New Post Africa

Category: Technology

  • Zelenskyy secures defence pact with Qatar as US-Israel-Iran war escalates

    Zelenskyy secures defence pact with Qatar as US-Israel-Iran war escalates

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Doha as part of his country’s ongoing security support to Gulf states battered by waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks in the wake of the United States–Israel–Iran conflict.

    Ukraine, hardened by years of Russian aggression, has emerged as a sought-after partner in countering Iran’s cheap drone swarms across the Middle East. On Saturday, Zelenskyy met the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani also in attendance.

    Earlier, Zelenskyy was also in Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional security cooperation and the strengthening of defence ties.

    In a statement, Zelenskyy confirmed that both sides agreed on a decade-long defence partnership. Chiefs of the General Staff signed an accord covering joint defence industry projects, co-production facilities, and technological collaboration between companies. “I provided an update on the security situation in Ukraine, the ongoing Russian attacks, and Russia’s close cooperation with the Iranian regime. Strengthening air defence is a priority for us, and we count on support from our partners,” Zelenskyy said.

    He expressed gratitude for Qatar’s warm reception and readiness to cooperate, describing the agreements reached as “concrete steps” towards protecting lives and enhancing regional security.

  • Vice President Shettima urges world-class standards for made-in-Nigeria products

    Vice President Shettima urges world-class standards for made-in-Nigeria products

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has charged members of the National Council on Skills (NCS)—comprising federal ministries, state governments and the private sector—to ensure that Made-in-Nigeria products and services remain synonymous with world-class standards.

    He urged the council to harness the restless, inventive spirit of Nigerians, evident across streets, schools and workshops, by channelling this energy into powering the nation’s ongoing industrial revolution.

    In a statement on Friday, Shettima, who chaired the 8th NCS meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, emphasised that as the council moves towards inaugurating the National Working Committee for WorldSkills Nigeria, its responsibility extends well beyond preparations for Shanghai 2026. He noted that the council’s work is central to positioning Nigeria as a hub of innovation and skills development in Africa.

    The 48th WorldSkills Competition, organised by WorldSkills International, will bring together skilled young professionals from across the globe to compete in diverse fields ranging from engineering and construction to information technology and creative arts. Nigeria’s participation, Shettima stressed, is not only about showcasing talent but also about benchmarking national standards against global best practices, thereby strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the international marketplace.

  • King Charles tours Oxford Photovoltaics, praises groundbreaking solar innovations

    King Charles tours Oxford Photovoltaics, praises groundbreaking solar innovations

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — The King of England, His Majesty King Charles III, today visited Oxford Photovoltaics, a pioneering renewable energy company based at the Oxford Science Park in Oxfordshire. The firm, a spin‑out from the University of Oxford, has earned global recognition for its cutting‑edge work in solar technology, particularly in the development of perovskite solar cells.

    During the visit, the King described Oxford Photovoltaics as a trailblazing enterprise, noting that its advanced solar panels are capable of converting a broader spectrum of sunlight into clean, affordable energy compared with conventional models. This innovation positions the company at the forefront of efforts to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

    According to a statement released by the Royal Family, His Majesty met members of staff, toured the company’s research and production facilities, and observed the technology in action. Oxford Photovoltaics, headquartered in Oxfordshire with additional operations in Germany, continues to expand its influence as one of Europe’s leading solar technology firms, combining academic research with industrial application to deliver solutions that address climate change and energy security.

  • Tony Elumelu’s Foundation commits $16m to empower 3,200 young African entrepreneurs

    Tony Elumelu’s Foundation commits $16m to empower 3,200 young African entrepreneurs

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) on Sunday unveiled 3,200 new beneficiaries of its 2026 cohort, each receiving a $5,000 empowerment grant for young African entrepreneurs.

    The Foundation said the entrepreneurs would be funded via Heirs Holdings Group Companies, the European Commission, Seme City Development Agency, DEG (German Development Agency), and the IKEA Foundation. Other partners include UNICEF, the Dutch Government, UNDP, and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts.

    Founder Tony Elumelu described the initiative as vital in providing access to funding, mentorship, coaching, training, and resources to catalyse businesses, drive job creation, and reduce poverty. “With policy clarity and commercial autonomy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, NNPC Limited is positioned to pursue long-term, value-driven solutions,” he said, stressing that Nigeria remains a credible destination for energy and investment.

    TEF CEO Somachi Chris-Asoluka noted that since 2015, the foundation has disbursed over $100 million to 24,000 entrepreneurs, creating 1.5 million jobs, generating $4.2 billion in revenue, and lifting 3.1 million Africans above the poverty line. She added that 4.1 million households have been positively impacted.

