Second Edition of AU Tech Fellowship Initiative Launched by African Union
Second Edition of AU Tech Fellowship Initiative Launched by African Union AfriLabs and the African Union (AU) proudly announces the launch of AU Tech 2.0, the second edition of the Tech Fellowship Initiative, builds upon the successes of its predecessor to further harness technology and innovation for socio-economic development across the continent. The initiative stems from the AU’s endorsement of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (DTS) during its 36th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council. This strategy, aimed at leveraging digital technologies to promote integration, economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication, provides the foundation for initiatives like AU Tech 2.0. Additionally, the AU’s pledge to achieve gender parity and youth empowerment by 2025 underscores its commitment to inclusivity. Through programs like the Tech Fellowship, the AU is actively engaging young Africans in shaping the continent’s future. The AU Tech Fellowship is a pioneering program designed to identify and deploy highly skilled tech innovators across the continent. Fellows are embedded within various AU units and organs to understand their operations, identify challenges, and propose innovative solutions. Since its inception in 2021, the program has yielded impressive results, with fellows developing tailored products and processes to enhance the delivery of the AU’s mandate. Key outcomes of the program include the development of 12 innovative products and the launch of the African Union digital portal, revolutionizing service delivery within the commission. Moreover, the fellowship has not only enhanced internal capacity but also fostered closer collaboration between the AU and Africa’s innovation ecosystem. The launch event for AU Tech 2.0 is scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 28th, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm EAT via Zoom. The event will provide a platform to announce the second edition of the Tech Fellowship Initiative and solicit feedback from stakeholders. Key highlights of the event include presentations on the fellowship program, testimonials from previous fellows, and moderated discussions with participants. The event will feature key representatives from the AU Commission, AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), and Afrilabs, along with stakeholders from Africa’s innovation ecosystem. AU Tech 2.0 represents a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey towards digital transformation. By nurturing the next generation of tech leaders and fostering collaboration with the innovation ecosystem, the AU is driving positive change and laying the groundwork for a prosperous and inclusive future. Visit AU Tech 2.0 launch event to register and join us for the event. About African Union: The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of 55 member states representing the continent of Africa. Its vision is to achieve “an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.” To learn more about the launch event contact Lisa@afrilabs.com, MateteM@africa-union.org, husnia.mohamed@giz.de and cc Chibudu@afrilabs.com. For general information about the AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme, please visit www.auinnovationfellowship.com For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com
Clean Water, Strong Communities: How Youth Are Innovating for Peace
Clean Water, Strong Communities: How Youth Are Innovating for Peace As the world marks another World Water Day on March 22nd, the theme for this year, “Water for Peace,” serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role that water plays in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation among nations and communities worldwide. In the face of escalating global challenges, this year’s theme underscores the imperative of leveraging water as a catalyst for peacebuilding and sustainable development. Amidst this call to action, the African Youth Adaptation Solutions Challenge (YouthADAPT) emerges as a beacon of hope, empowering young minds to spearhead innovative initiatives addressing water-related challenges. Recognizing the pivotal role of youth in driving positive change, this challenge serves as a platform for nurturing their creativity, passion, and commitment towards water conservation and equitable access. In a world marred by conflict and instability, access to clean water is often a casualty of discord, exacerbating tensions and perpetuating cycles of poverty and deprivation. However, the YouthADAPT Challenge offers a ray of optimism, as young leaders across the globe come together to devise ingenious solutions to mitigate water scarcity, promote sustainable usage, and foster resilience in vulnerable communities. The YouthADAPT Winners represent a diverse array of backgrounds, from urban centers to rural communities, spanning across regions and continents. Despite their varied contexts, they share a common dedication to improving access to clean water, promoting sanitation practices, and enhancing hygiene behaviors, particularly in underserved and vulnerable populations. In line with this year’s theme of Leveraging Water for Peace, the YouthADAPT Challenge winners stand out as agents for change through their solutions ranging from innovative technologies and community-driven initiatives to advocacy campaigns and capacity-building programs. Whether it’s designing low-cost water purification systems, implementing sustainable sanitation solutions, or empowering communities through education and awareness campaigns, these young leaders are driving tangible and sustainable change in their communities and beyond In this introduction, we will delve into the inspiring stories of YouthADAPT Winners who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, resilience, and leadership in tackling water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges. Through their groundbreaking solutions, they not only address immediate needs but also contribute to building more resilient and sustainable communities for future generations fostering peace building all over the continent. Flushh Founded by Kaveto Tjatjara from Namibia The project addresses water scarcity, an effect of climate change in Sub Saharan Africa, by building environmentally friendly waterless toilets that restore the dignity of people and improve their health. Flushh turns human waste into valuable biochar that can be used as fertiliser. Flushh is on a mission to revolutionize sanitation in Namibia. Their innovative waterless toilet is crafted from locally sourced and recycled materials, making it a sustainable solution for communities grappling with water scarcity. In a recent interview for AfriLabs, Flushh CEO Kaveto emphasized his role as an advocate for change, striving to contribute to peacekeeping efforts. He stated, “Water has always been central to human development. In 2018-2019, Namibia experienced its worst drought in 90 years, leading the