Connect with us

News

HP Steps up Fight against Fake Products

Published

on

Kindly share this post

 Technology firm Hewlett Packard (HP) plans to step up the battle against grey and fake HP products in the English West African region.
While grey and fake computers is a global issue, Africa is an area where organized fake and grey markets are rampant,  prompting Hewlett Packard and Microsoft to develop a comprehensive defense strategy to alert consumers about the dangers of partaking in the purchase of grey and fake products.
“Grey Market is the illegal selling of HP products where the company did not intend to sell them. Due to the extremely high level of consumers that buy from the grey & fake market, this costs Nigeria the loss of job opportunities, foreign direct investment in businesses as well as a loss of research and development funding,” says Chioma Iwuchukwu – Nweke, Personal Systems Group (PSG) General Manager of the English West African region.
According to Akunna Abadom, Marketing Manager Personal Systems Group (PSG), “HP is launching an all out campaign against the grey & fake market. The campaign will include a consistent rotation of advertorials, press briefings /releases and radio advertisement on educating consumers in the English West African region. The objective of this campaign is to enhance awareness on the acceptable means of purchasing HP computers. A successful execution of this much needed initiative will result in a direct reduction in consumers patronizing unauthorized sellers of unauthentic HP products in the region. HP also is in the process of training their preferred distributors, retailers and partners on the importance of selling authentic HP products. This awareness is meant to further enhance HP’s message to the HP preferred partners (resellers) & consumers that HP cares about the consumer and the way HP products are being represented and sold in the English West African region.”
In addition to the grey and fake advertisements, HP has taken a further step to protect and insure the authenticity of their computers by developing an ultra sensitive certified security tag. HP computers and accessories purchased from the authorised channels will be clearly marked with this certified security tag in order to alert consumers that they are purchasing an authentic HP product. Purchasing from the HP authorized channel will insure consumers that the product being purchased is authentic and the product will receive all of the after sales services and support that it is entitled to.
In conjunction with HP’s campaign, Microsoft Nigeria is also joining in the fight against unauthentic products. Microsoft is currently driving several initiatives to curb software piracy in the Nigerian market. These initiatives are hinged on educating both end users and Microsoft partners on the value of using “Genuine Products”.
Early this year, Microsoft launched the Clean Dealer programme where partners went into an agreement to promote the sale of Genuine Software and committed to staying away from selling counterfeits.
“Microsoft is supporting such resellers by promoting them as primary sources for our software especially in the very popular Computer Village in Lagos” said Uzo Okpaka, Channel Compliance Manager, Microsoft Nigeria.
Microsoft is focusing on educating the end users by initiating a Certificate of Authenticity campaign which is currently running. The Certificate of Authenticity is a physical way of identifying if genuine software has been installed in a PC. It is a sticker that is visible underneath or on the PC as the case may be.
This year, Microsoft has trained over 800 partners on the value of genuine software and how to become trusted advisors to their customers.
The company is actively working to protect customers who have fallen victim of software pirates and who have reported such cases to Microsoft.  By working closely with the local enforcement agency Nigeria Copyright Commission it enables Microsoft to carry out legal actions against the perpetrators.
“In March we have gone a step further by opening an Information Centre in the Computer Village at Ikeja that will give customers and partners, access to information on where to buy “Genuine Products” from, also serve as a training centre for our partners who are located in the village” said Uzo Okpaka’s
HP Nigeria is also working hand and hand with law enforcement authorities to identify and seize counterfeit products, cut off distribution routes and prosecute fraudsters. Globally from 2005-2008 HP conducted 4620 investigations in 55 countries resulting in 3,528 enforcement actions (raids and seizures by authorities) seizing a total value of more than $795 million USD worth of counterfeit HP supplies products. 
With the complete cooperation and support of laws enforcement authorities, both HP and Microsoft are confident that these campaigns will be extremely successful, and will result in a significant reduction in grey/fake/piracy activities in the region.

 


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

News

AXA Mansard Empowers Female SMEs with Financial, Digital Skills

Published

on

Kindly share this post

AXA Mansard, a member of AXA has empowered 200 female Small and Medium Enterprises with financial literacy and digital business skills.

In collaboration with SME 100 Africa, the two-day training, which was held in Lagos, is part of AXA’s lined-up programmes to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.

Speaking, Olusesan Ogunyooye, Head of Marketing AXA Mansard, said the training was aimed to empower female SME owners with skills to improve business output and position them for the increasing economic opportunities available in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Ogunyooye noted that the move was in line with AXA Mansard’s sustainability agenda, explaining that the company was convinced that support for women through its inclusive protection programmes was pivotal to its purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters and its mission of moving from being a payer to a partner.

He further said that focusing on digital skills was important because the company realised the importance of digital skills to the growth of the SME sector in Nigeria and wants to ensure that women were empowered enough to be a consequential part of that growth.

“It’s almost trite to say that SMEs are the engine for economic growth, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where over 45 million adults are business owners. What needs to be continually discussed is how Nigeria is going to unlock that potential for economic development and how much of that potential will be unlocked by women and for women.”

“For us at AXA Mansard, we are aware that digital will play a major role in unlocking these current opportunities and Nigeria’s economic future. So, to ensure that women are equally represented in unlocking these future potentials, that’s why we have collaborated with SME 100 Africa to support them in developing the required skills”.

“Our choice of digital and financial literacy skills is deliberate. We understand the power of the duo. We understand that helping these SMEs with the skills to attract more customers will be a faster means to empower them.

“We see that they have amazing products and services, but they need to understand how to attract value for themselves by attracting the right customers, and you will agree with me that virtually all customer segments are online in one way or another today.

