Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Africa

AU, Ecobank Launch MSME Academy for Africa’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), a socio-economic flagship programme of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA), otherwise called AUDA-NEPAD, has launched the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Academy, in partnership with Ecobank Group.

Spearheaded under AUDA-NEPAD ‘100,000 MSMEs by 2021’ (100K MSMEs) programme for Africa’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the Academy provides easy access to practical training and resources on financing opportunities in various countries, materials on how to build digital presence for businesses and how to adapt business operations in the era of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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August 11, 2020
Nigerian UK-based robotics engineer launches initiative to revolutionise tech in Africa

Awarri – a pan African enabler of Robotics and advanced Artificial intelligence has launched in Africa with the aim of preparing African youths for the future of work and enabling them to take on some of Africa’s biggest challenges.

In a statement made available to Echotitbits Saturday, the founder, Nigerian-UK based Robotics Engineer, Silas Adekunle, stated that Awarri has a mission to revolutionize the tech ecosystem in Africa and indeed Nigeria.

Adekunle, a technology entrepreneur, known for creating the world’s first intelligent (augmented reality) gaming in the world, also announced that the organization is in partnership with Union Bank to introduce a first of its kind robotics training and mentoring programme for students ages 11-16 in Nigeria, starting in Lagos, through their edu360 platform.

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“This will equip students with requisite knowledge of Robotics and Artificial intelligence as they continue with their mission of building the Africa of our dreams”, he stated.

According to information on its website, Awarri is derived from the Yoruba language word, “Awari”, which means seek and find.

Adekunle was born and raised in Nigeria. He earned a first class degree in robotics from the University of the West of England.

Echotitbits gathered that as a result of the success recorded when he released MekaMon, the world’s first gaming robot, in 2017, with sales of 500 bots that generated $7.5 million, according to The Guardian, Adekunle received support from various organisations such as London Venture Partners ($10 million) and in the same year, his company, Reach Robotics signed a deal with Apple securing exclusive sales in Apple stores.

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“Impressed by the quality of his robots and their ability to show emotion with subtly-calibrated movements, Apple priced his four-legged “battle-bots” at $300 and has put them in nearly all of its stores in the United States and Britain.

“Early customers skew towards male techies but a growing number of parents are buying the robots for their children to get them interested in STEM, Adekunle told Forbes in an interview this year”, Allafrica.com reported.

Tobiloba Kolawole

August 9, 2020
Energy Chamber strengthens quest for enabling environment with key appointments

African Energy Chamber has announced the appointment of some prominent experts in the oil and gas industry into its Regulatory Affairs Committee to serve on its Advisory Board for 2020 and 2021.

The experts so appointed include: Regional CTO, Strategy and Innovation at Microsoft, Jovita Nsoh; Associate Attorney, Centurion Law Group, Oneyeka Ojogbo; Managing Director, Africa Oil & Gas Limited, Nicolas Bonnefoy; President/CEO, WTD Resources LLC, Bill Drennen; Managing Director/CEO, Ocean Deep Drilling ESV Nigeria Limited (ODENL), Chijioke Akwukwuma; and Bruce Falkenstein of Upstream Advisory and Consulting.

The committee would be central to the chamber’s policy advocacy and advisory efforts across the continent to provide an enabling business environment for investors and entrepreneurs.

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Members of the Regulatory Affairs Committee act in their personal capacity and gather decades of experience within the public and private sector, with a strong legal expertise of African and global energy markets.

“African markets must stay competitive and must do better at attracting investment and respecting the sanctity of contracts.

“From adopting progressive local content legislation to implementing better fiscal regimes, African energy markets must seize the opportunity offered by the global pandemic to review their existing frameworks, keep what is working and amend what is slowing down the pace of investment in the continent,” said the Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, Nj Ayuk.

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Given increasing competition for investment and challenging market conditions, the right to adopt market-driven policies and promote an enabling business environment across Africa is greater than ever.

Acting as the link between the public and private sector, the African Energy Chamber strongly believes that a recovery from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic would require a stronger emphasis on market-driven policies, investors-friendly environments and regulations that embrace digitisation so African markets could compete for capital and technology globally.

