Category Archives: Tech

Nigerian businesses must embrace AI in the future of work

Posted on by
Reply

The COVID-19 pandemic forever changed how we work. It accelerated a digital transformation that was already underway, forcing businesses to embrace new technologies and rethink traditional structures. In this new era, Artificial Intelligence (AI), once a concept from science fiction, is no longer a luxury but a necessity for growth and survival.

AI is poised to redefine the very nature of work, much like email revolutionised communication. It’s not about replacing human ingenuity but augmenting it, making work more agile, efficient, and ultimately, more rewarding. A PwC report, “Sizing the Prize,” predicts AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. For Africa, the potential is immense, with a 2023 African Development Bank report suggesting AI could boost the continent’s GDP by up to $1.2 trillion by 2030.

Nigeria, with its rapidly growing tech sector, stands to benefit immensely. The government’s commitment to developing a national AI strategy signals a clear understanding of this technology’s importance for the nation’s economic future. For Nigerian businesses to compete on a global stage, they must strategically commit to AI adoption, moving beyond mere interest to a multi-pronged approach that includes deployment, training, and a fundamental shift in mindset.

AI is not a replacement for talent; it’s a powerful coworker. Companies must communicate that AI is an enabler, freeing employees from repetitive tasks to focus on higher-value, creative, and strategic work. This mindset shift is crucial for successful integration.

AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up employees to dedicate their energy to more impactful work. One key way it transforms the workplace is through the automation of repetitive tasks. AI-powered Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can handle routine jobs like data entry, invoice processing, and report generation, significantly boosting efficiency and accuracy. This allows staff to focus on more strategic and creative responsibilities.

Beyond automation, AI also offers enhanced data analytics. Its algorithms can quickly sift through massive datasets, providing businesses with actionable insights for informed decision-making. This capability helps companies uncover trends and predict outcomes much faster than traditional methods. Furthermore, AI improves the customer experience through tools like AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants, which provide 24/7 customer support, handle routine queries, and free up human agents for more complex issues.

Read Also: How to start up small catfish business in your home

AI also facilitates smarter collaboration. It can transcribe meetings, translate languages in real-time, and summarize lengthy documents, making communication smoother, especially for remote or global teams. In addition, it enhances efficient talent management by streamlining the recruitment process, sifting through resumes to identify the best-fit candidates. In an increasingly digital world, AI is also crucial for stronger cybersecurity, playing a key role in detecting and responding to cyber threats to protect sensitive company data.

AI offers a unique advantage in creative marketing, a field where originality and strategic thinking are paramount. It doesn’t stifle creativity; it amplifies it. AI-powered tools can analyse market trends, consumer behavior, and campaign performance with incredible speed and accuracy. This data allows creative teams to move beyond guesswork and create highly targeted, personalised content that resonates deeply with their audience.

For example, an AI tool can analyse thousands of social media posts to identify emerging trends and emotional sentiment around a brand. This insight allows marketers to craft campaigns that are not only relevant but also culturally timely. Additionally, AI can automate the creation of marketing materials like social media captions, email subject lines, and ad copy, freeing up creative professionals to focus on big-picture strategy and innovative campaign concepts. In essence, AI handles the data and the drudgery, while the human mind is left to do what it does best – create.

Nigeria and the broader African continent, with a young, tech-savvy population, are perfectly positioned to lead this AI revolution. Businesses in Lagos, Nairobi, and beyond are already leveraging AI in various sectors, from fintech to agriculture. The post-COVID workplace is not just about remote work; it’s about smart work. It’s about empowering employees with tools that enhance their capabilities, fostering a culture of innovation, and strategically leveraging AI to build resilient, globally competitive businesses.

The future of work is here, and it is intelligent, collaborative, and boundless. Nigerian companies have a critical window to position themselves at the forefront of this wave, understanding that AI is not a futuristic concept but a present-day imperative for growth and global relevance.

