The Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) and the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Centre East Africa (YALI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate to provide digital skills programs and solutions to young leaders in the region.
According to the MoU, the ADC will provide YALI participants with capacity-building opportunities in digital skills such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, access to its innovation hub at the Microsoft Garage and avail mentorship and training opportunities. YALI, for its part, will collaborate with Microsoft ADC to develop the digital skills programs and will avail training participants and its alumni for training and idea competitions. The YALI alumni will also seek to spread Microsoft’s digital literacy training to other youth.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Catherine Muraga, the ADC Managing Director, noted that the partnership is another step in the organisation’s mission to improve digital skilling for African youth.
“Partnerships are a vital part of our mission as Microsoft to empower everyone to do more. YALI provides essential skills to build a better future, and we are excited to contribute to improving digital skills among their participants. Preparing young leaders with the knowledge to excel within an increasingly digital-first landscape is a great way to set the continent up for success within the global economy,” said Muraga.
Housed at the Kenyatta University for the East Africa region, YALI participants will benefit from skills-building programs co-created by ADC with the intention of improving their digital capabilities as part of their training to add more excellent value to society through sustainably impacting both public and private sector.
Prof. Paul Wainaina, the Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor, said: “The engagement between the Young African Leaders Initiative and the ADC is an opportunity to grow the digital skills of our trainees while augmenting the vision and goals of both YALI and the ADC. It is also a great opportunity to engage in designing training modules for our program’s current and future participants.”
The Africa Development Centre, Microsoft’s premier engineering arm in Africa, is already implementing various projects to improve digital skills, including the recently concluded Game of Learners university coding competition and several other initiatives from the elementary school level into the workplace.
“Our digital skilling efforts align with YALI’s vision of providing access to all emerging leaders regardless of socio-economic status. We are actively investing in creating and fulfilling opportunities for all Africans in the drive towards continental digital transformation,” added Muraga.
Technology has always been a driving force in human communication. From the invention of writing to the development of printing, telegraphy, radio, television, and the internet, each technological breakthrough has enabled new forms of expression, connection, and collaboration. But technology also has an impact on how we perceive ourselves and others, how we interact with each other, relate to our environment and our culture, and how we cope with the challenges and opportunities of our times.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that technology is changing the way we interact with each other, both positively and negatively. I will also offer some suggestions on how we can use technology wisely and responsibly to enhance our social and emotional well-being.
Technology is changing the way we interact with each other
Expands the scope and scale of our social networks
One of the most obvious effects of technology is that it expands the scope and scale of our social networks. We can now communicate with people from different countries, cultures, backgrounds, and interests, who we might never have met otherwise. We can also stay in touch with our friends and family members who live far away, share our thoughts and feelings with them, and support them in times of need. Technology also enables us to join online communities based on our hobbies, passions, values, or goals, where we can find like-minded people who share our interests and aspirations.
These benefits of technology are undeniable and valuable. They can enrich our lives by exposing us to new perspectives, experiences, and opportunities. They can also help us overcome loneliness, isolation, and boredom by providing us with a sense of belonging and purpose. However, technology also poses some risks and challenges to our social interactions. For example:
Technology can create a false sense of intimacy and closeness.
While online communication can be convenient and efficient, it can also lack the depth and richness of face-to-face interaction. Online communication relies heavily on text, images, and emojis, which can be easily misinterpreted or manipulated. Online communication also reduces the amount of nonverbal cues that we use to convey our emotions, intentions, and personalities, such as facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, eye contact, and touch. These cues are essential for building trust, empathy, and rapport with others. Without them, we might miss out on the subtle nuances and complexities of human communication.
Technology can distract us from our present moment and our surroundings.
While technology can help us connect with distant people and places, it can also disconnect us from the people and places that are right in front of us. How often do we check our phones or laptops when we are having a conversation with someone? Or how often do we ignore or interrupt someone who is talking to us because we are busy with something else on our screens? How often do we miss out on the beauty and wonder of nature because we are too absorbed in our digital devices? These behaviors can damage our relationships and our well-being by making us less attentive, less responsive, and less engaged.
How we can use technology wisely and responsibly
Be mindful of your screen time
It’s important to be aware of how much time you’re spending on your devices. Try setting limits for yourself and taking breaks throughout the day.
Use social media mindfully
Social media can be a great way to connect with others, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. Be mindful of how you’re using social media and take breaks when you need to.
