Category: Africa

Source: APO

The Honourable (Hon.) Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, addressed leaders from around the world on Africa’s digital future at the GITEX NIGERIA Government Leadership & AI Summit (https://GITEXNIGERIA.ng/) in Abuja. The summit kicked off the inaugural edition of GITEX NIGERIA before moving to Lagos on 2-3 September.

Held under the patronage of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, GITEX NIGERIA is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The event is endorsed by Lagos State Government, and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.

In his first public appearance since being named alongside Sam Altman and Jensen Huang in TIME magazine’s most influential people in AI 2025, Hon. Bosun Tijani said: “Across the world, nations are harnessing AI to automate processes, analyse data, and optimise resources in ways we could not imagine a decade ago. While others internationally grow more productive and drive unprecedented cross-sector efficiencies, parts of our own economies risk losing competitiveness if we fail to act. Those ahead will accelerate; those behind will fall further. Africa must not treat AI as an afterthought and be a consumer-centric continent importing food, services, and innovation; we must produce, lead, and innovate. That is why AI must sit at the very centre of our strategy. As leaders, we must collaborate, invest, and take defining decisions that ensure Africa shapes – not follows – the future of artificial intelligence.”

H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, said: “As we gather at GITEX NIGERIA, we have a unique opportunity to define the nation’s place in the future of artificial intelligence. With our vibrant, youthful population and a proven track record of attracting significant investment, Lagos is not just ambitious—we are a resilient state actively building the digital infrastructure and scaling the startups needed to turn policy into progress. This is a moment for global tech leaders to see Africa not merely as a market, but as a co-creator in this revolution. By providing the enabling framework, we can harness AI to address our most pressing challenges and lead our people out of economic hardship.”

Joining Hon. Bosun’s opening plenary session were H.E. Pedro Fernandes Lopes, Secretary of State for Digital Economy, Ministry of Digital Economy, Cape Verde; Dahlia Khalifa, Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, IFC; Karl Olutokun Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria and VP for Francophone Africa, MTN Group; and Robin Njiru, Public Sector Lead for West, East, and Central Africa, Amazon Web Services.

Elaborating on the indispensable nature of AI in Nigeria’s digital future, Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of NITDA, highlighted its projected global economic value, stating: “We stand on the cusp of a new industrial revolution powered by AI – one where tasks are automated, diseases are cured, and deeper human connections are created. Epoch AI projects automation could grow the world economy by 20%, doubling output within five years. This emphasises that no nation can afford to be left behind in this revolution, for those who lead in AI will shape the future. To benefit fully, we must build capacity across policy, infrastructure, computing, and above all, human capital.”

Abdullahi continued: “In Nigeria, we are acting on this promise through initiatives such as training three million tech talents, embedding digital literacy across our society, and weaving digital skills into formal education. This AI era is not just about technology – it is about talent. And talent, when nurtured, empowered, and digitally fluent, will define our progress and position us to be a regional and global leader in this revolution.”

Celebrating the launch of West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup show, Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, organisers of GITEX NIGERIA, said: “GITEX NIGERIA showcases the ambition and energy of Nigeria as the next global AI hub under the leadership of H.E. President Tinubu – offering global perspectives and networks for local companies, SMEs, startups to connect and scale. Nigeria’s digital economy is young, vast, and inevitable, and as AI competition intensifies, we are determined to secure Nigeria’s seat at the global table of the new digital economy.”

Other prominent speakers on the day included Elsie Gyekyewaa Attafuah, Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Basil Ayass, Sub-Saharan Africa – Leader for Africa Google Cloud; Charmaine Houvet, Senior Director, Africa, Cisco; and Ade Famoti, Global Head of Research Incubations, Microsoft Research, USA.

Between 3-4 September, the GITEX NIGERIA programme will transition to Lagos, headlining across two locations. The Eko Hotel Convention Centre hosts the GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference, while the Landmark Centre welcomes the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival.

For more information, news and updates on GITEX NIGERIA, please visit https://GITEXNIGERIA.ng/.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX NIGERIA.

