News Briefs

BUTEC, a contracting group based in the United Arab Emirates, announced on April 21 that it had completed the takeover of the 17 subsidiaries belonging to French energy group Engie, including one Moroccan company.

The acquisition process was officially complete on March 31, following an initial agreement BUTEC and Engie had signed on December 16, according to a company press release.

BUTEC, active in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, will expand its market footprint to the rest of Africa with the new acquisition, the statement said.

The acquisition will allow BUTEC to draw on the expertise of an additional 2000 collaborators and executives, as some of the newly acquired companies have been working on the continent since the early 2000s. For Engie group, the sell-off marks a step further towards its goal of focusing on green energy and distribution.

New Surveying method identifies crops earlier in the Season without entering Field

Satellite imagery has long been used to tell what crops are grown in the field. This allows stakeholders to forecast grain supplies, assess crop damage and coordinate supply-chain logistics. While this information is vital, current crop mapping products are unable to provide these statistics early in the farming season. For example, the crop data layer (CDL), a national crop mapping product by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, is often not released until 4-6 months after harvest.

This is due to lengthy ground information collection required to train the backend algorithm for separating crops from satellite imagery.

In a study published in Remote Sensing of Environment, University of Minnesota researchers explain their development of a new method that allows stakeholders to know where corn and soybean crops are grown as early as July, with similar accuracy to the USDA CDL, and without ground surveys.

With satellite data availability growing coupled with advances in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the bottleneck of satellite-based crop type mapping has shifted towards a lack of ground truth labels, which are records of crop types at specific locations. In such cases, scientists have attempted to use outdated labels to identify crops in the target year. However, this type of model often fails because changes in soil, weather and management practices in a given year can change how crops look in satellite imagery.

To bypass the need for ground labels, the Minnesota method generates pseudo-labels (pseudo because these labels are not collected from fields) in any target year based on historical crop type maps. The method mimics how humans identify objects based on their relative positions (also called topology relationships) and uses a computer-vision model to identify corn and soybean based on these relationships in a twodimensional space derived from satellite imagery. These generated pseudo-labels have similar quality to field-collected labels and can be used for earlier crop type mapping.

NPA, Nigerian Navy to collaborate on hydrographic survey

With the remarkable growth in the size and number of merchant ships, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, says his administration is ready to work collaboratively with the Nigerian Navy to localise modernised training and capacity building aspect of hydrographic survey, for the benefit of the nation’s maritime economy.

He made this promise when he received the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Y. B. Wambai, along with senior officers of the Command, on a courtesy visit to the NPA’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.

The NPA MD expressed his management’s appreciation for the role played by the Command with respect to the “360 Degrees Security Exercise” that was recently carried out to remove all physical contraptions and unscrupulous human elements identified as security threats around the seaports in Lagos. He informed the FOC that a repeat of the exercise is set to take place in the nearest future, adding that NPA would continue to work jointly with the Command in keeping the port access corridors safe from all types of threats.

Bello-Koko applauded the Nigerian Navy on the delivery and commissioning of “NNS LANA”, a modern purpose-built hydrographic research vessel, that would enable the Nigerian Navy perform missions such as oceanographic survey, hydrographic survey, search and rescue (SAR), fishery survey and patrol in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Nigeria. He also commended the Navy for quality manpower development in hydrographic survey for the country.

Earlier in his remarks, the new FOC, West described the courtesy visit to the NPA as customary and necessary to advance the strong bonds of partnership between the two institutions.

USIU unveils program to train Cybersecurity Experts

Kenya’s cyber security space has received a major boost today after USIU-Africa, Kenya Bankers Association and Serianu unveiled an industry-led training program to add 2,000 professionals into the space.

Known as Cyber Shujaa, the training program intends to develop and implement a harmonized cybersecurity employment framework linking the industry and the training institutions.

It targets to bring 1,000 women on board as cybersecurity professionals and to support at least 30 young people as cybersecurity entrepreneurs.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the consortium members, the Vice Chancellor, USIU-Africa, Professor Freida Brown reiterated the University’s commitment to action research which calls for interventions and co-creation of knowledge with stakeholders.

“This project enhances our university-industrygovernment-civil society linkages to promote similar future partnerships. This project will brand itself to become a cybersecurity institute to offer a nationally recognized certification in the area of cybersecurity,” said Brown.

While the shortage of skilled cyber security experts is a global challenge that experts say requires 2 million new practitioners, at the local level it is equally severe, with Serianu research showing that Kenya needs to hire at least 1,000 new experts annually.