Use technology to connect with others
Technology can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family who live far away. Try using video chat or messaging apps to stay in touch.
Practice digital self-care
Just like you take care of your physical health, it’s important to take care of your digital health too. This includes things like backing up your data, using strong passwords, and being mindful of what you share online.
Use technology to practice mindfulness
There are many apps and tools available that can help you practice mindfulness and reduce stress. Try using a meditation app or a breathing exercise app.
Technology is a powerful tool that can enhance or hinder our social interactions. It is also changing the way we interact with each other in many ways. Technology can create new opportunities and benefits for human communication and relationships, but it can also pose new challenges and risks. It is up to us to use it wisely and responsibly and to balance it with other forms of communication. Technology can never replace the human touch, but it can complement it in many ways.
The annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is one of the most anticipated events in the tech industry, where Apple showcases its latest innovations and updates for its software platforms and developer tools. This year, WWDC 2023 will take place from June 5 to June 9 at the San Jose Convention Center in California and will feature a keynote presentation, technical sessions, hands-on labs, and networking opportunities for developers from around the world.
Here are some of the highlights that attendees can look forward to this year at WWDC 2023:
iOS 17
The next major version of Apple’s mobile operating system will introduce new features and improvements for iPhone and iPad users, such as a redesigned home screen with widgets and app library, a revamped notification system with focus modes and summary, a universal control feature that lets you use a single mouse and keyboard across multiple devices, and enhanced privacy and security options with iCloud Private Relay and App Privacy Report.
macOS 12.5
The latest update for Apple’s desktop operating system will bring more continuity and compatibility with iOS devices, such as AirPlay to Mac, which lets you stream audio and video from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac, and Shortcuts for Mac, which lets you automate tasks with Siri or the Shortcuts app. macOS 12.5 will also include new features for Safari, such as tab groups and extensions on the App Store, and new features for FaceTime, such as SharePlay and spatial audio.
watchOS 8
The next version of Apple’s wearable operating system will offer more health and fitness features for Apple Watch users, such as a new Mindfulness app that helps you relax and focus with breathing exercises and reflections, a new Sleep app that tracks your respiratory rate and trends over time, and new workout types such as Tai Chi and Pilates. watchOS 8 will also support new watch faces and complications, such as a portrait face that uses your photos and a world time face that shows multiple time zones.
tvOS 15
The next update for Apple’s TV operating system will enhance the entertainment experience for Apple TV users, such as a new For All of You row that suggests shows and movies based on the preferences of everyone in your household, a new Shared with You row that shows content that your friends and family have shared with you via Messages or Mail, and a new HomeKit integration that lets you control your smart home devices from your TV screen.
iPadOS 15
The next major version of Apple’s tablet operating system will bring more productivity and creativity features for iPad users, such as a multitasking menu that lets you easily switch between split view and slide-over modes, a quick note feature that lets you jot down notes from any app with an Apple Pencil or keyboard shortcut, and a translate app that lets you translate text and speech in real-time. iPadOS 15 will also support new features for Safari, such as tab groups and extensions on the App Store, and new features for FaceTime, such as SharePlay and spatial audio.
Swift 6
The next version of Apple’s programming language will introduce new features and improvements for developers, such as async/await syntax that simplifies writing asynchronous code, actors that provide concurrency safety for shared mutable state, property wrappers that let you define custom behaviors for properties, and result builders that let you create DSLs with natural syntax.
Xcode 13
The next version of Apple’s integrated development environment will offer more tools and capabilities for developers, such as Xcode Cloud, which lets you build, test, and deliver apps in the cloud with continuous integration and delivery services, Swift Playgrounds 4, which lets you create full-fledged apps on your iPad with live previews and code completion, and TestFlight for Mac, which lets you beta test your Mac apps with feedback and analytics.
These are just some of the exciting things that attendees can look forward to this year at WWDC 2023. If you want to learn more about the event or register for it, visit the official website at https://developer.apple.com/wwdc23/.
Technology is one of the most dynamic and lucrative fields in the world today. If you have a passion for tech and want to turn it into a source of income, there are many ways you can do so. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular and profitable ways to make money with technology.
Start a tech blog or podcast
If you enjoy writing or speaking about tech topics, you can create a blog, YouTube channel or a podcast and share your insights, opinions, reviews, tutorials, or news with an online audience. You can monetize your content by displaying ads, selling sponsored posts or episodes, offering subscriptions or memberships, or creating your own products or services.
