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Knowledge Olympiad: Africa Must Step Forward Digitally- Experts

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Chris Uwaje
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The knowledge Olympiad is here and Africa must step forward to be counted and digitally ready at all levels, if she must survive the emerging critical challenges, traumatic impact as well as secure the opportunities and benefits presented by ‘globalization order’ of the 21st Century, said Okwu Marcus Eke with contributions from Chris Uwaje, Africa Chair on IEEE World Forum on IoT .

The duo made the appeal in a combined conference keynote speech at the Second Africa and Middle East Conference on Software Engineering (AMECSE 2016)                                             

Organised by the Software Engineering Competence Center (SECC) of Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA).

With a topic & focus on “Africa and Software of Things – Engaging the Knowledge Olympiad”, Eke and Uwaje said that competition has always been the Hallmark of appraising human development at traditional and modern levels. “In the stone age as we knew it, physical muscle was the measure to determine right and progress”, the IT experts said.

The duo re-emphasised that today, humanity lives in a ‘Software-first’ World, where Innovation and disruptive creativity has become the centre of gravity of life and significance of human existence.

“And by extension – in my professional evaluation – the most constructive and strategic pathway to Africa’s future and survivability, resides in the mastery, application and sustainable control of her Intellectual Capital. Africa must Innovate or be digitally enslaved. We must move from abject consumer to respectable creator and producer – with special reference on how to aggregate her Software potentials, skills and capacities for global competitiveness”.

On the keynote which focuses on the concept of “Africa and Software of Things” (ASoTs) within the context of Internet of Things” IoTs, Eke and Uwaje said it “addresses the vision, mission, mechanisms and dynamic approaches for developing the continent’s inter-connected knowledge architecture and Framework – as a creative response for the emerging impact of Internet of Things & Everything. The keynote will make useful recommendation on how to add incremental value to Africa Software Ecosystem – through Africa and Software of Things (ASoTs).

“But today, Knowledge has become and will for a longtime remain the primary key and most critical factor for national development, wealth creation, and promotion of human dignity, productivity, increased GDP and above all, National Security and global competitiveness. The centre of gravity of the knowledge in question resides in understanding the chemistry of Software Development Ecosystem.      

“Humanity today, lives in a ‘Software-first’ World, where Innovation and disruptive creativity has become the centre of gravity of life and significance of human existence. And by extension – in my professional evaluation – the most constructive, disruptive, and strategic pathway to Africa’s future and survivability, resides in the mastery, application and sustainable control of her Intellectual Capital. Africa must Innovate or be digitally enslaved. We must move from abject consumer to respectable creator and producer – with special reference on how to aggregate her Software potentials, skills and capacities for global competitiveness.

Concept and Objective
“The concept of “Africa and Software of Things” (ASoTs) within the context of Internet of Things (IoTs) therefore addresses the vision, mission, mechanisms and dynamic approaches for developing the continent’s inter-connected knowledge architecture and Framework – as a creative response for the emerging impact of Internet of Things & Everything. We all know that Rail lanes, Air transport and Sea Transport were the critical tools that drove the western economy which is still a challenge in Africa, but today the Broadband is the proven tool for driving the Sustainable African economy in this digital era. Therefore, Software engineers, developers and architect must leverage on this to create innovations that will transform businesses and lives in Africa.

Africa and Statistics of Internet
“Africa has a population of over 1.1billion people with is 16% of the world population, According to internetlivestat.com, Africa has recorded 9.8% penetration of Internet Users against the 90.2% of the rest of the world. We are not there yet but if we must secure the opportunities provided by the IoTs, Africa must understand the role and impact of Software in actualizing the globalization order. Already we are experiencing rapid growth in Internet Access in many parts of the continent is an engine that will drive the Software world of Africa.

“Within the last half decade, For Instance in Nigeria where Internet Penetration has actually increased from 23% to 46.1%, we have recorded tremendous growth in the area of software development, job creation, education, health, agriculture, digital inclusion etc. It was said that ICT in Nigeria contributes 10% of the national GDP so it means that if platforms are created, skills and capacity developed, policies and strategic plans implemented, Africa will be transformed into a Digital Natives.