  • Nosa Iyamu is the Chief Executive Officer, IVI PR

9mobile rebrands, changes name to T2  

Posted on by
Reply

Nigeria’s 9mobile has rebranded itself as T2, aiming to become a digital-first telecom operator focused on innovation and customer experience.

The launch, which was held in Lagos, was attended by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, alongside other industry stakeholders.

The Chief Executive Officer Obafemi Banigbe described the rebranding as a strategic overhaul rather than just a new name.

He said the brand’s transition to T2 goes far beyond a name change; it represents a transformation in how a telecom brand shows up in people’s lives.

“T2 blends the power of connectivity with the vibrancy of lifestyle, creativity, and youth expression, anchoring itself firmly in the culture of now.

“T2’s brand architecture is rooted in four key elements: Fast Connectivity, Smart Lifestyle, Creative Energy, and Trust. Whether powering content creators, remote workers, gamers, artists, entrepreneurs, or everyday hustlers, T2, he said, is determined to be the digital heartbeat of a generation on the rise.

Read Also: Google unveils two Gemini’s new AI-powered features

“As Nigeria’s young population continues to lead the continent in innovation, art, fashion, and tech, T2 is setting the stage for a brand renaissance that will mirror their pace, celebrate their identity, and amplify their future.

“This isn’t just a brand relaunch. It’s a movement and Nigeria is invited to live it,” Banigbe said.

Reinforcing the broader importance of this evolution, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister for Digital Economy, counselled the company thus: “Let this rebrand be more than a change of colours or new logo; let it be a renewed commitment to innovation, to service excellence and to the millions of Nigerians whose lives and businesses depend on your network every single day.

“Our government will continue to work with ecosystem players like T2 who are bold enough to invest, agile enough to adapt and visionary enough to see that the future belongs to those who embrace change before it’s forced upon them.”

Adding a state-level perspective, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described T2’s arrival as timely. “Its mission and cultural positioning align strongly with our digital economy agenda in Lagos—one that fosters creativity, digital entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment. We are excited to see brands like T2 champion this vision with purpose and energy.”

The rebrand follows the 2023 acquisition of 9mobile by Lighthouse Telecoms, under the leadership of business leader and investor, Mr. Thomas Etuh, and a strategic turnaround that has reenergized the company through visionary leadership, bold partnerships, and a deep understanding of today’s digital-first consumers.

These bold moves were followed by the execution of a strategic infrastructure-sharing agreement with MTN Nigeria. This agreement, the first of its kind at scale in the country, has already led to the company significantly expanding its network coverage, capacity, and resilience nationwide.

Artificial Intelligence: The Indispensable Catalyst for Nigeria’s Agricultural Revolution

Posted on by
Reply

Nigeria’s agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy, faces a critical crossroads. While employing a staggering 40% of the population and holding over 84 million hectares of arable land, the industry is hobbled by deep-seated challenges. Low productivity, a fragmented supply chain, poor infrastructure, and a lack of access to financial services are just a few of the hurdles that prevent the sector from reaching its full potential. Coupled with the unpredictable and severe shocks of climate change—from prolonged droughts to devastating floods—these issues threaten the food security of a rapidly growing population.

To truly transform this vital sector, a new approach is needed, one that moves beyond traditional methods and embraces the power of technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a futuristic buzzword; it is the imperative for Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. AI holds the key to unlocking higher yields, building resilience, and fostering an inclusive and sustainable food system that can feed a nation and drive economic growth.

The most immediate impact of AI is in the area of precision farming. By integrating AI with technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, drones, and satellite imagery, farmers can gain an unprecedented understanding of their land. AI-powered systems can analyse real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and plant health, providing actionable insights for targeted interventions. For instance, smart irrigation systems can optimize water usage, a critical resource in a country facing increasing water scarcity. AI-enabled drones can survey vast farmlands in minutes, identifying early signs of pests or disease and allowing for precise application of pesticides, reducing chemical use and cost. Early trials of these technologies in Nigeria have already demonstrated significant gains, with some reports showing a remarkable 60-70% increase in crop yields.

