New Post Africa

Category: Technology

  • From Legon to the moon: President Mahama celebrates Christina Koch’s historic Artemis II Mission

    From Legon to the moon: President Mahama celebrates Christina Koch’s historic Artemis II Mission

    ACCRA, Ghana, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has hailed Christina Koch, the only woman on the historic Artemis II mission to the Moon, who once studied as an exchange student at the University of Ghana during the 1999/2000 academic year.

    In a statement titled “From the Lecture Halls of Legon to the Moon: Celebrating Christina Koch”, President Mahama joined the University of Ghana and the nation in celebrating NASA astronaut Christina Koch’s groundbreaking role in the mission.

    Mahama recalled Koch’s time at Legon as more than a brief visit, noting that she immersed herself in Ghanaian culture and heritage. By studying subjects such as the History of Ghana, the History of Africa, Rural Sociology, Music, and even Twi for Beginners, she built what he described as “a foundation of global citizenship right here in Accra.”

    He praised her symbolic gesture of hoisting the Ghanaian flag in outer space, calling it “a deeply touching moment for every Ghanaian” and a reminder that “no matter how far one travels, even into the vastness of space, the friendships made and the lessons learned stay with you.”

    “Christina’s journey from the classrooms of the University of Ghana to the frontiers of space exploration serves as a powerful inspiration to every young Ghanaian,” Mahama said. “It reminds us that our educational institutions continue to produce and shape global leaders who break barriers and reach for the stars.”

    The President wished the entire Artemis II crew godspeed on their return journey to Earth, expressing hope that their success would inspire generations across Ghana, Africa, and the world to believe that “there is no height that is insurmountable.”

    “Ghana is proud of you!” he concluded.

  • SWEDD Empowered young women driving change through skills and jobs in West and Central Africa

    SWEDD Empowered young women driving change through skills and jobs in West and Central Africa

    INTERNATIONAL, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — From potential to skills and real jobs, young women across Western and Central Africa are reshaping their futures through training and employment opportunities provided by the Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend project (SWEDD/SWEDD+).

    Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has reached nearly 3 million women and adolescent girls, linking education, skills development, and access to health services with real economic pathways. More than 255,000 participants have acquired practical skills and transitioned into stable employment, showing how investment in women’s education and workforce participation strengthens families, communities, and local economies.

    Across the region, stories of transformation abound. In Benin, Angelique and Odette, who left school early due to financial hardship, were trained in solar photovoltaic installation through SWEDD. Today, they work with a private company, installing solar panels and bringing renewable energy to rural villages. “Now we’re motivated and earning money to support our families. We’re happy to bring solar energy to the villages,” Angelique said, her pride evident.

    Harmelle, also from Benin, faced similar challenges after leaving school at 14 and becoming a widow at a young age. With her twin sister, she joined a SWEDD entrepreneurship program in snail farming. The training and starter kit provided not only income but also stability. “When I started farming, there were difficulties, but then we began earning money, and everyone was better off,” she recalled.

    In Chad, Djogoita pursued midwifery, inspired by her father’s service as a police officer. Her training now allows her to provide essential maternal and child health services. “When they bring me a pregnant woman or a child, I can use the knowledge I gained to help them,” she said proudly, highlighting the confidence and purpose her new role has given her.

    These individual stories reflect a broader shift. While about 40% of young women in West and Central Africa remain outside school, training, or employment, SWEDD+ is changing trajectories by expanding opportunities, building confidence, and strengthening institutional capacity for equal rights.

    The World Bank Group emphasizes that investing in women is one of the smartest economic bets for powering local economies. By equipping young women with relevant skills and connecting them to jobs, programs like SWEDD+ turn human potential into productive employment that fuels inclusive and sustainable growth.

    As the activities marking the International Women’s Month wind down, the voices of Angelique, Odette, Harmelle, and Djogoita is a remind that Africa’s future resilience is already taking shape — one empowered young woman at a time, trained, employed, and determined to drive change in her community.

  • WHO marks World Health Day 2026 with call to ‘Stand with Science’

    WHO marks World Health Day 2026 with call to ‘Stand with Science’

    INTERNATIONAL, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments, institutions, and individuals worldwide to recommit to science and collaboration as the foundation for stronger health systems, launching its year‑long campaign under the theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.”

