Category Archives: Tech

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Equinix to launch $22m data center in Lagos, boosting Africa’s digital infrastructure

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Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the global digital infrastructure company, has announced plans to open a new high-performance data center in Lagos, Nigeria, with an initial investment of $22 million. The LG3 facility represents the first phase of a broader $100 million investment aimed at transforming Africa’s digital landscape over the next two years.

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026, the Lagos data center is expected to strengthen local businesses’ capacity to scale while attracting international companies to the country, cementing Lagos as a strategic hub for global connectivity.

The new facility will integrate Equinix Fabric, allowing businesses to securely connect their physical and virtual infrastructure with cloud providers, partners, and other Equinix locations worldwide.

“LG3 marks a significant milestone in Equinix’s commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide,” said Wole Abu, Managing Director for West Africa at Equinix. “As Lagos emerges as a hub of talent, innovation, and connectivity, this facility will accelerate access to technologies like cloud, AI, and the next generation of startups. We’re not just building data centers; we’re fostering growth and laying the groundwork for a connected African economy ready to compete globally.”

Read Also: AfDB, Angola launch $125m project to boost youth entrepreneurship

Olawale Owoeye, Managing Director at Cedarview, added, “Equinix’s Lagos data center provides a robust platform for expanding our digital footprint. Its reliability and access to a global ecosystem empower us to deliver high-performance solutions to our customers.”

Nigeria, Africa’s second-largest economy, has a growing tech-savvy population, with Lagos recognized as the only African city in the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems. Equinix entered the African market in 2022 and has since expanded into Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, supporting Africa’s digital transformation through sustainable, carrier-neutral infrastructure.

Aslıhan Güreşcier, Vice President, EMEA Growth & Emerging Markets at Equinix, emphasized, “Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating, driven by a young population, rising internet access, and growing demand for secure data infrastructure. Our new Lagos facility reflects our commitment to supporting the region’s growth and connecting it to the global economy.”

With over 270 data centers worldwide, Equinix continues to leverage Nigeria’s strategic position as an international hub for subsea cable connections, linking Africa with Europe, Asia, and beyond. The company also prioritizes sustainability, ensuring LG3 and all its sites operate efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.

Malaysia to introduce cyber ethics module in schools

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Malaysia will introduce a national cyber ethics module in schools nationwide to raise awareness and understanding of online safety and digital ethics among students.

The Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, said the module, which would be rolled out in January 2026, aims to nurture ethical and safe online practices among children.

This is coming amid the growing popularity of digital games and online platforms, Gobind said in a statement.

Read Also: AIMEC hosts strategic workshop to advance inclusive economic growth in Africa

He said the module would cover guidance on social media and internet use across six key areas, namely digital fluency, digital ethics, digital health and well-being.

Other areas are digital commerce, digital privacy, security, and digital rights and responsibilities, he said.

Currently, a pilot phase for the module is being conducted in several schools nationwide, and the findings from the pilot test would be incorporated to reinforce and improve the module before its full implementation. (Xinhua/NAN)

Zimbabwe scales innovation to drive food security, rural transformation

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In Zimbabwe’s rural heartlands, where dry riverbeds once signaled the end of every farming season, a quiet revolution in agriculture is taking shape. Solar-powered irrigation, satellite analytics, digital advisory platforms, and improved food safety systems are transforming smallholder farming into a more resilient, tech-enabled, and profitable venture. With backing from the Government of Zimbabwe, the EU, AfDB, AFC Land and Development Bank, and the Fleming Fund — and with FAO providing technical leadership — innovation is moving from small-scale pilots to nationwide practice.

In semi-arid areas, solar-powered irrigation systems and sand-abstraction technology now allow farmers to access underground water and sustain farming throughout the year. Supported by the EU, this model conserves energy and boosts yields. “We used to watch our dam dry up every year. Now, we grow crops all year round,” said David Ndou, Chairperson of the Sivuli Irrigation Scheme.

FAO’s Digital Villages initiative is equipping farmers with digital IDs, AI-powered crop insights, and mobile market access. Over 5,000 farmers, especially women, are now digitally connected, improving decision-making and access to markets. “Women are buying smartphones because they see real value through better market access,” said lead farmer Sheyi Kahushe.

Read Also: Afreximbank approves $36.4m for Uganda’s Akii Bua Stadium project

Through FAO’s Earth Observation for Agricultural Statistics (EOSTAT), Zimbabwe is using satellite data to monitor crops and predict yields with over 80% accuracy. The initiative enhances early warning systems and trains national experts in geospatial analysis. “EOSTAT is driving Zimbabwe’s shift toward data-driven, climate-smart agriculture,” noted Early Warning Specialist Hillary Mugiyo.

