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4IR in Africa: Technology Innovation, Women and Young People at the Fore

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Kate Krukiel is Managing Director of Sera Afrika based in Nairobi, Kenya. Her work with the United Nations at Microsoft, driving policy through data across Africa with Sera Afrika and facilitating the newly formed UN Digital Solutions Centre for shared innovation across the UN family, has spanned the Middle East and Africa, focusing on private and public sector partnerships, non-profits, the UN and civil society groups to break down political, social, and language barriers in creating lasting technological change in emerging markets. In this interview with Heath Muchena of Business Africa Online, Kate explores tech, women empowerment, business leadership and work-life balance, amongst others.

Heath: Africa has the largest concentration of young people in the world. How can private-public partnerships and policy help youth take a right-first approach to digital transformation and how should businesses in Africa define a digital transformation process?

Kate: With young people representing over 65% of the population in Africa, we should focus on them for opportunities for digital transformation and growth. It’s exciting to note that we can leapfrog ahead exponentially in business areas from finance, mobile access to Agtech, opening new markets, new jobs and new job types. Given current technology constraints in Africa, we need to focus on access to affordable connectivity to access such e-services and enable new and growing businesses to participate online. Africa still has the most expensive Internet access on the globe – and this must change.

Heath: Is Africa ready for the transformative change the 4IR brings and the impact on businesses across the continent? How can private-public partnerships and ICT leaders to foster this change?

Kate: Of course! Africa is ready for a giant leap into accelerating growth. It countries and tech counterparts have the resources to do this. But there are a few barriers to getting there, including more maturity in technology infrastructure and skill development in these new areas of innovation. While there has been progress in eliminating the digital divide (people with no access to smart devices and the Internet), there is much more to be done there.

Connectivity, trade and collaboration between countries, accurate policies to allow this growth are just a few areas that need advancement. The majority of consumers are youth who are under-skilled without relevant jobs available in the digital economy. For this we need to work with governments and organizations create new types of jobs, build capacity and modernize fragmented policies to enable this growth.

Heath: What do you think is the best part of being a woman leader in the tech industry and what advice would you give to women looking to break into the tech field?

Kate: Being the only woman in my computer science university class at Mary Washington College to moving into a world where I’m working with 95% men, it’s all I know. I am lucky in that I was raised with strong and supportive male figures who gave me a good foundation for this field. 

The best part of being a woman leader in tech is knowing that women have the inherent characteristics of collaboration and inclusion. Mapping these female strengths to technical capabilities and digital innovation and knowledge makes me unique.  The second-best part is, at this time, knowing that I am and must be a role model for other women moving into this career path.  We don’t have enough women in tech as thought leaders and movers and shakers! 

I mentor my staff, my teams and interns but also, I choose to create open dialogue and spaces for fellow women to get guidance – this is incredibly important.  My advice? – get mentors.  Surround yourself with strong women and men that possess skillsets and characteristics that you need.

Heath: How do you maintain work-life balance and what are your views on goals, timelines, and measuring success?

Kate: Work life balance means something different to everyone you ask. We have different times when we’re productive or not – we have different priorities in life and at work. To me, having flexibility in my days to do things like avoiding the traffic or going on walks to clear my brain are important. 

I’m a morning person and the first thing I do is make a list, for the week (on Sunday) and for each day. That keeps me on track with timelines, to set clear goals, long term and short, but also know my own balance. I’m a big fan of having events, launches or a moment in time to mark progress and this offers milestones for commitments and results. I’ll be at my desk at 6 a.m. and be on a walk at 9.

Heath: How important is it to be exposed to all areas of the business in order to be an effective leader within your Sera Afrika business?

Kate: Incredibly. From the very basics of using advice from Oprah Winfrey to always ‘sign your checks’ (transparency) down to understanding the different leadership styles my directors have and how they differ and augment mine, to sectors we work across and to the talent that we possess.  Every organization is a machine of moving parts and I don’t need to understand the deepest aspect of each, but general knowledge core areas of business is key.

Heath: What influences your leadership style and what values are important to you?

Kate: I need to be me – which means I need humour in each day, I need transparency and honesty, passion and hard work.  I’m a very flexible leader in that I don’t need my team to be in the office when I am but allow them to work in the best method and manor for each of them, as I do too.  This creates trust, as we work hard and value each other.

Most important? Value our commitment to growing and changing lives.  At the end of the day, if we aren’t having fun while trying to change the world, we are doing something wrong.  The Kate you see at the office will be the same Kate you see on the weekend.

Kate Krukiel

Heath: In your experience, what is the key to developing a good team and how do you manage performance?

Kate: One thing I learned years ago during my first management role is that you must know what motivates members of your team in order to build a good relationship. Knowing their passions and strengths, at work and out of work.

I don’t agree that work and personal life should be separate. I found out one of my interns is an artist (as well as a wonderful lawyer).  When we needed art for our office, I called her. Now our office is full of personal touches. For managing performance, setting clear objectives, understanding work styles and allowing employees to have ownership and flexibility, plus having regular check ins.

