Press Release
AI Expo Africa, Wesgro, and Zindi launch the Deepfake Africa Challenge
AI Expo Africa, in partnership with Wesgro Film and Media Promotion and African Data Science competition platform Zindi, has launched the Deepfake Africa Challenge in a bid to raise awareness about deepfake media, tools and ethics on the African continent.
Deepfakes have been prominent in the news in the last two years as the tools and platforms that allow for such content to be produced are widely available and easy to use by both skilled and casual users.
While some deepfakes can be used to create fun, viral videos or new synthetic applications such as digital avatars that have multiple applications, they also can be used to manipulate or generate visual and audio content with the potential to deceive with subsequent negative impacts for people, organisations and wider society.
Dr Nick Bradshaw, founder & CEO of AI Media the company behind AI Expo Africa, stated, “The objective of the challenge is to create convincing deepfakes to highlight the power of this synthetic media, illustrating its creative potential for exploitation for both positive and negative outcomes and focusing debate about its ethical use or mis-use in an African context. We partnered with Zindi as they have the largest community of Data Scientists in Africa, and Wesgro Film Unit to tap into the award-winning creative industry based in the Western Cape, South Africa. This challenge is open to both creative and technical talent across Africa. We look forward to seeing the outcomes from the submission.”
Wesgro Film and Media Promotion head Monica Rorvik commented, “Deepfake media can have negative outcomes. This challenge serves as an opportunity and platform that we can leverage during this interesting time of the “Pandemic of deep fakes” – and by working together, and checking facts, we can learn together and gain some herd immunity.”
Zindi co-founder and CEO Celina Lee stated “Deepfakes are fast becoming a challenge of our time. Through the Zindi platform we are seeking to tap into the collective insights and creativity from twenty-six thousand African data scientists to shine a light on this topic and create debate about the potential harms these media and tools can do from a uniquely African perspective.”
Submission and evaluation
Submissions are welcome from across the African continent and from relevant communities including researchers, developers, content creatives and film makers. The winning submissions of the Deepfake Africa Challenge will be showcased at AI Expo Africa 2021 ONLINE between 7 to 9 September.
- Artistic creativity and relevance to the challenge topic
- Level of innovation used in the process to generate the content
- A short explanation of platforms, tools and techniques used to generate your submission will greatly enhance your submission and are encouraged so we can build a picture of the most common tools and techniques used
The judging panel will be made up of representatives from Zindi, The AI Media Group and Wesgro. The judge’s decision will be final.
Prizes
1st Place Winner: Complimentary ticket to join AI Expo Africa 2021 ONLINE (including 1x return economy flight & 4x nights hotel stay B&B courtesy of Radisson Blue to join us at AI Expo Africa 2022). The 1st Place Winner’s flight is eligible to delegates joining from outside the host city capped to $1000 using economy class fare. Expenses and visas are not included.
2nd and 3rd prize winners to receive 1x complimentary ticket to AI Expo Africa 2021 ONLINE.
Top 3 placed winners will have work showcased at AI Expo Africa 2021 along with write up and press mentions.
Timeline
The competition closes on 30th July 2021. Final submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM GMT 30th July 2021. Winners will be notified and announced by 17 August 2021 with the winning submissions being showcased at AI Expo Africa 2021 ONLINE between 7-9 September.
The challenge organisers reserve the right to update the content timeline if necessary.
Press Release
Pernod Ricard’s CEO for Africa & Middle East Visits Nigeria, Reinforcing Market Commitment
Pernod Ricard’s Africa and Middle East CEO, Selçuk Tümay (center), with Pernod Ricard Nigeria Management Team, MD, Pernod Ricard Africa and CFO, Pernod Ricard Africa and Middle East, Nevzat Akkız, during the recent visit of Selçuk Tümay to Pernod Ricard Nigeria (Photo: Supplied).
Pernod Ricard, the world’s second-largest wine and spirits company, reaffirmed its dedication to Nigeria’s thriving market through a recent visit by Africa and Middle East CEO, Selcuk Tumay, accompanied by Chief Financial Officer Africa, Nevzat Akkiz, and Managing Director Africa, Sola Oke.
