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Kenya: Action Points from CSK IT Manager’s congress on ICT in Fighting Corruption

Kayode Oyeyemi 27 May 2019

At the 26th Annual ICT Manager’s Congress held at the PrideInn Paradise Resort, Shanzu, Mombasa between the 5^th and 10^th of May 2019, among many discussions, IT managers pointed out how ICT can be used to effectively Fight Corruption. At the beginning of the discussion, many shared some of the bad experiences as a result of corruption which included: frustrating policing system, frustrating and long court process, combined with factors such as cultural changes, attitude change, personal integrity, etc.

With the use of ICT technologies, it was found that advertising on social media outlets i.e. Facebook Instagram, etc via anti-corruption propaganda can help fight corruption. To fight corruption the use of CCTV, Cameras, and Smartphones, digitization and E-government solutions, mobile apps for fighting corruption will need to be implemented successfully in all facets of public administration.

To take it a step further digitization of government procedures and e-Gov solutions would mitigate corruption to an extent in the public system. To Establish a vibrant Civil society, ICT-driven anticorruption initiatives need to be funded while projects and programs that foster conducive institutional environments to participate in public affairs need to be established to promote cooperation, mobilization and develop capacities.

The use of Huduma Number to reduce corruption - National Integrated Information Management System (NIIMS). it is considered as one source of truth for all thing’s citizenship. Tax evasions and lack of proper transparent systems for collecting taxes from both small-scale traders and large-scale businesses is also a problem of corruption and the only solution to this are operational and increased transparency, access & documentation.

Some ICT-Based Anti-corruption interventions so far include Digital public services & e-government, Whistleblowing systems and tools by anti-corruption agencies, Transparency portals, and Big Data, and Blockchain and DLT among others.

Anti-Corruption agencies need to carry out impromptu checks e.g. use of plainclothes police in public places and offices, intelligence gathering, follow-up on whistle-blower’s tips.

The Blockchain Technology need to implemented not just in financial institutions but also in the Identity Management system, Property registration system and diamond trafficking ecosystem so as to disrupt corrupt practices in said sectors.

Yusuph Kileo, A cybersecurity and digital forensics expert shared his view on how Tanzania has employed the use of a Digital Payment System using an SMS platform for payment of fines and other related transactions. With existing robust mobile infrastructure, Kenya stands to gain more through such a system.

Finally, it was extrapolated that awareness is key in the fight of corruption, if citizens understand their rights and constitution then they are equipped with the knowledge on how to fight corrupt personnel in Public System. Strong Civic education will be required to tackle the issues of unawareness.

SMEs are Invited to take Part in the ITU SME Pilot.

Kayode Oyeyemi 24 May 2019

Are you interested in contributing to the development of international standards, best practices and recommendations for ICTs, as well as advancing your work on IoTs, smart cities, environment, multimedia, ICT applications and other ICTs? There is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with ITU's work through the ITU SME pilot which is currently ongoing until the end of December 2019.

ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies that brings together 193 Member States, Regulators and more than 700 Sector Members and Associates from industry, international and regional organizations, as well as some 160 academic institutions. In doing so, ITU provides a unique, trusted and global multi-stakeholder platform for partners from the public and private sectors to address major ICT issues. Our members range from household industry names to small innovative players. Please, find the video here

ITU has three Sectors: Radiocommunication (ITU-R); Telecommunication Standardization (ITU-T); and Telecommunication Development (ITU-D). Each Sector has its own unique characteristics and activities. Companies or organizations may become a member of one or more Sectors of ITU, and may join as a Sector Member or Associate (participation in one Study Group) (more information is available here). The fee structure is available here

Sector Members & Associates enjoy the following benefits:

Network with ICT regulators, policy-makers and experts from industry and academia
Contribute to global standards and best practices
Advise governments on ICT strategies and technologies
Participate / Lead Study Groups on emerging issues in the ICT field
Get visibility on the international scene
Share expertise and access training and specialized seminars
Participate in global and regional conferences and debates
Launch innovative public-private partnerships
Get access to world-leading ICT statistics, studies and restricted information
Discounts: 15% publications

The ITU SME pilot project (with no fee) was launched in 2017. The aim of the pilot project is to allow SMEs to explore the value and benefits of participation in ITU Study Groups in the Development (ITU-D) and Standardization (ITU-T) Sectors. In terms of eligibility for SMEs, each country's administration determines which companies meet the established national criteria.

While SMEs participating in this pilot project do not constitute a membership category, they may participate fully in the work of certain ITU study groups until the end of the trial period, with the exception of any role in decision making and management.

ITU-T Study Groups in the pilot project include: Study Group 5 – Environment and circular economy; Study Group 11 – Signalling requirements, protocols and test specifications, Study Group 16 – Multimedia and Study Group 20 – IoT, smart cities & communities.

ITU-D Study Groups in the pilot project include: Study Group 1 – Enabling environment for the development of telecommunications/ICTs and Study Group 2 – ICT services and applications for the promotion of sustainable development

This pilot is expected to run until the end of 2019, at no fee, when ITU will transition to a new reduced fee associate membership option for SMEs participation as Associates in ITU study groups, which your organization could then consider. Meanwhile, this is an opportunity to get acquainted with our work in ITU and our Study Groups.

Should you be interested in this pilot and in contributing to the work of a particular Study Group mentioned above, please confirm to us in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. indicating the Study Group you are interested in, in addition to your company profile (one page) and we will advise you on the next steps.

You are also invited to find more information here.

The ITU membership team is available for any further information

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AfICTA Devotes to Enhancing Africa Digital Transformation

Kayode Oyeyemi 30 April 2019

AfICTA Devotes to Enhancing Africa Digital Transformation

In the past few months, AfICTA (Africa ICT Alliance) Secretariat under the leadership of the Chair, Engr. Hossam Elgamal with full support of its stakeholders, has worked earnestly to ensure the attainment of the digital transformation in Africa. It is noteworthy that AfICTA’s focus on three focal initiatives namely; Africa Digital Information Hub, Capacity Development and Africa ICT Business Summit is gradually gaining some traction for partnership.

Africa Digital Information Hub is in its implementation stage and involves information gathering for African countries with focus on Government ICT MDAs; Business Organizations; NGOs; implemented national IT projects; policy development on cybersecurity, privacy and data protection; major ICT tenders and ICT industry activities. This is believed to significantly facilitate networking between entities in the ICT ecosystem and access to ICT companies and government information across Africa.

With respect to Capacity Development Initiative, AfICTA is committed to enhancing her members’ capacity and effectiveness towards the emerging technologies, its prospects, challenges and mitigation of eminent risks, which would eventually translate to career building for participants, build credentials and gain a competitive edge in the vast information technology market to project Africa forward.

AfICTA through the leadership of the initiative plans to build capacity development hubs in Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa as pilot project where professional certifications like CISM, CISA, PMP, etc. would be facilitated at discounted rate. This would subsequently extend to other member nations.

AfICTA Annual ICT Business Summit offers a platform for actors and stakeholders from varied background in both private and public sectors to meet and share experiences that effectively integrate ICTs into the continent’s planning process. This year edition is expected to hold in Cote d’Ivoire in October, 2019 and organization interested in hosting subsequent years can submit proposal @ https://aficta.africa/summits/host-summit.

In view of the huge resources involved in the delivery of the initiatives, AfICTA is currently in partnership terms with the AUC - Africa Union Commission on Train the Trainers Workshop. A 5-day workshop holding in Addis Ababa from 27-31 May with 5 slots available to AfICTA members from 5 regions of Africa. Discussions for partnership with Tunis Start-up Gate and other reputable organizations from both private and public sector in Africa are ongoing. AfICTA further seeks for more collaboration from prominent organizations. Please write This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Eng. Hossam Elgamal

Chairman AfICTA

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6 IT Business Experts from AfICTA Selected to Undergo AUC Train the Trainers Workshop

Kayode Oyeyemi 15 May 2019

AfICTA - Africa ICT Alliance in cooperation with the AUC - African Union Commission has presented 6 of its outstanding members from the 5 African Regions to represent the Private Sector in the forthcoming Internet Governance Train the Trainers Workshop holding in AUC headquarters, Addis Ababa from 27^th - 31^st May, 2019.

The successful experts approved by the AUC to participate in the workshop were selected out of the 24 Expression of Interests received by AfICTA Secretariat with priority to capability, gender balance as well as underserved countries within each region.

Final Shortlisted Participants are Inye Kemabonta and Assangbe Wotto Gbetondji Vivien representing West Africa; Hossam Ragheb representing North Africa; Caroline Kirichu representing East Africa; Ulandi Exner representing Southern Africa and Ndicho Bambo Samuel representing Central Africa.

Upon successful completion of the training, it is expected that the representatives (as mentioned above) would have acquired requisite knowledge to further act in the capacity of regional and/or national trainers on IG matters.

Re-edited 5/28/2019

The fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will be hosted by the Government of Germanyin Berlin from 25 to 29 November 2019.

AfICTA e-NEWSLETTER 12 April, 2019

Kayode Oyeyemi 12 April 2019

The fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will be hosted by the Government of Germanyin Berlin from 25 to 29 November 2019.

The Impact of Taxation on Internet Affordability:

the case of Benin

In September 2018, the Benin government proposed a tax on over-the-top services. The proposed tax was two-fold: a 5% tax on the pre-tax price for voice, SMS and internet services and a 5 CFA fee per MB for data used to access social media and OTTs.

This move was the latest case in a recent trend among governments to impose consumer-related taxes on internet access with the goal of raising revenues and in some cases stifling free speech. Our previous analysis from ... read more

Namibia's Main Telecom Operator Hails Partnership with

China's Huawei

An official with Namibia's main tele-communications firm MTC has hailed the firm's cooperation with Chinese tech giant Huawei.

Such a partnership is not only promoting the development of information communication technologies, but also promoting the overall technological progress, said Kim Jin, head of MTC's Account Department, in an interview with Xinhua.

The cooperation between MTC and Huawei over the years has brought 3G, 4G, and ... read more

Sierra Leone's Telco Regulator Under Fire for

Alleged Mismanagement

Following a technical audit, it is alleged that Sierra Leone's telecom regulator NATCOM promoted favouritism and unfair competition within the telecommunications industry between January 2015 and July 2018.

This is understood to have cost the country approximately US$68-million. The full audit report was prepared by members of the African Organisation of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E)... read more

Time we fought Cybercrime, the Beast Terrorising

our Children

That today’s child is hooked to the internet is not in doubt.

The sooner we accept that this all-powerful communication and learning tool is here to stay and start working on how to deal with its negative aspects as far as children, the most vulnerable group, are concerned, the better.

Lack of online security for children and mastery of protecting them is a global problem, and governments and society must... read more

Jiji to buy OLX in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania

Nigerian online marketplace Jiji is to acquire the businesses of fellow classifieds platform OLX in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania, and redirect OLX users in Nigeria to its own platform.

All users of OLX Nigeria, OLX Ghana, OLX Kenya, OLX Tanzania, and OLX Uganda's sell-and-buy classifieds websites will be redirected to Jiji.

The agreement, which is pending... read more

Global ICT Body Calls for Professional Standards in Wake of Boeing Disasters

The global professional body for the technology sector has called for defined minimum professional standards for ICT practitioners working on computer systems where human life might be at risk.

The call – from IP3 (International Professional Practice Partnership), the professionalism arm of IFIP (International Federation for Information Processing) – follows reports that Boeing has developed a software patch to... read more

Zimbabwe's Reserve Bank on Security Alert

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has cautioned local banks and payment companies to be extra vigilant amid a spike in the volume of internet and mobile payments, fuelled by the ongoing cash shortage in the country.

Central Bank Governor John Mangudya urged businesses to be on their guard against cyber security breaches as consumers head online rather than use traditional channels like ATMs to secure cash... Read more

Ghana Launches US$97-Milliion e-Justice System

Ghana has launched a US$97-million World Bank-funded electronic justice (e-justice) system that would see the country's courts run paperless.

President Nana Akufo-Addo launched the system on 20 March2019 and said it would provide an electronic platform to automate case filing, fee assessment, online payments and execution of court decisions, among other functions.

The platform is expected to reduce the. .. read more

Uganda: Full list of Startups Selected for the Government

Innovation Fund

National ICT initiative(NIISP) is a program set up by the government of Uganda in conjunction with Ministry of ICT and national guidance to encourage software innovations and get Ugandans developers to bring to the market solutions which can benefit the nation at large.

