Damaged Undersea Cable Disrupts Internet Connectivity Across Africa: Houthi Involvement Suspected

In a significant development impacting digital communication across Africa, a damaged undersea cable has led to widespread loss of internet connectivity in various regions. The affected cable, belonging to SEACOM, a prominent provider of connectivity to businesses and companies in Africa, has resulted in disruptions that are particularly affecting Nigerian businesses.

The cause of the damage to the undersea cable remains under investigation, with multiple factors being considered. One potential cause suggested by Israeli media outlets is the involvement of Houthi forces, who have been targeting cargo ships in the region as part of their support for Hamas during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Houthis, an armed political and religious group in Yemen, have recently been engaged in aggressive actions in the Red Sea, including the hijacking of a commercial ship and launching missile and drone attacks on other vessels. These activities have raised concerns about their potential involvement in damaging the undersea cables critical for internet connectivity.

Oliver Fortuin, the Group CEO of SEACOM and a former Group Enterprise officer at MTN, highlighted the extensive impact of the cable damage. He mentioned that not only SEACOM's cable but also cables operated by other telecom operators like TGN, Europe-one, and Europe India Gateway were affected.

The Europe India Gateway cable, in particular, connects several countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, highlighting the broader ramifications of the connectivity disruption. Tata Communications, operator of the TGN cable, confirmed service disruptions due to cable damage near Yemen, affecting connectivity in various regions.

Repair efforts are underway, with SEACOM and its repair partner E-marine awaiting permits to commence repairs in the Red Sea. However, the geopolitical complexities of the situation,  are expected to delay the repair process significantly.

Countries primarily affected by the internet connectivity disruptions include those in East Asia, Egypt, and Kenya. The extent of the impact on these regions underscores the critical importance of undersea cables in maintaining global digital connectivity and the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions in safeguarding these vital communication channels.

Disclaimer: This news release is based on available information and ongoing investigations. Details may be subject to change as new information becomes available.

2024 TECH CONFERENCES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN EAST AFRICA

In this technological era, what better way to grow, network, and stay informed than attending tech conferences? Here in this write-up are some conferences in East Africa to organise in your yearly conference schedule. 

Connected Banking East Africa

Topping your finance A-game and confidently navigating this complex financial landscape, you should not miss the 11th Edition of the summit in conjunction with Innovation & Excellence Awards – East Africa holding in Nairobi, Kenya. This summit, focusing on crafting the Future of Banking with Inclusion & Digital Evolution is set to showcase notable experienced industry personnels interested in the finance industry's newest trends and technologies. Over 20 sessions anchored by about 35 speakers telling individualized success stories will provide practical insights and networking opportunities to share ideas and best practices on digital banking solutions.

Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya.

Date: 6th March, 2024.

MWC Kigali

Previous themes at MWC Kigali have focused on FinTech, HealthTech, and developing mobile technology in Africa. At this three-in-one event featuring MWC Kigali in collaboration with Africa HealthTech Summit and Smart Africa, the opportunity for one to engage with business leaders across the globe, numerous industry stakeholders, and Africa's top government officials for collaborative purpose in business ventures contributing to the transfomation of ICT in Africa is provided. 

Location: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.

Date: 29 - 31 October, 2024.

Microfinance Tech Summit (MTS 2024)

The 2024 Kigali MTS is the 2nd of its kind aiming in housing over 500 delegates from various digital works of life such as microfinance institutions, technology experts, policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to rub minds on digitization in microfinance for improved customer experience. The summit addresses integrating technology in microfinance, user data protection, partnerships, and investments in technology-led initiatives.

Location: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.

Date: 23 - 24 May 2024.

FinTech Festival Tanzania

This event for Financial Technology in East Africa offers a space for the FinTech community to interact and work on innovative ideas, from several conferences to exhibitions and awards. The event is significant in developing the ecosystem and improving partnerships between Tanzania and global FinTech.

Location: Julius Nyerere International Convention Center (JNICC), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Date: 28 - 29 November 2024.

Africa ICS Cybersecurity Conference and Expo 2024

To prevent impediments in the economical growth of Africa, usually caused by data breaches and cybersecurity attacks, this event aims to address Africa’s Industrial Control Systems security. This Nairobi conference is intended to call attention to lectures on the trendiest areas in the Africa ICS sector, the benefits of SCADA security systems, challenges, and insights at the Africa ICS Business meeting, the Africa Women in Cyber Security Forum, and more. 

Location:  Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi City

Date: 11th - 13th June, 2024.

The ICT Expo 2024 Africa

With topics spanning IoT, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Telecoms, E-commerce, and others, the expo plans to pitch the digital divide within Africa. The event proposes to communicate strategies and investments enabling the availability of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in rural and remote communities.

Location: Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.

Date: April 25th - 26th, 2024

Attending any of these tech events across East Africa will provide a valuable experience in exchange for your time. At these conferences, you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and industry leaders, stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, and acquire new skills and knowledge.

VIEBEG: A HEALTH TECH FIRM'S PASSION FOR BETTER HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN AFRICA

Healthcare is of utmost importance worldwide especially in low-income Africa where the challenge of quality, accessibility and affordability is still being faced but an harmonious well-functioning health system is dependent on trained and motivated health providers, well-maintained infrastructure, and reliable supply of medicines and technologies which is what the Viebeg Medical firm has tried and is still trying to ensure across various hospitals in Africa for close to 5  years now.

