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Welcome to another edition of Energy and Sustainability Africa, proudlyresearchedand asyouknow,producedinNamibia
AI is expected to contribute to the macroeconomiclandscapesome$157trilliontothe globaleconomyby2030,andinAfrica,itholds thepotentialtogeneratenearly10percentor $15 trillion These remarkable projections showingglobalincreasesorimpactthathover around 12% of the global economy, underscore AI’s immense potential and importance, not only globally but especially forAfrica'sfuture
It is well known that AI is already being harnessed worldwide to transform several areas within the sustainability sectors and its potentialcannotbeoverstated.Frommatters such as enhancing energy efficiency to optimizing traffic management and monitoring critical infrastructure like roads, power grids, and water systems These applications lead to better record management, reduced waste, improved operational performance, and heightened productivity benefits that are crucial to sustainabledevelopmentandmeetingclimate goals
Further, entrepreneurs across the African continentarealsoembracingAI,leveragingits capabilities to boost business productivity and unlock new economic opportunities. AI presents these entrepreneurs with an opportunity to diversify operations, mitigate risks, and explore emerging markets in ways thatwerepreviouslyunimaginable
In this month's issue, our dedicated team of writers and researchers has investigated the applications of AI in an African context. We exploredhowpreparedyouthinAfricaarefor
this technological shift and the steps Africa must take to maximize AI’s development potential You'll find insights on how AI is driving improvements in energy systems, contributing to agricultural advancements in thefaceofclimatechange,andevenitsrolein accelerating African trade agreements. Additionally, we cover AI's influence on the telecommunications sector and how it is reshapingourdigitallandscape
As always, we hope you find this edition of EnergyandSustainabilityAfricainformativeas we encourage you to follow us and engage with us on all our social media accounts. The conversation continues at esa@rdjpublishing.africa.
Yours, editor@rdjpublishing.africa
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(DavidA Jarrett) Editor
(GraceKangotue) DeputyEditor
AI can act as an energy and infrastructure wizard by improving energy efficiency, traffic management, road infrastructure monitoring, power grid monitoring, and water infrastructure monitoring.
(https://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://thedocs worldbank org/ en/doc/20ca38de6ebb3fc55a9c6a2883bffda8-0050022024/original/AIthe-new-wingman-of-development-Siddharth-Dixit-and-Indermit-Gill pdf)
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other frontier technologies hold significant potential for supporting inclusivity, reducing inequalities, rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bolstering the operations of the United Nations (UN) system. (https://unsceb.org/topics/artificial-intelligence)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in education today, innovate teaching and learning practices, and accelerate progress towards SDG 4 However, rapid technological developments inevitably bring multiple risksandchallenges,whichhavesofaroutpacedpolicy debates and regulatory frameworks (https://www unesco org/en/digital-education/artificialintelligence)
SuccessfulAI-enabledbusinessesaremorecompetitive and therefore attract more customers and accumulate more data, which further improves their AI algorithm and reinforces their initial competitive advantage. (https://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://docu ments1.worldbank.org/curated/zh/539371567673606214 /pdf/The-Role-of-Artificial-Intelligence-in-SupportingDevelopment-in-Emerging-Markets.pdf)
AI is seen as a crop whisperer in agriculture that can help small farmers in low-income and lower-middleincome countries increase their crop productivity (https://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://thed ocs worldbank org/en/doc/20ca38de6ebb3fc55a9c6a288 3bffda8-0050022024/original/AI-the-new-wingman-ofdevelopment-Siddharth-Dixit-and-Indermit-Gill pdf)
RDJConsultingisa100%NamibianEnergyandSustainabilityConsultancywithmorethan30years’experience intheutility(Water,EnergyandTelecoms),ruraldevelopmentandtransportsectors.Ourexperienceasan integratedprofessionalservicesfirmthatbuildsbettercommunitiesthroughplanning,design,anddeliveryof physicalandsocialinfrastructurehelpssupportourclientsinallaspectsgoingforward.
Weapproacheachofourclientswithfresheyestodevelopcustomized,uniquestrategies.
RDJConsultingbasedinWindhoek,NamibiahasextensiveexperienceinSouthernAfrica,Asia,Britain,USAand theCaribbean.Wethusworkwithvariousgovernmentsandagenciestoaddressdevelopmentissuesin developingcountries.
AUTHOR:GraceKangotue ChiefResearcher/Economist@ RDJ Consulting
Courtesy:https://wwwundporg/ghana/blog/positioning-africas-youth-win-harnessing-ai-development
As cited in our Energy and Sustainability Africa(ESA) - August 2024 edition, the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be classed as
young but advanced in its impact Despite its relatively recent emergence, AI is becoming indispensable in transforming various sectors, reshaping how work is performed, education is delivered, and overall, how development is pursued globally.
In Africa, with its large and rapidly growing youth population (15-39 years), estimated at 592 61 million according to the 2023 statistics from Our World in Data, shows the continent is at a pivotal moment Africa must determine how to leverage the immense potential of AI for economic growth and sustainable development. The critical question arises: Are African youth ready for AI, and how can Africa position itself to harness this transformative technology?
Also in our August 2024 edition, we discussed the skills that the African youth would require to stay relevant in an
AI-driven job market. This article will further explore the progress made in preparing youth for AI adoption across the continent and the economic implications to date
AI has the potential to significantly impact the global economy, with research estimating that AI could contribute up to $15 7 trillion by 2030 For Africa alone, this impact is predicted to generate approximately $1 2 trillion, according to the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). These projections showcase the transformative power AI holds for the continent. However, as Baratanga Miya, Chief Executive of Girlhype Coders Academy, emphasizes, governments must play a central role in regulating and incentivizing the AI value chain to ensure that innovation thrives and access to AI technologies remains equitable particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In June 2024, the ‘2nd Extraordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee’ on Communication and ICT was held The meeting brought together over 130 African ministers and experts and mainly focused on accelerating Africa's digital transformation, driven by AI's rapidly evolving capabilities. The African ICT and Communications Ministers unanimously approved the landmark Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact, a framework which will serve as a guide for African countries to harness AI for their developmental goals while ensuring ethical use, minimizing risks, and capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
The strategy highlights key areas for AI implementation, including education and skills development, health, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and security, and good governance. The success of AI in these sectors hinges on the development of human capital, strengthening research and development (R&D) ecosystems, and building AI-ready institutional and regulatory environments Investment in youth, innovators, data scientists, and AI researchers is one of the components that will unlock Africa's success in the global AI arena
Africa's youth stand at the forefront of this digital revolution. With the potential to drive socio-economic transformation, AI presents unique opportunities for the continent's young population. However, African governments and stakeholders must ensure that the youth are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to fully harness these opportunities
During the June 2024 conference, African ministers emphasized the importance of building capacity and transferring knowledge to empower Africa's youth, private sector, and institutions. By fostering ecosystems conducive to innovation, digital education, and skill development, Africa can ensure that its youth are not left behind Moreover, as AI disrupts traditional job markets, job reassignment and upskilling programs will be crucial to maintain employment and competitiveness in an increasingly automated world
One of the critical frameworks supporting this vision is the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030), which includes both the Continental AI Strategy and the African Digital Compact Both the Continental AI Strategy and the African Digital Compact are planned on other policies and frameworks such as on data management, personal data protection, cybersecurity, and child protection which are positioned to create and promote a digital ecosystem that fosters sustainable development across the continent In addition, these initiatives also aim to promote digital development across the continent, aligned with the broader goals of Agenda 2063
In August 2024, a significant continental meeting titled "Shaping Africa's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Future: Strategies for Inclusive and Collaborative National AI Policy Development" brought together key stakeholders from across Africa. This meeting underscored the importance of developing unified AI policies and strategies tailored to Africa's needs. Such policies are
essential for harnessing AI's potential and driving Africa's socio-economic transformation
One of the critical takeaways from the meeting was the emphasis on training teachers and encouraging youth participation in entrepreneurship, as well as technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs. These efforts aim to secure a brighter future for Africa's workforce in the AI field Involving youth in AI through education and entrepreneurship will be pivotal in unlocking the continent's potential and ensuring that African countries play an active role in shaping the future of AI.
The adoption of AI in Africa presents both challenges and opportunities To maximize AI's impact, African countries must foster collaboration across borders and develop policies that are responsive to the continent's unique socio-economic landscape. The importance of drafting Africa-specific AI policies cannot be overstressed These policies must be inclusive, collaborative, and forwardlooking to ensure that the continent can fully benefit from AI technologies
At the heart of this transformation are Africa's youth. Investments in education, digital literacy, and skills development are crucial to preparing them for the AIdriven future African youth must be equipped not only to adopt AI but to create, innovate, and lead in this space This will require a concerted effort from all governments, educational institutions, and the private sector.
