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NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– Lecturing at the African EduTech Conference 2024 in Abuja themed ‘Building on Effective African EdTech Ecosystem for Global Impact’, the experts referenced from across Africa, retained that integration of technology into the education system was a strategic move with huge capacity to enable teaching and learning, improve accessibility, and prepare the continent’s future workforce for the needs of the digital age.

Executive Director – Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS), Ghana, Nana Gyamfi Adwabour, noted it had become imperative for the African continent to explore ways of expanding what he described as the mindset revolution of children, in order to assure students to begin to think as innovators as opposed to consumers.

Adwabour underscoring the essence for the African continent to catapult from theory based education system to practical, emphasized that, with digital solutions, Africa could secure a brighter future for its citizens through increased competitiveness and development of a skilled and adaptable workforce.

He noted: “At first, most African countries were using objective based. That is more teachers dominant, making kids very docile. In Ghana, we have standard based curriculum which makes kids explore to do more project based learning and experimentation. We have infused into them that if you fail, it is part of the process.

“I know Nigeria is on the right path just like other African countries. I believe there has to be a lot of studies and research at every point. “I will suggest to my brothers and sisters in Nigeria that at any stage, you do what we call implementation research. Even though you think your education is going well, still do research to see your weaknesses, supported with data.”

Adwabour who commended the Nigerian government for infusing digital skills into its new curriculum for basic schools, charged other African countries to follow same path, even as he added that CENDLOS, an agency under the Ministry of Education in Ghana, was charged with the mandate of infusing Information Communication Technology (ICT) into education.

“The new curriculum is good. To develop in any African country, Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) has to be improved. That is how employability can come.

“The kids should be creators to employ themselves. Other African countries should emulate that. Before you can do that, your curriculum has to support. It has to be standard based. So I applaud Nigeria for doing that.”

Harping on the importance of collaborative continental research, the Ghanian official noted that with most countries in Africa struggling with same issues, connectivity, content and capacity building remain key in learning best practices from each other within the continent.

Manager, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Nigeria office, David Nkwa, exhorted countries in Africa to commit to an upscale deployment of inclusive technologies in schools and ensure their acceptance and adoption amongst teachers, parents, and “African countries can upscale technology in our schools when it becomes accepted and adopted by the users. Because one thing is to deploy technology in schools, another thing is for the teachers and users to adopt it.

“So one of the things that we have done as donor agencies when we carry out various EduTech projects, Smart Schools projects in Nigeria is that we make sure we carry all stakeholders along, especially the teachers, parents and community leaders. We make sure that they are part of the whole process, ecosystem of the technology we are deploying.

“We make them participate while deploying those technology. That way, once they accept it, it becomes easier for them to adopt it. “And we can scale it up to other neighbouring communities and states. First of all, make sure that it is something that can be accepted and once it is accepted, it is easier to scale to other places.”

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– The device assembly plant is a steering initiative by the Administration of Kenya’s local mobile operators, and international device manufacturers to assist in the increase affordability of devices, and develop assembly capability. The factory has a capacity of up to three million mobile phone units annually.

Kenya’s Administration decreased the costs of importing some of the components, enhancing the reduction of the cost of a smartphone by 30%.

“This assembly plant will support government’s agenda to enhance digital inclusion in the country. We have been able to achieve affordability through a collaborative approach that comprises industry partnership and favourable government policies,” said Joshua Chepkwony, Chairman of EADAK and Chairman & CEO of Jamii Telecom.

Mobile operators have introduced device financing schemes to support device affordability, for example Safaricom has partnered with Google on the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo scheme.

Additionally, it is projected that the factory will generate between 300 and 500 direct jobs, foster local talent development and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

“The launch of EADAK reaffirms our belief in the power of connectivity to transform lives and drive economic progress. This partnership underscores our relentless pursuit to expand 4G access and empower Kenyans through affordable, high-quality smartphones, create employment opportunities and grow our economy,” Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom noted.

The revelation of the Ksh2 billion revenue from locally assembled devices is in the GSMA 2024 Kenya Digital Economy Study inducted this week in a ceremony attended by Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Information and Digital Economy Margaret Ndungu.

Evolution of mobile internet connectivity in Kenya and comparison with other countries in 2023. Source: GSMA 2024 Kenya Digital Economy Study.

