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4 Emerging Sectors That Can Boost The African Economy

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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4 Emerging Sectors That Can Boost The African Economy

Africa is a continent that has a lot of potential to achieve big things, however, the continent has struggled to make much progress economically. In spite of having a wealth of natural resources and a rapidly growing population, the African continent is struggling to keep up with the economy of other parts of the world. Many countries in Africa continue to struggle economically and have to consistently face problems like poverty, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and underdevelopment.

Even after struggling for a long period, the future looks bright for African nations if they play their cards right. There are so many factors that can help African nations compete with the economy of developed nations across the world. Here in this article, we will be having a look at a few emerging sectors and industries that can give a boost to the African economy. These sectors have proven themselves to make a significant impact all over the world and they would certainly do so in Africa too. Let’s have a look at some of those emerging sectors:

Technology

On top of the list, we have the technology. Technology has proven itself to be a major game changer and countries that have employed technology the right way in their operations have certainly benefited from it. Africa is already home to some of the most promising and innovative startups and entrepreneurs who are deploying new products and services into the market to help the people and the economy.

There are so many ways in which technology is helping people around the world by creating new opportunities for economic growth. All the big tech companies around the world such as Google, Amazon, Omegle, Facebook, etc started as startups and now they are considered a dominating force in the tech world.

The continent has a large, young population that is well-educated and tech-savvy, making it an ideal place for technology companies to invest and it won’t be long before we will see African youngsters come up with online startups like Chatroulette. It is expected that the technology sector will play a huge role in uplifting the economy of many African nations by providing various job opportunities and improving the standards of living in Africa. It is only a matter of time that African nations come to realize the true potential of technology and use it in their favor to drive their economic growth.

Renewable & Sustainable Energy

As mentioned, Africa is rich in natural resources and if African nations commit to it, they can make huge strides economically. Africa has been blessed with natural resources like Sun and Wind and they can use these resources to generate clean and sustainable energy that will not only eliminate the energy crisis but also help the African nations to become economically stable.

The trend all across the world has changed and we are now seeing more and more countries making a shift to renewable energy development. In Africa, renewable energy projects are being deployed across the continent such as wind farms in South Africa and solar power plants in Morocco. These projects are not only helping in the generation of energy but also creating various employment opportunities and reducing the usage of fossil fuels. If these projects can be deployed all across the continent, every African nation would benefit from them. 

Agriculture

The continent of Africa also has vast stretches of fertile land, however, agriculture hasn’t been a major sector for many countries on the continent. Agriculture has been neglected by many nations and because of poor infrastructure, limited access to modern technology, and lack of financial resources, this sector has been badly hampered but this sector holds a lot of potential. For many countries on the continent, agriculture could be the key to gaining economic stability.

In recent years, we have seen increased investments in modern agriculture technology, irrigation, and research which shows that this sector is poised for growth. It is only a matter of time before this sector will help boost the economy of many nations on the continent.

Tourism

Tourism is another sector that could be a major contributor to the continent’s economy. Africa has a lot of natural and cultural attractions to attract tourists from around the world. From spectacular landscapes and wildlife to vibrant cultures across the continent, African nations have so much to offer with which they can attract tourists from across the globe. However, historically, we haven’t seen much development in this sector and countries have also been poor in promoting tourism.

With increasing investment, proper tourism infrastructure, tourism marketing, and promotion, tourism can be the key sector for many nations across the continent.

To conclude all of this, these sectors have the potential to boost the African economy and take it to new heights but only if the governments and private sectors work together to create a supportive environment for these emerging sectors.

How Can Government Organizations Keep Their Data Safe In The Cloud?

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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How Can Government Organizations Keep Their Data Safe In The Cloud?

Keeping government data safe in the cloud is a crucial task that needs a lot of consideration and a multi-faceted approach. Government data is so vital and crucial that if it falls into wrong hands, it can cause huge problems. In recent years, cloud computing has gained a lot of popularity because of its various advantages such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, etc and it is no surprise that governments are now using the cloud for storing their data.

