Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 18 | Page 8

NEWS Microsoft partners with Africa- IDG to create cutting-edge Blockchain applications Avanti empowers partners to deliver connectivity M icrosoft USA has partnered with Zimbabwean company Africa Infrastructure Development Group (Africa-IDG) in a strategic move to create cutting edge Blockchain applications that are set to revolutionise the building environment. Various meetings with key government and private sector stakeholders have already been conducted and the outcomes have been positive. “The Blockchain movement is one that we must join in its early phase if we are to be relevant as a country not only internally but both regionally and internationally,” said Brighton Ngarava, Africa- IDG’s Head of Communications. “The response we have received from the key stakeholders is a sign that we are ready to implement this technology in the built environment.” Microsoft USA sent in Sweden based Global Black Belt Blockchain engineer Dr Abdul Haseeb to work with Africa-IDG’s Development Team. “Together we have come up with compelling and relevant solutions to real time problems in the Zimbabwe ICT sector”, said Dakarai Mshoperi, Chief Technology Officer of Africa- IDG Dakarai Mshoperi. Meanwhile, Tatenda Chifamba, the Founder and CEO of Africa- IDG, added: “The Blockchain is an undeniably ingenious invention. Zimbabwean stakeholders have to join the wave or risk getting crushed by it.” The Head of Microsoft Zimbabwe, Benlawr Ruredzo, and the Africa-IDG Team will continue to work together to bring success to key stakeholders by creating platforms for dialogue. Avanti is empowering partners in Africa to deliver always-on connectivity A vanti Communications Group, a leading satellite operator, providing Ka-Band satellite data communications services across the Middle East and Africa, has announced the official launch of its South Africa-based operations. The announcement is underpinned by Avanti’s continued commitment to investing in Africa through a direct local presence backed by in-country solutions to enable and facilitate connectivity through key partnerships both in South Africa and throughout the region. To date, Avanti has invested more than US$897 million in Sub-Saharan Africa, with US$143 million in South Africa alone. “Through our technology, we empower our partners, ensuring they deliver always-on connectivity to their customers, wherever they may be,” said Christian Georgeson, Chief Marketing Officer at Avanti Communications. We empower our partners, ensuring they deliver always-on connectivity to their customers. From left: Brighton Ngarava; Africa-IDG CEO, Tatenda Chifamba and Benlawr Ruredzo, Head of Microsoft Zimbabwe 8 Avanti’s South African in-country presence comes as the company also unveils its new corporate identity which encapsulates its vision to connect homes, grow businesses, extend networks, change lives, and go the extra mile to liberate untapped potential. Brenden Pronk, Sales Director and Country Manager for Southern Africa said: “Avanti aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling and facilitating connectivity with existing providers to cover the gaps that exist in the industry. The bigger picture is creating fully connected societies for the benefit of people, communities, SMEs and large enterprises alike.”