“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Rajeev to the board as we enter this next phase of growth for the business,” Jesse Moore CEO & Co-Founder of M-KOPA said in a statement. “His proven leadership in steering international companies through periods of rapid expansion will be invaluable.”

As board chair, Rajeev will provide critical oversight, strategic insights, and guidance to the M-KOPA leadership team as it navigates this next phase in its evolution as a leading global fintech.

Commenting on his appointment Suri said “M-KOPA represents one of the most exciting fintech propositions, not only in Africa but globally. Their use of leading-edge technologies and artificial intelligence to solve the critical challenge of digital and financial inclusion is compelling and has the potential to change the way we think about consumers in emerging markets.”

“I am excited to join this team and look forward to driving impactful solutions together,” he concluded.

Suri is a recognized leader in technology and telecommunications, with deep experience leading companies across the globe. Having served as CEO for Nokia and Inmarsat —in addition to his role as the current Chairperson of Digicel and board director at Singtel, his executive and board-level expertise will help M-KOPA as it continues to innovate and expand its reach across markets.

Moore appreciated and applauded Littlefield’s time as the Chair of the M-KOPA board. “We are deeply grateful to Elizabeth for her outstanding leadership over the past six years.” Adding “She and the board have guided M-KOPA through significant transformation and remarkable growth. While she will be stepping down as chair, we are fortunate to have her continue with the board as an independent director.”

There was no comment from Littlefield.

Mr. Suri joins at a time when M-KOPA has achieved significant scale, with over 5 million customers and more than USD$1.5 billion of credit deployed across five markets; Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.

The post Rajeev Suri Appointed Chairperson of M-KOPA, Elizabeth Littlefield to Continue Key Board Role appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The conference gathered industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to understand the evolving digital landscape and harness its potential. It also featured keynote speeches and discussions —and in one of the keynotes by Pheona Walls Nbasa; Managing Partner at Nbasa & Co-advocates discussed “Maximizing Collaboration through Community, Platforms, and Resources.”

Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword in today’s digital era, but a critical driver for innovation, and growth. During Nbasa’s keynote at the FITSPA annual conference, her discussion centered on this very theme, delving into the power of collaboration, and how organizations and individuals can work together to amplify their impact. She said;

Collaboration is not just about making friends or seeking comfort in company. We collaborate for impact.

Nbasa highlighted several principles crucial for effective collaboration, starting with inclusive engagement which involves bringing together stakeholders from different sectors, industries, and demographics. A notable example she gave was the creation of a women’s platform at FITSPA; FITSPA Women —a testament to the power of inclusion in fostering collaboration.

FITSPA Women is a community of women in technology and digital Financial Services. It was established to empower and support women in the sector. Through various activities, FITSPA Women aims to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the industry and support women in achieving their full potential.

Nbasa discussed the two types of collaboration; which are vertical and horizontal collaborations, illustrating them through examples from the fintech sector. Vertical collaborations occur when a larger organization partners with a smaller one—for instance, a large bank teaming up with a fledgling fintech startup. In these cases, the larger entity helps lift the smaller one by sharing resources, knowledge, or access to markets. Horizontal collaborations, on the other hand, happen between organizations on the same level, working together as equals to drive mutual benefit.

She noted that both types of collaborations are crucial in today’s business environment, where interdependence can significantly enhance outcomes.

Effective teamwork relies on values that encourage diversity and openness, in communication to achieve objectives through collaborative leadership and resource pooling. A fundamental element of teamwork involves participation by combining different viewpoints and ideas to tackle intricate problems. The fintech sector showcases this by engaging experts, from healthcare, agriculture, finance, and various other industries. By leveraging these alliances companies can create solutions that cater not only to the financial domain but also to broader social issues. This focus, on inclusivity fuels creativity. Amplifies the effectiveness of working as a team.

Open communication and trust are the pillars that uphold successful partnerships. Without transparent dialogue and mutual trust, collaborations are prone to fail. Clear and consistent communication ensures that all parties feel valued and can contribute their ideas freely. Trust, in turn, creates a safe environment where stakeholders can work together authentically. When communication is strong, misunderstandings are minimized, and teams can align more effectively toward common goals. As Nbasa emphasized, shared objectives are crucial—collaborators must be working toward the same end. Aligning goals from the start not only creates unity but also prevents conflicts that may arise from divergent priorities.

Leadership is another essential element that shapes the success of collaboration. Rather than dominating the conversation, collaborative leaders, like those at FITSPA, empower others to take the stage and contribute meaningfully. This approach enhances the collective impact by allowing a range of voices and ideas to flourish. In addition, to this benefit of collaboration is the aspect of resource sharing where combining assets and expertise can result in cost savings due, to economies of scale When resources are distributed fairly and effectively during a collaboration the outcomes are magnified enabling the group to accomplish greater things collectively than they could achieve alone.

Leveraging platforms and social media for collaboration

Platforms such as Slack, Trello, and even open-source platforms help teams work together seamlessly, irrespective of geographical boundaries —Nbasa stressed —noting that they allow for easier knowledge sharing, task management, and even the co-creation of products and services.

