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CcHUB Launches Creative Economy Incubator in Nairobi

December 9, 2024

The Creative Economy Practice (CEP) at CcHUB has launched the Content Creative Economy Incubator program alongside the unveiling of the CEP Entertainment Hub in Nairobi. This dedicated space, part of the Entertainment and Media Hubs Program, is designed to empower storytellers in film, TV, and the Creator Economy to create gender-equitable narratives that authentically represent both male and female perspectives. With a focus on shifting harmful gender norms, the program aims to foster better health and economic outcomes for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) across Africa.

The program, delivered in partnership with Africa No Filter, is focused on equipping African storytellers with the skills to tell gender-equitable stories. By providing tailored support in the form of training, funding, and networking opportunities, the initiative seeks to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity within the creative industries. Its long-term goal is to drive meaningful cultural and industry shifts that transform the narrative around gender roles in society.

CcHUB’s statement highlighted that the entertainment hub, which will also be launched in Lagos, Nigeria, is equipped with two fully equipped podcast studios, a media room with a filming area, editing suites, and collaborative workspaces. This infrastructure is central to the program, providing storytellers with access to essential facilities that support the broader storytelling ecosystem. The hub will serve as a physical anchor for the program and as a space for storytellers to collaborate, create, and thrive.

The program is built on four interconnected pillars, with the first being infrastructure. The CEP Entertainment Hub in Kenya, housed at iHUB, offers a fully equipped space where creators can access the resources they need to bring their stories to life. The second pillar, community, fosters connections between emerging and established storytellers, industry professionals, and thought leaders. This vibrant network aims to inspire and support participants both inside and outside the physical hub.

The third pillar, skills development, includes workshops, masterclasses, and hands-on training sessions led by industry experts. These opportunities are designed to support storytellers in honing their craft and producing transformative content. Finally, the program offers grants delivered by Africa No Filter to storytellers with innovative ideas that promote gender-equitable narratives, further supporting the creation of impactful content.

Since its launch in August 2024, the program has already made significant strides in advancing gender-equitable storytelling through virtual workshops and the Creator Economy Incubator, which has provided support to 60 emerging social media content creators in Kenya and Nigeria. CcHUB’s Managing Director, Ojoma Ochai, expressed excitement about the opportunity for storytellers to gain access to premier facilities, funding, and industry connections. The program represents a vital step towards empowering, inspiring, and fostering inclusion in the creative sectors.

#CreativeEconomy #GenderEquity #Storytelling #Film #TV #CreatorEconomy #Innovation #SkillsDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #Africa #Networking #ContentCreation #Inclusion #Collaboration #Empowerment

Kenya Set to Lead Generative AI Transformation

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December 9, 2024

Kenya is on the brink of a Generative AI (GenAI) transformation, with business leaders expressing optimism about the technology’s potential to reshape industries and drive innovation. At the NTT DATA Clients Innovation Day in Nairobi, Chris Wiggett, Head of Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Analytics at NTT DATA in the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to realizing GenAI’s potential in Kenya and the East African region. However, to fully capitalize on this groundbreaking technology, Kenya must address challenges such as legacy infrastructure, skills shortages, and regulatory gaps.

Wiggett pointed out that Kenyan organizations have a unique opportunity to lead the digital transformation in Africa. By investing in infrastructure, skills development, and ethical frameworks, businesses can unlock immense value and drive sustainable innovation. While enthusiasm for GenAI adoption is high, with 100 percent of CEOs expecting a material impact on their operations, challenges like outdated systems and a lack of skilled workforce remain substantial barriers to success.

NTT DATA’s Global GenAI report reveals that outdated systems are a significant obstacle, with 96 percent of respondents identifying them as a hindrance to effective deployment. Additionally, 74 percent of CEOs acknowledged the skills gap, with many workers lacking the necessary expertise to effectively use GenAI tools. The report further underscores the importance of cloud-based solutions, with 100 percent of CIOs and CTOs endorsing their role in enabling scalable and efficient GenAI deployments.

However, Wiggett cautioned that misaligned strategies continue to limit the return on investment. Despite the growing enthusiasm for GenAI, 63 percent of organizations have yet to integrate GenAI initiatives into their broader business plans. This lack of alignment is a critical barrier to achieving the full potential of GenAI in the country.

Ethical considerations and regulatory clarity also emerged as key concerns. While 85 percent of survey respondents emphasized the need to balance innovation with responsibility, 60 percent of organizations admitted to lacking formal GenAI usage policies. This creates gaps in areas such as intellectual property protection and raises concerns about unclear government regulations, which 64 percent of organizations see as a significant challenge to their GenAI strategies.

