Tech | Business | Economy

Month: January 2022

ASUS launches exciting new Zenbook lineup at CES 2022
ASUS today presented its 2022 Zenbook premium laptop lineup, which includes new models incorporating world-leading technology, innovative and thoughtful features and an all-new modern look.

Showcasing the Incredible Unfolds at CES 2022

Key Points
- World’s first 17″ foldable OLED laptop: Groundbreaking Zenbook 17 Fold OLED features a 17.3″ Foldable OLED display in a compact 12.5″ form factor
- Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition: Exclusive special edition with unique design commemorates anniversary of the first ASUS laptop in outer space
- New and updated models: Fully upgraded lineup of premium thin and light laptops offers the innovative features, exquisite modern design, and the latest 12th Generation Intel Core processor and AMD Ryzen 5000 series mobile processor
The world-renowned Zenbook series offers discerning, on-the-go users a wide choice of elegant and sophisticated laptops in foldable, convertible and traditional form factors, with thin and light designs in sizes up to 17 inches and powered by the next-gen Intel and AMD processors.

Highlights of the comprehensive 2022 lineup include the remarkable Zenbook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702), the world’s first 17.3-inch foldable OLED laptop, and the exclusive Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition (UX5401ZAS) that commemorates the 25th anniversary of the first ASUS laptop sent into outer space.

The other new models announced during the event were the 12th Generation Intel Core processor and AMD Ryzen™ 5000 series mobile processor versions of Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3402 / UM3402), powerful 14-inch thin and light laptops with a completely revamped and modern look featuring premium materials, fresh new colors and a new monogram logo.

Updated Zenbook models now powered by 12th Generation Intel Core i9 H-series processors include Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582), a dual-display 15.6-inch laptop with a 14-inch tilting ASUS ScreenPad Plus. Zenbook 14X OLED (UX5400 / UX5401), a high-performance 16:10 14-inch ultraportable laptop featuring ASUS ScreenPad (UX5400 only) or NumberPad 2.0 (UX5401 only).

Envision a new reality: Zenbook 17 Fold OLED

Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is the world’s first 17.3-inch foldable OLED laptop. Its incredible display was co-developed by ASUS in close partnership with Intel and BOE Technology Group, and as well as delivering amazing visuals it creates a new era of design possibilities for laptops.

This groundbreaking laptop offers users two sizes of OLED display in one device: a large 4:3, 17.3-inch, 2.5K touchscreen that folds in the middle to create two seamless 3:2, 12.5-inch, 1920 x 1280 displays. When folded fully closed along the precision-engineered 180° hinge, it’s an ultra-compact and portable 12.5-inch device that’s smaller than a sheet of photocopier paper.

Multiple versatile usage modes — PC, Laptop, Tablet, On-Screen Keyboard, Book and Extend — are enabled by the folding design in conjunction with the full-size ASUS ErgoSense Bluetooth keyboard and touchpad, and the screen can additionally be split into multiple windows and the contents arranged, using the intelligent window-management feature in the ASUS ScreenXpert 2 and exclusive Mode Switcher apps.

UM3402 Numberpad

For immersive entertainment, PANTONE Validated, Dolby Vision^® HDR enabled foldable OLED touchscreen — which is also TÜV Rheinland certified for reducing harmful blue light and has a 100% DCI-P3 gamut — is accompanied with Dolby Atmos^®️ immersive audio and a powerful quad-speaker Harman Kardon-certified, Dolby Atmos sound system.

Zenbook 17 Fold OLED includes several smart AI-powered features, including user-presence detection using an HD IR camera; an integrated color sensor for automatic adjustment of screen brightness and color temperature; and a 5 MP webcam with ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) technology for clearer video calls.

Effortless performance is ensured by 12th Generation Intel Core i7 U-Series processors, Intel Iris X^e graphics, up to 16 GB RAM and a fast 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. For connecting to peripherals there are two convenient USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support fast charging of the long-lasting 75 Wh battery, and connections to external displays.

The new ASUS ErgoSense Bluetooth keyboard and touchpad ensures comfortable, accurate typing, with a desktop-grade 19.05 mm key pitch and a long 1.4 mm travel on the dished key caps.

Co-engineered with Intel, the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED design will meet the requirements of an Intel Evo laptop through Intel’s hardware specifications and key experience targets for responsiveness, instant wake, battery life, fast charge and intelligent collaboration.

Zenbook 17 Fold OLED will be available for purchase in the mid-year of 2022.

Watch the Video HERE.

Start your voyage of discovery: Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition

ZenBook 14X OLED Space Edition (Product Photo ZenVision)

Twenty-five years ago, the ASUS P6300 laptop spent more than 600 days in orbit on the famous Mir space station, the first continuously inhabited long-term research station in space. While the ASUS laptop was on board, Mir faced power outages and fires, but the laptop lasted the entire mission without defect.

The P6300 laptop set a high standard for every subsequent product designed and developed by ASUS. We have designed this very special Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition to commemorate the past, and to continue exploring beyond the limits and go in search of incredible.

Featuring unique space-themed design details on the lid and palm-rest area and finished in a special Zero-G Titanium color, Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition celebrates a key milestone in the history of ASUS laptops. The out-of-this-world design embraces the ASUS spirit of innovation, encouraging users to start their voyage of discovery and explore beyond the limits.

Exclusive to the Space Edition is its futuristic ZenVision smart display, a 3.5-inch OLED companion display mounted externally on the lid.

This can show customizable messages, themes and animations, allowing the user to give those around them a window into their lifestyle.

Built to withstand the rigors of space travel, the Space Edition complies with the ultra-demanding US Space Systems Command Standard SMC-S-016A testing protocols, so it is capable of withstanding extreme vibration which is 4 times more than our standard Military Grade durability. Furthermore, it is able to operate in extreme climates, above and beyond the Military Grade capabilities.

The Space Edition can resist and function in bitter cold conditions of – 24°C to blistering hot environments up to 61°C.

This out-of-this-world laptop is built to deliver stellar performance, powered by up to 12th Generation Intel Core i9 H-series processors and Intel Iris X^e graphics, 32 GB RAM, a PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD, and WiFi 6E. The expansive 16:10 2.8K OLED 90Hz PANTONE Validated touchscreen delivers ultra-realistic DisplayHDR™ True Black 500-certified visuals, with a 100% DCI-P3 gamut and TÜV Rheinland-certified eye care.

Watch the video HERE.

Thin, light and powerful: Asus Zenbook 14 OLED, Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED, Zenbook 14X OLED

ZenBook 14X OLED Space Edition (Product Photo Thin-and-light)

Watch the video HERE.

