Dhirendra Shukla

Innate Drive or Learned Skill? The age-old debate continues: are entrepreneurs born or made? Thanks to inspiring insights from Sachin Dhanani, Patrick Mbonye, Shabbar Jagani, Annette Kimitei, Eric Musau, Naomi Kipkorir, and Martin Kiarie, we delve into the essence of entrepreneurship. Can a harsh environment spark the entrepreneurial fire, or is it the relentless pursuit of solutions and the courage to transform ideas into ventures, or can it be both? #EntrepreneurshipDebate #InnovativeMinds #BusinessEvolution

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🎓🤝 Industry Collaboration Elevates Graduate Success To better prepare students for the future of work, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) in Ghana engaged in a comprehensive Vitaeready assessment to evaluate its employability practices against other institutions. Following the evaluation, KsTU made several notable improvements, including creating program advisory committees (PACs) to connect academic department heads with industry leaders. PACs help develop curricula to align with employer expectations and enhance graduate outcomes. Students also benefit from job opportunities, work-integrated learning, and professional mentorship. Delve into the KsTU success story, which includes an interview with industry partner Simon Annan Chartered FCIPS, FIPMP, FGIPS, MCILT, MBA, President of the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply, and Prof. Abena Obiri-Yeboah, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Michael Adu Kumi, Senior Assistant Planning Officer and Head of the Quality Assurance Unit, at Kumasi Technical University. Access the case study here: http://wrld.bg/m7tE50U12kM To learn more about how your institution can benefit from a similar approach, check out Vitae's benchmarking tool at http://wrld.bg/m7tE50U12kM IFCEducation #KumasiTechnicalUniversity #IndustryCollaboration #GraduateSuccess #HigherEducation #GhanaEducation #Vitae360 #GTEC #Employability #EducationInnovation #IFC #WorldBankGroup #TechnicalEducation

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"Thinking about moving to the cloud? ☁  At Fused Tech Solutions, we help small businesses in Ottawa and its environs embrace the power of cloud computing to unlock flexibility, enhance security, and drive growth. Did you know that the cloud could be the game-changer your business needs? Cloud computing can transform your business with benefits like increased flexibility, cost savings, and remote access. Whether for storage, data backups, or collaboration, the cloud can take your business to new heights! There are lots of amazing benefits of Cloud computing. Some of the benefits are highlighted below: ü It saves cost. With cloud computing, say goodbye to expensive hardware and maintenance costs. Pay only for what you use, and invest those savings back into your business. 💰  ü It is Scalable. Growing rapidly or have seasonal demand? The cloud scales with you, adapting as your needs change—no more scrambling to expand physical infrastructure! 📈  ü Enhanced Security. Cloud providers offer top-notch security measures like encryption, firewalls, and regular updates, helping keep your data safe from cyber threats. 🔐  ü Flexibility & Mobility. Work from anywhere with an internet connection! Cloud access lets you collaborate and manage tasks on the go, boosting productivity and enabling remote work. 🌎 ü Automatic Updates. Stay current with automatic updates for software, security patches, and storage. Spend less time on tech maintenance and more time on what you do best. 🔄 Embrace a more efficient, secure, and scalable IT setup with cloud solutions tailored to your business needs. Ready to make the move? Fused Tech Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way! 📞 Contact us to discuss how cloud computing can benefit your business! https://lnkd.in/dvYaE9iv #CloudComputing #ITSolutions  #FusedTechSolutions  #BusinessGrowth #OttawaTech #TechForBusiness  #Smallbusinesses #Ottawasmallbusinesses #RemoteWorkReady

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At The Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), Raesetje Sefala is analyzing the impacts of South African apartheid with #AI. What can #CDNtech learn about open data and civic tech from her work?

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Insights from Iyinoluwa Aboyeji highlight critical points about the startup ecosystem in Africa: *Pre-seed and seed investors such as Future Africa are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the funding boom at later stages (Series A-D). *The need for a world-class accelerator program in Africa, such as Accelerate Africa. *The importance of investors/founders who understand context, especially in times of crises, such as the recent funding contraction #FutureAfrica #AccelarateAfrica #VentureCapital