About Viebeg Technologies

Viebeg Technologies is an African health tech firm responsible for the provision of high-quality medical supplies and equipment in Africa through an innovative procurement platform. It incorporates the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) driven procurement system referred to as 'VieProcure' to de-risk and augment every aspect of the supply chain in hard-to-serve markets thus, allowing healthcare providers to purchase medical consumables and equipment automatically, transparently, and efficiently. 

VieProcure, the AI-powered Inventory Management and Procurement System for hospitals was built to ensure the consistent availability and accessibility of medical products, and to anticipate shocks of any kind ranging from climate events to civil unrest for the optimum timely delivery of live-saving health products in challenging environments. VieProcure also comprises a data-driven logistics platform which ensures health care facilities receive the accurate type and quantities of medical supplies in stock for the proper treatment of her patients. The AI-driven platform is capable of connecting healthcare providers directly with manufacturers rather than brokers and middlemen present in the supply chain thus, reducing cost by 40 percent for its consumers.

Founders of Viebeg Technologies

Viebeg Technologies was launched in 2018 by Tobias Reiter, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who has had previous experience building AI-driven platforms, and Alex Musyoka, the Chief Commercial Officer who has sales and operations experience through senior roles at East Africa’s largest medical supply companies. The AI enthusiastic and entrepreneurial spirit exhibited by Alex and Tobias birthed the company in that they saw the immense potential of technology in solving the tragic problem of shortage of quality timely medical supply in Africa and its consequence of massive yearly casualties.

Viebeg Technologies mission 

Viebeg has established a commercial presence in some countries in East Africa such as Kenya, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thereby, serving above 500 consumers since its launch in 2018. Its ultimate goal is the expansion of the services to regions throughout Africa in general which was motivated by issues in Central and East Africa, where healthcare systems and providers struggle to purchase and retain vital medical equipment and supplies in stock. The health-tech company is currently serving more than 1,000 hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare professionals in Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Viebeg's current state 

Viebeg has successfully secured funding from reputable venture capital firms such as Beyond Capital Ventures, Global Ventures, Angaza Capital, Founders Factory Africa, Norrsken, and others in the past, therefore, amounting to over $2.5 million. Most recent investment sometime last year from Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures, an impact fund under the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, and Sanofi Global Health Unit Impact Fund is expected to propel Viebeg Medical to greater heights in its mission to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region of Central and East Africa. Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures Investments Director, David Higgins, professed that their company is excited to support and grow the vital work of Viebeg via strengthening the ability of health systems to provide care to their consumers.

Conclusion 

Tobias Reiter and Alex Musyoka founded a company that incorporated Artificial Intelligence into their healthcare offerings, addressing a pressing issue in African communities. While it's easy to overlook the significance and impact of technology in various African industries, particularly healthcare, it's crucial to recognize the potential of innovation to overcome challenges and improve the lives of millions of people.

AIPI GRADUATES 3RD BATCH OF STUDENTS FROM ITS UPSKILLING PROGRAM.

Tech UpSkill, an initiative that focuses on building the next generation of global talents, enhancing gender equality, and providing job opportunities, just graduated its 3rd batch. This training program was brought by Access to International Partnerships in IT (AIPI) in partnership with an association consisting of 250 start-up firms, kLab, and FabLab. The program's major goal is to close the skill gap by providing training, experience, and mentorship across Rwanda for the youths that desire to refine their technical skills.

THE 3RD COHORT GRADUATION AND AWARDS CEREMONY

This recently graduated batch included 88 individuals who are either secondary or university students who got certificates following the training program, which lasted for 4 months in software and hardware development. They demonstrated practical skills by working on projects in both aspects. These projects were showcased at the award ceremony, and a panel of professionals was set up to examine the projects that stood out and deserved to be rewarded.

For the Hardware category, the top three winners included a Plastic Recycling 3D Printer - a machine that was produced to recycle waste plastics into filament, a Clean robot made for cleaning smooth surfaces with future plans to be enhanced so it can remove waste in water bodies, and a Charcoal Briquetting machine and briquettes production which produces cooking energy-saving briquettes from public waste.

Meanwhile, in the software category; Eco-learn built to offer front and backend web-based interfaces that educate those in Rwanda about the environment, SP Gaz, a platform to order for gas online, and Farmie that helps connect farmers to markets were the 3 projects that won respectively.

During the training, the students were provided with an area and tools for the course. They also had all the materials and needed resources made available to them to ensure they could grow and make an impact in the tech industry locally and internationally.

The CEO of the Rwanda ICT Chambers, Alex Ntale, presided over the graduation ceremony and stated that the chamber is working with the government to explore all avenues and partnerships to improve youth ICT skills in order to further the nation’s goal of becoming a tech hub.

TECH UPSKILL'S IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

Data from the training program showed that only 22% of the individuals who participated in the 3rd cohort were females. This depicts that women are underrepresented in the tech ecosystem. The program aims to solve this gender gap by equipping women with whatever is needed to grow a tech career. This is not only done to increase gender equality but also ensure Rwanda’s talent pool is maximized to its full potential.