“The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals has become alarming. We recognized that a multi-agency approach to creating a pathway for learners to transition into the industry as practicing cybersecurity executives is key to bridging the local skills gap,” said William Makatiani, the Chief Executive Officer of Serianu.

Makatiani pointed out that the firm’s research had established that Kenya’s burden of burgeoning cybercrime, estimated at Sh10billion in annual losses, was exacerbated by a severe lack of sufficient well-trained cybersecurity executives.

“With more women taking up ICT courses at the tertiary learning institutions, we are convinced that the partnership we have founded with USIU-Africa and Kenya Bankers Association will accelerate the growth of our national cyber professional expert base,” added Makatiani.

Microsoft opens Africa Development Centre Facility in Nairobi

After three years of successful operation in Kenya, Microsoft’s premier engineering hub, the African Development Centre (ADC), is relocating to its own offices in Nairobi, demonstrating the company’s commitment to the continent. The ADC will now be based at Dunhill Towers along Waiyaki Way in its new ultra-modern state-of-the-art facility, the first of its kind serving the East African region. The facility will house the engineering, design, research, and innovation teams, as well as the Microsoft Garage, an incubation hub launched as part of the ongoing efforts to scale tech innovation in the continent.

The facility was officially launched by president Uhuru Kenyatta, who was accompanied by Joe Mucheru, the Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affair among other key guests. Since its inception in Nairobi in 2019, the ADC has grown to over 450 full-time employees working in areas such as software engineering, machine learning, data science, market research, infrastructure, and much more.

Speaking at the offices’ opening, the ICT Cabinet Secretary praised the development, noting that it strengthens the country’s position as a leading regional digital innovation hub, putting Kenya on the path to achieving large-scale industrial technology status, as other countries such as China, India, and Israel.

“Our Vision 2030 recognizes the role of science, technology, and innovation in a modern economy, in which new knowledge plays a central role in wealth creation, social welfare and international competitiveness through effective exploitation of knowledge, innovation system and flourishing entrepreneurship, among others. As a Ministry, our strategy is to build capacity in tech innovation and utilization of knowledge to transform the economy of this country and therefore we welcome the work that the ADC and Microsoft are doing towards contributing to this agenda,” Mucheru said.

On his part, the ADC Managing Director, Jack Ngare said: “One of our proud achievements in developing this facility was during the construction phase when we hired over 100 builders, artisans, architects, artists, craftsmen, women groups, and other skilled and unskilled workers, all during the height of the COVID pandemic. In addition, most of the construction materials were locally sourced thus ploughing back into the economy.

Wärtsilä signs 10-year Guaranteed Asset Performance contract with Malicounda Power in Senegal

The technology group Wärtsilä has signed a 10year Guaranteed Asset Performance agreement with Malicounda Power SAS of Senegal. The contract covers the 130 MW Malicounda Melec power plant located in Mbour, south of Senegal’s capital Dakar, scheduled to be commissioned in June 2022.

The long-term service agreement targets the further strengthening of Malicounda Power’s position as a power producer for Senegal’s grid. The signing took place in February 2022, and Wärtsilä will start to recognise order intake once the plant has been commissioned and is in operation.

“This power plant will add much needed generating capacity to the Senegal grid. It is an example of us creating value for our customers with industry leading availability and uptime, which is critical for the grid. This agreement will deliver high efficiency and productivity, together with cost predictability for the owners. Our strong presence in the country, along with our remote support capabilities, allow us to provide the essential performance guarantees required,” added Marc Thiriet, Director, Africa West, Wärtsilä Energy.

Construction of Kenya’s first nuclear plant slated for 2030

The Nuclear Power and Energy (NuPEA) has embarked on a detailed search for a suitable construction site for Kenya’s first-ever nuclear power plant at the coast. NuPEA Chief Executive Officer Collins Juma has said the agency is currently conducting a detailed site analysis of the two regions to come up with the best site to host the 1000 megawatt nuclear power plant whose construction is expected to begin in 2030.

Kenya is banking on the nuclear power plant to boost the current energy mix of 2705MW of installed power capacity, 86% of which is drawn from green sources such as geothermal, wind and solar.

“The Research Reactor Feasibility Study Report will be completed by June 2022. Acquisition of national approval and Budget plan to be completed by 2023 and the construction and full power operation of the Kenya Nuclear Research Reactor by the end of 2030,” said Dr. Winnie Ndubai, NuPEA Director for Strategy and Planning.

Although there have been delays, NuPEA is confident that the Kshs. 500 billion nuclear power plant will be connected to the grid by 2036.