The visit began with a business review at Pernod Ricard’s Lagos office, assessing regional performance and strategic planning. A “Meet and Greet” session recognized local employees’ talents, fostering conviviality.
An immersion into Nigeria’s vibrant retail landscape followed with an open market visit to Oke-Arin Market, guiding discussions on adapting marketing strategies. Retail partnerships were reinforced by visits to top stores, enhancing in-store experiences. At night-time, On-trade visits showcased Pernod Ricard’s premium offerings. The Key Distributors were not left out during the visits. These visits underscored collaborative relationships for a brighter future.
Selcuk Tumay stated, “Despite Nigeria’s complexities, especially foreign exchange volatility, we are optimistic. Adapting strategies will drive growth, support local partners and deliver exceptional consumer experiences.”
Building on success in Turkey and the Middle East, where innovative marketing and strategic partnerships fuelled double-digit growth, Pernod Ricard applies these learnings to Nigeria.
“We can leverage Turkey’s and the Middle East’s successes and best practices to navigate Nigeria’s challenges and unlock opportunities,” added Selcuk.
Press Release
AFEX Release 2024 Crop Production Report, Forecasting A Decline In Commodity Production Levels
L-R: Ify Umunna, Head, Strategy, AFEX, Dr. Audu Grema, Senior Programme Officer, Agriculture, Nigeria, Gates Foundation, Khadija Othman, Lead, Production Pillar, PFSCU, Ade Adefeko, Director, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, Olam, Esiri Ojo, Senior TA on Coordination and Special Projects, Office of the Statistician General, NBS (Photo: AFEX)
Africa’s leading commodities player, AFEX, launched its 2024 Wet Season Crop Production report at a hybrid event held at their Abuja office on the 31st of October. The report provides key insights into the underlying factors influencing the commodities landscape such as production levels, price performance and market outlook for the coming season. This year marks a significant milestone as AFEX expands its research to include Kenya asides just Nigeria, providing critical intel into the agricultural sectors of both nations across key commodities value chains such as Maize, Paddy rice, Soybean, Sesame, Ginger, Cocoa and Sorghum. The report features data gathered from over 51,000 farmers across Nigeria and key producing counties in Kenya. It provides the agriculture ecosystem and key stakeholders with reliable intel as a guide for policy development and data-driven trading decisions.
The Nigeria Report reveals huge agricultural potential for the nation that unfortunately, remains largely untapped by producers struggling to keep up with growing demands. This is owing to factors such as high cost of inputs, lack of financing, growing climate change concerns across dry spells and harsh rainfalls, pest infestation amongst other concerns. Amidst the general downward trend in commodity production, commodities such as sorghum, ginger, cocoa and sesame, however, present an upward trend primarily due to expanded cultivation and strong recovery and response efforts to last year’s price surges.
On the other hand, the Kenya agricultural sector remains reliant on rainfed farming, with average farm sizes ranging from 0.2 to 3 hectares, this heavily impacts on the production levels falling below potential. Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient investment, post-harvest losses, and climate change continue to impede progress in enhancing local production. This decline, coupled with Kenya’s significant reliance on imports, poses a significant threat to national food security, highlighting the need for targeted intervention to enhance local production.
Paddy rice, a key dietary staple in Nigeria is projected to decrease by 2.6%, resulting in a total output of approximately 8.1 million metric tons. This decline is primarily driven by the high cost of fertilizers, leading to reduced yields while prompting many farmers to shift to alternative crops like sesame and sorghum that require less fertilizer and are more cost-effective to cultivate. Additionally, widespread insecurity in major rice-producing states have disrupted farming activities, with severe flooding in several regions further compounding the issue. As a result of these factors, the availability and price of paddy rice is expected to be significantly affected in the coming year, raising concerns about food security and affordability for consumers across the country.