The 'AI and the Future of Work in Africa’ White Paper in
2024, emphasizes key recommendations for advancing jobs, skills, and labour markets These include establishing an Africa-led research agenda to explore the impact of generative AI across sectors, fostering AI development that integrates social sciences and community-centred designs, and equipping the workforce with skills to both build and work with AI Additionally, it stresses the importance of engaging youth, community leaders, academics, and businesses in creatinginclusiveAIpoliciestailoredtoAfrica'sneeds.
In conclusion, the African youth have the potential to lead the continent into the AI-driven future, but readiness is key. So while there are challenges, there’s also significant potential among African youth to engage with and leverage AI for development. Governments, industries, and educational systems must collaborate to ensure that the youth are equipped with the right skills and knowledge By doing so, Africa can unlock the full potential of AI and drive sustainable economic growth across the continent AI is not just a tool for the future it is a tool for now, and Africa's youth are poised to take advantageofit
https://ourworldindata org/population-growth
https://www un org/africarenewal/magazine/march2024/artificial-intelligence-and-africa
https://au int/en/pressreleases/20240617/african-ministersadopt-landmark-continental-artificial-intelligence-strategy
https://www nepad org/news/shaping-africas-artificialintelligence-ai-strategies
https://www afdb org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/PolicyDocuments/Agenda2063 Popular Version English pdf
https://www microsoft com/enus/research/uploads/prod/2024/06/WhitepaperAIandTheFutureofWorkinAfrica-June24 pdf
AUTHOR:DavidJarrett Editor@ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group Chief Executive Officer
Courtesy:FreePikAI
Power systems are becoming vastly more complex as demand for electricity grows and decarbonisation efforts ramp up. In the past,
grids directed energy from centralised power stations
Now, power systems increasingly need to support multidirectional flows of electricity between distributed generators, the grid and users. The rising number of gridconnected devices, from electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to residential solar installations, makes flows less predictable. Meanwhile, links are deepening between the power system and the transportation, building and industrial sectors The result is a vastly greater need for information exchange – and more powerful tools to plan and operate power systems as they keep evolving
This need arrives just as the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) applications are rapidly progressing As machine learning models have become more advanced, the computational power required to develop them has doubled every five to six months since 2010. AI models can now reliably provide language or image recognition, transform audio sounds into analysable data, power chatbots and automate simple tasks AI mimics aspects of human intelligence by analysing data and inputs –generating outputs more quickly and at greater volume than a human operator could Some AI algorithms are even able to self-programme and modify their own code.
One of the most common uses for AI by the energy sector has been to improve predictions of supply and demand Developing a greater understanding of both when renewable power is available and when it’s needed is crucial for next-generation power systems. Yet this can be complicated for renewable technologies, since the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow.
That’s where machine learning can play a role It can help match variable supply with rising and falling demand –maximising the financial value of renewable energy and allowing it to be integrated more easily into the grid.
Wind power output, for example, can be forecast using weather models and information on the location of turbines However, deviations in wind flow can lead to output levels that are higher or lower than expected, pushing up operational costs To address this, Google and its AI subsidiary DeepMind developed a neural network in 2019 to increase the accuracy of forecasts for its 700 MW renewable fleet. Based on historical data, the network developed a model to predict future output up to 36 hours in advance with much greater accuracy than was previously possible
This greater visibility allows Google to sell its power in advance, rather than in real time. The company has stated that this, along with other AI-facilitated efficiencies, has increased the financial value of its wind power by 20% Higher prices also improve the business case for wind power and can drive further investment in renewables Notably, Google’s proprietary software is now being piloted by a major energy company
Additionally, with a more accurate picture of peaks in output, companies like Google are able to shift the timing of peak consumption, such as during heavy computing loads, to coincide with them Doing so avoids the need to buy additional power from the market. This capacity, if expanded more widely, could have a significant impact on the promotion of load shifting and peak shaving –especially if combined with better demand forecasts For example, Swiss manufacturer ABB has developed an AIenabled energy demand forecasting application that allows commercial building managers to avoid peak charges and benefit from time-of-use tariffs.
Another key AI application is predictive maintenance, where the performance of energy assets is continuously monitored and analysed to identify potential faults ahead of time Maintenance typically happens on a regular schedule; poles on a transmission line, for example, might be examined once within a pre-defined period and repairs carried out as needed. This one-size-fits-all approach can lead to inefficiencies if maintenance happens too early or, more problematically, too late.
Potential uses for AI across power systems are likely to soar in the years to come In addition to better forecasting of energy supply and demand and predictive maintenance of physical assets, applications could include:
Managing and controlling grids, using an array of data from sensors, smart meters and other internetof-things devices to observe and control the flow of power in the network, particularly at the distribution level
Courtesy:https://wwwsmartdevcom/revolutionizing-future-ai-the-power-of-human-centric-design-in-modern-technology/
Facilitating demand response, using a range of processes such as forecasting electricity prices, scheduling and controlling response loads, and setting dynamic pricing
Providing improved or expanded consumer services, using AI or machine learning processes in apps and online chatbots to better customers’ billing experiences, for instance. Firms such as Octopus Energy and Oracle Utilities are already exploring this
The availability of workers with the right skills is a significant challenge for any sector looking to tap AI’s potential. Across the global workforce, AI and machine learning specialists are the profession experiencing the fastest growth in demand, creating a recruitment bottleneck In June 2022, there were only 22000 AI specialists globally across all industries, and 61% of large firms surveyed in the United Kingdom and United States reported lacking staff with sufficient AI experience The energy industry will need to compete to recruit the best data scientists and programmers, while firms looking to retain staff that understand the sector should consider uptraining and reskilling parts of their existing workforce
Digital training courses, supported by governments with input from the private sector, will be vital to these efforts
However, the availability and quality of such courses is not yet consistent across the largest global economies.
AI also uses more energy than other forms of computing –a crucial consideration as the world seeks to build a more efficient energy system Training a single model uses more electricity than 100 US homes consume in an entire year In 2022, Google reported that machine learning accounted for about 15% of its total energy use over the prior three years. However, data is not systematically collected on AI’s energy use and wider environmental impacts, and there is a need for greater transparency and tracking – especially as models grow The most efficient computing infrastructure and AI algorithms should be prioritised to prevent it from offsetting efficiency gains
Furthermore, increased use of automated and selflearning software raises questions about who is responsible for the outputs or outcomes of these systems Operators frequently purchase AI technology or a related service from IT companies and startups This can result in decision making on electricity balancing or investments, for example, based on models they do not understand or control, leading to questions about accountability for public spending, energy prices or outages
In an effort to address some of these issues, the OECD AI Principles – adopted in 2019 by OECD member governments and many non-member governments –provide guidance on pursuing a human-centric approach to trustworthy AI. Clearer national, regional and international frameworks may also be necessary, given that the energy sector underpins the global economy and is crucial to meeting climate goals The European Union’s AI Act, first proposed in 2021 and currently under negotiation by EU institutions and member states, aims to develop better conditions for the technology’s development and use while guaranteeing robust protections for the environment, among other goals
For AI to be an effective ally towards efficient, decarbonised and resilient power systems, governments will also need to develop mechanisms for data sharing and governance. A coordinated global approach can enable internationally applicable and replicable solutions, transfer learnings globally, and expedite the energy transition while reducing its costs
Original piece written by (Abridged for context)
Vida Rozite, Energy Policy Analyst
Jack Miller, Energy Efficiency Policy Analyst
Sungjin Oh, Energy Analyst Commentary 02 November 2023
https://www.iea.org/commentaries/why-ai-and-energyare-the-new-power-couple
Author: Ms Silpa Kanghono
(Coordinator: Digital Marketing and Events- RDJ Publishing)
RDJ Consulting Services CC (RDJ or RDJ Consulting) in collaboration with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), successfully hosted a public lecture at the NUST Auditorium 2 on Friday, 20 September 2024, under the theme “The Interns View of Energy”
The event provided a unique platform for our interns to actively engage in thought-provoking discussions with the audience, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges existing in the Namibian energy sector
Among the presentations, Ms Esther Faith Ndimulunde, a Communications student at NUST, highlighted the ‘Use and Benefits of social media in the Energy and Sustainability Sector’, emphasizing the role of digital platforms in raising awareness and driving sustainable practices. Mr. Lesley Mbangu, a student of Economics, also pursuing his studies at NUST, explored ‘The Impact of Energy Prices on the Transport Sector’ , shedding light on the economic implications of fluctuating energy costs.
