In this stage of the hype cycle, an investment bubble can form as businesses are promised that the new technology will transform every aspect of their operations for the better. And what results is a number of impressive success stories and scores of dismal failures.

While generative AI does appear to present many exciting opportunities, it’s easy to become fatigued by the relentless hype; especially if you’re one of the many businesses that has deployed AI with high hopes but haven’t achieved the results you were after. But the problem with any kind of hype is that when everyone is talking about something, we tend to want to try it out so that we can be part of the conversation too. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as the investments you make align with your business strategy and you have a clear roadmap that outlines how you’re going to use AI to reach broader business goals.

A balanced approach

In 2024, it’s more important than ever to cut through the noise and adopt AI in a way that aligns with real business needs.

AI should not be adopted just because it’s trendy.

It should be deployed because it’s the right solution to address a specific problem. As such, it may be a better idea for you to channel your focus and budget to restructuring your existing databases or improving current processes because this offers better returns than an AI implementation.

In addition to this, when developing your AI strategy, it’s vital to remember that AI is not the only way to solve a problem. Your AI deployment should complement and not replace humans.

During the industrial revolution, we saw new machines and new ways of organising work transform entire industries, making them more productive and efficient. But the machines didn’t take over entirely because the human touch is critical. With this in mind, modern businesses need to find a way to strike a happy balance between leveraging AI for efficiency, while also maintaining human oversight so that they can guarantee that the technology delivers real, sustainable value.

This, in large part, comes down to having the necessary expertise to get the most out of AI; especially when dealing with legacy systems. If, for example, you get swept along by the AI hype but your company’s data landscape isn’t in great shape, you’re going to hit some roadblocks. Put simply, if you lack clean, usable data, AI won’t deliver the expected benefits. Before embarking on any AI implementation, be mindful of the fact that data quality has a massive impact on model performance. So, if you have data issues, these should be addressed upfront.

Right now, the challenge many businesses face is when to pull the trigger. While early adoption comes with higher upfront costs and greater risks, those that get involved early are the first to overcome the initial hurdles and really start experiencing the benefits of this new technology.

Conversely, the businesses that hang back a little can draw on the experience of the early adopters; understanding how the innovation can be used to good effect and, just as importantly, where it adds little or no value.

Whatever you decide, it all comes down to implementing AI thoughtfully and with a clear plan in place so that you can realise the potential of this technology when the time is right.

And always remember that AI is an enabler, not a solution in itself.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Saša Slankamenac, Architect in the office of the CTO and AI lead at Dariel Software

The post OP-ED: Avoid the Hype to Unlock Real Value From AI appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Cyber hygiene involves cultivating habits that keep your digital life healthy and secure. In our highly connected world, you want peace of mind so that you can prevent or quickly detect and fix problems with your devices. Cyber hygiene is crucial for individuals and organizations as it serves as the first line of defense against a wide range of cyber threats, including data breaches, malware, and phishing attacks.

Just like personal hygiene helps prevent illness, good cyber hygiene practices prevent security vulnerabilities from being exploited. For organizations, these habits reduce the risk of operational disruptions, reputational damage, and financial losses because of cyberattacks.

Evolving threats need better defenses

Unfortunately, what worked before is no longer sufficient because of the increasing complexity and sophistication of cyber threats. In the early days of the internet, simple antivirus software and password protection were often enough to prevent cyberattacks. However, the digital landscape is now filled with advanced threats such as ransomware, deepfakes, AI-enhanced phishing, and zero-day exploits – the latter leaving vendors no time to prepare patches as the vulnerabilities are exploited immediately upon discovery.

As more devices connect and remote work spreads, cybercriminals gain more entry points to exploit. This makes it essential for individuals and businesses to adopt more comprehensive, layered security measures, including multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, and monitoring.

What makes strong cyber hygiene

Good cyber hygiene starts with antimalware software and regularly updating your software. Next, you need to use strong, unique passwords. Be deliberate about creating long, unique passwords for each account and use a password manager to store them securely. (Most password managers will generate strong passwords for you.)

Also read:

• • Password-less authentication: the future of secure access
  • The importance of password security in the digital age

Next, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Traditional MFA typically requires a password plus a second factor, such as a code sent to your phone via text or generated by an app. However, this method is vulnerable to phishing attacks, where someone tricks you into revealing your code. Phishing-resistant MFA provides stronger protection by employing methods that are difficult to intercept or replicate, such as physical security keys or biometric authentication (fingerprints or facial recognition). With these methods, only you can log in, even if someone gets your password.

See also: From today start using two-factor authentication

Lastly, be cautious about sharing personal information over the phone or online, especially on social media or unfamiliar websites. Combine this with regularly backing up your important files to a secure location, such as an external hard drive or a reputable cloud service, and your digital hygiene will be significantly improved.

What does poor digital hygiene look like? One of the laziest habits I’ve encountered is using the same password across all accounts—often something predictable like a pet’s name plus a birth year. While this might not be critical for news websites, it’s a major risk for important accounts. Your email, social media, work, and financial accounts require unique, strong passwords coupled with multi-factor authentication.