Social media can also be a great way to spread the message and reach out to people, especially those who share the same or a similar vision as you have, said Nbasa, adding that it is a means of bringing together otherwise unrelated people across industries. For instance, she said, there could be groundbreaking innovations that come out of partnerships between technology startups and areas like healthcare or legal services that provide a new way to solve problems.

Data and resource optimization

Data and resource optimization was another key discussion in her keynote. “Data is key in shaping wise decisions in industries such as finance and technology,” she said. Nbasa shared a personal experience from the early days of Airtel Uganda, where a data-driven decision to switch off an unpopular service led to a surge in sales. This example underscored how important it is to leverage data analytics for optimized resource allocation and decision-making.

In a broader sense, resource optimization is about making the most of shared knowledge and expertise within a community. Whether it’s through specialized clusters, like those set up by the Law Society, or collaborative partnerships within the fintech space, sharing resources leads to greater efficiency and success.

Nbasa’s keynote at the FITSPA 6th annual conference was clear —collaboration is the key to unlocking collective potential. Whether through inclusive engagement, open communication, or shared resources, working together can amplify impact in ways that individual efforts cannot.

As Nbasa eloquently put it, “Would you rather be a big fish in a pond, or an ordinary fish in the sea?” The answer lies in the willingness to collaborate—to step beyond personal ambitions and work toward a common goal. By doing so, individuals and organizations can create space for growth, innovation, and, ultimately, greater impact.

The post Pheona Walls Nbasa at FITSPA Conference: Collaboration is the Key to Unlocking Collective Potential appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“This program is intended to bring various ministers and their permanent secretaries and agencies so that we interact with the public by explaining what we do,” explained Dr. Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance. “The public will also be able to make comments and raise questions —which we can clarify —and also when we sit in our ministries to make budgets and plans, we should be to communicate [through this platform, UBC Front Bench] to Ugandans as a way of accounting.”

While highlighting the primary purpose of the program, Dr. Baryomunsi said the government does a lot of work through its Ministries but doesn’t have adequate platforms where they can explain/share what they do to the general public despite having spokespersons in these MDAs. Therefore, the UBC Front Bench Program seeks to bridge this gap by providing an interactive platform where the public can engage with government officials, ask questions, and receive clarifications.

The UBC Front Bench initiative will ensure that Ugandans are well-informed about the actions and decisions of the government.

UBC Front Bench is designed as a platform for accountability, enabling the government to discuss its initiatives and responsibilities with the general public openly. The platform will enable the government through its various ministries and agencies, to account to Ugandans by going into details about what they do daily. The government hopes that this will foster a culture of transparency, allowing citizens to have a better understanding of the efforts being made on their behalf.

In the first episode, which aired on UBC on Monday at 8:30 PM (EAT), Joram Paul Ssonko, a News anchor at UBC, hosted the Ps. Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, and the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Hon. Chris Baryomunsi. They discussed, among other things, the digital transformation roadmap, internet connectivity, job opportunities, and artificial intelligence policies.

Digital Transformation Roadmap: Paving the way towards Vision 2040 and NDP III

The Digital Transformation Roadmap launched in August 2023 by Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, builds on commitments set under the Digital Uganda Vision by focusing on imperatives to achieve operational momentum and make great strides that translate from paper to action. It is structured around five critical pillars:

• Digital Infrastructure, and Accessibility: This pillar aims to provide universal and cost-effective access to digital tools, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, and ensuring every Ugandan can access the worldwide digital network.
• Digital Services: The plan envisions a revamped Ugandan public service framework through digital innovations to simplify procedures, minimize administrative hold-ups, and boost citizen satisfaction in essential areas like health, education, transport, and farming.
• Cyber Safety, Data Security, and Confidentiality: In today’s world of frequent data violations, this pillar emphasizes the need for strong cyber protection and fostering digital awareness to safeguard citizens’ information.
• Digital Skilling: Recognizing that the digitally skilled will lead the future, this pillar concentrates on equipping Ugandans with digital expertise, ensuring they remain competitive on a global scale.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Promoting Indigenous solutions and celebrating innovators, this pillar nurtures a favorable environment for creativity, aiming to shift Uganda from a digital user to a notable digital influencer globally.

See also: ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin applauds Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap at ITU Global Symposium for Regulators

The digital transformation roadmap is not merely another stand-alone vision but serves as a practical guide that steers the country towards the broader goals of Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III (NDP III). The Ps. Ministry of ICT and National Guidance; Dr. Aminah Zawedde emphasized the roadmap’s importance in translating long-term aspirations into actionable steps.

“The digital transformation roadmap is aligned with our digital vision of ensuring a digitally enabled country to make our citizens better citizens,” said Dr. Zawedde. “This five-year roadmap outlines key priorities that the government will focus on to achieve its digital objectives,” she added —emphasizing that as each five-year phase progresses, the government will continue to measure and evaluate progress, with the ultimate aim of ensuring sufficient digital infrastructure by 2040.

