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Village Capital Adaptation SME Accelerator Project (ASAP)

Hassan Barakat
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Village Capital Adaptation SME Accelerator Project (ASAP)

Village Capital, under the Adaptation SME Accelerator Project (ASAP), an initiative supported by the Lightsmith Group, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank, the Global Environment Facility, and Conservation International, will help 16 African and Asian SMEs and startups scale market-based and contextualized solutions to crucial climate adaption and resilience issues.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2022.

About The Program

SMEs and startups will participate in a one-week intensive virtual training program that will support companies that are aimed at impact (that is, measurable, contextualized, and with clear solutions to identified problems), inclusion (entrepreneurs with deep experience with the problems they seek to address), and profit-oriented (that is, companies that are profitable) (sustainable, scalable startups that can drive positive financial and social return).

Program Eligibility

Be an SME or startup in a developing country in Africa or Asia developing or providing products and/or services (ideally technology-enabled) that improve target users’ resilience to climate change impacts by either –

  1. Strengthening users’ ability to understand and respond to physical climate risks – either chronic or acute – and related impacts, as well as capture related opportunities, to address systemic barriers to adaptation.
  2. Preventing or minimising physical climate risk, whether chronic or acute, and/or any negative consequences for assets, economic activities, people, or the environment.

Climate resilience and adaptation solutions offer should aim to be as minimally carbon-intensive as possible. Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Agriculture
  • Transportation, logistics, Infrastucture
  • Water
  • Energy
  • Health
  • Climate Risk Analytics and Risk Management

Program Timeline

  • Applications Open: December 7, 2021
  • Applications Close: January 31, 2022
  • Cohort Announcement: March 25, 2022
  • Orientation Webinar: April 1, 2022
  • Preparation for Accelerator Program: April 2-16, 2022
  • Accelerator Program: April 18-22, 2022

Please note that the deadline for applications is January 31, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EST. We will not be able to grant any additional extensions.

For more information;

Visit The Official Page of Village Capital 

Apply for The Village Capital Adaptation SME Accelerator Project (ASAP) Here

Design Futures Lab 2022

Hassan Barakat
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Design Futures Lab 2022

Design Futures Lab 2022

Do you have a sustainable fashion story you want to tell in an immersive digital format?

Electric South, Twyg, and Crossover Labs are thrilled to extend an invitation to creative technologists and digital storytellers to apply for the Design Fellowship Futures Lab 2022.

Application Deadline: 31 January 2022

About The Lab

 

South African content artists will get the opportunity to develop innovative, provocative, and immersive digital narratives around sustainable fashion and design as part of this creative economy project, which is supported by the British Council #SouthernAfricaArts. These stories will help to develop kinder, more environmentally friendly futures.

  • We’re seeking 9 teams of two artists to compete (18 artists in total)
  • The chosen candidates will be guided and mentored in the use of innovative immersive digital technologies and sustainable fashion methods
  • A grant of R75,000 will be given to each team to help them develop their digital prototype/proof of concept concepts
  • A sustainable fashion workshop and a digital lab will be included in the programme, challenging successful candidates to explore and enhance their digital production talents in XR (extended reality)
  • The lab will provide access to new markets for sustaining lifestyles by utilizing new creative technologies and software, international distribution channels, and exhibition platforms.

Our Aims

  • Bringing education, experimentation, exploration, and play together to help young creatives bring their ideas to life in an immersive environment
  • Partner with local and worldwide experts, guest speakers, and market access professionals to create an environment that encourages inquiry, cooperation, and innovation among our participants
  • For participants based outside of Cape Town who attend the in-person Lab, the Design Futures program will pay all domestic transport, lodging, and meals.

Date

  • Virtually from 14 – 18 March 2022 (max. 2hrs/day).
  • In-person from 23 – 25 March 2022  in Cape Town (full-time).
  • Market access feedback will take place virtually from June – November 2022.

Eligibility:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Pair submission, with one concept (two creatives per concept).
  • Be citizens or permanent residents of South Africa.
  • Lives in South Africa currently and able to travel on the days required.
  • Experience in a creative technology field.

Application Requirements

Check the application form here 

Projects Ideas Must

  • Be a digital prototype/proof of concept with immersive and provocative narratives centered on themes of sustainable fashion practices across the full value chain (from soil to landfill) that address environmental, climate, and earth-friendly and regenerative solutions.
  • Utilise immersive technology like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). 360 cinema, volumetric capture, world-building, interactive worlds, avatar development, animation, artificial intelligence, projection mapping, hybrid forms, and more could all fall under this umbrella.