The Zenbook series delivers a premium and ultraportable experience in a thin and light form factor, and combine thoughtful user-centered design features with a fresh new look and feel for 2022.

The brand new Zenbook 14 OLED is a powerful, elegant and lightweight 14-inch laptop — featuring a long-lasting high-capacity 75 Wh battery — that introduces a completely new and modern look to the pioneering Zenbook series.

Available with either 12th Generation Intel Core i7 P-series processor (UX3402) or AMD Ryzen 5000 series processor models for 2022 (UM3402), it’s the new benchmark for portable perfection.

The Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3402) will also meet the requirements of the Evo laptop. Designed to deliver a cinematic audiovisual experience, Zenbook 14 OLED features an expansive 16:10, 2.8K OLED NanoEdge 90Hz display and a Harman Kardon-certified, Dolby Atmos audio.

The high-performance components are housed in a compact chassis that includes a full set of I/O ports and passes the demanding U.S. military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability tests.

The new-generation Zenbook 14 OLED introduces two bold new designs and elegant new color options: Aqua Celadon or Ponder Blue (UX3402 only) and Jade Black (UM3402 only).

UX3402 features a Kintsugi-inspired lid design based on traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and both models incorporate our new monogram logo. Thoughtful user-centered design features include the 180° lay-flat ErgoLift hinge, fingerprint sensor on the power button, ASUS NumberPad 2.0, a webcam with ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) technology and upgraded MyASUS webcam filters and functions (UX3402 only), and the new full-size ASUS ErgoSense keyboard and ASUS ErgoSense touchpad.

Asus Zenbook UX3402 OLED display

The refreshed, ultra-powerful Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED now features up to the latest 12th Generation Intel Core i9 H-series processor along with the latest Thunderbolt 4 ports and upgraded WiFi 6E connectivity for improved productivity.

Zenbook 14X OLED is now powered by up to 12th Generation Intel Core i7 P-series (UX5400 only) or Intel Core i9 H-series (UX5401 only) processors, with NVIDIA GeForce MX550 (UX5400 only) or Intel Iris X^e graphics (UX5401 only). Both models also now include the latest Intel WiFi 6E connectivity.
January 6, 2022
Six Things to watch in Nigeria’s B2B e-Commerce market in 2022

A notable trend in the Nigerian e-commerce space for the year 2021 was the increasing activity of the B2B segment. The year saw the likes of Alerzo, TradeDepot and Omnibiz implementing innovative ideas to bring more retailers onboard e-commerce, in their quest to dominate the space and control a large chunk of the market.

As businesses set out for 2022, here are some trends to expect from players as they aim to take this important segment of e-commerce to the next level:

1. Increased Adoption Of B2B marketplace:

According to Adewale Opaleye, CEO Alerzo Limited, E-commerce in Nigeria is gaining momentum and the increasing rate of internet users in the country is expected to propel growth in the B2B marketplace.

“The necessary pillars needed for the culture to thrive are gradually falling into place. For instance, 50% of Nigeria’s population, that is 104.4 million, is connected to the internet.

Today, the majority of Nigerians access the internet with their mobile phones. With the increasing internet penetration, mobile phone users in the country and the National Economy Digital Policy and Strategy for Digital Nigeria by the Federal Government, we expect that more Nigerians will imbibe the ecommerce culture and the B2B market will definitely benefit from this trend,” he said.

2. Expansion to non-consumables:

Unlike the B2C e-tailing platforms, Nigeria’s online B2B marketplace is still dominated by platforms who service the FMCG segment of retailers.

Beginning from 2022, it is expected that the market will begin to open up to retailers dealing in the non-consumables to accommodate more high-earned product retailers, especially men.

3. Alerzopay:

As more retailers embrace the online marketplaces, it is expected that the major players will roll out in-platform payment solutions to create a one stop shop for their customers. A major player, Alerzo has said retailers can look forward to the launch of its fintech products, which will also help drive financial inclusion and saving culture among retailers in the country.

“we are building systems towards financial inclusion for our retailers through our soon-to-be-launched, Alerzopay platform. Through the platform, we aim to encourage a healthy saving culture and access to loan facilities. We envision our platform hosting financial inclusion initiatives that national and international organizations wish to roll out,” said the CEO.

4. Inroad to more cities:

B2B shopping brands are also expected to expand their reach and services to more cities across the country. “We’re focused right now on growing our business by onboarding more informal retailers across the country. We want to expand into new markets as we believe our platform can empower more people across the country. Our strong presence in the South-West, and continued expansion to the North-West and Central consolidate our desire to grow in a sustainable manner and continue to serve those that are underserved,” said Alerzo CEO.

5. Social Impact Programmes:

One of the major ways brands endear themselves to customers is through social impact programmes in communities. For instance, Alerzo recently supported some burn survivors with funds through “Sebastine Foundation For Burn Survivors”.

While B2B marketplace deploy innovations to attract more retailers online, we can also expect them to creatively engage at the grassroot with social impact activities that will not only announce their presence, but also help them attract brand loyalty.

6. More Investors:

As at the end of year 2021, B2B startups in Africa attracted a cumulative $ 164.5 million in equity and debt financing. For a section of ecommerce that has lasted barely three years on the continent, this is remarkable. And from indications, 2022 might see more investors showing interest in this emerging trend

Victor George, a tech enthusiast writes from Lagos

January 6, 2022
SA-based HealthLeap raises $1.1m pre-seed to build clinical AI assistant to fight malnutrition

Dietitian-focused healthcare startup, HealthLeap, has closed a $1,100,000 pre-seed round led by deep tech investor, Fifty Years.

HealthLeap will utilise the pre-seed capital in hiring software engineers and data scientists to continue creating smart tools to help clinicians prevent and treat hospital malnutrition.

Founded in the helms of expertise across clinical diets, software engineering and product management, HealthLeap was built with a goal to improve global health through adequate nutrition.

HealthLeap is solving the problem of inadequate response to malnutrition across and beyond Africa and is building AI-assisted tools to enable healthcare professionals place more focus on this aspect.

Jemima Meyer, Josiah Meyer and Ray Botha launched HealthLeap in April 2021 and together, they built an AI-based clinical assistant product called NutriLeap.

The company’s products and services offerings include determination of precise energy, protein, and macro needs in one logical flow with automatic calculations and smart predictions, storage of patient information behind secure encryption, incorporating up-to-date clinical guidelines into decisions for the condition of each patient, among others.