NuPEA is currently undertaking public sensitization forums in the two counties to create awareness on nuclear energy.

The agency has also embarked on a survey that will gauge and assess Kenyan industries’ potential capability and interest to engage in the nuclear power programme.

This will help in the development of a national nuclear localization policy. “NuPEA is currently carrying out a survey of Kenyan industries to assess the industries’ potential capacity & interest to engage in the Nuclear Power Programme,” said Erick Ohaga, NuPEA Director for Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Development.

NuPEA also plans to set up 5MW nuclear research at reactor project that will enhance applications of nuclear technology in industrial, medical, education and food agriculture.

South Africa is the only country in Africa with a commercial nuclear power plant.

Egypt, Ghana and Nigeria are the only countries in the continent in Phase 2 of implementation which involves inviting bids and negotiating contracts for their respective first nuclear power plants.

Globally, 454 nuclear power plants with an installed capacity of 399,978MW are in operation while 55 others with an installed capacity of 55,903MW are under construction. By 2030, Kenya is projected to have an installed capacity of 3024MW with a peak demand of 2036MW.

Opaz says drone success in its mining sites at Duqm

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) continued to pursue a set of aerial and marine surveys and experiments using drones in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad).

These experiments come within the framework of empowering entrepreneurs and opening opportunities for the Omani youth to develop their skills and capabilities in this field and carry out their experiments in the zone designated by Opaz for artificial intelligence purposes, which stretches over an area of 18 square kilometres in the zone.

Opaz, in cooperation with Marmul Integrated Company, succeeded recently in implementing a number of experiments and aerial surveys using drones in one of the mining sites in Sezad and positive results had been achieved that helped in taking appropriate decisions aimed at enhancing productivity and proper planning of quarrying and mining sites in addition to enhancing knowledge of safety and security aspects and inventory management.

Ahmed Al Farsi, the Chairman of the Steering Committee to supervise the Artificial Intelligence zone, said that drones are one of the techniques of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that the mining survey experiments using drones were carried out to collect aerial data of the mining sites to be processed through specialised programmes and formed into 3D maps of these sites. She added that the most important outcome of these experiments is creating a scientific database that enhances knowledge of mining research fields. This experience demonstrated the ability of this type of drone to monitor civil works in effective scientific ways and to produce full or partial panoramic images and 3D models of the target lands.

On the other hand, Hussain Habib Al Lawati from ESBAAR Company, which specialises in providing artificial intelligence and drone services, said that ESBAAR has benefited greatly from opening opportunities in this field, and was pleased that Opaz designated a special zone for artificial intelligence with a vast area which enables specialists to launch their projects, works, and experiments. Opaz efforts in this field are remarkable and we had the opportunity to learn more about the special economic zones and free zones, the investment opportunities available, and the business opportunities with the organisations and beneficiary companies in the zone.

GeoComm receives New Collaboration Award at Esri Partner Conference for Exceptional Achievement

GeoComm received the New Collaboration Award at the 2022 Esri Partner Conference (EPC) held in Palm Springs, California March 5–7, 2022. This award was presented to GeoComm for their innovative technical and business collaboration with Esri and with their business partners. world. EPC awards recognize partners that have demonstrated innovative and creative ways to solve complex problems by using Esri’s ArcGIS software and those who have done exceptional work in advancing geographic information systems (GIS) technology. GeoComm was one of 26 Esri partners that received an achievement award at the conference.

GeoComm’s Public Safety Location Intelligence® Platform puts the right location data, on the right map, for the right people at the right time to enhance public safety emergency response. GeoComm is an Esri Platinum Partner in the Esri Partner Network and has produced many products and services built on the ArcGIS system that help 9-1-1 authorities build and maintain locally authoritative GIS data for 9-1-1, respond to 9-1-1 calls for service faster, route 9-1-1 calls based on location, and validate locations used by 9-1-1 and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.

Esri is the global leader in location intelligence with a network of over 2700 partners around the “Esri congratulates GeoComm on their 2022 EPC award in recognition of their innovative work leveraging ArcGIS software,” said Robert Laudati, Director of Global Partners and Alliances at Esri. “We are proud to partner with GeoComm to foster the use of GIS technology in support of our mutual customers.”

“GeoComm is honored to be receiving this award from Esri, a longtime partner. This relationship has enabled us to provide innovative and effective solutions to our customers. Our partnership has been built on integrity and a common goal of providing customers with industry leading public safety GIS solutions,” John Bryant GeoComm President and CEO.

