Connect with us

E-Business

AAS,NEPAD Commit $7m to Fund Innovative Ideas in Africa

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The African Academy of Sciences and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency’s Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA) have committed $7 million to fund innovative ideas and research through the Grand Challenges Africa programme.

The initiative will accelerate scientific breakthroughs that will improve Africa’s health and developmental outcomes.

AESA has partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to provide the Grand Challenges Africa Innovation Grants, which focus on finding local solutions to solve Africa’s pressing challenges and help the continent to achieve the sustainable development goals.

The Grand Challenges Africa Innovation Grants will run for the next five years and comprise the Grand Challenges Africa Innovation Seed Grants and provide funding for scaling up innovations.

“Solutions for Africa’s challenges do exist within the continent. As an African grant-making body, we are laser-focused on tapping the best minds on the continent to develop innovative local solutions to our health and development challenges,” says Dr Tom Kariuki, AESA’s director.

The Grand Challenges Africa Grants will solicit ideas that can be developed into ground-breaking research and innovations by providing up to $100 000 in Grand Challenges Africa Innovation Seed Grants for two years to each of the up to 40 projects that will be funded over the five years the scheme will run.

The grants will fund innovators resident in Africa with any level of experience, working in any discipline in colleges, universities, government laboratories, research institutions, non-governmental and non-profit organisations.

Innovations which receive the $100 000 seed grants and show promise for scaling up will be eligible to apply for additional funding of up to $1 million.

AESA’s Grand Challenges Africa programme is part of global Grand Challenges, a family of initiatives fostering innovation to solve key health and development problems.

The first call for proposals that opened last week as part of the GC Africa Innovation Seed Grants is focused on innovators seeking solutions and strategies to help Africa meet the SDG target for maternal, newborn and child health.

These cover key areas of new technologies to enable rapid identification of exposures that lead to poor outcomes in pregnancy, birth and in the first month of life – these could be exposures to communicable and non-communicable diseases.

It also includes precision medicine approaches and techniques to identify microbes and other exposures in Africa that may increase susceptibility to non-communicable diseases (cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc) in mothers and children under five years of age.

“While great strides have been made in reducing mortality in Africa, maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain unacceptably high. We are seeking bold new ideas with potential for enormous impact in Africa, so that mothers and children not only survive, but thrive,” Kariuki says.

Estimates show more than half the global maternal deaths and more than three-quarters of neonatal deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, with more than half of maternal deaths directly or indirectly attributed to infectious causes such as HIV, malaria in pregnancy, sepsis and sexually transmitted diseases. Infections and complications related to preterm births also account for 88% of newborn deaths.

The new grant aims to complement existing global efforts and ignite more African funding for R&D to fast-track scientific breakthroughs for reducing Africa’s disease burden, by funding revolutionary approaches that will lead to African organisations and governments committing more funding to catalyse R&D and innovation.

In 2007, the African Union heads of states set a target for countries to allocate 1% of their GDP to R&D by 2010, but to date, few African governments have increased their funding for R&D and only a handful are approaching the 1% target.

“We also hope to motivate and mobilise government support and increased investment for R&D to ensure the sustained development and commercialisation of novel solutions to transform the future for a huge part of our population,” says Dr Evelyn Gitau, programme manager, Grand Challenges Africa.

“Africa has a wealth of talented innovators who can provide solutions when empowered and adequately funded.”

The funding will also promote intra-African collaboration and promote the sharing of skills and ideas within grand challenges projects. A partnership with Institute Pasteur will enable AESA to fund additional projects that promote intra-African collaboration.

AESA has established an open, merit-based and blind review selection process, where the names and institutions of applications will be hidden from the peer review committee of scientific experts to ensure the process is fully transparent.

Researchers can obtain further information, including rules and guidelines, and apply for the Grand Challenges Africa Innovation Seed Grants here.


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

E-Business

ISDL Achieves IMS Certification

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Integrated System and Devices Limited (ISDL), a major provider of electronic security solutions, is delighted to announce the successful attainment of ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications following a rigorous audit process conducted by Bureau Veritas Certification Holdings SAS-UK Branch.

ISDL Achieves IMS Certification

In 2021, ISDL bagged the Quality management systems ISO 9001:2015, and now in 2024, with unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, the occupational Health and Safety system ISO 45001:2018 and the Environmental management system ISO 14001:2015 have been consolidated to form an Integrated Management System.

These certifications, covering ISDL’s headquarters and branches, signify the company’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality management across all facets of its operations.

According to Oluseun Mabogunje, managing director of ISDL, the scope of the certifications encompasses the design, procurement, supply, installation, integration, maintenance, and after-sales support of various electronic security and Extra Low Voltage (ELV) equipment.

Mabogunje expressed his elation at receiving the IMS certifications, emphasizing ISDL’s dedication to delivering exceptional quality and service to its clientele. He emphasized that this achievement underscores the company’s ongoing pursuit of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

 

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Cybervergent’s Q1 2024 Report Reveals Rising Threat of Remcos RAT Malware in Financial Sector

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Cybervergent, a foremost technology company providing automated cybersecurity solutions, in its Quarterly Brief has revealed a troubling trend in the financial sector that shows a spike in attacks utilising the deceptive Remote Control and Surveillance Access Trojan (Remcos RAT) in Q1, 2024.

The findings affirm a stark forewarning to the financial institutions and organisations in the African continent, urging heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate potential escalating risks.

Previously marketed as a legitimate software, Remcos got co-opted by malicious actors and is now a prevalent tool in cybercrime campaigns. This remote access tool grants attackers hidden entry into victims’ devices, allowing them to seize control, pilfer sensitive data, and even introduce stealth backdoors to compromise entire systems. The capabilities of Remcos are diverse and frightening, ranging from disabling vital security features like User Account Control (UAC) to covertly recording user activities.

“As vigilant cybersecurity gatekeepers, we have observed a significant surge in attacks leveraging the Remcos RAT malware,” said Gbolabo Awelewa, the Chief Solutions Officer, Cybervergent. “Financial institutions are particularly targeted due to the sensitive nature of their data and assets. Organisations must remain diligent and adopt proactive monitoring measures to safeguard against such threats.”

The proactive approach adopted by Cybervergent’s Cyber Operations Centre involves meticulous analysis of attacker tactics, constant updating of threat intelligence, and implementing robust endpoint security solutions. These measures are designed to detect, prevent, and neutralise Remote Access Trojans like Remcos, ensuring the continued security and compliance of organisations in the face of evolving cyber threats.

“Our mission is to fortify our clients’ defenses and ensure the seamless operation of their organisations,” added Gbolabo. “By staying ahead of emerging attack vectors and vulnerabilities, we empower businesses to take proactive measures and protect their valuable assets.”

Looking ahead, Adetokunbo Omotosho, Chief Executive Officer of Cybervergent emphasised the firm’s focus on empowering organisations to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and compliance with dexterity and confidence.

“Cybervergent’s Assurance and Compliance Team has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in the cybersecurity domain, achieving significant milestones and delivering transformative solutions. Our journey through Q1 reflects a deep commitment to advancing the state of cybersecurity compliance, paving the way for a secure and resilient digital future for organisations in Africa and across the world”, he added.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Konga Launches Free Same Day Deliveries on Starlink, Apple & Samsung Nationwide

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Konga, the only authorised shop-in-shop for Starlink Internet kits in Nigeria, is offering its customers free same day delivery across all major cities in the country.

With prices of Starlink Internet kits slashed by 50%, Konga is delivering additional value so that both homes and businesses in urban and remote places can enjoy infinite possibilities with their internet on both their standard and enterprise installations. This offer which is available both online and in its retail stores nationwide is exclusive to new and existing customers this month.

With the improvement in prices on both original standard and enterprise Starlink kits, customers can now enjoy a global warranty and direct installation services by purchasing only on Konga.

Since the launch of the partnership with the Elon Musk owned satellite internet provider, Nigerians have continued to celebrate the uninterrupted supply of fast and efficient cyber network services from the authentic devices available on Konga.

In addition to Starlink, other unique items from leading global companies such as Apple, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Zinox, Philips, Intel and many more are available at unbeatable discounts in the Konga Tech Month from the 1st and will run till the 31st of May 2024.

The Konga Tech Month was extended from its traditional 7day promotion to 30days to give more people access to exclusive deals throughout the month. To enjoy these mouthwatering offers, visit konga.com or any of its physical outlets today.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending