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E-Business

IBM SmartCamps Initiative for African IT Entrepreneurs Begins

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Taiwo Otiti, country general manager, IBM West Africa
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The IBM SmartCamps program which kicked off in Nairobi, Kenya this week will begin in Lagos tomorrow, as part of IBM’s Global Entrepreneur initiative, designed to stimulate innovation and build skills for a Smarter Planet.

Charles Olumuyiwa Moyela, external relations leader for IBM West Africa told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek that, the programme has gained more than 50 partners since being launched three years ago, “proving that Africa’s start-up ecosystem is flourishing”.

He highlighted the impact of these entrepreneurs as transformative, for businesses and everyday citizens alike.

Olumuyiwa said: “One of Kenya’s most famous start-ups – MoDe, named IBM’s Global Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012 – delivers microcredit to prepaid phones when Africans most need it. Today MoDe is adding credit lines and liquidity to Africa’s mobile payments ecosystem, expected to be worth more than $160bn by 2016.

“Take your startup to the next level.  If you’re a privately-held, early-stage tech startup less than five years old, we want to team with you to help you change the world and build a Smarter Planet.

“Beat the odds. Most tech startups fail. But with 600+ expert mentors and an IBM Relationship Manager to give you one-on one advice, you’ll have the support you need to succeed.

“Get access to 300+ top venture capital firms while keeping infrastructure costs down on free IBM software

“Tap into new markets with IBM’s vast global network of 100,000+ IBM sellers and Business Partners. Get the chance to participate in IBM SmartCamp competitions”.

He added that this year’s winner in Africa will claim a position in the regional finals of IBM’s Global Entrepreneur of the Year competition, pitching their unique technology business idea to a panel of industry experts.

Speaking further, Olumuyiwa shared reasons startups need to join IBM Global Entrepreneur to include; provision of support and resource in the areas participants and startup need most: software, expertise, and promotion.

He said, ““No-charge Software: Access a variety of IBM software for development, test, and demonstration through the IBM Software Access Catalogue at no charge for up to 3 years.

“Software through the cloud: Access security-rich, enterprise-class virtual server environments that are well-suited for development, test and other activities. There’s no charge to open your account, and you can pay as you go.

“Events to help you succeed: Participate in exclusive SmartCamp events held around the world. Connect with venture capitalists, corporate executives, local investors, and serial entrepreneurs.

“IBM relationship manager: Get support from an IBM relationship manager for one-to-one guidance through all stages of your project development. IBM will assign a manager to you when you are accepted into IBM Global Entrepreneur.

“Exposure for your company: Promote your startup and showcase your solutions. View the latest entrepreneur solutions in the Global Solutions Directory.

“SmartCamp with Tech4Africa: By registering to join this exciting entrepreneurial programme, startups can also be selected to participate in one of the prestigious IBM SmartCamp events with Tech4Africa! IBM is the proud Entrepreneur Partner of Tech4Africa 2014”.

The Lagos SmartCamps event is scheduled for Friday, 18th July 2014 at the IBM Client & Innovation Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

E-Business

Amazon CEO Says AI will Reduce Number of Workers Needed

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Amazon’s management on Wednesday said that it expects that artificial intelligence software will reduce the number of office workers at the world’s largest online retailer.

Amazon CEO Says AI will Reduce Number of Workers Needed

Andy Jassy, chief executive, Amazon

“We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today and more people doing other types of jobs,” Andy Jassy, chief executive, Amazon  wrote in an email to employees.

He said it was difficult to predict how the overall workforce will evolve, but in the next few years, it is expected that AI efficiency gains will lead to a reduction in the number of office workers.

According to earlier reports, Amazon employed around 1.5 million people worldwide, with approximately 350,000 office employees in various roles.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the company does not anticipate further large-scale layoffs, as seen in 2022 and 2023, in the near future.

Instead, it expects that vacant positions will not be refilled.

However, layoffs are not ruled out, according to sources familiar with the matter.

“Amazon is focusing on so-called AI agents, software capable of independently performing tasks. These agents could, for example, summarise information from the web and data sources, write software, translate languages and automate many time-consuming tasks,” Mr Jassy explained.

“Agents will be teammates that we can call on at various stages of our work,” he added, urging employees to experiment with AI whenever possible.

The impact of AI on the job market has been a concern for many years.

Recently, Spotify, the leader in music streaming, announced that teams requesting additional staff would first need to prove that AI could not perform the tasks.

The creators of the language-learning app Duolingo plan to gradually replace external workers with AI.

 

 

 

 


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BPP Partners NDPC to Strengthen Data Protection

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Dr Adebowale Adedokun, director-general, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to data protection in Nigeria.

BPP Partners NDPC to Strengthen Data Protection

He disclosed this in a statement at the weekend by Zira Nagga, head of Public Relations, BPP, following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Adedokun stressed that data protection is vital to Nigeria’s economy and development, particularly in areas such as demography, health, education, and other key sectors.

He emphasised that no country should leave its data unprotected, as it plays a crucial role in future planning and national development.

“Data governs the world. It is essential to technological progress and must be protected for a country or business to be taken seriously,” he said.

Adedokun described the visit, aimed at fostering partnership on data policy implementation and protection, as timely and aligned with national goals.

He said the BPP would collaborate closely with the NDPC to boost data development, capacity building, and enhance the procurement system.

“The BPP will support compliance as part of the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy, although it is not a core procurement eligibility requirement,” he explained.

He suggested a hybrid training model to help build strong capacity in data protection, privacy awareness, and policy understanding.

According to him, a dynamic training approach will reduce logistics costs and improve public confidence in data safety and privacy.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, CEO, and national commissioner, NDPC, praised Adedokun and the BPP for supporting data protection initiatives.

He said the partnership supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision and will strengthen data privacy across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“The collaboration will create awareness and train BPP staff to ensure a firm grasp of data protection principles and policies,” he stated.

Olatunji said the NDPC would establish a working group to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding beneficial to both institutions.

He added that President Tinubu signed the NDPC into law on 12 June 2023 to uphold citizens’ rights and protect national and business data.

Olatunji also noted that strict legal measures were in place to enforce data protection and ensure full compliance nationwide.

Both agencies agreed to form a team to sign the MoU and focus on capacity building and data management in procurement and beyond.

 

 


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FG Mulls Fibre Optic Layout to Bridge Internet Gaps

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President Bola Tinubu said that his administration has initiated a project to install fibre optic cables across the country, aimed at enhancing the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

FG Mulls Fibre Optic Layout to Bridge Internet Gaps

His plans were contained in a speech he delivered at a joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day on Thursday, June 12.

He said the fibre optic layout is part of other projects being embarked on.

“In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity.

“This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionise how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected,” Tinubu stated.

He maintained that by extending this critical infrastructure, his government is empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalised world.

In a most recent report on Internet connectivity, The ICIR pointed out how Nigeria has faced setbacks in its deployment of fibre optic cables and needs a transformation.

The challenges revolve around vandalism, inadequate coordination between road construction and telecom infrastructure, and varying right-of-way (RoW) charges across states.

Among industry experts, these issues impact network outages, increase repair costs, and hinder broadband expansion efforts.

It has also further threatened the digital economy, leading to slower Internet speeds, dropped calls, and unreliable connectivity among others.


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