    The campaign coincides with World Health Day 2026 and the anniversary of WHO’s founding on April 7, 1948. WHO highlighted how scientific progress and international cooperation have transformed human health over the past century, citing a 40 percent reduction in maternal mortality since 2000 and a more than 50 percent drop in deaths among children under five.

    “Science is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for protecting and improving health,” said WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Vaccines, penicillin, germ theory, MRI machines and the mapping of the human genome are just some of the achievements that science has delivered that have saved lives and transformed health for billions of people.”

    WHO emphasized that scientific breakthroughs are most effective when widely adopted. Advances such as modern anesthesia, global immunization campaigns, and early screening technologies have democratized access to lifesaving care, even in resource‑limited settings. For example, immunization efforts over the past 50 years have saved more than 154 million children, with the measles vaccine alone preventing over 90 million deaths.

    The organization also pointed to its role in coordinating global responses to health crises, including the rapid identification of the SARS virus in 2003 and the promotion of alcohol‑based hand rubs in 2009, which became critical during the COVID‑19 pandemic. WHO continues to set global standards on air quality and drinking water safety to protect communities from respiratory diseases and cholera.

    In line with this year’s theme, WHO and the G7 Presidency of France will convene a One Health Summit in Lyon from April 5–7, bringing together heads of state, scientists, and community leaders. WHO will also host the Global Forum of its Collaborating Centres from April 7–9, with representatives from over 800 institutions in more than 80 countries.

    “Science transforms uncertainty into understanding and reveals the pathways to protect and heal our communities,” said WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Sylvie Briand. “Today, we must stand together with science so that our collaboration is sustained, supported and enhanced for the better health of generations to come.”

  • Igbinedion University wins Huawei ICT contest, qualifies for global final

    Igbinedion University wins Huawei ICT contest, qualifies for global final

    EDO, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Edo State, has emerged overall winner in Sub-Saharan Africa at the Huawei ICT Competition, securing a place in the global final to be held in China.

    The announcement was made in a statement by the university’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Mr. Lucky Eboh, on Saturday in Benin. He explained that IUO clinched the grand prize in the Network Track category, which tests participants on communication networks, routing, switching, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as 5G and cloud integration.

    Eboh noted that the university outperformed competitors from across the region, marking a significant milestone as IUO is the only private Nigerian university to reach this stage of the competition. The victory qualifies the team to represent Nigeria against top-performing institutions from Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and other regions.

    Organised annually by Huawei in partnership with universities and UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education (UNESCO-IBE), the competition focuses on building practical digital skills in networking, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

    The Vice-Chancellor of IUO, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, described the achievement as a reflection of Nigeria’s evolving ICT talent landscape, with private institutions increasingly driving digital innovation. He attributed the success to sustained investment in ICT training and strategic partnerships, including the establishment of Huawei ICT Academies to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.

    “With the global final ahead, the team is expected to compete against the best young tech talents worldwide, positioning Nigeria once again on the global ICT map,” Ezemonye said.

  • Iran’s internet blackout hits record 37 days, deepens uncertainty

    Iran’s internet blackout hits record 37 days, deepens uncertainty

    MIDDLE EAST, April 5, 2026 (NPA) — Iran’s internet blackout has become the longest nation-scale shutdown ever recorded, now in its 37th consecutive day after 864 hours, according to NetBlocks. The disruption has triggered severe social and economic consequences, cutting off communication among citizens, families, and communities, while blocking access to vital information and limiting the ability to organize or express dissent.

    Education has been hampered as students and teachers lose access to online platforms, and healthcare services reliant on telemedicine have been restricted. The blackout has also isolated the population from the global community, fuelling uncertainty and reducing transparency.

    Economically, the shutdown has damaged businesses dependent on online transactions, banking, and international trade. Small enterprises and freelancers who rely on digital platforms for income have been hit hardest, losing clients and revenue during the prolonged outage.

    Foreign investors view the blackout as a sign of instability, discouraging investment and weakening growth. Overall, the blackout not only suppresses freedom of expression but also undermines economic resilience and development.

    As of filing this report, Iranian authorities have yet to communicate when or how the internet blackout will end.