The HealthLeap app is used by 50 dietitians in a private beta programme and has a waitlist of almost 1,000 dietitians, pharmacists and physicians. Although the company targets eradicating malnutrition globally, its focus is on the U.S. for now. This is due to the possibilities the new United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) standards unlocks.

In addition to helping clinical dietitians and other healthcare providers such as hospital pharmacists, physicians and nurses, identify patients at risk of malnutrition, HealthLeap prescribes daily quantities of oral, tube, and IV feeding to the patient’s ever-changing needs and treats patients even after discharge.

January 6, 2022
World Bank, CTA announce winners of Global Women’s HealthTech Awards

The World Bank Group and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) have announced the winners of The Global Women’s HealthTech Awards, recognising innovative startups that leverage tech to improve women’s health and safety in emerging markets.

The winning startups of the Global Women’s HealthTech Awards selected by a panel of industry experts include Antiva Biosciences, InnAccel, NIRAMAI, and UE LifeSciences.

Attracting over 70 companies from 35 countries, the Global Women’s HealthTech Awards included the submission of innovative products and services under three categories: reproductive health and pregnancy, general women’s and adolescent health, and women safety and security.

“These startups are using technology to help women in developing countries live longer and healthier lives,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC’s managing director. “They’re at the cutting edge of a growing market focused on women’s health that has the potential to reach almost $10 billion by 2024.”

Karen Chupka, EVP, CES, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), announced the winning startups during the opening session of CES2022, one of the most influential tech events in the world.

“The winners announced today are providing innovative solutions that are making a difference in solving some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare and will help improve the health and well-being of women in developing countries,” said Karen Chupka.

New technology can play a key role in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges for women, including access to maternal care, reproductive care, and high-quality diagnostic tests and screening. Tech innovations can be particularly impactful in emerging markets, where women often face a lack of adequate resources and tailored solutions.

For instance, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 94 percent of all maternal deaths occur in low and lower-middle-income countries, mostly due to poor access to quality health services, while limited access to diagnostic centres and tools for early detection results in lower survival rates for breast cancer.

January 6, 2022
ASUS launches exciting new Zenbook lineup at CES 2022
ASUS today presented its 2022 Zenbook premium laptop lineup, which includes new models incorporating world-leading technology, innovative and thoughtful features and an all-new modern look.

Showcasing the Incredible Unfolds at CES 2022

Key Points
- World’s first 17″ foldable OLED laptop: Groundbreaking Zenbook 17 Fold OLED features a 17.3″ Foldable OLED display in a compact 12.5″ form factor
- Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition: Exclusive special edition with unique design commemorates anniversary of the first ASUS laptop in outer space
- New and updated models: Fully upgraded lineup of premium thin and light laptops offers the innovative features, exquisite modern design, and the latest 12th Generation Intel Core processor and AMD Ryzen 5000 series mobile processor
The world-renowned Zenbook series offers discerning, on-the-go users a wide choice of elegant and sophisticated laptops in foldable, convertible and traditional form factors, with thin and light designs in sizes up to 17 inches and powered by the next-gen Intel and AMD processors.

Highlights of the comprehensive 2022 lineup include the remarkable Zenbook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702), the world’s first 17.3-inch foldable OLED laptop, and the exclusive Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition (UX5401ZAS) that commemorates the 25th anniversary of the first ASUS laptop sent into outer space.

The other new models announced during the event were the 12th Generation Intel Core processor and AMD Ryzen™ 5000 series mobile processor versions of Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3402 / UM3402), powerful 14-inch thin and light laptops with a completely revamped and modern look featuring premium materials, fresh new colors and a new monogram logo.

Updated Zenbook models now powered by 12th Generation Intel Core i9 H-series processors include Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582), a dual-display 15.6-inch laptop with a 14-inch tilting ASUS ScreenPad Plus. Zenbook 14X OLED (UX5400 / UX5401), a high-performance 16:10 14-inch ultraportable laptop featuring ASUS ScreenPad (UX5400 only) or NumberPad 2.0 (UX5401 only).

Envision a new reality: Zenbook 17 Fold OLED

Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is the world’s first 17.3-inch foldable OLED laptop. Its incredible display was co-developed by ASUS in close partnership with Intel and BOE Technology Group, and as well as delivering amazing visuals it creates a new era of design possibilities for laptops.

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This groundbreaking laptop offers users two sizes of OLED display in one device: a large 4:3, 17.3-inch, 2.5K touchscreen that folds in the middle to create two seamless 3:2, 12.5-inch, 1920 x 1280 displays. When folded fully closed along the precision-engineered 180° hinge, it’s an ultra-compact and portable 12.5-inch device that’s smaller than a sheet of photocopier paper.

Multiple versatile usage modes — PC, Laptop, Tablet, On-Screen Keyboard, Book and Extend — are enabled by the folding design in conjunction with the full-size ASUS ErgoSense Bluetooth keyboard and touchpad, and the screen can additionally be split into multiple windows and the contents arranged, using the intelligent window-management feature in the ASUS ScreenXpert 2 and exclusive Mode Switcher apps.

UM3402 Numberpad

For immersive entertainment, PANTONE Validated, Dolby Vision^® HDR enabled foldable OLED touchscreen — which is also TÜV Rheinland certified for reducing harmful blue light and has a 100% DCI-P3 gamut — is accompanied with Dolby Atmos^®️ immersive audio and a powerful quad-speaker Harman Kardon-certified, Dolby Atmos sound system.

Zenbook 17 Fold OLED includes several smart AI-powered features, including user-presence detection using an HD IR camera; an integrated color sensor for automatic adjustment of screen brightness and color temperature; and a 5 MP webcam with ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) technology for clearer video calls.

Effortless performance is ensured by 12th Generation Intel Core i7 U-Series processors, Intel Iris X^e graphics, up to 16 GB RAM and a fast 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. For connecting to peripherals there are two convenient USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support fast charging of the long-lasting 75 Wh battery, and connections to external displays.

The new ASUS ErgoSense Bluetooth keyboard and touchpad ensures comfortable, accurate typing, with a desktop-grade 19.05 mm key pitch and a long 1.4 mm travel on the dished key caps.

Co-engineered with Intel, the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED design will meet the requirements of an Intel Evo laptop through Intel’s hardware specifications and key experience targets for responsiveness, instant wake, battery life, fast charge and intelligent collaboration.

Zenbook 17 Fold OLED will be available for purchase in the mid-year of 2022.

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Watch the Video HERE.

