Telecom
Huawei partners TD Africa to roll out suite of cutting-edge products for SME market
Huawei, a leading multinational technology company has partnered with TD Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest tech, solutions and lifestyle distributor to unveil a range of state-of-the-art products targeting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) market in Nigeria and beyond.
They include the Intelligent Collaboration IdeaHub series products, next-generation networking devices and smart storage products.
The revolutionary products were unveiled at a well-attended launch event at Yudala Heights located at 13 Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
The Huawei IdeaHub series is an intelligent endpoint which integrates multiple functions, including multi-screen collaboration between mobiles and PCs, interactive whiteboard, remote collaboration, FHD video conferencing and built-in HD AppGallery. Among the IdeaHub series is the new IdeaHub Board 2 which brings digital to every classroom for interactive teaching and immersive learning. Furthermore, IdeaHub Board 2 is Huawei’s next-gen education device equipped with a 4K soft light screen to protect the eyes. It integrates the teaching hardware and software ecosystem to provide functions such as smooth writing, convenient projection, and multimedia connection in digital classroom, hybrid learning, and collaborative classroom scenarios.
For its Next-Gen Networking Devices rollout, the new devices include the S3710 and S5735-L series SME switches, AR617 and AR651 series SME routers and the AirEngine 5761 series SME access points. These devices offer advanced networking capabilities to help SMEs build reliable, secure and scalable networks that can support their business growth.
Also unveiled was the brand’s Intelligent Storage product – Huawei OceanStor which unlocks new levels of intelligence and power inherent in data, helping organizations of all sizes navigate the uncertain, complex, and diverse marketplace. Purpose-built for the digital world, Huawei OceanStor offers converged and flexible storage solutions that boast the power and reliability needed to meet green, sustainable, and future-facing development goals.
Each of these products embody simplified management systems, with active storage of up to 50G. These products were developed to help small businesses effectively manage their enterprises and ensure efficiency at every stage, including setup and upgrading as well as getting quick service and prioritized support, while keeping data secure and backed up via Cloud storage so that businesses can concentrate on running their operations.
“SMEs hold the economic framework of every country as they represent over 90% of businesses and more than 50% of global employment rate. With small businesses at the core of our economy, TD Africa is proud to be the channel through which SMEs have access to these business transformational products.
“We are also glad that Huawei products play a major role in helping these businesses grow,’’ disclosed Coordinating Managing Director, TD Africa, Mrs. Chioma Chimere.
She added: “Today, our partner Huawei, who are at the forefront of innovative technological products and services, have brought this to our doorstep. The essence is to drive empowerment the way it should be. Not only do they want to contribute to the success of big companies, but they are also supporting the bulk of those who need to be empowered – SMEs. You don’t have to be a big name in the business sector before you embrace technology. Every SME should embrace the products unveiled as it will help your business grow significantly in the remaining three quarters of this year.’’
Also speaking at the event, Gary Lee, Channel Director, Huawei cited the company’s consistency in churning out cutting-edge products, despite the challenging and constantly shifting business climate, even as he emphasized that Huawei’s enterprise business is committed to bringing ICT to each sector.
“Huawei, in partnership with our distributor TD has put this event together to see how we can create more value for our partners with our new SME products. Today, with our dedication and drive stimulated by our core value of customer centricity, we have provided solutions that will help our partners and SMEs be better positioned as they ride on these products. We won’t just launch these products. We are going to provide quality support systems for our partners and their customers to have seamless experiences as they enjoy these products,” he stated.
Further exciting channel partners and resellers at the event was the Huawei Incentives Policy – a sales performance scheme through which salespersons of client-facing tier partner of Huawei enjoy handsome commissions for every deal they close.
The event also provided useful networking opportunities for partners and other attendees, some of whom went home with Huawei Notepad tablets as giveaways.
Organisations today face a data paradox: they need to make fast, intelligent decisions but are overwhelmed by large volumes of often unreliable information. With over 75% of business leaders under pressure to prove data’s value, the demand for trusted, actionable insights has never been greater.
What is agentic analytics
Agentic analytics allows users to collaborate with AI agents to speed up the entire data-to-action process. Instead of relying on static visualizations, analysts can use AI to automate tasks like data preparation and ETL (extract, transform, load processes), freeing them to focus on deeper analysis. Business leaders can ask natural language questions and get instant, reliable answers along with recommended actions. This makes data-driven decision-making easier and more efficient, removing the need for technical expertise and manual effort typical of traditional BI tools.
- Automate repetitive data tasks like data cleaning, transformation, and visualization generation, as well as the execution of complex, multi-step analytical workflows within and across different business areas. This builds on Tableau’s strength in simplifying complex data for users.
- Proactively deliver faster, more comprehensive insights by autonomously detecting hidden correlations, outliers, and trends that might be missed by human observation. This enhances Tableau’s focus on user-driven insights by providing AI guidance.
- Enable more contextual and effective action through natural language summaries, visualisations, and data-driven recommendations, insights delivered where people work with an enterprise-class workflow engine that enables users to kick off automated actions. This extends Tableau’s ability to drive action from data, making it more seamless within the Salesforce ecosystem.
