GCash’s Post

(Cont'd) Chairman PTA, Maj. General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman in his inaugural note, underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing common ICT challenges through dialogue and knowledge sharing, he highlighted the importance of learning from each other's experiences to effectively introduce new technologies and services while safeguarding consumer rights and nurturing industry growth. Ms. Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for IT & Telecom who was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony outlined Pakistan's visionary initiative of digitally empowered country with the aim of providing access to every citizen across Pakistan. She emphasized Pakistan's vast potential as a nation of 250 million, predominantly youth and how their useful participation can boost growth. She stressed on onboarding the 50% of total population which is female and reiterated the Prime Minister’s and the ministry of IT & Telecom’s commitment to gender inclusion. She lauded Chairman PTA's leadership in bridging the digital gender gap, acknowledging significant strides in this area. The STARC meeting serves as a vital platform for comprehending the dynamic ICT landscape, initiating research analysis, and setting agendas for the next two years. Over the next two days, the meeting will feature 10 sessions, each dedicated to crucial contemporary topics and trends in regional telecommunication sector. The workshop's first day features four sessions. The initial session highlights insights from APT's GA-16 and MC-47, focusing on SATRC and beyond. The second session address the regulatory challenges of new technologies and smart solutions for broadband. The third session explores maximizing the Universal Service Obligation Fund for digital inclusion. Lastly, the workshop will discuss enhancing ICT E-Waste Management Regulations for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the need for effective regulations and strategies to ensure a greener future.

What is a DigiTall Africa? 🌍 Picture a continent where the opportunity to leverage digital skills is accessible to all, and where young people have no limitations in standing tall with the vast opportunities of the thriving digital realm. This is the vision of a DigiTall Africa, and it’s not just a theme; it’s a commitment. We’re on a mission to nurture a #1MillionDevs4Africa for a brighter tomorrow as we empower our continent through digital literacy and technology and see young Africans with innovative solutions to the continent’s challenges solving them through code. Rise with us today in this digital age and be empowered for a better DigitAll Africa. https://lnkd.in/dCwbWvHh #1MillionDevs4Africa #DigiTallAfrica #TechEmpowerment #DigitalLiteracy

At the just concluded Development Bank of Nigeria Techpreneur summit, four males secured the innovation prizes. This highlights the #gender-technology gap and #inequalities we are advocating against. I am not saying that the selection judgment is wrong. But, we can all agree that it's going to remain unlikely for any occasion to have all of the top winners as females. My suggestions to address this would be; 1. Women should do more to step up to #challenges. 2. More successful female professionals should devote #biased attention to help aspiring females succeed. 3. Selection committees must take into account the painpoints, peculiarities, and uniqueness of females in making their judgments, realizing that it is of paramount importance for them to involve females at the top of every outcome #theeucheria

2024 Top 100 #WomenInFinTech 👇👇 84. Cina Lawson (Togolese): Honourable Cina Lawson is a Minister of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation of the Republic of Togo. She uses her expertise in telecommunications in emerging countries to develop a digital economy that brings prosperity and progress to all its inhabitants. She is responsible for formulating and implementing Togo’s postal and telecom policy. She is in charge of promoting and facilitating the development of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector and capacity building in the ICT sector. She is the chairwoman of the supervisory board of state-owned firms: Togo Postal Society and Togocom. She is an alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School and a former Manager of Corporate Strategy & Business Development at Orange. 83. Marie-José Ndaya Ilunga (DRC): Marie-José is the Deputy Director at Banque Centrale du Congo (BCC) and cochair of AFI’s Consumer Empowerment and Market Conduct (CEMC) working group. She is aware of a gap in financial education for women and youths in the DRC. However, one significant barrier removed a year ago involved family law. Previously, women couldn’t open a bank account without the consent of their husbands. However, this is now history. Women are allowed to access financial products without such permission. Women In FinTech Magazine: https://shorturl.at/gkpY4 #LevelOneProject #IncludeEveryone

Recently, I had the enriching opportunity to participate in an internet governance training organized by THE PAN AFRICAN YOUTH AMBASSADORS FOR INTERNET GOVERNANCE (PAYAIG). #PAYAIG acknowledges the vital role of youth in promoting the #netgov ecosystem in Africa. Together with 999 other #IGFAMBASSADOR fellows representing 52 African countries, we underwent advanced training and attended panels and groups talks on internet governance topics. This experience opened my eyes to the crucial importance of internet governance in the African context. Internet governance goes far beyond the technical management of online resources. It's a matter of digital sovereignty, digital rights, and participation in the global digital economy. In Africa, where internet access continues to grow rapidly, internet governance plays a pivotal role in realizing the continent's economic and social potential. What's even more critical is the active involvement of youth in this process. As future leaders and the most active users of the internet, African youth must be at the forefront of decision-making in internet governance. Their expertise, creativity, and understanding of local digital issues are essential for shaping an inclusive and sustainable digital future. By participating in this training, I acquired essential skills in internet governance and became aware of the positive impact we can have by contributing to policies and decisions that affect internet use in Africa. I am determined to continue working actively in this field and to encourage other young people to join this cause. Internet governance is a vital issue for the future of Africa, and we, the youth, have a crucial role to play in shaping an internet that meets the needs of our continent and its people. Together, we can build a prosperous and inclusive digital future for Africa." #ICYBERCZAR #IGF2023 #KYOTO 

This study explores the relationship between mobile network coverage, financial technology adoption, and financial inclusion in sub-Saharan African countries. Using georeferenced survey data and tower information, the research reveals a positive connection between network coverage and financial inclusion. Investing in LTE towers within 2km of households could raise inclusion by 6% in Mozambique and 3% in Ghana, Rwanda, and Senegal. Focusing on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) investments would yield a greater impact in countries with prevalent mobile money usage. Gender parity is noted in digital financial inclusion, but disparities persist due to income, education, and location differences. For more details: https://bit.ly/45vGY9J

Africa Telecom and ICT News 4th October 2023 MTN’s female CEOs celebrate first year in office https://bit.ly/46fGci6 ITU’s Doreen Bogdan-Martin punts satellite for connectivity https://bit.ly/3LNRfXH Liquid preps young South Africans for digital future https://bit.ly/3F0CKMg MTN deploys 20 000 batteries in load shedding fight https://bit.ly/3rLBmKi South Africa: Operators have until the end of this month to pay spectrum usage fees due https://bit.ly/45geErI Nigeria: telecom operators want to vary the prices of their services from one state to another https://bit.ly/3rtv8ip Huawei to invest over US$400 million in new strategy for Africa https://bit.ly/3RRGN50

Having an email address is essential for promoting digital literacy as it facilitates communication, access to online services, information sharing, and collaboration. It serves as a primary identifier in the digital realm and is crucial for professional development. By mastering email communication, individuals can enhance their digital literacy skills, manage their digital identities securely, and participate effectively in the digital world. Uganda Communications Commission Zimba Women ioTec Limited Hedera ShareChange European Microfinance Network Let’s go digital! #HerDigitalFutureUG