This program played a part in providing solutions to unemployment by creating over 400 job opportunities. Tech UpSkill is passionate about contributing to the economy. An electronic and telecommunication student at IPRC Tumba, Nadine Manishimwe, and a developer from the Plastic Recycling 3D Printer group say that boldness to experiment with practical skills is necessary to support females in STEM and that the training helped her when it came to improving the skills she learned. It also assisted her in creating new business ideas that can be a source of income.

A former student of INES Ruhengeri (Industrial IT), in the briquetting group, Cyriacca Urwibutso stated that in order to increase the number of women in the Technology industry, there is a need to push young girls to trust in themselves and face any fear that prevents them from going into careers dominated by males.

The Tech UpSkill has had an impact on young tech developers, according to Dr. Geraldine Schmitz, the AIPI Project Director, and preparations are in place to seek additional financing to maintain the field of tech advancements.

ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS IN IT (AIPI) AND RWANDA ICT CHAMBERS

Access to International Partnerships in IT (AIPI) is built on an alliance between the ICT Chambers in Rwanda and Bundesverband IT-Mittelstand e. V. (BITMi), an IT firm based in Germany. AIPI was founded to improve the ICT sector in Rwanda and Germany by implementing diverse initiatives that facilitate cooperation and growth in both countries' technology ecosystems.

Rwanda ICT Chambers is an organisation that is focused on assisting its members with the development of skills, advocacy, financing, and access to the market all in the Rwanda ICT sector. The firm plans to make Rwanda the top community influenced by information and community technology (ICT) and be at the forefront of this economic and cultural transformation.

CONCLUSION

The Tech UpSkill training has gotten praise from individuals with influence due to its frequent efforts to ensure opportunities and skills development courses, both technical and entrepreneurial, for the youths. The program has had success, which is displayed by positive impact, achievements, and reviews gotten from those who were beneficiaries of the program.

NEW NATIONAL IDs IN UGANDA TO FEATURE IRIS BIOMETRICS

Uganda is making technological progress as their National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is set to introduce Iris Biometrics as an additional security feature in its national IDs. This will be carried out alongside the registration the Ugandan government initially planned, which was to offer either new or renewed National ID to its citizens estimated to be 30 million. The mass registration exercise to enrol Ugandans into the new system is scheduled to begin on the 1st of  June, 2024, and the process will be concluded in January 2025. These new national IDs will be needed as a required document when travelling within the East African region. The last batch of national IDs, with a validity of 10 years, were issued in 2014 and 2015. These new national IDs would also be valid for a decade.

THE REGISTRATION PROCESS

The registration process is available to all citizens living in or outside Uganda and are above 16 years of age. The enrolment option is for those who do not presently own an ID or have never registered for one. There is also an option to renew the national ID, which is open to those who got their national ID issued in 2014 or 2015 as these national IDs would expire in either 2024 or 2025. For the individuals whose national IDs will expire after 2025, they are not required to renew their national IDs at this level.

To make the registration and renewal process seamless, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)  plans to put up mobile enrolment sites across districts in Uganda. Anyone applying would have to fill out a form for either enrolment or renewal of the IDs, and afterwards, their biometrics will be collected. The application can be done in person at the mobile site or online as NIRA plans to ensure that those with access to the  Internet can start their applications online and later on visit the established mobile sites to complete their application which involves the collection of individual’s biometrics. There are no charges for the registration and renewal process. However, there is  a cost of Shs50,000 ($12.9) attached to express service for individuals who want to get their national IDs within 48 hours. This is also the cost to replace a lost ID.

 IRIS BIOMETRICS 

The Iris biometrics is another form of biometric authentication the same way fingerprints are used to identify individuals. The Iris is the coloured ring outline in each eye that surrounds the pupil. Every person’s iris has a different pattern that is mostly unchangeable throughout the years. The Iris biometrics detects the distinct patterns in the eye, and this biometric data will be inputted into the identity management system.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) explained that introducing the iris biometrics is to improve the security feature for its national ID and in these ID cards, there will also be inclusion of a unique element that can be detected with Ultraviolet (UV) light. This will discourage individuals from falsification or cloning of the cards as attempting to do so would be far more challenging.

LIMITATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE 

There are doubts regarding delay of the enrolment process as The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) seems to have trouble with the preparations for this process.  This may be due to inadequate money needed to hire staff for the registration as well as purchase the major systems necessary for the process. If a delay occurs, it would lead to the national IDs not being ready in time and cause a major complication as the ID cards are used in various authentication activities.

Gen. David Muhoozi, the State Minister for Internal Affairs, based on a report, spoke about the issues being faced relating to funding. He stated that while the Government has approved a supplementary budget of Shs300 billion ($77.5 million) to tackle this issue, Shs192 billion ($49.6 million) is the amount that has been disbursed and there isn’t enough funds available to employ the registration staff.

The Minister, however, confirmed that the procurement of the necessary systems is ongoing and the registration staff are undergoing training about the new National Security Information System in India.

When the issue of renewing the national IDs after 10 years was questioned, the Minister explained that security features on the national IDs degrade over time. He further said that the physical features of registered persons may change, hence the significance of the renewal process after 10 years.