Start your voyage of discovery: Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition

ZenBook 14X OLED Space Edition (Product Photo ZenVision)

Twenty-five years ago, the ASUS P6300 laptop spent more than 600 days in orbit on the famous Mir space station, the first continuously inhabited long-term research station in space. While the ASUS laptop was on board, Mir faced power outages and fires, but the laptop lasted the entire mission without defect.

The P6300 laptop set a high standard for every subsequent product designed and developed by ASUS. We have designed this very special Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition to commemorate the past, and to continue exploring beyond the limits and go in search of incredible.

Featuring unique space-themed design details on the lid and palm-rest area and finished in a special Zero-G Titanium color, Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition celebrates a key milestone in the history of ASUS laptops. The out-of-this-world design embraces the ASUS spirit of innovation, encouraging users to start their voyage of discovery and explore beyond the limits.

Exclusive to the Space Edition is its futuristic ZenVision smart display, a 3.5-inch OLED companion display mounted externally on the lid.

This can show customizable messages, themes and animations, allowing the user to give those around them a window into their lifestyle.

Built to withstand the rigors of space travel, the Space Edition complies with the ultra-demanding US Space Systems Command Standard SMC-S-016A testing protocols, so it is capable of withstanding extreme vibration which is 4 times more than our standard Military Grade durability. Furthermore, it is able to operate in extreme climates, above and beyond the Military Grade capabilities.

The Space Edition can resist and function in bitter cold conditions of – 24°C to blistering hot environments up to 61°C.

This out-of-this-world laptop is built to deliver stellar performance, powered by up to 12th Generation Intel Core i9 H-series processors and Intel Iris X^e graphics, 32 GB RAM, a PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD, and WiFi 6E. The expansive 16:10 2.8K OLED 90Hz PANTONE Validated touchscreen delivers ultra-realistic DisplayHDR™ True Black 500-certified visuals, with a 100% DCI-P3 gamut and TÜV Rheinland-certified eye care.

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Watch the video HERE.

Thin, light and powerful: Asus Zenbook 14 OLED, Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED, Zenbook 14X OLED

ZenBook 14X OLED Space Edition (Product Photo Thin-and-light)

Watch the video HERE.

The Zenbook series delivers a premium and ultraportable experience in a thin and light form factor, and combine thoughtful user-centered design features with a fresh new look and feel for 2022.

The brand new Zenbook 14 OLED is a powerful, elegant and lightweight 14-inch laptop — featuring a long-lasting high-capacity 75 Wh battery — that introduces a completely new and modern look to the pioneering Zenbook series.

Available with either 12th Generation Intel Core i7 P-series processor (UX3402) or AMD Ryzen 5000 series processor models for 2022 (UM3402), it’s the new benchmark for portable perfection.

The Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3402) will also meet the requirements of the Evo laptop. Designed to deliver a cinematic audiovisual experience, Zenbook 14 OLED features an expansive 16:10, 2.8K OLED NanoEdge 90Hz display and a Harman Kardon-certified, Dolby Atmos audio.

The high-performance components are housed in a compact chassis that includes a full set of I/O ports and passes the demanding U.S. military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability tests.

The new-generation Zenbook 14 OLED introduces two bold new designs and elegant new color options: Aqua Celadon or Ponder Blue (UX3402 only) and Jade Black (UM3402 only).

UX3402 features a Kintsugi-inspired lid design based on traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and both models incorporate our new monogram logo. Thoughtful user-centered design features include the 180° lay-flat ErgoLift hinge, fingerprint sensor on the power button, ASUS NumberPad 2.0, a webcam with ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) technology and upgraded MyASUS webcam filters and functions (UX3402 only), and the new full-size ASUS ErgoSense keyboard and ASUS ErgoSense touchpad.

Asus Zenbook UX3402 OLED display

The refreshed, ultra-powerful Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED now features up to the latest 12th Generation Intel Core i9 H-series processor along with the latest Thunderbolt 4 ports and upgraded WiFi 6E connectivity for improved productivity.

Zenbook 14X OLED is now powered by up to 12th Generation Intel Core i7 P-series (UX5400 only) or Intel Core i9 H-series (UX5401 only) processors, with NVIDIA GeForce MX550 (UX5400 only) or Intel Iris X^e graphics (UX5401 only). Both models also now include the latest Intel WiFi 6E connectivity.
January 6, 2022
APPLY: 2022 Savvy Global Fellowship opens for early-stage entrepreneurs
Application for the 2022 Savvy Global Fellowship Programme for Aspiring and Early-Stage Entrepreneurs is now open!

Are you passionate about solving some of the world’s most pressing problems through innovation? Have you ever wanted to build a successful impact-driven business, but didn’t know how to? Do you own an early-stage business that you want to grow and scale into new markets and verticals? Are you interested in being part of the new generation of impact-driven entrepreneurs?

Then apply now! Savvy is looking for you.

Benefits:

Becoming a Savvy Fellow is an exceptional opportunity for you to:
- Identify your ideal target customer, and build a product or service that exceeds their expectations
- Make your product or service stand out from competing or substitute solutions in the market
- Draft a solid go-to-market strategy, revenue model, and customer acquisition strategy for your business
- Optimize your business operations, delegate properly, and build a winning team to execute your business strategies
- Identify the right legal structure for your business, raise capital for your business, and forge strong strategic partnerships that will help you scale your business
- Meet and interact with renowned business experts across various industries
- Share your experiences with other Fellows, and learn from them
- Explore industries beyond your daily work and expand your expertise
- Strengthen your work through new connections, skills, and ideas
- Join a global alumni network of over 5,000 entrepreneurs, to help you seek innovative solutions to common business challenges
Eligibility:

Application is open to aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs around the world.
- There is no geographical, ethnic, or academic restriction
- Fellows should be between the ages of 18 – 40
- Must be able to demonstrate in their application their passion to learn and create lasting change in their community (and the world). However, applicants above the age of 40, with at least 5 years of work or entrepreneurial experience are considered
Savvy is a global virtual Fellowship programme, available in 104 languages, for passionate and brilliant young individuals seeking to be part of the new generation of impact entrepreneurs.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have lost their jobs and are now living in an uncertain world. Savvy Fellowship is equipping these individuals with the necessary knowledge and skill they need to start their own impact-driven business and succeed as entrepreneurs.

As a Savvy Fellow, you will be provided with the knowledge, skills, tools, resources, support network, and community to build a sustainable, innovative, and profitable impact-driven business.

The Savvy Global Fellowship for Aspiring and Early-Stage Entrepreneurs, which began in 2020, has so far received over 65,464 applications from around the world, and has selected and trained 5,245 Fellows from 149 countries.

