Latest news with #DigitalInclusion
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Airtel Africa Foundation launches Tech For Her program to upskill African women
Africa: Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, today announced the launch of its 'Tech For Her' Program', targeting young women across Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya. The initiative, to be delivered in partnership with Tertiary DNS, is a five -week intensive online program that aims to equip participants with high-demand digital skills including Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics, and prepare them to seek tech-related job opportunities across the world. The program aligns with the Foundation's mission to empower Africa through Digital Inclusion. Participants will complete over 100 hours of intensive training through a flexible learning model that includes weekend classes for working professionals and weekday sessions for non-working participants. To be eligible for the training, candidates are required to have basic digital literacy, minimum education of a national diploma or its equivalent in Science and Technology or higher qualifications. Graduates of the programme will receive 12 months of continuous skill development support, with top performers achieving scores of 90% or higher qualifying for internship opportunities at Airtel Africa and structured mentorship from technology industry leaders. Chair of Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, said, "Africa's digital revolution cannot reach its full potential without gender equity. The Tech For Her program helps to level the playing field by providing women with industry-relevant skills, mentorship, and pathways to high-growth tech roles around the world. By investing in Africa's women, we are investing in sustainable economic transformation. The Foundation will reserve 30% of training participant slots for women in rural and underserved communities, while 40% of training seats will prioritize applicants from low-income households." Only 30% of tech professionals in sub-Saharan Africa are women and that women hold just 2-8% of software development roles, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO. Annika Poutiainen, one of the foundation's committee members, added, "At Airtel Africa, we are actively working to advance women in technology roles, and we are committed to a future where young women can be at the forefront of innovation. In running this program, Airtel Africa Foundation is creating a pipeline of female tech leaders who will help unlock the vast digital opportunities both at home, in Africa, and further afield.' Applications open on 7th August 2025 via country-specific portals on their respective Airtel websites or by following the below. Kenya: Uganda: Zambia: Enquiries Airtel Africa Foundation Esi Asare Prah info@ Hudson Sandler Eugene Ng'ang'a airtelafrica@ About Airtel Africa Foundation Airtel Africa Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries in Africa. Our mission is to empower Africa through Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection and Digital Inclusion. For more information, please visit Airtel Africa Foundation or connect with us on LinkedIn
National Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Allyant Announces the Launch of its AI-Powered PDF Remediation Software
Article content Industry-leading CommonLook PDF accessibility software now includes AI auto-tagging, supporting users of every ability, accelerating PDF compliance Article content OTTAWA, Ontario — Allyant, the leader in accessible document, digital, and print communications solutions today announced the expansion of its widely used CommonLook PDF remediation software, now available as an AI-driven, web-based solution. Powerful AI-driven auto tagging accelerates accessibility for users of every skillset. Additionally, this release includes the option of using a simplified editor or advanced editor—supporting users of every skillset and PDFs of varying complexity. Article content Article content 'This expansion marks a pivotal moment in our mission to make digital accessibility scalable for organizations of all sizes,' said Ariel Kunar, Allyant's Chief Executive Officer. 'By leveraging the power of AI to accelerate progress and giving users the option of a simplified or advanced editing path, we're breaking down barriers to achieve accessibility.' Article content Inaccessible PDFs remain one of the most widespread barriers to digital content, and PDF accessibility is one of the most pervasive problems for organizations to solve. There are trillions of PDFs online and more than 90% are estimated to have accessibility issues. Article content Allyant's CommonLook PDF software helps meet this massive and growing need. The latest software release builds on more than two decades of market-leading innovation, delivering the same trusted capabilities of the legacy software, now with a streamlined interface and AI-powered advanced automation using predictive machine learning detection to automatically tag documents. This release makes high-quality PDF remediation more accessible to non-technical users and large teams alike. Article content For those familiar with the legacy CommonLook PDF software, this release also offers greater access to more users. Previously available only as desktop software, CommonLook PDF can now also be accessed via the web, from any browser on any operating system—including MacOS. Article content 'This is more than a product expansion—it's a game-changing step forward for digital inclusion,' said Ferass Elrayes, Allyant's Chief Technology Officer. 