I once heard someone say they didn’t mind if cybercriminals hacked their email account because they “had nothing to hide”. This misses the point entirely. Not only can your email be used to reset passwords for your other accounts, but attackers can also exploit it to spread malware and launch attacks against people in your network who trust you.

What can organizations do?

Organizations can foster good cyber hygiene by building a culture of security awareness through regular training and communication. Key strategies include ongoing security awareness training to help employees recognize threats like phishing and social engineering, establishing clear policies on online behavior and data handling, and leading by example through managers’ adherence to security practices. Regular drills, such as simulated phishing, incentives for compliance, and personalizing the benefits of cybersecurity, will further encourage strong, consistent participation.

Editor’s Note: The writer of this article Anna Collard is a SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA

The post Your Digital Hygiene: Are You Really as Clean as You Think You Are? appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Many SMEs are increasingly investing in technological solutions to remain competitive and scale their businesses. These include HR management systems, digital payment platforms, automated payroll software, and data collection tools, all aimed at better serving diverse customer needs and streamlining operations.

Despite these advancements, many SMEs are still in the early stages of adopting technology.

Barriers such as high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited technical skills hinder SMEs’ ability to leverage the benefits of digital transformation. These challenges slow the widespread adoption of business automation and innovation that when mature as technologies are represented as machine learning and artificial intelligence, thus preventing Ugandan SMEs from reaching their full competitive advantage potential.

Tier 3 data centres like Raxio Data Centre fill a critical gap by providing the foundational infrastructure needed for optimal digital technology performance. This allows industries, particularly SMEs, to focus more on navigating higher-level challenges such as selecting the right IT tools and addressing regulatory issues. By offering cutting-edge infrastructure, Raxio enables businesses to drive innovation and facilitate seamless digital transformation—essential for economic growth and long-term sustainability. This technological backbone supports unrestricted scalability, empowering businesses to grow without the limitations of inadequate infrastructure.

See also: Godfrey Sserwamukoko urges educational and research institutions to harness tier III certified data centres

A key milestone in building a robust digital transformation ecosystem has been Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ deployment of the first local instance of Microsoft Azure Stack in the Raxio Uganda Data Hall. This partnership unlocks new opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing affordable access to advanced cloud solutions. In the past, many SMEs found these solutions inaccessible due to high costs or inadequate infrastructure. This development now brings powerful cloud capabilities within reach, enabling SMEs to scale and innovate more effectively.

Also read:

• • OP-ED: Microsoft Azure Stack, a game changer for Ugandan businesses and enterprises
  • Godfrey Sserwamukoko: we’re well equipped to host Microsoft Azure Stack

The integration of Azure Stack into Raxio’s infrastructure eliminates technical constraints such as slow access, poor support, and data residency issues —and also addresses key concerns around cost and deployment complexity—critical factors in today’s digital economy. This empowers Ugandan SMEs to confidently expand their operations while ensuring their data remains secure and compliant. With access to high-performance cloud services, SMEs can optimize their processes, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation like never before. This technological leap also positions them to compete on a global scale, fostering sustainable growth in an increasingly digital world.

Hosting the Microsoft Azure Stack aligns perfectly with Raxio’s vision of driving economic growth and oiling the varied phases of digital transformation in Uganda. Our secure and reliable services allow SMEs to focus on their core activities, knowing that their data and operations are supported by world-class infrastructure.

At Raxio Data Centre, we do more than just provide a service; we actively invest in your business’s strategic innovation journey, working towards the future success of SMEs in Uganda. Technology is no longer simply a tool—it has evolved into an ecosystem that captures, stores, and processes data, ultimately producing insights through machine learning. The result is artificial intelligence, which will be the driving force behind SME growth, innovation, and the overall prosperity of Uganda.

The post OP-ED: Digital Transformation as a Catalyst for Growth in the Ugandan SME Sector appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Compared to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that make up the government of Uganda, infographics have become more popular in the private sector both in print and digital landscapes. They are used by Public Relations professionals as a strategic tool for engaging their target audiences. According to Gina Brennan, when creating infographics, it is important to use text sparingly to highlight essential points, avoiding clutter and unnecessary details. They should not contain lengthy paragraphs and should be easily digestible, enabling readers to quickly grasp the key takeaways.

While infographic design requires technical know-how and a high level of creativity, various tools have emerged that assist users in quickly generating visually appealing content simply by drag and drop. A good example is www.canva.com which provides a wide range of templates both for still and motion graphics. It enables one to select and customize a template suitable for the nature of the information. Unlike conventional tools that require sophisticated training to use such as Adobe (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects among others), these digital tools make work quicker with less effort, minimal training, and basic computer literacy. This is in addition to their ability to produce a variety of options for multimedia content such as videos, animated GIFs, still graphics, and audio-visual graphics.

Other common digital platforms for creating infographics include Visme.co, Venngage, Piktochart, Visualize.me among others.