However, as the use of the cloud is increasing, so are the risks associated with it, especially data breach risks. A data breach can have consequences for everyone, whether it is an individual or an organization but for government organizations, it can have serious consequences. Therefore, to address this issue, we will be having a look at some of the ways through which government organizations can keep their data safe in the cloud.

Risk Assessment

The first thing that government organizations have to do is conduct a thorough risk assessment. Risk assessment is very important as it helps to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats such as unauthorized access to the cloud & data, data breaches, weak security of the wireless networks, weak security of default gateway addresses like 192.168.0.1, potential loopholes in programs and applications being used, etc.

Risk assessment also helps in identifying the criticality of these security vulnerabilities and what sort of an impact a data breach might have. Only after thorough risk assessment would government organizations be able to come up with the right precautionary measures to protect their data in the cloud.

Multi-Factor Authentication And Access Controls

Having strong authentication and access control is important to keep government data safe in the cloud. It is important not only for government organizations but for other people too to enable multi-factor authentication to make sure that only authorized users can access sensitive data and no one else. 

In addition, proper access controls should be in place for all the users so that even authorized users can access only the data they need to perform their job and not the additional data. This will prevent even authorized users from accessing data that is beyond their privileges. This can be accomplished by using various role-based access controls and assigning those roles to every individual according to their job position.

Data Encryption

Next up is the most obvious and important one, encrypting data. Encrypting data is an effective way to protect data in the cloud. Encryption makes sure that the data is unreadable to unauthorized users, even if they gain access to the cloud. For government organizations, it is imperative that they encrypt all the sensitive data on the cloud as well as the data that is being transmitted across the cloud and other systems to ensure full security.

Employee Training

Employee training is as important as any other measure. Government employees aren’t considered tech-savvy as compared to those working in private organizations but since government organizations are using the cloud, it must be made sure that employees understand the importance of cyber security and try their best to prevent any data breaches. 

Employees should be trained and educated about the importance of security and taught how they can prevent any mishap from happening. This includes training employees on proper password management, identifying potential phishing attempts, not giving unauthorized access to their accounts to anyone, being careful while managing wireless networks through 192.168.1.1, and reporting suspicious activity at the earliest.

Regularly Monitoring The Cloud Environment

Along with other things, regularly monitoring and auditing the cloud environment is crucial to identify any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Most people might not take this seriously but regularly monitoring the cloud environment is very important. Since government organizations have access to a whole bunch of tools, they should use state-of-the-art cloud security tools for monitoring security breaches, suspicious activity, or data exfiltration. Regular monitoring is also important to make sure that the cloud service provider is compliant with the government’s security policies.

Choosing A Reputable Cloud Service Provider

The final thing that government organizations can do to make sure that their data stays protected is select a reputable cloud service provider that can fulfill and comply with all the security requirements. A reputable cloud service provider will have all the aforementioned security measures in place to protect the data including encryption, access, controls, and monitoring along with various others. Additionally, reputable cloud service providers will also be working with top organizations and they will be transparent about their security measures and won’t be hesitant to undergo regular security audits.

Kenyan Electric Mobility Startup BasiGo Partners with AVA to Assemble Over 1,000 Electric Buses, Creating 300 Jobs

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Kenyan Electric Mobility Startup BasiGo Partners with AVA to Assemble Over 1,000 Electric Buses, Creating 300 Jobs

BasiGo which is a startup known to be heavily involved in electric mobility here in Kenya, has partnered with Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) to produce more than 1,000 electric buses in Mombasa city within three years. This will result in the establishment of over 300 jobs which will include sectors such as manufacturing, charging and maintenance as well as financial sectors. The collaboration was necessitated because of an anticipated rise in demand for EVs soon. AVA plans to assemble 33-seater buses as it hopes to substitute the 25-seater ones used during its pilot project. BasiGo also plans to heve the buses start running with Nairobi’s matatu operators in coming months.

