E-Business
54gene Signs MoU with ANSTS to Announce Landmark SEN-GENOME Genetics Research Study

54gene, the health technology company advancing African genomics research for improved global health outcomes, has partnered on a new Senegal research study SEN-GENOME, which will establish a full genomic database of the Senegalese population.

Under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education and Innovation of Senegal, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in Dakar with the The National Academy of Sciences and Technology of Senegal (ANSTS) and the Department of Human Genetics of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology of Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar.
The groundbreaking study will involve Senegal’s principal ethnolinguistic groups and will be critical in gaining an understanding of human evolutionary history and how this influences disease risk in different human populations.
Studying the underlying genetic characteristics of the Senegalese population will give researchers and medical practitioners a clearer understanding of the hereditary links to health and disease in the country, as well as improving interventions for disease management and treatment.
As less than 3% of genomic data at present comes from African populations, SEN-GENOME has the potential to contribute to new discoveries, for the benefit of the Senegalese, Pan-African and global populations.
Through the SEN-GENOME study, Senegal will become one of the first African countries to establish a full ‘reference genome’, a database giving a full picture of the genetic characteristics of a given population. As such, Senegal is setting itself apart as an innovator in the field of genomic research.
Senegal has historically been a focal point of migration from the continent and a crucial piece in the formation of the African diaspora. As such, this study has the potential to contribute significantly towards extensive and life-changing research related to the health of the world African population.
In addition to important scientific discoveries, SEN-GENOME will pave the way for further research into ancestry and genealogy, providing fresh insight for people of African descent hoping to understand their ancestry.
Commenting on the signing of the agreement, 54gene founder and CEO Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong said, “Africans are the most genetically diverse population and this study is a significant step in enabling Senegal to advance the practice of Precision Medicine in the country.
“We’re honored to collaborate with our partners in Senegal as the country continues to consolidate leadership and innovation by becoming one of the few African countries where genomics research is a reality.”
The study will recruit participants from all regions of the West African country and is expected to establish a baseline genetic characterisation of the Sengalese population.
Through the collaboration, 54gene will bring its expertise and support the training of Senegalse scientists. 54gene is also committed to collaborating with their Senegalese partners on additional projects.
Professor Aynina Cisse, spokesperson for the National Academy of Sciences and Technology of Senegal, said, “SEN-GENOME is a research project initiated by the National Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal (ANSTS), in collaboration with the Human Genetics Department of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology (UCAD).
The idea germinated, following the observation made by the researchers that the reference sequence of the human genome currently used, does not reflect the genetic diversity of the African populations in general and Senegalese in particular.”
Principal Investigator and Head of Human Genetic Department of the Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Professor Rokhaya Ndiaye Diallo commented, “The medicine of the future will depend on an understanding of the genetic heritage of each individual. The SEN-GENOME project, the first of its kind in Francophone Africa, aims to create a reference genome for Senegal, reflecting the genetic diversity of the population.
“This database will be used to establish personalized medicine in order to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the most common diseases. It will also allow anthropologists to better understand the socio-cultural history of our communities in the interests of national cohesion.”
E-Business
Study Reveals 88.5% of Phishing Attacks Focus on Stealing Account Credentials

Kaspersky analysed phishing and scam campaigns observed from January through September 2025 and found that 88.5% of attacks globally sought credentials for various online accounts.

Another 9.5% targeted personal data such as names, addresses, and dates of birth, while 2% focused on bank card details.
According to data from Kaspersky, over 38 million phishing links were clicked in Africa in the previous year (from November 2024 to October 2025) – all of which were detected and blocked by Kaspersky solutions.
Not everyone uses protective solutions on their devices however, and phishing remains one of the most prevalent cyber threats, with attackers luring users to fake websites where they unwittingly surrender their login credentials, personal information, or bank card details.
Kaspersky research shows that most phishing pages transmit stolen information via email, Telegram bots, or attacker-controlled panels, before it enters underground resale channels.
Data stolen through phishing is rarely used only once: credentials from multiple campaigns are consolidated into data dumps and sold on dark web markets, in some cases for as little as $50. Buyers sort and verify the data to check whether accounts remain active and reusable across different services.
According to Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence, average 2025 prices ranged from $0.90 for global Internet portals to $105 for crypto platforms and $350 for online banking access. Personal documents such as passports or ID cards sold for about $15 on average, with pricing influenced by account age, balance, linked payment methods, and security settings.
As datasets are enriched and combined, attackers can build detailed digital profiles that may later support targeted attacks on executives, finance staff, IT-administrators or individuals with valuable assets or personal documents.
“Our analysis shows that credentials account for nearly 90% of phishing attempts. Once collected, logins, passwords, phone numbers, and personal details are aggregated, checked, and resold, sometimes years after the initial theft.
Combined with new information, even old credentials can enable account takeovers and targeted attacks against both individuals and organisations.
By leveraging open-source intelligence and old breach data, attackers can craft highly personalised scams, turning one-time victims into long-term targets for identity theft, blackmail, or financial fraud,” said Olga Altukhova, senior web content analyst at Kaspersky.
E-Business
Study Reveals Majority of IT Professionals Show Openness to Cyber Immunity

The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with organisations seeking more robust ways to protect their digital assets. A recent global study conducted by Kaspersky reveals a growing shift toward proactive security strategies, particularly the adoption of Secure by Design development and Cyber Immunity – an innovative approach that embeds resilience directly into system architecture.

The study highlights that 90% of cybersecurity professionals surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region are familiar with Secure by Design development. This methodology integrates security into the very fabric of a system from its inception, rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Such an approach is already employed in high-stakes industries like aerospace, where security cannot be bolted on later – it must be intrinsic. Despite its advantages, however, adoption has been slow due to challenges related to standardisation and cost.
Cyber Immunity is the next frontier in cybersecurity
Building on Secure by Design principles, Cyber Immunity takes cybersecurity a step further by creating systems that inherently resist attacks without the need for constant patching or additional security layers. The study reveals that most experts are familiar with Cyber Immunity but interpret it differently.
When asked what they associate with the term, 64% of respondents in the META region linked it to Secure by Design systems that remain resilient under attack, while 56% viewed it as a combination of technology and policy measures that block cybercriminal access. Another 48% connected it to highly skilled cybersecurity teams, indicating that while awareness is high, a unified understanding is still developing.
The growing demand for proactive security
One of the most striking findings is the optimism surrounding inherently secure systems. Over half of respondents in the META region (63%) believe it is already possible or definitely achievable to design systems capable of withstanding cyberattacks without relying on additional security solutions.
Another 32% think it might be possible, reflecting openness to this idea despite some uncertainty. This shift in mindset aligns with a broader industry trend: traditional reactive security measures are no longer sufficient.
With AI-powered threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks, organisations need solutions that do more than just detect breaches—they must prevent them by design.
Integrating Cyber Immunity into security strategies
The study emphasises that resilience, expertise, and flexibility will define the next generation of cybersecurity. While Secure by Design provides the methodology, Cyber Immunity represents the ultimate goal—systems so robust that they minimise reliance on external defences.
“For companies looking ahead, Cyber Immunity offers more than just protection — it brings clear business benefits. When systems are built to be secure from the ground up, there’s less need for constant updates, patches, and extra security tools. That means fewer costs, less strain on IT teams, and stronger, more reliable protection over time,” said Dmitry Lukiyan, Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit.
Most importantly in today’s threat landscape, Cyber Immunity offers robust protection against next-generation challenges — including AI-driven attacks capable of outmaneuvering traditional security measures.
When security becomes an intrinsic property of system architecture rather than an external addition, businesses gain more than just protection—they secure a competitive market advantage.
This proactive approach future-proofs critical infrastructure, enabling organisations to operate confidently even as threats evolve. It transforms cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a strategic differentiator that accelerates digital transformation while mitigating risk.
As the cybersecurity environment becomes more complex, Cyber Immunity is emerging as a vital strategy. Organisations that adopt it now will not only enhance their protection but also position themselves ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile digital world.
E-Business
Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, has launched its inaugural 2026 shopping campaign, Konga Jara, offering 25 per cent discount on Starlink internet kits alongside free nationwide delivery.

Konga
The campaign, drawing from the Nigerian concept of “jara” — the extra value traders add to purchases — aims to deliver exceptional deals across categories, helping shoppers turn new year aspirations into reality through affordable technology and value-driven shopping.
To qualify for the Starlink discount, customers must purchase kits on Konga.com, activate them at starlink.com/activate, and email activation details to [email protected] for verification against Starlink’s records. Discounts are subject to terms and conditions.
Konga said spotlighting Starlink underscores reliable internet’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting work, learning, entrepreneurship and communication for households and businesses.
Mr Onochie Melvin, Head of Commercial Planning at Konga, said: “We listened carefully to what Nigerians said they needed to truly kickstart 2026 on the right footing. Reliable internet connectivity emerged as the foundation upon which other aspirations depend.”
He added: “Students need it for online learning, entrepreneurs need it to scale digital businesses, and professionals rely on it for remote work. This Starlink offer is not just about selling products; it is about removing barriers that prevent Nigerians from fully participating in the digital economy.”
Beyond connectivity, Konga Jara provides genuine products from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with transparent pricing, warranties and authenticity guarantees.
As a composite e-commerce ecosystem, Konga integrates shopping, payments and logistics for seamless nationwide access, with exclusive deals shared via its social media channels throughout the campaign.
Shoppers can explore offers at www.konga.com and follow Konga’s official pages for updates across the Konga Group.
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