The Uganda Access to Information Act 2005 establishes the right of individuals to access public information held by public institutions. This is in line with Article 41 of the Ugandan Constitution. It ensures transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance by granting access to government documents and records.

There has been consistent use of plain text documents in the dissemination of official government communication. Only a few instances are noticeable where text is combined with images and or videos, icons, and vectors to transform the intended messages into compelling formats. The world has moved away from such. According to a report by Microsoft as of May 2015, the attention span had reduced to the average of eight seconds for adults.

According to Jakob, research shows that users will read about 20 percent of the text on a single page. Owing to the short attention span in addition to the predominant text format of information shared by most government MDAs in Uganda, very few people can either pick the interest or grasp the content of the message. This leaves a big information gap in the general population and creates room for speculation and misinformation because the intended message is most of the time distorted.

Consequently, the uptake of government programs and services remains low which greatly impacts socio-economic transformation. The adoption of infographic content is therefore inevitable in enhancing government communication to reach a wider audience in the country thereby enhancing awareness of government programmes and services.

It is therefore prudent that the government becomes deliberate in ensuring citizens understand and make good use of public information by investing in creative ways and adopting the latest techniques in the dynamic world we face today.

While infographics can be a game changer in PR and communication, their production is time-consuming and requires a high level of computer literacy and dedicated training. Additionally, they involve shortening of messages to fit the purpose of compelling visuals with less text. This way, important information can easily be lost which might render such infographics useless or half-baked. It therefore takes a keen eye and creativity to produce compelling infographics that are informative at the same time. To counter this for effectiveness and efficiency, the government of Uganda through the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance should enhance the capacity of PR and Communication departments. The solution to this challenge is two-fold:

Partnering with other government agencies specializing in graphic design and content production; Building the capacity of existing Communication and PR officers and amending their KPIs to include graphic designing.

Most communication officers and PR practitioners employed by the government of Uganda are computer literate and therefore require minimal training to adopt basic tools for generating compelling infographics from respective information and content pieces.

A publication in Extension Journal reveals that a rising trend in the use of infographics has emerged in a variety of content areas. Infographics can deliver meaningful messages. In his article published on www.nation.africa, Sam Wambugu argues that the best infographics are clear, easy to digest, and eye-catching. The beauty of infographics is their ability to convey a message, concept, or instruction in a very short amount of time. We are all inclined to process visuals more easily than a piece of text and that is why infographics appeal to so many people.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa is one good example of a government agency in Africa that has leveraged infographics to educate the masses. The content on their X page at a glance is eye-catching, informative, and legible enough that one would easily be forced to pay enough attention to it. Because of this, most of their content shared on their X channel has attracted high engagement rates. This is an indication that infographic content attracts more engagement and should therefore be adopted by the Government of Uganda to engage more of its citizens.

Most businesses in the private sector have learned the power of telling a story using infographics, the visual representation of data. One may wonder: how effective are infographics as a tool for enhancing government communication?

The persistent use of infographics will increase the exposure of such content which will in turn shift the perceptions of citizens on government programmes and services thereby increasing their uptake. For example, one could use an animated video on how to renew their driver’s license or the steps of getting government funding through the Parish Development Model.

Communication and PR experts in government MDAs can use infographics to create compelling messages to nudge citizens in beneficial directions without restricting their freedom. Presenting information better and more clearly helps the public to make desirable decisions from an informed point of view.

According to Thaler and Sunstein, by understanding human behavior and decision-making patterns, we can create environments that facilitate better choices for individuals, nudging people toward decisions that benefit themselves and their communities. In April 2024, city traders in Kampala, Uganda closed shops in their protest against tax regulations under the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS). Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) used infographics in its PR strategy to simplify the complex information about the system and was able to nudge traders into understanding and adopting the system which previously had been perceived to be forced on them.

The government of Uganda can prioritize and emphasize key messages —keeping in mind that publics pay more attention to less text and more visuals. Their consistent use of infographics also enhances their brand visibility over time. This creates a distinction between the information they send out and any other information that might be created by propagandists and unscrupulous characters that aim to spread disinformation. This is noticeable in the way Agora Discourse uses infographics to emphasize its messaging and gain popularity. Agora Discourse is a Digital Public Square Promoting Human rights, Public Accountability, and Social justice. It has been consistent in calling out politicians and public officers allegedly involved in corruption and embezzlement scandals, a discussion that has attracted different Ugandans from all corners to unite against the vice.

Brands that use infographic messages can nudge and therefore engage a wider audience. Consequently, their audience grows faster compared to those who do not use infographics. This can greatly influence perceptions because the publics are constantly informed.

Infographics are influential in shaping narratives. They are best suited to frame slogans, jargon, and catchphrases which help to make targeted messages more memorable and relatable. They have emerged as a powerful tool for effective communication, leveraging visual storytelling to convey complex information in concise and engaging formats.

While the private sector has embraced infographics, the government of Uganda has not done enough to harness their potential. By adopting infographics, MDAs can enhance citizen engagement, increase awareness of programs and services, and promote transparency and accountability.