Last year in November, the call for applications for the 2018/2019 support program was made through the office of Hon. Frank Tumwebaze which attracted about 665 applications as per report from the ministry. Read more

African Strongmen are the Biggest Stumbling Blocks to

Internet Access on the Continent

Internet disruptions have become a mainstay in Africa, with five countries—namely Gabon, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Chad, and DR Congo—already blocking connectivity just three months into 2019.

Besides cutting access, a new study posits that all five nations share another crucial characteristic: authoritarianism. The report from the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) notes that the less democratic a country is, the higher the chances of... read more

Egypt sets up US$57-million FinTech Start-up Fund

FinTech start-ups in Egypt could soon have access to 1 billion Egyptian pounds (approximately US$57-million) after the country's government set up fund via the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

According to the CBE the fund will support research into FinTech as well as start-up companies focused on digital finance.

The objective is to position Egypt has a regional centre for electronic financial... read more

NCC Tasks Telcos on Curbing Cybercrime

The Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC) has engaged telecom stakeholders and service providers on their role in the quest to curb the ugly trend of cybercrime in the country.

This move was made at the 87th edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) that was convened yesterday in Lagos State.

Speaking at the quarterly forum, the NCC board chairman, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, decried the negative impact of cybercrime on... read more

Hala El Gohary appointed as Egypt's ITIDA Acting CEO and Deputy

Minister for Human and Institutional Capacity Development

Cairo - Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat has issued a decree to appoint Hala El Gohary as the Deputy Minister for Human and Institutional Capacity Development for a year, and the Acting CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA).

El Gohary has nearly 25 years of deep industry and technical expertise in IT operations, client management fields with professional experience in business integration, innovation management, and global delivery centers’ growth and expansion.

Before joining ITIDA, Hala worked for IBM for over 20 years where she moved up the... read more

Adopt tech to solve real problems – MainOne urges Research and

Education Networks

West Africa’s leading connectivity and data center solutions provider, MainOne, has advised Africa’s Research and Education Networks (RENs) not to relent in its effort to improve the region’s research and educational capability through collaborations with MainOne and other innovative technology solutions providers, reports Ghana Web.

The company’s Business Executive for Francophone West Africa and Ghana, Kazeem Oladepo made this call at the... read more

PSG-linked Merger to Boost Tech-Based Learning in SA

SA's FutureLearn and ITSI, which both fall within the PSG Group, have concluded a merger on 1 April 2019.

According to a joint statement from the companies, FutureLearn provides accessible education solutions to schools, tutors, parents and learners. It is known for brands that include home education provider Impaq as well as adult education and training provider Media Works.

Learning software specialists CAMI... read more

IGF 2019 Call for Workshop Proposals Deadline Extended

You are invited to submit proposals for workshops at the 14th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

The deadline has been shifted from 12 April to 14 April 2019 23:59 UTC.

Three Thematic Focus Areas in the IGF 2019 Programme At its first face-to-face meeting in January, and following extensive discussions on a strategic, thematic direction for IGF activities in 2019, the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) identified three priority themes on which to build a focused and cohesive programme this year. These are, (1) Data Governance; (2) Digital Inclusion; and... read more

Briton who Knocked Liberia Offline with Cyber Attack Jailed

A British cyber criminal who carried out an attack so powerful it knocked a nation offline has been jailed.

Daniel Kaye admitted attacking an African phone company - inadvertently crashing Liberia's internet - in 2016.

The 30-year-old remains at the heart of a major international investigation into hundreds of acts of cyber sabotage around the world.

The National Crime Agency says Kaye is perhaps the most significant cyber criminal yet caught in the UK. Read more

The People who Control Data, will Control Africa

African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina has urged Africans to embrace technology, and governments to urgently move away from "investing in the jobs of the past, but rather in the jobs of the future. A future that is just around the corner."

Adesina was addressing a debate entitled The New Tech Era: Job-killer or Job-creator? organised by Africa Report and Jeune Afrique as part of the 2019 Mo Ibrahim Governance Week in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.. Read more

Visa Leads US$170-Million Funding in African FinTech Firm

Visa, together with Foundation Capital, has led a $170 million Series C funding in African-based financial app, Branch.

Branch and Visa share a vision of bringing financial access to billions of people still unreached by banks. Visa's investment in Branch will help expand financial access across the African continent, while fuelling new expansion in India and Latin America

The companies will team up to offer ... read more