To improve access to inputs and loans, FAO, AfDB, and AFC Land Bank have digitized agricultural finance through an e-voucher system that tracks loan disbursement and repayment in real time. This system supported the cultivation of over 17,000 hectares of wheat and 72,000 hectares of maize under the Seed Revolving Fund, helping Zimbabwe move toward wheat self-sufficiency.

With support from the Fleming Fund, FAO has upgraded 14 food safety laboratories to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote responsible antibiotic use in livestock. These modernized labs now deliver real-time data to prevent outbreaks and protect public health.

“Innovation is more than an idea—it’s action and collaboration that deliver impact,” said Tendai Munyokoveri, FAO Assistant Representative – Programmes.

From solar-powered irrigation and sand-abstraction to satellite data and digital finance, Zimbabwe’s integrated approach to innovation is strengthening food systems and rural livelihoods. With continued investment and collaboration, the country is charting a model for climate-smart, inclusive agricultural growth across Africa.

Olu Verheijen to represent Nigeria at G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum

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Nigeria’s Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, will participate in the upcoming G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum, scheduled for November 21 in Johannesburg, where she will present Nigeria’s ongoing energy reforms and investment strategies.

The forum will provide a platform for Nigeria—one of Africa’s leading oil and gas producers—to showcase how its recent reforms are attracting global investors and positioning the country as a model for other African nations pursuing energy transition through hydrocarbons.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria has introduced major policy shifts aimed at reviving production and increasing investment in the energy sector. Key among these is the Upstream Petroleum Operations (Cost Efficiency Incentives) Order, which rewards oil and gas firms that achieve cost reduction targets through performance-based tax credits. This follows the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, which restructured the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), modernized regulations, and improved governance to foster transparency and efficiency.

Since the implementation of the PIA, Nigeria has attracted over $17 billion in foreign direct investment into its oil and gas industry. Notable deals include ExxonMobil’s $1.5 billion deepwater investment, Shell’s $5 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Bonga North Deepwater project, and TotalEnergies’ $550 million gas processing investment. Merger and acquisition activities have also surged, with $6.7 billion recorded in 2024 alone from firms like Seplat, Chappal Energies, and Oando.

Read Also: Ghana to host West Africa energy cooperation summit 2025

Beyond oil, Nigeria’s National Energy Transition Plan outlines an ambitious roadmap to boost gas production to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, requiring about $60 billion in new investments. With more than 200 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves, gas remains central to Nigeria’s development and decarbonization efforts.

In renewables, Nigeria’s “30-30-30 Plan” targets 30 GW of power generation by 2030, with 30% sourced from renewables. Ongoing initiatives include Oando Clean Energy’s 1.2 GW solar project in Jigawa, the World Bank-backed $750 million DARES project to electrify 17.5 million Nigerians, and 948 MW in new capacity through partnerships with 10 private firms.

According to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, “Nigeria’s energy reforms are setting a powerful precedent for what African-led policy can achieve. By fostering transparency, incentivizing investment, and prioritizing both hydrocarbons and renewables, Nigeria is proving that energy security and transition can go hand in hand.”

The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum will unite governments, investors, and industry leaders to strengthen Africa’s role in the global energy transition, with discussions centered on natural gas, integrated energy systems, and African-led pathways to sustainable development.

NiCE, iNOVO named lead sponsors for CEM Africa Johannesburg 2025

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CEM Africa has announced that NiCE, in partnership with iNOVO, will serve as the Lead Sponsors for the CEM Africa Johannesburg Edition and the 2025 Customer Experience (CX) Africa Awards, taking place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the NH Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The partnership combines NiCE’s leadership in AI-driven customer experience innovation with iNOVO’s deep contact centre expertise, bringing together two industry leaders committed to turning customer experience ambition into measurable business outcomes.

The one-day Johannesburg edition will focus on practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI), customer engagement, and measurable return on investment (ROI). It will feature workshops and discussions designed to help businesses accelerate digital transformation, strengthen CX strategies, and drive real organisational impact.

Among the highlights of the programme are two major sessions led by NiCE and iNOVO experts. The first, “AI Vision to Reality – The Why” (9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.), will explore the strategic value of AI in improving customer experiences. The second, “AI Vision to Reality – The How” (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.), will demonstrate how to translate AI strategies into scalable execution using the right tools, workflows, and delivery models.

Speaking ahead of the event, Keith Jackson, Vice President, Partner Sales at NiCE International, expressed excitement about the company’s involvement.