Develop an app or software
If you have coding skills or are willing to learn, you can develop your own app or software and sell it on various platforms such as Google Play, Apple App Store, Steam, or your own website. You can create an app or a software for entertainment, education, productivity, gaming, social networking, or any other niche that interests you. You can earn money by charging a fee for downloading or using your app or software, offering in-app purchases or upgrades, or displaying ads.
Teach tech skills online
If you have expertise in any tech-related field such as web development, graphic design, data science, cybersecurity, or digital marketing, you can teach others online and earn money. You can create your own online courses and sell them on platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare, Coursera, or your own website. You can also offer live coaching or mentoring sessions via platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet.
Sell tech products or services online
If you have a knack for finding or creating tech products or services that solve problems or meet needs, you can sell them online and make money. You can sell physical products such as gadgets, accessories, hardware, or software on platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Shopify, or your own website. You can also sell digital products such as ebooks, audiobooks, videos, music, games, or software on platforms such as Gumroad, Sellfy, Podia, or your own website.
Freelance as a tech professional
If you have skills and experience in any tech-related field such as web development, graphic design, data science, cybersecurity, or digital marketing, you can offer your services online and work as a freelancer. You can find clients and projects on platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, Toptal, or your own website. You can charge by the hour, by the project, or by the value you provide.
These are just some of the many ways you can make money with technology. The key is to find something that matches your skills, interests, and goals, and to provide value to your target market. With dedication, creativity, and hard work, you can turn your passion for tech into a profitable venture.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields of technology today. Every month, there are new developments, breakthroughs and events that showcase the potential and impact of AI on various domains and industries. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the top 10 biggest AI events in March 2023.
AI UK 2023: This is a two-day event hosted by The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and AI, on 21-22 March 2023 in London. The event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and demonstrations on how data science and AI can be used to solve real-world challenges in health, education, security, environment and more.
Big Data & AI World 2023: This is a large-scale exhibition and conference that will take place on 8-9 March 2023 at ExCeL London. The event will bring together thousands of technologists, data specialists and AI pioneers to explore the latest trends, innovations and solutions in big data and AI.
ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction: This is a premier interdisciplinary conference that covers all aspects of human-robot interaction (HRI), such as social robotics, collaborative robotics, assistive robotics, ethical issues and more. The conference will take place on 13-16 March 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden.
Intelligent Automation Middle East 2023: This is a regional event that focuses on how intelligent automation technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA), machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision (CV) can transform businesses and industries in the Middle East region. The event will take place on 8-9 March 2023 in Muscat, Oman.
The European Chatbot & Conversational AI Summit: This is a dedicated event that showcases how chatbots and conversational AI can enhance customer experience, engagement and loyalty across various sectors such as retail, banking, travel and more. The event will take place on 15-16 March 2023 in Edinburgh, UK.
3rd Annual Conversational AI Summit 2023: This is another event that focuses on chatbots and conversational AI but with a global perspective. The event will feature speakers from leading companies such as Google Assistant, Facebook Messenger, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, IBM Watson and more. The event will take place on 14-15 March 2023 in Dubai, UAE.
AI for Good Global Summit 2023: This is an annual event organized by ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, in collaboration with other UN agencies and partners. The event aims to leverage AI to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address global challenges such as poverty, health, education, environment and peace. The event will take place on 28-31 March 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
AI Expo Africa 2023: This is Africa’s largest business-focused AI trade show and conference that connects buyers, suppliers, innovators and investors across the continent. The event showcases how AI can be applied to various sectors such as agriculture, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, mining and more. The event will take place on 6-8 March 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa.
ReWork Deep Learning Summit Boston2023: This is an influential summit that brings together experts from academia and industry to share their insights and research on deep learning applications such as computer vision (NLP), generative models (reinforcement learning). The summit also features workshops (networking sessions) to foster collaboration (innovation). The summit will take place on 23-24 March (Boston), USA.
Women In Data Science Conference (WiDS) 2023: This is a global initiative that aims to inspire (educate) women (girls) about careers (opportunities) in data science (AI). The initiative hosts an annual conference at Stanford University (live-streamed worldwide), as well as regional events (podcasts)throughout the year. The conference features speakers from diverse backgrounds (industries),
Here are the AI events in March 2023 you can check out.