BasiGo in the past year sent 15 partially assembled electric buses that can carry 25 people to AVA. The assembling of these buses was finished by AVA during recent months. From March 2022 onwards, BasiGo has been conducting a trial run for two buses with Citi Hoppa and East Shuttle on North Airport Road, Allsops’ route as well as Thika Road and Dandora-City Stadium routes. During the pilot phase they have travelled over 120000 kilometres and carried more than 150000 passengers. The successful result of this trial project provides BasiGo with the assurance to grow its business and increase the number of electric buses in their fleet.

Jit Bhattachary, who is the CEO of BasiGo, shared his company’s dedication to make electric buses that are assembled in Kenya. He also expressed joy for working together with AVA because they have a reputation of being experts at assembling things in this nation.

BasiGo, besides joining hands with AVA, has other intentions to expand its business in the near future. The company is thinking about how it can make more money and among the plans they have is setting up an electric vehicle charging infrastructure within two years. This will help the growth of our country’s electric car industry and give BasiGo a new source of income.

The joining of forces between BasiGo and AVA marks a notable progress for the electric vehicle segment in Kenya. This collaboration is anticipated to create jobs, enhance economy and assist in decreasing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. With an increasing number of electric buses and now charging points for electric vehicles, BasiGo has set itself up as a contender in Kenya’s market for electric mobility.

Millions of Safaricom Subscribers allowed to Join a Class Action Lawsuit Over Data Privacy Concerns

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Millions of Safaricom Subscribers allowed to Join a Class Action Lawsuit Over Data Privacy Concerns

A judge from the Kenyan High Court has made a decision that allows many Safaricom subscribers to participate in a class-action lawsuit against this telecom provider. The case focuses on a part of SIM card registration where customers’ bank details are gathered and kept by the company.

The clause in question, Clause 3.2.1 in the data privacy statement, requires subscribers to provide information such as credit or debit card details, bank account numbers, and Swift codes as part of the SIM card registration process. The court has authorized two senior counsels, Wilfred Nderitu and Charles Kanjama, to invite other subscribers to join the suit and have them remove this clause from the registration process.

The lawyers assert that because Safaricom holds a dominant position in the Kenyan market, mobile service users had no alternative but to accept this clause. Currently, Safaricom commands a 66% market share, while its closest competitors, Airtel and Telkom Kenya, hold only 26.3% and 4.9%, respectively.

It is not the first class action suit against Safaricom and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the sector regulator. A customer filed a previous claim over SIM Swap fraud, which has seen scammers drain millions of shillings from mobile phone subscribers’ bank accounts. The outcome of this case is still pending.

Justice Mwita has also ordered Safaricom and the CA to file their defense within seven days and will hear again on March 14. The plaintiffs, Nderitu and Kanjama, seek a temporary order to stop Safaricom from collecting and storing their personal financial information, arguing that this violates their rights and could cause harm that cannot compensate through damages.

This class action suit serves as a wake-up call for the significance of data privacy and security in the digital era. It also emphasizes the necessity for consumers to pay attention to the clauses in the terms and conditions of the services they use and holds companies accountable for collecting and using personal information. The general public and the industry will closely monitor the outcome of this case.

New regulations propose a mandatory solar water heating systems design provision for all buildings

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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New regulations propose a mandatory solar water heating systems design provision for all buildings

Kenya aims to grow its use of renewable energy by creating fresh rules that demand designs for solar water heaters be incorporated into every new and current building. The draft Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations, 2022 have been released for public input. These regulations were developed by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra). In accordance with these rules, all premises – whether domestic or commercial – must possess a solar water heating system.

This isn’t the initial effort by EPRA to make installing solar water heating systems compulsory in Kenya. In 2012, the energy regulator gazetted Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations, 2012. The purpose was to encourage the use of solar water heating in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. Nonetheless, these rules encountered difficulties during their application, and they were put on hold in 2018.