Important Dates To Note

  • 31 January 2022.

Please complete and submit this form by 11.59 pm SAST.

  • 18 February 2022.

All successful applicants will be notified.  

  • 14 – 18 March 2022.

The Design Future Lab will run virtually (max. 2 hrs/day).

  • 23 – 25 March 2022.

The Design Future Lab will run in person in Cape Town (full-time).

  • 31 May 2022.

Each team must have completed their digital prototype/proof of concept.

  • May – November 2022.

Market access feedback will run virtually.

  • All Coronavirus COVID-19 protocols will be adhered to throughout the Lab.

Have any Enquiries?

Please contact info@electricsouth.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Fill the Application form here.

For more information,

Visit the Official Page of Design Future Lab 2022

JSworld Conference Africa – Diversity Focus

Hassan Barakat
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JSworld Conference Africa – Diversity Focus

JSworld Conference Africa Event is organised by JSWORLD Conference – Frontend Love.

Date

Tue, Feb 8, 2022, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (WAT)

About The Conference

The event will pave the way for a more diverse JavaScript industry in the future. With 30 speakers from Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt, as well as 15,000 attendees, t his will be the first of a yearly African JavaScript Conference with the basic tenets on equality and opportunity.

It is a free online JavaScript conference that is in support of a more diverse and equal future, supported by companies prepared to invest.

You will be able to learn about JavaScript and Equal Career Opportunities if you attend the online event. This is a  conference organised by a group of committed businesses committed to a more egalitarian future. Bringing you African success stories on JavaScipt and career experience.

The Future of Javascript

JSworld conference Africa will take place online. With 30+ topics discussing the most important of 2022’s JavaScript. React.js, Vue, TypeScript, WebAssembly, Headless CMS, DevTools, Next.js, Jest, Svelte, and more!

  • Join 5,000 JavaScript enthusiasts for a full day of content to place you on an edge as a Frontend JavaScript Developer.
  • Learn & meet directly with JavaScript colleagues and speakers.

Our desire is to expand chances for a more diverse and equal tech workforce.

Register for JSworld Conference Here

Treepz Partners With CMS T&M to Digitize Transportation Customers

Abidemi Ogunyemi-Aderibigbe
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Treepz Partners With CMS T&M to Digitize Transportation Customers

In a bid to digitize transportation, Treepz, a digital platform for bus ticketing partners with CMS T&M to efficiently manage operations.

About

Treepz

A bus ticketing digital platform that aims at providing commuters with an affordable and comfortable means of transportation within the cities and across Africa.

CMS Taxi & Motor Nig. Ltd (CMS T&M)

An old licensed shuttled bus company of about 53 years old operating in the Central Business District of Lagos.

The company operates in Marina, Victoria Island, Lagos Island, and Lekki areas of Lagos state with the use of high capacity buses and minivans.

CMS T&M offers conducive vehicles to about 1.6 Million commuters such as workers, students and traders annually to ease the daily commute within the city.

The Partnership to Digitize Transportation

Treepz shares the same vision with its partners CMS T&M in providing efficient and affordable bus travel solutions in parks, within the cities in Lagos and across Africa.

Treepz as a company is continuously growing its impact in the transformation of the transportation sector with the aid of current technology deployed across Africa.

With operations already ongoing in Ghana, Uganda, and Nigeria, Treepz has introduced the Transportation Operator System to provide Bus Parks and Bus Operators.

Alongside, it is providing them with the necessary technology to digitize their services while also increasing their customer base and revenue management.

This technology provided by Treepz will enhance CMS T&M management to efficiently manage operations, digitize their ticketing system, and provide bus operators transparency.

With this collaboration, CMS T&M commuters will be offered more comfortable payment options and exact travel times.

Mr. Onyeka Akumah, CEO & Co-Founder Treepz Inc. said,

“At Treepz, the goal is to improve on the public transportation system in Africa using technology”

Furthermore,

“We constantly lookout for opportunities to partner with major bus operators and state governments to aid digitized transportation sector.”

In addition, he mentioned that

“With the combination of the expertise and technologies of Treepz, with CMS T&M’s years of experience in public transportation and fleet management in Nigeria, we are on the right path to achieving this goal”

He also expressed himself saying,

“I am particularly thrilled about the opportunity utilized by this transportation company to use the Treepz technology”

“Moving away from cash-based payments, paper-ticketing, and the general issues that comes with the olden ways of getting a bus ticket”.

The Future of Digitize Transportation 

A lot of transportation stakeholders are now looking in the way of the technology offered by Treepz as against the old ways.