Hydrographic Company to invest $264 million in dredging fleet

FSUE Hydrographic Company is looking into investing about RUB 20 billion ($264 million) in construction of its own dredging fleet. This information was revealed yesterday Aleksandr Bengert, General Director of Hydrographic Company, at the 5th International Congress “Hydraulic

Engineering Structures and Dredging” being held by

IAA PortNews in Moscow. from 2023-24, and that entails the need to involve a certain number of specialized vessels.

The company is going to have a fleet comprising trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs), ships for seabed intervention, a backhoe dredger and hydrographic survey vessels.

Hydrographic Company is already in a process of developing a related investment programme. Its implementation is planned for 2023-30, said Bengert.

Pix4D Germany bags tender to monitor railway infrastructure maintenance and construction in Germany

Pix4D is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a competitive tender for Deutsche Bahn to provide solutions and services for upcoming railway infrastructure projects through the analysis and visualization of drone images.

Pix4D will be using its products PIX4Dcloud, PIX4Dmapper, and PIX4Dmatic for processing and analyzing drone imagery for construction progress monitoring and quality assurance. This is an important building block for the digitalization of Deutsche Bahn’s infrastructure management.

The contract will be managed by DB Netz AG, the infrastructure operator of Deutsche Bahn AG, which maintains the largest rail network in Europe that measures around 34,000 kilometers. Deutsche Bahn is committed to climate neutral operations by 2040 and this project is part of ongoing efforts to implement more efficient and environmentally friendly infrastructure maintenance and workflows.

“Deutsche Bahn plays a leading role in the mobility shift towards CO2 neutrality and the protection of the environment for future generations. We are very pleased to be able to contribute to strengthening their railroad projects with our products and services,” Pix4D Regional Managing Director, Henrik Battke.

Pix4D’s services are backed by 11 years of research in cutting-edge photogrammetry software and hardware. The products have desktop and cloud capabilities to enable straightforward sharing across project stakeholders. Pix4D’s services will be required for several years and managed out of their Berlin office.

Dewberry to provide geospatial products and services to USGS

Dewberry, has been re-selected by the US Geological Survey (USGS) for its nationwide geospatial products and services contract (GPSC) in support of the National Geospatial Program (NGP). Under the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, Dewberry will continue to support

USGS for up to five years on an as-needed, task order basis, providing a variety of services and products, including airborne lidar and IFSAR acquisition and processing, high-resolution topographic product generation, elevation-derived hydrography, geophysical surveys, orthoimagery acquisition and processing, photogrammetric mapping, and cadastral surveying.

Under the previous contract and continuing through the new contract, Dewberry is supporting USGS with a variety of advanced geospatial services, including elevation-derived hydrography for updating the National Hydrography Database (NHD). The new 3D hydrography models will support the next generation of NHD as part of the USGS 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) and provide government agencies with high-resolution data depicting water flowlines, with additional tools for estimating stream flow volume and velocity. Among recent task orders, Dewberry is currently preparing updated NHD hydrography for approximately 29,000 square miles in northern Alaska, and more than 8,000 square miles in South Carolina.

“Following our success in mapping more than one million square miles of high-resolution Quality Level (QL) 5 IFSAR data in Alaska, and QL1/QL2 lidar data in the continental U.S., we are now using these data to create new hydrographic products to meet the NHD elevation-derived hydrography specifications,” says Amar Nayegandhi, CP, CMS, GISP, senior vice president with Dewberry. “This will significantly increase the quality of the NHD and help further the USGS vision of providing complete nationwide elevation and hydrography baseline datasets for a myriad of critical applications.”

The Dewberry team will also support the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) through this contract by providing airborne geophysical surveys. The innovative work involves low-altitude magnetic and radiometric surveys from a fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter with towed-array sensors to image subsurface geologic structures for use in geologic framework studies, mineral resource research, and hazard assessments in portions of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, and New Mexico.

“We have been providing services to USGS in the development of geospatial products for many years now, and one of the most exciting aspects of this work is our ability to continue to bring new technology applications and breakthrough approaches to producing high-quality data for the USGS 3D Model, which integrates data from the 3D Hydrography Program and the 3D Elevation Program,” says Elise MacPherson, PMP, senior project manager with Dewberry. “The tools we use to acquire and process data and imagery are more sophisticated than ever before, enabling us to create high-resolution products for states and communities across the US much more efficiently.”

The new contract, valued at up to $850,000,000, consists of an initial 12-month ordering period with four 12-month options. Dewberry has been selected for six consecutive geospatial/cartographic services contracts dating to 1998, supporting USGS with projects across the US and its territories.