Despite these challenges, there remains high optimism about GenAI’s transformative potential. Over half of Kenya’s CEOs expect significant organizational transformation through GenAI investments within the next year. The Clients Innovation Day demonstrated the immense potential of GenAI across various industries, from personalized services to research and development, highlighting Kenya’s opportunity to lead the way in leveraging this transformative technology.

#GenAI #DigitalTransformation #Kenya #Innovation #ArtificialIntelligence #CloudComputing #SkillsDevelopment #TechnologyAdoption #EthicalAI #RegulatoryFramework #SustainableGrowth #AIinAfrica #NTTData #Leadership #BusinessTransformation

Safaricom Secures Approval to Launch Second MMF, Ziidi

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November 27, 2024

Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Safaricom’s second money market product, Ziidi, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s financial inclusion journey. Offered in partnership with Standard Investment Bank, ALA Capital Limited, and Sanlam Investments East Africa Limited, Ziidi responds to the growing demand for accessible and digital-first investment opportunities in Kenya’s fast-evolving financial landscape.

Following the success of its first money market fund, Mali, launched in 2019 with Genghis Capital, Safaricom continues to expand its presence in the investment sector. Mali has grown to an asset base of KES 3 billion ($23 million) as of November 2024, demonstrating strong demand for digital investment products among Kenyans. Ziidi aims to build on this foundation by targeting Kenya’s growing retail investment market, leveraging Safaricom’s extensive network and the country’s increasing smartphone adoption.

Ziidi will provide low-risk investment options by channeling money market deposits into government bonds and Treasury bills. This product is particularly appealing to savers seeking alternatives to traditional bank rates. By integrating Ziidi into its mobile money platform, M-PESA, Safaricom aims to reach Kenya’s unbanked and underbanked populations, further driving financial inclusion while diversifying its revenue streams beyond telecom services.

The adoption of mobile technology in Kenya has created a fertile ground for innovative financial products like Ziidi. With over 35 million active smartphones in the country, compared to 30 million feature phones, the digital economy is expanding rapidly. Safaricom’s M-PESA, which generated KES 77.22 billion ($596 million) in revenue in the first half of 2024, continues to play a central role in the company’s growth and financial inclusion initiatives.

Ziidi offers a seamless investment experience through M-PESA, with details on interest rates and tax obligations expected to be disclosed at its upcoming launch. Drawing from the success of Mali, which allows investments starting from KES 100 ($0.77) and offers instant withdrawals to M-PESA wallets, Ziidi is poised to appeal to a wide range of investors. With competitive fees and low entry barriers, Safaricom is setting a new benchmark for digital investments in Kenya.

This new product underscores Safaricom’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s financial ecosystem by offering innovative solutions that meet the needs of today’s investors. As the company continues to innovate and grow, Ziidi is a testament to its vision of leveraging technology to create inclusive financial opportunities for all Kenyans.

#FinancialInclusion #DigitalInvestments #KenyaEconomy #MoneyMarketFunds #Safaricom #MPESA #InvestmentOpportunities #KenyaInnovation

Google Contributed $900M to Kenya’s Economy 2023

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November 27, 2024

Kenya’s digital economy is on a transformative trajectory, with recent findings from The Digital Opportunity of Kenya report highlighting the nation’s progress as a digital leader in Africa. Conducted by Public First and supported by the Ministry of ICT, Google, and other key stakeholders, the report underscores how technology is driving economic value and shaping the future of the nation.

In 2023 alone, Google’s products and services, including Search, Workspace, YouTube, Cloud, and Ads, contributed $900 million in economic activity to Kenya. This substantial value has empowered businesses, creators, and individuals, solidifying Kenya’s position as a hub for digital innovation.

The report also highlighted productivity gains, with Google’s tools saving knowledge workers 5.5 million hours annually and contributing $98 million in enhanced productivity. Beyond efficiency, digital skills development has been a game-changer, as 300,000 young adults acquired new skills through Google Search, paving the way for increased employability and innovation.

Artificial intelligence emerges as a key growth driver, with the potential to add $2.4 billion to Kenya’s economy by 2030. AI’s transformative capabilities, from optimising processes to fostering innovation, position Kenya to lead in AI-enabled industries, offering solutions to local challenges and advancing inclusive economic development.

Google’s $1 billion commitment to Africa’s digital economy, announced in 2021, has already brought tangible benefits to Kenya. Initiatives like the Hustle Academy, Black Founders Fund, and infrastructure projects such as the Umoja subsea cable exemplify Google’s efforts to foster growth, support entrepreneurs, and enhance connectivity.