One of the key priorities within the roadmap is the expansion of digital infrastructure, particularly to underserved areas of the country. The government is implementing digital infrastructure to ensure connectivity across the country. The connectivity is vital for enabling nationwide access to digital services and ensuring no region or citizen is left behind.

Cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy are also central to the roadmap’s agenda. As Uganda transitions into a more digitally driven society, protecting citizens’ data and ensuring a secure online environment is paramount. “We have to ensure that we are operating in a secure environment,” said Dr. Zawedde. “People are sensitized and aware,” she added —pointing out that these are increasingly critical issues as more services are moved online.

In addition to infrastructure and cybersecurity, the roadmap also focuses on digital skills development and fostering innovation.

Digital skilling as well as taking care of the innovation space – innovation and entrepreneurship – is key.

The digital transformation roadmap also aligns with the National Development Plan III, which shares a common goal of driving economic transformation through digitalization. The two plans complement each other, ensuring that Uganda’s economic growth is rooted in digital advancement.

See also: The Inaugural ICT National Summit will leverage the digital transformation roadmap, says ICTAU boss

Government on track to achieve 90% broadband coverage

Dr. Baryomunsi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that 90% of Uganda is covered by broadband within the next five years. “We have a National Broadband Policy of 2018 which we put in place as a Ministry that guides on how we are going to expand,” he said. This ambitious target is part of a broader national strategy that is aimed at enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure to support economic growth and accessibility to information.

The National Broadband Policy, established in 2018, provides a roadmap for the country’s ICT development. It requires telecommunication companies and other service providers to ensure widespread coverage within specific timelines. “Companies, partners, and service providers who come to provide ICT-related services in Uganda are commanded by policy to cover up to 90% within five years,” the Minister emphasized. The remaining 10% of coverage, he noted will be funded by the government.

One of the cornerstones of the Ministry’s plan is the continued expansion of the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI), which is the country’s main optical fiber network. Four phases have been completed covering over 50% of the country —and now it is in the fifth phase which focuses on extending coverage to the remaining parts of the country —while working on the last-mile connection which will focus on connecting government district offices and sub-county offices.

Dr. Baryomunsi is confident that the broadband expansion will be completed in the next few years. “In the coming two to three years, we should be able to see the country covered in terms of broadband connectivity,” he affirmed, adding that private actors are continuously licensed to ensure they also contribute to the nation’s broadband efforts.

The government’s ICT agenda is to create 30,000 jobs for youth annually

To combat unemployment, particularly among the youth, the Ministry has outlined ambitious plans to create over 30,000 direct jobs annually through ICT. “One of our objectives and targets is to use technology, and ICT to create jobs for our young people,” Dr. Baryomunsi explained, noting that leveraging ICT can provide numerous employment opportunities locally and internationally.

The government prioritizing ICT and its expansion of digital infrastructure and services offer significant potential to create jobs for the youth. By addressing the challenges of internet accessibility, and device affordability, and providing a conducive environment for BPO operations, Uganda positions itself to achieve its goal of creating 30,000 jobs annually through ICT.

Developing AI policies to harness technology for key sectors

President Museveni in a recent retreat with cabinet members and permanent secretaries, tasked them to formulate a policy to guide the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors including; healthcare, education, agriculture, etc.

The government acknowledges the growing relevance of AI in addressing national challenges and driving progress. “The government is very well aware that AI is very important —therefore we are creating a favorable environment or space for it to grow,” said Dr. Zawedde. “As we develop policy, it has to target different sectors or spheres to grow.”

The ministry is working with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Uganda Telecom, and various stakeholders to draft the policy —with an AI task force already in place. The task force was announced in July this year by UCC, however, it raised concerns among some stakeholders, particularly the youth, who feel that the task force lacks diversity and representation of younger generations.

A task force on Artificial Intelligence made up of experts from within @UCC_Official & academia has been launched this morning.

The task force will develop a comprehensive concept note addressing various aspects of #AI to inform relevant interventions.@UCC_ED said #AI is a… pic.twitter.com/lAitOybZjN

— UCC (@UCC_Official) July 26, 2024

The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the ministry aims to create a framework that will encourage the development and scaling up of AI-driven solutions, such as health applications or tools for real-time language translation.

The government is working hard to create and adhere to an environment suitable for AI’s growth. This could be the moment for the country to unleash innovation and incorporate AI into key strategic sectors to optimize the opportunities birthed by this revolutionary technology, which would consequently spur national development and improve the lives of its citizens.

Developing an AI Policy is a government directive but most importantly it’s a strategic commitment to futureproofing the country’s key sectors to make them more resilient, efficient, and responding to the needs of the Ugandans.

See also: Ministry of ICT outline achievements of the ICT sector in last 5 years

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More than half of the respondents noted a lack of women in leadership roles, with nearly 51 percent feeling unfairly compensated compared to men. Balancing a career and family life is an increasing challenge, with sexism in the workplace still a reality for a majority. Despite this, close to 76 percent of surveyees feel empowered to lead.