The post OP-ED: Enhancing Government Communication Using Infographics to Reach a Wider Audience appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Cyber fraud also known as electronic fraud, is an unfortunate concept born out of using computing power and other technologies to steal money and other resources of pecuniary value from unsuspecting navigators of online spaces. This has become an issue in Uganda and is prevalent amongst persons who use mobile-enabled and online financial services such as banking, transfers, and online purchases.

Indeed, according to a Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Report on banking and the status of financial inclusion in Uganda: Insights from FinScope 2018 Survey, 12% of persons with back accounts prefer mobile banking as the channel of choice, and 2% preferred internet banking as the mode or channel used to access banking/financial services.

But again, the online domain has transformed retail and commerce. Digital marketplaces have made goods more accessible. Specialized websites and dedicated apps have quickly multiplied and have simplified access to all types of commodities and services. The transformation of legal commerce has also been reflected in the criminal domain.

We have also recently observed a couple of trends viz; synthetic identity fraud, the use of AI-based attack vectors, the rise in fraud-as-a-service, contactless fraud from contactless mobile payments, pig butchering where fraudsters search dating and social media sites for victims and create fake accounts to interact with them inter alia.

Effects:

The impacts of a single, successful cyber fraud attack can have far-reaching implications including financial losses and loss of consumer confidence and trust. The overall monetary impact of cyber fraud on society and government is estimated to be billions of dollars a year. It is no wonder statistics estimate that cyber fraud has grown to become a hundred billion industry globally and it is expected to triple by 2025. The most outstanding effect remains the jeopardisation of financial transaction integrity.

Response of the law:

Uganda has laws that govern online conduct, transactions etcetera. The most famous is the Computer Misuse Act Cap. 96. It defines electronic fraud under Section 19 to mean deception, deliberately performed intending to secure an unfair or unlawful gain where part of a communication is sent through a computer network or any other communication and another part through the action of the victim of the offense or the action is performed through a computer network or both.

I have previously expressed reservations over the depth of this definition’s coverage vis-à-vis modern cyber fraud. Also given that this is from over 13 years ago, its spirit didn’t foresee and is out of touch with the rate of sophistication in computing power, emerging technologies, and other variables that have made the modern threat landscape murky waters for the authorities and victims.

See also: President Museveni signs the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022 into law

On to sophistication; the modes of cyber fraud have changed over the years to also include ransomware which has become rampant these days. In my unpublished undergraduate thesis from May 2021, I argue at the time that the internet, in particular, was a great tool for scammers and other miscreants, since it allowed them to ply their trade while hiding behind a shield of digital anonymity. This posed significant challenges to law enforcement agencies, regarding their ability to investigate complex crimes, occur in a virtual environment, incorporate multiple (often international) jurisdictions, and have a very low reporting rate.

… the internet, in particular, was a great tool for scammers and other miscreants, since it allowed them to ply their trade while hiding behind a shield of digital anonymity

I have since harbored a fresh perspective that differs from that position which is that emerging technologies such as general purpose and generative artificial intelligence have made it easier for rogue cyber actors to execute their attacks in ways that are so deceptive the victims will usually never see it coming.

What needs to be done:

We need to wake up to the reality that the Internet dominates commerce, communication, and access to information. The digital transformation of our economies, societies, and private lives is progressing fast and will continue to impact all aspects of life.

From the regulators’ perspective, the Bank of Uganda (BoU) needs to continuously issue risk management guidelines to the Supervised Financial Institutions (SFIs). They also should increase oversight surveillance capacity through new methodologies of risk-based supervision as well as financial innovations in development, deployment, and use.

Increased research into the modes, and the threat vulnerabilities that allow rogue cyber actors to prey in the unsuspecting victims. This will inform efforts for continuous policy development so that laws maintain their relevance in a contemporary setting. Incidentally, an amendment of Section 19 of the Computer Misuse Act Cap. 96 will ensure that we maintain the relevance of that very provision.

Relatedly, policymakers and regulators should guide policy discussions to focus on the regulation of financial innovations. Financial innovations are on the rise and ever-evolving, this means that the lacuna will always equally be evolving and this calls for the maintenance of a robust regulatory and supervisory framework. Such a framework should possess the capability to identify threats posed by the transition and provision of prompt alleviation actions.

Training and awareness campaigns are important for all in society. There is a need for a structured training and certification program/framework for cybersecurity-related careers in Uganda. Campaigns like Beera Steady targeting users will continue to play a great role in creating awareness and vigilance around cyber fraud-related issues. As the saying goes; educated consumers are empowered consumers.

Also read:

• • OP-ED: Getting a hold of cybersecurity
  • OP-ED: Architecting cybersecurity for Uganda’s fintech sector
  • Navigating the digital maze: A guide to online safety and cybersecurity
  • Hackers predict: The biggest cybersecurity worries in 2024

Awareness at critical levels enables and promotes the identification and reporting of cyber fraud attacks. Conducting cyber awareness amongst the employees of these financial institutions and the law enforcement agencies such as the cybercrimes division of police on electronic fraud, investigation and as I previously opined, inculcation of threat intelligence know-how to detect these threats as and when they are posed and to devise measures to counter these threats.

