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HP Announces PC Innovations for Hybrid Work Environments in Nigeria

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HP has released a new range of devices and solutions for the Nigerian and other markets, designed to help people boost productivity, collaborate with ease, and work anywhere, with strong security.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted work environments around the world and it’s clear that hybrid working environments are the new normal.

Nearly half of business professionals are working remotely[i]  and the importance of productivity at home is clear: people want faster PCs and faster internet.[ii] For IT organizations, 60% are finding ways to support more flexible work arrangements to provide the same level of support at home as users get in office.[iii] At the same time, more than 40% of IT departments are prioritizing built-in security on employee endpoint devices.

“With workspaces at home becoming the status quo and businesses supporting their workforce both remotely and for those back in the office, the PC is essential in these hybrid working environments,” said Andy Rhodes, global head of Commercial Personal Systems, HP Inc.

“We’re making our most premium experiences more accessible with new laptops that offer greater mobility to work from anywhere, desktops that bring powerhouse performance to small workspaces, monitors that enable collaboration and support wellbeing, and services that offer comprehensive and flexible solutions – all to support the business transformation happening today.”

One of the new products is the HP ProBook 635 Aero G7, equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen™ Mobile Processor for powerful performance and has connected modern standby to get users working in seconds.

With a starting weight of under one kg and long battery life, it is designed to keep users productive around the home, in the office, or on-the-go. HP Sure View Reflect allows users to work discreetly, Wi-Fi 6 and 4G LTE makes it easy to get connected, and the keyboard provides a smooth and quiet typing experience.

Sleek and built with sustainability in mind, it has an elevated design that provides a premium feel that is compact yet sturdy, and an all-metal design that has over 62% of mechanical parts made from recycled materials – a proud addition to HP’s world’s most sustainable PC portfolio.

Built to provide a solid performance, the HP ProBook 635 Aero G7 boosts productivity when powered with the latest AMD Ryzen™ 4000 Series Mobile Processors, optional Ryzen PRO 4000 Series Mobile Processors, and latest integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics. It also comes with sanitation features designed to withstand 1,000 cycles of disinfection with household wipes.

HP also introduced the HP ProBook 600 G8 and HP ProBook 400 G8 PC Series built for professionals at growing companies who move from desk to meeting room to home.

With an enhanced design and optional quad-core 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, the latest ProBook 600 and ProBook 400 PCs continue to deliver the commercial performance, security, and durability that users need.

For users who need more power to keep up with serious workloads, HP unveiled new Elite and Pro desktops designed to meet the demands of a multi-task work-day with a choice of form factors.

The HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Series PCs features an upgraded chassis for a modern look and new flexibility and expandability options for personalization. HP Run Quiet Design acoustics minimize noise levels to help users focus and VR-ready capabilities enable high performance workloads.

The desktop series allow users to experience enterprise-class productivity, plus industry-leading reliability, security, and manageability in their choice of form factors.

The HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Desktop Mini PC is a compact, high-performance PC that fits easily into an open office when paired with the optional Mini-in-One display. The HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Small Form Factor is part of the world’s first AMD-based small form factor business class desktop PCs with dual M.2 drive capability.

The HP ProDesk 405 G6 Series PCs features the latest AMD Ryzen™ PRO Series Desktop Processors for powerful performance and versatile options with quieter and energy-efficient designs for growing businesses.

The HP E24d and E27d Conferencing Monitors empower users with everything they need to virtually collaborate.

These Zoom-compatible monitors allow users to effortlessly video conference with the integrated pop-up webcam, microphone, and attached speaker bar without having to buy or connect additional accessories.

This clean desk solution is completed with docking, so with a single cable from this monitor, users can connect their laptop and all their PC essentials with 100W USB-C® power delivery.

When hands-on productivity is needed, the HP E24t G4 FHD Touch Monitor allows users to interact with content onscreen, without distracting glare and fingerprint smudges.

Get the right set-up for a comfortable workspace with four-way ergonomics and HP Eye Ease, which addresses blue light without affecting color accuracy or introducing any yellow shift. Responsibly made with more than 80% of its plastics being recycled[iv] and 100% sustainably sourced and recyclable packaging.

With 57% of small- to mid-sized business owners planning to adopt options for employees to work from home in the long-term,[v] they are struggling to manage, protect, and support their remote employees while ensuring  business continuity.

HP understands the complexity and challenges businesses face in today’s unpredictable climate and is bringing to market a new solution-oriented program providing peace of mind and ultimate productivity.

HP Business Boost provides the right technology, security, and support services enabling small to mid-sized businesses to manage the workforce evolution at an affordable monthly cost.

To help businesses better manage the device lifecycle, the HP Device as a Service (DaaS) program has been updated and simplified.