“This report identifies a series of policy recommendations that, if implemented, will close the internet usage gap from the current level of over 64% of the population to 51% in 2028. This would result in 49% of the population of Kenya being connected to the Internet, equivalent to over 10 million additional people.”

The priority policy reforms are in tax restructuring in the telecommunication industry to primarily navigate usage, implementation of policies and programmes to bolster device affordability, assuring a sustainable and predictable investment environment.

Other area is in supporting productive use of digital technologies by businesses across economic sectors, with highlighted policies to augment digital skills and human capital, support MSMEs and startups and prioritize context appropriate technologies and local needs.

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– The African Landmass has 12% of the world’s oil reserves and 8% of gas supplies.

As it stands, it’s enticing billions of pounds of investment as it glances to launch over 400 oil and gas projects over the next four years.

In 2024, around £85 billion is anticipated to be invested in energy across Africa. Most of that money, £54 billion, drives into fossil fuel schemes, with the remainder financing a range of clean energy technologies.

One of the primary projects on headline, is the schedule to build a gas pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco.

The pipeline would extend for 4,350 miles and pass through thirteen countries along the Atlantic coast.

It will have a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres a year and could cost as much as £19 billion.

The pipeline has the proclivity to be extended to Spain, as a result; making it simpler for African nations to sell their gas to European markets.

Nigeria’s administration is very akin to get the project off the ground and exploit its abundant gas resources.

According to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration, the country has the world’s ninth-largest proven gas reserves.

Thus, the country flares off vast amounts of gas produced along with crude oil due to a lack of infrastructure to make use of it.

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Accra GHANA- Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has unveiled its bold G2G Strategy 2024–2034, a visionary roadmap aimed at spearheading Kenya’s transition to a sustainable and green energy future.

The strategic plan cements KenGen’s position as a trailblazer in renewable energy, with a clear focus on expanding geothermal, wind, and solar investments, advancing operational efficiency, and integrating cutting-edge technology for the good of all Kenyan consumers.

Speaking during the launch event held at the Olkaria Geothermal Spa in Naivasha, James Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, commended KenGen’s forward-thinking approach, stating that KenGen’s ambitious goals under the new strategy will include scaling up renewable energy capacity, diversifying its energy portfolio, and contributing to Kenya’s economic transformation through job creation and infrastructure development.

“KenGen’s G2G Strategy sets a clear and actionable path for the future of Kenya’s energy sector. As we pursue the goal of 100% renewable energy, the government will continue to support KenGen’s efforts to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power to all Kenyans. This strategy is critical in our journey towards a low-carbon economy and will ensure Kenya’s continued leadership in green energy innovation,” said Wandayi who was the Chief Guest during the launch.

The CS went on to say that the G2G Strategy was built on key pillars that focus on expanding geothermal power capacity, scaling up wind and solar projects, and exploring new technologies like hydrogen energy and energy storage solutions. This diversification he said would not only strengthen Kenya’s energy resilience but also ensure KenGen remains a leader in the global renewable energy landscape.

For his part, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, stated: “This strategic plan represents a historic moment for KenGen and Kenya’s energy sector. Our vision seeks to harness Kenya’s immense renewable energy potential to provide reliable, affordable, and clean power to all Kenyans.”

The NSE listed energy generator CEO, went on to say: “We are committed to being at the forefront of the global energy transition, and the G2G Strategy will accelerate our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality while meeting the growing energy demand in the region.”

KenGen’s Board Chairman, Eng. Frank Konuche, reiterated the company’s focus on driving Kenya’s socio-economic impact through the new strategy.

Eng. Konuche further said: “To realize this bold vision, we are making substantial investments in our infrastructure, workforce, and community-driven initiatives. These investments are expected to create new jobs, significantly boost Kenya’s GDP, and position KenGen as a key driver of the country’s economic transformation.

New Africa Daily News Richard Adorsu Reports, Africa Correspondent

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– The African School of Governance which was concept inducted by Presudent Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Hailemariam Desalegn erstwhile Prime Minister of Ethiopia – has been launched in Kigali with assistance from the Mastercard Foundation as a tranche of the Young Africa Works Strategy with Professor Kingsley Moghalu as the Inaugural President and a governing board of distinguished leaders. Mogalu -an erstwhile Deputy Governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank, has three decades of expertise in public policy, financial regulation, international diplomacy and governance. ASG, is slated at transforming leadership across Africa by providing world class public policy education, research, and engagement programs to address the Landmass’s governance difficulties with homegrown remedies.