CONCLUSION 

Other African countries such as Malawi, Morocco, Benin, and Zimbabwe have implemented biometric authentication in their national Identification systems. This program, taken up by Uganda is aimed at  strengthening  security and decreasing fraudulent activities. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to utilising technology to improve their national security and identification process. 

SAWA ENERGY ON A MISSION TO BECOME EAST AFRICA’S LARGEST SOLAR POWER PRIVATE PROVIDER

 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) across East Africa have been grappling with power challenges for decades. Sawa Energy with operations in Rwanda and Uganda is putting a halt to the issue of power small scale business owners face via offering integrated energy interventions at no cost, no operation and maintenance fees, and ensuring a seamless worry-free transition to greener and more affordable energy.

Sawa Energy gained the financial support of Renew Capital, an investment company that believes in Sawa Energy’s mission and goals. 

ABOUT SAWA ENERGY

For a renewable resource company established in 2021, its mission and goals are quite ambitious. Sawa Energy’s mission extends its tentacles beyond the horizons of providing power in that it focuses on creating, possessing  and operating solar systems for numerous consumers thus, ensuring significant money saving together with reducing electricity pricing fluctuations, as long-term outcomes. These outcomes, in no doubt, are in obvious alignment with the vision, mission, values, and objectives of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP). The primary aim of Sawa Energy is to become the largest private provider of solar power seeking to deploy 50 MW by 2030 while supporting 1,000 clients. 

Sawa Energy, founded by a group of tri-entrepreneurs, popularly known to be environmentally and socially conscious, consistently infuse notable experiences from solar, finance, and business into the existence of the innovation in Africa Samuel Kaufman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and co-founder of Sawa Energy firmly emphasized the company is passionate about building a business whose delivery is rooted in three strong pillars-building partnerships with East African companies; reducing emissions; and providing robust returns to the investors. Sawa Energy firmly believes in all their stakeholders benefiting from the already established sustainable model. Other team members of Sawa Energy excluding the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is an investor and operator comprise of ‘Jordan Zipkin’, an active entrepreneur and investor in climate tech; ‘Edwin Oloo’, an experienced professional in the Solar Industry for over 7 years; ‘Eder Munyampenda’, a seasoned engineer with design and project supervision experience across the Rwanda country; ‘Allan Okello’, a business development professional with backgrounds in Ugandan solar industry and tech-enabled travel sector; ‘Elsa Izere’, the only female team member is a seasoned investment professional with a focus on sustainable and climate investments within the African markets; ‘Sadiki Businge’, a natural-born entrepreneur with strong flare for technology and renewable energy; ‘Moses Munyui’, a business development specialist with 10 years experience in renewable energy; and ‘Guillaume Charpenel’, an active entrepreneur, investor and catalyst in the area of renewable energy in Ontario.

SAWA ENERGY’S STEPS FOR EFFECTIVENESS

In ensuring the business owners save, Sawa Energy highlighted three (3) steps for effectiveness. The First task is to ‘Schedule a call’. This provides them with insight into your energy needs as well as decipher if their service will be a good fit for you. Second on the list is the ‘On-site visit’ where an energy specialist is sent to your abode for the purpose of assessing the project’s viability and to determine suitable sites for the solar system. The finale involves ‘Getting a new electricity tariff plan’ with the sole aim of ensuring clients enjoy affordable, renewable energy for 35 years.

SAWA ENERGY’S PARTNERS

For effective functionality of the company’s vision and goals, Sawa Energy has partnered with numerous bodies ranging from engineering partners (like EAP, Equatorsolar and All in Trade) to funding partners (such as PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited {PwC], Energy + Environmental Economics {E3}, Legalwise Chambers and Tugliq Energy) but of recent, Sawa Energy won the heart of a funding company evident by this statement ‘Sawa Energy’s approach to affordable and sustainable energy solutions is transformative for East African SME’ uttered by ‘Blessing Layee-Maima Caine’, the company’s investment manager for Rwanda. This newest funding company is none other than the famous Renew Capital. Sawa Energy has definitely hit the jackpot in securing this able and worthy partner capable of ensuring the 2030 goal of being the largest private provider of solar power is met all over East Africa. Renew Capital is proud to support Sawa Energy’s vision of a future where businesses can grow sustainably and cost-effectively. This support has further rooted the plans of Sawa Energy for small and medium-sized business owners in the whole of East Africa. Renew Capital believes in investing in Africa’s small and medium enterprises so as to develop its private sectors. 

To draw the curtain, in an overpopulated region like East Africa where hydropower is the preponderant source of electricity, the invention of solar power by Sawa Energy is one to be embraced by notable capable funding companies across East Africa for the improvement of the general public at large.

SOMALIA GOVERNMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BARAKA INSURANCE LAUNCHES PIONEER HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICE

In a country like Somalia where achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and ensuring adequate healthcare financing is a challenge, what better way to curb this challenge than a partnership with a private sector to provide health insurance service for its populace. Universal health coverage (UHC) ensures all people have access to needed health services of sufficient quality without suffering financial hardship, and this is what the launch of the insurance service provides.

On Friday, the 2nd of February, 2024, an insurance service was launched at the Mogadishu Ceremony by Dr. Ali Hajiadam Abubakar, the federal Minister of Health who referred to the insurance scheme as a great opportunity to access quality healthcare and prevent diseases. He also mentioned that the government's involvement will be in terms of support and regulation to ensure its sustainability and transparency.

