Microsoft host Innovation Summit 2019, Watch Highlights

Microsoft host Innovation Summit 2019, Watch Highlights

Innovation Summit

Microsoft in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Smart Solution Services Authority (ADSSSA) host Innovation Summit.

An event that brought together innovators, business leader and IT decision makers. Conversations on the day centered on using Artificial Intelligence, hybrid cloud, data management and compliance. To drive digital transformation and promote economic development across the emirate.

Microsoft held break out sessions to expound on solutions such as Office of the Future with Microsoft 365, Transforming Government Services with AI, Data Centre Modernization with Azure and Hybrid Cloud in the Government Sector. There was an exhibition area where Microsoft and Microsoft partners showcased innovations.

Highlights – Innovation Summit 2019

Microsoft signed a memorandum of understanding with the ADSSSA to build a Cloud centre of Excellence. That will aim to build its capacity for the delivery of cloud services and platforms, as well as upskill the emirate’s public sector workforce.

Microsoft shows off Innovative AI technologies at Artificial Intelligence Week Middle East 2019

Microsoft shows off Innovative AI technologies at Artificial Intelligence Week Middle East 2019

Microsoft participates in Artificial Intelligence Week Middle East (AIWEEKME) 2019 showcasing the power of Microsoft AI (Artificial Intelligence).

The 2nd edition of AIWEEkME took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Bringing together an ecosystem to understand how AI can transform their industries. Helping business leaders understand why their organizations need to take the AI journey was one goal of the event.

Microsoft Gulf at Artificial Intelligence Week Middle East

Microsoft’s booth at the exhibition area showcased some of the many capabilities in technology the company boasts of in AI.

Khaled El Shabrawy, UAE Public Sector Government Cloud Solutions Executive at Microsoft, joined government leaders on the keynote panel. Sponsored by Microsoft, the keynote panelists shared insights on the topic, Towards an AI-powered society. Talking about what it takes to govern and control AI, as well as the industries that really need it.

Azure Business Group Lead, Microsoft Gulf, Necip Ozyucel spoke with the audience on artificial intelligence in the UAE and amplifying human Ingenuity. He shared insights from Microsoft’s collaborative whitepaper with EY on AI in the region.

Microsoft also hosted a Tomorrow’s Tech, Today masterclass on AI Bots and the Internet of Things. Led by Firas Bou Fakhereddine, Microsoft Cloud Solutions Architect, Data & AI.

There were other non Microsoft led areas of discussion during the event. They include smart cities for todays tech savvy citizens, revolutionizing the delivery of city services and the Future Impact of AI on Cyber Crime.

Check out.

Microsoft announce Middle East datacenters to be located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.


Data enthusiasts across Africa receive Microsoft Data Science Training

Data enthusiasts across Africa receive Microsoft Data Science Training

Data enthusiasts from Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, etc. get the opportunity to improve their skills. Earning an accredited data science certificate by completing the Microsoft Professional Program in Data Science.

Data enthusiasts

169 out of 374 enrolled participants have completed the required modules. They will go on to receive a Microsoft Professional Program in Data Science certification when they complete the final project.

DataHack4FI is an initiative by Insight2impact (i2i) to drive data science digital skills development for African youths. Providing a platform that encourages data enthusiasts across Africa to use data and data analytics to solve challenges experienced by individuals or communities.

Microsoft and Liquid telecom are sponsoring Season 3 of DataHack4FI. Data enthusiasts will get an opportunity to take the $999 Microsoft Professional Program for free. While Liquid telecom will host the Microsoft Professional Program for Data Science on its 21st Century Skills for Africa platform.

DataHack4FI says top performers will be paired with an emerging technology company. To collaborate in the design of innovative products and services that advance financial or economic inclusion.

Check out!

Wazihub, Microsoft, Zindi, Soil Moisture Prediction Challenge.
Help rural farmers in Africa predict soil humidity using sensor data from IoT
.

What to expect from AfricaCom 2019

What to expect from AfricaCom 2019

Africa’s largest telecoms and technology event gets bigger. We highlight what you can look forward to at AfricaCom 2019.

AfricaCom 2019

AfricaCom has grown to become the trade show to look forward to yearly in Africa. I’m sure it can be called the African version of; GITEX Technology Week, CES, IFA Berlin, COMPUTEX TAIPIE, etc. It can be argued, but this is the closest event i know that brings the ecosystem together.

It will bring together individuals and organizations in the African technology and telecommunication ecosystem. Highlighting the accelerating digital transformation taking place across various sectors of the continent. With organizations showcasing latest innovations and technologies. The event takes place in a mashup of conference and exhibition setting in Cape Town, South Africa.

