TodayPrice

Author: Val Kosi

  • Zoho Records 31% Growth in Nigeria, Launches Education CSR Initiative

    Zoho Records 31% Growth in Nigeria, Launches Education CSR Initiative

    Zoho, a global technology company, has reported a 31% growth in its Nigerian operations in 2023, as it continues to strengthen its presence in the country, Okay.ng reports.

    The company has been offering its suite of 55+ apps in Naira to help local businesses avoid the impact of fluctuating exchange rates, making it easier for Nigerian companies to access its services.

    The announcement was made at Zoholics Nigeria, Zoho’s annual user conference, where the company also revealed a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

    Zoho will collaborate with Bridge International Academies to support the education of underprivileged children in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.

    As part of this partnership, Zoho will sponsor school uniforms, fees for four terms, and essential items for 200 children from underserved communities attending Bridge International Academies. Zoho will also support Bridge’s digitalisation efforts by providing Zoho Wallet Credits to help the schools utilize its technology.

    Kehinde Ogundare, Zoho’s Country Head in Nigeria, highlighted the company’s commitment to the local economy, saying, “Our focus is on ensuring that our expansion positively impacts the local economy, communities, and the broader business ecosystem.” He emphasized Zoho’s transnational localism strategy, which focuses on being rooted in local markets while maintaining global connectivity.

    In addition to supporting education, Zoho has also been expanding its recycling initiatives, turning 500 flexes from out-of-home ads in Nigeria and 1,300+ in Kenya into reusable bags.

    Zoho has experienced remarkable growth since starting operations in Nigeria in 2020, achieving a 43% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past three years. The company expanded its local workforce by 40% in 2023 and saw a 21% increase in its partner network during the same period.

    The company’s success is driven by the widespread adoption of flagship products such as Zoho Workplace, Zoho Books, Zoho Desk, Zoho CRM, and Zoho One. Key sectors contributing to Zoho’s growth include financial services, energy, real estate, IT services, professional services, utilities, and retail.

    Zoho also continues to invest in youth upskilling initiatives across Africa. Earlier this year, the company partnered with She Code Africa to train women in tech, J-Hub Africa to provide training for Kenyan university students, and BabesGotBytes in South Africa to offer digital skills boot camps.

    Foyinsola Akinjayeju, Managing Director of Bridge International Academies in Nigeria, expressed gratitude for the partnership, saying, “Through strategic partnerships, we aim to bridge this gap by providing vital resources and high-quality education to the students we serve.”

  • NCC Plans 6G Spectrum Deployment in Nigeria to Expand Wi-Fi Access

    NCC Plans 6G Spectrum Deployment in Nigeria to Expand Wi-Fi Access

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to deploy the 6G spectrum in Nigeria to enhance access to Wi-Fi technology, Okay.ng reports.

    Speaking on Thursday at a consultative forum on emerging technologies in Lagos, Aminu Maida, executive vice-chairman of the NCC, highlighted the need for efficient management and utilisation of spectrum resources.

    The event, tagged ‘The Use of 6GHz (5925-7125) MHz for WiFi and IMT Applications in Nigeria’, sought input from stakeholders on how the new frequency band can be optimally used.

    Maida, represented by Abraham Oshadami, executive commissioner of technical services at the NCC, explained that existing spectrums, including 5G and 2G, are becoming congested due to increasing demand, necessitating the introduction of additional frequency bands such as 6GHz.

    “The 6GHz band offers a substantial increase in available spectrum, crucial for supporting the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications,” Maida said.

    “Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in the distribution of fixed broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and various other environments.”

    Maida further explained that with Wi-Fi 6, users will benefit from increased capacity, enabling seamless connectivity for emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which current spectrums cannot fully support.

    He added that the introduction of unlicensed Wi-Fi 6 will lower the cost of internet access.

    Caroline Alenoghena, a telecommunications engineering professor at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, stated that the introduction of the new spectrum is necessary to reduce congestion in existing Wi-Fi frequencies.