Built on the trusted Salesforce Platform and leveraging the power of Data Cloud, Tableau Next delivers enterprise-grade performance, robust security, and flexible, zero-copy data integration for seamless data connectivity. Tableau Semantics, an intelligent semantic layer, provides a unified understanding of information, ensuring data consistency and accelerating the discovery of critical insights. The built-in workflow engine in Tableau Next seamlessly translates insights directly into actionable steps, dramatically accelerating the time to value. The key differentiator is the native integration with Agentforce, Tableau Next equips humans and AI agents with pre-built analytical skills to rapidly transform data into tangible business value, marking a significant leap forward in data-driven decision-making. It includes:
- Data Pro: Your Intelligent Data Prep Assistant. Instead of users manually cleaning up and changing data using complex steps (like in traditional ETL), Data Pro will give smart suggestions on how to do it and even automatically handle some of the complicated changes, saving time and effort.
- Concierge: Instant Answers in Plain Language. Get immediate, reliable answers to data questions. Sales teams, for example, can simply ask “What are my best sales opportunities?” and receive clear insights with recommended actions.
- Inspector: Proactive Data Monitoring & Insights. Continuously tracks your data for key changes, analyzes trends, and predicts improvements. Service teams can be instantly alerted to drops in customer satisfaction, enabling immediate action.
Ensuring Data Trust and Accuracy:
- Tableau Semantics: Tableau Semantics serves as the semantic layer, providing Tableau Next and Agentforce with a unified understanding of business data. By establishing consistent definitions and context, it enables AI agents to generate accurate and relevant responses.
Boosting Efficiency:
- Marketplace: Allows users to easily share and reuse data analysis components (like data assets, connections, metrics, visualizations, dashboards), saving time and ensuring everyone is working with the same information.
“Tableau Next helps businesses achieve faster, more impactful results with their data,” said Ryan Aytay, CEO of Tableau. “We’re shifting from basic reports to a world where AI is a collaborative decision-making partner. By combining AI agents with trusted data and easy-to-use tools, we’re making data accessible to everyone and transforming the data-to-action process into an automated, proactive, and insight-driven cycle. This empowers users to improve decision-making, boost efficiency, and manage risk more effectively.”
Chinese-founded e-commerce platforms Temu and Shein have announced upcoming price increases for U.S. customers, citing higher operating expenses due to tariffs imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration.
These tariffs include a 145% import tax on most goods made in China and the elimination of the “de minimis provision,” which previously allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free.
The changes, effective May 2, have disrupted the business models of both companies, known for their ultra-low prices and extensive digital marketing campaigns.
Temu and Shein, which specialize in affordable products ranging from clothing to electronics, have urged customers to shop before the price adjustments take effect.
The companies aim to minimize the impact on consumers while adapting to the new trade rules.
These developments come amid concerns from U.S. lawmakers and business groups about the competitive advantage of inexpensive Chinese goods and the potential entry of counterfeit products through the now-canceled exemption.
Google has opened applications for the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, a three-month initiative designed to support early-stage startups using artificial intelligence to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Across the continent, startups are demonstrating how local innovation can solve deeply rooted problems. In West Africa, Crop2Cash – an agritech platform and alumni of the program – is using AI to digitally onboard smallholder farmers, build their financial identities, and provide them with access to credit, traceable payments, and productivity tools.
Through these efforts, Crop2Cash is improving agricultural outcomes and unlocking economic opportunity for farmers who have long been excluded from formal systems—illustrating the kind of impact that’s possible when African startups receive the support they need to scale.
The Accelerator is open to Seed to Series A startups based in Africa that are building AI-first solutions. Startups must have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a clear vision for responsible AI innovation. Selected participants will receive:
Dedicated technical mentorship from Google and industry experts
Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
Access to a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators
Workshops focused on technology, product strategy, people leadership, and AI implementation
AI’s potential to accelerate Africa’s development is real, and Google is investing in ensuring that African startups lead that charge. According to McKinsey, AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, but only if bold innovation is supported at the grassroots.
“Startups are Africa’s problem solvers. With the right resources, they can scale their impact far beyond local communities,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google.
“This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply.”
Since 2018, the program has supported 140 startups from 17 African countries. These alumni have raised more than $300 million in funding and created over 3,000 jobs. Many are now regional and global leaders in their categories.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. Startups interested in participating can apply at: https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa
For further information and updates, visit the Google Africa Blog or follow @GoogleAfrica on social media.
Eedris Abdulkareem Teases New Protest Anthem following NBC Ban
Google Blocks 5.1Bn Harmful Ads in 2024, Suspends 39m Accounts
CBN Warns Banks, Fintechs on Compliance with Sanctions
How CBEX Operators ‘Enticed’ Victims –SEC
Airtel Smartcash Set to Power Stress-Free Easter with Seamless Cashflow
We’re Confident in the Super Eagles – Karl Toriola
FG to Harmonise Fiscal Data Across MDAs
SEC Declares War on Capital Market Fraudsters
EFCC Arrests 133 @ Ponzi Scheme Training Academy
FG, UK FCDO, and Ghana Partner to Launch Sankore
Telecom2 days agoSalesforce Revolutionizes Business Intelligence with AI-Powered Tableau Next
Broadcasting2 days agoMultiChoice Brings Easter Home with Dedicated Pop-Up Channel
News2 days agoAirtel Smartcash Set to Power Stress-Free Easter with Seamless Cashflow
E-Business2 days agoDG NITDA Tasks Africa to Lead the AI Revolution Through Strategic Leadership, Inclusive Innovation
E-Business2 days agoGoogle Blocks 5.1Bn Harmful Ads in 2024, Suspends 39m Accounts
E-Financial2 days agoHow CBEX Operators ‘Enticed’ Victims –SEC
Telecom2 days agoTemu and Shein Raise U.S. Prices Amid Trump-Era Tariffs
Broadcasting2 days agoEedris Abdulkareem Teases New Protest Anthem following NBC Ban