“Honored to accept an invitation from African leaders President Paul Kagame of Rwanda , former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and others, to serve as President (Vice-Chancellor) of the newly established African School of Governance (ASG), located in Kigali, Rwanda.” – Kingsley Moghalu.

ASG will be steered by highly placed independent governing board members, chaired by Makhtar Diop – Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and former Minister of Finance and Economy of Senegal, and encircling Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank, Hajer Gueldich, Professor at the University of Carthage, Lilian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, Kishore Mahbubani, former Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, and Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board.

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– The summit evolves at a time when the world is persistently having a paradigm shift toward sustainable energy solutions, and Zimbabwe is eagerly anticipated to showcase its critical contributions to this global movement from November 6th-7th 2024.

Deputy Mines Minister Polite Kambamura would steer the Zimbabwean delegation. The country boasts a 10% share of the global lithium market, a crucial mineral for renewable energy technologies, particularly in electric vehicle batteries. Since the implementation of a raw lithium export ban in 2022, Zimbabwe has experienced a notable surge in downstream investments slated at maximizing value extraction from its lithium resources.

In addition to lithium, Zimbabwe’s platinum production has also seen a soaring in 2023. International mining firms are actively pursuing new deals to capitalize on the rising demand for platinum, largely driven by its role in green hydrogen technology. This growth in the platinum sector is anticipated to virtually contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic development, strengthening by viable partnerships and investment chances.

The global transition to green energy has further amplified the demand for copper, which is essential for electrical components and renewable energy technologies. In response, Zimbabwe is leveraging its copper resources through strategic initiatives, including the recent commissioning of a copper processing facility at Mhangura Mine. This $5 million facility, a collaborative venture between the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation and Chinese firm Zhi Jui Mining, has a processing capacity of 26 million tonnes of copper per year.

Moreover, the UK-based mining company Marula has lift-off a subsidiary focused on copper mining in Zimbabwe, aligning its efforts with the worldwide shift toward clean energy solutions. This development is slated to enable the nation’s potential in copper production, further supporting its ambitions in the sustainable energy sector.

As Zimbabwe fixes itself as a key player in the global critical minerals landscape, participation in the Critical Minerals Africa Summit emphasizes its venture to engaging with international stakeholders and advancing its mining sector in line with global sustainable energy goals.

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone–The season commenced in September of 2024 and runs through February 2025. It is the primary netizen outreach tour the MPs in the newly elected fifth legislature have undertaken since they took the oath of office on August 14th, 2024.

The Chamber of Deputies’ field visits begun on October 24th and will finish off on October 26th. Mainly is to assess the implementation of the government programme in the agriculture sector in all provinces and the City of Kigali.

Virtually, the present farming season has been characterized by in efficient rainfall, which has navigated the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) to tell growers to grow crops such as sweet potatoes that are drought-tolerant crops, instead of susceptible crops such as maize.

Members of Parliament will same join the citizens in the community work (Umuganda) of October.

The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies -Gertrude Kazarwa, noted, “Members of the fifth term of the Chamber of Deputies will engage with the communities to assess their areas of concern in order for them to be addressed by relevant institutions.”

The MPs will visit selected agrarian and livestock projects in some sectors in all provinces and the City of Kigali.

In addendum, local leaders will update the lawmakers on the progress made in addressing the citizens’ queries identified by the fourth legislature or the proceeding ones] in the previous field visits.

Agriculture activities to be visited include those carried out by cooperatives or farmers who practice land consolidation, or do farming on marshlands.

Others are erosion control measures in line with preparing for the new agriculture season and issues regarding agricultural inputs (seeds and fertilizers) selling points.

Lawmakers will same bring information on how agricultural or farm inputs subsidized by the government reach farmers, amongst others.

The legislators will visit places for making compost (organic fertilizer), steering to understand the challenges regarding its production. They will visit nurseries for agro-forestry tree seedlings, coffee seedlings, among others, and assess how they are supplied to growers, amongst others.

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone–Grid Africa is ventured to strengthening solar energy solutions slated at mitigating the rising costs as grid electricity evolves expensive across the African continent. Currently, Eskom declared a 36% surge in tariffs to NERSA brandishing a substantial rise in overall energy costs, which is anticipated to particularly impact business customers.

