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Clare Barclay, CEO of Microsoft UK, supports the UK Government’s commitment to economic growth. Advanced digital infrastructure and reforms are essential for achieving planned goals and attracting investment. The UK already boasts the most advanced digital economy in Europe but to maintain this, the following are key: 📈 Advanced digital infrastructure 📈 Digital Economy Investments 📈Regulatory reforms 📈Digital Skills Development 🔴The UK must leverage its digital economy strengths, contributing an additional £550 billion to GDP by 2035. Effective regulation, robust infrastructure, and digital skills development are crucial for maintaining the UK's leading position. Additionally, improving connectivity through a national grid upgrade to link data centres to clean energy sources are essential. 🔴A thriving digital economy demands a skilled workforce to harness the power of AI and technological innovation. Enhancing connectivity links talent with opportunities, driving investment, growth, and a brighter future for the UK. Read the Article: https://lnkd.in/eiuFWpKz 🎯 Our vision at CFBL Consulting (C-F Business Links) is to provide leaders of infrastructure projects and innovative businesses across five sectors and continents with the assurance of costs, profit, and a sustainable strategy. Our clients rely on us to deliver: 📈 Infrastructure project cost audits 📈 Independent ESG audit and assurance 📈 Capex and sustainable strategy advisory 📈 Open book accounting controls and training For More Visit: https://lnkd.in/ewasMgpc Sources: https://lnkd.in/eVu3ZitB | https://lnkd.in/ewR2B5r3 #UK #infrastructure #project #finance #cost #audit #assurance #ESG #technology #digital

Bridging the Digital Divide: WIOCC Group Secures $50 Million Funding to Boost Africa’s Digital Infrastructure The West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) Group has successfully secured a substantial funding package exceeding $50 million. This initiative, backed by a consortium of leading international institutions, marks a pivotal step towards narrowing the digital divide on the continent. The funding, comprising a blend of loans from prominent financial entities, is set to empower WIOCC in expanding its high-capacity connectivity services across key African nations. Nigeria, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been earmarked as primary beneficiaries of this strategic investment. The consortium spearheading this initiative includes the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group committed to promoting private sector development in emerging markets. IFC's contribution totals $10 million, underlining its commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure in Africa. Proparco, the development finance institution and subsidiary of the Agence Française de Développement Group, is another key partner in this endeavor. With a financial commitment of $20 million, Proparco aims to foster sustainable... #Nigeria #WIOCC

Digital strategy aimed at comprehensive transformation: Niël Terblanché Namibia is on the brink of a significant digital transformation, with the near completion of its comprehensive digital strategy. Modestus Amutse, the deputy minister of information and communication technology, has outlined the ambitious plan, which is set to guide the country’s digital development over the next five years. He said the strategy, described as a blueprint for digital advancement, aims to foster an inclusive digital government, enhance access to government services, and bridge the gap between citizens and public services. “Inclusion is a fundamental principle in advancing our digital agenda,” Amutse said. According to the deputy minister, a substantial investment of N$35 million for the development of 14 radio access network towers through the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) within the current financial year is central to this digital push. According to Amutse, this infrastructure development is critical because it aims to extend broadband coverage to 85% of the population, with a usage rate already at 75%. “The formulation of this strategy has been a collaborative effort involving extensive stakeholder engagement,” he said. According to Amutse, the strategy also addresses Namibia’s current digital infrastructure challenges. “While the country has made notable progress, gaps remain, particularly in human capital and innovation,” he said. He added that the plan aims to harness digital trends for economic growth and societal benefits, leveraging advancements in mobile and internet penetration, which currently stand at 85% and 51%, respectively. Namibia’s digital transformation is not just about infrastructure but also includes significant strides in e-government. Initiatives such as the Online Student Loan Management for the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and the online passport and work visa application platforms represent this progress. According to Amutse, these digital solutions aim to enhance service efficiency and accessibility, propelling Namibia towards a society that is more connected and technologically proficient. Various international and local entities have supported the strategy’s development, including the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Impact Tank. Amutse noted the importance of aligning Namibia’s technological readiness with global standards, ensuring that every Namibian can leverage digital opportunities both locally and internationally. He said that as the country approaches the finalisation of this strategic document, the focus remains on creating a digitally literate, innovative, and inclusive society. Recent workshops, including one held in Windhoek, have been crucial in refining the strategy. While speaking at one of these events, Audrin Mathe, the executive director of the…

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 Telecommunications companies bn:t (Bonn) and SOCO (“DN-CONNECT”, Düren) close next financing round as planned 𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘯/𝘋𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯, 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘺 2024 The telecommunications companies bn:t Blatzheim Networks Telecom GmbH (Bonn) and SOCO Network Solutions GmbH (Düren) have successfully completed a further financing round on schedule together with their investor, Basalt Infrastructure Partners, and a consortium of banks. This financing secures the further expansion of the two companies' fiber optic network with planned investments in the three-digit million-euro range. Building on their many years of experience as regional telecommunications service providers, both companies have been driving forward the expansion of the gigabit-capable fiber optic network for several years and are providing more and more customers in the region with reliable high-speed Internet. Both, investors and management of the companies are delighted with the successful deal. Mario Böttner (CEO), Torsten Krelowetz (CFO) and Ali Calik (CTO): “This financing enables us to make an important contribution to the sustainable development of the communities in our home region by providing households, companies and public institutions with efficient fiber optic infrastructure and offering attractive Internet, telephony and TV products on this basis. We are very confident that we will achieve our goals together with our business and financing partners.” Steven Lowry, Chief Investment Officer at Basalt Infrastructure Partners: „In the current market environment, we consider the successful (re)financing as a confirmation of the mission that bn:t and SOCO are fulfilling regionally. The expansion of the fiber optic network in rural areas in Germany remains an important challenge that we believe is vital and can only be accomplished with all stakeholders acting jointly. “ To read the full article, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/ehKvMyCZ