  • From vanity to value: The real secret behind winning Nigeria’s mobile audience

    From vanity to value: The real secret behind winning Nigeria’s mobile audience

    OPINION, April 4, 2026 (NPA) —Nigeria is undeniably a mobile-first market, but that does not mean every company should rush to build its own app. Too often, strategies confuse access with appetite, or downloads with loyalty.

    Users will only keep an app if it delivers consistent, practical value. In Nigeria, where data costs are high, storage space is limited, and attention is fiercely contested, an app that fails to solve a recurring problem quickly becomes disposable.

    This is the real challenge for corporates considering streaming platforms. The issue is not whether an app looks modern or impressive, but whether it offers enough ongoing value to justify a permanent place on someone’s phone. For most companies, the honest answer is still “not yet.” Without strong, regular, exclusive content, branded streaming apps risk becoming expensive digital monuments—ambitious in appearance but rarely part of everyday life.

    Social media, by contrast, is already woven into the daily rhythm of Nigerian society. It is where people discover, discuss, learn, watch, argue, laugh, compare, and share. For many brands, social handles are not a weakness but the most realistic starting point.

    Still, social platforms are borrowed ground. They provide reach, visibility, and conversation, but they do not give brands full control over their audience, data, or long-term distribution. The smarter approach is layered: use social media for discovery and relevance; YouTube and video platforms for depth and repeat viewing; WhatsApp for direct connection, community, and service; then link all of these back to an owned destination—whether a website, content hub, membership platform, or lighter digital environment under the brand’s control. In this model, content works harder and audience relationships last longer.

    Ultimately, content matters more than the platform. Corporates should focus less on polished self-promotion and more on useful, human, repeatable value. Audiences respond to content that helps them do something, understand something, avoid something, or feel part of something. That means practical explainers, behind-the-scenes access, customer stories, live conversations, thought leadership, short how-to videos, and programming built around real interests and real problems.

    The lesson is clear: build the audience before you build the app. And when the time comes, ensure the app delivers a service—not just a screen.

  • YABATECH partners with NATE to strengthen engineering capacity

    YABATECH partners with NATE to strengthen engineering capacity

    LAGOS, NIGERIA, April 4, 2026 (Agency Report) — Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) aimed at boosting the capacity of engineering practitioners and advancing technical education in Nigeria.

    The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by NATE officials to the institution on Monday. He described the collaboration as mutually beneficial and critical to bridging the gap between academic training and professional practice.

    “We are partners in progress, and this collaboration will continue to strengthen the link between training and professional practice,” Abdul said, stressing that sustained cooperation among stakeholders was essential to reposition Nigeria’s engineering and technology sector for global relevance.

    He assured the association of YABATECH’s continued support, noting that the institution remained committed to partnerships that enhance student development and improve the quality of graduates.

    Earlier, NATE’s National General Secretary, Mr. Kayode Ibidapo, said the partnership would focus on an equipment training workshop scheduled for the last quarter of 2026. The initiative, he explained, is designed to improve competence in equipment handling, safety practices, and laboratory procedures.

    “With rapid technological changes, continuous training and retraining are essential for professional growth and global competitiveness,” Ibidapo said, adding that a joint committee would oversee the planning and implementation of the workshop in collaboration with YABATECH’s School of Engineering.

    He commended the institution for aligning with global best practices, particularly its efforts toward meeting requirements for the Sydney Accord. He noted that YABATECH had taken the lead in Nigeria by introducing induction and oath-taking ceremonies for graduating students — a key requirement for international recognition.

    The Dean of the School of Engineering, Mr. Titus Koledoye, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing that continuous knowledge updating was vital given the dynamic nature of technology.

    “Our environment at YABATECH is centred on training, and initiatives like this are critical. We do not take them for granted,” Koledoye said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the collaboration is expected to bridge skill gaps and promote best practices in engineering training and professional practice nationwide.

  • Education Minister applauds ₦2.2 billion grants to student innovators

    Education Minister applauds ₦2.2 billion grants to student innovators

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has expressed delight at the presentation of cheques totalling ₦2.2 billion in grants to 45 outstanding student ventures, recognising young Nigerians who are turning bold ideas into real solutions.

