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PIN Unveils Digital SafeTea for Africa Women to Access Digital Security Training

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Digital security trainings are often invite-only sessions geared towards career women like journalists and human rights defenders.

Now, Pollicy and Paradigm Initiative are looking to change this through a new interactive fiction game, Digital SafeTea.

The two organizations hope to reach thousands of African women from all walks of life with lessons and tips on how to keep themselves and their devices safe both online and offline.

The game builds on Ayeta, a proactive toolkit for African digital rights actors, which is an initiative launched by Paradigm Initiative earlier this year.

Digital SafeTea, whose name is a portmanteau of ‘digital safety’ and ‘tea’, is based on the storyline of three characters: Aisha, Goitse and Dami, who are based on different archetypes of African women.

As players step into the world of these three characters, they are faced with digital threats like zoom bombing, impersonation, and even Non Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images (NCII) which is often referred to as ‘revenge porn’.

Once presented with a scenario, players are nudged to pick their response to the threat from available choices, as a way for them to get to the next stage of the game. As players weave through the maze of threats, they are presented with lessons on how to navigate such threats in real life. Players are also directed to sites and toolkits where they can get further learning on their desired topic.

The game style is heavily reminiscent of the ‘pick your own adventure’ type of children’s books, which Neema Iyer, Pollicy founder and executive director, says were an inspiration to her when designing the game.

“Digital security training still remains out of reach for most internet users across Africa. At Pollicy, we’re interested in exploring how creative media can be used as a driver for improving the experiences of users when it comes to using data and digital platforms. We have been experimenting with community murals, dance, poetry, mockumentaries, chatbots and interactive fiction.

” It was important for the team to incorporate elements of storytelling into the game as traditional digital security training is often inaccessible.

“It’s important to use art forms, storylines, and characters that are relatable to the people who will interact with our interactive fiction game,” Iyer said.

One thing that stands out about Digital SafeTea is the vibrant graphic illustrations that the game is rendered in.

The stories are set in colorful backgrounds that are packed with references to the African cities the characters are set in. On one illustration, players can spot a reference to Nigeria’s Feminist Coalition (FemCo).

The game is available in English, Kiswahili, and Luganda, which are some of the widely spoken languages in Africa. French and Pidgin English will be added shortly.

Digital SafeTea comes at an opportune time as conversations on women’s safety in digital spaces are being held worldwide.

In 2020, as more people get online for work and studies, women and girls worldwide experienced a surge of violence and abuse online. In addition, women and girls often do not know where to turn to for information on how to keep themselves safe from such attacks and more.

A study by Pollicy in 5 African countries also found that 29.2% of their respondents did not know where to turn to for information on online safety and security.

Furthermore, the only action that 80% of their respondents took to secure their online safety was frequently changing their passwords.

Against this backdrop, one can see the huge gap that games like Digital SafeTea could fill by arming African women with information on digital security.

However, it is important to note that the onus of online security should not remain with women alone.

Technology companies need to improve how they respond to online Gender-based Violence (OGBV). Recent developments on this include an announcement by Facebook, Google, TikTok, and Twitter at the just concluded UN Women Generation Equality Forum in Paris on their commitment to tackling OGBV. At the same event, Facebook announced their Global Women’s Safety Expert Advisors group which Pollicy’s Neema Iyer was selected to join.

The Digital SafeTea Game was launched today, Monday, July 19th, 2021


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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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NCC Calls on Judiciary to Champion Nigeria’s Digital Transformation

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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.


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Empowering Nigerian Entrepreneurs: 15Wins Ventures Unveils Z-Habitat Hub

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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.

L-R : Nelson Tosin Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer, 15Wins Ventures; Michel Deelen, The Netherlands Consul General in Lagos; Valkamiya Ahmadu, Senior Policy Advisor on Economic & Political Affairs Netherlands Embassy, Abuja; Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Youth Employment & Health Care, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos; Bengt van Loosdrecht, Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria, during the grand unveiling of the Z-Habitat Hub, Nigeria’s most advanced incubation hub at Ago Palace, Lagos on October 24, 2024.

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.


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Treepz Drives Innovation, Wins Top Honors at African Union Event

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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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