Climate adaptation is another area where AI’s role is indispensable. Nigeria’s farmers are on the front lines of climate change, enduring erratic rainfall and extreme weather events. AI can provide a shield against this volatility. By analyzing historical weather data and real-time forecasts, AI models can offer accurate, localized predictions. This allows farmers to proactively adjust their planting schedules, select climate-resilient crop varieties, and plan for potential risks, effectively mitigating the devastating impact of droughts and floods.

The economic benefits extend far beyond the farm gate. A significant portion of Nigeria’s agricultural produce is lost due to an inefficient and fragmented supply chain. AI can streamline logistics, optimize transportation routes, and enhance inventory management. By reducing spoilage and waste, AI ensures that more of what is harvested reaches the market, thereby boosting the incomes of farmers and providing a more stable supply of food for consumers. The success of Nigerian agritech companies like Crop2Cash, which has reportedly helped over 500,000 farmers increase their income by up to 70%, demonstrates the tangible economic impact of these technologies.

Read Also: WhatsApp bans 6.8m scam-linked accounts

AI is a powerful tool for promoting financial inclusion and education. Millions of smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigerian agriculture, are often excluded from formal financial systems due to a lack of collateral and credit history. AI-driven fintech solutions can bridge this gap by assessing creditworthiness using alternative data, making it easier for farmers to access the loans and insurance they need to scale their operations. AI-powered mobile apps and chatbots can also serve as virtual extension agents, providing personalized advice on best farming practices, pest control, and crop management, democratizing knowledge and empowering farmers to make better decisions.

Despite this immense potential, the journey towards widespread AI adoption is not without its hurdles. High upfront costs for AI-enabled equipment, a general lack of understanding and experience with these tools, and a preference for traditional methods are all significant barriers. Furthermore, infrastructural gaps, including poor roads and inadequate storage facilities, hinder the seamless implementation of these technologies. Data availability and computational capacity are also key challenges that need to be addressed.

However, the Nigerian government and a burgeoning ecosystem of agritech startups are already paving the way forward. The government’s vision is articulated in initiatives like the National AI Strategy, which aims to establish AI research centers and support R&D. Programs such as the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the NITDA AI Developers Group are building the necessary skills among entrepreneurs and farmers. Strategic partnerships between government bodies, financial institutions, and innovative startups are creating localized solutions that are tailored to the unique conditions of Nigerian agriculture.

Ultimately, AI is not a luxury but an imperative for Nigeria to unlock its agricultural potential. Its successful integration will transform the role of the farmer from a manual laborer to a strategic planner and overseer of a smart, efficient, and sustainable food system. 

By investing in infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships, and prioritizing education and capacity building, Nigeria can harness the power of AI to feed its people, drive economic prosperity, and secure its place as a leader in the African agricultural revolution.

Meta to halt Political Ads in EU over new transparency law

Posted on by
Reply

Meta has announced it will stop selling and displaying political ads across the European Union starting this October, citing difficulties in complying with new EU regulations.

The tech giant made the announcement on Friday in response to the EU’s upcoming Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) law. In a blog post, Meta described the legislation as “unworkable,” saying it introduces excessive obligations that create “an untenable level of complexity and legal uncertainty” for platforms and advertisers operating in the EU.

The TTPA, adopted by the European Commission in 2024, requires all political advertisements to be clearly labeled with details about the sponsor, the related election or referendum, the cost of the ad, and the targeting criteria used. The law also mandates that user data can only be used for political advertising with explicit consent and bans the use of sensitive data like political opinions or racial and ethnic information for profiling.

Read Also: Apple updates App Store age ratings for child safety

Meta said it had held extensive consultations with EU officials but ultimately determined that complying with the law would force it to provide a political ad service that “doesn’t work for advertisers or users” or exit the space altogether.