Read Also: Angola opens new FIFA-standard stadium to boost youth, talent, growth

“We absolutely love attending CEM Africa and are proud to be the Lead Sponsor for the Johannesburg edition,” Jackson said. “CEM is a brilliant platform to connect with like-minded innovators who are rethinking customer engagement. The level of insight and collaboration is always exceptional.”

Speakers from both NiCE and iNOVO will include Keith Jackson, Andre van Eeden (Portfolio Solution Engineer, NiCE), Kerri Prissman (Head of Client Value Management, iNOVO), Parusha Naidoo (Head of Business Solutions, iNOVO), and Michael Ludeke (Regional Head, Business Development, iNOVO).

The conference will also feature top customer experience leaders such as Greg Jarvis (Connect SA), Tatiana Ndlovu (Nedbank Africa Regions), Palesa Nhlapo (FNB South Africa), Khwathelani Tshikovhi (Santam Insurance), and Grace Brown (JSE), among others.

According to Terry Southam, Co-founder of CEM Africa, the partnership with NiCE underscores the event’s commitment to collaboration and innovation.

“CEM Africa has always been about more than great content — it’s about building a strong community of CX leaders who work together to raise standards across the continent,” Southam said. “Our partnership with NiCE reflects that spirit of collaboration and shared purpose to drive measurable impact.”

The event will also include the Customer Experience Africa Awards (CXAs) in the evening, celebrating excellence and innovation in customer experience across multiple sectors.

Attendees can expect a day of high-impact learning, networking, and actionable insights on how to:

  • Turn AI vision into operational reality through practical frameworks and live demonstrations.
  • Benchmark CX ROI metrics and secure executive buy-in for transformation projects.
  • Build stronger connections with industry peers across banking, retail, telecoms, and healthcare.

The CEM Africa Johannesburg Edition promises to deliver a powerful blend of thought leadership, innovation, and collaboration, reinforcing Africa’s growing influence in global customer experience transformation.

Veteran freedom fighter, central region Governor Fesehaye Haile dies at 78

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Veteran freedom fighter and Governor of the Central Region, Fesehaye Haile (Afro), has died at the age of 78 after a brief illness, according to the Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Haile, a respected figure in Eritrea’s liberation movement, joined the Eritrean People’s Liberation Forces in July 1973 after serving with the “Tihisha” agitational group between 1972 and 1973.

During the armed struggle for independence, he held various key roles, including as a combatant in the Eritrean People’s Liberation Army, and in the Departments of People’s Administration, Intelligence, and Security, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication to the national cause.

Read Also: Audu Ogbeh dies at 78

After Eritrea gained independence, Haile continued to serve his country in several senior capacities. He was Deputy Governor of Asmara, Executive Director of the Northern Red Sea Region, Director General of the Customs Department at the Ministry of Finance, Director General of Civil Aviation, and later Governor of both Gash-Barka and Central Regions.

In a statement, the Ministry of Local Government expressed deep sorrow over his passing and extended condolences to his family, friends, and the Eritrean people.

Haile is survived by his wife and three children. Details regarding his funeral service will be announced in due course, according to the Ministry of Information.

AWIEF 2025 honours Africa’s top women innovators in Cape Town

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The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) hosted a spectacular celebration of women’s achievements at the 2025 AWIEF Awards, held on Friday evening in Cape Town.

The glittering ceremony honoured eight outstanding African women entrepreneurs and leaders whose initiatives are transforming industries, driving sustainability, and promoting inclusive growth across the continent.

Since its establishment in 2016, the AWIEF Awards have become a powerful platform for recognising excellence and inspiring women in business and leadership. The initiative not only celebrates success but also nurtures future innovators and changemakers, building a collaborative pan-African network of impact-driven women.

This year’s winners and finalists represented a wide range of sectors — from technology and agriculture to energy, creative arts, and social enterprise — united by their commitment to advancing Africa’s economic transformation through innovation.

The Awards concluded the two-day AWIEF 2025 Conference, which gathered over 500 delegates from more than 50 countries for discussions, exhibitions, masterclasses, and networking sessions.