Kenya is also set to see a modest decline in maize production by 1% due to decreased fertilizer usage as input prices increase. Amidst numerous government interventions, the nation is yet to receive yields but maize prices have experienced a 29% decline, primarily driven by sustained imports from neighboring countries, which offset anticipated yield gains. This has led to concerns around even reduced output by local farmers in the coming season. Nigeria on the other hand has similar trends with maize production set to decline by 5.6% attributed to a reduction in cultivated land due to rising costs, limited fertilizer usage, and adverse climatic conditions expected to negatively impact crop yields. Consequently, maize prices are expected to surge significantly during the 2024/2025 season, impacting both farmers and consumers.
Overall, commodity pricing trends in Nigeria and Kenya reveal significant variations both influenced by production challenges and market dynamics. In Nigeria, the report forecasts a notable increase in ginger prices by over 90% due to heightened demand and lingering effects of the fungal attack from last season. Both reports underscore the urgent need for policy development aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and food security as well as increased investment into agro-processing and infrastructure to mitigate these challenges.
Speaking at the launch event, President/CEO of AFEX Nigeria, Akinyinka Akintunde, stated, “each year, we conduct this extensive survey involving over 40,000 farmers to gain deeper insights into the challenges facing our agricultural sector. The findings of the survey underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance productivity, particularly in staples like maize and rice. More importantly, the report helps us see the critical areas that need intervention and that is a plus. By addressing critical issues such as access to quality inputs, climate resilience, and market stability, we can significantly improve food security and empower our farmers, ultimately driving economic growth and sustainability in Nigeria.”
The report is now available for download on afex.africa.
Press Release
ETAP Secures Ghana’s First Insurtech Operational License
ETAP, an insurtech that creates solutions and incentives to deepen insurance penetration across Africa, has acquired an operational license from the National Insurance Commission (NIC) of Ghana – the first of its kind in Ghana – enabling the startup to process claims, collect premiums and provide other innovative auto insurance products and services to consumers and businesses in the Ghanaian market.
In collaboration with Hollard Insurance Ghana, a leading provider of non-life insurance products, ETAP is poised to transform the insurance landscape in Ghana by introducing fast, fair and rewarding auto insurance for cars, trucks, motorcycles, tricycles and other vehicles. Taking advantage of Hollard’s extensive experience and deep local knowledge of the market, the two companies will join forces as ETAP-Hollard to deliver a range of innovative insurance products and services that leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless user experiences, instant claims processing, and personalized policy management.
Insurance penetration in Ghana currently stands at approximately 2 percent. However, despite this relatively low penetration rate, Ghana’s insurance market is viewed as having substantial growth potential. Factors such as increasing financial literacy, economic growth and regulatory reforms are expected to drive higher insurance adoption in the coming years. The National Insurance Commission (NIC) of Ghana has also been active in promoting insurance awareness and enforcing regulations aimed at improving the credibility and stability of the insurance sector, which is expected to boost penetration over time.
ETAP’s entry into the Ghanaian market means consumers will now be able to buy insurance in 90 seconds, complete claims in 3 minutes or less and get rewarded for good driving and avoiding accidents via the startup’s game-changing app. Drivers also have flexible coverage options, including daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual plans depending on their needs. Businesses can manage up to 1,000 vehicles in their fleet, enabling them to streamline insurance processes, oversee driver performance rewards and monitor driver behaviour in real-time on one seamless platform. Since launching in 2022, thousands of individuals and businesses have trusted ETAP to manage the insurance of their vehicles.
Ibraheem Babalola, CEO and Founder of ETAP, said, “Ghana represents a key market for us, and this license allows us to bring our innovative mobility insurance solutions to a country where insurance penetration is still low, yet the potential for growth is immense. With this expansion, we are not just launching a product; we are creating new opportunities, fostering financial inclusion, and contributing to the development of a more secure future for Ghanaians.”
Commenting on the announcement, Daniel Boi Addo, Managing Director of Hollard Insurance, described the partnership as a significant step forward, underlining its potential to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the insurance sector. “Receiving the operational license from our regulator is a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Partnering with ETAP allows us to deliver tailored insurance solutions while rewarding responsible driving. Together, we are building a better future for mobility insurance in Ghana, with endless possibilities for sustainable growth.”