“Once again, we’re seeing regulatory obligations effectively remove popular products and services from the market, reducing choice and competition,” Meta wrote in the blog post.

Meta is not alone in this stance. Google has also stated it will halt political advertising in the EU by October, echoing similar concerns about operational challenges and legal ambiguity under the new law.

The move is the latest development in a growing series of clashes between the European Union and major tech firms. The EU has been actively tightening rules around data privacy, AI governance, ad tracking, and digital competition to curb Big Tech’s influence across the region.

With political campaigns increasingly moving online, the impact of Meta and Google pulling political ads could reshape digital campaigning strategies ahead of future EU elections.

Apple updates App Store age ratings for child safety

Posted on by
Reply

Apple has announced a significant overhaul of its App Store age-rating system, expanding its classifications and introducing new requirements for developers as part of a broader push to enhance child safety online.

The tech giant revealed on Thursday that it is replacing its previous 12+ and 17+ age categories with new 13+, 16+, and 18+ ratings, while maintaining the existing 4+ and 9+ options. The changes are already live in the public beta versions of Apple’s latest operating systems — iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26 — and will roll out to all users this September.

In addition to the revised age tiers, developers are now required to answer an updated set of content-related questions when submitting or updating apps on the App Store. These questions cover topics such as violence, medical and wellness themes, in-app capabilities, and parental control features. Apple will then use the responses to calculate an appropriate age rating for each app, which developers can review and adjust via App Store Connect.

Read Also: OpenAI unveils ChatGPT Agent Mode that can Think and Act

Apple says it has already applied the updated rating system to all existing apps and games in the App Store. The goal is to provide more accurate and transparent guidance for parents while preventing children from accessing content deemed inappropriate for their age.

To further enforce age-appropriate experiences, the App Store will limit where certain apps appear. For instance, apps with higher age ratings will not be featured in editorial content, or in the “Today,” “Games,” or “Apps” tabs for child users.

This update forms part of Apple’s broader child safety initiative, first announced earlier this year. Alongside the new age ratings, Apple is simplifying the process of setting up child accounts and encouraging parents to share their child’s age information — which will be relayed to developers to tailor content appropriately.

Apple updates App Store age ratings for child safety

Importantly, Apple has created a new developer API that allows app makers to access age-range data without collecting a child’s actual birth date, helping preserve user privacy. This data, entered by parents during device setup, is expected to be more reliable than information entered directly by children within apps.

Developers must opt into this API to access age-range data for customization purposes. Those who fail to adopt the new system may see reduced visibility and distribution of their apps, especially if the content isn’t aligned with the revised age guidelines.

The move comes as lawmakers across the U.S. intensify efforts to regulate children’s online experiences, with several states proposing legislation that would require parental consent before minors can download certain apps. While companies like Apple and Google have generally argued that age verification should be handled by app developers, some lawmakers and rival tech firms are pushing for app store operators to take more direct responsibility.

Apple’s revised age-rating system is positioned as a middle-ground solution, aiming to support regulatory goals while protecting user privacy and enhancing safety for younger users across its platforms.

Google unveils $37m investment, opens new AI Community Center in Accra

Posted on by
Reply

Google has outlined a wave of AI support across Africa, representing $37 million in cumulative funding — including previously committed but unannounced funding — to research, talent development, and infrastructure. The funding package includes funding and partnerships that aim to strengthen AI research, support African languages, improve food systems, expand digital skills, and build research capacity.

The AI Collaborative for Food Security, a multi-partner initiative launched with $25 million in funding from Google.org will bring together researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-develop AI tools for early hunger forecasting, crop resilience, and tailored guidance for smallholder farmers. The goal is to help make food systems across Africa more adaptive, equitable, and resilient in the face of increasing climate and economic shocks.

Google also announced $3 million in funding to the Masakhane Research Foundation, the open research collective advancing AI tools in over 40 African languages. The funding will support the development of high-quality datasets, machine translation models, and speech tools that make digital content more accessible to millions of Africans in their native languages.