Read Also: West Africa’s Energy leaders to convene in Accra for clean energy cooperation summit

2025 AWIEF Award Winners:

  • Young Entrepreneur Award: Norah Kimathi – Zerobionic, Kenya
  • Empowerment Award: Mampho Sotshongaye – Golden Rewards 1981, South Africa
  • Energy Entrepreneur Award: Nidal Tafah – MIRRIAH, Morocco
  • Creative Industry Award: Soraya da Piedade – Soraya da Piedade LDA, Angola
  • Social Entrepreneur Award: Farana Boodhram – MiDesk Global, South Africa
  • Agri Entrepreneur Award (Sponsored by OCP Africa): Linda Davis – Giraffe Bioenergy, Kenya
  • Tech Entrepreneur Award: Maryanne Gichanga – AgriTech Analytics, Kenya
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Audrey Joe-Ezigbo – CEO, Falcon Corporation, Nigeria

Voices of Inspiration

For Angolan designer Soraya da Piedade, winner of the Creative Industry Award, the recognition marks a defining moment in her journey.

“I’m deeply honoured and grateful to AWIEF for creating platforms where we celebrate women’s creativity and leadership,” she said. “This award reminds me that when we create from a place of passion and purpose, we inspire others to dream bigger.”

Kenya’s Linda Davis, CEO of Giraffe Bioenergy and winner of the Agri Entrepreneur Award, described the moment as “surreal.”

“AWIEF has given women like me a powerful space to share our work and be recognised for driving change in our communities,” she said. “This win belongs to every woman farmer and entrepreneur working to build a sustainable Africa.”

West Africa’s Energy leaders to convene in Accra for clean energy cooperation summit

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West Africa’s leading energy stakeholders are set to gather in Accra for the West Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (WAECS) 2025, scheduled for 2–3 December 2025, to advance dialogue on clean energy, regional power integration, and sustainable development.

The Ghana Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has been confirmed as Patron of the event, reaffirming the country’s leadership in regional energy transformation and its ambition to become a hub for power distribution across West Africa.

This year’s summit is supported by major partners including the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) as Lead Sponsor, alongside Endeavour Energy and Denham Capital, highlighting their shared commitment to driving renewable energy investments and regional cooperation.

“ATIDI is expanding its support for sustainable investments that enhance energy access and economic growth across Africa,” said Aliyu Alhassan Yahaya, RLSF Underwriter at ATIDI. “Through tools like the Regional Liquidity Support Facility, we help Independent Power Producers mitigate payment risks, boosting investor confidence in the clean energy space.”

WAECS 2025 will bring together government officials, investors, and industry leaders to explore opportunities in renewables, gas-to-power, regional interconnectivity, and digitalisation of energy systems. Discussions will focus on de-risking clean energy projects, strengthening power trade, modernising transmission infrastructure, and accelerating private sector involvement in off-grid and distributed energy markets.

The event aligns with Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework, which targets net-zero emissions by 2070 through renewable expansion, energy efficiency, and investment-friendly policies. Natural gas remains central to the country’s transition strategy, supporting reliable baseload power and industrial growth while enabling regional trade.

Among the distinguished participants are Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Ghana’s Minister for Energy & Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor, Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake, Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy & Mines Nani Juwara, and Lagos State Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources Biodun Ogunleye.

They will be joined by top regional utility and regulatory executives, including representatives from Ghana’s Volta River Authority, Transmission Company of Nigeria, GNPC, and Tema Oil Refinery, as well as industry leaders from Gridworks Partners, Wärtsilä, SEforALL, and Stanbic Bank Ghana.

Read Also: Energy Summit to connect investors with African opportunities

Minister Jinapor expressed Ghana’s pride in hosting the event, saying:

“Ghana is committed to regional energy cooperation, sustainable development, and a just energy transition. We are honoured to host WAECS 2025, which will shape the future of clean energy in West Africa.”

Running alongside the summit will be YES! On The Road Ghana (3–4 December 2025), a youth-focused initiative designed to equip young professionals with mentorship, skills, and opportunities to lead Africa’s energy transition.

Held under the theme “Building Regional Resilience,” WAECS 2025 will serve as a key platform to accelerate investment, innovation, and collaboration toward a sustainable energy future for West Africa.

Mukuru, JUMO partner to launch AI-powered credit solution in South Africa

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Mukuru, a leading next-generation financial services platform, has partnered with AI-powered banking technology provider JUMO to introduce Fast Loan — a responsible, mobile-first credit solution aimed at improving access to financial services for millions of South Africans excluded from formal credit systems.

According to TransUnion, about 16.8 million South Africans remain outside the formal credit ecosystem due to irregular incomes and a lack of traditional credit histories. The new Fast Loan product seeks to bridge this gap by offering fair and transparent short-term loans powered by JUMO’s AI-driven credit infrastructure and delivered through Mukuru’s trusted customer network.

Available via WhatsApp, Fast Loan allows customers to borrow between R100 and R8,000, repayable over 30 days, with instant disbursements to their Mukuru Cards. Funds can be used across digital channels, including online shopping and POS transactions, or withdrawn as cash at over 11,000 Mukuru retail partner outlets such as Spar, Pick ’n Pay, Boxer, and Shoprite.