Heath: How far has Sera Afrika gone with its digital transformation?

Kate: As a policy tech start-up, we’re able to begin from a different place. In addition, having a leadership team that has been entrenched in technology for a collective 70 years, we fully understand the power but also the enabler that technology must be in changing the lives of Africans.

Visit: Sera Afrika

 

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Lisk and CV Labs Africa Unveil VC Curated Blockchain Incubation Hub

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Lisk Chief Project Officer, Dominic Schwenter (Image: Supplied).

With nearly a million developers, a flourishing cross-industry entrepreneurial mindset, and a remarkable surge in blockchain adoption, Africa’s ability to lead blockchain technology impact is undeniable. Yet, technology entrepreneurs face barriers like limited access to finance and expert mentorship. Lisk’s Blockchain Incubation Hub intends to solve that issue.

Lisk is a fast and scalable Layer 2 (L2) network secured by Ethereum. As a member of the Optimism Superchain, Lisk provides builders and users some of the cheapest fees possible in the Ethereum ecosystem (currently sub 1 cent) and is actively contributing to the larger Superchain mission of onboarding the next 1 billion people to Web3. Lisk’s strategic decision to focus on emerging markets stands as a testament to its commitment to innovation and inclusivity. By prioritizing these regions, the team acknowledges the transformative potential they hold for the global community. 

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Dominic Schwenter, Chief Project Officer at Lisk, speaking of the incubation program, said “As an established infrastructure project, that has long focused on making Web3 technologies more accessible to builders and users around the world, we fully understand the tremendous opportunity the African continent represents for the future of the blockchain industry. By working with established partners such as CV Labs and its VC pillar, CV VC, we intend to bring our mutual excellence to support African pioneers who harness ingenuity to empower their communities. Blockchain is the engine for propelling local economies across the continent and we are well aware of the great quality of the developer community in Africa. There’s no one better to solve challenges than local developers, founders, and entrepreneurs“.

CV Labs is a renowned blockchain accelerator and ecosystem builder within the Web3 space. CV Labs is a business pillar of CV VC, the Swiss headquartered blockchain venture capitalist. Lisk and CV Labs both originate from the world’s most mature blockchain hub – Crypto Valley. Each has local and active teams on the ground in Africa, committed to harnessing Africa’s ability to drive the future of the web – one that enables data transparency, new economies, and, most of all, a better way of interacting and transacting for Africans.

Gideon Greaves, MD of CV VC Africa, said “Our experience in creating interconnectedness among our African and global portfolio companies is a bedrock for their growth. As Africans ourselves, we are very excited to empower the Lisk Blockchain Incubation Hub with our ecosystem pillar CV Labs, leveraging local insights and global understanding for maximum impact. Importantly, CV VC’s investor-focused curation will support the appropriation of grant funds to ensure projects with impact and utility succeed”.

African nations are among the strongest adopters of cryptocurrencies, utilizing them both as a store of value, payment, and exchange purposes. Concurrently, the technology behind crypto, blockchain itself, is increasingly important in other ways for Africa due to its immutability which can address longstanding issues such as corruption, lack of transparency, and inefficiencies in sectors like finance, supply chain, and governance.

Builders on blockchain technology can enhance trust, promote financial inclusion, enable secure transactions, and streamline processes, particularly in regions with unreliable infrastructure and weak institutions. Additionally, blockchain can support individuals by enabling access to financial services and property rights, fostering their socioeconomic growth, and unlocking new opportunities.

Despite restricted global funding, technology ecosystems in Africa are emerging, and 15 African countries feature in the Top 100 Global Ecosystems. As Africa accounts for nearly 20% of the global population and a median age of 18.8 years, the continent’s youthful demographic presents a potent force for innovation. While 77% of VC funding in Africa comes from outside the continent, The Lisk Blockchain Incubation Hub is committed to enabling African entrepreneurs to achieve self-fulfilling revenues and new funding sources by becoming market-ready with viable products that meet African needs.

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EMURGO Africa Unveils EMURGO Labs

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EMURGO Africa, the investment and commercial arm of Cardano in Africa, today announced the launch of EMURGO Labs, a dedicated development entity for emerging Web3 technologies. The Labs is designed to support the growth of established and nascent Web2 and Web3 organizations. EMURGO Labs is set to spearhead the digital transformation across borders, leveraging the transformative power of the Cardano blockchain.

This will will serve as the central hub for fostering the growth of both established and burgeoning Web2 and Web3 organizations throughout the region. By leveraging the unparalleled power and potential of the Cardano blockchain, EMURGO Labs aims to empower innovation, facilitate cross-border expansion, and contribute to the overall expansion of the global blockchain ecosystem.

“The launch of EMURGO Labs marks a significant step forward in our mission to unlock the transformative potential of blockchain technology in Africa, Middle East and GCC,” said Ahmed M. Amer, CEO of EMURGO Labs. “Through comprehensive support services, strategic partnerships, and industry-leading expertise, I am confident that EMURGO Labs will become the premier destination for Web3 ventures seeking to thrive in this dynamic region” added Amer.