In attendance were government officials, bank representatives, hospital managers, and scholars who praised the innovation thus, serving as a collaborative effort towards the improvement of healthcare for the Somali people.

The insurance service known as Baraka Aaliye Care is a product of Baraka Insurance, a private owned company headed by Sakariya Ibrahim. This service offers a variety of packages, ranging from basic to comprehensive, depending on the needs and budget of the consumers. It is also affordable and infact, enrolling as a member or beneficiary of the service is way easier. The Baraka Aaliye Care insurance service is a part of a broader Private Sector Partnerships for Health (PSPH) project which was supported by the Swiss Development and Cooperation whose Memorandum of understanding was signed with the Swiss development agency for its completion in January 2022. The project's major aims include to strengthen the health system by enhancing private healthcare financing and service delivery; to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Somalis, not excluding the most disadvantaged.

Founded in 2018, Baraka Insurance operates on the principles of cooperative insurance in compliance with Islamic Shariah laws. With a focus on mutual protection and profit sharing, the company offers a wide range of protection plans, including medical, motor takaful, and home coverages, among others. Central to its ethos is the concept of Takaful, signifying collective responsibility and solidarity in contributing to the well-being of others.

Somalia Celebrates Historic Milestone as it inaugurates its first aircraft MRO facility in 33 years.

In the past three decades, airlines offering services in Somalia faced the challenge of having to take their aircrafts for maintenance checks in other neighbouring African countries like Kenya and Uganda as there was no officially recognized facility for maintenance checks and repairs in Somalia.

The country's first Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also known as The Blue Hangar was officially opened by Ministry of Transport and Aviation, at Aden Adde International Airport, Mogadishu, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. This would facilitate routine checks of all aircraft departing and arriving Somalia, thereby providing an avenue by which they can improve on safety and develop the air transport sector in Somalia.

Construction by Aerosom Company:

Aerosom Company, a construction company in Somalia ensured the construction of The Blue Hangar, the first operational aircraft hanger to be constructed in Somalia since the early 1990s.

Three years ago when foundation was being set at the airport, Duran Farah, former Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to Somalia announced the project. This was a major step taken by the ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, amongst others to increase the capacity and functionality of the airport following an increase in air traffic. At the time, Somalia had resumed aircraft registration after over 30 years.

The country's current Minister of Transport and Aviation, Fardowsa Osman Egal, inaugurated the facility and made a request for firms based in Somalia to invest in the air transport sector as well. And the upside added was simple - that businesses would likewise benefit from increased facilitation, as would the government and local community. In addition to this, through The Blue Hangar means of locally maintaining aircraft, it will further help in providing employment to a variety of personnel such as aircraft technicians, engineers, and other air transport expert.

Speaking at the same occasion, also addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed M Hassan, brought to everyone's notice that the new MRO facility will would go a long way in assisting the country to meet her goals on global civil aviation standards.

This public-private partnership between the ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation as well as Aerosom Company clearly shows Somalia’s determination in developing its aviation infrastructure and readiness to be more relevant internationally in the aviation sector.

The current state of Somalia's aviation sector

The East African country, Somalia clearly illustrates how conflict and political instability can affect the aviation sector in a country. Most of the Somali facilities stopped all operations after the outbreak of the civil war during the early 90s, including Somali Airlines.

Though the political situation is yet to be stable, The air transport industry in Somalia has really improved bit by bit during the last couple of years. In January 2023, the Horn of Africa country's air traffic control services resumed after more than 30 years following the reclassification of the Mogadishu FIR as 'Class A.' Less than a month later, IATA signed a landmark agreement with Somalia to deepen cooperation in air transport.

At present, around eight airlines are operating passenger services in Somalia with the majority of these operating flights from Mogadishu. These include Ethiopian Airlines, Dallo Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Last March, flydubai launched Boeing 737 MAX flights from Dubai to Mogadishu. This month, Kenya Airways also resumed its Nairobi-Mogadishu route.

The reopening of the first and so far only aircraft hangar in Somalia after the years of its closure, is a major boost for Somalia’s aviation sector as it provides safety and maintenance services for planes flying in the in and out of Somalia. With improved capabilities for aircraft maintenance and repair, Somalia is better placed to meet global standards and contribute positively to the international aviation industry.

FIKRCAMP'S UNIQUE APPROACH TO EDTECH IN SOMALIA

Various Edtech innovations in Africa are providing streamlined training programs and boot camps, equipping individuals with practical skills and offering global opportunities to address the digital skills gap problem. One such platform, FikrCamp, an online training platform launched in Somaliland, offers short courses in web development, coding, UI/UX design, and product management, targeting young individuals speaking Somali.

Fikrcamp's History

Fikrcamp, located in Hargeisa, was launched in February 2021 and has since achieved notable success. The platform has secured $40,000 in funding and generated $36,800 in revenue. The revenues were intended to give the organization a six-month operating budget.. Following its launch, the first batch of 16 students completed the program, with 10 of them securing employment through internships or full-time jobs. A total of 186 students have participated in over seven cohorts, with 117 of them gaining employment. Co-founder and director of product and operations at Fikrcamp, Ridwan Tukale, stated that these numbers demonstrate the platform's effectiveness in bridging the digital skills gap in Africa.