These were followed by Ms Albertina Shigwedha in absentia, also an Economics student at NUST, delved into ‘Is Energy a Commodity?’, discussing its market dynamics and global significance These were capped off by Mr Matti Iindongo, a Statistics student at University of Namibia (UNAM), presented on ‘Electricity Tariffs and GDP’ , providing an analytical perspective on how energy costs can be associated and correlated to national economic growth.
This opportunity not only allowed the interns to share insights on key energy topics with their peers but also served as a valuable educational experience to refine their public speaking and presentation skills. Through this opportunity, they also gained critical exposure to the complexities of the energy landscape, further preparing them for their future careers The event was treated to a special appearance of RDJ Consulting’s “first” intern from 2016, Miss Chilombo Olga Priscila (former Group Executive, Operations at RDJ) who also spoke to the audience highlighting the benefits of a workplace experience
RDJ Consulting would therefore like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) for their invaluable joint support of our internship program, which continues to empower and equip young professionals with the skills needed to excel in the energy sector Additionally, we express our continued appreciation to NUST for their ongoing commitment through their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program to help bridging the gap between academic learning and the job market, ensuring that students are well-prepared for real-world challenges Ultimately, RDJ Consulting is extremely proud of its latest interns and wishes them the best in their endeavours going forward
Source: contributed by:
KAMPALA, Uganda, September 19, 2024/ -- The Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon Ruth Nankabirwa has urged Parliament to
support more investment in last mile electricity connections to support Uganda’s value addition agenda
“Electricity is very critical and the limitations on distribution is a common phenomenon in the entire country, where we have the national grid passing through our constituencies but with short-stretch distribution lines,” Nankabirwa said
Nankabirwa said this in response to concerns raised by Arua City Woman Representative, Hon. Mourine Osoru about distribution of power lines to trading centres, markets and churches in the West Nile sub-region
“The West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECO) has done a lot but not enough We request that as the Ministry of Energy carries out mapping, the places that were not captured for electricity access, should be captured,” Osoru said.
She also asked the minister to clarify on the affordability of electricity access in the region
“West Nile has been finally connected to the national grid but how affordable will power be? Our people are saying that, if we are connected to the national grid and the power is expensive, that means the national grid will
remain at the substations,” Osoru noted
The minister said the electricity tariffs have been reducing overtime as announced every January, which she added will benefit the end-users in the long run.
“I beg for the indulgence of the Members of Parliament and the entire country to bear with us, because tariff is determined by how expensive or how cheaply you have invested in the generation, transmission and distribution For the last four consecutive years, we have been announcing reduced tariffs,” said Nankabirwa.
She added that the power generated and distributed from the national grid will provide a cheaper alternative for Ugandans compared to that generated from heavy fuel oil (HFO), which she said is dirty and expensive
On Saturday, 03 August 2024, President Yoweri Museveni officially commissioned the 132KV Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua transmission line which connected West Nile to the national grid
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
SOURCE
Parliament of the Republic of Uganda
Source: contributed by:
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, September 28, 2024/ -- The bustling sound of dough kneading fills the air at Pierre Gbenou Tito Dossou’s bakery in
Okoun-Sèmè, Benin, as the once energy-starved business now hums along smoothly Orders for bread, croissants, and chocolate pastries are met on time, a feat Dossou attributes to a newly stable power supply
“I struggled with electricity shortages for over a decade, ” Dossou explains, reflecting on the bakery’s early years. “Generators didn’t work, and I couldn’t connect to the grid because our area was too remote I had to rely on weak power from neighboring connections ” His fortunes changed last year (2023) when new pylons and a large transformer brought reliable electricity to his district
“I felt like I won the lottery, ” Dossou said with a smile. The new infrastructure brought streetlights, safer streets, and individual electric meters “Since then, our work has been seamless And even burglars have reduced, ” he adds
Other residents like Moussa Moudachirou, who is in his early 30s, have also experienced a positive shift. “Before, we had to borrow electricity from neighbors, but now we’re connected to our own meter at home, ” he says. Now, with his own digital and economical meter, his family’s expenses have halved “We now last three weeks on a 5,000 FCFA top-up card, ” Moudachirou explains, expressing gratitude to the project’s donors while urging them to extend the benefits to others
The Dossou and Moudachirou families are some of the beneficiaries of Benin’s Sub-Transmission and Distribution System Restructuring and Extension Project, which aims to improve electricity access in the West African country The project is funded by the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group, which provided a $9.08 million loan and a $7.28 million grant, alongside a $17.79 million loan from the French Development Agency. The Benin government contributed $3 68 million
Launched in 2018 and slated for completion in late 2025, the project is set to increase access to electricity across Benin’s major cities and secondary towns, such as Abomey, Bohicon and Lokossa. In addition to expanding access, the project aims to improve the quality of the electricity supply and cut energy waste In 2015, it was estimated that the Electricity Corporation of Benin’s networks were losing 23 percent of their energy
For many like Mouniratou Tiamiou, who once endured frequent power cuts, life has vastly improved. “Brownouts damaged our appliances, and burglars took advantage of the darkness But since the project lit up the area, we have had no problems,” she says, thankful for the newfound security and stability the electricity project has brought to her home.
As Okoun-Seme’s businesses thrive and homes become more secure, the project is proving to be a vital boost for Benin’s energy landscape
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF) The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
SOURCE
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
RDJ Consulting is a 100% Namibian Energy and Sustainability Consultancy with more than 30 years’ experience in the utility (Water, Energy and Telecoms), rural development and transport sectors Our experience as an integrated professional services firm that builds better communities through planning, design, and delivery of physical and social infrastructure helps support our clients in all aspects going forward.
We approach each of our clients with fresh eyes to develop customized, unique strategies
RDJ Consulting based in Windhoek, Namibia has extensive experience in Southern Africa, Asia, Britain, USA and the Caribbean We thus work with various governments and agencies to address development issues in developing countries
AUTHOR:GraceKangotue ChiefResearcher/Economist@ RDJ Consulting
Courtesy:https://intelliascom/artificial-intelligence-in-agriculture/
The global agricultural sector is increasingly being affected by climate change, manifesting in extreme weather conditions and inconsistent
rainfall pattern Drought, a severe consequence of these changes, negatively impacts agricultural yields, reduces farmers’ incomes, and threatens food security globally. For instance, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported in 2024 that North Africa experienced a 10% drop in cereal production in 2023, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to address this growing crisis
In its 1996 research, “Rainfall Variability and Drought in Sub-Saharan Africa” , the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) interestingly highlighted that low rainfall does not necessarily cause drought, nor is drought always linked to insufficient rainfall Agricultural
drought, according to the FAO, occurs when water supply is insufficient to cover crop or livestock water requirement. While reduced rainfall is a contributing factor, the FAO emphasized that agricultural drought, often referred to as "invisible, " is also driven by environmental degradation alongside climatic factors
This underscores the need to explore alternatives to enhance crop yields in the presence of climate change and other environmental degradation factors.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging technologies being embraced in disaster managementdrought included, to improve predictive performance
Enhanced predictions will lead to better drought preparedness and help minimize the effects on farmers and the entire agricultural value chain.
Drought-Resistant Crops:Traditional crop breeding can be a lengthy process AI-drive technology has the potential to accelerate crop breeding by analyzing vast datasets of genetic information to identify traits related to drought resistance By doing so, AI enables the faster development of drought-resistant crop varieties. Additionally, AI-driven phenotyping using drones and sensors to monitor crop health allows breeders to make data-informed decisions, while predictive crop models help farmers select planting times and crop varieties suited to drought-prone regions
Smart Irrigation Systems: Efficient water use is critical in drought management. AI-driven smart irrigation systems, combined with sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, optimize water usage by monitoring soil moisture levels in real time These systems adapt to changing conditions, allowing farmers to conserve water while maintaining crop health Remote monitoring tools further enhance this by enabling farmers to control irrigation systems via mobile applications, ensuring timely adjustments based on the needs of their fields.
AI-driven platforms such as the Africa Agriculture Watch (AAgWa) provide essential insights into crop yields and production across the continent The AAgWa platform employs cutting-edge machine learning techniques and remotely sensed data to predict agricultural yields and production levels of several crops across Africa to support crisis management, monitoring, and mitigation efforts in local communities. In Rwanda, AI is being used for weeding management, delivering real-time, localized advice to farmers
crop diseases, helping farmers act swiftly to prevent crop losses.