Known as the event where the tech world meets, Web Summit aims to spark debates that help us understand and address these ongoing issues. Web Summit’s 2024 Women in Tech survey was conducted during the summer among women who have joined our Women in Tech program over the past years.

Key findings:

• A substantial 50.8 percent of women reported experiencing sexism in the workplace, a figure that has shown little change in recent years.
• Nearly half (49.1 percent) of women in the tech sector feel pressured to choose between family and career, marking a 7 percent increase from last year.
• More than 75 percent of respondents acknowledged feeling the need to work harder than their male counterparts, a trend that has remained steady over time.
• Respondents identified unconscious gender bias, balancing career and personal life, the scarcity of female role models, imposter syndrome, lack of support networks, and difficulties in funding as their most significant challenges.
• Despite challenges, close to 76 percent of respondents would feel empowered to pursue and/or hold a leadership position.
• More than 80 percent percent of surveyees stated that there is a woman in senior management in their company, with 68.2 percent reporting that a woman holds a C-level position.
• There’s optimism around AI’s potential to drive positive change. More than 68 percent of respondents have a positive outlook on the impact of AI and automation on gender equity.

“Why do we have 1,000 women-founded startups joining us at Web Summit this year, and why does that number keep growing? This is the question that comes to mind when I see the survey results showing women are still facing the same challenges,” Carolyn Quinlan, VP of community at Web Summit, said in a press statement. She continues “It’s frustrating that issues like sexism, unfair pay, imposter syndrome, and work-life balance keep appearing—it often feels like we’re stuck in the same conversations. Yet, I can’t help but feel hopeful. More women are stepping up, leading, and bringing their startups to events like Web Summit.”

Quinlan noted that since 2021, Web Summit has maintained a near parity ratio in attendees —and the rise in female participation and women-founded startups brings hope that Web Summit can push these conversations forward and create a future where technology is a space for everyone, not just a boys’ club.

See also: The challenges faced by female founders in the startup world

Momentum for change

The call for change is evident. Approximately 56 percent of women feel the industry isn’t doing enough to tackle gender inequality, and 69 percent are dissatisfied with their government’s efforts. Despite the lack of initiatives, more women are empowered to step into the spotlight as opportunities arise. Close to 76 percent of women who answered Web Summit’s survey say they feel empowered to hold or apply for a leadership position.

Web Summit has seen a remarkable rise in women’s participation since launching the Women in Tech Programme in 2015. Designed to tackle gender inequality, the program offers discounts to encourage more women to attend and participate, making events more accessible, and inclusive —helping to foster a more diverse and innovative tech industry.

In 2016, just a year after the initiative’s launch, 42 percent of attendees were women, up from 25 percent in 2013. By 2021, women outnumbered men for the first time, reaching 50.5 percent. Since then, Web Summit has maintained a near-parity ratio

Beyond the Women in Tech program, there has been a significant increase in women-founded startups. This year’s Web Summit 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal will break records with 1,000 out of 3,000 startups attending as part of the startups program.

At Web Summit Rio 2024, 45 percent of the 1,000 startups had a woman founder. Similarly, at Collision 2024, more than 44 percent of startups were women-founded, which represents a 14-point increase from 30 percent the previous year. At Web Summit Qatar 2024, 37 percent of attendees were women, alongside 30 percent of women speakers, and 31 percent of the 1,000+ startups were founded by women.

See also: Highlights: Web Summit Qatar welcomes over 15,000+ attendees to Doha

The growing number of women-founded startups participating in Web Summit highlights the increasing drive among women to connect, innovate, and lead. In the report, one participant emphasized this point, stating,

Being the only woman among male peers in a senior management position allows me to bring other women into similar roles. I have the opportunity to open more spaces for the next women who arrive.

There is also optimism about AI’s ability to drive positive change, with over 68 percent of respondents viewing its impact on gender equity as beneficial. This perspective aligns with recent insights from PWC, which show that when used responsibly, artificial intelligence can expand talent pools, address bias in talent management, and improve workplace collaboration.

Web Summit is committed to fueling these vital conversations about change through its speakers, stages, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for women to drive progress in the industry.

Notably, some of the women speaking at Web Summit 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal include:

1. Lidiane Jones, CEO of Bumble.
2. Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility Robotics.
3. Moly He, co-founder and CEO of Element Biosciences.
4. Meredith Whittaker, President of Signal.
5. Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Portugal’s Minister of Youth and Modernization.
6. Julie De Moyer, Chief Data and AI Officer at LVMH.
7. Etosha Cave, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Twelve.
8. Eileen Burbidge, Founding partner of Passion Capital.
9. Daniela Braga, Founder of Defined.AI.

An echo of global trends

Web Summit’s 2024 Women in Tech report aligns with broader international trends. According to 2023 data from Nash Squared, women still only makeup 14 percent of tech leaders worldwide.

In major companies, women occupy just 26 percent to 29 percent of leadership roles, as noted by the World Bank. Female representation also continues to fall below 50 percent in these companies, underscoring the need for change highlighted by Web Summit’s survey
respondents.

