General News
Partnerships in Times of Crisis
By Amrote Abdella, Regional Director, Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative,
The current global crisis has highlighted a number of areas, from the need of efficient information management to the need of accurate data gathering for faster medical response. In looking at the role of technology during this period, one area that has stood apart in driving meaningful change is the role of partnerships.Today, more than before, Microsoft 4Afrika is steadfast in supporting healthcare partners across the continent as they adapt their platforms and services to meet current needs.
Microsoft, through its 4Afrika initiative, has formed strategic partnerships with healthcare providers throughout Africa and beyond, providing them with technical support and business consultancy to help them achieve their goals. Each of these healthcare providers has had a significant impact in their sphere of influence, but with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen how our partners have used their existing platforms and programmes to pivot and adapt existing technologies to rapidly provide the much-needed response to address the challenges of the pandemic.
Healthcare powered by big data
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are already used in healthcare, but in a rapidly evolving situation, these tools can significantly help boost response times and preparedness.
When Microsoft 4Afrika firstpartnered with BroadReach,they were striving to create and implement data-driven solutions to improve the management and delivery of health programmes in underserved regions around the world. Vantage, an integrated cloud platform powered by Microsoft solutions, delivers powerful analytics that helps development, health and human services organisations quickly identify risks and opportunities.
Using machine learning, AI, big data and cloud computing, the company has enabled significant health outcomes in supported districts, integrating data immediately from a wide range of sources, and delivering real-time data, actionable insights and step-by-step implementation guidelines to boost effectiveness. Their digital HIV Portfolio on Management Solution has helped an estimated 340,000 people access HIV treatment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, while their proactive predictive tool helps keep patients on treatment by predicting which patients are at risk of stopping medicines and empowering healthcare teams to reach out to them before they stop. Other types of predictive analysis help develop an understanding of how particular clinics and staff members are performing, medical stock levels and predicting what may happen and intervening before that happens.
During the Covid-19 crisis, BroadReach has moved quickly to repurpose its existing platforms. The company has used its cloud services, built on Azure, to rapidly gather data from thousands of health workers in the field and instantly upload it into Vantage, where advanced analytics are giving leaders key guidance to manage and prepare for the impact of the pandemic.
In healthcare, quick response times save lives.BroadReach has produced a facility readiness survey that allows government to redirect resources to prioritised hospitals and facilities, so that they have the right equipment and medical supplies on hand. Predictive analysis can be used to help forecast and track outbreak hotspots.
Partnerships like the one with BroadReach demonstrate the significant value that technology can deliver in situations that are rapidly changing and require high volumes of data from disparate sources to be quickly analysed for use in prediction and preventative measures.
Keeping healthcare facilities safe
Our partner Raphta has worked with Microsoft to develop software and hardware solutions that allow contactless biometrics which can be used for access control to facilities, among other things. Of course, during a pandemic where the virus can be transmitted on surfaces, contactless access assumes a far greater importance. Raphta is now offering its Shuri Face Contactless Biometrics solution to hospitals, clinics and buildings for thermal screening and containment, limiting contact and virus spread. Using current AI facial recognition software and hardware technology developed by Raphta and having quickly added the necessary thermal imaging technology, the company is now running pilot projects at the Netcare Gardens Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africaand at Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
Using technology to reach out
Telemedicine is another area where technology is enabling safer diagnosis and limiting unnecessary contact between patients and healthcare providers. Globally, the use of telemedicine has been surgingduring the current pandemic.
In Pakistan, we’ve seen first-hand the benefits of telemedicine in reaching patients who have limited access tohealthcare and healthcare workers.Sehat Kahani, an e-health start-up supported by 4Afrika usesMicrosoft platforms to provide patients who are far from healthcare centres with access to qualified doctors via a telemedicine platform, while cloud computing services mean that their patient records are immediately available anywhere using a mobile device.
Telemedicine can perform a vital role in enabling people to access healthcare services, remote diagnoses, and treatment plans. During the Covid-19 crisis, Sehat Kahani is using its smartphone app to provide virtual consultationsto patients across Pakistan, delivering educational content about the pandemic, and helping to direct them to the correct healthcare facilities if necessary. Using its telemedicine platform, it has educated more than a million users about the virus, andprovided more than 6,000 online consultations with patients.The company currently has more than 160 female doctors working non-stop to support citizens through this health crisis.