To sustain this momentum, the report provides actionable recommendations, emphasizing the importance of connectivity, cloud-first policies, STEM education, and AI fluency. By scaling partnerships, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in digital skills, Kenya is well-positioned to lead the way in leveraging technology for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

#DigitalEconomy #TechnologyInnovation #KenyaTech #ArtificialIntelligence #SustainableGrowth #TechLeadership #GoogleInAfrica

Kenya Leads Africa in Smartphone Manufacturing

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November 26, 2024

Kenya is positioning itself as a significant player in Africa’s burgeoning smartphone manufacturing industry, having already produced over 2.5 million smartphones domestically. This milestone highlights the country’s growing capabilities in local smartphone assembly and its crucial role in advancing Africa’s digital economy. At the recent Smartphone for Africa Summit in Nairobi, Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the Kenya ICT Authority, shared insights into the country’s achievements and its pivotal role in the continent’s digital transformation.

During the summit, Kamanguya participated in a panel discussion on the “State of Smartphone Penetration in Africa and Why Local Manufacturing is Important.” He emphasized that smartphones have become indispensable tools for accessing essential services such as education, healthcare, and financial services, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Kamanguya underscored that local manufacturing of smartphones could significantly reduce costs by lowering tariffs, making these devices more accessible across Africa.

Kamanguya also highlighted the opportunity Africa has to leverage its abundant natural resources, such as minerals for batteries and chips, to support smartphone manufacturing. He stressed that the continent is uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for smartphones, driving further consumption of digital services in every sector, from healthcare to education and beyond. According to Kamanguya, local manufacturing of smartphones is a critical step in accelerating Africa’s digital economy.

The panel also featured industry leaders such as Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT, and Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Industry, Ministry of Trade and Industry. They discussed the broad impact of smartphones in expanding digital service usage across Africa’s industries. Their insights reinforced the importance of local manufacturing as a key factor in making smartphones more affordable and accessible.

Kamanguya called for greater collaboration among African nations to harmonize trade regulations, tariffs, and other policies, as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. By aligning efforts across the continent, Africa can better harness its potential for smartphone assembly and contribute to the growth of its digital economy. Kenya’s recent regulatory improvements, such as the relaxation of equity participation regulations, have made it an attractive destination for tech companies looking to invest in the African market.

Tanui further emphasized that smartphones are integral to achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030 and advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. He also expressed optimism about Kenya’s potential as a hub for the semiconductor industry, citing the country’s recent CHIPS Act agreement with the United States, which is set to enhance local semiconductor capabilities and spur new innovations in technology.

#SmartphoneManufacturing #DigitalEconomy #TechInnovation #KenyaICT #AfricaTech #SmartphonesInAfrica #DigitalTransformation #SemiconductorIndustry #ManufacturingInAfrica #TechInvestments #Vision2030 #DigitalServices #InclusiveGrowth

Safaricom Launches Tech Re-skilling Initiative for Disabled Individuals

Author

November 26, 2024

Safaricom has launched an innovative tech re-skilling program aimed at empowering young Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by equipping them with valuable digital skills. This initiative underscores Safaricom’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and supporting individuals with disabilities as they navigate the digital landscape. The program is designed to enhance employability and create pathways for PWDs to thrive in the tech industry.

Currently in its pilot phase, the program will see selected students with disabilities undergo a 23-week software engineering module at Moringa School. In addition to technical training, participants will receive comprehensive career mentorship and coaching, ensuring they are well-prepared to succeed in the competitive IT sector. This hands-on approach to learning is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of these talented individuals.

Safaricom’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Nyokabi Florence, emphasized that as the company strives to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030, inclusivity must be at the forefront of its operations. While persons with disabilities currently make up 3.3% of Safaricom’s workforce, the company aims to increase this number to 3.5% through this program, highlighting its dedication to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

This new initiative builds upon the success of Safaricom’s IT Bridge Academy, which was launched in 2022 in partnership with various organizations, including Sight Savers, the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), Three Talents, Accenture, and CISCO. The IT Bridge Academy provided young PWDs with the opportunity to receive IT training and gain valuable hands-on experience in the tech sector.

The training program is a key part of Safaricom’s broader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, which seek to integrate inclusivity into every aspect of the company. This includes attracting, retaining, and developing talent while ensuring that Safaricom’s operations are in line with the needs of the broader community.

By offering accessible opportunities for digital skills development, Safaricom is not only contributing to the growth of the tech ecosystem but also creating an environment where every individual, regardless of ability, has the chance to succeed. This initiative is a testament to the company’s vision of building an inclusive future for all.