As shown by Web Summit’s report’s findings, funding remains a critical barrier for female founders, with close to a third of respondents (29.6 percent) identifying it as one of the most pressing issues facing women in tech. An analysis from the World Economic Forum, based on Pitchbook statistics, found that women-only startups received just 1.8 percent of VC funding in Europe and 2 percent in the US in 2023. Similar data from Wamda shows that women-only startups received just 0.47 percent of funding in the MENA region in 2023.

See also: “If you are an investor, invest in women,” — Rafaela Frankenthal

The 2024 Women in Tech report is part of Web Summit’s commitment to fostering change, pushing for conversations that spotlight these issues and pave the way for concrete solutions. As women continue to navigate challenges in tech, Web Summit’s mission is to drive a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

The post Web Summit Report Reveals Persistent Inequality for Women in Technology appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

She Techs The Future initiative aims to empower and support female-led digital ventures in East Africa, from idea generation to investment. Entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives from prominent development organizations came together to witness the remarkable achievements of women in the Ugandan tech industry.

In his welcome remarks, James Macbeth Forbes, country director of GIZ Uganda emphasized the organization’s dedication to empowering the youth of Uganda to lead improved lives through robust support for their digital innovations.

Tech founders who took the stage to pitch at the demo day included Pearl Gakazi representing Kolaborate, Patricia Giramia from Cyanase Investors, Shadia Nassanga leading Emun App, Nambogo Nurait representing MobiCare, Tugume Brenda of Esoptron Salon, and Doreen Ninsiima from Instant Biomed.

This gathering was proof of the growing potential of female entrepreneurs in East Africa’s tech landscape.

One of the highlights of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Cathy Luyiga Ssenkungu from Women In Technology Uganda ( WITU) featuring tech entrepreneurs who have made significant strides in their respective fields including Sandra Awili the founder of ShareCard, Pearl Gakazi the co-founder of Kolaborate, Patricia Giramia the CTO of Cyanase Investors, and Vaola Amumpaire the founder of Wena Hardware led an engaging discussion on the role of mentorship and strategic networking to benefit female entrepreneurs.

During the panel discussion, Vaola Amumpaire passionately articulated her perspective, “As women, we often find ourselves conditioned to suppress our voices due to the fear of being labeled.” “We need to let go of this fear and confidently express ourselves. We must communicate openly and directly, ensuring that our intentions are clear, as this is essential to fostering meaningful collaboration without the risk of misinterpretation by others, particularly men.”

The demo day was graced by esteemed guests, including the country director of the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), James Macbeth Forbes, Laura Kübke of Business Scouts for Development, Koichiro Yamamoto from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and many others.

The She Techs The Future project commenced in April 2023 with ideathons held at four universities in Uganda and Tanzania. These ideathons served as incubators for creative ideas and paved the way for female innovators to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. Following the ideathons, a week-long boot camp brought together over 15 female innovators from across Uganda.

During this intensive program, participants benefited from comprehensive training, workshops, and mentorship, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the tech industry.

She techs the future is implemented by StartHub Africa in partnership with the Business Scouts for Development (BSfD) by the Gesellschaft for Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and Sequa on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The post Celebrating Women in Tech: StartHub Africa Holds She Techs The Future Demo Day appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The awards are organized by AI Global Media and Middle East and Africa (MEA) Markets in England and are an essential guide to the key sectors driving growth throughout the continent, rewarding outstanding companies and individuals whose entrepreneurship has strengthened Africa’s position as the next global economic powerhouse.

Kaven Cooper, the Awards Coordinator, at MEA Markets said, the Awards celebrate the growing influence of African business on the world stage, providing the region’s leading enterprises with the opportunity to showcase the ambition, dedication, and accomplishments that set them apart from their competition.

“All of our winners offer something unique to the corporate landscape, and I wish them all the best for the future ahead,” Cooper said.

Upon receiving the award, Walter Wafula, the General Manager of Brainchild BCW said the recognition is a solid vote of confidence in Brainchild BCW — adding that “It also validates the fact that we are supporting our clients to effectively reach their audiences in Africa by developing high-impact PR and digital campaigns that create top-of-mind awareness for our client’s brands and ultimately help move people and businesses to achieve their dreams.”

He thanked all their clients across banking, telecoms, insurance, and beverages, among other industries, as well as the Government of Uganda for collaborating with the agency to implement communication strategies that have not only driven their success but contributed towards the country’s socio-economic growth, over the last 15 years.

While concluding his remarks, Wafula noted that PR and Digital communications play a central role in bridging the gap between businesses and their customers as well as stakeholders.

Frank Muthusi, Group CEO of Fireworks Advertising commended the Brainchild BCW team for upholding the agency’s winning culture locally and at the global level.

“I wish to take this opportunity to re-affirm Brainchild BCW’s commitment to delivering outstanding value to our clients in Uganda and Rwanda who are constantly looking to create a positive impact on people and our economies,” he said.

Winners in the 2023 Africa Excellence Award were determined through an innovative selection process based on merit, and a strict criterion to ensure that only the most deserving go on to be successful in the programme. Regardless of company size or industry authority, the team at MEA Markets only considered evidence related to company performance, productivity, quality of products and services, and customer satisfaction.

Other than the Africa Excellence Award, Brainchild BCW has in the past won several prestigious awards at the Public Relations Association of Uganda Excellence Awards and SABRE Africa Awards for outstanding reputation, crisis, digital campaigns, and events management for its clients over the last 15 years in various sectors of the economy such as telecommunications, banking, insurance, oil & gas, health, Not-for-profit, and government.

Brainchild BCW is a division of Fireworks Advertising Uganda that is celebrating 15 years of igniting talent and building great brands in Uganda and the region by skilling young professionals and delivering 360 marketing communications solutions to clients.

ALSO READ: NOMINATIONS OPENED FOR THE AFRICA TECH FESTIVAL AWARDS 2023

The post Brainchild BCW Named Best PR and Digital Agency at Global African Excellence Awards appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“MWC Africa is just around the corner, and we are looking forward to welcoming the mobile ecosystem, industry leaders, and policymakers to Kigali, Rwanda,” Angela Wamola, GSMA’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, said in a press statement. “Expect to hear from thought leaders and experts who will share their insights on topics such as how to close the mobile usage gap and power digital transformation to drive economic growth and opportunities for all across Africa.”

Together with founding partners Mastercard, MTN, Orange, and ZTE, as well as supporting partners the Shared Value Africa Initiative (SVAI) and Smart Africa, MWC Africa will convene to discuss how technology and shared value have the power to drive economic growth for people and businesses across Africa.

Excitement is mounting as the GSMA shares the MWC Africa agenda that will explore the technology themes, including Leadership for Connectivity, One People – One Purpose, Accelerate Africa, and Fintech.

MWC Africa 2022 will host more than 120 expert speakers and 60+ hours of curated content. The 2022 GSMA Africa Policy Leaders Forum will bring together key stakeholders from ministries, regulatory bodies, and the broader mobile ecosystem to discuss among other things how government policy across Africa is aligning with technological developments as well as the policy developments needed to advance Africa to the digital economy.

The GSMA is also delighted to share that Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo will join a panel discussion on “Building a Digital Future Together” alongside Smart Africa’s CEO; Lacina Kone, ATU’s Secretary General; John Omo, Rwanda Minister of ICT; Hon. Paula Ingabire, Director General at GSMA; Mats Granryd, Chief Regulator Officer at GSMA; John Giusti, and Nompilo Morafo; Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN.

Partner Programmes and Summits

The 5G Summit will deep dive into commercial 5G services, with a particular focus on Africa, where the journey to 5G has begun, with stakeholders taking steps to accelerate the transition to 5G. FinTech, which is at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, is pioneering the availability of financial services and supporting financial inclusion. The FinTech Summit will explore the latest innovations and emerging technologies that are set to shape Africa’s financial services over the next decade.

SVAI and Shift Impact Africa have partnered with the GSMA to bring together the sixth annual Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit (ASVL Summit) and MWC Africa. The ASVL Summit’s unifying theme ‘One Africa, One Voice’ underscores the need for organizations to work together across borders and industries to benefit all Africans. It shows how the economic benefits of creating shared value as a collective can be achieved by close collaboration between stakeholders and companies for social progress and business success.

At the ASVL Summit, Assistant Secretary-General, and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo will join the session, “Creating Shared Value – Technology as an enabler to driver Africa’s growth.”

Smart Africa has partnered with the GSMA to co-host key organ meetings during MWC Africa. Smart Africa’s co-located meetings at MWC Africa include the Council of Ministers of ICT, the Steering Committee, and the first edition of the Forum of the Private Sector. The meetings are an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss regulation and policy frameworks and advance the digital transformation of the continent. Smart Africa actively encourages and supports private initiatives and investments in the technology and communications sectors via the Smart Africa Alliance platform.

Large-Scale Impact

GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D) is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the mobile ecosystem and the development sector. Our work has impacted 126 million lives to date – and counting. We are excited to host our first dedicated “Development Theatre”, where attendees can learn how M4D stimulates digital innovation to deliver both sustainable business and large-scale socio-economic impact for the underserved.

The GSMA extends its thanks to the Rwandan Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Paula Ingabire, and the Ministry of ICT for their support as hosts and facilitators of the event.

To attend the event, you can register here.

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Technology has become a human necessity and now affects the way we operate, communicate, learn, and think. It helps society and determines how people interact with each other daily. Even in some societies where it had been seen as just a luxury, technology has become a pivot upon which the lives of people and businesses rotate.

Technology, however, comes with its disadvantages [cons], especially in Uganda where most of it is imported and the much-needed solutions and services are scarce, making them pricey and sometimes not up to standard since the country is slow at undertaking it. These issues are however being tackled by a team of Ugandans at Computer Store Uganda Limited, a Ugandan IT company based in Kampala which has brought together industry experts to provide the much-needed IT services for Ugandan local businesses, families, and individuals.