The government also has an important role to play in raising funding awareness among the public and other financial and ICT service providers. This means enhancing the capacity of staff to evaluate ICT risks and conduct ICT audits. Education/awareness will go a long way in enabling us to create and curate a database of all reported cases for predictive analysis and education of the authorities to have a meaningful implementation in the investigation as well as assessing the scale of damage and threat posed by the cyber fraud scourge.

As I take leave of the matter …

Digital financial services (DFS) promise to enable financial inclusion and thus help improve people’s lives. Due to the impact of technology in the banking sector, customers are moving away from using cash and checks and relying more on electronic banking to complete transactions.

We need a proactive approach to policing online fraud in the banking sector of Uganda. This will take a concerted effort from all parties along the value chain, those that develop these technologies, the financial institutions that roll out or deploy them, the regulator, and the users of these technologies.

The post OP-ED: Is Cyber Fraud Breaking Frontiers? appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The promise of Starlink: solving last-mile connectivity

One of the most significant challenges in Africa’s connectivity landscape is the high cost and complexity of reaching rural and low-density areas. Traditional telecom infrastructure, particularly fiber networks, require massive investments that are difficult to justify in regions where the return on investment (ROI) is slow due to lower purchasing power. This has led to a persistent digital divide, with urban areas enjoying relatively good connectivity while rural communities are left behind.

Starlink with its constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, offers a game-changing solution. By providing Internet access directly from space, Starlink can bypass the need for expensive ground-based infrastructure, making it possible to deliver reliable, high-speed Internet to even the most remote corners of Africa. This has the potential to bring millions of people online, fostering economic growth, improving education, and enhancing access to information.

Disrupting the status quo: the threat to ISPs and telecoms

However, Starlink’s entry into the African market is not without controversy. Established internet service providers (ISPs) and telecom companies have invested billions in their existing infrastructure, particularly in urban areas where the concentration of users makes these investments more profitable. For these companies, Starlink represents a significant threat. The ability to offer high-speed internet without the need for expensive infrastructure could undercut traditional providers, driving down prices and eating into their market share.

Safaricom, one of Africa’s leading telecom companies, is a prime example. With its dominant position in Kenya, Safaricom has benefited from a quasi-monopoly in many regions.

The introduction of Starlink could disrupt this balance, forcing the company to rethink its strategy and potentially lowering the cost of internet services across the board. While this may seem like a win for consumers, the reality is more complex. Lower prices could lead to reduced revenues for ISPs and telecoms, making it harder for them to justify further investments in infrastructure and innovation.

The resistance: Safaricom and the fight to maintain control

It’s no surprise that companies like Safaricom might resist Starlink’s entry into the market. By introducing a new player that challenges the status quo, the competitive landscape is forced to evolve. For years, ISPs and telecoms in Africa have enjoyed relatively stable markets where competition has been limited, and price-setting has been within their control. Starlink threatens to upend this, bringing in a level of competition that could dramatically reduce internet costs for consumers.

But at what cost? The fear among existing providers is that the introduction of Starlink could lead to a race to the bottom in terms of pricing, potentially squeezing out smaller players and consolidating power in the hands of a few large corporations. This, in turn, could reduce the diversity of services available to consumers and stifle innovation in the long run.

The innovation dilemma: A call to action for ISPs and telecoms

For ISPs and telecoms in Africa, the message is clear: adapt or die. The traditional business model of simply providing internet connectivity is no longer enough. To stay competitive, these companies must innovate, offering new services and applications that add value beyond basic internet access.

This shift requires a fundamental rethinking of how these companies operate. Rather than focusing solely on infrastructure, they need to move into the service and application layers, where the real opportunities for growth lie. By developing and offering new digital services —such as cloud computing, cybersecurity solutions, and digital payment systems —telecoms can create additional revenue streams that offset the declining profitability of traditional internet services.

Moreover, there is a growing recognition that internet connectivity is just the foundation. The future of telecoms lies in the ability to provide integrated solutions that combine connectivity with value-added services. For example, ARED’s edge technology offers a glimpse of what this future could look like. By providing a local infrastructure that supports a suite of applications, including AI-powered services and data analytics, ARED is helping businesses in Africa manage their operations more efficiently and cost-effectively.

See also: ARED plans to expand its impact to Uganda

The foreign technology conundrum: A double-edged sword

One of the more contentious issues surrounding Starlink’s expansion into Africa is the fact that it is a foreign-owned technology. While the benefits of satellite internet are clear, the reality is that much of the revenue generated by Starlink will flow out of Africa, going to a foreign company rather than staying within the continent.

This raises important questions about economic sovereignty and the long-term implications of relying on foreign technology for critical infrastructure. African governments will need to carefully consider how to manage this relationship, potentially through taxation or licensing agreements that ensure some of the economic benefits of Starlink’s operations stay within the continent.

Moreover, there is an argument to be made for African governments to invest in their satellite infrastructure. While this would require significant investment, it could provide a more sustainable solution in the long run, ensuring that the benefits of satellite internet are more evenly distributed and that the continent retains greater control over its digital future.