For 12 weeks, no matter what stage your venture is, the Fellowship programme helps selected Fellows answer all the relevant questions that they need to kickstart their amazing impact venture, gain early traction, achieve product-market fit, and scale into new markets.

About the Fellowship:

Some of the things you’ll learn as a Savvy Fellow include fundraising for your business, building the right team to execute your business strategies, building buzz around your product or service, achieving product-market fit, scaling into new markets and verticals, and building customer loyalty and retention.

E-Learning: Savvy Fellowship kicks off with a rigorous 12-weeks e-learning experience. As a Savvy Fellow, you will learn everything from ideation to scaling. Some of the things you’ll learn during the program are ‘understanding your customer’, ‘building a product or service that effectively solves their key challenges’, and ‘effectively positioning your solution in the market.’

Week 1: Understanding Your Customer

Week 2: Building the Right Product or Service

Week 3: Beating Your Competitors

Week 4: Understanding Your Target Market

Week 5: Drafting the Right Revenue Model

Week 6: Your Customer Acquisition, Activation & Retention Strategy

Week 7: Your Operations

Week 8: Setting the Right Business Structure

Week 9: Your Go-To-Market Strategy

Week 10: Building the Right Team

Week 11: Your Fundraising Strategy

Week 12: Securing the Right Partners

Assessment: During the 12 weeks of learning, unlearning, and relearning, you can test your understanding by taking our weekly quizzes. The quizzes are a combination of multiple choices, Yes or No, and True or False. Assessments are the best way to identify your strengths and areas of weaknesses. Knowing your weaknesses helps you work effectively on them.

Peer Mentorship: We have introduced peer-to-peer mentorship, which we have found very effective. Our motto at Savvy is: “Be Your Fellow’s Keeper.” So, since all Savvy Fellows don’t have the same level of experience, more experienced and knowledgeable Fellows will help guide the others.

Expert Mentorship: Savvy Fellows get weekly expert mentorship from about 900 renowned experts across various industries. The Fellows are expected to effectively transform all their learnings from the expert mentorship sessions, into meaningful and measurable societal impact.

Post-Fellowship: After 12 weeks, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion to proudly share with your professional network. That’s not all. You’ll still find the Savvy platform useful as we constantly share weekly articles on impact entrepreneurship, personal branding, capacity building, and professional opportunities. So, your Savvy Fellowship account will be useful even after you complete the intensive 12-week virtual Fellowship programme.

Savvy Prize: At the end of every year, Savvy Fellows compete for the $3,000 Savvy Prize, which seeks to recognize and support the efforts of Savvy Fellows working to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems through innovative and sustainable ways. The Savvy Prize comes in cash prizes, product development support, and marketing endeavors.

One of the missions of Savvy is to bring passionate and competent individuals together to build sustainable businesses, or to foster strategic partnerships and collaborations between these individuals. With that said, we encourage selected Fellows to use the Savvy platform to find and interact with other Savvy Fellows, which could lead them to start a business together or forge a helpful partnership.

How to apply

There is no application deadline. Savvy is a fully-funded Fellowship programme, so selected Fellows are not required to pay any fee. Interested applicants can start applying.
January 6, 2022
Apply: MultiChoice Bursary Scheme opens for 2022 academic year
MultiChoice South Africa has opened applications for its R20 million (1.2million) bursary scheme for the 2022 academic year.

The MultiChoice South Africa Bursary Scheme aims to help approximately 200 students.

For the 2022 bursary scheme, ten of these students will be funded via the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation – an organisation that invests in the future of South African youth – of which MultiChoice is a partner. The bursaries extend beyond tuition fees and include registration fees, accommodation costs, and an annual living allowance.

The MultiChoice Bursary Scheme is open to students in all years of study, including students who have enrolled for their first post-graduate degree that is focused on the STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), particularly:
- Actuarial Science
- Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering
- Computer Science and Applied Mathematics
- Information Technology (AI and Robotics)
- Data and Information Science
- Digital Media Technologies
“As technological developments continue to advance at a rapid pace, there is a critical need for a dynamic workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order for our country to keep up with the rest of the world,” said Nyiko Shiburi, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa.

“We see the value in opening doors for youth to build the skills within our industry, shaping the professionals who will lead us into the future.”

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be registered at a South African Institute of Higher Learning
- Meet the eligibility and qualifying requirements as indicated on the application form
An external bursary management entity (Skills 123) has been procured to support with facilitation of the bursary administration. This bursary management provider has partnered with youth marketing specialists, Student Village, who have a wide reach across different campuses countrywide.

How to apply

Apply for the MultiChoice Bursary Scheme before the deadline on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.
January 6, 2022
Stanbic IBTC enlightens Nigerians on Stockbroking

Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, recently hosted a virtual session to enlighten Nigerians on the potentials of investing in the stock market.

The virtual event themed: “You Don’t Know About Stocks? Come On Now,” featured stockbroking experts: Afolabi Gbenro, Head, Sales Trading and Benjamin Jesumuyiwa, Head, Mandate and Settlements, both of Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers with Tosin Olaseinde, founder of Money Africa, Jennifer Awirigwe, Certified Financial Educator and Solafunmi Oyeneye of Wealth Motley, a Personal Finance Educator as panelists.

The goal of the session was to acquaint individuals new to the stock market with basic stockbroking terms, useful tips for stock trading and how to use the Stanbic IBTC stockbroking app.

Afolabi stated the importance of diversifying investments in stocks. He listed factors that affect the prices of stocks which include supply, demand, news, and investor sentiments.

The benefits of investing include dividend yield, capital appreciation, equity share holder privileges and utilising investments as collateral.

He stressed the importance of research and advised Nigerians to conduct their own research and evaluate companies before investing.

On considerations before entering the stock market, he said, “You would need capital, investment objective, and risk profile assessment to determine the kind of investment you should venture into. You would also need to stay abreast of market updates.”

Benjamin Jesumuyiwa, head, Mandate and Settlements, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, urged Nigerians to invest in stocks to reap long term rewards.

He said: “The stock market makes it easy to buy shares of companies and they can be purchased through a broker or via online platforms. Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers offers a discounted rate of 0.7% on brokerage fees. Once you have set up an account, stocks can be purchased in minutes.”

Benjamin talked about the ease of using the Stanbic IBTC web and mobile applications platforms, stating that the platforms have been designed to allow customers sign up themselves, with direct access to the market.

Tosin Olaseinde commended Stanbic IBTC for making stock trading accessible and affordable for Nigerians, as individuals can open a stockbroking account with zero naira.