    She noted that the 6G band would create new opportunities for start-ups in the digital services sector.

    Tony Emoekpere, president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), emphasized that the proper allocation of the 6G spectrum would enable the deployment of diverse technologies and help democratise access to urban, semi-rural, and rural areas.

    He said, “Foreseeable challenges are things like infrastructure requirements, the whole of investment that’s required, competing technologies, because some of these technologies are still being developed.”

    Emoekpere described the consultative forum as standard practice in the industry to ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the development of new technologies and policies.

  • Meta Connect 2024: Quest 3S, Smart Glasses, and AI Advancements Revealed

    Meta Connect 2024: Quest 3S, Smart Glasses, and AI Advancements Revealed

    At Meta Connect 2024, Meta Platforms Inc. introduced several cutting-edge innovations in mixed reality and artificial intelligence (AI), including the Quest 3S headset, AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, and updated AI models.

    The announcements underscore Meta’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences and AI-driven technology.

    The newly unveiled Quest 3S headset offers an affordable upgrade for mixed reality enthusiasts, priced at $299.99. While retaining key features from the Meta Quest 3, such as hand-tracking and touch controllers, the Quest 3S delivers improved resolution at 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye.

    It offers 2.5 hours of battery life and comes with 128GB and 256GB storage options. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg touted the device as part of the “best family of mixed reality devices out there.”

    Zuckerberg also revealed that Meta is working closely with Microsoft to bring Windows 11 integration to mixed reality, allowing users to pair Windows PCs with Quest headsets for a seamless computing experience.

    Meta’s AI-enabled Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses received notable upgrades, including the ability to remember tasks, handle voice commands, and perform real-time language translation. These features, along with the ability to record and send voice messages using WhatsApp or Messenger, elevate the glasses as a smart companion for everyday activities.

    Additionally, Meta announced enhancements to Meta AI, its generative AI assistant. Users can now interact with the assistant across platforms like Messenger, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram DM using voice commands.

    The AI can also interpret images shared in chats, offering explanations and even generating step-by-step instructions based on photos.

    Meta also launched its latest AI large language model, Llama 3.2, with multimodal capabilities. Designed for advanced performance, it features 11 billion and 90 billion parameter variants, capable of extracting details from images and generating text-based narratives.

    Two smaller models, with 1 billion and 3 billion parameters, were also introduced for use on mobile and edge devices.

    Furthermore, Meta unveiled Orion, a prototype of its long-awaited augmented reality (AR) glasses. Unlike mixed reality devices, Orion glasses allow users to see through transparent lenses while projecting holograms onto their field of view.

    Zuckerberg highlighted the challenges of miniaturizing the technology and confirmed the device’s development as a future consumer product.

  • OpenAI CTO Mira Murati Announces Departure After 6.5 Years

    OpenAI CTO Mira Murati Announces Departure After 6.5 Years

    Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of OpenAI, announced on Wednesday that she will soon be leaving the company after six and a half years of helping build the technology behind ChatGPT and other AI developments.

    In a note shared with OpenAI and later posted on Twitter/X, Murati explained her decision to step away from the tech company: “After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to leave OpenAI … I’m stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration.”

    Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, responded to the announcement with kind words, expressing deep appreciation for Murati’s contributions: “I feel tremendous gratitude towards her for what she has helped us build and accomplish, but I most of all feel personal gratitude towards her for the support and love during all the hard times. I am excited for what she’ll do next,” Altman wrote on X.

    Murati became a well-known name when OpenAI’s board abruptly ousted CEO Sam Altman last November and Murati was named interim CEO.

  • Google Report Highlights the Economic Impact of Digital Technology in Nigeria

    Google Report Highlights the Economic Impact of Digital Technology in Nigeria

    A new report released today by Google, conducted independently by Public First, underscores the significant economic contributions of digital technologies in Nigeria.

    The Digital Opportunity of Nigeria report highlights how Google’s products and infrastructure are driving digital transformation and fostering economic growth across the country.

    As Nigeria continues to experience rapid digital development, the report emphasizes the potential for even greater growth.