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🎯More Global Funding and Market Opportunities for African Startups A few years ago, African founders had limited access to global accelerators, with programs like Y Combinator and Techstars Toronto Accelerator being among the few options. However, the landscape is rapidly changing, with more global accelerators opening doors to African founders. One such example is the **Techstars Washington DC program, powered by J.P. Morgan , which recently announced its latest class of companies. Among the graduates are four African startups, each securing a #$120K investment, with up to #$1M in follow-on funding and #$4M in perks and benefits, including access to JP Morgan's extensive network. The African startups in this cohort include: 1. REXIAL (Uganda) REXIAL automates recurring payments in Africa, allowing bills to be paid directly from customers' bank accounts or mobile money wallets using direct debits. 2. LyfPlus (Tanzania) LyfPlus provides software infrastructure for health facilities, enabling them to develop custom digital health solutions that meet the needs of their patients. 3. Apexloads (Kenya) Apexloads is transforming Africa’s logistics industry by offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, and reliability. Here’s How We’re Bridging the Gap at TechField Africa—and How You Could Be Part of the Next Global Accelerator Cohort Are you looking to join a global accelerator in the next six months to raise your pre-seed investment round? At Techfied Africa, we’ve developed a tailored pathway designed specifically to help African startups gain access to top global accelerators. We’ll match you with the most suitable programs and handle the entire application process across 30+ leading accelerators worldwide. If you're interested, follow the link below to complete the form. We are currently reviewing startups to find the best fit for these opportunities. https://lnkd.in/dmhqVfxa

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🎙️ Episode Spotlight: Revisiting Our Conversation with Emmanuel Djengue! Sometimes the best insights are worth revisiting, and this conversation with Emmanuel D., Chief Innovation & Tech Officer at Kaatch, is no exception. 🌟 In this episode, Emmanuel dives into the future of recruitment, career mobility, and how Kaatch is reshaping the way businesses think about talent. From the importance of open-minded hiring practices to solving the global talent gap, his insights remain as relevant today as ever. If you missed it the first time or simply want a refresher on this impactful discussion, now’s your chance! 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/d3mEA3iC #LeadershipInInsurancePodcast #InsuranceInnovation #Kaatch #TalentTransformation #CareerMobility

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To introduce ICT, Robotics, and STEM education to schools in Sierra Leone. Click https://bit.ly/3EuIY5W to connect with this new Opportunity Ref: AIDB-019518. Executive Summary Provided by Client: Sierra Leone has long struggled with inadequate educational infrastructure, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. With the global economy increasingly reliant on technological advancements, there is an urgent need to equip students with STEM skills. This project proposes the establishment of a STEM Smart Lab to provide modern educational tools and resources for students in schools across Sierra Leone, helping to foster innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. Sierra Leone’s education system has made strides in recent years, but there remains a significant gap in STEM education, particularly in rural areas. Many schools lack the infrastructure to teach advanced science and technology subjects. There is also a scarcity of laboratories and equipment, which limits hands-on learning experiences essential for effective STEM education. The STEM Smart Lab aims to address these gaps by providing state-of-the-art facilities where students can engage in interactive learning experiences. The Lab will enhance the teaching and learning of STEM subjects through cutting-edge technology such as robotics, coding kits, 3D printing, and digital simulations. Disclaimer: No due diligence has been done on this business opportunity. Users are requested to do their own research. #africa #Sierra Leone #sustainabledevelopment #impactinvesting #financialinclusion #africarising #socialimpact #socialinnovation

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🎧 Coming Soon 🎉 🔥 Our upcoming episode of "INNOV-8 PRESENTS ENTREPRENEURS IN TECH" is on the way! Join host Bob Shami in conversation with Therese Baptiste, MBA, author of "Empowering Social Growth". Get ready to be inspired by her insights into the intersection of technology and empowerment! Stay tuned for the release! #PodcastTeaser #PodcastAlert #EntrepreneursInTech 🎧✨

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Attracting Artificial Intelligence Investments in Africa Dr. Emone. C. Emmanuel Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize economies and societies. For African governments, attracting AI investments can drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance productivity across various sectors. This research paper explores strategies that African governments can employ to attract AI investments, supported by real-world examples. 1. Developing a Robust Regulatory Framework. A clear and supportive regulatory environment is crucial for attracting AI investments. Governments should establish policies that promote ethical AI use, protect data privacy, and ensure fair competition. Example: Kenya: Kenya has been proactive in developing AI regulations. The government has implemented policies to protect data privacy and promote ethical AI use, which has attracted companies like OpenAI and WorldCoin. 2. Investing in Digital Infrastructure. Investments in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, data centers, and cybersecurity, are essential to support AI development and deployment. Example: Rwanda: Rwanda has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, including the rollout of 4G networks nationwide and the establishment of innovation hubs. This has made Rwanda an attractive destination for tech companies and AI startups. 3. Promoting Education and Skills Development. Building a skilled workforce is vital for AI innovation. Governments should invest in education and training programs to develop AI expertise. Example: Nigeria: Nigeria has launched several initiatives to promote AI education, including partnerships with tech companies to provide AI training and certification programs. This has helped create a pool of skilled professionals ready to work in the AI sector. 4. Creating Innovation Hubs and Incubators Innovation hubs and incubators provide startups with the resources and support they need to develop and scale AI solutions. These hubs can attract both local and international investments. Example: South Africa: The Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Johannesburg is a prime example of an innovation hub that supports tech startups, including those focused on AI. It offers resources such as funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. 5. Fostering Public-Private Partnerships. Collaborations between the government and private sector can drive AI innovation and investment. Public-private partnerships can provide funding, expertise, and infrastructure needed for AI projects. Example: Egypt: Egypt has fostered public-private partnerships to advance its AI agenda. The government collaborates with tech giants like IBM and Microsoft to develop AI solutions for various sectors, including healthcare and agriculture. https://lnkd.in/drrymXbf