#Safaricom #Inclusion #TechForGood #DigitalSkills #PersonsWithDisabilities #DiversityAndInclusion #TechIndustry #SkillsDevelopment #WorkforceInclusion #Empowerment #Mentorship #CareerOpportunities

Geoffrey Gitagia Named 2024 CIO of the Year

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November 23, 2024

Geoffrey Gitagia, Group IT Manager at Avenue Healthcare, has been named CIO of the Year 2024 at the 16th Annual CIO100 Symposium and Awards. Surpassing 17 other contenders, Gitagia was recognized for leading a groundbreaking project that integrated emerging technologies to deliver exceptional outcomes. His achievement reflects the critical role of IT leadership in driving innovation, business success, and digital transformation across Africa.

The prestigious awards, organized by CIO Africa under dx5, celebrate individuals and organizations that leverage IT to create business value through competitive advantages, process optimization, and sustainable growth. This year’s theme, “Innovation at Scale: Driving Business Growth Through IT Leadership,” underscored the vital role of technology in reshaping industries and fostering resilience.

Avenue Healthcare received dual recognition, with Gitagia’s award complemented by the Health Sector Award for the organization’s exceptional IT contributions. Other notable winners included Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Konza Technopolis, and British American Tobacco Kenya, highlighting diverse examples of innovation across industries. The newly introduced African Technology Awards also celebrated vendors like SEACOM LTD and Fortinet for their transformative contributions to the African technology ecosystem.

The three-day symposium featured engaging keynote sessions, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities. IT leaders from across Africa shared insights on leveraging emerging technologies to scale innovation and drive organizational success. The event emphasized the growing influence of African IT leaders on the global stage.

Harry Hare, Chairman of dx5, commended Geoffrey Gitagia for his vision, creativity, and unwavering dedication to excellence in IT leadership. He acknowledged the collective impact of African technology leaders in shaping the digital landscape. Gitagia, in turn, attributed his success to his team and peers, underscoring the collaborative spirit that powers innovation.

This year’s CIO100 Symposium and Awards have once again shone a spotlight on Africa’s pivotal role in global digital transformation efforts. The recognition of excellence across industries demonstrates the continent’s potential to lead in leveraging technology for meaningful impact.

#ITLeadership #DigitalTransformation #InnovationAtScale #CIO100Africa #TechnologyAwards #AfricaTech

AirAsia X Launches Direct Flights to Nairobi, Boosting Tourism and Trade

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November 18, 2024

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Kenya’s tourism sector has received a significant boost with the arrival of AirAsia X’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to attract tourists from Malaysia and the wider Asian market. The flight, D7 101, landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on November 15, carrying over 270 passengers. This direct connection between Southeast Asia and East Africa is expected to foster greater cultural exchange, bolster tourism, and provide vital links for business and trade between the two regions.

The arrival of AirAsia X’s flight underscores Kenya’s growing importance as a regional hub in the global tourism and transport sectors. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, alongside officials from the Kenya Tourism Board and Kenya Airport Authority, were on hand to receive the flight and welcome the visitors. The new route is part of Kenya’s strategy to diversify its tourist source markets and open up fresh avenues for economic growth through increased international travel.

AirAsia X becomes the first low-cost carrier from Southeast Asia to establish a direct air link to Nairobi, positioning Kenya as a key destination for travelers from Malaysia and other countries in the region. According to CS Miano, the direct flight is a testament to Kenya’s growing significance in the global tourism and travel landscape, making it a more accessible destination for international tourists.

“We are delighted to have AirAsia X consider Kenya as a partner for its expansion into Africa. As a country that prides itself on warm hospitality, Kenya looks forward to welcoming more visitors through this new connection,” said CS Miano. The new route is expected to foster closer business, trade, and tourism cooperation between Kenya and Malaysia, enhancing Kenya’s global tourism profile.

AirAsia X’s CEO, Benyamin Ismail, expressed excitement about the new route, which is part of the airline’s broader expansion strategy. “AirAsia X has come a long way since its inception 17 years ago, and the launch of direct flights from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur with over 70% load factor showcases our commitment to affordable global connectivity. We aim to make it easier for travelers to explore some of the world’s most stunning destinations,” Ismail stated.

The timing of the inaugural flight is especially strategic, as it coincides with the peak festive season, when Kenya typically experiences an influx of tourists. June Chepkemei, CEO of Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), highlighted the importance of this new connection in boosting tourism numbers during this high-demand period. This collaboration between AirAsia X and Kenya opens new horizons for travel and strengthens the country’s position as a top destination in the African tourism market.