Fikrcamp has also expanded in Ethiopia and plans to provide digital skills to 500 Somali-speaking and 7,500 Amharic-speaking students in Ethiopia using its unique model for diverse regions and languages. Ridwan Tukale claims the goal is to expand our operations, boost student enrolments, and maintain a strong impact on Africa’s IT education environment. Despite the challenges of expanding into new regions with distinct cultures and languages, Fikrcamp remains committed to upholding its key mission and efficacy while adapting to these changes. Fikrcamp recognizes the significance of cultural sensitivity and respect for local customs and values. Before embarking on any new venture in a different region, thorough research is conducted, and partnerships are formed with local experts to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances. This approach ensures that the program is culturally relevant and appropriately respectful of the local context. One of the partners from Addis Ababa, who is also based there, conducted extensive market research for the launch in Ethiopia.

Fikrcamp’s Unique Teaching Model

Fikrcamp recognizes the importance of tailoring its training programs to the local context in Somalia and the unique challenges faced by Somali-speaking youth. To ensure that the content is both accessible and culturally relevant, Fikrcamp offers courses in the Somali language. By prioritizing hands-on learning through projects, students gain practical experience and build a portfolio of technical skills that showcase their abilities to potential employers. Additionally, Fikrcamp understands the value of soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are crucial for success in the digital space. While tuition fees, which can be paid upfront, quarterly or monthly, are charged for training and resources, Fikrcamp provides scholarships and financial aid to those in need or who demonstrate merit. The platform has established partnerships with employers, which can result in fees being covered or sponsorships for skilled individuals. Furthermore, Fikrcamp generates revenue through customized corporate training programs for organizations

Fikrcamp’s Mission

Fikrcamp’s curriculum is routinely reviewed to ensure alignment with industry trends, new technology, and market demands. They collaborate with IT employers to guarantee that graduates are well-prepared. They additionally encourage entrepreneurial thinking, preparing students to start tech-related firms and make decisions in the digital economy. Fikrcamp graduates had a 63% employment rate following graduation, confirming the boot camp’s proficiency in generating job-ready professionals.

As co-founder, director, and lead instructor Abdulladif Roble puts it, “Fikrcamp is committed to its mission. The goal of the boot camp is to provide African youths with the necessary digital skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the industry.

Nim’an Bashir, a graduate of Fikrcamp, found the four-month program to be more valuable than his three years at university. He attributes this to the guidance of Abdulladif Roble, the founder and lead instructor of Fikrcamp, as well as the mentors he worked with. Bashir developed not only technical skills but also strengthened his critical thinking, problem-solving, and logic abilities. He claimed to have initially struggled with imposter syndrome, comparing himself to more experienced coders, but he overcame this challenge by pushing through and building his skills.

Another graduate of Fikrcamp, Nemo Rashed, described the experience during the program as a watershed moment in her life. She acquired essential skills during the intensive program, including networking, interpersonal communication, and career development. The boot camp also honed her critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning abilities, which have proven useful in her studies and future endeavours .

Conclusion

Fikrcamp dedication to fostering local and home-grown tech talent is evident in its innovative teaching approach. Unlike traditional tech education providers, the boot camp teaches tech courses in the student’s native language. This approach improves the learning experience and creates an inclusive environment for students. They go a step further to bridge the gap between education and the industry by connecting these skilled individuals to prospective employers in both the international and local markets

Edtech startup, AltSchool Africa, Expands Its Reach to Kenya in East Africa

Kenya will be AltSchool Africa’s second initiative in East Africa after Rwanda. AltSchool Africa is a Nigerian educational technology (edtech) firm and has officially announced its expansion into Kenya. In order to help Africans transition into global technology professions, the organization offers a wide range of in-demand tech courses. With the position of country manager, Tabitha Kayvu leads the Kenyan division.

Established in 2021, AltSchool has rapidly gained traction in the edtech landscape. Its financial foundation received a significant boost with a $3 million investment in May 2023, coupled with an additional $1 million in pre-seed funding earlier the same year. The success of AltSchool extends beyond Kenya, with a strong presence in the United States and Rwanda, attracting learners from an impressive 105 countries. The platform currently boasts over 60,000 learners hailing from more than 100 countries.

Adewale Yusuf, one of AltSchool's co-founders, envisions a future in which ten million Africans have the skills required to find meaningful work and contribute to the continent's economic progress. He ranks Kenya as AltSchool's second-largest market, after only Nigeria. The decision to expand operations to Kenya has been driven by the country's high enrolment numbers..

Head of Growth and Partnerships at AltSchool Nifemi Akinwamide said that the company is in continuous communication with Kenyan communities and organizations, stressing that the growth is in line with the company's goal of providing Africans worldwide with the necessary skills to take advantage of opportunities in technology. Akinwamide makes vague mention of intentions to open in additional African nations where AltSchool has had notable success.

AltSchool Africa, despite providing virtual education, places a strong emphasis on building offline communities and partnerships for its learners. This strategy, successfully implemented in Nigeria, will be replicated in Kenya. Akinwamide stresses that the start-up’s focus extends beyond ensuring students merely graduate; rather, the emphasis is on ensuring learners understand what employers seek before completing their training.