    According to the study, every $1 invested in digital technology in Nigeria generates over $8 in economic value, showcasing the high return on investment in this sector.

    This figure highlights the critical role of connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the country’s economic future.

    In 2023, Google’s products and services—including Search, Ads, YouTube, and Cloud—contributed an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity in Nigeria, significantly boosting the productivity of businesses, creators, and workers across the country.

    Google’s digital skills programs, such as Digital Skills for Africa and the Career Certificates Program, have been instrumental in equipping millions of Nigerians with essential digital skills. In 2023, over 1.5 million young adults in Nigeria benefited from these programs, learning new skills to enhance their career prospects.

    The report further estimates that AI could contribute an additional $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030, with Google’s commitment to responsible AI development playing a key role in this growth.

    In 2021, Google committed $1 billion to accelerate Africa’s digital economy, focusing on improving internet access, supporting local entrepreneurs, and fostering innovation.

    The Nigeria Digital Opportunity report provides strategic recommendations for policymakers, advocating for increased cloud-first policies, enhanced digital infrastructure, and stronger STEM education to maximize the country’s digital potential.

    These measures are crucial for preparing Nigeria’s workforce for the future.

    Olumide Balogun, Director for West Africa at Google, expressed excitement over the positive impact of digital technology on Nigeria’s economy, stating, “We’re thrilled to see the positive impact that digital technology is having on Nigeria’s economy. This report underscores the importance of continued investment in digital skills and infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vibrant digital economy.”

    Amy Price, Director & Head of Technology Policy at Public First, also emphasized Nigeria’s role as a leader in Africa’s digital landscape, noting that “tech investment will be a powerful catalyst for further growth and development across the country.”

    The report highlights the transformative role of digital technology in Nigeria’s economy and calls for continued investment in digital infrastructure to sustain this momentum.

  • NITDA Calls for Blockchain Adoption in Asset Management and Economic Development

    NITDA Calls for Blockchain Adoption in Asset Management and Economic Development

    Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has urged industry stakeholders, government officials, and experts to harness the transformative potential of Blockchain technology in asset management and economic development.

    Speaking at the Tokenised Economic Conference and Exhibitions, themed Tokenised Economy 2024: Real-World Assets Tokenisation, Inuwa emphasized the importance of Blockchain technology in revolutionizing key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

    The event, organized by Cyberchain in collaboration with BAZE University and NITDA, served as a platform for industry professionals to explore opportunities in digital assets finance, real estate, capital markets, and other sectors.

    In his keynote address, Inuwa, represented by Engr. Salisu Kaka, Director of e-Government and Digital Economy Development at NITDA, outlined the benefits of asset tokenization using Blockchain technology.

    Inuwa explained that tokenization involves converting physical or digital assets into digital tokens recorded on a blockchain.

    These tokens serve as digital representations of real assets, allowing them to be sold, held, and traded in a digital format, which improves liquidity and accessibility.

    He emphasized the potential of Blockchain technology to automate processes, increase liquidity, lower investment barriers, and enhance transparency, particularly in real estate markets.

    “Tokenization offers several advantages over traditional real estate financing, such as automating processes, increasing liquidity, and improving transparency. It is considered a promising development for the future of real estate markets,” Inuwa said.

    He praised Lagos State’s plan to tokenise real estate, describing it as a bold move that could set a precedent for other states.

    Inuwa further suggested that tokenizing other key sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, securities, bonds, and derivatives, could significantly accelerate wealth creation and economic growth in Nigeria.

    However, Inuwa stressed the importance of a clear regulatory framework to boost investor confidence and the development of infrastructure that supports the tokenized economy.

    He highlighted NITDA’s efforts in promoting Blockchain adoption across all sectors, particularly through the National Blockchain Policy (NBP) and its steering committee.

    “Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in the tokenised economy in Africa. By investing in infrastructure, education, and a supportive regulatory environment, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of tokenisation and drive economic growth,” Inuwa concluded.