They intend to move from paper ticketing, cash-based transactions, and managing customer inventory to allow them to reach their goals.

Asides from CMS T&M company, more than 12 bus operators have also partnered with Treepz to benefit from this technology such as Libra Motors.

Additionally, GUO Transport, EFEX Transportation service, ABC Transport, Anambra Executive, and a list of other intercity transporters with at least 1500 vehicles in their fleet.

Asides from transport companies, Treepz also extends its services to schools for school bus solutions and hire.

It also extends bus hire services to corporate sectors for their staff bus solutions as well as the state government for the state transport system.

Norwegian VC Katapult Launches Agritech Accelerator In Mauritius 

Mena Adediran
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Norwegian VC Katapult Launches Agritech Accelerator In Mauritius 

Norwegian venture capital firm Katapult has launched an impact accelerator programme for agritech at the Ferney Agri-hub in Mauritius.

The focus of the accelerator programme is on regenerative food and agritech startups within Africa and beyond. The Katapult Mauritius Accelerator is one of Katapult’s wider plan to set up Mauritius into a “focal point for sustainable innovation and transformation”, and is being launched in partnership with the following organizations; CIEL, IBL Group, Currimjee Group and MCB Group.

Katapult says it has established several close partnerships in Mauritius and has also been speaking with the Mauritian government, private sector, academia as well as the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This is to help Katapult learn and explore how Mauritius can become an example of sustainable transformation.

Mauritius has shown potential to become such an example for change, as it is positioned between India and Africa, has a stable democracy and financial sector, with a keen focus on food sovereignty and sustainability. Katapult has a larger strategy in place for Africa and is embarking on this journey with the Mauritius accelerator launch.

The Katapult Mauritius Accelerator is going to accelerate and invest in 10 regional as well as international startups. The startups will have access to Katapult’s network and Mauritian partners, make connections with the innovation ecosystem in Mauritius, and also use Mauritius as a point of entry to other African markets. The programme will last for three months, wherein the startups will live and work on the island. The Ferney Agri-hub, located at southern Mauritius, will contain a co-working space for the programme participants.

Speaking on the programme, Katapult Mauritius Country Director, Thomas Berman, expressed that, “Mauritius is a country that can become a global example for meaningful sustainable transformation. One part of this transformation will be to strengthen Mauritius as a connector and test site for regional and international start-ups who develop solutions that can spur regenerative change in our food systems.”

Accelerating Digital Transformation in Africa, Cassava Technologies and Mitsui signs MoU

Abidemi Ogunyemi-Aderibigbe
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Accelerating Digital Transformation in Africa, Cassava Technologies and Mitsui signs MoU

Cassava Technologies has today made an announcement of entering into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mitsui & Co. Ltd (Mitsui) in accelerating digital transformation in Africa.

About Cassava Technologies and Mitsui

Cassava Technologies

The first Pan Africa integrated technology company that provides an ecosystem vertical combination of digital solutions.

However, it is mapped out to increase connectivity and steer digital  transformation all over the continent of Africa.

The company offers an enabling digital infrastructure with a cross-border fibre, renewable energy solutions and also state-of-the-art network of data centres.

Similarly, it provides complementary digital services of Wi-Fi, Cloud, cybersecurity and fintech solutions for millions to access.

This ecosystem is built to transform the lives of individuals and businesses across the African continent withaccess to social mobility and economic prosperity.

The portfolio of Cassava Technologies connected product brands include Sasai Fintech, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, and Liquid Cloud.

In addition, Africa Data Centres, Vaya Technologies, and Distributed Power Technologies are also not left out of the portfolio.

These solutions aid the drive of the Company’s vision of a digitally connected future that will leave no African behind.

Mitsui

Mitsui & Co.Ltd,  with about 130 offices in 63 countries and utilizing its global operating locations, network and information resources was established in 1947.

It is a multicultural track business with ranging product sales of worldwide logistics, financing and development of major international infrastructure.

In other words, Mitsui also participate in other projects of some sectors such as:

Mineral & Metal Resources, Energy, Iron & Steel Products, Infrastructure Projects, Mobility, Chemicals, and Food.

Wellness, Food & Retail Management,  IT & Communication Business, and Corporate Development Business sectors are also not left behind.

Shared Goal to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Africa

The 2 companies shares a common vision to facilitate digital transformation all over the Africa continent.

The partnership will bring together required technology, expertise, and networks of both organizations to move the vision.

Mitsui is globally experienced with developing, investing and operating businesses in the digital, infrastructure and energy sectors.

Hence, this partnership will further expand its business activities in Africa.