Initially, AltSchool Africa concentrated on offering one-year diploma courses in software engineering. Over time, the edtech start-up has diversified its offerings, introducing new courses covering data engineering, sales, fintech product management, and digital marketing. The platform is organized into five distinct schools: data, engineering, business, product, and creative economy. AltSchool Africa now features short courses on sales, content, and music creation. Yusuf affirms that these course offerings will be maintained in Kenya and will be conducted in English, with future plans to introduce courses in Swahili.

AltSchool Africa adopts a flexible pricing model ranging from $20 to $50 per month for the duration of its courses. Additionally, the platform embraces the income-sharing agreement (ISA) model, a popular approach in the edtech industry. Under this model, students agree to share a percentage of their future income in exchange for reduced upfront costs.

The pressing gap between Africa’s ten million job seekers and the three million employed underscores a significant skills mismatch. AltSchool Africa offers itself as a bridge, providing students with globally sought-after skills in business, analytics, engineering, media, and the creative economy. The platform's expansion into Kenya demonstrates its commitment to solving this crucial need at a larger scale. As AltSchool Africa expands its footprint, it plays a critical role in altering the educational environment and educating African students for the challenges and opportunities of the global technology-driven economy.

3 million USD raised by Kenyan eyewear startup, Lapaire to expand across Africa

The Kenyan eyewear startup, Lapaire, has successfully raised $3 million in financing to facilitate its expansion across the African continent. This significant investment round was led by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), with noteworthy participation from AAIC, FINCA Ventures, and Beyond Capital. The injection of funds positions Lapaire strategically to advance its mission of providing accessible eye care solutions throughout Africa.

Following the successful completion of this financing round, Lapaire is poised to embark on an ambitious plan to open 300 eye care centres. An additional 80 locations are earmarked for establishment in 2024, creating a robust network of eye care facilities. This expansion initiative is not only a testament to Lapaire's commitment to enhancing eye care accessibility but also a substantial contributor to employment generation. The plan includes the creation of at least 250 jobs, encompassing roles such as eye specialists, branch managers, sales representatives, and various support positions.

Lapaire has already established its presence with 58 locations across six African nations: Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Uganda. This existing network serves as a foundation for Lapaire's broader strategy, which focuses on consolidating its position in established areas like Ivory Coast, Togo, Mali, and Uganda. The subsequent phase involves expanding into additional African countries, demonstrating Lapaire's commitment to making eye care accessible on a pan-African scale.

Since its inception in 2018, Lapaire has been dedicated to addressing the neglected health sector of eye care in developing nations. In countries such as Kenya and across Africa, accessing eye treatment has been an expensive endeavour, leaving this critical aspect of healthcare underprioritized. Lapaire aims to change this narrative by positioning itself as Africa's premier eyewear brand, with plans to establish clinics initially in major cities and subsequently in rural areas.

The impact of Lapaire's efforts thus far is evident in its claim of providing over 300,000 free eye examinations to prospective clients and delivering eyeglasses to 180,000 individuals. The company identified two primary barriers to widespread spectacle wear among Africans: the prohibitive cost and a lack of awareness. Lapaire addressed the awareness issue by conducting free eye exams, ensuring that individuals were informed about their visual health. To tackle the cost challenge, Lapaire introduced a flexible payment option, allowing customers to pay for their glasses over time. This innovative approach includes a variable payment option, with customers required to pay only 30% of the total purchase amount upfront.

The Lapaire group, which comprises over 300 dedicated individuals, focuses on providing attractive and affordable spectacles to everyone. While eye specialists play a crucial role, a notable aspect is that 80% of the workforce comes from diverse professional sectors. Joséphine Amouroux, Head of Talents & Communications at the Lapaire Group, highlights that many candidates are surprised to discover the range of vocations available at Lapaire, beyond the traditional roles of Opticians and Salespeople. The company's structure encompasses Finance teams managing accounting, Marketing and Communications teams nurturing Lapaire's brand image, Supply Chain teams overseeing product sourcing and logistics, and HR teams driving workforce expansion and skill development through digital tools.

Recognizing the importance of openness and diversity, Lapaire places a strong emphasis on a hiring strategy based on gender equality. This commitment is reflected in the company's achievement of having 49% women in group positions and 32% women in managing roles. Lapaire strives to foster a meritocracy-based, safe work environment, where women can thrive and men contribute positively to closing the gender gap.

Jerome Lapaire, founder and CEO of Lapaire, expresses the company's readiness to accelerate expansion and positively impact the lives of one million people throughout the continent by 2026. Approximately 35% of Africans experience visual problems that can be addressed with eyeglasses. However, the cost of obtaining a pair of glasses remains a barrier for many. In the rapidly expanding digital health sector in Africa, vision care emerges as a viable niche, fueled by increased insurance coverage and a younger demographic driving demand.

Lapaire's vision extends beyond eyewear retail; it aspires to become Africa’s go-to eyewear brand, making clear vision accessible to all. The company's strategic plan to establish eye care centres reflects its commitment to addressing the prevalent visual problems in Africa. By expanding its reach into major cities and eventually rural areas, Lapaire aims to provide high-quality eyeglasses at reasonable prices, empowering individuals to lead fuller lives with clear vision.