To further empower innovation, Google is launching a catalytic funding initiative to support AI-driven startups tackling real-world challenges. This platform will combine philanthropic capital, venture investment, and Google’s technical expertise to help more than 100 early-stage ventures scale AI-based solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education, and other vital sectors. Startups will also receive mentorship, access to tools, and technical guidance to support responsible development.

Africa’s AI talent is growing rapidly, but the infrastructure to support it must grow in tandem. That’s why a cornerstone of this announcement is the launch of the AI Community Center in Accra — a first-of-its-kind space for AI learning, experimentation, and collaboration in Africa. The Center will host training sessions, community events, and workshops focused on responsible AI development. Its programming will span four pillars: AI literacy, community technology, social impact, and arts and culture — providing a platform for a diverse ecosystem of developers, students, and creators to engage with AI in ways that are grounded in African priorities.

To help meet the rising demand for AI and digital skills, Google is rolling out 100,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for students in higher learning institutions across Ghana. These fully funded, self-paced programs will focus on AI Essentials, Prompting Essentials, and other high-growth fields like IT Support, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity — enabling more learners to access job-ready training and build careers in AI and the digital economy.

Read Also: Google launches Hustle Academy 2025 for African SMBs

Beyond Ghana, Google.org is committing an additional $7 million to support AI education across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. The funding will support academic institutions and nonprofits building localized AI curricula, online safety training, and cybersecurity programs.

Additionally, two new $1 million grants from Google.org aim to bolster AI research capacity across the continent. One grant goes to the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI) at the University of Pretoria to support applied AI research and training. The other supports the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute in South Africa, which will fund MSc and PhD students to conduct foundational AI research and help shape Africa’s role in the global AI landscape.

Speaking about the announcements, James Manyika, Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, and Technology & Society at Google, said: “Africa is home to some of the most important and inspiring work in AI today. We are committed to supporting the next wave of innovation through long-term investment, local partnerships, and platforms that help researchers and entrepreneurs build solutions that matter.”

Yossi Matias, Vice President of Engineering and Research at Google, added: “This new wave of support reflects our belief in the talent, creativity, and ingenuity across the continent. By building with local communities and institutions, we’re supporting solutions that are rooted in Africa’s realities and built for global impact.”

These new initiatives build on Google’s ongoing work across the continent. Past efforts have included partnerships to support AI-powered maternal health dashboards in Ghana and Nigeria, wildfire alerts in East Africa, and regional language models developed by teams in Accra and Nairobi. They also reflect Google’s continued focus on shared infrastructure, open research, and inclusive innovation that ensures AI works for everyone.

OpenAI unveils ChatGPT Agent Mode that can Think and Act

Posted on by
Reply

OpenAI has introduced a powerful new feature for ChatGPT that allows the AI chatbot to not only generate responses, but also carry out complex tasks and actions on a user’s behalf. The update, announced Thursday, marks a significant step toward turning ChatGPT into a full-fledged AI assistant capable of managing everyday digital tasks.

The newly launched agent mode, which is now rolling out to users on the Pro, Plus, and Team plans, allows ChatGPT to “think” and “act” using a virtual computer. According to OpenAI, this means users can now issue detailed instructions like, “check my calendar and brief me on upcoming meetings,” or “plan and order groceries to make Japanese breakfast for four.”

In a demonstration video, OpenAI showed the AI handling a multifaceted request to prepare for a wedding — including selecting appropriate outfits, finding hotel accommodations, and considering schedule buffers.

The agent mode is powered by a combination of existing OpenAI tools: ChatGPT Operator, which enables real-time web browsing, and Deep Research, which analyzes and compiles information from various online sources.

Read Also: Google launches Hustle Academy 2025 for African SMBs

This upgrade intensifies the ongoing competition in the AI space, particularly between OpenAI and Google, which is developing similar assistant capabilities under its Gemini project. Apple is also working on an enhanced version of Siri that can interact with apps, though its release timeline remains uncertain.