According to Norman Moyo – CEO of Grid Africa, “The recent changes in energy security in South Africa present a unique opportunity for businesses to deploy more solar energy projects, providing a buffer against escalating energy prices. With decreasing costs in solar technology and lithium batteries, we can further enhance energy efficiencies and enable peak shaving for our clients, where they can avoid peak charges on the electrical grid.

Grid Africa recently expanded its operations into Zambia, a market currently facing significant challenges with load shedding. This expansion underscores Grid Africa’s commitment to providing reliable energy solutions across the region. Grid Africa remains dedicated to leading the charge in renewable energy development, ensuring that businesses can thrive despite the shifting energy landscape in South Africa.

Hope Tshepo Segone – CEO of Rifuwo Energy Partners, noted on the investment, saying, “Grid Africa aligns with our mission to drive a just transition towards a more sustainable future. We are excited to partner with an experienced and entrepreneurial team who have a proven track record in developing and maintaining hybrid projects in challenging environments such as Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Ivory Coast.”

The corporation has same confirmed a solar agreement with Huawei to implement 72 megawatts (MW) of sustainable solar power infrastructure tailored to cater to the energy needs of mines across Zimbabwe, at a critical time when power blackouts have led to a $500 million revenue loss for mining companies.

This partnership is scheduled to the pressure on the strained national grid, but also drive down operational expenses and ensure a steady and uninterrupted power supply, ultimately bolstering the operational continuity for the mining enterprises involved.

“By integrating solar solutions through this landmark collaboration with Huawei, we are poised to bring about a transformative positive impact on the mines in Zimbabwe,” said Norman Moyo, CEO of Grid Africa. “This initiative will not only optimize energy usage but also provide a sustainable power source that will enhance the operational efficiency and financial stability of the mining sector.”

Utilizing solar power within mining operations establishes multiple windfalls, encircling a reduced reliance on the national grid, substantial cost reductions, and increased operational resilience through a consistent power supply. A 72MW solar project could create approximately 1,152 to 3,744 total jobs (direct and indirect) while also contributing to foreign currency savings by offsetting power imports. Moreover, with Huawei being a global energy player, this partnership further underscores the integration of cutting-edge technological expertise and a steadfast commitment to sustainability on a global scale.

The 72MW solar agreement between Grid Africa and Huawei paves the way for a new era of sustainable energy solutions, setting a benchmark for companies committed to improving operational efficiency, championing environmental stewardship, and driving transformative change in industrial energy consumption.

Xia Hesheng, President of Huawei Digital Power Sub-Saharan Region, re-affirmed the firm’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation saying, “We are excited to merge our solar expertise with Grid Africa to empower Zimbabwe’s mining industry with clean, dependable energy sources. This partnership highlights our dedication to driving sustainable progress, fostering long-term operational sustainability, and reshaping the industrial energy landscape in the region.”

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– During an event at the airline’s headquarters, the ATTF delegation, stirred by President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, were received by Ethiopian Airlines representatives Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Head of ET-Holidays, and Mary Legesse, Senior Sales Manager of ET-Holidays.

Oshodi expressly noted his salutations to the airline’s management for their assistance of the 2024 ITTF Africa Senior Championships, which was held at the Ethiopian Sports Academy in Addis Ababa.

“We want to express our sincere appreciation to the management of Ethiopian Airlines for their support of the 2024 Africa Senior Championships,” he noted.

“We don’t take this for granted, and that is why we want to extend our partnership with the Pride of Africa. As a continental federation, we aim to become one of the leading sports in Africa and have decided to collaborate with the world’s leading airline by entering into this important partnership.

“We recognize the strength of the airline as a member of the Global Star Alliance, and for us at ATTF, we want to be identified with you. We hope and believe this will be a beneficial relationship for both parties,” he added.

On behalf of the airline, Firiehiwot Mekonnen said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with ATTF as the Official Airline Partner of the continental body. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline, dedicated to transporting thousands of people to more than 137 destinations worldwide.

“Our partnership with ATTF not only strengthens our connection with Africa but also aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering unity and celebrating excellence.

“As the Pride of Africa, we are committed to youth development through sports, and table tennis being a global sport, we are excited to support ATTF in its vision.

“We understand the crucial role sports play among our youths in Africa, and as an airline that prides itself as the gateway to Africa, we are willing to extend our partnership with ATTF by signing this MOU as a formal start to our long-lasting relationship.

“With the MOU, we have now made it official that we will be the partner airline for ATTF events within and beyond Africa,” she noted.

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent

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