Fresh Learn

How Blockchain Technology Can Shape the Future of Africa's Digital Economy !


As the digital landscape continues to evolve, businesses seek clarity and opportunities to scale and reinvent themselves to ensure they remain relevant in the ever-changing world. While some ambiguities persist, organizations like Interswitch are helping to demystify the ambiguities around critical technologies that are poised to shape the business environment especially in Africa. One of such is Blockchain technology.

On November 25, 2021, Interswitch unveiled its whitepaper on blockchain technology titled "Blockchain Technology: The Future of Africa's Digital Economy". It is an effort by the leading integrated digital payment and e-commerce company to share thoughts around blockchain technology and how organizations can leverage this innovation to transform their businesses. The report shone light on the prospects it portends for the future of Africa's digital economy, the key players involved in blockchain tech, some use cases, the challenges and recommendations that will facilitate the adoption of blockchain technology.
source:proshareng

Anti-Covid Drug Trial Shows "Robust Efficacy": AstraZeneca.

The AstraZeneca Covid drug AZD7442, made from a combination of two antibodies, has been undergoing final stage clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy, Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca on Thursday announced that clinical trials of an antibody-based COVID-19 drug had shown robust efficacy and long-term prevention.
The Anglo-Swedish laboratory follows in the footsteps of US firms Merck and Pfizer, which announced in October and early November respectively that they had developed drugs that could prevent severe forms of the disease, and that could be taken at the first sign of symptoms.

More than 75 per cent of participants had co-morbidities that put them at high risk for severe COVID-19 if they were to become infected, but no severe cases were recorded, Another trial to test its efficacy in treating those already suffering from "mild to moderate" Covid symptoms showed that one 600mg IM dose reduced the risk of developing severe illness or death by 88 percent.
source:ndtv

" Thankful Thursday "

SME and CESMII partner to accelerate Smart Manufacturing.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and CESMII – The Smart Manufacturing Institute are partnering to advance smart manufacturing by aligning their respective resources and educating industry, helping companies boost productivity, build a strong talent pipeline and reduce manufacturers’ carbon footprint.

CESMII and SME aim to address the ‘digital divide’ by connecting manufacturers to technical knowledge. These efforts are expected to be especially useful to small and medium-size companies .A large part of the supply network in overcoming the cost and complexity of automation and digitization that has constrained productivity and growth initiatives.

Generating Awareness is critical :
Building awareness is a big part of this initiative. Combining CESMII’s network of subject matter experts and SME’s reach and knowledge in producing events including Smart Manufacturing Experience and media publications are expected to help communicate the value of smart manufacturing, as well as demonstrate practical technology solutions.
source:metal-am

IFC Partners with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to Boost Africa's Digital Infrastructure.

To support universal and affordable broadband access in Africa, IFC has partnered with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to expand data center capacity and the rollout of fiber-optic cable on the continent, The partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Africa’s leading independent fiber and digital services provider, aims to increase digital connectivity and inclusion in Africa and to support the region’s growing digital ecosystem.
IFC’s equity and debt investments in Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which to date total approximately $250 million, will support the company to grow its hyperscale data center capacity in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa through its subsidiary, As Africa’s population grows and is increasingly urbanized, data consumption is expected to grow strongly and with this comes the need for secure local data hosting.
The investments will also support Liquid Intelligent Technologies in the continued rollout of its fiber broadband network, which today covers more than 100,000 kilometers of sub-Saharan Africa. The continued build out of its network will help to connect businesses and individuals to the Internet across the continent and position Liquid intelligent Technologies to be at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation with the provision of complementary digital services.
IFC’s digital strategy in Africa is aimed at enabling ubiquitous, reliable, and affordable connectivity. This includes investing in the growth of independent tower operators, data centers and broadband, as well as support to mobile operators primarily in fragile and conflict situations (FCS) and low-Income International Development Association countries (LIC-IDA).
source:africanews

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