In Search of Africa’s Innovation ‘IP Grid’
“Records from her past records of civilization is proof that Africa is a treasure-house of knowledge about ‘Logic of things’. Therefore, Africa must urgently set sail in search of her unique but currently hidden Innovation Grid – through critical Software Engineering Research. SoTs represents the fundamental need for Africa Innovative minds to explore the most dynamic and consistent process for the development of critical knowledge-fusion model for Africa’s Innovation IP Grid’.

IoTs and the Role of Embedded Systems
“The Internet of Things (IoTs) is generally thought of as connecting things to the Internet and using that connection to provide some kind of useful remote monitoring or control of those things. This definition of IoTs is limited, and references only part of the IoTs evolution. It is basically a rebranding of the existing Machine to Machine (M2M) market of today.

“The IoTs creates an intelligent, invisible network fabric that can be sensed, controlled and programmed. IoTs-enabled products employ embedded technology that allows them to communicate, directly or indirectly, with each other or the Internet.”

In the 1990s, Internet connectivity began to proliferate in enterprise and consumer markets, but was still limited in its use because of the low performance of the network interconnect.

“In the 2000s Internet connectivity became the norm for many applications and today is expected as part of many enterprise, industrial and consumer products to provide access to information. However, these devices are still primarily things on the Internet that require more human interaction and monitoring through apps and interfaces. The true promise of the IoTs is just starting to be realized – when invisible technology operates behind the scenes dynamically responding to how we want “things” to act.

“To date, the world has deployed about 5 billion “smart” connected things. Predictions say there will be 50 billion connected devices by 2020 and in our lifetime we will experience life with a trillion-node network. Those are really big numbers. How things are fundamentally deployed today is a barrier to realizing those numbers. The industry will only achieve the reality of 50 billion connected devices by simplifying how things connect and communicate today.

“The IoTs is expected to transform how we live, work and play. From factory automation and automotive connectivity to wearable body sensors and home appliances, the IoTs is set to touch every facet of our lives. We will “author” our life with networks around us that constantly change and evolve based on our surroundings and inputs from other systems. It will make our lives safer with cars that sense each other to avoid accidents. It will make our lives more green with lighting systems that adjust based on the amount of daylight from windows. It will make our lives healthier with wearables that can detect heart attacks and strokes before they happen. There is a long road ahead to the IoTs in Africa. But one thing is for sure, it is going to be amazing.

Special Focus & Impact Areas:
“The next battle field for globalization will be of constructive National Policies and Strategies on Internet of Things (IoTs) and digital Security and Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoTs). Other sensitive areas include but not limited to: Empowering the Youth and the New Creative Class; Understanding and Classifying Software as Food & Drugs; Devote great interest to promoting Digital Games with African Content; Engaging and facilitating Access to Mobile Broadband technology/IPv6 and reduce the unavoidable Africa e-Culture Shock of 21st Century.

Keynote Recommendation
“Moving forward, and recognizing the fact that indigenous knowledge content in Africa faces a monumental challenge at the mercy of the current and emerging knowledge Olympiad wrapped up in IoTs, Software Embedded Systems, IPv6, Cloud, Nano of Things, Big Data, etc.,  the Keynote will solicit the endorsement of Africa Software Engineers, Policy Makers and Stakeholders to:

“1. Declare the current status of Africa Software Development and Application as a “Critical State of Emergency” and establish Africa Software Development Bank as a Subsidiary of Africa Development Bank (ADB)

“2. Advocate the need to establish a Continental Software Knowledge Framework (CSKF) for Africa as a platform to cluster, bank and share critical software knowledge on logic systems at all levels.

“3. Call on Policy Makers and Leadership in Africa establish the Africa Continent Software Research Fund” and by extension, pledge to adopt, advance and promote the concept of Africa IP Knowledge Grid (AIPKG).

“4. Approve the establishment of an Africa-wide e-Knowledge Competition on Africa Software of Things aspect of IoTs.