Bringing positive change in difficult circumstances
It’s encouraging to see how technology can support the humanitarian healthcare goals of countries across the globe, and how leading technology companies can support and enable healthcare partners to provide better, faster and more accurate treatment.Seeing how technologies can be adapted to work best in an emerging crisis shows the value of investing in these partnerships to help develop these platforms and services.
The clear challenge in Africa is bridging the gap in healthcare and providing equal access for all. By working with our partners across the African continent and beyond, we can see how technology is having a powerful impact on providing healthcare to the communities and countries who need it the most. Partners working together always provides more muscle through collaborationand we’ve seen technology allow our partners to scale, broadening their reach and subsequently have greater positive impact even in the current challenging, uncharted times.
About Amrote Abdella
As the Regional Director of Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative, Amrote Abdella spearheads Microsoft’s investments in Africa across 54 countries. She works closely with the internal teams in the Middle East and Africa – and globally – to enable and accelerate digital transformation opportunities across the continent.
Before becoming Regional Director, Amrote was 4Afrika’s Director for VC & Startups, where she worked closely with startups supporting the innovation ecosystem in Africa.
Prior to joining Microsoft, Amrote worked with the World Economic Forum in Geneva, as an Associate Director for Africa. She also served as a Financial Analyst at the World Bank in Washington, and worked in micro-finance with the Global Hunger Project, an NGO based out of New York. Here, she oversaw projects across eight countries in Africa and worked with African women farmers, driving financial inclusion.
In 2017, Amrote was named one of Africa’s Top 100 Young Business Leaders, ranking 12th out of 100 leaders under 40 who are playing a major role in driving the continent’s economic development. In 2019, she appeared on the same list, this time ranking 10th. In 2018 and 2019, she was also recognized by Jeune Afriqueas one of the top 50 influential leaders shaping digital evolution and supporting start-ups in the African continent.
Amrote constantly strives to learn new skills and believes in the values of passion, ambition and hard work. She also encourages all young women to have a grounding in STEM subjects.
Amrote holds a Masters degree in International Economic Development from the Heller School at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, and a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College in North Carolina.
House of Representatives is considering a bill seeking to promote sustainable rural development, reduce poverty, and enhance the livelihoods of Nigerians living in agrarian communities.
Titled “The National Integrated Rural Development Bill, 2025,” the proposed legislation aims to provide wage employment opportunities for unskilled labourers in rural areas, guaranteeing a daily wage of N3,500 for every employed adult household member.
Sponsored by Hon. Marcus Onobun, member representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State, the bill, which is awaiting its second reading on the floor of the Green Chamber, seeks to establish a legal and institutional framework to promote sustainable development across Nigeria’s rural regions.
The proposed law applies to all rural areas within Nigeria’s territorial boundaries as defined by relevant demographic and economic criteria.
Part III of the bill provides that every adult household in rural communities who volunteers for unskilled manual work through local development projects shall be guaranteed a minimum of 100 days of paid employment per fiscal year.
“The Agency shall ensure that every rural household, whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work through local development projects, is guaranteed a minimum of 100 days of wage employment per fiscal year,” the bill states.
“Every employed adult household shall be entitled to a daily wage of N3,500 for each day of work.”
The legislation also proposes the creation of the National Integrated Rural Development Agency, which will oversee and coordinate the implementation of rural development programmes across the country. The Agency’s responsibilities will include monitoring and evaluating projects, promoting innovation and technology adoption, and facilitating collaboration among relevant ministries and stakeholders.
In a bid to ensure inclusivity, one-third of the employment opportunities under the proposed scheme will be reserved for women in rural communities.
The bill further outlines objectives such as reducing rural poverty, improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and enhancing access to education, healthcare, and other essential social services.
The proposed law also recommends the establishment of a Governing Council for the Agency, with its Chairman to be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
Additionally, all revenues generated by the Agency will be exempted from income tax, while contributions to its fund will be tax-deductible.