As per the new rules, each premise must include in its design a provision for a solar water heating system. Those who develop housing estates, promoters of construction, owners of premises, as well as architects and engineers who are involved with the design or building process, will have a responsibility to meet these requirements.

The rules being suggested are for every structure, both domestic and commercial. This includes old and new houses for living in, hotels, lodges, clubs, restaurants, or cafeterias, as well as laundries. The hospitals along with health centers are also included here. Moreover, universities are part of it too, like colleges, not forgetting boarding schools plus other learning institutions all fall under these proposed regulations.

The reason why these regulations are being proposed is to establish a common standard for creating, importing, designing, setting up, and using solar water heating systems in Kenya. Daniel Kiptoo, who works as EPRA Director-General, stated that it would help reduce the country’s need for fossil fuel and promote the use of clean energy which can be renewed again.

Yet, these fresh rules might come across comparable difficulties just like the old ones did. Those who own land, people who rent, and homeowners have been making protests that applying them will create a big financial burden because retrofitting their places with solar water heaters would be expensive. In a study done by JKUAT Enterprises Ltd’s researchers, whom EPRA hired last year; they found out that adding cost for these solar heaters goes against what the government wants, which is giving everyone a chance to get affordable housing (Star Newspaper 2022). The research also discovered that the heaters are not a worthwhile investment, as the money spent on them would only be recovered after around 10 years.

Not only cost problems, but earlier regulations also had limits on penalties and imprisonment. The fine of Sh1 million for breaking the rules is not in line with the Statutory Instruments Act 2013 that says fines cannot be more than Sh20,000 and jail time should not exceed six months.

Even though the fresh rules might encounter obstacles, it’s evident that the Kenyan government is devoted to raising renewable energy usage and lessening its reliance on non-renewable sources like coal or gas. The utilization of solar water heating systems can assist in decreasing Kenya’s carbon impact and endorsing a cleaner, more lasting future.

Yego Global Offers Medical and Accident Insurance to Attract and Retain Drivers in the Competitive Digital Taxi-Hailing Market

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Yego Global Offers Medical and Accident Insurance to Attract and Retain Drivers in the Competitive Digital Taxi-Hailing Market

Digital taxi-hailing firms are now offering new benefits to their drivers to attract and retain them on their platforms. This move came after a series of strikes by drivers demanding better working conditions in recent months.

One such company, Yego Global, which recently launched in Kenya, is taking this a step further by establishing a Sacco for its drivers, paying for their medical insurance and offering personal accident coverage. Other companies in the market, such as Little, Uber, Bolt, and Farasi Cabs, have adopted similar strategies as competition for market share intensifies.

In 2019, Little joined forces with APA Insurance to offer third-party insurance to its drivers. Additionally, the company partnered with Britam Insurance to safeguard riders from financial losses when accidents occure while using their service. As part of this, drivers will pay a minimal fee of Sh4.5 per ride for the trip insurance.

Justine Nyaga, Chairman of the Organization of Online Drivers, stated that drivers will pay for the premiums under these partnerships as they are considered independent contractors in agreement with the operators.

Yego Global plans to allocate 10% of its annual profits to the Sacco, where drivers will also make their contributions. Additionally, the company will offer a minimum accident coverage of Sh250,000 which will cover disability or death, a move that is expected to incentivize drivers and increase its market share.

This announcement comes amid a global debate over whether drivers should be classified as employees and therefore entitled to benefits such as overtime pay, social security, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation.

Yego Global’s CEO and founder, Karanvir Singh, stated that the Sacco will provide drivers with payouts after their retirement, much like a pension fund, as the average age of taxi drivers in Kenya is in their mid-40s.

The Sacco has been registered and will be run by drivers however, the company will provide office space and technology and pay salaries of those who manage the Sacco,” said Mr. Singh in an interview with Business Daily. “10% of the company’s profit will be transferred to the driver Sacco on an annual basis in perpetuity. We wanted to create a fund that will provide for drivers once they have retired, just like NSSF.”