    Chris-Asoluka said TEF will disburse $16 million to support, train, fund, and mentor the 3,200 selected entrepreneurs. Agriculture, retail, AI, ICT, green economy, recycling, education, and healthcare were highlighted as priority sectors.

    The event also introduced six high-achieving alumni from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Mali, and Nigeria, who have transformed TEF’s support into leading businesses across Africa.

  • Sanwo-Olu seals deal to revolutionize digital learning in Lagos schools

    Sanwo-Olu seals deal to revolutionize digital learning in Lagos schools

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a groundbreaking development: the state has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Estar, an organization specializing in digital learning, to introduce modern platforms and infrastructure into public primary and secondary schools.

    According to the governor, the partnership will provide Lagos students with curriculum-based tools designed to strengthen critical thinking, communication, decision-making, leadership, and AI skills. It will also enhance reading, comprehension, confidence, and classroom participation.

    With the agreement now in motion, the state has begun investing in teacher training to ensure educators can effectively use the new tools and deliver more engaging lessons. The initiative is aimed at preparing students for the future while improving learning outcomes across the board.

    The introduction of these advanced learning and teaching aids marks another first for Lagos State, which continues to lead in innovation and the application of technology to social and economic development in Nigeria.

  • US sanctions facilitators of DPRK IT worker $800 million fraud scheme

    US sanctions facilitators of DPRK IT worker $800 million fraud scheme

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 13, 2026 — The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned six individuals and two entities for their roles in North Korea’s government-orchestrated IT worker schemes that defraud U.S. businesses and generate revenue for its weapons programs. These operations reportedly raised nearly $800 million in 2024.

    On Thursday, in a statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said: “The North Korean regime targets American companies through deceptive schemes carried out by its overseas IT operatives, who weaponize sensitive data and extort businesses for substantial payments.”

    DPRK IT workers use stolen identities and fraudulent documentation to gain employment abroad, with most of their earnings funneled back to Pyongyang to support WMD and missile programs. Some workers have also introduced malware into company networks.

    OFAC’s latest action targets facilitators in North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and Spain. Among them are Amnokgang Technology Development Company, which manages overseas IT delegations, and Vietnamese CEO Nguyen Quang Viet, who converted $2.5 million into cryptocurrency for DPRK-linked workers. Others designated include Do Phi Khanh and Hoang Van Nguyen, who assisted sanctioned nuclear procurement facilitator Kim Se Un, and DPRK national Yun Song Guk, who led IT teams in Laos.

    As a result, all property and interests of the designated persons in the U.S. are blocked, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties, and foreign institutions risk secondary sanctions if they facilitate significant transactions on behalf of those designated.

    OFAC emphasized that sanctions aim to change behavior, not punish, and outlined procedures for petitioning removal from its Specially Designated Nationals list.

  • Kenya to launch first home-grown creative digital platform

    Kenya to launch first home-grown creative digital platform

    INTERNATIONAL (Agency Report) — March 9, 2026 — The Kenyan government is set to unveil its first locally developed creative digital platform within the next two months, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s creative industry and reducing dependence on foreign-owned social media.

    John Tanui, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy, announced that several initiatives are underway to support home-grown platforms for content creators. He noted that the Ministry of ICT is collaborating with United Nations agencies under the “DigiKen” programme, which focuses on promoting the development of locally built digital platforms.

    Tanui highlighted that while thousands of young Kenyans earn income through international platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, the sector remains vulnerable to policy changes or market exits by these global players. He urged innovators, universities, and researchers to prioritize the creation of local platforms for advertising, content creation, and digital marketing, stressing the importance of resilience and sustainability in Kenya’s digital economy.

    Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, chair of the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, commended ongoing legislative reforms that support digital innovation. He pointed to the rollout of 47 Digital Hubs and expanded fibre connectivity as key steps in empowering youth and widening access to online opportunities.

    Kiarie also reminded content creators to use digital tools responsibly, noting that while the growing digital space offers immense opportunities, it also carries responsibilities and risks if misused.

  • LASRRA, Identiko Solutions pilot android registration devices

    LASRRA, Identiko Solutions pilot android registration devices

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — The Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), in collaboration with Identiko Integrated Solutions, has successfully completed a pilot test of its newly developed Android-based enrollment devices.

    The exercise, held on Thursday at Identiko’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, was designed to evaluate the devices’ functionality, usability, and efficiency in real registration scenarios. Key features showcased included biometric capture, resident data entry, document verification, and seamless system synchronization.