In other words, Mitsui will be supporting Cassava Technologies by providing access to Mitsui’s global network, and advanced technologies.

It will also be helpful in recognizing potential financial sources to support future growth and investment.

The parties will join forces in developing digital infrastructure across the Africa continent with an exact focus on data centres.

The President and CEO of Cassava Technologies, Hardy Pemhiwa, stated:

“Signing of the Mou will hasten our shared goals to foster digital transformation across the continent of African” 

He also said,

“This partnership with Mitsui will enable Cassava Technologies to access Mitsui’s deep global expertise in digital infrastructure development”

And concluded that,

“With the help of Mitsui’s global network and expertise and our knowledge of the Africa local market, we will work together to foster innovation and enlarge the access to digital services for businesses and consumers”.

G7CR Technologies Invests $1M in Start-ups via Technology Services

Abidemi Ogunyemi-Aderibigbe
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G7CR Technologies Invests $1M in Start-ups via Technology Services

G7CR Technologies, one of the leading cloud service providers based in Bangalore has invested over $1M in different start-ups via technology services in the last quarter of the year.

About

G7CR Technologies company is an Expert Azure Managed Services Partner which aims to drive cloud transformation across India and MEA region. The tech company offers cloud hosting services and all of its support-related services.

The company received an award from  Microsoft for 2 consecutive years (2019 & 2020) as “The Country Partner”

The tech company has global recognition of technically capable of driving cloud services journey for most business in various industry such as Healthcare, Insurance, Banking, Manufacturing, Education, PSUs, I.T and Retail.

G7CR Technologies Investment in Startups

With the aim to improve the ecosystem of startups, G7CR technologies have made technical financing in over a hundred(100) Startups in India and the Middle East, and Africa.

The tech company birthed the ‘Startup 360’ initiative at a time when SMEs & SMBs, Startups were relying on cloud technology for their technical and business brim.

It has provided them with help on how to migrate to the cloud as well as modernize their application.

Under this initiative, the company plans to finance more startups like about 200 or more in the next 4-5 months, and also onboard more than a thousand startups in FY 2022.

The company also looks forward to investing in B2B SaaS product startups and extending sales operations of the startups to new regions like MEA with funds benefits ranging from USD5,000 to USD25,000.

G7CR technologies investment for the startups wants to focus on providing tactical support across main business areas like Capital, Building competency (in terms of technicality & leadership), Revenue & Technology to help their startup journey.

With this initiative, startups are now opting for transformative innovations and utilization of cloud services for a wider approach such as the provision of tactic support in sales enablement, Business empowerment, and Tech facilitation.

G7CR Technologies Commitment

Speaking on the occasion of the investment, the MD & Cheif Cloud Architect in the person of Dr. Christopher Richard, stated that

“Start-ups are taking advantage that cloud technology brings to their business and are alongside looking for a partner with advanced skills to migrate, optimize, and manage their existing workloads to the cloud which is where G7CR comes into the picture” 

He further said,

“G7CR have always been trying to disrupt offers giving to our customers & partners so as to make most of it rather than trying to fit the offer into one-size for all. The products and services offered by these start-ups we have invested in with technological services have impressed us”

And concluded by stating that,

“Growing a cloud technology-based platform and working closely with these start-ups have opened our eyes to various business challenges faced on a daily basis. With our expertise and market reach, we will help these start-ups which show to have the potential of becoming unicorns. We are glad and thrilled as they join the G7CR family”.

G7CR  will continue to invest in growing niche skillsets and earn the Modernization of Web Applications to Microsoft Azure advanced specialization, a validation of a solution partner’s deep knowledge, extensive experience, and proven skilled proficiency in migrating and modernizing web application production workloads as well as managing app services in Azure.

 

 

Policies Against Cryptocurrencies, Top Nigerian Minister Suggests Government’s Reconsideration

Hassan Barakat
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Policies Against Cryptocurrencies, Top Nigerian Minister Suggests Government’s Reconsideration

Policies against cryptocurrencies, top Nigerian minister Prince Clem Agba suggests government’s reconsideration.

A Nigerian minister of state for budget and national planning has expressed his support for the nascent cryptocurrency industry.

Nigeria’s central bank restricted commercial lenders from facilitating Bitcoin transactions earlier this year. However, Agba feels that enacting anti-crypto legislation in the country could have dire ramifications in the future.

The minister’s support for cryptocurrency comes as Nigeria’s economy battles inflation brought on by lethargic, COVID-infested economic activity.

According to a Bloomberg article, “the ambiguity in regulating cryptocurrencies risks denying government and citizens the opportunity to maximise the potential from technology.”