The criteria for lifelong benefits like pensions, will be determined by the group and the number of contributions will also be decided by the management. Yego will only oversee the Sacco, according to Mr. Singh.
Yego, which charges a 12% commission per ride, is currently working with two insurance companies to create insurance coverage for drivers.

The classification of drivers in the online taxi industry has been a topic of ongoing debate. Some argue that they should be considered part of the gig economy, while others argue they should be classified as employees. Recently, in the United States, President Joe Biden proposed a new rule that would categorize drivers as independent contractors, which would exclude them from receiving minimum wage protection, overtime pay, or pay when they are working but don’t have a passenger in their vehicle.

In the UK, courts ruled in 2021 that Uber must classify 70,000 drivers as “workers,” allowing them to receive a minimum wage, vacation time, and access to a pension plan. However, recent digital ride-hailing regulations in Kenya have not specified such benefits.

Yego Global has been operating cabs and motorbikes in Rwanda before establishing itself in Kenya in 2019, where the company plans to replicate its model. As of 2020, the company had over 12,000 drivers on its app and aims to increase its market share by offering these benefits to its drivers.

Government Launches Public Wi-Fi Service in Kericho Town, Aims to Connect 25,000 Hotspots by 2027

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Government Launches Public Wi-Fi Service in Kericho Town, Aims to Connect 25,000 Hotspots by 2027

The Kenyan government has taken a significant step towards connecting distant and underprivileged parts of the country. Recently, they launched a public Wi-Fi service at Moi Gardens in Kericho Town, spearheaded by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo. This initiative adds to the 17 other hotspots already operational across the nation, including Nairobi, Nyeri, Bondo, Ahero, and Kapsabet.

With plans to deploy 25,000 hotspots by 2027, the government aims to reach people in markets, schools, and various sectors of the Kenyan economy. Collaborating with Google and local telecommunications providers, they are also laying 100,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable to ensure nationwide ICT access. The overarching goal is to stimulate social and economic activities, thereby advancing the national economy.

This ambitious project is poised to catalyze a digital revolution, particularly in rural areas. Access to the internet will empower individuals to engage in online marketing, advertising, and sales effortlessly, potentially expanding economic opportunities for small enterprises and fostering overall growth.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Owalo encourages youth to leverage these digital initiatives, offering avenues for online employment such as content writing, transcription, affiliate marketing, and product reviews.

Owalo emphasized, “Every year for the next five years, the government will launch 5,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in all counties, ensuring accessibility for all Kenyans.”

In tandem with Wi-Fi deployment, the government is digitizing all government services and records, starting with the Ministry of Lands. This transition aims to streamline operations, eliminate paperwork, and enhance user-friendliness for citizens.

Safaricom introduces “Store Number” to tame wrong agent number MPESA withdrawals

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Safaricom introduces “Store Number” to tame wrong agent number MPESA withdrawals

In today’s digital world, we witness the regular use of mobile money services like M-PESA in daily life in Kenya. It is crucial to ensure that financial transactions are safe and secure. However, when things become easy and convenient, there also comes the danger of errors, especially during withdrawals from agent outlets.

In the past, customers would sometimes encounter the problem of incorrect withdrawals because they entered the wrong agent number. This resulted in funds being credited to another agent mistakenly, causing difficulty in accessing money as well as delays. Safaricom has addressed this problem by introducing store numbers.

The concept is simple but useful. Alongside the agent number, customers and merchants input a store number during withdrawals. This additional step for verification ensures that the money goes to the right person who is supposed to receive it, reducing the chances of mistakes and unauthorized transactions.

Through the use of store numbers, Safaricom demonstrates its commitment to improving customer experience and safety in mobile money services. This improvement reduces the likelihood of mistakes while making it easier to withdraw money, meaning customers can access their funds quickly and without worry

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