    Selected LASRRA registration officers and field operatives participated in intensive training sessions, gaining practical experience in device configuration, biometric data capture, troubleshooting, and data synchronization. The goal was to equip staff with the skills needed to improve accuracy, speed, and reliability in resident registration across Lagos State.

    Speaking at the event, Identiko’s Head of Training and Field Operations, Mr. Abiodun Shabi (representing CEO Jide Agbaje), emphasized that the pilot phase was crucial for assessing performance, durability, and connectivity under field conditions.

    “Participants will deploy the devices in select locations, document their experiences, and provide feedback on ease of use, speed of data capture, and stability. This will guide further improvements before full rollout,” he explained.

    Project Manager Mr. Enitan Samson added that the pilot was a critical step in ensuring the devices perform reliably in real-world registration environments.

    Following the review of pilot results, Identiko Solutions will work closely with LASRRA to implement technical adjustments, workflow enhancements, and additional staff training. Once finalized, the Android devices will be deployed across all LASRRA registration stations, enabling faster, more efficient resident enrollment and strengthening the agency’s mandate of maintaining an accurate and comprehensive residents’ database.

    The initiative underscores LASRRA’s commitment to modernizing resident registration through scalable digital technology. Identiko Solutions, known for building secure identity verification and enterprise IT systems, is partnering to ensure Lagos State achieves a robust, future-ready digital infrastructure for resident data management.

  • Master AI, Embrace Cybersecurity, Build Solutions: Governor Mbah Urges Enugu Youths

    Master AI, Embrace Cybersecurity, Build Solutions: Governor Mbah Urges Enugu Youths

    ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA): Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has called on the youths of the state to embrace technology and innovation as critical drivers of development. He made the remarks in his opening address at the second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival.

    Governor Mbah emphasized that “technology and innovation are not accessories to development; they are the operating system of modern progress. Across the world, ideas, code, and creativity are redefining economies. Here in Enugu, we have made a deliberate decision — we will not be spectators in this revolution. We will be producers.”

    Highlighting his administration’s policy focus on advancing school infrastructure and redefining learning, he outlined initiatives designed to build a new ecosystem where innovation can thrive. These include:

    •             Smart Green Schools equipped with robotics, artificial intelligence, and applied engineering.

    •             Digital governance platforms to improve transparency and efficiency.

    •             GIS-driven land administration to restore credibility in the real estate sector.

    •             Expanded digital infrastructure to power a knowledge-based economy.

    The governor urged young people in Enugu and beyond to seize the opportunities available: “Master artificial intelligence. Learn cybersecurity. Build solutions. The tools are here. The environment is here. The opportunity is here.”

    Reflecting on the state’s history, he noted: “A century ago, Enugu was known for what it extracted. This generation will be known for what it designs.”

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that under the administration’s “Tomorrow is Here” mantra, Enugu inaugurated the Haier Factory — a $20 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project by China’s Haier Global Business Group in partnership with the state government. The facility, located in Enugu city, positions the state as a hub for the production of smartphones, tablets, computers, smart boards, Android televisions, education and health technologies, as well as renewable energy solutions for electricity, agriculture, and transportation.

  • Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigerian media organisation Newpost Africa Media Publishing® (Newpost Africa) has announced its return following a successful restructuring process. The relaunch underscores the company’s renewed commitment to delivering journalism of the highest standards—anchored in integrity, balance, and diversity.

    Positioning itself as “Nigeria’s independent, world-class media organisation”, Newpost Africa emphasized its founding principles of strict editorial neutrality, an uncompromising stance against propaganda, and reporting that informs without bias or distortion. The organisation stressed that credible journalism is indispensable to democratic societies and informed citizenship.

    In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, Newpost Africa encouraged stakeholders and readers to actively engage with its mission. “By sharing perspectives and experiences, you contribute to a platform that values truth, dialogue, and collective responsibility in shaping the public record,” the statement read.

    Driven by a team of seasoned professionals and supported by a global network of journalists and writers, Newpost Africa said it is well-positioned to deliver timely coverage of rapidly evolving stories with speed, clarity, and analytical depth—while maintaining accuracy and editorial discipline.

    Its editorial focus remains firmly on Nigeria and the African continent, ensuring accountability from policymakers, institutions, and power brokers. At the same time, the organisation pledged to continue reporting on international developments that shape Africa’s place in the global context.

    The relaunch, according to the statement, is not merely a return but a reaffirmation of purpose and a strategic commitment to excellence in journalism. “This relaunch is a reaffirmation of our mission to uphold the highest standards of journalism and to serve as a trusted voice in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” the organisation noted.