Notes to editors:
It is GITEX NIGERIA not Gitex Nigeria

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Source: APO

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://www.Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding Rwanda’s history with a US$100,000 donation to the Imbuto Foundation, marking the company’s ongoing commitment to honouring the memory of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. 

Liquid’s annual contribution helps to ensure that Rwanda’s national-level genocide memorials receive the necessary technology to preserve evidence and artifacts for future generations, while also supporting documentation and research efforts. This is vital in enabling both Rwandans and visitors to engage with an authentic record of the country’s past. 

“Protecting the memory of the genocide against the Tutsi is essential to our nation’s collective healing and resilience. At Liquid Intelligent Technologies, we are committed to supporting the Government of Rwanda in strengthening memorial infrastructure and ensuring that historical records are preserved using technology and innovation. Beyond our role in building Africa’s digital future, we take pride in partnering with communities in ways that safeguard their heritage and strengthen their identity,” said Mr. Sam Nkusi, Executive Chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Rwanda. 

This donation represents the fourth consecutive annual contribution made by Liquid to the Imbuto Foundation, established by the First Lady of Rwanda, Her Excellency Mrs Jeannette Kagame. It forms part of the company’s US$1 million, ten-year pledge, made in collaboration with the Foundation and the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement. 

Alongside this long-term memorialisation initiative, Liquid is also committed to Rwanda’s vision of inclusive digital transformation, providing free public internet access to various locations across the country. This ensures that students, entrepreneurs, and the broader public have reliable digital access to lessons about the country’s past, as well as opportunities to thrive in a digitally enabled future. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent.

For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.

Source: APO

A new independent field study conducted in Uganda has revealed compelling evidence supporting the use of Polesaver (www.Polesaver.com) Rot-Guard™ sleeves to maximise the lifespan of wooden electricity distribution poles. The findings are expected to guide utility companies and infrastructure specifiers across Africa toward more cost-effective, durable solutions. 

Conducted by Dr. Paul Mugabi, Associate Professor-Consultant at Makerere University’s School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, the study is the first of its kind in East Africa to evaluate ground-line protection technology under local conditions. 

What Are Rot-Guard™ Sleeves? 

Polesaver Rot-Guard™ sleeves are dual-layer, heat-shrinkable barrier sleeves designed to protect the most vulnerable part of a wooden pole—the ground line—from fungal decay and termite attack. This area, where the pole meets the soil (and six inches below ground), is highly susceptible to biological deterioration. An outer thermoplastic layer shrinks to the pole, preventing water and oxygen ingress, while an inner bituminous layer seals the wood, forming a long-lasting, impenetrable barrier. 

Despite competition from steel and concrete, wooden poles remain the preferred choice for power distribution in many African regions due to their lower cost, ease of installation, lighter environmental footprint, and local availability. However, premature failure—often within 10 years—due to rot and termites continues to burden utility providers. Between 2017 and 2021, Uganda spent over $8 million replacing decayed wooden poles—more than 85% of failures were attributed to biological deterioration. 

Study Results 

In the study, 200 wooden poles installed in central Uganda were examined: 113 protected with Polesaver Rot-Guard™ sleeves, and 87 untreated control poles, each in the ground for up to eight years. 

Key findings include: 

• No decay of sleeved poles, compared to 4.6% decay of un-sleeved poles 
• No termite attack of sleeved poles, compared to 5.75% attack of un-sleeved poles 

“These results demonstrate how a relatively simple, cost-effective, and proven technology can deliver substantial benefits for utility providers,” said Richard George, CEO of Polesaver. “By extending the lifespan of poles, Rot-Guard™ sleeves can dramatically reduce replacement and maintenance costs, while improving network safety and reliability.” 

The report (https://apo-opa.co/4p0oPvk) provides strong evidence for wider adoption of barrier sleeve technology in tropical and subtropical climates and offers a roadmap for enhancing power infrastructure resilience across the continent. With Mission 300 funding rounds now underway, the findings are especially timely. The initiative’s ambitious target—delivering electricity access to 300 million new customers by 2030—will only succeed if investments prioritise solutions that extend the lifespan and reliability of these critical assets. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Polesaver.