She advised beginners to invest while gaining knowledge about the stock market and recommended Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as an entry point especially for people who have an aversion to high-risk investments.

She said: “As a beginner, the best place to start is the Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). It is a mixture of different equities in one stock. It offers you the opportunity to participate in a couple of stocks without buying everything individually.”

Solafunmi Oyeneye mentioned liquidity and dividends over a long period of time as advantages of trading stocks, encouraging beginners to access the Stanbic IBTC stockbroking app through their smartphones for convenience and less paperwork.

Jennifer opined that the stock market is a good place to invest because it is highly regulated, and the risks can be easily assessed.

She also recommended the Stanbic IBTC Stockbroking app for trading stocks for ease of use and speed.

The stockbroking investment series by Stanbic IBTC further reaffirms the commitment of the financial institution to equip individuals with essential information required to make informed investment decisions.

January 6, 2022
Ways technology is helping the airline industry rebound

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only instigated a profound public health crisis, but it has also instigated a deep global economic crisis as well. And in the face of widespread lockdowns, few industries were hit harder than the airline industry.

Today, however, safe and effective vaccines have emerged, promising therapeutics are being developed, and the world is continuing on its careful path toward reopening.

Disinfection of aircraft by Turkish Airline – Credit: YouTube/Turkish Airlines

The airline industry is no exception. After what seemed an interminable period of shutdown, planes are in the air again and airports are filling up once more.

And technology is playing a pivotal role in helping the airline industry rebound.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Given the increasing transmissibility of emerging Covid variants, passengers, crew, and airport employees alike are preeminently focused on reducing the risk of viral exposure.

In response to this, powerful new technologies have emerged both to facilitate the detection of infection in humans and to optimize the cleaning and sanitization of aircraft and airport facilities.

For example, thermal cameras are being installed in airports worldwide to aid in identifying those who may have a fever, indicating a potential coronavirus infection.

These cameras eliminate the need for individual, manual temperature screenings, making the onboarding process easier and more efficient without compromising public safety.

ultraviolet (UV) light technologies in use

In addition, new, autonomous cleaning and sanitization systems, many of which feature blue light or ultraviolet (UV) light technologies, have emerged to help disinfect aircraft between flights.

These technologies are also deployed in airports to prevent the potential contamination of surfaces or the transmission of airborne particles, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Digitalization and Contactless Services

Not only do the new screening and sanitization technologies serve an important role in preventing the spread of infections in the airline industry, but they also serve a vital role in reassuring the public of the safety of these environments.

This is essential both in helping to lure both industry employees back to work and passengers back to the skies.

However, these are not the only tools now at the industry’s disposal. In fact, the increasing digitalization of the industry is helping to make onboarding and disembarking safer and more efficient.

For example, a growing number of airports are now using contactless kiosks to enable passengers to check in without waiting long periods in massive queues. Not only does this increase efficiency in a time when pent-up demand may well lead to overcrowded terminals, but it also may attract reluctant fliers who are concerned about social distancing.

Passengers enhanced check-in and bag drop self-services at Ethiopian Airport

Similarly, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently launched an important new smartphone app, Safe Pass, which is designed to help passengers receive the most accurate and up-to-date information they need before arriving at the airport.

For instance, many governments are now requiring vaccines for all eligible international travelers. This, indeed, is rapidly becoming a preferred mitigation measure, as vaccines have been proven to be highly effective not only in reducing disease transmission but also in reducing the severity of disease for those who experience a breakthrough infection.

The Safe Pass app enables passengers to confirm the documentation needed both to board the aircraft and to disembark without issue at the target destination, including proof of vaccination where it is required.

The Future of the Industry

Technology is not only playing a crucial role in helping the airline industry rebound in the short term, but it also promises to be instrumental in ensuring the industry continues to thrive well into the future.

This includes technological innovations which can help the industry better absorb profound disruptions such as this one.

An important element of this is the ongoing evolution of the field of aerospace engineering. In the wake of the pandemic and the myriad lessons learned, the aerospace engineers both of today and tomorrow will be called upon to deploy skills, meet standards, and serve goals that are likely far different from those that prevailed before the pandemic.

For instance, commercial aircraft designers are likely to find themselves called upon to engineer passenger planes with advanced sanitization and air filtration systems combined with a smaller fuselage to accommodate the increased demand for more compact, less crowded planes.

Similarly, those working in the data analytics sector of aerospace engineering may find themselves working extensively in the arena of public health and infectious disease regarding aircraft design, operation, and maintenance.

The Takeaway

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a devastating toll both on human lives and on the global economy, and the impact on the airline industry has been especially dire.

Today, however, there is hope on the horizon and life is beginning to return to a post-pandemic normal. For the airline industry, recovery will hinge largely on the development and deployment of state-of-the-art technology that will accommodate the realities of our new post-COVID world, from digitalization to automated sanitization to the downsizing of passenger aircraft.

January 6, 2022
AFCON, Copa del Rey, Coppa Italia Live on StarTimes

January means football on StarTimes as prized competitions have been lined-up for football fans, with some exclusive to StarTimes.

Soccer fiestas lined up this January include the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Spanish Copa del Rey, La Liga, Coppa Italia, Super Coppa Italia, and German Bundesliga.

The 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) organised by CAF will be played in Cameroon between 9 January and 6 February 2022.

StarTimes will broadcast all 52 matches live and in full high-definition through eight sports channels as well as streaming service StarTimes ON.

StarTimes has been awarded pay-television and OTT media rights to the tournament across all sub-Saharan Africa territories in English, Portuguese, and local African languages.

Philippe Zou, StarTimes Content Operation Center Director, said: “StarTimes has made a strategic priority to support African football and bring it to fans across the continent. We are honoured to partner with the CAF again, following the successful broadcasting of the 2019 AFCON and the 2020 CHAN. To us, there is no better way to start 2022 than to watch top African players compete for the continental crown.”

The TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations will be played by 24 teams in five cities (Douala, Yaoundé, Bafoussam, Garoua, and Limbe) across Cameroon, with Algeria as the defending champions.

January 6, 2022
Aishah Ahmad appointed Chairman Nigeria Community Exchange
The Nigeria Commodity Exchange Plc (NCX) has announced the re-constitution of its Board and Executive Management. The new board is chaired by Mrs. Aishah N. Ahmad.