“5. Retool the Africa Knowledge Workforce from the Kindergarten to Tertiary levels with Software Engineering and Development, skills,  abilities and capacities as strategic imperative for the establishment of the “Africa’s New Creative and Innovative Class”                    

“As a young innovator, I believe in Africa, her strength, her heritage, her potentials skills and the progress she has made over the years and I am confident that the solutions for creating a Digital and prosperous Africa lies from within (Skills/Capacity development) and if we must live our dream of Smart Africa, then Africa must accept Software space as a vital tool that can drive the economy and retooling Africa Knowledge Ecosystem.

 


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E-Business

NITDA, API Partner Against Harmful Online Content

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National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), has convened a one-day workshop in Abuja to advance dialogue on the draft Online Harm Protection (OHP) Bill to confront harmful online content.

NITDA, API Partner Against Harmful Online Content

The bill, a rights-based, locally rooted, and multi-stakeholder initiative, is aimed at addressing the challenges of the digital age.

The event, which held yesterday, brought together government officials, civil society, academics, digital platforms, and legal experts to shape a policy framework designed to combat online ills such as cyberbullying, disinformation, hate speech, digital exploitation, and gender-based violence, while safeguarding democratic freedoms and digital inclusion.

In his keynote remarks, Kashifu Inuwa, director general, NITDA urged a paradigm shift in the way society engages with digital technologies.

“For almost two decades, we have viewed digital technology through a consumer lens. But these technologies are not just products and services. They are transforming how we live, work, and interact. They shape our politics, our society, and our democracy,” he said.

Warning against unaccountable digital power in the hands of private corporations, the DG likened the digital journey to the tale of Alice in Wonderland, where initial fascination with innovation has given way to deeper concerns about privacy, autonomy, and manipulation by big tech platforms.

“We thought we were using Google, but now we realise Google is using us. Social media, once a tool of expression, has become a tool of surveillance and influence,” Inuwa noted.

He, therefore, emphasised the urgency of developing a democratic and accountable framework.  He explained that following the 2021 Twitter ban, NITDA facilitated dialogue between the government and platform operators, leading to a Code of Practice that stressed Nigeria’s sovereignty and legal standards.

According to him, the same process birthed the multi-stakeholder steering committee and the OHP White Paper in December 2024, laying the foundation for the current legislative push.

Earlier in her opening remarks,  Victoria Manya, co-founder, API, observed the moral and civic necessity of the bill.

Her words: “The internet did not break society, it merely revealed its unfiltered version. Every day, Nigerians are exposed to harassment, disinformation, exploitation, and even algorithmic violence. The OHP Bill is not a war on the Internet. It is a peace offering to its users, a social contract for a digital future that is safe, inclusive, and democratic.

“We cannot answer the question of algorithmic power with unchecked state control. We must answer it with shared, rights-based governance. This bill must not be written for the people, but with them.”


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How AI Alert by Airtel is Transforming Mobile Security in Africa

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These days, people rely heavily on their mobile phones for talking, texting, banking, social media, and storing important personal information. Because of this, scammers and spammers often target phone users.

Mobile fraud, like fake SMS messages and scams, is becoming more common and putting millions at risk of losing money or having their private details stolen.

Airtel’s new AI-powered Spam Alert Service offers a smart and timely way to fight back, marking a major step forward in protecting mobile users in Africa.

A brief look at mobile fraud and spam

Mobile fraud and spam are problems around the world, but they hit harder in places where mobile phone use is growing fast, and safety measures haven’t caught up.

A 2024 report from GSMA Mobile Economy shows that more than 20% of mobile users globally have experienced some kind of mobile fraud, with spam texts being one of the most common.

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has noted a sharp rise in scam messages and fake calls, leading to yearly losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

These spam texts often include fake links, harmful ads, or tricks to steal personal details. Many people get caught without knowing, which can lead to stolen bank money, identity theft, or damaged devices.

Older spam blockers only work on certain phones or apps, leaving many people, especially those using basic phones, without protection.

Why Airtel’s AI Spam Alert Service stands out

Airtel, a top telecom company in Africa, has launched a new and free service called the AI Spam Alert Service. It’s the first of its kind in Africa and aims to protect mobile users from spam text messages as they come in.

What makes this service different is that it doesn’t read or check the actual message content. Instead, it uses advanced artificial intelligence to quickly study the sender’s behaviour using over 250 signs or patterns, all within a fraction of a second.