Customers around the world now have a consistent solution – whether they operate in a single country or globally – and can customize their DaaS program with additional, optional HP or Partner Services, to better address their needs.

For partners, the updated HP DaaS program serves as a foundation to build tailored solutions for their customers, and HP Integrated Financial Solutions provides flexible payment solutions to help secure new customers and optimize refresh opportunities in the future.

HP TechPulse, the analytics platform that drives services in HP DaaS, is constantly evolving to put the power of insights and AI into the hands of our customers and partners.


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E-Business

Wema Bank Launches Second FGN-ALAT Digital ‘Skillnovation’ Cohort

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Wema Bank has launched the second cohort for the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme in partnership with the Federal Government to train and equip two million young people and 1 million MSMEs across Nigeria with relevant digital skills.

Since the launch of the first cohort in 2023, over 300,000 youths and business owners have leveraged the platform as a launchpad for their business and career success.

This cohort featured 100% virtual learning sessions through which participants from the 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were provided with self-paced online learning experiences.

As cohort 2 begins in the second quarter of 2024, the FGN-ALAT digital programme is officially transitioning to physical training sessions and the curriculum will cover key digital skills including software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing and product design, among others.

This phase of the programme will be executed via FGN-ALAT digital hubs, which will be set up in the different states across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria to ensure that every Nigerian can access the programme’s full benefits regardless of their location.

These hubs will be equipped with training and incubation facilities ideal for digital-driven learning, giving participants the opportunity to acquire marketable and transferrable digital skills and gain a competitive edge in the global digital ecosystem.

The FGN-ALAT digital hubs will be set up in phases and trainings will commence accordingly, starting with Borno  and Anambra State.

Wema Bank’s Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business, Tunde Mabawonku, emphasised the pivotal role of the programme in bridging the gaps in Nigeria’s macroeconomic landscape towards national development.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to supporting MSMEs and with the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, it’s all about the bigger picture—which is why we have partnered with the Federal Government to augment the scale of this programme’s impact.

“By tailoring this programme to suit the needs of both entrepreneurial minded and professionally inclined Nigerians, we are not just arming SMEs for more efficient business management and growth, we are also equipping Nigeria’s workforce for increased productivity and the ripple effect will not only create more viable employment opportunities for Nigerians towards reduced unemployment and underemployment rates, but further drive economic growth and national development, boosting Nigeria’s position on the global playing field.

“The digital evolution is moving sporadically and by empowering our youth and MSMEs with in-demand digital skills, we are ensuring that Nigeria is not left behind as the world evolves.

“Beyond the intellectual resources and other non-monetary opportunities, we are going a step further to provide financial support for these participants in form of millions of naira in equity capital, soft loans and grants, to enable them put their learnings to practice and build sustainable streams of income that could help them become employers in their own right.

“I encourage you to take the big step forward in achieving your business and career goals by joining the programme. All you have to do is visit the website to register. This programme is completely free and there’s more than enough room for you. Your success is Nigeria’s success and as your unique journey unravels, our promise remains certain,” he said.

Referring to the programme as an eye-opener for all, Mariam Isah, a beneficiary of Cohort 1, said, “It’s almost unbelievable all I’ve learnt in one month virtual training.

“I started this training simply looking for a way forward for my business but I have unlocked secrets that are life changing not just in my business but in all aspects of life. I am so grateful for this rare opportunity, and I can’t wait to be a part of the cohort 2.”


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StarNews, Global Black Economic Forum Launch Business Competition In Partnership with MTN & USAID

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Africa’s leading video streaming platform, StarNews Mobile and the Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF), have announced a call for applications for the launch of their Business Competition in Lagos, Nigeria.

Held in partnership with MTN and United Nations Agency for International Development (USAID), the initiative will empower Nigeria’s most promising businesses that are classified as Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with invaluable investment and partnership opportunities from the USA.

Held over 10 weeks between April 8th to June 14th, hosted exclusively on the StarNews Biz Channel on the StarNews platform, this competition offers a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures and gain national visibility.

With subscribers voting for their favourite candidates, the top 20 contestants will seize the spotlight and make their mark on the business landscape.

The StarNews Business Competition in partnership with GBEF delivers a unique opportunity for thriving Nigerian SMEs to access mentoring, funding, partnerships and socio-economic development tools through the Global Black Economic Forum.

With the prospect of securing cash prizes through StarNews worth up to NGN5,000,000, getting access to StarNews’s network of investors and the opportunity to gain national visibility by having their business on the StarNews web platform.

The top three winners will also receive coaching from GBEF’s Academy for Advancing Excellence and become part of GBEF’s ecosystem of global leaders committed to social and economic justice across the Black Diaspora.