The excitement and the challenge: A future of endless possibilities

Despite the challenges and controversies, there is no denying that Starlink’s expansion into Africa is an exciting development. For millions of people who have been left on the wrong side of the digital divide, the promise of reliable, high-speed internet is transformative. It has the potential to unlock new opportunities for education, business, and social development, driving progress across the continent.

But for ISPs and telecoms, this is a wake-up call. The old ways of doing business are no longer sufficient in a world where competition can come from space. The companies that will thrive in this new environment are those that embrace innovation, invest in new technologies, and find ways to add value beyond basic connectivity.

See also: OP-ED: bridging Africa’s digital divide the Jumia-Starlink way

The road ahead: what does the future hold?

As Starlink continues to expand its footprint in Africa, the question remains: what will the future of the continent’s internet landscape look like? Will the entry of satellite internet drive down costs and increase access for all, or will it lead to a consolidation of power among a few large players, stifling innovation and reducing choice for consumers?

One thing is certain: the internet market in Africa is on the cusp of a major transformation. The companies that succeed will be those that recognize the need to adapt, embrace new technologies, and find ways to offer their customers more value. For African governments, the challenge will be to balance the benefits of increased connectivity with the need to protect their economic interests, ensuring that the digital future is one that benefits all Africans, not just a select few.

Also read:

• • Ministry of ICT officials outline achievements of the ICT Sector in the last 5 years
  • Ministry of ICT, ISPs have plans to reduce the cost of Internet, says Ps. Zawedde
  • Raxio Group inaugurates its $30M state-of-the-art data centre in Kinshasa

Conclusion: The revolution is here

Starlink’s entry into the African market is both a challenge and an opportunity. It has the potential to bridge the digital divide and bring millions of people online, but it also poses significant risks for existing players in the telecom industry. For consumers, the prospect of lower prices and better service is enticing, but the long-term implications of relying on foreign-owned technology must be carefully considered.

As the internet landscape in Africa continues to evolve, the companies that will succeed are those that are willing to innovate, invest in new technologies, and find ways to add value beyond basic connectivity. The revolution is here, and the only question remains: who will rise to the challenge, and who will be left behind?

The story of Starlink in Africa is just beginning, and it’s a story that will be watched closely by the world. Whether it ends in triumph or tragedy, one thing is certain: the future of the internet in Africa will never be the same again.

Editor’s Note: The article was written in collaboration with Henri Nyakarundi, ARED founder and CEO

The post OP-ED: Starlink’s African Invasion, A Revolution or a Recipe for Ruin? appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Uganda is one of the youngest countries in the world, with over 75% of its population under 30 years of age, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). This demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity for our youth. With proper guidance and investment, the youth can become the driving force behind Uganda’s technological revolution and foster its economic growth.

Yet, despite their great potential, many young Ugandans face significant barriers to entering and thriving in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector which also faces a skills gap. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), many technology-related jobs in Uganda are at risk of going unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates. Hence, addressing this gap is crucial for Uganda’s economic growth and global competitiveness. Encouraging more young Ugandans to pursue careers in technology is not just about meeting industry demands; it’s about ensuring that there is a continuation to innovate and remain competitive globally.

The importance of Diversity Equity and Inclusivity have never been more paramount than today. While the country has made strides in promoting education for all, gender disparities and socioeconomic challenges still limit access to technology careers for many young people. Initiatives like GirlUp Uganda, which empowers girls through STEM education, and Africa Code Week, which introduces coding to thousands of young Ugandans, are commendable and crucial steps in building a diverse and vibrant tech workforce.

Ugandan youth have demonstrated their capacity to innovate and solve local challenges through technology. For instance, RocketHealth, a telemedicine company founded by a young Ugandan Dr. Davis Musinguzi, is revolutionizing healthcare delivery in the country. By providing online consultations, prescription deliveries, and lab tests, RocketHealth is making healthcare more accessible, especially in rural areas. Similarly, initiatives like SafeBoda, a motorcycle ride-hailing service, showcase how technology can address everyday challenges while creating jobs for thousands of young people.

Therefore, educational institutions in Uganda must play a pivotal role in preparing the youth for careers in technology. This includes integrating digital literacy, coding, and problem-solving into school curriculums. However, education alone is not enough. Mentorship and practical experience are equally important. Programs like the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP) and the Innovation Village provide young people with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and connect with industry leaders, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.

See also: ICT Ministry, Innovation Village partner to drive the ICT innovation agenda

At Roke Telkom, a homegrown innovative internet solutions company, we recently hosted students from the Jesuit Refugee Service for an enriching visit to our Network Operations Centre (NOC).  The students were given a guided tour of the NOC, with highlights including stops at the monitoring stations, Data Centres, and our incident response area or Call Centre. This hands-on experience allowed the students to see firsthand how a modern telecommunications facility operates.