Despite the innovation, OpenAI acknowledged the new tool’s limitations and potential risks. In a blog post, the company stated that the agent mode has restricted access to user data and will not perform sensitive tasks—such as sending emails or handling bank transfers—without explicit user approval.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also weighed in on the release, calling it “cutting edge and experimental.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Altman urged users to remain cautious when giving the AI access to personal data, suggesting it might be suitable for tasks like scheduling group dinners but not yet for high-stakes or deeply personal activities.

The rollout reflects a broader push among tech giants to reshape how users interact with technology. Instead of switching between apps or manually searching the web, AI agents could one day serve as all-in-one digital assistants capable of navigating the digital world with minimal user input.

As companies race to expand AI capabilities, issues of data privacy, bias, and unpredictable behavior continue to be pressing concerns. Just last week, xAI’s chatbot Grok faced backlash after producing antisemitic content when prompted—a reminder of the ethical challenges that come with deploying powerful AI tools in real-world scenarios.

With the introduction of ChatGPT’s agent mode, OpenAI is taking a bold step toward the future of productivity—albeit one that comes with a call for careful testing and responsible use.

Google unveils two Gemini’s new AI-powered features

Posted on by
Reply

Google has introduced two groundbreaking features to its advanced AI model, Gemini: Canvas and Audio Overview. 

These innovations aim to transform the way users collaborate, create, and engage with digital content, reinforcing Gemini’s role as a powerful tool for productivity and creativity.

Dave Citron, Senior Director of Product Management for Gemini Apps, highlighted the significance of the update, stating that Gemini is evolving into an even more powerful partner for creativity and productivity. 

With Canvas and Audio Overview, users now have intuitive tools to refine their work, learn more effectively, and bring their ideas to life.

Canvas is an interactive workspace designed to streamline document and code creation. It offers real-time writing, editing, and refining capabilities, allowing users to work more efficiently with AI-driven feedback and intelligent editing suggestions. 

The feature enables seamless document refinement, allowing users to generate high-quality drafts, adjust tone and style, and export their work directly to Google Docs for enhanced collaboration. 

It also enhances the coding experience by helping developers and learners transform ideas into working prototypes for web apps, Python scripts, and more. 

The platform supports HTML and React previews, enabling seamless iterative development. Canvas is now available to Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers in all supported languages.

Audio Overview introduces a revolutionary way to consume information by converting documents, slides, and research reports into AI-generated, podcast-style discussions. 

It generates conversations between AI hosts who summarize, analyze, and provide unique insights on uploaded content. This feature enhances accessibility by catering to multitasking professionals and students, allowing them to absorb complex information effortlessly via the web or the Gemini mobile app. 

Currently available in English for Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers, additional language support is expected soon.

Read Also: Google launches first cloud region in Africa, accelerating digital transformation

Google’s latest enhancements to Gemini reinforce its commitment to advancing AI-driven collaboration and content engagement. 

With Canvas and Audio Overview, users can work smarter, refine content more efficiently, and consume information in a more interactive and engaging way.

As Citron noted, there has been tremendous excitement around Audio Overview in NotebookLM, and Google is thrilled to bring this innovative feature to Gemini. 

The technology transforms how people engage with complex information, making learning more accessible and enjoyable.

These updates expand Gemini’s capabilities in AI-powered productivity. Canvas provides real-time collaboration and intelligent editing for documents and code, while Audio Overview delivers AI-generated podcast-style discussions for content summarization. 

By streamlining workflows for content creation, coding, and learning, Google continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven creativity and efficiency. Canvas is available in all languages, while Audio Overview is launching in English first, with more languages to follow.

With these updates, Gemini continues to evolve as a leading AI tool for creativity and efficiency. Users can explore these new features at gemini.google.com.