    The Minister said the recipients were the product of an “intense and inspiring S‑VCG Bootcamp,” noting that the journey began with over 30,000 applications from 404 tertiary institutions, narrowed down to 65 finalists, and culminating in 45 innovators emerging as winners from institutions across Nigeria.

    According to a statement on Monday, Alausa clarified that the winners came from federal, state, and private universities, with the majority from public institutions — “proof that talent and innovation exist in every corner of our country.”

    He added: “A moment that stood out for me was seeing 8 winners from the University of Lagos, many of whom came through our Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme — a tried‑and‑tested pathway we are building to move students from ideas to real ventures. That is exactly the vision behind EIBIC: not just teaching entrepreneurship, but building founders, innovators, and builders.”

    “The Student Venture Capital Grant is more than funding — it is belief in the next generation. My sincere thanks to our panel of evaluators and judges, whose expertise and careful assessment helped identify these outstanding ventures. I am also deeply grateful to our partners, Bank of Industry, Afara Initiative and Elsie Attafuah of UNDP, for their support in making this programme a success.”

    While congratulating the 45 winners, the Minister also recognised the efforts of the 65 finalists, describing them collectively as “what the future of Nigeria looks like, and Nigeria’s next generation of innovators.”

  • Sett secures $30M to automate game marketing with AI agents

    Sett secures $30M to automate game marketing with AI agents

    MIDDLE EAST, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — Israeli startup Sett, which develops an AI agent–based platform for the gaming industry, has raised $30 million in a Series B round led by Greenfield Partners, with participation from existing investors F2 and Bessemer, bringing total funding to $57 million.

    The round also included Ben Feder of Tirta Fund, a prominent gaming executive and former CEO of Take-Two Interactive, developer of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, as well as former president of Tencent’s gaming division.

    Founded in 2023, Sett is already generating tens of millions in revenue with strong growth rates, according to sources. Its customers include major gaming companies such as Zynga, Playtika and Papaya.

    While currently focused on gaming, Sett plans to expand into industries driven by performance-based marketing — including fintech, apps and e-commerce — by the end of 2026. The company believes its platform can act as a force multiplier, helping firms tackle increasingly complex marketing challenges.

    At its founding, Sett envisioned companies relying on autonomous AI agents to manage marketing operations. Initially, it focused on generating data-driven content and interactive ads for mobile gaming firms. Following early success, Sett is now developing a holistic user acquisition platform designed to manage player growth end-to-end, faster and more efficiently than traditional teams.

    User acquisition remains one of the largest cost centres for gaming companies, which spend billions annually. Marketing teams often produce hundreds of playable ads and thousands of video ads each month, a process that can take weeks manually. Sett says its platform cuts production times from weeks to hours and significantly reduces costs, saving companies millions while maintaining content quality.

    The company was founded by Amit Carmi (CEO) and Yoni Blumenfeld (CTO), both alumni of Unit 8200, and currently employs around 50 people. The new funding will accelerate product development and support global expansion.

  • NCC orders mobile operators to compensate subscribers for poor service

    NCC orders mobile operators to compensate subscribers for poor service

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 30 March 2026 (Agency Report) — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to compensate subscribers in areas where service quality falls below prescribed standards.

    In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, said the Commission’s position was that consumers should not bear the full burden of service disruptions when operators fail to meet required benchmarks.

    Under the directive, affected subscribers will receive compensation in the form of airtime credits, calculated according to their average spending patterns and presence within Local Government Areas where service failures occur.

    Ukoha explained that the measure reflects the NCC’s consumer-centred regulatory philosophy, ensuring accountability while reinforcing the importance of consistent investment in network resilience, capacity expansion, and infrastructure upgrades.

    She emphasised that poor service quality undermines productivity, commercial activity, and public confidence in Nigeria’s communications system. While regulatory fines have traditionally served as deterrents, the Commission is now adopting a more consumer-focused approach to strengthen industry accountability.

    The directive also extends to tower companies, which own critical infrastructure for service delivery. Ukoha noted that the NCC will continue to deploy regulatory tools that promote fairness, transparency, and accountability across the sector, ensuring subscribers receive the quality of service they deserve while supporting Nigeria’s digital future.