Idowu Sowunmi

August 4, 2020
President Trump directs US Africa Command to relocate from Germany

The United States says efforts are now underway to develop plans and options to relocate U.S. Africa Command headquarters and forces from Germany.

This was contained in a statement by the command on Friday, stating that the relocation is in response to President Donald Trump’s direction.

As part of the U.S. European Command Review, the Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, publicly announced plans to make U.S. force adjustments within the European area of operations during a press briefing in Washington D.C., July 29.

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The change in force posture is designed to support the National Defense and Security strategies, adapt to changing global strategic environment, and best address global priorities.

However, while it is not certain where the command will move to, the command stated that it will look first at options elsewhere in Europe, but also will consider options in the United States.

“U.S. Africa Command has been told to plan to move. While it will likely take several months to develop options, consider locations, and come to a decision, the command has started the process. We will ensure we continue to support our host nation and African partners and our families and forces throughout,” said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command.

The command stood up in 2008 to protect and advance U.S. national interests in Africa and develop capable, professional partner nation military forces there and has been headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany since its inception.

“It is important our African partners understand our commitment to them remains strong,” said Townsend. “U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with our African and other partners to address mutual interests.”

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Continued cooperation with German partners remains critical to solving complex international challenges.

“We are very grateful to Germany for their partnership and serving as host to Headquarters U.S. Africa Command. International cooperation remains important to addressing mutual security challenges, especially in Africa,” said Townsend.

Potential options will be assessed to ensure appropriate positioning of forces to deal with future challenges.

The Department of Defense remains the lead for overseas force adjustment decisions and the global combatant command review.

“We remain committed to our forces and families,” said Townsend. “We will conduct a deliberate and thorough planning process to ensure our team is prepared for what lies ahead.”

Tobiloba Kolawole

July 31, 2020
Energy Poverty: African Energy Chamber makes key appointments into advisory board

African Energy Chamber has appointed Managing Director, EnergyInc Advisors and Senior Africa Advisor, IFU Danish Investment Fund, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; Founder/Chairman, APO Group, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Energy Group, Akinwole Omoboriowo II; Managing Director, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Walter Peviani; and Operations Director/President of the Executive Board, IFP Training, Rémi Mouchel; into the chamber’s Advisory Board on Energy Transition Committee to assist in developing new African business models and solutions to the global decarbonisation challenge.

Members of the Energy Transition Committee would act in their personal capacity, and form an integral part of the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board for 2020 and 2021.

With their decades of experience and expertise in investments, finance, communications and capacity building across all segments of the energy industry, the appointees would be advising the chamber on a range of initiatives to further push for decarbonisation initiatives on the continent, while developing an African message and approach to energy transition.

“The African Energy Chamber strongly believes that the global energy transition debate has remained absent of African voices.

“One cannot discuss energy transition on our continent without taking into account energy poverty and the need to create an inclusive energy industry that creates jobs and procures goods and services locally.

“As a chamber, we believe climate change is an issue as important as energy poverty. Powering up African homes and industries will require a coordinated approach in the development of all energy sources Africa has to offer, including natural gas, wind, solar, hydro or geothermal,” said Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, Nj Ayuk.

African Energy Chamber is committed to building an energy industry that works for everyone, but remains concerned over the predominance of an international narrative that would be imposed on the continent at the detriment of Africans’ best interests.

As the continent recovers from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the chamber would be working on promoting solutions and opportunities that put a priority on securing affordable and reliable energy to Africans, while creating jobs and supporting local entrepreneurship.

Idowu Sowunmi

July 30, 2020
Ecobank Academy becomes first corporate member of Global Business School Network

A Togo-based Ecobank Academy has made history to become the first corporate member of the Global Business School Network (GBSN).

GBSN has been building management education capacity in and for the developing world for over 17 years.

The core of the network spans six continents with more than 100 leading business schools from 50 countries, whose leaders, faculty, and students engage in programmes to improve access to quality, locally relevant management and entrepreneurship education.

Since its beginning in 1985, Ecobank Group has been committed to economic and social development across sub-Saharan Africa.