Who is Computer Store Uganda Limited?

Founded in 2011 by dynamic IT professionals, Computer Store Uganda Limited is based in Kampala. The company has the capacity to manage large-scale IT projects while also focusing on the service and maintenance of IT equipment.

Having been in existence for over a decade, the company continues to aspire to be the leading IT service provider in the East African region, focusing on service, preventive maintenance, and IT Project management. These services are provided with a hands-on, practical, and customer-oriented approach.

“Our mission is to add value and contribute to our client’s long-term success and competitive strength,” Charles Parker, the Team Lead at Computer Store Uganda Limited told PC Tech Magazine. Adding “This is accomplished by helping clients to identify solutions that improve performance, by assisting in implementing those solutions, and by aiding in managing the subsequent change.”

Parker further added that the company believes that the success of every project will be determined by the consideration given during the selection of a competent vendor. “We possess a proven ability to deliver and are committed to providing quality products,” he said.

Over the 10 years that Computer Store Uganda has been in operation, they have served a number of clients both local and international including Government MDAs, banks, insurance companies, and NGOs to mention a few.

This, they have been able to achieve through their proven track record and not forgetting their strategic partnerships with global Tech giants like WhatsApp, Lenovo, HP, Dell Technologies Samsung, Microsoft, Google, and Kaspersky.

Services Offered by Computer Store Uganda Limited

1. IT Support Services

Ideally, the management of one’s IT infrastructure should enhance its business strategy. Computer Store Uganda has gathered the needed experts with intellect and expertise to offer support in various end-to-end services.

2. Data Recovery Services

Computer Store Uganda Limited can recover data from failed disks suffering from logical or mechanical failure.  When you deal with them, you have the assurance that you are dealing with a reputable company with many years of data recovery experience.

3. Digital Marketing and Management

As a business, you want to communicate with your current and prospective clientele in real time which is why you definitely need digital marketing. Digital marketing and management is a part of the overall strategy and hands-on methodologies that Computer Store Uganda offers to help their clients expose their services and products.

ALSO READ: WHY IS DIGITAL MARKETING CRUCIAL FOR EVERY BUSINESS

4. CCTV Camera and Alarm Installation

The current advancement of communications infrastructure has opened up a new world of CCTV remote surveillance. Computer Store Uganda Limited can provide customized CCTV and alarm solutions for your office, home, commercial property, or compound.

5. ICT Consultancy

As countries and regions at large rush to take adopt technology, you need the right advice on what will work better for you or your business. The team at Computer Store Uganda has experience in business computing and technical operations. From requirements gathering to IT infrastructure strategy, they are the go-to team to set you up and get you moving.

6. Network Infrastructure Solutions and Services.

Computer Store Uganda Limited provides complete end-to-end Communications and Infrastructure Solutions, which include development, design, installation, and maintenance solutions for all types of data networks.

7. Computer Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) Service

For your peace of mind, you need assurance that whenever there is an issue with your computers at your office, there is a standby team that will sort you out in the shortest time possible. Computer Store Uganda is engaged in providing cost-effective Computer Hardware & Networking AMC solutions to its clients in Government, Corporate, Hospitality, and educational sectors.

8. Website Hosting and Development.

Your website is your address online. For people to be able to access your products or services, you need a well-designed and maintained website. Computer Store Uganda has an experienced team of web designers and developers working to provide their clients with the best ergonomic websites that they also host.

Being locally based further gives them an edge over international hosts who will rather keep you in line waiting should your website have an issue. For a Ugandan-based host, a quick phone call will have you back and running in no time.

9. General Supply

Computer Store Uganda also deals in the supply of all types of computer software and hardware for individuals, small businesses, enterprises, organizations, government and so much more. Their partnerships with global tech giants guarantee you that you will get the original equipment from the real manufacturers.

10. Call Center Solutions and Phone Systems

Communication is key for your business and for the convenience of your customers. Computer Store Uganda offers call center phone systems that enable you to make faster calls and save time. This will not only enhance communication in the office but also boost the productivity of your employees.

“We have handled small – large-scale projects and have over the years implemented solutions for numerous organizations of all sizes. Our growing list of satisfied customers not only acts as our excellent references but is also a source of our repeat business, Computer Store Uganda Limited offers a truly end-to-end and customer-focused execution approach,” Parker said.

He emphasized that; “At Computer Store Uganda Limited we resolve 99% of all our customer’s IT related problems on the first try.”

This, he says is because the company has brought together highly skilled professionals who possess expertise in diverse business and technology areas.

“To provide world-class service, we employ the best technicians, adhere to proven methodology, provide superior client service and become a true business partner in every project.”

“We render services to our clients at a very competitive price and depending on the type of client engagement we offer them the most suitable pricing model structure which could either be fixed price based, time and effort based or a dedicated offshore team model,” he added.

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This was at today’s 21DOYC event held in the Makindye division where MTN supported a group of Widows and Women living with HIV, known as the Glorious Widows of Makindye.