According to a recent analysis by the African Development Bank Group (ADBG), the Nigerian economy entered into recession in 2020 due to a drop in crude oil prices as a result of diminishing global demand and containment measures against Coronavirus.

Inflation rate increased to 12.8 percent in 2020,  from 11.4 percent in 2019.

In the midst of this economic turmoil, Nigeria and other African nations with access to the Internet began experimenting with cryptocurrency.

According to a survey published in September by Chainalysis, the crypto markets in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa grew by 1,200 percent in one year, reaching a market valuation of $105.6 billion (approximately Rs. 775 crores).

Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to prohibit crypto-trading, the country did launch the eNaira, a blockchain-based “central bank digital currency” (CBDC) managed directly by the central bank. The eNaira is subjected to daily transaction restrictions and other stratifications.

Several countries, like India and Russia, are debating whether or not to legalize cryptocurrencies due to its decentralized and untraceable characteristics, as well as market volatility.

Information Technology and Services Job Opening: UI/UX Designer

Boluwatife Aponmade
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0
Information Technology and Services Job Opening: UI/UX Designer

About Company
A technology consulting company that works with clients to solve complexities in managing technology projects, people, and operations in Africa.

Job Description
We are looking for a UI/UX Designer to turn our software into easy-to-use products for our clients. UI/UX Designer responsibilities include gathering user requirements, designing graphic elements, and building navigation components.
It is a 4 months contract job. The location is Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria and it is onsite. Salary is within the range of #600,000-#650,000.


Responsibilities
• Designing a Web App UI (both for web and mobile versions)
• Gather and evaluate user requirements in collaboration with product managers and engineers
• Illustrate design ideas using storyboards, process flows, and sitemaps
• Design graphic user interface elements, like menus, tabs, and widgets
• Build page navigation buttons and search fields
• Develop UI mockups and prototypes that clearly illustrate how sites function and look like
• Create original graphic designs (e.g. images, sketches, and tables)

Requirements
• Proven work experience as a UI/UX Designer or similar role
• Portfolio of design projects
• Knowledge of wireframe tools (e.g. Wireframe. cc and InVision)
• Up-to-date knowledge of design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Team spirit; strong communication skills to collaborate with various stakeholders
• Good time-management skills
• BSc in Design, Computer Science or relevant field

Click here to apply.

Bongalo Job Opening: Product Designer

Boluwatife Aponmade
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0
Bongalo Job Opening: Product Designer

Bongalo is a fast-growing Traveltech startup on a mission to connect travelers to affordable, comfortable, and most convenient accommodation options across Africa.

We are looking for a detail-oriented and passionate Product Designer. You will be designing our Mobile application, Administrative, and user dashboards while improving our current web UI/UX designs. You will envision how people experience our platforms and bring that vision to life in a way that feels inspired, refined, and even magical. You will be working in a collaborative environment, however, you should be able to work well on your own and also be happy to assist the CTO when required and contribute to overall continuous improvement within the team.

The job location is in Kigali, Rwanda. It is a full-time job.

Job Duties & Responsibilities: Within this role, you will:

Gather and evaluate user requirements in collaboration with product managers and engineers.

  • Illustrate design ideas using storyboards, process flows, and sitemaps.
  • Design graphics user interfaces elements, like menus, tabs, and widgets.
  • Build page navigation buttons and search fields.
  • Develop UI mockups and prototypes that clearly illustrate how sites look & function.
    Create original graphic designs (e.g. images, sketches, and tables).
  • Prepare and present rough drafts to internal teams and key stakeholders.
  • Identify and troubleshoot UX problems (e.g. responsiveness).
  • Conduct layout adjustments based on user feedback.
  • Adhere to style standards on fonts, colors, and images.

Requirements: Essential;

  • 2 years of proven work experience as a UI/UX Designer or similar role.
    Portfolio of design projects.
  • Knowledge of wireframe tools (e.g. Figma, InVision).
  • Up-to-date knowledge of design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Adobe XD.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
  • Team spirit; strong communication skills to collaborate with various stakeholders.
  • Desirable team working and organizational skills.
  • A degree in computer science or a related field.
  • A demonstrated ability to work on a variety of tasks at the same time, and keep track of a variety of work-streams.
  • The ability to take feedback and seek out areas of improvement from your peers.
    Familiarity with google workspace, Trello and slack, etc.
  • Proficiency in the English language.

NB: We’re unable to provide feedback to all applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be
contacted.

The deadline is on the 11th of January, 2022. Click here to apply.

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