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EMURGO Labs is dedicated to delivering a broad spectrum of services, meticulously designed to meet the evolving needs of the digital era, enabling organizations to seamlessly migrate from Web2 to Web3 while also enhancing and expanding the capabilities of already established Web3 entities.

  • Blockchain Solutions Development: Partnering with global enterprises, startups, and accelerators, EMURGO Labs is at the forefront of investing in and developing groundbreaking blockchain solutions with real world use cases
  • Custom Software Development: Tailored software solutions are crafted to drive digital transformation, propelling enterprises into the future.
  • UI/UX Design: With a focus on user-centric design, The Labs ensures intuitive user experiences and sleek interfaces for Cardano blockchain applications, setting a new standard in usability and aesthetics.

Aiming to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from Web2 and Web3 startups, banks, and large corporations to governments and the wider business community, The Labs is strategically positioned. By appealing to investors, blockchain enthusiasts, media, and policymakers, it is poised to become a pivotal player in the global blockchain ecosystem.

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LG Electronics unveils latest state-of-the-art home appliances

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LG Electronics continues to set new standards in consumer electronics with the unveiling of its latest lineup featuring sleek, minimalist designs tailored to enhance the modern lifestyle.

In a world where technology seamlessly integrates into daily routines, LG Electronics understands the importance of design that not only complements living spaces but also elevates them. With a commitment to innovation and aesthetics, LG’s new range of products embodies the perfect balance of form and function. From cutting-edge Televisions to state-of-the-art home appliances, LG’s minimalist design ethos shines through in every product. With clean lines, premium materials, and intuitive interfaces, consumers can enjoy both sophistication and simplicity in their everyday interactions.

“We believe that great design should enhance the user experience, not distract from it,” said Mr. Hari Elluru, Head, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, West African Operations. “Our latest lineup embodies our dedication to creating products that seamlessly integrate into modern lifestyles, providing both style and substance.”

At LG, we have the latest designs, very durable and innovative products for every household, and it’s for this reason that, to prevent the incidence of the paradox of choice, we curated some budget-friendly home appliances we believe will make living comfortable for you.

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Smart TV

Why go to the cinema when you can create a cinematic experience in your home? When friends and family visit you, you can entertain them either by watching content together on an LG TV or by connecting your game with the LG TV so you can have an immersive experience. As far as picture and sound quality goes, LG TVs deliver only the best. So, immerse yourself and treat your guests to unforgettable TV experiences by investing in any of LG’s range of smart TVs. And what is more? Its ThinQ app feature is there to help maximize your TV experience in such a way you can’t imagine. You get to choose your favorite voice assistant and control your TV with your voice with an all new home screen to provide more convenience and control.

 Portable Bluetooth Speaker & Soundbar

Whether you are the indoor type or outdoor type, there is that speaker that helps whatever vibe you are in. And regardless of what your taste is, you can get a premium audio experience no matter the size of the speaker. Take, for instance, our portable speakers that allow you to carry your fun with you with or without the absence of power or our soundbars that serve as the perfect companion to your LG TVs. The good thing about these speakers is that even with their sleek design, there’s no compromise on sound quality.

Enjoy sound the way it’s meant to be enjoyed where all your movies and music are brought to life with sound that’s clearer and more immersive; thereby, giving you a more realistic audio experience. And not only that, with this sound bar, there is dimensionality to your sound as well as a greater sense of space and depth which all culminates in you discovering hidden audio details with unparalleled clarity, hearing every emotion just as the creator of the sound intended for you to hear.

Refrigerator

Want a fridge that keeps your food items and drinks cool and fresh for a long period without drilling a hole in your pocket? Well, you don’t have to think too far. This fridge is the perfect addition to your household gadgets. One amazing feature of this LG Instaview fridge is that when you knock twice on the door, you can see the contents of the fridge without opening the door. This helps to save time while saving the air inside the fridge. Cool, isn’t it?

Microwave Oven

Who says you have to retire to the kitchen after a stressful day at work? And who says you need a massive cooking gadget just to create little wonders that delight your tummy? LG NeoChef microwave is the go-to appliance for quick and easy meals. Whether it is to heat the food, bake, fry, or even ferment your homemade yogurt, LG NeoChef has the bells and whistles you need for gastronomy.

Air Conditioner

There is air and there is cool refreshing air that’s void of impurities. The latter is the kind of air that comes from the LG ArtCool air conditioner. LG’s ArtCool AC not only fills your space with the right kind of air for your lungs and skin, its design allows it to harmonise perfectly with your wall, adding to the beauty and style of your interior in a way most air-conditioners were not designed to. In addition to that, it is more energy saving and thanks to its inverter compressor, it expels air farther and faster. And not only that, you can access your air-conditioner at any time and from anywhere with a Wi-Fi equipped device and LG’s exclusive home appliances control app – ThinQ.

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