“This is greatly appreciated. MTN does things excellently. I pray you to partner with us on more and more projects. Thank you for reaching out to the various disadvantaged communities around the city and for the cleaning sessions, we are now a smart and clean city,” Kisaka said.

In addition to digital skills training, MTN Uganda donated digital tailoring accessories, public health supplies, and domestic supplies to the glorious widows’ group of Makindye.

Similarly, another team of MTN staff has also supported the Tweyombeke disabled Group in Fort portal, whose poultry farming enterprise was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to equipping them with digital skills, MTN donated a maize mill, vet poultry drug supplies, chicken feeds, and feeders to bolster the group’s economic undertaking, setting them on a path to recovery.

Andrew Bugembe, the Chief Finance Officer of MTN Uganda, said MTN is providing the necessary equipment and funding to these community-based organizations so that they are able to grow their businesses but also recover financially and economically as a group and as a community.

Justine Nanteza, the Chairperson of the Glorious Widows group in Makindye, said it was a nightmare for the widows and women living with HIV to survive through the nationwide pandemic. She thanked MTN Staff for not only delivering the machines but also training them on how to use them.

“We have now upgraded to digital tailoring and we shall now be able to push out work, thanks to MTN’s generosity,” said Nanteza.

Running under the Theme: “Empowering Communities to drive Economic Recovery,” the ongoing 21 days of Y’ello Care project is aimed at supporting at least 10 vulnerable groups comprising women, youths, and disadvantaged populations whose livelihoods were badly affected during two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

So far, 8 of the groups have been supported, with two more groups to be reached next week.

According to Brian Mbassa, the Senior Manager at MTN Foundation, at least 400 persons have been trained in the four central divisions visited by the MTN staff Corporate Social Responsibility Staff in these 21 days of Y’ello Care.

“We believe that the digital space is very imperative to all populations and everyone deserves a benefit for the modern connected world,” Mbasa said.

MTN is committed to adding economic value by contributing to society through its programs focused on digital skills training. The company believes that reducing the digital skills gap will help address issues of digital and social inequalities while at the same time ensuring the sustainability of businesses.

The post KCCA ED, Dorothy Kisaka Endorses MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care Campaign appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Twinamatsiko who received the car first was in disbelief of his great luck until the car was handed over to him amidst celebrations from his family, friends, and well-wishers.

On Saturday, May 21st dozens of people stormed Muzamiru’s home in Nansana to witness and celebrate the handing over process of the second Toyota Succeed car. Muzamiru who had lost his job as a special hire car driver expressed his gratitude to the MTN team — “What a miracle MTN has performed in my life. I am going to resume making money but this time round in my own car, that I have got by simply depositing UGX20,000shillings,” said Muzamiru.

The first giveaway ended in Namagunga with the lucky winner of the brand new Toyota Succeed being 48-year-old, Agnes Naluwooza. “This is the first car I am owning in my entire life. I can’t explain what I feel in my heart but thank you so much MTN Momo Nyabo Waaka. This is a dream come true,” she said.

Naluwooza who is currently working as a school cook in one of the schools in Namagunga emphasized that this is a turning point in her life and urged Ugandans to continue using mobile money to stand a chance to win.

The company also awarded the UGX100,000 to 2,000 MoMo customers as well.

MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd launched the 4th edition of the MoMo Nyabo promotion after almost two years on hold due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

While launching the campaign at Ntinda Industrial Park on May 9th, Mr. Richard Yego, MTN Mobile Money Managing Director said “We are happy to engage and excite our MTN MoMo customers again now that the economy is fully reopened.”

During the edition which is running for 8 weeks under the theme “MoMoNyabo Waaka” — will be giving out prizes worth UGX2.5 billion that will be won by 16,000 MTN MoMo customers and agents across the country. MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd will be giving away 24 brand new cars (3 every week), UGX100,000 to 2,000 MoMo customers (every week), and UGX100,000 to 675 MTN mobile money agents (every week).

To take part in the promotion, customers have to simply deposit UGX20,000 on their MTN MoMo accounts to stand a chance of winning cars or cash prizes. The MoMo Nyabo Waka draws are conducted live on NBS TV and Bukedde TV every Thursday at 8.30 PM (EAT) and winners will be contacted only by 0312120000, which is the official calling number from MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd. The company has called upon its customers to be vigilant of conmen.

MTN has also urged customers to ensure that their MTN mobile money sim cards are registered fully in the same names reflected on their National Identifications to easily process their winnings.

MTN Uganda CMO, Mr. Somdev Sen has also called on all MTN MoMo customers to participate in the promotion. “We didn’t have MTN MoMo Nyabo because of Covid-19 but now we are back. We are now ready to come back — and what we’re going to ensure happens over the next 8 weeks is a lot of celebrations, a lot of fun, and a lot of winning.”

Yego said, “Get prepared to celebrate MTN mobile money for the next 8 weeks. Get prepared to win. Get prepared to deposit UGX20,000 on your accounts, and the more you deposit the higher are chances of winning — so keep doing this every day and perhaps you will get a call from us.”

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