Previous speakers at GBEF convenings from the entertainment sector include Wyclef Jean (Haitian Musician & Activist), Debra Lee (Former CEO of Black Entertainment Television – BET) and Ceci Kurzman (Founder of Nexus Management Group). Applications will close on April 5th 2024.

Speaking on the competition’s launch, Guy Kamgaing, Founder and CEO at StarNews Mobile, says “The StarNews Business Competition is a passion project close to our hearts at StarNews Mobile.

It’s about discovering the most promising business entrepreneurs and creators in Nigeria, opening up global opportunities for them and providing them with the resources and tools to achieve their goals.

By partnering with MTN, USAID and GBEF, we want to be a platform of empowerment for these SMEs by helping them give back to the communities that are supporting them.”

According to the US Embassy and Consulate for Nigeria, over 80% of Nigerian startups are incorporated in the United States and more than 60% of venture capital funding in Nigerian startups accounted for by the US.

In 2023 alone, Nigerian startups raised a total of $398mn however, this signalled a 66% funding decline compared to 2022 due to the global economic downturn, reinforcing the massive need for a fresh injection of capital and business support for Nigeria’s emerging SMEs.

Alphonso David, President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum notes that, “Our partnership with StarNews Mobile is a critical resource as we continue to build the collective strength of entrepreneurship across the Diaspora.

“Building a sustainable ecosystem of Black entrepreneurs in the United States and across the African continent is essential to create a future that makes economic opportunity and economic freedom a reality for all.”

A sister company to ESSENCE, GBEF advances its work by convening global summits and conferences, bringing together world leaders, business leaders, entrepreneurs, celebrities and civic leaders to address the most challenging problems facing our communities.

GBEF’s Academy for Advancing Excellence facilitates workforce and leadership development strategy, addressing the talent pipeline & employee lifecycle, providing leadership development & coaching, and conducting institutional assessments & research.

GBEF also develops and implements economic and social justice policy recommendations with partners ranging from civil and human rights organisations to government entities and corporations that advocate for economic opportunity, social justice, and health equity through thought leadership, advocacy and litigation.

Launched in 2017, StarNews Mobile empowers African content creators with the unique opportunity to monetize their work through a subscription model, boasting over 4 million subscribers and a thriving community of more than 120 content creators.

With a strong presence across six countries including Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte D’Ivoire, Congo, Benin and Ghana, the platform has also established key partnerships with major telecom operators such as MTN and Orange.

To-date, StarNews Mobile has secured over $8mn in funding with its most recent raise – a $3mn pre-Series A funding round in October 2023 – led by Janngo Capital with participation from French football players Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jules Koundé and Mike Maignan.

 


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Companies Invest More than $100,000 Yearly to Upskill their Cybersecurity Teams – Study Reveals

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Over 70% of businesses pay more than USD $100,000 for additional training annually to keep skills of their cybersecurity employees up to date, a recent global Kaspersky study has revealed.

However, the surveyed companies also highlighted that there was a lack of relevant courses covering new challenging spheres in the educational market and stated that training does not always bring them the expected result.

In its recent study ‘The portrait of the modern Information Security professional’, Kaspersky examined the topic of the global cybersecurity staff shortage, analysing the exact reasons businesses lack cybersecurity experts, and identifying the ways they evaluate and upskill their cybersecurity workforce¹.

According to the research, companies are investing significant amounts in upskilling their cybersecurity teams: 43% of organisations globally say they usually spend between $100,000 and $200,000 per year on information security courses, while 31% even invest over $200,000 for training programs. The remaining 26% state they usually pay less than $100,000 for educational initiatives².

However, cybersecurity practitioners also note that the educational market is struggling to keep up with the rapidly changing industry and fail to deliver the necessary training programs on time.

Survey results for the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa (META) region shows that the scarcity of courses covering new challenging spheres (48%) was the main problem for those searching for cybersecurity training.

50% of respondents from the META region also stated that trainees tend to forget what they learned because they had no opportunity to apply newly acquired knowledge, therefore the courses were useless to them.

The need for special training pre-requisites such as coding and advanced mathematics, which were not specified at the pre-registration stage were also problematic for 37% of practitioners from the META region.

“With a constantly evolving threat landscape, businesses should continually improve the skills of their cybersecurity personnel in order to be well prepared for sophisticated cyberattacks.

“Developing high-profile specialists within the company and building internal expertise can be an effective strategy for organisations that aim to retain existing employees and allow them to grow professionally, instead of constantly hunting for new candidates and checking their professional backgrounds and practical skills.

“For organisations served by Managed Service Providers it is also important to maintain a pretty high level of expertise internally and use the same language when discussing the scope of services and Service Level Agreement with them,” comments Veniamin Levtsov, VP, Center of Corporate Business Expertise at Kaspersky.


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