Operating in all regions in sub-Saharan Africa, Ecobank Academy is one of the largest corporate universities in Africa. Each year, Ecobank Academy trains more than 14,000 in 39 countries – 35 in Africa and 4 outside of Africa.

Both organisations have a shared vision for Africa, to have the talent it needs to generate prosperity.

GBSN Chief Executive Officer, Dan LeClair, explained that “the aim is to work together over the long term to build a stronger connection between business and business schools—to develop the talent for Africa to achieve what it wants. The space between education and practice holds the greatest potential for innovative solutions.”

On the partnership, Group Head of Ecobank Academy, Talent and Organisational Development, Simon Rey, said: “It is a privilege to be the first corporate university to join GBSN.

“We believe practical and just-in-time education are crucial to help solve some of the most pressing challenges and, at the same time, unlock tremendous opportunities to advance the social-economic agenda.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with other members and together bring world-class capabilities to create and implement solution-driven programs impacting African SMEs, MSMEs, Public Sector, Development organizations, Youth, and other professionals.”

To mark the start of their formal relationship, GBSN and Ecobank Academy hosted a virtual forum to explore Africa’s changing talent needs. The series commenced with a conversation between Rey and LeClair on July 16.

Idowu Sowunmi

July 28, 2020
Buhari celebrates as Independent probe panel exonerates AfDB President Adesina

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday warmly rejoiced with President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina, on the clean slate of health of all allegations against him by an anonymous group.

Buhari described the clearance as further validation of Adesina’s competence and integrity to lead the continental financial institution.

Nigerian President congratulated AfDB “Board of Directors, the Ethics Committee and members of staff for their courage, maturity and patience in following through the process of investigations, and acceptance of Report of Panel of High-Level Independent Experts, which reviewed the Report of Ethics Committee of AfDB, and Dr Adesina’s response.”

He commended the eminent personalities, consisting of Mary Robinson, Justice Hassan B. Jallow and Leonard F. McCarthy, who handled the review of the report of the Ethics Committee, and “their professionalism in rejecting support services, and providing a unanimous report.”

Buhari believed “the conclusion of the review should finally draw a curtain on the allegations that created distractions for the entire institution for a period, and serve as impetus for more diligence in handling responsibilities, while fuelling the zeal to deliver on the promises of a greater Africa.”

The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, urged AfDB President “to remain steadfast, dedicated and resolute in pursuing his noble goals for the institution, especially with the now expected second term in office, assuring him of the prayers and support of Nigerians.”

By Idowu Sowunmi

July 28, 2020
ECOWAS set on resolving Mali’s political crisis

The Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African Sstates (ECOWAS), President Mahamadou Issoufou says the sub-regional organisation will do all it takes to mitigate the political crisis in Mali.

This assurance came after many hours of consultations in the nation’s capital, Bamako, on Thursday.

At the meeting, ECOWAS Special Envoy, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and leader of the opposition, Imam Mahmoud Dicko and representatives of opposition alliance, M5 and Civil Society Organisations briefed the high power delegate that include President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, host President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Presidents Machy Sall of Senegal, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire.

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The host President also briefed the Heads of State and government on the socio-political situation in the country, especially the disagreements that spiraled into protests and violence.

While briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, President Issoufou of Niger Republic, said an extra-ordinary virtual meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State and government will be held on Monday 26 July, 2020.

This he said is to further deliberate on the issues raised, with a view to finding lasting solution to the crisis and restore peace to the country.

He disclosed that the sub-regional leaders had already agreed there would be a need for a compromise to protect the peace and integrity of the nation.

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He stated that allowing a political crisis in Mali would affect the security situation in West Africa, especially neighboring countries.

The ECOWAS Chairman commended Nigeria’s former President, Goodluck Jonathan, for accepting to lead an initial mission to the country to broker peace, and make findings, while appreciating all the West African leaders who attended the meeting.

Earlier, Ghanaian President said that the ECOWAS protocol would be followed, explaining that the democratic tenet adopted by the sub-regional body clearly spells out that a President can only be voted into power, and voted out by election, except he completes his tenure.

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The Ghanaian leader noted that the protocol would be adhered to ensure safety and peace in the sub-region.

President Buhari returned to Nigeria after the meeting.

July 24, 2020
Mali Crisis: Jonathan arrives Bamako, optimistic of positive results

Former president Goodluck Jonathan has arrived Bamako in Mali, expressing optimism that the current crisis in the West African country would be resolved in no time.

Jonathan was appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a Special Envoy to lead the sub-regional body’s mediation mission in Mali.

Ex-President of the Feral Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan arrives Bamako with his entourage ahead of peace talks to save the troubled nation of Mali.

His appointment was communicated to him in a letter signed by the President of ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou.

“Given your position as the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the great role and contributions your tenure offered to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in our region, I have the honour, in consultation with the Chair of the Authority, H.E. Issoufou Mahamadou, President of the Republic of Niger, to communicate to you, the decision to appoint you as ECOWAS Special Envoy for the socio-political crisis in Mali,” the letter read.

The former president is to engage in consultations with all relevant stakeholders involved in the ongoing dispute in Mali to ensure that a common ground is found in the search for peace.

As a Special Envoy, Jonathan is expected to facilitate dialogue with all principal stakeholders in Mali, including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, opposition leaders, civil society as well as religious leaders among others.

Speaking shortly his arrival in Bamako, Jonathan said: “I arrived Bamako Wednesday evening with my delegation to begin my assignment as leader of ECOWAS peace mission to Mali.

“I’m optimistic that our mission will yield positive results.

“Our message of peace and progress has so far been well received by stakeholders.”

Idowu Sowunmi

July 16, 2020
Energy: Omoboriowo II, Karim, Campbell, others appointed into African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Committee

The Chairman and Chief Eexecutive Officer, Genesis Energy Group, Akinwole Omoboriowo II; Chief Executive Officer, Shoreline Energy International, Kola Karim; Chief Executive Officer, Energy & Natural Resource Security, Inc., Derek Campbell; and others have been appointed into the African Energy Chamber’s United States-Africa Committee to serve on its Advisory Board and support the development of stronger energy cooperation and investment between the US and Africa.

Other members appointed by the African Energy Chamber include: Chief Executive Officer, Azimuth Energy Investments LLC, Reginal ‘Reg’ Spiller; Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Africa Fortesa Corporation, Rogers Beall; President, Kearney Africa, Jude Kearney; Managing Director for Africa, Millenium Challenge Corporation, Alicia Robinson-Morgan; General Manager (Africa), Pioneer Energy, Ann Norman; and Chief Economist, American Petroleum Institute, Dean Foreman.

In their personal capacities, the members of the US-Africa Committee have gathered several decades of experience in government and the private sector from both sides of the Atlantic, and share a passion for Africa and its development.

The decision of the African Energy Chamber was borne out of the belief that the potential for capital, expertise and technology transfers between the US and Africa was being under-exploited.

The US-Africa Committee is the first committee on the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board to be announced.

The chamber has put together leading industry experts, executives and public representatives to support several initiatives over the course of 2020 and 2021, such as local content development, natural gas and energy transitions, the promotion of an enabling environment and the expansion of exploration activities.

“The largest but also most recent discoveries in Africa were made by bold and capable American companies who have proven time and again that betting on Africa bears fruits.

“At times when the continent seeks to develop much stronger gas value chains and attract investment into midstream and downstream infrastructure, we need to look back at the United States and develop stronger partnerships.

“As Africa embraces energy transition, a substantial part of the capital needed to develop cleaner energy solutions also lies with American companies and institutions,” said the Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, Nj Ayuk.

African Energy Chamber added that while Power Africa remains to date the most successful initiative to develop Africa’s energy sector by tapping into American capital and technology, more could be done in light of the continent’s continued energy poverty.

The chamber noted that from exploration to gas infrastructure, and from power technology to energy funding, the United States remains a global leader that has much to bring to Africa under the right partnerships and joint-ventures that could support local content development and jobs creation.

Idowu Sowunmi

July 14, 2020