Some of those parameters, according to Airtel, includes:

  • How frequently the sender changes SIM cards.
  • The volume and frequency of messages sent by the message initiator to different recipients.
  • The geographical spread of the recipient numbers, whether messages are targeted locally or dispersed nationwide.
  • Whether the sender receives replies or only sends messages.
  • A cross-reference of numbers previously reported for spam activity.

The AI completes this analysis in just 2 milliseconds, faster than the blink of an eye, allowing real-time alerts to subscribers as suspected spam messages arrive.

How Airtel’s Spam Alert Service improves mobile safety and trust

Airtel’s new AI-powered spam alert system is set to make a big difference in mobile security across Nigeria and the rest of Africa. Instead of depending on users to block spam themselves, the service works directly through the network to stop suspicious messages before they reach people’s phones.

This kind of technology helps users feel safer and more confident using mobile networks—especially as more people rely on their phones for banking and other money-related services.

A 2025 report by McKinsey Digital shows that many Africans worry about mobile security when using digital financial tools. By reducing the risk of spam and fraud, Airtel is not only protecting its users but also helping to build a safer digital space where more people can take part in the growing mobile economy.

According to Airtel, within two months of its launch, the spam alert service system has identified 9,667,008 messages as potential spam.

Why this is a game changer

By building a service that is first-of-its-kind in Africa, Airtel is leading the way in offering spam alerts, powered by AI directly on its network, for over 150 million subscribers across the continent.

In addition, the service is quick, spotting suspicious sender activity in just milliseconds without reading users’ messages.

Finally, the service is free and requires no app downloads or extra setup. Airtel says the turns on automatically, making it easy for everyone to stay protected, even those using basic phones.

By sending signals to users before problems happen, Airtel boosts trust and encourages more people to safely use mobile money and other digital services.

Scammers are always finding new ways to trick consumers through the ubiquitous mobile phones, so increased demand for security improvements is, understandably, shifting to telecom companies.

Airtel’s AI Spam Alert Service is a strong and timely move toward better, smarter protection for users. As more people start using the service, it should help cut down fraud, keep personal information safe, and make mobile use more enjoyable.

As African economies continue to grow more digital, users of telecom services will need more secure and reliable ways to communicate, and Airtel is leading the way towards that safe future.

 


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Microsoft Server Hack Likely Solo Actor, Thousands at Risk

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A widespread cyberattack targeting Microsoft’s (MSFT.O) server software used by thousands of government agencies and businesses for internal document sharing was likely orchestrated by a single actor, a cybersecurity researcher said on Monday.

Microsoft Server Hack Likely Solo Actor, Thousands at Risk

Microsoft issued an alert on Saturday warning of “active attacks” on on-premise SharePoint servers.

The company clarified that SharePoint Online, part of the Microsoft 365 cloud suite, was not affected by the exploit, which is considered a “zero-day” vulnerability due to its previously undiscovered nature.

“Based on the consistency of the tradecraft seen across observed attacks, the campaign launched on Friday appears to be a single actor. However, it’s possible that this will quickly change,” Rafe Pilling, director of Threat Intelligence at Sophos, a British cybersecurity firm.

That tradecraft included the sending of the same digital payload to multiple targets, Pilling added.

Microsoft said it had “provided security updates and encourages customers to install them,” a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

It was not clear who was behind the ongoing hack. The FBI said on Sunday it was aware of the attacks and was working closely with its federal and private-sector partners, but offered no other details.

Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Washington Post said unidentified actors in the past few days had exploited a flaw to launch an attack that targeted U.S. and international agencies and businesses.

According to data from Shodan, a search engine that helps to identify internet-linked equipment, over 8,000 servers online could theoretically have already been compromised by hackers.

Those servers include major industrial firms, banks, auditors, healthcare companies, and several U.S. state-level and international government entities.

“The SharePoint incident appears to have created a broad level of compromise across a range of servers globally,” said Daniel Card of British cybersecurity consultancy, PwnDefend.

“Taking an assumed breach approach is wise, and it’s also important to understand that just applying the patch isn’t all that is required here.”


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