The government and private sector must collaborate to create an environment that nurtures young talent in technology. The government’s National ICT Innovation Support Programme, which offers grants and mentorship to young tech entrepreneurs, is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to scale these efforts, including increased investment in tech infrastructure, start-up funding, and policies encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.

Empowering Uganda’s youth to embrace careers in technology is not just a strategic move for national development—it is a moral imperative. With the right support, resources, and inspiration, the youth of Uganda can lead the country into a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.

Let us commit to creating an environment where every young Ugandan can turn their digital fluency into a powerful tool for change, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Editor’s Note: This article was written and provided to PC Tech Magazine for publication by Anthony Tenywa, Commercial Manager at Roke Telkom

The post OP-ED: Time to Empower Gen Z for the Burgeoning Tech and Digital Careers appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Recent statistics have indicated that more businesses are integrating a cloud-driven approach within their operations. According to Flexera’s 2024 State of the Cloud Report, 89% of companies use a multi-cloud approach, which shows widespread adoption of cloud solutions across various industries. Additionally, 80% of businesses have embraced a hybrid cloud strategy, combining public and private cloud environments. Furthermore, over 85% of organizations will have adopted a cloud-first principle, fully integrating cloud-native architectures and technologies into their operations by 2025, as projected by Gartner.

This underscores the landslide victory that cloud technologies will have over traditional physical servers, personal computers, and local networks in the foreseeable future as cloud adoption within the business sector continues to skyrocket.

Given the foregoing, tech giants such as Microsoft Corporation, Amazon Inc., and Google have gone ahead and diversified their services to include cutting-edge cloud technologies such as Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud, respectively. Previously, Ugandan companies have had to procure these much-needed cloud services from distant cloud instances hosted out of the country as far as Mombasa, South Africa, Portugal, etc.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ recent launch of a local instance of Microsoft’s Azure Stack, the first of its kind in the country, is poised to resolve this distance problem for both the ICT and business sectors, bringing the flexibility and power of Microsoft’s cloud closer to users. The Azure Stack, being a mini version of Microsoft’s big cloud service (Azure) is a portfolio of products that extends Azure services and capabilities to any environment, from the data centre to edge locations and remote offices.

Businesses currently running or procuring Azure services in the distant cloud will have the pleasant option of migrating them into the locally run Liquid Azure Stack, which also enjoys the advantages of being hosted in Raxio Data Centre, a state-of-the-art Tier III certified carrier and cloud-neutral data centre, managed and operated to global standards. It is the first of its kind in Uganda, offering best-in-class colocation, cross-connect, fibre, and infrastructure services.

See also: Raxio’s GM, Godfrey Sserwamukoko urges educational and research institutions to harness Tier III certified data centres

Cloud hosting on the Azure Stack will reduce expensive capital expenditure decisions on hardware and infrastructure, allowing businesses to scale resources according to workload demands without incurring significant delays or investments. Akin to this, hosting the stack in the data hall will eliminate the hassle of maintenance, providing a secure colocation environment with room to scale capacity requirements in a 24/7 secure and redundant hosting environment.

A local Azure Stack instance will also ensure data sovereignty compliance and security enabling businesses to meet regulatory and compliance requirements by storing and processing data within the country as mandated under the Data Protection and Privacy Act.

Businesses will also benefit from the robust cybersecurity features including updates provided by Microsoft, complemented by an extra buffer of physical security at Raxio Data spanning up to 7 layers of physical security.

By hosting on the local Azure Stack, businesses are guaranteed efficient and robust performance with Microsoft’s high uptime, latest hardware, and software. This will further be enhanced by Raxio’s carrier and cloud neutrality which lends to a strong IT Services ecosystem.

Additionally, Raxio Data Centre offers secure colocation spaces and hosting environments of up to 400 racks to hold all mission-critical IT infrastructure via a redundant environment and a concurrently maintainable design, offering 2N+1 design on power, cooling, connectivity, and space with no single points of failure, hence further boosting the consistency and performance of the Azure stack.

The launch of this edge Azure stack in Uganda is set to revolutionize how businesses approach their data storage and connectivity needs. It provides businesses with time-tested cloud hosting benefits, including enhanced compute scalability, reliability, and improved data sovereignty and latency. As a local solution, it will also introduce local payments and support for a global service giving businesses a competitive edge to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape worldwide.

These advantages will ultimately contribute to economic growth, business continuity, social development, and the digital transformation of the Ugandan economy.

Editor’s Note: This article was written and given to PC Tech Magazine to publish by Godfrey Sserwamukoko, General Manager of Raxio Data Centre

See also: Uganda becomes 5th African nation Liquid Intelligent Technologies deploys Microsoft Azure Stack

The post OP-ED: Microsoft Azure Stack, a Game Changer for Ugandan Businesses and Enterprises appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

In the last year, PostBank had the honor of supporting the government disburse money for the Parish Development Model (PDM), and disbursed about UGX600 billion via their Wendi mobile wallet platform —and ‘we’ are on track to disburse one trillion shillings by the end of the financial year.