Speaking on the significance of the bill, Hon. Onobun said it seeks to tackle one of Nigeria’s most persistent socio-economic challenges rural poverty.
“This bill aims to promote sustainable rural development across the nation by reducing poverty, improving infrastructure, and enhancing livelihoods through integrated and coordinated efforts,” he said.
Despite Nigeria’s vast natural and human resources, the country continues to struggle with widespread rural underdevelopment.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), about 63% of Nigerians roughly 133 million people were classified as multidimensionally poor as of 2024, with the highest rates recorded in the northern regions and conflict-prone parts of the Middle Belt.
General News
Ndukwe Kalu Foundation 2025 COSPRA Summit Focuses on Empowering Digital Citizens, Building a Safer Online Generation
The Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF) has announced the much-anticipated 2025 edition of its flagship Child Online Safety Protection and Reporting of Abuse (COSPRA) Summit, themed “Empowering Digital Citizens: Building a Safer Online Generation.”
This groundbreaking summit, proudly sponsored by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), will unite Nigeria’s leading voices in technology, education, and child protection to address one of the most urgent challenges of our time — creating a safer digital space for children and young people.
With key implementing partners and co-sponsors: including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Internet Society (ISOC), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Lagos State Education Board, COSPRA 2025 is set to spark a national movement toward responsible digital citizenship.
According to Ms. Erica Okibe, Executive Secretary of the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation: “COSPRA isn’t just another summit — it’s a clarion call to action. We are uniting institutions, parents, and digital stakeholders to empower our young people to thrive safely and responsibly in the online world.”
Now in its flagship phase, COSPRA has become a rallying point for government agencies, educators, innovators, and advocates working to combat online abuse, misinformation, and child exploitation. The 2025 edition will feature interactive panels, policy dialogues, youth innovation showcases, and a national pledge for child online safety and is scheduled to hold on the 20th of November, at the Afe Babalola Hall at the University of Lagos.
As Nigeria’s digital space continues to expand, COSPRA stands as a bold reminder that protecting children online is not optional — it’s essential.
National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has cleared the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) of allegations of bias and victimization in its 2025 staff promotion exercise, describing the controversy as a product of misinformation and internal sabotage.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Blessing Akinlosotu, executive director of the Council, said findings from the Council’s independent inquiry revealed that the NCC’s promotional examination under the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, was conducted strictly in line with Public Service Rules and established institutional procedures.
Akinlosotu said the Council was compelled to intervene following multiple petitions and media reports alleging irregularities, marginalization, and breach of federal character in the promotion process.
According to him, the NCSCN launched an extensive fact-finding mission, held sessions with management, and engaged some of the aggrieved staff before arriving at its conclusion.
The NCSCN noted that while some staff passed the exams but were not promoted due to manpower limits, the Commission followed a clear and objective scoring framework.
Akinlosotu added that participants were provided with performance summaries and encouraged to seek clarification through proper internal channels.
He disclosed that the Council’s review team found no grievous breach of fairness, adding that no human endeavor can be absolutely perfect.
He further explained that the team observed minor administrative lapses which the NCC had since acknowledged and apologized for through its Human Capital Department.
On the performance of the NCC’s new leadership, the Council commended Maida for what it termed as a visionary and transparent approach to regulation, noting significant improvements in accountability and consumer protection since his assumption of office.
The NCSCN, however, cautioned staff members fueling discontent within the Commission, describing them as “internal saboteurs” bent on tarnishing the image of the organisation.
It warned that the Council would not hesitate to expose such individuals if they continued to spread falsehoods.
The Council also appealed to the media to avoid sensationalism in reporting sensitive institutional matters, urging journalists to uphold professionalism and factual reporting in the public interest.
“Our investigation found that the promotional examination was conducted transparently, with panels drawn from all six geopolitical zones and the Federal Character Commission providing oversight. We discovered no evidence of deliberate marginalization or victimization.
“The current leadership has demonstrated an impressive commitment to transparency, innovation, and service improvement in the telecommunications sector.
“We call on all aggrieved staff to explore internal mechanisms for redress instead of embarking on campaigns of calumny against a performing leadership,” the statement read in parts”, Akinlosotu stated.
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