'By bringing our powerful tools to more users, we're meeting organizations where they are—equipping them to meet impending compliance deadlines and create PDF content that is accessible for all.' Article content There is a renewed and urgent need for organizations to ensure their PDFs are accessible. The Department of Justice released rulemaking for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with specific requirements for U.S. state and local government entities to make their digital communications—including PDFs— accessible, with 2026 and 2027 deadlines looming. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) also requires PDF accessibility, and it applies to any company located anywhere that serves customers in the European Union. Article content AI-driven CommonLook PDF will help organizations more quickly scale their practices to create PDFs that meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), PDF/UA, and HHS standards to comply with these global requirements. And each PDF remediated using CommonLook PDF comes with a unique Validation Report demonstrating that document's state of compliance. Article content Article content Article content Article content
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Empowering Women, Enhancing Lives: The Digital Shift in Liberia's Agriculture
"In the past, we used to keep our money in metal boxes. Now, with support from UN Women, the Central Bank of Liberia, and the Orange Foundation, we manage our money through Orange Money. This has made it easier for us to save, access credit, and grow our businesses," shares Musu Nana, a Buy from Women Champion from Gbartala, Bong County. In 2022, UN Women Liberia, in partnership with the Orange Foundation, launched the 'Digital Inclusion for Women's Economic Empowerment (D4WEE)' project. The initiative partnered with the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to empower rural women farmers in Bong and Nimba Counties by linking them to the formal financial system and improving access to disaster risk reduction resources. Since its launch, significant progress has been made. Through collaboration with CBL, 15 women-led Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have been integrated into the formal financial system, benefiting 400 rural women farmers who now have mobile phones and formal bank accounts at the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI). Plans are in progress to connect these accounts to their Orange Money mobile wallets, providing these women with the financial services they need to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods. The project also introduced a social protection scheme, enabling VSLA members to save, borrow, and invest using digital platforms, which has promoted financial security among rural women. As a result, women now have greater control over their finances and can make informed decisions for their economic well-being. 'We are pleased with this new way of handling our Village Savings and Loan Association group. Going digital with our savings and loans has made things simpler and safer for us. Now, we can keep an eye on our money and loans using our phones. It's made everything clearer and smoother for us,' says Diana Davis, Community-based Facilitator at Liberia Rural Women Network Empowerment Incorporated. In early August 2024, UN Women Liberia, in partnership with CBL and Orange Foundation Liberia, conducted a four-day Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop in Monrovia for 22 women-led farming cooperatives and agribusiness owners from Bong, Nimba, and Lofa Counties. The training aimed to strengthen women's capacities by providing digital literacy skills and access to employment opportunities. Participants were introduced to the Buy from Women platform and Orange Money services, helping them connect with broader markets and access financial resources. 