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Invitation to Join Our Exclusive Webinar: "Investing in Visionaries: Building the Future Together" NKVC cordially invites you to participate in an insightful and impactful webinar focused on the future of startups, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities. This session brings together industry leaders and experienced investors who will share their knowledge and strategies, making it an unmissable event for anyone involved in or aspiring to enter the startup ecosystem. Event Details: Date: August 20, 2024 Time: 8:00 PM - 8:45 PM (GMT+6) Platform: Microsoft Teams Why You Should Attend: This webinar is designed to equip entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals with the latest insights on navigating the complexities of the startup landscape. Our expert panel will discuss a range of topics, from the dynamics of startup funding to strategic growth approaches essential for building successful ventures. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and interact with industry leaders during the session. Featured Speakers: Andrew Gonzales, Angel Investor, Board Member of Leadership New Mexico: Andrew will explore investment opportunities and provide advice tailored to Bangladeshi startups. Aubrey Roberts, Angel Investor, Former Partner of Ernst & Young: Aubrey will share his extensive knowledge in early-stage investments and what it takes to achieve substantial returns. John Sakhawat Chowdhury, President, NKVC: Sharing NKVC’s vision for empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Ambareen Reza, Managing Director, Foodpanda Bangladesh: Ambareen will share her expertise on scaling digital businesses and overcoming challenges in a competitive market. Ilmul Haque Sajib, COO, Sheba.xyz: Learn from Ilmul's experience in steering one of Bangladesh's top digital platforms, with insights into operational and strategic leadership. Zia Ashraf, COO, Chaldal: Zia will discuss innovation in e-commerce and how to drive operational efficiency in a rapidly growing sector. Khondoker Tasfin Alam, COO, Daraz Bangladesh Ltd.: Khondoker will provide valuable insights into market entry strategies and customer engagement in emerging markets. Moderator: Mir Hasib Mahmud, Vice President, NKVC Webinar Theme: "Investing in Visionaries: Building the Future Together" emphasizes the collaborative efforts required to drive growth and innovation in today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This session is tailored to inspire and empower participants with the knowledge and connections necessary to succeed in the fast-evolving startup world. Registration: We encourage you to secure your spot for this valuable session by registering using the following link: https://lnkd.in/dsmz3dzU. Given the limited availability, early registration is highly recommended. We look forward to your participation in what promises to be a dynamic and enriching experience. #NKVC #InvestingInVisionaries #Startups #Entrepreneurship #InvestmentOpportunities #Leadership #Webinar

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🌟 Excited to share insights from my recent conversation on the Count Me In Podcast with the incredible Jean Pierre Rukebesha! 🌟 In our latest episode, we delved into the transformative impact of technology on small businesses, and JP shared his inspiring journey from an accountant in Rwanda to a tech-savvy entrepreneur in Canada. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: 🔹 The Power of Financial Literacy: JP emphasized the crucial role of basic financial literacy for small business owners. Just as literacy transformed society, understanding fundamental financial concepts empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and take control of their financial health. 🔹 Embrace Technology Incrementally: Staying ahead of the technological curve doesn't mean overhauling everything at once. JP highlighted that if you have a solid foundation, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements. It's about staying informed, adapting, and integrating new tools that add real value. 🔹 Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: Success in entrepreneurship requires more than just a desire to leave a 9-to-5 job. It's crucial to find your "why"—a deeper purpose that will keep you motivated through the challenges. When your vision extends beyond personal gains and seeks to make a meaningful impact, the journey becomes both fulfilling and sustainable. Thank you, JP, for sharing your valuable insights and inspiring story. To everyone striving to make a difference in the world of small business, remember: your efforts contribute to something greater! #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Technology #FinancialLiteracy #PurposeDriven Feel free to check out the full podcast episode for a more in-depth discussion! 🎧🔗 https://lnkd.in/ekT6K_nm

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The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR)-Google AI Fund for Nigerian Startups (₦100 million) The AI Fund in collaboration with Google is a ₦100 million initiative designed to empower 10 Nigerian startups leveraging AI in their technology products. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, driving innovation, efficiency, and new business models. To unlock the full potential of AI in Nigeria, NCAIR in collaboration with Google is launching the AI Fund, a dedicated initiative to inspire and nurture the next generation of AI-powered startups in Nigeria. https://lnkd.in/dBb3DSg8

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🌍 Reflections on Adaptive Leadership from the MIT Foundry Fellowship Retreat in Kenya Last week, I had the privilege of observing the Foundry Fellowship's latest cohort of the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT, during their adaptive leadership sessions in Kenya, facilitated by Dina H. Sherif and Hugh O'Doherty. I realized that driving learning in a classroom is a leadership challenge and found many ways the adaptive leadership framework is relevant to Enko Education' schools. Here are a few takeaways: 🚀 Bringing sustainable change is one of the greatest hurdles for organizations and governments. It requires full ownership across all levels and by all stakeholders. One common mistake is confusing a technical challenge with an adaptive challenge: a) Technical challenges: Problems and solutions are clear. They can be addressed with expertise, resources, and execution, usually owned by the figure of authority. Example: At Enko, ensuring teachers design good lesson plans, run assessments, and maintain portfolios are technical tasks managed by heads of schools or coordinators. b) Adaptive challenges: Problems where the diagnostic or solution is unclear. These require stakeholders to learn and co-create solutions together. Example: Engaging a class of learners in their learning journey is an adaptive challenge that requires collaboration between teachers, learners, parents, and others. There’s no magic recipe—solutions emerge through shared efforts. 💡 Leadership is an activity, not a title.  Authority (granted by boards, senior managers, voters...) is often confused with leadership. Leadership is about mobilizing people to learn and work toward shared goals. Unlike authority, it can’t be given or removed. 🎯 Charisma is a resources that can positively or negatively impact leadership. Selling a vision is an act of seduction that can also remove others' agency. Example: A charismatic teacher may drive success in their class, but will learners own their learning and still thrive with a slightly less charismatic teacher the next year? 🌱 Sustainable change often demands letting go of entrenched beliefs, roles, or practices. Example: Some teachers at Enko may need to give away teacher-centered, textbook-driven approaches ("sage on the stage") to learner-centered methods ("guide on the side"), which can require to step out of a comfort zone! 💪 💪 💪 Indeed, schools are laboratories for leadership development! 💪 💪 💪 #AdaptiveLeadership #AfricanInternationalSchoolsOfChoice #AfricanInternationalSchools

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Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, MBS , in his final remarks, highlighted that the #ConnectedAfricaSummit2024 platform fosters continental unity in addressing emerging issues like AI, cybersecurity, and the semiconductor industry. He emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration to drive innovation, providing youth with opportunities to connect, share, and shape the future. #ConnectedAfricaSummit2024 #CAS2024

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AltSchool Africa, a pioneering Nigerian-owned #edtech startup, is embarking on an exciting phase of global expansion as it takes its innovative educational platform to #Europe. This development, which was officially announced on December 2, 2024, at the SuperCharger Ventures Demo Day, highlights a significant achievement in the company’s journey to provide accessible and quality education worldwide. The startup has already seen strong interest from international markets, particularly in the #UK, which ranks as the third-highest in terms of registered users, following #Nigeria and #Kenya. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dvCBGAAr #tech #education #venturecapital #expansion #businessverge

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Having recently served as visiting faculty at The African Leadership University's inaugural AI symposium, I witnessed firsthand the rapid adoption of AI technologies among African students. Our pre-training survey revealed that 91% of students from various African countries are using generative AI applications, with 51% rating their knowledge as intermediate or advanced. During the symposium, I delivered a three-part workshop series on "AI Mastery: Transforming Personal Brand, Engagement, and Careers" series. The enthusiasm and advanced knowledge demonstrated by the students during this sessions further reinforced the survey findings. These insights align perfectly with the recent article "Generative AI in higher education: Students want more" by Chegg.org. The global survey highlights the swift integration of GenAI in education, particularly in Africa. Notably, 63% of Kenyan students reported using GenAI for study purposes, marking the highest adoption rate globally. Key insights from the article: ✔️40% of students globally use GenAI in their studies ✔️Students primarily use GenAI to learn faster (53%) ✔️65% of students want AI training relevant to their future careers ✔️65% believe universities should modify evaluation methods considering GenAI tools During the symposium, I also had the privilege of judging a Meta-sponsored AI for Social Good hackathon, where students showcased innovative applications of GenAI to address real-world challenges. This experience, coupled with the article's findings, underscores the immense potential and enthusiasm for AI in African higher education. As we navigate this AI-driven educational landscape, it's crucial to address both the opportunities and challenges, ensuring that we harness AI's potential while maintaining academic integrity and fostering critical thinking skills. 👀 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dSU9HCpp 👏🏾 Special thanks to Shawn Olds, Co-founder & Co-CEO of BoodleBox for bringing this insightful article to my attention. #AI #HigherEducation #GenAI #Innovation #AIforImpact #AfricanInnovation #EdTech

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