For more information, contact:  
Claire Powell
Head of Marketing 
claire.powell@polesaver.com  
+44 (0) 1452 222 364 

About Polesaver:
Polesaver is a UK-based family company headquartered in Gloucestershire. Polesaver pioneered the world’s first dual-layer, ground-line barrier sleeve in 1994. Since then, the company has become the largest manufacturer of ground-line barrier sleeves in the world, providing proven utility pole protection in over 35 countries worldwide. www.Polesaver.com 

Source: APO – Report:

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Engineering firm OilDynamics has been confirmed as an Associate Sponsor for the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 01 – 03, 2025 in Cape Town. OilDynamics’ participation underscores the firm’s commitment to expanding its footprint within Africa’s burgeoning extractive industry. The company manufactures and services equipment and systems for the extraction of oil and gas as well as geothermal fluids.

AMW 2025 is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference, providing firms such as OilDynamics an opportunity to tap into the synergies emerging from the energy–mining nexus. OilDynamics seeks to expand its footprint in North Africa, with plans to roll out advanced drilling and pumping systems for oil and gas projects in Tunisia and Libya. In Algeria, OilDynamics’ technology is already deployed in partnership with national oil company Sonatrach.

As African oil, gas, geothermal and mineral-rich nations ramp up resource exploration and production, OilDynamics’ expertise in project management, field engineering and innovative pumping technologies positions the firm as a key enabler of Africa’s extractive industry growth. Moreover, with increasing demand for energy to power key industries such as mining, the company’s expertise in oil, gas and geothermal is vital in strengthening Africa’s energy supply and sustainable mining sector growth.

At AMW 2025, OilDynamics representatives will participate in high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking forums, showcasing the company’s contributions to Africa’s extractive industries while forging new partnerships to accelerate sector growth.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) has completed a five-day training for civil society organisations (CSOs) and media practitioners from Eastern and Southern Africa on using data for policy advocacy and news reporting. Participants in the training, held in Lusaka, Zambia, learned how to effectively access and use Afrobarometer public opinion data, gaining practical skills in conducting online data analysis and interpreting survey results.

The CSO session equipped 21 participants with skills to amplify citizen voices on governance and economic and social issues through the use of Afrobarometer data. Participants also gained skills in presenting evidence-based insights to policy makers, enriching their advocacy campaigns and reports with relevant data.

Dominique Dryding, Afrobarometer capacity building manager (basic track), noted that the CSOs are uniquely positioned to highlight citizen priorities. “Through Afrobarometer data, which reflects the lived experience of citizens, civil society organisations can drive meaningful policy dialogues at both national and subnational levels,” she said.

Solomon Ngoma, executive director of the Action Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) in Zambia, noted the training’s value for his work.

“The skills I have gained from this Afrobarometer workshop are a game-changer. They will directly inform our policy analysis here in Zambia, allowing us to use data to create more effective and impactful policies,” he said. 

The media practitioners’ session focused on equipping journalists with tools to translate survey data into impactful stories that resonate with the general public. The training emphasised how they can use Afrobarometer data to spotlight citizens’ perspectives on various societal issues, hold leaders accountable through evidence-based reporting, and enrich news coverage with data.

Participants welcomed the practical benefits of the training.

“I’m returning to Ethiopia with a completely different perspective on Afrobarometer’s data,” said Firaul Hailu, a reporter for Asham TV. “I’ll definitely be using the depth of this resource, which spans almost three decades, as a reference for my news analysis.”

“My biggest takeaway from this workshop was learning how to pull data from Afrobarometer’s online platform and create my own visuals specifically for my viewers,” said Salome Baptister Kilasi, a news editor for the Tanzania Broadcasting Corp. “It’s fascinating how this will allow me to boost my news segments and add the kind of credibility that audiences really value.”

– on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Iberi
Communications coordinator for East Africa 
Telephone: +254 725 674 457
Email: diberi@afrobarometer.org

Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica.

About Afrobarometer:
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 430,000+ interviews in 43 countries, representing the views of more than 75% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent’s data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website (https://www.Afrobarometer.org/) and may be analysed free of charge using AB’s online data analysis tool.