Google launches first cloud region in Africa, accelerating digital transformation

Posted on by
Reply

Google Cloud has officially celebrated the launch of its first African cloud region in Johannesburg, marking a major step in the company’s $1 billion commitment to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.

Having been operational since January 2024, the Johannesburg cloud region provides businesses and organizations with advanced AI, machine learning, and data analytics tools, enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation across various sectors. The initiative aims to empower African enterprises and multinational corporations by offering improved security solutions and fostering economic growth.

The Johannesburg cloud region is part of Google’s broader investment in Africa’s digital infrastructure. In May 2024, Google Cloud unveiled Umoja, a new fiber optic cable connecting Kenya to Australia. Along with the Equiano cable and the newly launched cloud region, these projects form Africa Connect, a strategic initiative designed to enhance network speed, reliability, and affordability across the continent.

Speaking at the launch, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded the development, stating, “The Google Cloud region in Johannesburg is a valuable investment in South Africa, fostering innovation across our economy. Google’s growing presence will benefit the people of South Africa and the rest of Africa by allowing firms and entrepreneurs to access the powerful potential of AI, transforming nearly every part of the economy.”

Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Google’s commitment to Africa’s digital future. “By bringing cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies closer to the businesses and developers fueling the local economy, we hope to accelerate African innovation and drive sustainable growth,” he said.

The launch event at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg featured keynote speeches from industry and government leaders, including Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa; and South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi. The event included business and technical discussions, a partner expo, and live demonstrations of Google Cloud’s capabilities.

Premier sponsors of the event included Accenture, ADG, Deimos, Deloitte, Digicloud, and Liquid C2, alongside over 20 exhibitors. Attendees also heard customer success stories from prominent organizations such as 4G Capital, FNB, Government of Benin, Healthbridge, Jaguar Land Rover, Moniepoint, Openserve, Pepkor, Salus, Smollan, Syft, Travelstart, and Vodacom.

Read Also: Google axes pledge not to use AI for weapons

Google Cloud has been instrumental in equipping Africans with critical digital skills through training programs such as Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero, and Google Hustle Academy. Since 2022, the Hustle Academy has trained over 15,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, with the 2025 edition set to focus on AI-powered business training.

The company is also fostering Africa’s startup ecosystem through initiatives like Google for Startups Accelerator Africa. Over 260 startups across 17 African countries have benefited from this program, collectively raising more than $600 million in follow-on funding. These startups have seen a 31% increase in employment and a 25% rise in monthly recurring revenue.

A recent Public First digital impact study highlighted the economic benefits of Google’s digital investments in Africa. In 2023 alone, Google Cloud, along with Google Search, Google Play, YouTube, and Google advertising tools, contributed $16 billion in additional economic activity across Sub-Saharan Africa. The report predicts that for every $1 invested in digital technology in the region, over $2 in economic value will be generated by 2030, with even higher returns in leading nations.

As Google Cloud continues to expand its presence on the continent, the Johannesburg cloud region is expected to serve as a cornerstone for Africa’s digital revolution, bridging the digital divide and driving long-term economic growth.

NIMC warns against unauthorised websites for NIN services

Posted on by
Reply

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned Nigerians against modifying their National Identification Number (NIN) data on unauthorised websites.

The Head, Cooperate Communications, Dr Kayode Adegoke, gave the warning in a statement on Monday.

Adegoke said that modifications to NIN data could only be done on the official NIMC self-service portal.

He therefore warned that attempting to modify NIN data on unauthorised websites could compromise personal information and put individuals at risk of identity theft.

Read Also: Why Nigerians must pay to obtain new national ID card – NIMC

According to him, by using the official NIMC self service portal, Nigerians can ensure that their data is secured and protected.

‘’By using the self service portal, one could also enjoy the convenience of updating their information from anywhere, at any time.

“NIMC, therefore, advises Nigerians to use only the official portal for all NIN modification needs and to avoid unauthorised websites to prevent any potential risks,” he said.
(NAN)