In conclusion, Lapaire's recent funding success positions it at the forefront of the eyewear sector in Africa. The investment not only fuels expansion but also contributes to job creation and reinforces Lapaire's commitment to making eye care accessible across the continent. As Lapaire continues to innovate and expand its reach, it plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of eye care in Africa.

Undisclosed amount of funding from Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) received by "KOKO" a Kenya-based climate-tech company

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), a distinguished African corporate and investment bank, has taken a commendable stride in its commitment to advancing green energy and forest conservation across Africa. This commitment extends beyond sponsorship, as RMB has made a direct investment in the climate tech start-up, KOKO, as part of its broader carbon business growth project. This strategic move aligns seamlessly with RMB's dedication to propelling sustainable energy solutions on the continent.

KOKO, an innovative impact-investing start-up, is at the forefront of environmental consciousness, aiming to redefine cooking solutions in Africa. The core mission of the company is to introduce greener and more contemporary cooking alternatives, and this mission has received substantial support through RMB's recent investment.

CEO and co-founder of KOKO, Greg Murray, expresses the belief that RMB's investment showcases a profound commitment to leveraging carbon for the improvement of lives in Africa. This partnership is deemed crucial in driving the expansion of KOKO's platform across the continent.

Phil Norton, Carbon Finance Lead at RMB, takes pride in the collaboration with KOKO, emphasizing the shared goal of fostering rapid growth while providing affordable and low-emission energy to millions in Africa. This joint venture seamlessly aligns with RMB's broader objective of establishing a market-leading carbon trading and finance company to serve clients throughout Africa.

This strategic collaboration with KOKO closely aligns with The Nairobi Declaration, a recently unveiled strategic approach in Africa that leverages carbon to finance the continent's energy transition and nurtures the development of the African carbon market. Nigel Beck, Head of Sustainable Finance and ESG Advisory at RMB, emphasizes the significance of adhering to this strategic declaration.

The Nairobi Declaration, a pivotal element of Africa's negotiating posture at COP28 Dubai, plays a crucial role in steering the continent towards a sustainable energy transition. Rand Merchant Bank's support comes at a crucial juncture when carbon trading is gaining global momentum, and Africa stands to benefit from financing, which promotes long-term growth.

Charcoal remains a dominant fuel for cooking in urban Africa, as highlighted by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). With over 900 million Africans relying on harmful fuels like charcoal, resulting in massive deforestation, indoor air pollution, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions, KOKO's mission takes on heightened importance. The transition to contemporary, clean fuels becomes imperative for the entire continent.

KOKO, with its pioneering approach, aims to replace unhealthy solid fuels across the continent with its renewable fuel dispenser. The start-up advocates for liquid bioethanol cooking fuel as a quick, safe, and cost-effective alternative to polluting cooking fuels like charcoal. The deployment of distribution, dispensing, and end-use technologies ensures that customers can access clean fuel at more affordable rates than polluting fuels.

KOKO operates a micro-distribution network of fuel ATMs, providing liquid bioethanol cooking fuel to informal communities. Customers, using smart canisters, can conveniently obtain KOKO Fuel from a widespread network of 2,500 advanced KOKO Fuel ATMs situated in convenience stores throughout urban Kenya. The fuel is used in modern 2-burner cookers, producing a clean blue flame akin to cooking with gas. This renewable bioethanol cooking fuel is derived from sugar molasses. The coordination of payments, fuel distribution, and data is efficiently managed by KOKO Cloud, ensuring safety, quality, and excellent customer service.

Crucially, KOKO's reduction of carbon emissions aligns with global compliance and voluntary carbon markets. Revenues generated from the sale of high-quality carbon credits are shared with Kenyan households, serving as a non-government energy subsidy that makes the solution affordable even for the most impoverished individuals. This innovative approach is instrumental in driving KOKO's mission to create a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of the people it serves.

KOKO proudly claims to have served 1.1 million Kenyan households with bioethanol, and its pay-as-you-go fuel strategy aims to reduce dependency on polluting solid fuels. As a technology company founded in 2014, KOKO continues to expand its reach, currently serving approximately one million households across eight cities in Kenya. Supported by a robust regulatory framework and backing from the Government of Kenya, KOKO's bioethanol cooking fuel utility represents a transformative solution in service of the Kenyan people.

In 2021, KOKO received prestigious recognition as the world’s leading emerging markets climate technology solution by FT / IFC Transformational Business Awards. Additionally, being acknowledged as a "Lighthouse" project by the African Carbon Markets Initiative underscores the integrity of KOKO's business model.

KOKO's impact extends beyond its utility operations, directly employing 2,000 staff and supporting the incomes of an additional 15,000 Kenyan families involved in the bioethanol supply chain. The collaboration between KOKO and Rand Merchant Bank exemplifies a broader shift towards environmentally conscious solutions in Africa. This partnership not only supports KOKO's mission to revolutionize cooking solutions but also signifies a shared commitment to sustainable energy transition and forest conservation on the global stage.

Rand Merchant Bank's investment in KOKO serves as a testament to the potential impact when financial institutions join hands with innovative start-ups in driving positive change. Kenya, through initiatives like these, solidifies its position as a leader advocating for a shift to green energy on the global stage.