    In his remarks, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), emphasized how tokenization democratizes wealth by making traditionally exclusive investments, like real estate and art, accessible to a broader audience.

  • Five Nigerian Researchers Present Groundbreaking E-Governance Research at International Conference

    Five Nigerian Researchers Present Groundbreaking E-Governance Research at International Conference

    Five Nigerian researchers made significant contributions at the 17th International Conference on the Theory and Practice of E-Government (ICEGOV2024), held in Pretoria, South Africa.

    Organized by the United Nations University and UNESCO, the conference drew over 336 participants from 49 countries, highlighting the global importance of digital governance.

    Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized that the researchers’ involvement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to leverage technology for economic diversification and enhanced governance.

    Abdullahi noted the significance of Nigeria’s representation at ICEGOV2024, where only 85 of the 157 submitted papers were accepted. He stressed that the insights gained from these research efforts could drive technological innovations crucial for Nigeria’s economic diversification and governance improvements, advancing President Tinubu’s vision. He also reiterated NITDA’s commitment to supporting research initiatives that position Nigeria at the forefront of global advancements in digital governance.

    The five researchers showcased pioneering studies aimed at enhancing e-governance and promoting economic growth through technological innovation. Key highlights of their work include:

    • Hassana Asuku presented her research, “Bridging the Broadband Gap,” which focuses on reducing the digital divide in rural areas. Asuku proposed a comprehensive strategy to improve broadband access, enhancing economic inclusion and civic engagement—critical to the government’s push for digital growth.
    • Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi explored the issue of low digital competency in the public sector. His research, “Digital Competency in the Public Sector,” proposed a model for targeted digital skills training and infrastructure upgrades to accelerate digital transformation among civil servants.
    • Dr. Agbali Mohammed discussed Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), identifying institutional barriers to deploying effective DPI in Nigeria. His research emphasizes the need to enhance public-private partnerships and improve regulatory frameworks.
    • Dr. Tanimu Mukhtar Garba introduced the Taxpoynt platform in his research on Tax Compliance for SMEs. The platform is designed to simplify tax processes for small businesses, recognizing the significant role of SMEs in Nigeria’s economy.
    • Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim focused on Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance. His study examined how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can enhance citizen liberties, addressing challenges such as inadequate ICT infrastructure and data privacy concerns.

    The contributions of these researchers not only elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global digital governance landscape but also reinforce the nation’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable economic growth and improved governance.

  • Report: Apple to Release iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence Features on October 28

    Report: Apple to Release iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence Features on October 28

    Apple is gearing up to release iOS 18.1 on October 28, which will feature the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence capabilities, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    However, new iPhone buyers will need to wait a little longer to experience some of the most hyped features.

    “That means new iPhone buyers will have to wait a few more weeks to get the most hyped component of their devices,” Gurman stated.

    Apple is reportedly taking extra precautions with the rollout, ensuring that major bugs are resolved and that the system can handle increased traffic on its AI cloud servers.

    “I’m told that Apple is taking its time with the rollout to ensure that major bugs are eliminated and it can support all the new traffic on its AI cloud servers,” Gurman added.

    The initial Apple Intelligence features included in iOS 18.1 will offer notification summaries, while future updates, such as iOS 18.2, are expected to introduce ChatGPT integration and support for Genmoji custom emoji.

    Looking ahead to March 2025, iOS 18.4 will bring significant enhancements to Siri, allowing the digital assistant to control apps more precisely and use personal information to answer queries.

    Other features planned for future releases include automated email filing in the mail app and a new Image Playground app for creating custom images.

  • Vodafone and Google Announce 10-Year Strategic Partnership to Enhance Services Across Europe, Africa

    Vodafone and Google Announce 10-Year Strategic Partnership to Enhance Services Across Europe, Africa

    Vodafone and Google have announced an expanded ten-year strategic partnership, aimed at bringing new services, devices, and TV experiences to millions of Vodafone customers across Europe and Africa.