In a statement signed by Abiodun Sanusi, acting head of Communications, Nigeria Commodity Exchange Plc (NCX), the appointed is in line with the provisions of the Companies & Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, and an Extraordinary General Meeting of the NCX held on January 4, 2022, at which all shareholders unanimously approved the following resolutions:
1. The retirement of Directors
2. The appointment of three new Directors – Mrs. Aishah N. Ahmad, Dr Angela Sere-Ejembi and Mr. Phillip Yila Yusuf.
Mrs. Ahmad was subsequently appointed Chairman of the Board at the inaugural board meeting, “which also held on January 4, 2022. Additional board appointments will be made in due course.

“The newly reconstituted Board along with a Transition Management Team, headed by Mr. Elenwor Jima, [acting as Interim Coordinator], will temporarily oversee the operations of the Exchange, supervising an independent and transparent process to appoint a new Executive Management Team.

“The core shareholders of the NCX thank the outgoing Board and Executive Management for their patriotic service to the company and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Sanusi said that this development marks a critical milestone in the journey to transform the Nigeria Commodity Exchange into a world-class commodity trading company within the African and global commodity markets.
January 6, 2022
Zamfara, Nasarawa States join InnovationBed Digital Citizens Incubation2030 hubs

Evidently it appears the year 2022 will be a fast moving one, and taking clear non-ambiguous actions of past speeches will be more productive in the next couple of months!

Like Mr. Emmanuel Amos, the founder of InnovationBed Africa said, “We do not blame leaders with the right consciences and foresight to leave a good legacy after them without being lobbied”.

This is especially to empower the youth around them on innovation capacity development by a foundation that has invested time and it’s all to curate an ecosystem that is capable of delivering an expanded opportunity for this next generations of nation-builders in any developing country.

“Innovation is the practical implementation of ideas that result in the introduction of new goods or services or improvement in offering goods or services.

“The standard ISO 56000:2020 also defines innovation as “a new or changed entity realizing or redistributing value”. Others have different definitions; a common element in the definitions is a focus on newness, improvement, and spread of ideas or technologies”, Mr. Amos said.

Governor Matawalle and Muhammad Yahaya Tambura, his senior special assistant on ICT

InnovationbedAfrica is currently preaching these words around to every settlement in Nigeria, and developing states or small islands.

The opposite of innovation activities that Programos is disrupting with the new Incubation 2030 is called #EXNOVATION – a state of #BADMARKET that has caused us all safety, prosperity, dignity and the many goodies of life transformation as a people.

“Should we do something different this year to not ONLY help community, students, NGOs, micro-startups but grow LEGITIMATE linear and NON-linear COLLABORATIONS intentionally, genuinely and VOLUNTARILY with open projects to a STACK of borderless ecosystem solutions and actors that the #Innovationbedafrica is pivoted?

“Sounds Crazy – but that’s the main point! Crazy things have no formulae … we lost it a long time ago since we did not worry about our own survivability interventions in a constantly changing world.

“Here above are the odds we sometimes need play by way of relaxation from stress in the new year! Any of the above may work for you”, he said in a blog post on InnovationBed Africa.

Since the influence that can impact positive corrections to present-day community gaps based on the foundation’s #Fix-A-Gap-Research #intervention depend largely to demands of the common future world and the bitter insatiable memory of past and present, they will invoke the Innovationbed Periscope Platform two times a week in the Innovationbed social groups as it may be convenient for members with active and worthy Expression Of Interest to this projected cause to join in and share pointers, ideas, suggestions that can accelerate new gains.

“We are glad to announce that with respect to the 1-Million Digital Citizens Innovation Capacity Development Incubation 2030 for developing countries, we can affirm in Nigeria that two states have officially endorsed to implement the national processes and transformational programmes, leaving us with our new techno-political innovationbed strategy to shield initiative with utmost best practice making sure the project’s targeted features of participation expansion, inexpensive, e-content and productivity-based initiative of global valuation having an attraction already for possible Horizon Europe for Africa Initiative Modeling after OCCAM’s XXI Infopoverty World Conference 2021 declarations for global interventions after a fairer, more sustainable and inclusive digital society.

The two States are Zamfara and Nasarawa.

“Good to report that His Excellency, Professor Isa Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy shared great insights as he graced the opening of the OCCAM XXI Infopoverty World Conference in 2021. OCCAM is the Observatory on Digital Communication.

Initiative in the new decade 2030 will further be powered by more indigenous and sociology-culturally influenced innovations along #Innovationbedafricastacks: #localsolutionproviderstack, #localsolutiontoolsstack, #localgrassrootsdigitalpolicy #localtoolsparlance #wsanigeriastack #sdgsadvisorstack #enativesstack #egovtstacks #fixagapstacks #upskillingstacks

Prof. Pantami and Bello Muhammad Matawalle

#InnovationbedZamfara and #InnovationbedNasarawa are now official regional representations for United Nations World Summit Awards (Nigeria) and ICT4SIDS #SVC4Nigeria.

“Other state representatives and voluntary activators for other states currently taking a poll at HERE.

“Incubation programme starts next month for 6 months virtually with on-premise digital services projects by participants. Further details will confirm progress and each state readiness”

Amos shared the objective of the ICT4SIDS Innovationbed incubation pilots in the 36 states of Nigeria as to support smart hubs that provide inexpensive and highly specialized community services in health, education, open government and citizen engagement, public safety, public welfare and decision support for all SDGs actions in the regions.

“These hubs are incorporated to collaborate with each other across communities for rapid regional transformation and thus lead to rapid adoption of Samoa Pathway and SDGs in Nigeria.

Programos Foundation and InnovationBed incubation 2030

“Activities of Innovationbed in each state in Nigeria will be coordinated by an indigent innovator and Innovationbed Regional Directors who must have been attained a WSA National Nominee proficiency of the ICT4SIDS-Innovationbed #SPACE4Nigeria innovation capacity maturity”.

January 5, 2022
mPharma raises $35,000,000 in Series D and debt funding

Ghanaian-based healthcare startup, mPharma, has raised $35,000,000 in a Series D round which included a host of investors.

Leveraging the fund, which includes $30,000,000 in equity and $5,000,000 in debt from CitiBank, mPharma seeks to employ more engineers to build its data infrastructure and support expansion plans in its current and new markets. The company is also investing in other skilled talent such as doctors and nurses, professionals relevant to its work.

Investors who participated in the round include JAM Fund; a venture capital firm founded by Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen, Unbound; a growth investment firm by Shravin Mittal the managing director Bharti Global limited (Bharti family investment arm) and the first investment in Africa for Lux Capital; a New-York City based VC firm investing in science and tech ventures. Other investors were Northstar, Social Capital, Novastar and TO Ventures.

mPharma also targets growing its Mutti community pharmacies across eight markets in Africa, reaching a height where it becomes the go-to healthcare service provider for patients.

mPharma

The startup’s Mutti pharmacies are essentially mini-hospitals offering a wide-range of services including medical consultation, diagnostic and telehealth services, all on mission to increase accessibility and affordability of quality medication.