That is all very well, and these monies have assisted thousands of families and enterprises around the country, but even more important are the learnings we have gained from the experience. These have brought new revelations and concretized our, and the industry’s thinking, about the future of financial inclusion and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning will be key in this endeavor going forward.

For any country, especially developing ones like Uganda, financial inclusion is important even critical to mobilize its resources for growth and development.

At the heart of the government’s PDM is a plan to improve the livelihoods of about 3.5 million households or 17.5 million Ugandans, using the parish as a unit for planning, development, and implementation. The widespread adoption of the mobile phone in the country —about 33 million mobile phone users, means, technology can make this happen effectively and efficiently.

Partly in response to this challenge we created the Wendi mobile wallet, meant to help clients save, borrow, and consume all other services the bank provides. More importantly, Wendi is serving as a data collection tool that will prove invaluable not only to the bank but to the economy as a whole.

PostBank is pleasantly surprised to discover, contrary to initial expectations, that the adoption of technology is very high in the rural populations that PDM targets. Since they rolled out in 2023 they have logged in a million new accounts on the Wendi platform, which may not seem like much until you realize that the bank has barely 700,000 clients

Of course, it helps that the platform works both with smartphones and with the USSD code, that it uses to send text messages, as barely a third of all mobile phone users have smartphones. This is a situation that will change quite quickly as the cost of smartphones falls making more people able to afford them.

These new adopters of the technology are providing a lot of data that is moving planning decisions away from opinion and guesswork into the realm of fact, with which we can now have serious conversations and make more impactful decisions.

See also: OPINION: what emerging technologies mean for the law

PostBank’s experience has also shown that financial inclusion that is meaningful and sustainable, can only become a reality with the use of technology. People are not banking primarily because they have nothing or little to bank but because banking in the way we know is not convenient.

We have heard stories of village groups saving tens of millions in a hole in the ground, with ingenious ways of keeping it safe and secure from thieves. So these people are not poor, it is just that they are not well integrated into the formal financial system, which would offer them more leverage. There are districts in this country without a branch, but there is no district parish or village where there is no mobile phone user.

While there is still a need for the human element in banking, the bank branch of the future will serve a different role. People may come to branches for access to technology, customer service, or mere human interaction but the more mundane tasks of opening an account, depositing, and borrowing will very well be catered for by online platforms.

With the increased access to data that online financial platforms offer it is happening already but will accelerate in coming years —with the integration of AI and machine learning, that people’s banking experiences will be so customized as to have different experiences between customers.

Imagine you have a smartphone, and you upload various apps, and your neighbor has the same phone and uploads apps of their choice, at the end of it all you will have the same phone but very different experiences. That is where the financial industry is heading.

For PostBank, it is quite exciting to experience that not only are more and more people getting into the money economy, but also for the first time we will have visibility of how the rural majority consume and therefore can make meaningful decisions that will positively impact their lives.

The possibilities are immense and transformational.

Editor’s Note: This article was written and provided to PC Tech Magazine by Andrew Kabeera, PostBank Executive Director and Chief Digital Financial Services Officer

The post OP-ED: Artificial Intelligence the Key to Greater Financial Inclusion appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

We set a footprint in West Nile on December 27, 2004. Airtel has been a steadfast partner in the region’s progress. With a robust network of over 120 sites, all 4G capable, and a presence in most corners of the region through our 7 service centers. We have laid the necessary financial, and technical foundation for broadening and deepening the region’s digital economy and gateway to the world.

Our network of over 4,000 agents offers the necessary distribution channel and jobs that impact the lives of many and ease business in the region that trades with neighboring the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.

Similar to your 33kV busbar, we have infrastructure ready for business internet connections to DRC and South Sudan, as well as Vura, Moyo, and other border points. We invest ahead of time.

UETCL’s provision of stable electricity will greatly transform how we operate by delivering grid energy to support our de-carbonization agenda. It will illuminate homes and businesses and also catalyze economic growth.

With reliable power, Airtel can expand its network capacity, enhancing data speeds and coverage, thereby creating new opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. With a stable power supply, West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo), our partners in the region, will unlock businesses. More jobs will be created enabling more people to access essential services like money transfers, bill payments, and savings through Airtel Money. Additionally, we can connect schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses to the digital world, opening up new avenues for education, healthcare, agriculture, and trade.

Furthermore, the expansion of our networks will create sustainable jobs in the distribution channels of our franchise partners and agents. This will contribute to the region’s economic growth and empower local communities.

To secure the power supply that you are delivering to the region, Airtel Uganda has demonstrable capability in condition and control monitoring of grid assets like sensors, power transformers, switch gear, and related primary plants at a substation. Together, we are not just connecting a region; we are powering dreams and illuminating futures. We envision a West Nile where technology and infrastructure converge to create a thriving, interconnected, and prosperous community.

See also: Airtel Africa reports 12% mobile data revenue growth in East Africa

Editor’s Note: The article was written and presented to PC Tech Magazine by David Birungi, Public Relations Manager at Airtel Uganda.

The post OP-ED: UETCL’s West Nile Expansion, a Catalyst for Airtel’s Digital and Economic Progress appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.