Although AI brings advantages to agriculture, the adoption of AI-driven technologies in the sector encounters several challenges Connectivity issues are particularly prevalent in Africa, where agriculture often occurs in remote areas lacking internet access Additionally, the integration of AI raises new cybersecurity threats for the agricultural sector Trust issues also arise, as many farmers are sceptical about relying on these systems and are hesitant to share data due to concerns over data ownership
Despite this, adopting AI-driven agricultural technologies will be essential for African farmers to enhance drought resilience and ensure food security in an era of climate uncertainty
In summary, AI presents powerful tools to optimize water use, develop drought-resistant crops, and streamline agricultural practices, positioning farmers to overcome the growing threat of drought while sustaining livelihoods andboostingfoodproduction.
https://wmo int/news/media-centre/africa-faces-disproportionateburden-from-climate-change-and-adaptation-costs https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/d5e8b4 f1-9ec7-4177-addc-c521b2d5ccb5/content
https://atpsnet org/how-ai-can-be-used-to-develop-droughtresistant-crops-and-improve-irrigationsystems/#:~:text=Optimizing%20irrigation%20practices%20is%20a nother,levels%2C%20and%20crop%20water%20needs https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S136481522 1001791
https://akademiya2063 org/press releases/Africa Agriculture Wat ch Brochure.pdf
https://www nepad org/blog/how-artificial-intelligence-aipowered-weeding-transforming-africas-agricultural-future https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jolte/article/view/221694/209209 https://sciencemediahub eu/2021/09/29/ai-in-agriculture-benefitsand-challenges-ahead/
Source: contributed by:
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, September 5, 2024/ -- The African Water Facility has secured 12 million euros from the Nordic Development Fund for a
new funding initiative to support African governments, utilities, the private sector, and other stakeholders to expand access to safe and sustainable sanitation in African cities.
The Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII) was launched on 27 August 2024, on the sidelines of World Water Week 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden The Nordic Development Fund (www.NDF.int) announced the funding during a panel session on investing in Africa’s water sector, which it hosted in tandem with the African Union’s African Water Investment Program (https://AIPWater org)
Over the next ten years, the African Water Facility, through the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative, aims to mobilise $320 million to support 50 sanitation projects, connecting at least 15 million people in urban areas to safely managed sanitation services and generating $7 billion in downstream investments. Ten percent of the $320 million is expected to come from climate-focused funding sources The Facility is hosted by the African Development Bank
“We are delighted to have successfully launched AUSII and to have secured this grant from the Nordic Development
Fund as we operationalise our new financing window for urban sanitation We hope to see more support from other partners for this important initiative which will ensure inclusive and sustainable access to safe sanitation and cross-cutting impact on development on the continent,” said Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Coordinator, African Water Facility and Acting African Development Bank Director for Water Development and Sanitation.
Satu Santala, the Nordic Development Fund’s Managing Director, said, “Africa has the lowest sanitation access levels in the world With the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative, we aim to support the provision of innovative and socially inclusive solutions to solve this challenge, especially as the impacts of climate change worsen We are ready to roll up our sleeves and continue this collaboration with partners like the African Water Facility ”
The new financing window comes at a time of increasing demand for water and sanitation on the continent, and for the African Water Facility’s resources and expertise to prepare projects and mobilise investment to meet these demands Africa’s cities are growing exponentially due to rapid urbanisation, and traditional sewer systems, which are expensive and complex to build and maintain, are no longer viable, especially in densely populated urban areas.
“I believe the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative can help turn this around,” said Dr Beth Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, in remarks delivered virtually “The initiative will serve as an accelerator and innovator to help African governments and private sector develop solutions to Africa’s sanitation challenges.”
Beyond delivering infrastructure, AUSII aims to promote the transition to more targeted solutions such as onsite and decentralised sanitation systems, tailored to the specific needs of African cities “The beauty of the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative is that it will take a flexible approach to each and every identified project for implementation. This is particularly important as beneficiary countries are at various stages of development, ” said Carl-Hermann Schlettwein, Namibia’s Minister for Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, and Chair of the African Water Facility’s Governing Council
“The Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative is a landmark for the African Water Facility, and for water resources management in Africa in general, to accelerate progress the member states of the African Ministers Council on Water fully support the initiative,” said Dr Rashid Mbaziira, Executive Secretary of the African Ministers Council on Water (https://AMCOW-Online org)
The African Water Facility will organise regional information sessions on the Initiative starting in Cairo,
Egypt during the 9th Africa Water Week in October 2024
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
Contact: Mary Ajayi
Water Development and Sanitation Department
Communication and External Relations Department media@afdb.org
About the African Water Facility:
The African Water Facility, a special fund established as an initiative of the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), is hosted and managed by the African Development Bank It is the only African project preparation and promotion Facility solely focused on addressing water and sanitation issues in Africa It helps African countries achieve the objectives and targets set by the water-related Sustainable Development Goals and African Water Vision 2025 through funding the preparation of innovative, climate responsive water and sanitation projects across the continent To date, the Facility has financed 138 water and sanitation projects in 52 African countries
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF) On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
SOURCE
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
Source: contributed by:
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, September 24, 2024/ -- The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) on 20 September
approved a $129 71 million loan to Tanzania for the implementation of a youth-focused agribusiness program.
The loan will fund the first phase of the “Building a Better Tomorrow: Youth Initiatives for Agribusiness” program, which aims to create business opportunities and jobs for young people in key agricultural sectors
The total cost of the project is estimated at $241.27 million. In addition to the Bank's loan, which covers 53,76 percent of the cost, the funding package includes grants of $1 15 million from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Trust Fund and $210,000 from tropical vegetable seed firm East-West Seed The Tanzanian government will provide $110 41 million, representing 45.76 percent of the total.
Patricia Laverley, the Bank's Country Manager for Tanzania, said: “This project is expected to incubate and empower approximately 11,000 ‘agripreneurs,’ including at least 6,000 young agribusiness owners ” She added that “the program will facilitate access to finance for an additional 2,500 young people already involved in agribusiness but lacking access to commercial loans. We expect each agribusiness run by a young person will employ an average of five workers ”
The project will implement strategies to raise awareness and manage knowledge using youth-oriented information and communication technologies. It will also provide training and support for agrifood business incubation and acceleration, with a particular focus on the recruitment of female applicants
Digital technologies, including satellite technology and artificial intelligence, will be utilized to improve agricultural productivity and decision-making processes for young farmer cooperatives
As of 30 June 2024, the African Development Bank approved 25 projects in Tanzania, with a total commitment of $3.48 billion.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact: Alexis Adélé Communication and External Relations Department media@afdb.org
SOURCE African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
Can AI Speed Up African Trade Agreements and Vehicle Sales? T R A N S P O R T A N D M O B I L I T Y
AUTHOR:NaemiShoopala
ContributingAuthor
Courtesy:https://wwwmacmaporg/en/learn/afcfta#headingId
The transportation industry is one sector of the African economy that deserves examination as we enter that pivotal understanding about matters such as global concerns over climate change, air quality and the sustainability of fossil fuel use intensify As a powerful force, Artificial intelligence (AI), has emerged as a paradigm shift by driving transformative change in the automotive industry, influencing not only the regular areas such as vehicle design, manufacturing, safety, autonomy, but now leading increasingly to the overall driving experience.
Currently, AI by Automotive companies can be used as machine learning algorithms to improve the quality of data required for autonomous driving systems, allowing self-driving vehicles to operate more precisely and safely. AI can aid the industry's transition to eco-friendliness, with companies manufacturing electric vehicles using AI technology AI also plays a critical role in improving driver convenience and safety as AI-powered features such as automatic braking and blind-spot detection are becoming standard, making driving more convenient and lowering the risk of an accident
The AFCFTA is an ambition for trade agreements with a comprehensive scope that includes critical areas of Africa’s economy such as goods and services, intellectual property rights, investments, digital trade and inclusion of improvements for Women and Youth centred Trade among other areas. The whole existence of the AfCFTA is to create a single continental market for the free movement of goods, services and investments across Africa
By eliminating barriers to trade in Africa, the objective of the AfCFTA is to significantly boost intra-Africa trade, particularly trade in value-added production and trade across all sectors of Africa’s economy. The AfCFTA is aimed at creating an African economy of scale by unlocking several opportunities for African and global
businesses in the automotive industry to seize, building upon strong foundations in a new era of frictionless African trade These gains would come, in part, from decreased tariffs, which remain high in many countries in the region And other gains would come from lowering trade costs by reducing nontariff barriers and improving hard and soft infrastructure at the borders trade facilitation measures which would reduce tape, lower compliance costs for traders, and ultimately make it easier for African businesses to integrate into global supply chains
Fighting the same cause as the one sought under the AFCFTA, is the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) which consists of 63 members and the only African body focusing on the expansion and deepening of the automotive industry across the continent The body (AAAM) works with governments to shape policies that will attract investors to unlock the economic potential of the continent and align a global network of stakeholders, committed to the development of the Automotive industry in Africa.