Founded in 2013 by Rockson, Daniel Shoukimas and James Finucane, mPharma was built to manage prescription drug inventory for pharmacies and their suppliers, retail pharmacy operations and provide market intelligence to hospitals, pharmacies and patients.

In October last year, the startup added telehealth services to its portfolio, tapping into the telemedicine wave that took off after the Covid pandemic.

Patients in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda and Ethiopia, where mPharma has a presence, now have access to the virtual services. mPharma is also present in Gabon where it has a contract with the government to build a drug supply chain infrastructure.

In recent times, the company has embarked on diversification, partnerships and expansion strategies to ensure its continuous growth. A few months ago it acquired a 55% stake in Uganda’s Vine Pharmacy, which was previously held by the Abraaj Group. mPharma also entered Ethiopia in March last year by signing a franchise agreement with Belayab Pharmaceuticals through its subsidiary, Haltons Limited.

January 5, 2022
Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria: PMI hits two-year high amid stronger output, new order growth

The final month of 2021 revealed a robust expansion in Nigeria’s private sector with the PMI improving to a 24-month high.

Quicker uplifts in output and new orders as well as record inventory building were central to the improvement. Despite the surge in new orders, firms added to their headcounts at the softest pace for 11 months but were still able to keep backlogs at bay.

Meanwhile, purchase cost inflation accelerated to a fresh series high, and for the fourth month running. Output price inflation followed suit, also quickening to a new survey peak in December.

The headline figure derived from the survey is the Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI ®). Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.

At 56.4 in December, up from 55.0 in November, the latest expansion pointed to a robust overall improvement in business conditions.

Moreover, the latest quarterly reading was at 55.2, the highest since the final quarter of 2019.

A key driver of growth was the quickest rise in new orders for over two years. Firms mentioned fruitful marketing efforts and a general improvement in domestic and international demand.

Subsequently, firms boosted output for the thirteenth month running, and at the quickest rate since August 2020. Subsector data revealed expansions across the board, although manufacturers recorded by far the strongest increase.

Wholesale & retail, services and agriculture followed, respectively. Despite robust expansions in output, firms added to their headcounts at only a slight pace. Panel comments suggested that whilst sales had increased, firms were able to keep up with demand leading to a marked reduction in backlogs.

Meanwhile, historically elevated rates of new order growth led firms to engage in stockpiling strategies during the month. In fact, inventories increased at the quickest rate in eight years of data collection.

From the PMI report, buying levels also increased substantially, and at the fourth-most marked rate in the series.

As for prices, purchase costs rose at a survey-record rate for the fourth month running. Higher raw material prices, fuel costs and unfavourable exchange rate movements drove the increase.

Favourable demand conditions allowed for costs to be passed on to clients at a record rate in December.

Finally, firms were optimistic for output growth in 2022 amid plans to broaden product offerings, increase advertisements and expand operations to new locations.

January 5, 2022
What will online privacy and security look like in 2022?

In many ways, 2021 was a landmark year for online privacy. In April 2021, Apple rolled out an update allowing users to opt out of app tracking, with most iPhone users having done so by the end of the year. There were even talks to disable tracking technology on the world’s most popular web browser.

We also saw movement on the legislative front, with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) coming into effect in July. (Kenya and Nigeria’s equivalent acts came into effect in 2019).

In fact, Gartner predicts that modern privacy laws will cover 75% of the world’s population by the end of 2023.

But there’s also clearly still a lot of work to be done. By the end of September 2021, there had been more data breaches than in the whole of 2020, impacting hundreds of millions of people. The average cost of a data breach rose to US$4.24-million, the highest it’s been in 17 years.

What this illustrates is that online privacy and security is an ongoing battle and that organisations of all sizes will have to keep stepping up their efforts when it comes to protecting their customers and staff. While it’s hard to predict exactly how this will play out in 2022, there are several definite trends that will have an impact throughout the course of the year.

Privacy will become (even more) mainstream

With big tech embracing privacy, or at the very least making an effort, it’ll likely become even more mainstream. This will be a positive in many markets, especially where the majority of ordinary business owners are naive to their consumers’ privacy wants and needs.

A survey Zoho conducted earlier in 2021, for example, found that only 22% of South African businesses are aware of privacy laws governing their marketing activities, despite POPIA coming into effect on 1 July. It also found that while 76% of the businesses indicated that they have well-documented policies for customer data protection, only 57% are strictly applying those policies.

At Zoho, data privacy is perceived as not just a legal obligation but an ethical choice. The team is serious about customer data protection and strives to develop applications that treat user data responsibly.

In 2020, Zoho also took a strong stance against adjunct surveillance—the practice of monitoring data and activity through third parties, cookies, and trackers embedded in the software/website—and removed all invasive/non-essential third-party trackers from its websites.

The growing importance of (safely) dumping data

Having spent years trying to gather as much data as possible on their users, companies are starting to realise that it’s not always an asset. In fact, many organisations are sitting on vast “data graveyards” that are a major security liability.

The better they get at safely disposing of that data, the less risk they’ll face when it comes to cybersecurity breaches. With increasingly robust laws, companies will be forced to improve their governance but the organisations that fare best will be the ones that go above and beyond when it comes to data governance.

Increased demand for transparency

As an effect of privacy becoming an increasingly mainstream issue, it’s also become a much bigger concern for ordinary consumers who are turning privacy-conscious with each passing day. People want to know that companies aren’t going to collect data that they aren’t comfortable sharing and that the companies will be wholly transparent with the data they do collect. For the next few years, organisations that boldly come forward and declare their data collection practices with complete transparency and accountability will gain a competitive advantage.

A higher responsibility

Ultimately, the onus is on the organisations to set up a company-wide data governance framework which ensures that only the minimum necessary amount of data is collected from customers along with their explicit consent and is further used, stored, and managed responsibly.

Equally important, organisations should ensure that their business software providers and vendors also follow the same amount of strict guidelines, policies, and compliance procedures when it comes to data privacy.

About the author:

Andrew Bourne is Zoho’s Regional Manager for the Africa region and is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He has more than 15 years of experience in sales and marketing, and has spent the last five years focusing on the implementation and testing of various business technologies. He is very passionate about Zoho and has exceptional insight into the business and marketing world.

January 5, 2022

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