KenyaTourism #AirAsiaX #TravelConnectivity #TourismGrowth #AfricaAsiaConnections #KenyaTourismBoard #SoutheastAsia #GlobalTravel #CulturalExchange #BusinessOpportunities #Kenya

New WhatsApp Feature for Android Resembles Instagram Design

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November 14, 2024

WhatsApp is rolling out an exciting new update for Android users, bringing an interactive feature that mirrors Instagram’s popular “Add Yours” sticker. Currently in beta testing, this new functionality is designed to boost engagement, offering users fresh ways to share and interact within their status updates. By allowing users to create prompts, the feature adds a layer of creativity, enabling them to inspire conversations, share personal stories, and initiate trends.

With this update, WhatsApp users can set themes, ask questions, or suggest activities that others can respond to by sharing their own status updates. Unlike Instagram’s version, however, WhatsApp has enhanced privacy by ensuring that the identities of the original poster and participants remain anonymous. This approach aligns with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption policy, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to user privacy and security.

WhatsApp’s new feature will function similarly to its recent polls feature, where users can now add poll stickers within their status updates to invite feedback. To safeguard privacy, these polls will be kept confidential, with no visibility of who voted. All interactions, including the poll results, are fully encrypted, maintaining WhatsApp’s high standards of privacy while encouraging open engagement.

By enhancing its interactive capabilities, WhatsApp is broadening the scope of its status feature, offering a more dynamic and participatory experience for its users. This update adds a spontaneous and customizable touch to conversations, enabling users to engage in creative ways while respecting personal boundaries and preferences.

With this release, WhatsApp continues to prioritize privacy as it expands its features. This update reflects WhatsApp’s dedication to creating a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for social interactions, aligning with the platform’s core encryption standards.

As WhatsApp remains focused on fostering user engagement, this new feature sets the stage for even greater connectivity while upholding the platform’s trusted reputation for privacy. WhatsApp users can look forward to exploring this feature’s potential to spark meaningful connections in a secure, creative space.

WhatsAppUpdate #InteractiveFeatures #AddYours #UserEngagement #PrivacyFirst #EndToEndEncryption #WhatsAppStatus #DigitalPrivacy #AndroidUpdate #SocialConnection

Murali Natrajan Joins DTB as the New CEO for Kenya from 1st November

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November 14, 2024

Diamond Trust Bank Kenya (DTB) has announced the appointment of Murali Natarajan as its new CEO, effective November 1, marking a significant leadership change. Natarajan succeeds Nasim Devji, who served as Managing Director for over 20 years and leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Natarajan’s appointment represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for DTB as it strives to deepen its regional presence and adapt to a rapidly changing financial landscape.

Natarajan brings extensive global banking expertise to his new role, with over 40 years of experience and a strong track record in retail and SME banking. Most recently, he served as Managing Director and CEO of DCB Bank Ltd, where his strategic insights and growth-oriented approach transformed the institution from a loss-making bank into a high-performing private sector leader in India. His leadership achievements, which include a six-fold increase in DCB’s balance sheet and income over a decade, underscore his focus on operational excellence and financial sustainability.

Known for his customer-centric approach, Natarajan’s tenure at DCB Bank was marked by impressive milestones. Under his guidance, the bank earned accolades such as “Best Small Bank” in 2017 and “Fastest Growing Small Bank – Runner Up” in 2018. This success story demonstrates his capacity for building resilient growth strategies, which will be crucial as DTB seeks to expand and refine its service offerings in East Africa.

With extensive international experience in key markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, Natarajan is well-prepared to lead DTB into its next phase of growth. His expertise in areas such as credit risk management, operations, and technology will play a critical role in driving DTB’s transformation, ensuring the bank remains agile and competitive in today’s dynamic financial environment.

Natarajan’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for DTB, as the bank focuses on strengthening its management structure and expanding its footprint across East Africa. His vision and commitment to innovation align well with DTB’s ambitions to be a top-tier, digitally driven institution, delivering tailored and convenient financial solutions to its growing clientele.

The DTB community is optimistic that Natarajan’s leadership will bring renewed energy, innovation, and customer focus to the bank. His appointment highlights DTB’s dedication to excellence and to staying at the forefront of banking in the region, as it aims to better serve the evolving needs of its customers and strengthen its competitive edge.

DTBKenya #LeadershipChange #MuraliNatarajan #BankingTransformation #CustomerCentricity #FinancialGrowth #EastAfrica #DigitalBanking #Innovation #StrategicLeadership #BankingExcellence

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