In a case study of Volkswagen, an international company that has found success in the automotive industry by partnering with African countries, we can see how the automotive sector is ripe for new and increased investment strengthened by the AfCFTA
German auto giant Volkswagen, a key player on the continent, has recognised and gripped the potential of the AfCFTA to catalyse local production of automotives to meet local demand. The company has successfully established local assembly operations in Kenya, Rwanda and Ghana as well as two wholly-owned subsidiaries in Rwanda and Ghana Its success is attributed to its collaboration with various African governments in developing and implementing automotive policies in their respective countries, including South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, Egypt and Kenya. Volkswagen recognises
Courtesy:Canva
that the increase in local manufacturing requires different levels of investment and depends on consistent, enabling industrial policies with access to local markets, which it sees as a major benefit of the AfCFTA
There is an average annual demand of 2,4 million motor cars and approximately 300,000 commercial vehicles for the African continent as of 2023. This domestic demand, whose rise is attributed to the increase in disposable income, stronger growth of the middle class and rapid urbanisation which is currently being met primarily by imported used vehicles However, there has been an increase in domestic production by an average of 7% annually over the past few years with Morocco and South Africa leading the way as major players in the automotive sector, making up 80% of African exports, with Algeria also experiencing rapid growth
Harnessing the power of AI will allow dealers to unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, personalization and data-driven decision-making. Through areas such as machine learning, predictive analytics and natural language processing, AI applications in the automotive retail industry have begun to revolutionized customer experiences leading to a more personalized vehicle recommendation for users With the ability to analyse vast amounts of data from a dealer’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Document Management System (DMS) and other data centres. These intelligent tools enable dealers to automatically recommend relevant products, services and messaging relevant to each unique prospect
With AI, dealers are also looking at Chatbots that are able to answer simple and complex questions about inventory and vehicles, guide users through the selection process
and even schedule test drives, which improves overall user engagement and all-important customer satisfaction AI will Enhance sales and Marketing Strategies, Improved Efficiency by AI-driven automation reduces the need for manual and repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time and resources for staff to focus on more strategicandcustomer-centricactivities.
- the objective of the AfCFTA is to significantly boost intra-Africa trade
The information available shows that as AI evolves, that although it promises a future in which vehicles are not only smarter, but also safer and more efficient, support for trade development opportunities exists. AI thus can transform how automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and retailers engage with customers, improving operations, personalizing interactions, and ultimately driving higher sales and loweringcosts.Thekeyindustrytrendsreviewedhereand the opportunities opening up as a result of the AfCFTA, coupled with Volkswagen’s experience of success, provide a powerful case to confidently believe in the potential of AI to support AfCFTA agreements to increase the sales of automotives, transforming economies across the continent
https://www rematec com/news/process-and-technology/ai-inthe-automotive-field
https://au-afcfta org/
https://www autoforum co za/View-News-Article aspx? News=african-association-of-automotive-manufacturers-aaamhas-a-new-president-23-33-24
https://www vw co za/en/volkswagen-experience/newsroom html
https://www vw co za/en/volkswagenexperience/newsroom/volkswagen-embraces-africa-growth html https://openknowledge worldbank org/server/api/core/bitstreams /ef1aa41f-60de-5bd2-a63e-75f2c3ff0f43/content
AUTHOR:DavidJarrett Editor@ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group Chief Executive Officer
Courtesy:GettyImagesSignature
This story was originally published by Africa Renewal. 7 March 2024
Speaking at a panel discussion on ‘Fostering prosperity through policies on artificial intelligence in Africa’, on the sidelines of the 56th
Session of the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (COM), experts agreed that Artificial Intelligence presented massive development opportunities for Africa if the right policies and infrastructure were in place.
Ousman Bah, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of Gambia, said it was important to have the right policies to regulate the use of AI and also avert its risks, but Africa should not wait to have the regulations in place to embrace the technology
Artificial intelligence, a fast-evolving technology that taps the intelligence of machines or software is transforming all social spheres globally
Research shows that the technology has the potential to contribute up to USD $15 7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, of which USD $1 2 trillion could be generated in Africa, representing a 5 6 per cent increase in the continent’s gross domestic product by 2030
Fayaz King, Deputy Executive Director, Field Results and Innovation for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said necessary strategies were important to ensure that all approaches to AI from development, deployment to use are in the public interest
“In the effervescent realm of AI, the known, the unknown and the unknowable is best addressed through governance with humanity at its centre, for what AI giveth, AI also taketh, ” Mr King said, underscoring the need to bridge the digital divide by including marginalized communities in the AI initiatives
Courtesy:https://goodgistblog/how-continuous-learning-ai-is-revolutionizing-customer-support-27e10ae72ccc
Baratang Miya, Chief Executive of Girlhype Coders Academy, said governments should regulate and incentivise stakeholders across AI value chains with focus on Small Medium Scale Enterprises to foster innovation and equitable access to AI technologies
Ms Baratang said there should be a balance in policy development and humanity to ensure that the AI technology does take over. Government needs to establish ethical frameworks on the development and deployment of AI through data privacy, security, transparency and accountability in AI systems
Africa needs to collect more data to have access to its own data and governments need to facilitate data democratization policies.
“We really need data that speaks to Africa itself and that case for open data means we are empowering citizens and at the same time encouraging innovation and efficiency and not using data that is inaccurate,” said Miya, emphasizing that to host proper data for countries, good cloud infrastructure, including reliable electricity access are important.
Sandra Makumbirofa, Senior economist, Research ICT Africa, said AI has transformative potential to boost African economies through effective financial inclusion, employment creation and enhanced public service delivery.
However, most of the market value of AI was realised in in United States and China, she said, citing research by UNCTAD It was therefore important for African countries to actively participate in global fora to ensure their interests were represented
Africa needs supportive policies and robust infrastructure to tap the limitless opportunities of Artificial intelligence to leapfrog its development, experts have said.
“Our database is inadequate for global policy making,” Ms Makumbirofa noted “The data that we have as African countries is not represented in the training of AI models This means that the AI that we are using in Africa from foreign countries does not necessarily have the African context and therefore we are not able to use them efficiently as we can ”
Contributing to the discussion, which was moderated by Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Africa at Google, the UNECA Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, highlighted that most people were not aware of AI and a drawback of AI was its dependenceondatawhichhastobeaccurate.
Mr. Gatete said the development of infrastructure such as internet connectivity was key to tapping the benefits of AI and that the technology must be shared among countries toavoidinventingthewheel
“Out of the 1 6 billion people who are not connected, Africa really is one of the biggest places where we are not connected If you are not connected you cannot even talk about AI We need infrastructure, we need energy investment going hand in hand with the IT infrastructure,” saidMr Gatete
Readings: https://www un org/africarenewal/
Interview by Ms Silpa Kanghono (Coordinator: Digital Marketing and Events- RDJ
Publishing)
In an era where technology is reshaping industries, and with agriculture being one of the leading contributing sectors to the Namibian economy, a group of forward-thinking individuals has stepped into the agricultural sector to address a critical challengefacedbyfarmersworldwide:FootandMouthDisease(FMD)incattle TheirAI-drivenprototypeoffersatimelyand
innovativesolutiontodetectFMDinitsearlystages,aimingtoprotectlivestockandensureeconomicstability.Thebrilliantmindsbehind this development Mr. Mateus Natanael, Ms. Shwele Phulu, Mr. Metumo Shifidi, and Mr. Naftali Indongo share their journey, the challengestheyfaced,andthepotentialimpactoftheirinvention.
Mr.MateusNatanael
Mr MateusNatanaelisaSoftwareDevelopmentgraduatewithaBachelor'sdegreefrom the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Currently pursuing an Honours degree in Software Development at NUST He is passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex problems Being a Mathematics Tutor and Presenter at Raise Up Namibia, he is committed to empowering others through education and innovation
Ms.ShwelePhulu
Ms.ShwelePhuluisanHonoursstudentinComputerScienceattheNamibiaUniversity of Science and Technology (NUST), where she also earned her Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Currently, her research focuses on the development of AI-based applications in the finance and education sectors. As a Data Science Specialist at BI Dynamics, she specializes in data analysis and machine learning solutions. She is passionate about the transformative impact of AI on communities and its future potential
Mr.MetumoShifidi
MetumoShifidiholdsaBachelor'sdegreeinComputerScience,specializinginSoftware Development,fromtheNamibiaUniversityofScienceandTechnology,andiscurrently pursuing an Honours degree in the same field. As a Graduate in Training: Software Engineering at Windhoek Consulting Engineers, he works primarily in IoT and data analytics,contributingtoinnovativetechsolutionsintheindustry.
