Microsoft is announcing plans to build a new team of data scientists on the ground in Africa to work to improve climate resilience, by setting up AI for Good Labs in Nairobi, Kenya, and Cairo, Egypt. This will be the company’s first global expansion of the AI for Good Lab. The new team will work with local partners to use AI on new climate initiatives.
Currently, statistics show that for every five data scientists in the Global North there is one in the Global South. In Africa the situation is dire and the gap is wider. For every data scientist in Africa, there are 14 in the Global North. This means a gap in the available reliable data to work with. As well as being able to turn them into insights for the decision-makers to use. This is why Microsoft is planning to open AI for Good Labs in Africa to help close that divide.
As world and business leaders gather in Egypt for COP27, Juan Lavista Ferres, Chief Data Scientist, AI for Good, Microsoft, reveals Microsoft’s plans to close the climate data divide in the Global South. The work of the Labs he notes will be informed by the Microsoft Africa AI Innovation Council. Another new establishment by Microsoft in partnership with representatives from African organizations such as the AfDB, and African Climate Foundation.
“We see these days ahead as an opportunity to engage in important discussions and take steps toward solutions. Today we are sharing details about our work to support new climate solutions. By harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI), with an expansion of our AI for Good Research Lab into Egypt and Kenya.“
Juan Lavista Ferres
“Access to reliable climate data is critical to inform decision-making and avoid the worst effects of climate change“, says Wael El Kabbany, General Manager, Africa Regional Cluster, Microsoft. “We believe these labs will be significant in closing the climate data divide“, he adds.
Microsoft AI for Good Lab
The Microsoft AI for Good Lab consists of data scientists and researchers who use AI, Machine Learning, and statistical modeling to address human challenges. Across the AI for Good program portfolio—Earth, Accessibility, Humanitarian Action, Cultural Heritage, and Health. They work on issues that improve societies and environments with a focus on sustainability.
Juan adds that Microsoft “will work to scale AI for Good projects and support startups in the region to deliver new AI innovations“. Africa-based data scientists will have access to satellite imagery thanks to a partnership between Microsoft and Plant Labs. To address challenges nominated by the Africa AI Innovation Council with a special focus on adaptation and early warning systems.
The new Microsoft AI for Good labs in the region will bring in new jobs as it hires data scientists and researchers with experience in computer vision, statistics, and artificial intelligence.
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There are many different types of software that your business can use to stay competitive. In this article, we will discuss the importance of software applications and how they can help your business. We will also talk about the different types of software that are available and how they can benefit your company. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, it is essential to invest in the right type of software application for your business!
Image Source: Pixbay – geralt,
ERP Software
ERP software is a type of application that helps businesses to manage their operations more effectively. It can be used to track inventory levels, manage customer information, and automate many of the processes that are involved in running a business. ERP software can help businesses to save time and money by streamlining their operations. It’s important to compare different ERP software before choosing one. If you look at the comparison from technologyevaluation.com, you’ll see that there are some key features to look for in ERP software. Things like whether the software is cloud-based or on-premises, how easy it is to use, and what kind of support is offered are all important factors to consider.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Customer relationship management (CRM) software application is a technology for managing all your company’s relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers. The goal of CRM software is to help you improve your relationships with customers, which can lead to increased sales and higher levels of customer satisfaction. It’s important to choose the right CRM software for your business because a good CRM system can provide a significant return on investment (ROI). There are many different types of CRM software on the market, so it’s important to consider your specific needs when choosing a CRM system. For example, if you have a small business, you may not need all the bells and whistles that come with a more complex CRM system. On the other hand, if you have a large or growing business, you’ll want to make sure that your CRM system can scale to meet your needs.
Accounting Software
When you run a business, there are a lot of numbers involved. You need to track your income and expenses, calculate taxes, and manage payroll. Fortunately, there is accounting software to help you with all of these tasks. There are many different types of accounting software available, so it is important to choose one that is right for your business. Some software is designed for small businesses, while other software is made for larger companies. There are even some accounting software programs that are specifically for nonprofits. The most important thing to consider when choosing accounting software is whether it will meet your specific needs. For example, if you have a lot of inventory, you will need software that can track inventory levels and calculate the cost of goods sold. If you have employees, you will need software that can manage payroll and calculate taxes. Once you have determined what your needs are, you can start looking at different accounting software programs.
Data Entry Software
Data Entry Software is a computer program designed to assist people with the task of entering data into a computer. Data entry can be a time-consuming and error-prone process, so data entry software is designed to make it easier and faster. There are many different types of data entry software available, ranging from simple programs that just provide a keyboard shortcut for entering data, to more complex programs that help you manage your data and automate repetitive tasks. The best way to find the right data entry software for your needs is to first identify what type of data you need to enter, and then find a program that is designed for that specific task. For example, if you need to enter a lot of addresses, you might want to use a program that includes a built-in address book. Another important consideration is how easy the software is to use. Some data entry programs can be quite complex and may require a significant learning curve.