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 Telecommunications companies SOCO (“DN-CONNECT”, Düren) and bn:t (Bonn) close next financing round as planned 𝘋𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯/𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘯, 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪 2024 The telecommunications companies SOCO Network Solutions GmbH (Düren) and bn:t Blatzheim Networks Telecom GmbH (Bonn) have successfully completed a further financing round on schedule together with their investor, Basalt Infrastructure Partners, and a consortium of banks. This financing secures the further expansion of the two companies' fiber optic network with planned investments in the three-digit million-euro range. Building on their many years of experience as regional telecommunications service providers, both companies have been driving forward the expansion of the gigabit-capable fiber optic network for several years and are providing more and more customers in the region with reliable high-speed Internet. Both, investors and management of the companies are delighted with the successful deal. Mario Böttner (CEO), Torsten Krelowetz (CFO) and Ali Calik (CTO): “This financing enables us to make an important contribution to the sustainable development of the communities in our home region by providing households, companies and public institutions with efficient fiber optic infrastructure and offering attractive Internet, telephony and TV products on this basis. We are very confident that we will achieve our goals together with our business and financing partners.” Steven Lowry, Chief Investment Officer at Basalt Infrastructure Partners: „In the current market environment, we consider the successful (re)financing as a confirmation of the mission that SOCO and bn:t are fulfilling regionally. The expansion of the fiber optic network in rural areas in Germany remains an important challenge that we believe is vital and can only be accomplished with all stakeholders acting jointly. “ To read the full article, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eK-qgYbt

📸 by Digital Equity Hawai'i: A major announcement was made by federal officials this week in their initial approval of Hawai‘i proposals to help ensure statewide access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service. Approval by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) enables Hawai‘i to request access to funding and begin implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Hawai‘i was allocated over $149 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. "Ensuring that every person in Hawai‘i has dependable access to affordable high-speed internet service is crucial to our state’s economic, educational and social progress," said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, noting that the announcement marks a monumental milestone for the state’s “Connect Kākou” initiative. Click on the link below to watch the Lt. Governor’s interview on Hawaii News Now regarding the latest announcement: https://bit.ly/3SbOlyU

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) is revolutionizing the way people are served in their nations and driving economic growth globally. DPI provides a shared foundation for digital transformation, enabling countries to achieve their national priorities and accelerate sustainable development goals. What are digital public infrastructure? Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to the shared digital platforms, systems and frameworks that enable efficient, effective and inclusive delivery of public services, drive economic growth and promote sustainable development. Benefits of DPI: 1. Improved Public Service Delivery: Efficient, citizen-centric services. 2. Economic Growth: Increased competitiveness, innovation and job creation. 3. Financial Inclusion: Expanded access to digital financial services. 4. Climate Action: Data-driven decision-making for sustainable development. 5. Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: Open data and participatory governance. DPI can significantly contribute to Nigeria's transformation from a developing to a developed country. Its analysis and potential Impact Areas: 1. Economic Growth: DPI can increase GDP by 10-15%, create jobs and stimulate entrepreneurship. 2. Governance: Transparent, efficient and accountable governance through digital platforms. 3. Education: Improved access to quality education, digital literacy and skills development. 4. Healthcare: Enhanced healthcare services, telemedicine and health information systems. 5. Infrastructure: Smart energy grids, digital transportation systems and broadband expansion. 6. Agriculture: Digital agricultural platforms, precision agriculture and agricultural insurance. 7. Financial Inclusion: Digital payments, mobile money services and expanded access to financial services. Nigeria's DPI Roadmap: 1. Develop a National Digital Strategy. 2. Establish a Digital Infrastructure Agency. 3. Allocate 10% of national budget to DPI. 4. Foster public-private partnerships. 5. Develop digital literacy programs. Nigeria can possibly key into DPI global initiatives as: 1. UNDP's "50-in-5" campaign. 2. World Bank's Digital Development Partnership. 3. OECD's Digital Government Strategy. 4. ITU's Digital Infrastructure Initiative. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) promotes DPI through initiatives like the "50-in-5" campaign, aiming to support 50 countries in designing and scaling DPI components by 2028 . UNDP also advocates for human rights and safeguards in the digital space. Conclusion: DPI can revolutionize Nigeria's development trajectory. With strategic planning, collaboration and investment, Nigeria can: 1. Achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030. 2. Become a regional digital hub. 3. Improve human development indices. 4. Enhance global competitiveness. 5. Join the ranks of developed countries by harnessing the potential of DPI. Boluwatife Adebayo Michael. National President of development driven SELNY INITIATIVE.

Benchmarking Infrastructure Development Benchmarking Infrastructure Development 2023 assesses the quality of regulatory frameworks worldwide to develop large infrastructure projects, benchmarking them with internationally recognized good practices.

This article hits the nail on the head. Investment in infrastructure and technology won't result in long-term economic stability and growth, without a talent strategy. This is especially true for communities with a history of occupational segregation. The solution is in the alliance of educational institutions and industries co-creating a revolutionary experience for the next generation.