    The collaboration will leverage Google Cloud and Google’s advanced AI models, including its Gemini models, to improve customer experiences and workforce productivity.

    The partnership, which will impact 15 countries directly and an additional 45 markets worldwide through Vodafone’s partners, focuses on enhancing storage, security, and AI-powered assistance for Vodafone’s vast customer base.

    In turn, Google will utilize Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services to boost workforce efficiency.

    Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, stated, “Together, Vodafone and Google will put new AI-powered content and devices into the hands of millions more consumers. Using these services, our customers can discover new ways to learn, create, and communicate, as well as consume TV, on a scale we haven’t seen before.”

    Key Focus Areas of the Partnership:

    • Advanced AI and Cloud Services: Vodafone and Google aim to bring AI-powered tools and cloud-based applications to customers, small businesses, and governments. This will include new content discovery features, enhanced cybersecurity, and cloud storage options, such as YouTube subscriptions and Google One plans.
    • Vodafone TV Enhancements: Vodafone TV, which runs on Android TV, will see new features enabled by Google Cloud’s generative AI, including better content discovery and monetization through Google Ad Manager. A deeper YouTube integration with Vodafone TV is also being explored to enhance the overall viewing experience.
    • AI and Machine Learning Models: Vodafone will use Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and its Gemini models to build and deploy machine learning models across its operating companies. This is expected to accelerate innovation and simplify the launch of new products in multiple countries.

    Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “Our expanded partnership with Vodafone will help bring our most advanced AI products and services to more people across Europe and Africa. I’m excited to see how Vodafone’s consumers, small businesses, and governments will use generative AI and Google Cloud to transform the way they work and access information.”

    Security and Universal Standards:

    Vodafone plans to enhance its cybersecurity solutions using Google Cloud’s Security Operations platform, which will provide its business customers with advanced software-based protection tools.

    Additionally, the companies plan to work together to promote universal industry standards in areas such as online safety, responsible AI development, and network performance to drive innovation and improve public services.

  • NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa Urges Collaboration Between Tech Experts and Government for Africa’s Digital Growth

    NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa Urges Collaboration Between Tech Experts and Government for Africa’s Digital Growth

    The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has called on technology industry experts and startups to collaborate with the government in shaping regulations that will foster human and infrastructural development across Africa.

    Inuwa made this appeal during the Moonshot Tech Conference 2024, held at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos.

    Speaking as a panelist on the topic, “Building Digital Economies for the World: How African Countries are Shaping their Tech Economies to Compete Across the Continent and Globally”, Inuwa emphasized the critical need for a balance between innovation and regulation.

    He noted that while innovation drives creativity and the development of impactful solutions, regulations are necessary to maintain stability and ensure sustainable growth.

    “At NITDA, we have developed an intelligent regulatory framework that allows us to understand the terrain before implementing regulations. This approach helps us comprehend what you are building, the value you are bringing to the market, and the need for flexibility to foster innovation,” Inuwa stated.

    The NITDA DG further highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to unlock local capital within the continent.

    He pointed out that Africa’s greatest asset in the tech ecosystem is its human capital.

    Citing a World Bank report, Inuwa noted that by 2030, there could be a global talent deficit of 85 million, leading to a potential loss of $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual value if not harnessed properly.

    “In Africa, given our young population, we have a unique opportunity to position ourselves as a global talent factory to bridge this talent gap,” he added.

    Inuwa also discussed Nigeria’s proactive steps in advancing its digital economy, mentioning the Nigeria Startup Act, which was co-created with the country’s tech ecosystem to encourage venture capital investments, register innovation hubs, and establish a council to promote local investments.

    He stressed the importance of building a robust digital infrastructure that supports the sharing of content and facilitates data flow across African borders, calling for collective efforts to strengthen Africa’s digital economy.

    The conference, which brings together Africa’s brightest tech minds for networking and collaboration, saw other key panelists sharing valuable insights. These included Dr. Augustina Odame, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Technology; David Manley, Chief Advisor Technology for Sierra Leone; and Marieme Kane, Director of Innovation at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Mauritania.