to the growth of the ICT sector in Nigeria through journalism.”


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