government to declare a national emergency. Unfortunately, the impact of climate change means that many developing nations will face water scarcity in the future. As water becomes a precious yet limited resource, it is crucial that we utilize it wisely to maintain peace among neighboring countries. This is why, at Flushh, we believe in the importance of continuously innovating our eco-friendly waterless toilets to enhance our human resilience and adaptation.” Ecobarter Established by Rita Idehai, a young female entrepreneur from Nigeria Ecobarter is a social enterprise improving Nigeria’s adaptive capacity to climate risks such as flooding, by mainstreaming sustainable wastes management practices across major cities and invariably keeping Nigeria’s drainages free of waste materials. Through her technology enabled doorstep waste collection and recycling platform, Rita is helping households use their wastes as cash, currency for basic health insurance, and donations to charity amongst others. She is also empowering vulnerable women communities to build back their lives transforming typically hard to recycle wastes into new functional products. For Rita, “Water supports life in its basic form. It helps nourish our bodies, grow our food, and move us across geographies while providing economic resources. Without the fundamentals that water provides to life – humans, plants, and animals – we would simply cease to exist” Mpatsa Engineering Founded by Ulaya Mwale from Malawi, Mpatsa Engineering is committed to advancing modern and sustainable technologies in water supply, irrigation, and energy provision in Malawi. Through their solar-powered water supply systems, they have facilitated access to clean water for communities. The enterprise aims to establish itself as a prominent advocate for sustainable water, energy, and irrigation technologies, serving both local and international clients. “Ulaya Mwale, Mpatsa Engineering’s CEO, emphasizes this commitment: “We’re dedicated to tackling the WASH crisis in Africa. Millions lack clean water, sanitation, and are susceptible to preventable illnesses. This motivates us to develop innovative solutions for lasting access to safe water and sanitation. WASH is more than just hygiene; it’s a foundation for progress. It fosters public health, education, gender equality, and economic growth. Clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights, and Mpatsa Engineering strives to make them a reality for all. WASH empowers individuals, especially women and girls, by freeing up time for education and economic pursuits. It also protects the environment and strengthens resilience to climate change. Iriba Water Group Founded by Yvette Ishimwe from Rwanda, IRIBA Water Group Ltd is a social enterprise that offers innovative drinking water solutions to communities and schools in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The enterprise aims to provide safe drinking water to low-income communities and schools. Their three-fold business model includes: IRIBA Tap&Drink for low-earning communities: The enterprise provides eco-friendly water ATMs and kiosks for public drinking water points in urban communities, particularly in crowded areas such as markets and public car parking stations. This initiative aims to facilitate access to affordable safe drinking water for low-income
RevUp Women’s Initiative Concludes Inaugural Cohort with Celebration of Women’s History Month
RevUp Women’s Initiative Concludes Inaugural Cohort with Celebration of Women’s History Month As the world commemorates International Women’s month, AfriLabs is proud to announce its much-anticipated Rev Up Women Initiative Business Showcase event for the inaugural cohort, funded by Visa Foundation. Titled “RevUp Women: Investing in Women, Inspiring Futures,” this event will mark a significant milestone in empowering female entrepreneurs across Africa. It is scheduled to take place on March 22nd, 2024, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Victoria Island, Lagos. The RevUp Women initiative is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among women, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and tailored support needed to thrive in their respective industries. This event serves as a platform to showcase the incredible achievements of the first cohort and inspire future generations of women entrepreneurs and leaders. The event activities will include a recap of RevUp Women’s first cohort, a look back at the journey of the inaugural cohort, highlighting their successes, challenges, and growth throughout the program. There will be a panel discussion on “Trailblazing Women: Navigating Challenges and Triumphs”: Engaging discussions with high-achieving female entrepreneurs who will share their inspiring success stories, offering valuable insights into overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness. Participants will have the chance to connect with panelists and fellow attendees, fostering valuable relationships and collaborations. The event will feature a powerful speech by a leading female figure in Africa, offering words of encouragement and motivation to all attendees. Additionally, outstanding trainees and entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation and impact throughout the program will be recognized. Finally, for the highlight of the business showcase event, there will be an announcement of the ten winners from five African countries who will each receive a grant of $10,000 USD, funded by Visa Foundation. “We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our inaugural cohort and to honor the trailblazing women who have inspired us all,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs. “This event not only celebrates past successes but also lays the groundwork for a future where women entrepreneurs continue to thrive, innovate, and lead change in their communities and beyond.” “Our work at Visa Foundation teaches us that financial and digital inclusion are powerful catalysts for change,” said Graham Macmillan, President, Visa Foundation. “By investing in an ecosystem that advances women and women-led businesses, we are helping build inclusive economies for everyone, everywhere.” Join us for the event on March 22nd, 2024, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Victoria Island, Lagos as we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and ingenuity of women entrepreneurs and chart a path forward towards greater gender equality and economic empowerment. We are excited to have you attend, RSVP by filling out this short form: Form About RevUp Women RevUp Women is an initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa. Through mentorship, training, and access to resources, RevUp Women provides women with the support they need to start and grow successful businesses, driving economic growth and fostering gender equality. Learn more at RevUp Women For more information about AfriLabs and the Rev Up Women initiative, visit www.afrilabs.com & RevUp Women For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com