Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through IoT and AI

Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through IoT and AI

IoT & Wireless Networks
The plight of smallholder farmers in Kenya is significant, with more than 70% of the farming population falling into this category. These farmers are the backbone of the nation's food supply. Yet, they face myriad challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, inadequate access to essential information, and limited resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In the heart of Kenya, smallholder farmers (SHFs) play a significant role in ensuring the nation’s food security. However, they face a profound challenge due to the adverse impacts of climate change and the lack of access to localized data, severely hindering their productivity and resilience. Nonetheless, a beacon of hope emerges through innovative technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and empower…
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Strathmore University & Absa Bank Financial Innovation Program Trainees Graduate

Strathmore University & Absa Bank Financial Innovation Program Trainees Graduate

Data Science
SUAFI program graduates pose for a celebratory photo. Nairobi. The Strathmore University-Absa Financial Innovation (SUAFI) Program celebrated its first COHORT of graduates from the program. The partnership between @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University and ABSA Bank Limited oversaw the graduation of 105 ABSA Bank employees from the SUAFI program. The selected trainees, chosen from 500 applicants, were required to complete a mandatory Agile and Scrum Methodology course before specialising in their respective fields of deployment. The engaging training programme, which started in April 2023, got the trainees embarking on courses in Cybersecurity, Data Science, Business Intelligence, and DevOps & Automation. Dr Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica Research and Innovation Centre, cited the importance of the program, noting, “As a research centre of excellence in ICT innovation and development, we are proud to be…
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Empowering African Youth Through Entrepreneurship.

Empowering African Youth Through Entrepreneurship.

Innovation & Incubation
The Dunin Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre Strathmore Chapter Program Launch recently marked a significant milestone in Africa's entrepreneurial landscape, bringing together key stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit. This initiative, in partnership with iBizAfrica, Strathmore University, and Dunin Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC), exemplified the power of universities and industries working hand in hand to foster entrepreneurship. A Photo of The DDQIC Top 20. Strathmore, Nairobi.  The event served as a platform for attendees to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from those involved  and a past program participant. Notable speakers included Oliver Omondi, the founder of ZuriPacks and a past program participant, who shared his journey and experiences in entrepreneurship. Dr. Joseph Sevilla, the Director of @iLabAfrica, passionately emphasized the urgency of empowering Africa's…
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@iLabAfrica-Strathmore University Meeting Demand in Cybersecurity

@iLabAfrica-Strathmore University Meeting Demand in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity
In an era of unprecedented digital advancements and interconnectedness, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more critical. As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and frequency, organizations and individuals face an uphill task of protecting their sensitive data and digital assets from malicious attacks. Cybersecurity is of utmost importance in our digitally connected world. As our reliance on technology continues to grow, so do the threats posed by cybercriminals and malicious actors. Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information, such as personal data and financial records, from falling into the wrong hands.  @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University offers an Intermediate Certificate in Penetration Testing which is a comprehensive training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the security posture of computer…
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A Blueprint for Enhanced Customer Experience in Financial Institutions.

A Blueprint for Enhanced Customer Experience in Financial Institutions.

Data Science
How can financial institutions ensure inclusivity, digital transformation, and analytics in their operations for an enhanced customer experience? This was the first topic of the first panel discussion at the 2nd annual Global Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (GDSAI) summit hosted by @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University last year  The panel, featured Hartnell Ndungi, Chief Data Officer at Absa Bank Kenya; Ezekiel Macharia, CEO at Kenbright Holdings; and Satyajit Turumella, IT Advisory Director at Grant Thornton Advisory East Africa, explored the transformative impact of digital technologies on financial services. Digital transformation is revolutionizing the landscape of financial services, reshaping customer acquisition, improving client satisfaction, and simplifying banking procedures. In the pre-revolution era, customers heavily depended on face-to-face interactions with bank staff, making processes such as opening accounts, conducting transactions, and accessing financial services…
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