AfricaCom 2019 will see the introduction of a new event; AfricaTech, focused on enterprise digital transformation. This year other global events will co-locate with AfricaCom. These include AI Summit, Internet of Things World, Data Centrer World and AfricaTech.

Activities to look forward to are;

  • The AHUB – Connecting tech Start-ups, Corporates and Investors
  • Women in Tech – The Women in Tech Centre Stage Takeover
  • AfricaTech DemoPods – Interactive showcase of disruptive technologies
  • KeyNotes

AfricaCom 2019 will have many activities taking place simultaneously across Cape Town Convention Center 1 and 2. Using the event guide helps you decide on the events you are most interested in attending. As well as navigate the event center.

You will want to check out the dedicated technology zones. The Zone is dedicated to Internet of Things, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Cloud Computing.

Check out: 
AfricaCom -
Microsoft says Digital Transformation is critical

to the success of African businesses.

Throwback AfricaCom 2018

We are excited and look forward to covering what’s new and trending in African Tech.

Microsoft is powering Ethiopian Airlines Digital Innovation Program with Azure

Microsoft is powering Ethiopian Airlines Digital Innovation Program with Azure

Ethiopian Airlines flies to 117 destinations worldwide carrying 11 million passengers over 5 continents annually. In answer to providing its customers with the maximum experiences the company setup an innovation program embracing Microsoft technologies. To take care of customer service, operational excellence and revenue increments.

Listen to Ethiopia Airline’s Director of Digital, Miretab Teklaye talk about using Microsoft Azure to power their innovation program. Receiving all the necessary support from Microsoft engineers and experts for the digital innovation program to thrive.

These technological advancements are so important to create a better life for a self-sufficient Africa.

Yohannes Berhanemeskel

Microsoft AppFactory Academy

Last year Ethiopian airlines and Microsoft 4Afrika partnered to open an AppFactory academy. This the airline says the ICT skills Development Programme has created jobs for Ethiopian graduates.

“Digital transformation is about implementing technology advancements and cultural changes. The technical capacity and skills of the youth, as engines of growth and transformation, is critical to render the country more competitive.
Through programmes like 4Afrika, Microsoft remains committed to investing in and developing relevant skills and competencies across the continent.

Amrote Abdella, Regional Director Microsoft 4Afrika
Other reading
Microsoft opens AppFactory in
Wollo University Kombolcha Institute of Technology, Ethiopia.

Every industry in Africa is being transformed and disrupted by technology and air transportation is no exception. Airlines are using technology to better understand their customers and offer a more personalized flying experience.
We need more young people with skills in modern technology to drive this kind of innovation and transformation. We believe the partnership with Microsoft will play a fundamental role in strengthening the link between universities and industries, so as to improve the quality of skills and access to jobs
.”

Tewolde Gebremariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.

Other reading
Microsoft brings AI training to Etihad Airways
in partnership to embrace the age of Artificial Intelligence
MTN Gaming Conference: shaping the future of gaming and driving growth in the sector in Africa

MTN Gaming Conference: shaping the future of gaming and driving growth in the sector in Africa

MTN Gaming Conference brings the gaming community in Ghana together. Providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas on the development of interactive and immersive game experiences. As well as how to shape the future of the gaming industry in Ghana and Africa.

The gaming industry in Ghana seems like an untapped resource as global gaming market revenues are projected to exceed $525 billion by 2023. Newzoo’s insight into the global games market share shows Europe, Middle East and Africa at only 21 percent. As a result of this potential, MTN believes rallying the community together will help it grow and increase economic gains.

MTN Gaming Conference highlights

https://youtu.be/soOr0c-SBrQ

Speakers at the event include Johana Riquier, Business Development Manager at game software development company Unity. Eric Elder, CEO Online Worlds Entertainment, Eyram Tawia, CEO of Leti Arts and Triforce Johnson, CEO Empire Arcadia.

Conversations from keynotes, panel and break out sessions centered on using education as a way to grow the industry. Creating relevant African content and how game developers can fund their projects.

Angry Birds, Peter Vesterbacka, joins via chat

Former chief marketing officer of Rovio Mobile Ltd, Peter Vesterbacka and Mighty Eagle of Angry Birds joins event via video call. Watch video below as he speaks to the audience about the business of gaming. He shared the history of Rovio and how it took Rovio 51 tries to get to hit game Angry Birds.

https://youtu.be/dKV4trmKR2Q
Peter joins at 6:00

The event hosted by MTN Ghana Limited took place at the Accra Digital Center, Accra.

You can read more on the events from the overview and take away shared by Joseph of Tech Nova Ghana.

Share your thoughts with us on MTN pushing for growth in the Ghanaian gaming industry. How is the gaming industry in your country?