Image Source: Pixbay – jamesmarkosborne
In conclusion, there are many different types of software available, and it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Be sure to consider things like whether the software application is cloud-based or on-premises, how easy it is to use, and what kind of support is offered. Also, be sure to identify your specific needs before choosing a software program. With so many different types of software available, there is sure to be one that is perfect for your business.
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Dynamics 365 and Power Platform services are now generally available in the Mircosoft Africa datacentres. The Microsoft Business Applications will provide organizations with solutions to cut costs, improve efficiencies, drive business continuity and disaster recovery. The services are available in the Microsoft South Africa North and West datacentre regions located in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively.
Dynamics 365 and Power Platform services feature the ability to rapidly store, analyze, and act on data with intelligent software. While maintaining data residency and sovereignty and meeting compliance and regulatory requirements.
Microsoft notes the continued upgrade of services shows its commitment to investing in Africa. As well as increasing cloud capacity and capabilities to enable organizations in the public and private sectors in the region to accelerate growth through innovation, agility, and resilience.
“Leaders in organizations across industries and sectors are focused on finding ways to improve the flow of innovation and knowledge across the business in order to respond to market changes, customer needs, and specific business and industry challenges at speed. They need digital solutions that break existing silos between data sources, people, processes, and insights,” says Karin Jones, Director of Business Applications GTM at Microsoft South Africa.
“This will accelerate digital innovation in the country by enabling businesses to become more agile, resilient, and competitive,” says Jones.
With this Microsoft now offers Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform online services to organizations in the region.
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Global cybersecurity and digital privacy company, Kaspersky, is simplifying its consumer products into Standard, Plus, and Premium. The products will be available on a subscription basis and bring an enhanced user interface (UI) and experience across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The rebrand also introduces features covering security, privacy, performance, and identity.
Kaspersky Standard features security functionalities such as Real-time Protection, Safe Browsing, and Anti-Phishing. Against the latest digital threats and to provide defense from dangerous websites, downloads, and extensions. The Standard plan also offers users a Pre-Kaspersky virus removal tool that can find and remove viruses that may have found their way into users’ PCs before they installed Kaspersky. It includes a Firewall and Network Monitor which shows which apps are connected to the Internet. Additional performance tools, include Quick Startup, PC Speed-up, and Disk Space Cleanup tools. Game and Do Not Disturb mode.
Kaspersky Plus features more Privacy capabilities. It gives users access to everything in the Standard plan plus unlimited VPN and Premium Password Manager. Subscribers also get a Data Leak Checker which monitors the Internet and dark web, warning them of a compromise to their private data and gives remedy recommendations. In addition, the plan includes Password Safety Status and lets them see which devices are connected to the home network,
The Premium plan adds digital identity protection and premium technical support to the plus with priority phone calls, chat services, and remote expert installation.
Kaspersky’s new plan subscription price
Standard also dubbed essential provides security for one user account and up to ten devices. It starts at $24.99 for a device per year. The plus plan also known as the advanced plan starts at $35.99 per device per year and $39.99 for three devices per year for two user accounts. The premium plan which includes a one-year free Kaspersky Safe Kids is available to five accounts and starts at$54.99 per year for up to ten devices. Find out more about the plans here.
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Google is hosting the second edition of its Google for Africa event from October 5th to 7th 2022. Where Google leaders will highlight new global products and updates specific to Africa, and share updates on its multi-billion investments across the continent. It will also host masterclasses including a session targeting tech and non-tech talent looking to work at Google.
The Google for Africa 2022 event will be an online-only event and kick-off at the following times across the region: 9 AM GMT, 10 AM WAT, 11 AM CAT, 12 PM EAT, and 11 AM SAT. We are not sure if the company will still go ahead and hold the usual country-specific mini-events later on.
This is how the Google for Africa 2022 event invite reads.
“Join us for the second virtual Google for Africa event as we share how we are delivering on [our] commitment and how we are building the future together. Join us to learn how Google is invested in Africa’s digital transformation“.
As is the norm at Google Africa events it will have two parts, a keynote and masterclass sessions. A forty-five-minute keynote session on the 5th of October 2022 led by Google and Alphabet CEO, Sundar Pichai. Then 13 masterclass sessions on the 6th and 7th of October, targeted at YouTube creators, business founders, NGOs, IT pros, and developers.
This year the company introduces a career path to Google session for tech and non-tech talent looking to work at Google. Masterclasses will cover areas like SMB growth, digital advertising, nonprofit management, YouTube Shorts, AI, and Google cloud.
Last year Google announced plans to invest $1 billion over five years to support initiatives including startups and connectivity. It launched an African Investment Fund to invest $50 million in startups and provide $10 million in low-interest loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa through the non-profit Kiva. Google also announced plans to scale a program started in Kenya in partnership with Safaricom that allows customers to pay for 4G-enabled phones in installments across the continent with partners such as Airtel, M-KOPA, MTN, Orange, Transsion Holdings, and Vodacom. It also launched Plus Codes for streets without addresses and YouTube Shorts for creators.
MCGH will follow the event and will bring you updates from the Google for Africa 2022 virtual event. Missed the previous event? Watch the keynote highlights below.
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