'By enabling these women to become community-based facilitators, we're enhancing their income-generating activities through both traditional and digital innovations,' explained Ms. Aisha Kolubah, National Program Officer for Women Economic Empowerment at UN Women Liberia. The workshop covered digital marketing strategies, effective use of social media, and financial management using digital tools. Participants learned how to create engaging content, leverage platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp for business promotion, and streamline financial transactions through mobile banking. Ms. Alana Pradhan, UN Women Liberia's Knowledge Management Specialist, served as a facilitator, providing insights on leveraging social media for business growth. 'Regular and strategic use of social media not only allows you to engage with a broader audience but also empowers you to position your products and services competitively in the market,' Ms. Pradhan emphasized. The participants responded enthusiastically to the training, recognizing the potential for expanding their businesses and improving their livelihoods. The Liberia Rural Women Network for Employment expressed their excitement on social media: 'We are excited to learn how digital marketing can transform our businesses. This training has opened new avenues for growth and development. We now see the potential to reach larger markets and strengthen our financial independence through digital tools.' The success of the TOT workshop and the broader initiative underscores the importance of digital and financial literacy in empowering rural women and fostering economic development. By equipping women with the necessary skills and tools, UN Women Liberia, alongside its partners, is paving the way for sustainable growth and gender equality in the agricultural sector. Caption: UN Women and partners conducted TOT workshop at the Central Bank in Monrovia for 22 women-led farming agribusiness owners. 'This training has not only taught us how to use digital tools but has also connected us to bigger markets and financial services we never had access to before,' reflects Musu Nana. 'We are now more confident and equipped to grow our businesses and support our families.' As these empowered women return to their communities, they carry with them the knowledge and skills to train others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and economic advancement across Liberia's rural regions. The continued collaboration between UN Women, CBL, and Orange Foundation hopes to further expand these opportunities, ensuring that more women can harness the power of digital technology to transform their lives and communities. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vietnam Mobile Payments Market Outlook to 2029: E-Wallet Providers MoMo, ZaloPay, and VNPay Dominate as Vietnam Mobile Payments Landscape Heats Up
The Vietnam Mobile Payments market, valued at USD 40.5 billion, is rapidly growing due to an increase in smartphone (84M users) and internet usage (78.9M users). Driven by contactless payments, government support, and a strong fintech presence in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the market is thriving amidst emerging opportunities like cross-border functionalities and public service integrations, despite challenges in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity. Dublin, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vietnam Mobile Payments Market Outlook to 2029" report has been added to Vietnamese Mobile Payments market is valued at USD 40.5 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. The rapid surge is driven by a strong increase in smartphone penetration, which reached 84 million users, and internet usage, with over 78.9 million active users as of early 2025. The market is also fueled by rising contactless transaction adoption and robust government support for digital financial inclusion, particularly among underserved and Ho Chi Minh City dominate the Vietnam Mobile Payments landscape due to their high urbanization, advanced digital infrastructure, and concentrated presence of fintech startups and banking institutions. These cities also benefit from QR code transaction booms and government-led initiatives, such as smart city programs and financial technology zones, creating an ideal ecosystem for rapid mobile payments adoption and usage at Mobile Payments Market SegmentationBy End Use: The Vietnam mobile payments market is segmented by end use into Personal Use and Business Use. The market under the end use segment is heavily dominated by personal usage. The personal use segment holds the largest market share due to widespread e-wallet adoption, peer-to-peer payments, and retail digital transactions. This growth is catalyzed by smartphone ubiquity, low transaction limits, and ease of app integration across the retail and service Region: The Vietnam mobile payments market is segmented by region into Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Mekong Delta, and holds the largest regional share due to its lead in QR-based transaction volume and value, driven by higher merchant adoption and early government investment in fintech infrastructure. Ho Chi Minh City follows closely due to its robust startup ecosystem and dense user base. Da Nang and the Mekong Delta are emerging through mobile money drives and rural inclusion Mobile Payments Market Competitive LandscapeThe Vietnam Mobile Payments market is dominated by strong local e-wallet providers backed by retail integrations, digital loyalty features, and robust consumer adoption. Players like MoMo, ZaloPay, and VNPay lead in transaction volumes and user base, driven by their intuitive user experience and strategic partnerships with merchants. With over 40 active e-wallet platforms operating, the market remains highly competitive, reinforced by cashback incentives, QR-based payments, and integration across super-app Mobile Payments Market Analysis Growth DriversMobile Penetration and Internet Connectivity: Vietnams digital ecosystem is advancing rapidly. As of 2024, the country has 84 million smartphone users and 79.8 million internet users. Mobile broadband access is expanding, particularly in rural areas, improving access to digital services. This widespread smartphone usage is fueling mobile wallet adoption. The government plans 100% 5G mobile coverage to enhance financial access and close the urban-rural digital divide, as per Vietnams Digital Infrastructure Master in Contactless and Cashless Payments: The value of domestic credit transfers reached 48 quadrillion VND in a single quarter. Contactless card usage now accounts for 75% of Visa transactions. The younger population leads this transformation, with 88% of Gen Z and Gen Y users preferring cashless transactions. QR code adoption saw a 106.7% surge in transaction volumes, streamlining merchant operations and enhancing transaction speed and Support for Digital Economy and Inclusion: The Vietnamese governments National Digital Transformation Programme and Financial Inclusion Strategy are boosting mobile payment infrastructure. High-speed internet and 5G will cover 99% of the population. Initiatives like financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs are improving access to mobile banking and creating a wider consumer base for digital payment platforms, ensuring long-term growth in the ChallengesUneven Digital Infrastructure in Remote Regions: Despite national plans, some rural regions still lack consistent mobile connectivity. According to World Bank data, over 30% of rural households face intermittent internet access due to limited telecom infrastructure. This digital divide limits the reach of mobile payment services in less urbanized provinces, impacting merchant onboarding and financial inclusivity in remote and Consumer Trust Issues: Vietnams cybersecurity authority recorded a rise in financial fraud cases related to digital payments, with over 13,900 incidents in a recent year. Many consumers remain skeptical of mobile wallets due to phishing, SMS fraud, and lack of strong consumer protection laws. This skepticism is particularly prevalent among older demographics and low-income groups who are less digitally Mobile Payments Market Future OutlookOver the next 5 years, the Vietnam mobile payments market is expected to witness exponential growth driven by a tech-savvy population, expanding digital infrastructure, and targeted government policies. With active support from the State Bank and implementation of Decree 52, the regulatory environment is now aligned to support e-wallet innovation and intermediary payment service expansion. Regions like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will continue to lead, while rural zones see higher uptake through mobile money services. Companies Profiled Include: MoMo ZaloPay VNPay ShopeePay Viettel Money AirPay Moca (GrabPay) Payoo BIDV SmartBanking TPBank eBanking Techcombank F@st Mobile Vietcombank Mobile MB Bank App Napas Agribank E-Mobile Key Topics Covered: 1. Vietnam Mobile Payment Market Overview1.1. Definition and Scope1.2. Market Taxonomy1.3. Market Growth Rate (Volume of Mobile Transactions, Daily Average Transactions, Urban-Rural Distribution)1.4. Market Segmentation Overview2. Vietnam Mobile Payment Market Size (In Number of Transactions & Value VND Trillion)2.1. Historical Market Size2.2. Year-On-Year Growth Analysis2.3. Key Market Developments and Milestones (Digital Banking Adoption, Mobile Wallet Penetration, Infrastructure Rollout)3. Vietnam Mobile Payment Market Analysis3.1. Growth Drivers3.1.1. Smartphone Penetration3.1.2. Government Push for Cashless Economy3.1.3. Urban Youth and Digital Consumption Behavior3.1.4. FinTech Ecosystem Maturity3.2. Restraints3.2.1. Rural Access and Connectivity Gaps3.2.2. Cybersecurity and Fraud Concerns3.2.3. User Trust and Financial Literacy3.3. Opportunities3.3.1. Expansion into Rural Districts3.3.2. Integration with Public Utility and Transport Systems3.3.3. Interoperability of Wallets and Bank-Linked Platforms3.4. Trends3.4.1. Surge in QR Code-based Transactions3.4.2. Embedded Payments in Super Apps3.4.3. AI-Powered Fraud Detection Integration3.5. Government Regulation3.5.1. SBVs Mobile Money Licensing Framework3.5.2. National Digital Transformation Roadmap3.5.3. E-KYC Mandates and Biometric Integration3.5.4. Data Localization and Compliance Guidelines3.6. SWOT Analysis3.7. Stakeholder Ecosystem (Wallet Providers, Banks, Telcos, Consumers, Regulators)3.8. Porters Five Forces3.9. Competition Ecosystem4. Vietnam Mobile Payment Market Segmentation4.1. By Platform (In Volume %)4.1.1. Android4.1.2. iOS4.1.3. Web4.2. By Payment Type (In Volume %)4.3. By End User (In Volume %)4.4. By Transaction Mode (In Volume %)4.5. By Region (In Volume %)5. Vietnam Mobile Payment Market Competitive Analysis5.1. Detailed Profiles of Major Companies5.1.1. MoMo5.1.2. ZaloPay5.1.3. VNPay5.1.4. ShopeePay5.1.5. Viettel Money5.1.6. AirPay5.1.7. Moca (GrabPay)5.1.8. Payoo5.1.9. BIDV SmartBanking5.1.10. TPBank eBanking5.1.11. Techcombank F@st Mobile5.1.12. Vietcombank Mobile5.1.13. MB Bank App5.1.14. Napas5.1.15. Agribank E-Mobile5.2. Cross Comparison Parameters (Transaction Volume, No. of Users, Partner Merchants, Integration Channels, API Compatibility, Interoperability Readiness, Payment Success Rate, Refund Resolution Time)5.3. Market Share Analysis5.4. Strategic Initiatives5.5. Mergers and Acquisitions5.6. Investors Analysis5.7. Venture Capital Funding5.8. Government Grants5.9. Private Equity Investments6. Vietnam Mobile Payment Market Regulatory Framework6.1. SBV Circulars on E-Money6.2. Data Privacy & User Consent Norms6.3. FinTech Sandbox Environment6.4. KYC/AML Compliance Requirements7. Vietnam Mobile Payment Market Future Size Outlook (In Volume and VND Trillion)7.1. Projected Transaction Volumes7.2. Key Drivers of Future Growth8. Vietnam Mobile Payment Future Market Segmentation8.1. By Platform (In Volume %)8.2. By Payment Type (In Volume %)8.3. By End User (In Volume %)8.4. By Transaction Mode (In Volume %)8.5. By Region (In Volume %)9. Vietnam Mobile Payment Market Analyst Recommendations9.1. TAM/SAM/SOM Analysis9.2. White Space Opportunity Mapping9.3. Partnership Roadmap (Retailers, Super Apps, Government Apps)9.4. GTM Strategy for Tier-2 PenetrationFor more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
AI lacks nuanced judgment, humans still irreplaceable: Experts
CYBERJAYA: Artificial Intelligence (AI) lacks critical thinking and nuanced judgment, thus making humans irreplaceable in the workforce, according to industry experts. BlackBerry Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence technical training senior manager Jaclyn Sim explained that while AI is capable of taking over repetitive tasks, it lacks the creative and analytical abilities that are unique to humans. 'Think of AI as just another human that can work 24/7. However, what we want AI to help us with are repetitive tasks, the things we do every day that are the same. We as humans want to do something more creative, more analytical. 'Human judgment remains crucial, particularly in areas where AI-generated content could be inappropriate or misleading ... human oversight is still very much needed as this is what humans do best,' she said as a panellist on a forum titled 'The Future of Connectivity: Advancing Digital Inclusion Through Transformative Technologies' here on Saturday. The forum was organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in conjunction with World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025. Sim also noted that the proliferation of AI technologies introduces new risks, thereby increasing the demand for cybersecurity professionals. 'When it comes to AI, everyone connects to every information, be it good or bad. That is why cybersecurity is now more important than ever to ensure the information is not polluted or something others shouldn't see,' she said. MCMC deputy managing director Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin, another panellist at the forum, echoed Sim's views, saying that AI should be seen as a facilitator rather than a replacement. 'AI is just a product. It efficiently assembles information. But AI cannot innovate, only humans can. This is why we need more innovators in cybersecurity because threat actors are constantly evolving,' he said. Zurkarnain stressed that while AI can assist in predictive analysis, human intelligence is still needed to guide and prompt AI systems effectively. 'AI needs to be prompted. So that innovation, that critical thinking, is still human. What we need now are new skill sets and high-level thinking,' he said. Highlighting a recent incident involving an AI-generated version of the Jalur Gemilang, Zurkarnain underscored the importance of human oversight in ensuring the accuracy and appropriateness of AI outputs. 'It's not only about cybersecurity but also about verifying the output that AI delivers. You still need humans to check whether it is correct,' he said. Both Sim and Zurkarnain expressed a similar view that rather than posing a threat to employment, AI presents an opportunity for the Malaysian workforce to upskill and adapt to the changing technological landscape. – Bernama