Mr.NaftaliIndongoisaLecturerintheDepartmentofSoftwareEngineeringattheNamibia University of Science & Technology (NUST) and a Data Scientist at Ishango.ai. He has previously served as a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the UniversityofNamibia.HeholdsMastersinMachineLearning&ArtificialIntelligence,and Applied Mathematics from Stellenbosch University and a BSc (Honours) in Applied Mathematics from the University of Namibia. He is experienced in applying Machine Learning models, with extensive expertise in MLOps and DevOps. Apart from lecturing AI coursesandconductingresearchinNaturalLanguageProcessing(NLP),ComputerVision,
and Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL), he also works at the intersection of academia and industry His focus extendstoleveraginglarge-scaledatatosolvecomplex,real-worldproblems,developingintelligentsystems,anddriving innovation through AI and machine learning applications He is particularly passionate about translating academic research into practical solutions, collaborating with industry partners to enhance decision-making processes, optimize businessoperations,andcreatecutting-edgetechnologiesthataddresssocietalchallenges
1. Canyouexplainwhatinspiredthedevelopmentofthe AI-drivenprototypefordetectingFootandMouthDisease (FMD)incattle?
FootandMouthDisease(FMD)isarealandpressingchallengein Namibia,wherecattlefarmingisnotjustalivelihoodbutawayof life for many. Namibia is one of the world's leading exporters of beef products, and any outbreak of FMD not only affects local farmers but has significant repercussions for the national economy and food security, particularly in rural communities wherecattlearevitaltolivelihoods AsNamibians,weunderstand agriculture's critical role in our economy, which drove us to develop a modern, AI-powered solution for early detection of FMD The idea stemmed from our love for agriculture and AI's potential to revolutionize farming practices This AI-driven prototype can potentially reduce the economic losses caused by FMD outbreaks, ensure a steady supply of beef for local and international markets, and, most importantly, safeguard the livelihoodsofourfarmers
2. HowdoyouenvisionthisAI-poweredsystembenefiting farmers,particularlyintermsofdiseasepreventionand cattlehealthmanagement?
The system can benefit farmers by providing a proactive and accessible tool for managing FMD outbreaks By integrating machine learning models trained on symptomatic data and images, our system can predict the likelihood of FMD early, allowing farmers to take immediate action This early detection reduces the need for costly treatments and helps prevent the spread of the disease Additionally, we plan to introduce USSD technology to enable farmers in remote areas with limited internetaccesstoconnectwiththeapplicationusingthebasic
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). This will broadenthereachofoursolution,makingitaccessibletofarmers regardless of their technological infrastructure, and help them maintainhealthyherdseveninchallengingenvironments
3.Whatweresomeofthebiggestchallengesyouencountered whiledevelopingthisprototype,particularlyinleveragingAI fordiseasedetection?
OneofthebiggestchallengesindevelopingthisAI-drivensolution was the issue of data scarcity, specifically, high-quality, annotated datasets for FMD in cattle reflecting the Namibian context To resolve this, we developed a custom ontology that mappeddiseasesymptomstodiagnosticoutcomes,allowingthe MachineLearningmodelstoworkwithmoreprecisedata Scaling the system for real-world applications also presented technical challenges Training machine learning models requires a lot of computational resources, which can only be achieved through excesspaidcloudcomputingservicessuchasAWS,GoogleCloud
Never underestimate the value of teamwork and collaboration
Surround yourself with people with different skills and perspectives; this diversity will drive the innovation process forward
- Mr. Mateus Natanael
andMicrosoftAzure Forthisprototype,ourmodelsweretrained onGoogleColaboratory,aplatformthatprovidesaccesstohighperformancehardware,includingTensorProcessingUnits(TPUs) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) for machine learning educationandresearch Thiswasessentialfordevelopingacosteffective and scalable infrastructure However, scaling this for wider use is the real challenge, where strategic investment becomes critical With additional resources, we could expand data collection, refine the models further, and enhance the deploymenttoserveNamibianfarmersbetter.
4.Canyousharehowteamworkandcollaborationplayeda roleinthedevelopmentofthisAI-drivenprototype?Howdid thecollectiveeffortsofyourteamcontributetoitssuccess?
The success of this project was fundamentally driven by our team'scollaborationanddiverseskillsets.Weareateamoffour with expertise in web design, software development, data science,dataanalytics,DevOpsMLOpsandbusinessstrategy.Our ability to work seamlessly across these different areas ensured that every aspect of the project, from problem formulation to deployment,washandledwithprecision.WeusetoolslikeGitHub andGoogleWorkspacetocoordinateourworkremotely,ensuring that our progress is continuous and efficient even as we work from different locations Our shared vision of creating a solution thatcouldsignificantlyimpacttheagriculturalsectorsetsus
apart Thisunityofpurposemotivatedustotacklethetechnical andlogisticalchallengeswefaced
5.Inconclusion,whatadvicewouldyougivetoaspiring innovatorslookingtomergetechnologywithagricultureto solvepressingchallenges?
“My advice is to think big but start small, with a clear focus on solving immediate, real-world problems The agricultural industry is ripe for disruption through technology, and there is a massive untapped potential in applying AI, IoT, and other technologies to make farming more efficient and sustainable For aspiring innovators, it's important to align your technology with the needs of the farmers and stakeholders Understand the pain points in the agricultural value chain and build solutions that provide tangible benefits, whether it is through increasing yield, reducing costs, or improving operational efficiency The potential for growth and success in this industry is immense Seek partnerships and investment early Innovations in agriculture often require significant resources to scale, from data collection to system deployment Attracting the right partners and investors who share your vision is crucial to growing your solution beyond the prototype stage Finally, never underestimate the value of teamwork and collaboration Surround yourself with people with different skills and perspectives; this diversity will drive the innovation process forward ” Mr MateusNatanaelconcluded
Source: contributed by:
WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, September 5, 2024/ -- With nearly 30% of the population living below the poverty line,
Mauritania is now committed to promoting social protection as a solution to the socioeconomic challenges facing the country; More than 200,000 poor households registered in the Social Registry database are benefiting from the Tekavoul National Social Transfer Program, one of several adaptive and transformative social protection programs implemented by the Mauritanian government and supported by the International Development Association (IDA), the Bank's fund for low-income countries; Young people and women are the priorities for building human capital for the next generations
Henniya mint Teyib is one of more than 200,000 poor households registered in the Social Registry database benefiting from the Tekavoul National Social Transfer Program, one of several adaptive and transformative social protection programs implemented by the Mauritanian government and supported by the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank's fund for low-income countries
Every quarter, she receives a cash transfer from the Mauritanian government: “I use part of it to buy hygiene products, school supplies, and food for the children. I had a
small stall at home that I was able to expand with some of the transfers from Tekavoul, and I was able to save until I bought an ewe that has already given birth to two lambs ”
With nearly 30% of the population living below the poverty line, Mauritania is now committed to promoting social protection as a solution to the socioeconomic challenges facing the country
In 2015, the Government launched the Social Safety Net System Support Project (PASyFiS 1) as part of the implementation of its National Social Protection Strategy (SNPS), which lays the foundation for an innovative approach introducing a more inclusive and sustainable social protection model
In addition, the Elmaouna shock-responsive safety net program, implemented in several regions of the country in 2017, illustrated the convergence between humanitarian and development approaches.
With the creation in 2020 of the Taazour General Delegation for National Solidarity and the Fight against Exclusion, a new phase is opening with the expansion and strengthening of all aspects of adaptive social protection,
Courtesy:chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://wwwalliance-sahelorg/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AlliancSahel FAQ EN pdf
investment in future generations and direct impact on populations
Awareness-raising to change behaviors and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty was put in place, as Henniya testifies: “We participated in information sessions where we received advice on hygiene, health, nutrition, and education of our children As I put these tips into practice, I have noticed that my children, who used to get sick often, are healthier I also invested in the education of my children; they are all in school today ”
More than 90% of the beneficiaries of the cash transfers are women heads of household, and the project also provides access to credit and health care: “As beneficiaries of Tekavoul, we have gained credibility with the merchants who provide us with credit for our urgent needs, and we benefit from the health insurance, the CNAM, which now allows us and our children to treat ourselves free of charge.”
Young people are also one of the priorities for building human capital for the next generations Launched in 2021 in parallel with the Social Safety Net System Support Project, the has trained more than 12,000 young people, 70% of whom are women, as well as about 1,000 young people in technical and management training or waiting for scholarships.
Mauritania's sustained commitment is reflected in a significant expansion of the program's impact and outcomes. Indeed, the number of beneficiary households
has more than doubled, from 47,000 in 2020 to more than 100,000 beneficiary households today, with an additional 42,000 households added with the start of the Nouakchott project
This momentum can also be seen in the increase in quarterly allocations from MRU 1,500 ($37) in 2015 to MRU 3,600 ($90) today, covering more than 80% of transfer costs, fully financed by the government
Mauritania has also scaled up its crisis response measures to support the most vulnerable households during difficult periods of drought and flooding. Between 2017 and 2023, more than 131,000 households, representing approximately 814,000 individuals, benefited from the Elmaouna program
Finally, 24,000 households received assistance under the Tekavoul Choc pilot
Elmaouna was also extended to 7,282 refugee households in the M'berra camp, thus providing a crucial safety net to more than 40,192 people, as Fatma Walet Elmehdi, a refugee in the camp and beneficiary, testifies: “Through the quarterly cash transfer that we can count on, we now have a fixed amount that can help us in the household's life. in our day-to-day expenses but also to support our own initiatives.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.
SOURCE The World Bank Group
contributed by:
In today's episode, we are thrilled to introduce you Bethel Nhamo, a Design Technician at Distributed Power Africa Bethelwillbesharingherjourneyintotheenergyindustry,
providing invaluable advice for fellow young professionals who arenavigatingtheirownpathswithinthisexcitingsector.
Tellusaboutyourjourneyintheenergyindustry.
I studied Fuels and Energy Engineering at Chinhoyi University of TechnologyZimbabwe,andaspartofthedegree'srequirements,I did industrial attachment at Finealt Engineering. During the industrial attachment, I worked on biodiesel production and various projects to improve production processes, as well as waste-to-fuelproductionprojects.
Aftermyfirstdegree,IwasemployedbyDistributedPowerAfrica as a graduate trainee That's how I joined the commercial and industrial solar energy projects in 2019 My training program lastedfortwoyears,andduringtheprogram,Iworkedinsalesas a sales technical support engineer However, I later moved to design engineering, and I have been there since my graduate training program From 2021 up to the present, I have been a design technician, and my job involves mainly the following processes and duties: energy audit exercise, site survey, simulation,BOQcompilation,andtechnicalreportsummary
In 2022, I graduated with an MSc in Engineering Projects ManagementtosharpenmyskillsasIhandlealotofbigprojects
In September 2023, I graduated with an MSc in Renewable Engineering During my career as a design technician, I have worked on grid-tied solar systems, grid-tied with generator integration,off-gridsystems,aswellashybridsolarsystems
Whatdoyoudoinyourcurrentroleatyour company?
Currently, I am a Design Technician at Distributed Power Africa , Zimbabwe I conduct high-level preliminary designs using Helioscope, PVSyst, or similar software, ensuring optimal system sizingthroughsimulation.Ianalyzeenergyconsumptiondata
presented by:
from bills and profiles to accurately match the system to client needs Value engineering is a key aspect of my role Here, I optimize designs for cost-effectiveness while maintaining performance
Furthermore, I produce technical reports documenting the project's specifications To ensure successful implementation, I create detailed electrical drawings My expertise extends to supporting the sales team with technical information and providingon-sitesolarinstallationassessments
Asacommercialandindustrialsolardesignengineer,mytypical dayatworkinvolvesacombinationoffieldworkandofficetasks Letmegiveyouabreakdownofwhatmydaylookslike:
Site Survey and Positioning: I start my day by visiting project sites and performing site surveys. This involves assessing the location and determining the best positions to install solar modules, taking into consideration factors such as sunlight exposure,shading,andstructuralintegrityofthearea.
Cable Routes and Equipment Room Integration: I plan and design the routes for the solar system cables, ensuring efficient and safe cable routing to minimize losses and meet safety regulations.Ialsoworkonintegratingthesolarsystemswiththe existing power reticulation, ensuring the connection points are compatibleandproperlyaligned.
Electrical Assessments: I conduct electrical assessments to evaluate the existing electrical infrastructure and its capacity to handletheadditionalloadfromthesolarsystems Thishelpsme determine if any upgrades or modifications are required for a seamlessintegration
Energy Consumption Analysis: I analyze energy consumption datafromtheclients,examiningutilitybillsandloadprofiles This datahelpsmeunderstandtheirenergyneedsanddeterminethe appropriatesolarsystemsizeandconfiguration
Simulations:Usingspecializedsoftware,Iperformsimulationsto model the solar system's performance considering factors like location, tilt, orientation, and historical weather data These simulations help me assess the system's energy generation capabilitiesandoptimizeitsdesign
Electrical Drawings: I create detailed electrical drawings and schematicsforconstructionpurposes Thesedrawingsoutlinethe layout, wiring, and connection points of the solar systems, ensuringproperinstallationandcompliancewithelectricalcodes andstandards.
Bills of Quantity (BOQ) and Technical Reports: I compile the BOQ,whichincludesalltherequiredmaterialsandequipmentfor the solar system installation. Additionally, I prepare technical reports that provide a comprehensive overview of the project, including system specifications, estimated energy savings, and returnoninvestmentanalysis.
FilingandDocumentation:Throughouttheday,Iensurethatall project-related documents, reports, and drawings are properly filedandorganizedforeasyaccessandfuturereference.
Overall, my work as a commercial and industrial solar design engineerinvolvesamixofhands-onfieldworkandmeticulous
office tasks Each day presents unique challenges and opportunities as I strive to design efficient, sustainable,costeffectivesolarsystemsforourclients
The most rewarding part of my job is definitely the client interaction.
-Bethel Nhamo
Whataresomeofthechallengesyouhavefaced intheindustry?
Solar technology is constantly evolving, leading to the introduction of new technologies all the time This means you needtostayup-to-dateonthelatestdevelopments Additionally, someproductsmayfailbeforereachingtheirexpectedlifespans Moreover, certain products might be discontinued, making it difficulttofindsparepartsformaintenanceandrepair
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my work as a commercial and industrial solar design engineer is the variety of power problemspresentedbydifferentclients.Eachclientcomeswitha unique set of challenges and requirements, and finding creative solutions to address their specific needs is both exciting and fulfilling It keeps my work dynamic and prevents it from becomingmonotonous
Furthermore,theever-evolvingnatureoftechnologyissomething I love about my job The renewable energy field,including solar power, is constantly advancing with innovations, improved equipment, and more efficient systemsStaying up-to-date with the latest developments and learning about new technologies is notonlyintellectuallystimulatingbutalsoenablesmetoprovide the best possible solutions for my clients Embracing the continuouslearningprocesskeepsmeengagedandmotivatedin mywork
Overall, the combination of working with diverse clients and the constant learning opportunities afforded by evolving technology makesmyjobasasolardesignengineerenjoyableandrewarding It allows me to push boundaries, think creatively, and contribute toasustainablefuture
Balancingworkandpersonallifeisindeedcrucialformaintaining overallwell-being WhileIstrivetocompletemyworktaskswithin officehoursandprioritizemypersonallifeoutsideofwork,there are instances when work demands require me to work from home It is important to note that achieving a perfect work-life balance can be challenging at times Still,by prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and establishing clear boundaries, I strivetomaintainahealthyequilibriumbetweenmyprofessional andpersonallife
ForasolarPVdesigner,astrongtechnicalfoundationisessential This includes a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles, such as electrical circuits, power systems, and energy conversion processes Specialized knowledge of solar photovoltaic(PV)technology,systemdesign,andenergystorage solutionsiscrucial
Proficiency in designing complete solar PV systems, including sizingcomponentslikesolararrays,inverters,andbatteries,is Bethelatasolarenergyprojectsiteunderconstruction
highly valued Expertise in using simulation software, such as PVsyst, PVSol, or Helioscope, is also a key skill The ability to analyze energy data, optimize system designs, and manage projects effectively, while adhering to relevant electrical codes and standards, demonstrates the versatility required for success inthisdynamicfield
Whatsoftskillsshouldsomeoneinyourfield have?
Myjobrequiressomeonewhopaysattentiontodetail becauseif you miss any tiny thing, that can have a large impact on the projectbudget
The most rewarding part of my job is definitely the client interaction Igettoheartheirspecificneedsforenergy,andthenI can translate that into a customized solar system design It's a greatfeelingtobeabletousemyknowledgetocreateasolution thatperfectlyfitstheirsituation,fromsimulatingpowerneedsto outliningallthematerialsrequired
Whatwouldyouconsiderahighlightofyour
Achieving a master's degree in renewable energy has been the pinnacle of my career as a solar design technician. This accomplishment has not only deepened my understanding of sustainable energy systems but also equipped me with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact in the field of solardesignandrenewableenergy.
Obtainingamaster'sdegreeinrenewableenergyhasallowedme to delve into advanced concepts, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative research within the renewable energy sector. It has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in designing, implementing, and maintainingsolarenergysystems,whilealsohoningmyexpertise inoptimizingenergyefficiencyandsustainability
Outside of work, I have a few passions that bring me joy and fulfillment
Firstly,Iamarecreationalrunnerandenjoyparticipatinginsocial runsandmarathons Runningallowsmetostayactive,challenge myself physically and mentally, and connect with other likemindedindividualswhosharealoveforrunning Itisagreatway formetorelievestress,stayhealthy,andsetpersonalgoals
Additionally, I am a fan and avid supporter of Chelsea FC, a football (soccer) club I enjoy following their matches,cheering themon,andengagingwiththecommunityoffellowfans
Finally,Ihaveacreativesideandlovebaking Ifindittherapeutic andenjoyabletoexperimentwithvariousrecipes,ingredients,and techniques to create delicious treats and desserts Baking allows me to express my creativity, share homemade goodies with friends and family, and indulge in the joy of making something fromscratch.
As a solar design technician for commercial and industrial solar systems in Zimbabwe, my work plays a crucial role in driving the transition to sustainable energy.
-Bethel Nhamo
Howdoyouthinkthatyourworkmakesa differenceintheenergyspace?
Africafacesanenergydeficit,andincorporatingrenewableenergy sources has significantly reduced the strain on the grid Additionally, solar energy can also increase a company's carbon credits
As a solar design technician for commercial and industrial solar systemsinZimbabwe,myworkplaysacrucialroleindrivingthe transition to sustainable energy By leveraging my expertise in renewable energy and designing efficient, cost-effective solar solutions,Ihelpbusinessesandcommunitiesreducetheircarbon footprint, lower energy costs, and increase their energy security My work contributes not only to the growth of Zimbabwe's renewable energy sector but also empowers local communities, supports economic development, and promotes environmental sustainability,makingatangibledifferenceinthecountry'senergy landscape
Whatadvicedoyouhaveforsomeonenewtothe industry?
Sustainable energy is a concept that has gained significant tractioninrecentyears.So,takeanyopportunityofgrowthinthe fieldandtrytolearnanddevelopasmuchasyoucan.
Ifyouenjoyedreadingthis,donothesitatetofollow theenergy.africa
contributed by:
Iwith Asanda Xawuka
presented by:
nthischapter,wemeetAsandaXawuka(MBACumLaude),an Executive Manager for Business Development at the Coega DevelopmentCorporation,operatoroftheCoegaSpecial
Economic Zone (SEZ), a leading SEZ in Africa Asanda shares her journey in the hydrogen industry, detailing her experiences, challenges,andofferinginvaluableadvicetofellowprofessionals aspiringtomakeanimpactintheAfricanhydrogenspace
CanyouDescribeyourCurrentRoleand ResponsibilitiesintheHydrogenSector?
My current role involves creating and providing an investmentready platform for investors in the various sectors, including the energy sector, ensuring enabling infrastructure, influencing sector-specific policies in areas of focus, partnering with leading investorsinthedevelopmentofhydrogenprojectsacrossvarious stages, as well as facilitating collaboration with state institutions throughInvestSAtosupportinvestorswithlegislativecompliance, including municipal applications for permits and licenses, as requiredinprojectdevelopment
Whichsectordoyouworkin,inthehydrogen space?
I work specifically in project development - creating an investmentreadyplatformforinvestorsinthecleanenergysector andCoega’s9003haasaleadingSpecialEconomicZone(SEZ)in Africa,andasuitablelocationforhydrogenproductionplantsand renewableenergy(solarandwindfarm)projects
Canyoushareabitaboutyourbackgroundand howyoufirstbecameinterestedinthehydrogen sector?
AsExecutiveManagerforBusinessDevelopmentintheCoegaSEZ, myworkentailspromotingtheservicedindustriallandinthezone to investors across various sectors including energy, automotive, agro-processing,aquaculture,globalservices,andlogistics,to
name a few. The Coega SEZ is positioned as Green Energy Hub andisanideallocationforhydrogenproduction.Itisadjacentto the deepwater Port of Ngqura, with access to water and electricity generation from both wind and solar. As a result, for thepastthreeyears,Coegahasbeenworkingcloselytoestablish Hive Hydrogen's $5,8bn green ammonia hub, which is a flagship investment project in South Africa, that will bring a significant economic boost to the country, and critically, the Eastern Cape Province.StrengtheningtheCoegaSEZ’svaluepropositionliesin our ability to diversify energy solutions, and South Africa's JET plans provide an opportunity to facilitate investments in this sector,hencemyinterestinhydrogensolutions.
Whatmotivatedyoutopursueacareerinthe hydrogenspace?
Firstly,I'minbusinessdevelopmentwhichfocusesonpromoting, facilitating and attracting investors, both domestic and internationalacrossvarioussectors,tolocatewithinSouthAfrica, andtheCoegaSEZ.Therefore,hydrogenpresentsanopportunity for a clean energy alternative, thus contributing to the decarbonisation agenda. My expertise in business development has naturally motivated me to understand the hydrogen sector more.Apartfrombeinganenergysource,hydrogencanbeused topowerthetransportationindustryaswell,thuscontributingto sustainability. We expect Coega SEZ investors to contribute to sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse emissions in compliancewithUnitedNationsSustainableDevelopmentGoals.
Aretherespecificskillsorknowledgeareas you'vefoundparticularlybeneficialforacareer inthisspace?
Research capability, understanding the energy and investor landscape, project development, and overall business management/administration is crucial. These skills provide foresight and help to navigate the complexities of the hydrogen sector.
Arethereskillsorqualitiesthatyoubelieveare particularlyimportantforsuccessinthisfield?
Businessknowledge,understandingtheenergysector(bothfrom aresearchandtechnicalperspective),logisticsandinfrastructure integration,andpolicyenablementareallvitalforsuccessinthis field
Whatarethemostexcitingorchallenging aspectsofyourcurrentposition?
Seeingprojectsreachfinancialcloseisasignificantmilestone,but itdependsonvariousfactorsandattimesmaybeahinderanceto get the project off the ground, thus negatively impacting on Coega’s deliverables of championing socio-economic development. Collaboration and support from the government are crucial enablers for investor project development. For instance, in the Eastern Cape province, there are grid capacity constraintsonthetransmissionsideatEskom,whichposearisk to hydrogen project development. Overcoming these challenges is essential for the advancement of the hydrogen industry. The most exciting part is realizing Coega’s socio-economic developmentmandate,whichcontributestochangingthelivesof thecitizensinapositiveway.
Howhaveyouseenthehydrogenindustryevolve sinceyoustartedyourcareerinthisspace?
Therearemoreopportunitiesandincreasedinterestinhydrogen as a clean energy alternative. Several governments are focusing on this sector and establishing hydrogen valleys They are also looking to become off-takers for areas with the potential to producehydrogen,suchastheCoegaSEZ
Arethereanyrecenttrendsordevelopmentsin thehydrogensectorthatparticularlyexciteyou?
Certainly, I am particularly excited about the opportunity to use hydrogen as an alternative fuel, and contributing to energy sustainability[AV1].
Whatadvicedoyouhaveforyoungprofessionals orstudentsaspiringtoenterthehydrogen sector?
Young professionals should focus on research and providing solutions to the current energy challenges faced by many developingeconomies
Ifyouenjoyedthis,don'thesitatetofollow Africa Hydrogen Hub (AHH) formoreinsightfularticles!
African Centres for Disease Control and Prevision (Africa CDC)
Description: Supply and Delivery of Electric Vehicles for Africa CDC
Bid Closing date: 04 October 2024 at 14h00 https://au.int/sites/default/files/bids/44084-Specific Procurement Notice.pdf
Swellendam Municipality – South Africa
Description: The Set Up and Management of a Community Food Garden on Municipal Land for a 9 Year 11 Month Period
Bid Closing date: 11 October 2024 before 11h00 https://www swellendam gov za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SMT12-24-25 Advert pdf
Industrial Development Corporation - Zambia
Description: Supply and installation of Raiser Main for Micro Jet Sprinkler system at Mununshi Fruit Company.
Bid Closing date: 14 October 2024 at 10h00 https://eprocure zppa org zm/epps/cft/prepareViewCfTWS do?resourceId=9445532
Namibia Airports Company (NAC)
Description: Request for Proposal for the Provision of Consultancy Services on ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
Bid Closing date: 14 October 2024 www.airports.com.na/files/files/Request%20for%20Proposal%20-%20Quality%20Management%20System.pdf
Botswana Oil Limited (BOL)
Description: Tender for Provision of Consultancy Services for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Study
Bid Closing date: 15 October 2024 at 10h00 CAT (GMT + 02h00) https://www botswanaoil co bw/sites/default/files/2024-09/120924 BOL TENDER REFERENCE NO BOL RFP 202425 10%20AD%2028x5.pdf
TransNamib - Namibia
Description: Supply and Delivery of Wagon Spares
Bid Closing date: 25 October 2024 at 12h00 https://www transnamib com na/procurement/
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