Loan pricing is transparent, with an 11.5% initiation fee and interest in arrears—5% for first-time loans and 3% thereafter. Borrowers who repay early pay no interest, promoting responsible borrowing. All loans are reported to credit bureaus to help customers build formal credit profiles.

Read Also: Africa Data Centres, Wingu Africa partner to boost Pan-African connectivity

Mukuru Group CEO Andy Jury said the new product was developed through years of experience in South Africa’s informal economy.

“Fast Loan reflects our understanding of how our customers earn, transact, and manage financial pressure. Partnering with JUMO allows us to scale this offering responsibly, combining trust, technology, and insight to deliver meaningful financial solutions where they’re needed most,” he said.

JUMO Founder and CEO Andrew Watkins-Ball added that the partnership strengthens JUMO’s commitment to ethical financial inclusion.

“We are proud to work with Andy and the Mukuru team. Their products are relied upon by millions of customers, and we’ll continue to provide the technology infrastructure they need to deliver even more value,” he said.

JUMO’s ethical lending technology, which powers Fast Loan, has earned a 92.2% score in the Cerise + SPTF Customer Protection Certification—one of the highest in the industry.

Beyond providing immediate access to credit, Fast Loan will also generate insights into customer borrowing and repayment patterns, helping both companies design future financial solutions with longer terms, higher limits, and flexible repayment options.

Ghana to host West Africa energy cooperation summit 2025

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Accra, Ghana – Key energy stakeholders across West Africa are set to converge in Accra for the West Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (WAECS) 2025, scheduled to hold from December 2–3, 2025, under the theme “Building Regional Resilience.”

The Ghana Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has been confirmed as the event’s Patron, reaffirming Ghana’s leadership in regional energy cooperation and the transition toward sustainable power solutions.

Organised to drive investment and cross-border collaboration, the summit will bring together government officials, investors, and private-sector partners to discuss clean energy innovations, regional integration, and pathways to a sustainable energy future by 2030.

This year’s edition is supported by African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) as Lead Sponsor, alongside Endeavour Energy and Denham Capital as Sponsors — reflecting their shared commitment to accelerating green investment and regional connectivity.

“ATIDI is strengthening its footprint in Africa by supporting investments that advance energy access and drive economic growth,” said Aliyu Alhassan Yahaya, RLSF Underwriter at ATIDI. “Through instruments like our Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF), we help Independent Power Producers mitigate payment risks and enhance investor confidence in projects such as the 42MW Sokodé solar PV plant in Togo.”

Read Also: AEC to host G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum in Johannesburg

WAECS 2025 will serve as a platform to mobilise finance, strengthen partnerships under the ECOWAS regional integration agenda, and advance Ghana’s ambition to become a regional energy distribution hub. Discussions will focus on renewable energy, gas-to-power, regional power trade, grid modernisation, and the digitalisation of energy systems.

Participants will also explore strategies for financing and de-risking clean energy projects, expanding off-grid markets, and boosting private-sector participation in Africa’s energy transition.

Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework — targeting net-zero emissions by 2070 — remains central to the country’s vision. The plan emphasises clean generation, energy efficiency, and incentives for private investment in renewables, while leveraging natural gas for stable baseload power. Officials say the goal is to create a resilient and competitive energy sector that fuels industrialisation and inclusive growth across the subregion.

Among the high-level participants confirmed for WAECS 2025 are:

• H.E. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of Liberia

• H.E. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy & Green Transition, Ghana

• H.E. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria

• H.E. Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy & Mines, Gambia

• H.E. Biodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Lagos State, Nigeria

They will be joined by leading regional energy figures, including Edward Obeng-Kenzo (VRA, Ghana), Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz (TCN, Nigeria), Bangaly Maty (Prime Minister’s Office, Guinea), and Pamoussa Ouedraogo (National Council for Sustainable Development, Burkina Faso), alongside senior executives from Gridworks Partners, Cenpower Generation, Wärtsilä, ATIDI, SEforALL, Bboxx, Stanbic Bank Ghana, TOR, and GNPC.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Ghana’s Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, said:

“Ghana is committed to regional energy cooperation, sustainable development, and a just energy transition. Hosting WAECS 2025 provides a vital platform to strengthen partnerships and share strategies for Africa’s energy future.”

Jinapor also announced that Ghana will host YES! On The Road Ghana from December 3–4, 2025, immediately following the summit. The youth-focused initiative aims to empower the next generation of African energy leaders through mentorship, innovation, and skills development in line with Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework.