Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 87 | Page 15

NEWS

Vodacom South Africa , Microsoft South Africa partner to provide digital training through Mzansi Digital Learning

Left : Asif Valley . Right : Onyi Nwaneri

In a move designed to reduce the 44 % youth unemployment rate among South Africans , Vodacom South Africa and Microsoft South Africa have joined forces to provide free access to digital training courses on the Mzansi Digital Learning platform .

The Mzansi Digital Learning platform will be hosted on the new NXT LVL rewards platform , and integrated into Vodacom ’ s ConnectU , a zero rated platform that gives customers access to content without mobile data charges .
The Mzansi Digital Learning platform also removes the cost of connectivity when it comes to access to educational content , and it also focuses on important topics to help users understand the changing landscape of business in a digital world of Generative AI , entrepreneurship , and cybersecurity . Certification is provided upon completion of the course , and all the programmes on the platform have been designed to align with the most sought-after jobs in South Africa .
“ It is increasingly about ensuring young people are equipped with the skills they need for the jobs that exist and , in the future ,” says Asif Valley , National Technology Officer at Microsoft South Africa .
Microsoft South Africa works closely with its local partner Afrika Tikkun to deliver training , tools , and platforms to boost youth employability and entrepreneurship . The courses will appeal to youth and entrepreneurs who want to upskill and equip themselves with the skills essential for success in today ’ s digital market and an AI-driven world .
Commenting on the partnership , Onyi Nwaneri , the Group CEO of Afrika Tikkun said : “ Afrika Tikkun ’ s vision is to help young people gain skills that will enable them access and sustain access into the digital economy . The partnership with Microsoft and Vodacom ensures that this access is affordable , meaningful , empowering , and sustainable .”
Ultimately , both organisations aim to reach 300,000 people with the Mzansi Digital Learning platform over the coming months .

Floating Egyptian Pound draws remarkable increase in money transfers from UAE to Egypt

Al Ansari Exchange , the largest remittance and foreign exchange company in the United Arab Emirates , and a subsidiary of Al Ansari Financial Services Group , announced a remarkable increase in the volume of money transfers sent from the UAE to Egypt following recent developments related to the Egyptian Pound exchange rate .

The company highlighted a significant rise in the number of financial transfers to Egypt since the Central Bank of Egypt announced last Wednesday 6 March 2024 the decision to float the Egyptian Pound and liberate its exchange rate according to market mechanisms . Al Ansari Exchange emphasised that this decision is highly beneficial to Egyptians residing in the United Arab Emirates .
It is noteworthy that Egypt is one of the most active corridors for financial transfers from the United Arab Emirates , ranking fifth after India , the Philippines , Pakistan , and Bangladesh in terms of the total number of transfers sent to individuals from the UAE .
Ali Al Najjar , Chief Operations Officer at Al Ansari Exchange , stated , “ The recent decision issued by the
Ali Al Najjar
Egyptian Central Bank to liberalise the exchange rate of the pound , allowing it to be determined according to market mechanisms has had a significant impact on financial transfers from the UAE to Egypt .
“ Al Ansari Exchange reaffirms its commitment to continue providing financial transfer services with the highest standards of reliability and efficiency , enabling residents to support their families and contribute to enhancing financial inclusion , prosperity , and the growth of the Egyptian economy .” p
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA 15