“So, if we can empower them with digital business skills, we would have helped them with the heavy lifting of trying to find and attract customers”. Ogunyooye explained.

According to him, AXA Mansard believes that for the world to experience progress truly, there must be an equitable distribution of creation and access to opportunities for men and women. This quest for balance informed the SHE for Shield initiative, a women-centred inclusive protection programme of AXA Mansard.

SHE for Shield is a group of initiatives designed for the Nigerian woman. The goal is to see them grow, add value, and help them mitigate risks at every step.

According to the company, research has found that access to health care is one of the most important things to Nigerian women, regardless of their economic segment. They desire to be financially independent, secure, and respected in the community.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

IFC Invests in New 4DX Ventures Fund to Support Tech Startups in Africa

Published

on

Kindly share this post

IFC is investing $10.5 million in a new fund by 4DX Ventures, a New York-based venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage African technology companies across a broad set of sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, edtech, climate tech, and health tech.

IFC’s investment in 4DX Ventures Fund III will come from IFC’s $225 million venture capital platform, which was launched last year to strengthen emerging VC ecosystems and invest in early-stage companies in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Pakistan.

Africa is among the regions least served by venture capital, receiving just 2% of global venture deal volume in the third quarter of 2023. Access to capital on the continent has been further exacerbated by a slowdown in global venture capital investment.

Tech ecosystems are nascent, or even nonexistent, outside of more established markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.

“IFC and 4DX Ventures share the commitment to supporting tech entrepreneurs with innovations that will help Africa leapfrog in critical areas such as climate, health care, fintech, e-commerce, and education,” said Walter Baddoo, Co-Founder and General Partner of 4DX Ventures.

“We look forward to partnering with IFC to help promising tech startups build transformative businesses and realize sustainable development impact on the continent.”

4DX’s new fund will invest in companies with tech solutions that can improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Africa. The firm’s first two funds invested in companies such as Egypt-based e-commerce platform MaxAB, an IFC portfolio company; Ghana-based health tech firm mPharma; and Kenya-based B2B e-commerce platform Wasoko, formerly known as Sokowatch.

“By supporting the development of tech ecosystems in emerging markets, IFC’s venture capital platform aims to improve access to key services, boost business competitiveness, and promote job creation through digital transformation,” said Mohamed Gouled, Vice President of Industries at IFC.

“Our investment in venture funds such as 4DX Ventures will help African entrepreneurs access more financing and resources they need to scale tech innovations and bolster sustainable growth across the continent.

In addition to providing capital, IFC will work with 4DX Ventures to implement their environmental and social management system.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

Climate Action Africa Announces CAAF24

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Climate Action Africa (CAA) has announced the inaugural convening of the Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF24). This international event brings together stakeholders from across the world who drive thought leadership insights on how to encourage collaboration, catalyse actionable solutions, and urge governments, businesses, and individuals to invest in climate-smart initiatives.

The climate-focused event was announced at last week’s Friday international press conference held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja. This marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards a sustainable future. A precursor to the upcoming Climate Action Africa Forum scheduled for June 17-19, 2024, at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, this press conference brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the globe. The gathering’s main goal was to discuss the urgent need for sustainable development plans and climate-smart investments in Africa.

Framed by the theme “Green Economies, Brighter Futures: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate-Smart Development,” the international press conference became a vibrant platform for insightful discussions, strategic collaborations, and impactful engagements. It convened an esteemed gathering of leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore solutions for Africa’s pressing environmental challenges.

The event kicked off with a welcome address by the Executive Director and Co-founder of Climate Action Africa, Grace Mbah, who having announced the commencement of event registration as April 2nd, 2024, made the call for tech-driven solutions and innovations in the fields of emissions reduction, transportation, agriculture, energy, circularity and building and construction to apply to participate in the deal room.

Providing insights to attendees on how innovative approaches and collaborative action is at the heart of CAAF24, she extended an opportunity to like minded organisations who would like to partner by hosting side events and finally, a call for volunteers from across the continent.

“It’s no news that the world stands at a critical juncture, where decisive action is imperative to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Against this backdrop, CAAF24 serves as a pivotal platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discourse, and forge collaborative pathways towards a greener, more sustainable future.

The essence of CAAF lies in its commitment to shaping a climate-resilient Africa through co-creation, innovation, and sustainable investment. Through this initiative, we aim to catalyse solutions that enhance the sustainability and prosperity of the continent’s natural resources, people, and economies,” Grace stated.

During the International Press Conference, distinguished speakers and thought leaders emphasised the urgent need for collective action in tackling Africa’s climate challenges.

They delved into critical topics like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate finance, offering practical insights and inspiring initiatives.

Jummai Vandu, representing the National Council on Climate Change, expressed optimism about the initiative’s outcomes. “Today’s discussions,” she said, “underscore the urgency of our collective efforts to combat climate change. The National Council believes working together is key to driving meaningful action and creating a more sustainable future for Africa and beyond.”

With the International Press Conference complete, the stage is set for CAAF24. Stakeholders will converge to translate ideas into action, forge partnerships, and drive progress towards a climate-smart Africa.

Mrs. Taiwo Fashipe, Head of Media for the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi), echoed similar sentiments, stating: “The theme of this year’s Climate Action Africa Forum aligns with our goals, vision, and mission at the Presidential CNG Initiative.

“We look forward to using this platform to advance interest in and investment in greener and cleaner energy sources like CNG.”

Standing at a crucial juncture in Africa’s quest for sustainable development, CAAF24, convened by Climate Action Africa in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change, Channels Media Group, and Founder Institute, emerges as a beacon.

It brings together the private and public sectors, guiding the continent towards a future marked by resilience, prosperity, and environmental stewardship.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending