WEBINAR GUIDE

Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Road Map for Africa’s MSME

• What The Future Holds for Africa
• Date: Tuesday June 9th ,2020
• Time: 11am GMT +1 (WAT)

1.0 BACKGROUND:
The outbreak of pandemic Covid-19 all over the world has disturbed the political, social, economic, religious and financial structures of the whole world. Some key sectors of the African economy are already experiencing a slowdown as a result of the pandemic. Tourism, air transport, and the oil sector are visibly impacted.

World’s topmost economies such as the US, China, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and many others including the most populous black nation in Africa, Nigeria are among those at the verge of collapse.

Besides, Stock Markets around the world have been pounded and oil prices have fallen off a cliff. The Nigeria’s Unemployment rate has hit 33.5% according to the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

There are now more than over 70,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus across the continent, with a number of African countries imposing a range of prevention and containment measures against the spread of the pandemic.

The African ICT Foundation, an independent non-profit, non-partisan organization with a vision to formulating, evaluating and promoting ICT and Telecoms policies, aimed primarily at creating job opportunities, accelerating innovation, and boosting productivity, and progress in the African Economy Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Road Map for Africa’s MSME Webinar is design to foster a post pandemic economy recovery plans for Africa’s MSME’s already crushed activities.

2.0 OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this Webinar is to bring together key actors in the (ICT sector, Finance, Education, Health and Media) of African descent around the globe to share thoughts on the Post COVID-19 recovery plan focusing on building sustainable economy.

1. Fiscal stimulus packages opportunities for transformational and business recovery with the creation of new job Opportunities.
2. Sustainable but persistence strategies to the revival of businesses in the short term while simultaneously reducing exposure to future collapse of the industry supply chains.

3.0 INTERVENTIONS

1. The Impacts of COVID-19 On the African health sector and the way forward
2. COVID-19 impacts on Africa’s MSME, Grant, Loans and Donors opportunities
3. The rise of the importance of ICT and Civil Society during and after COVID-19 and the necessity of bigger co-operation
4. Beyond COVID-19: Creating a recovery pathway through entrepreneurial innovation and creativity
5. The impact of COVID-19 on Education sector in Africa (Challenges & Opportunities)
6. Integrating the Mainstream media into the Post COVID-19 era
7. Beyond COVID-19 African Startups persistence strategy

4.0 EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

1. Towards a sustainable development of African MSME’s
2. Sustainable Skills development and Mentorship of African Startups
3. Realignment of Africa’s digital Health and Education Sector
4. Accelerating the actualization of the SDG’s in Africa

5.0 REGISTRATION

[Google Meet] Click this link to attend the event: meet.google.com/bzk-dkih-ezh

Attendees will have the opportunity to submit their questions for immediate response.

6.0 PROGRAMME:

OPENING:

Emmanuel Bassey: The Executive Secretary of the African ICT Foundation to introduce the President and the Moderator.

Tony Ojobo: The President of the African ICT Foundation Opening Statement and Declares the Event Open.

Inye Kemabonta: Policy and Regulatory Director, African ICT Foundation (Moderator)

7.0 SPEAKERS

1. Ali Zamharir: President, Association Initiative and Development Essaouira- Morocco: The rise of the Importance of ICT and Civil Society during and after COVID-19 and the necessity of bigger Corporation
2. Ms. Faten Khalfallahi: President Tunisian Educative Association @First Skill Club Sfax – Tunisia: Generation Next Sustainable Skills for African Livelihood
3. Kufre Lawson: MD/CEO Palm Coast Micro Finance Bank, Uyo, Nigeria: COVID-19 Impacts on MSME’s. Grants, Donors and Loan Opportunities
4. Dr Peter Atorough: Associate Professor. The Robert Gordon University in Scotland, United Kingdom: Creating a Recovery Pathway through entrepreneurial Innovation and Creativity
5. Ms Sarah Mhamilawa: Lawyer and an Advocate at High Court of Tanzania: The Impact of COVID-19 on Education Sector in Africa (Challenges & Opportunities)
6. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade: Communications and Public Affairs Manager Google West Africa: Beyond COVID-19 African Startups Persistence Strategy
7. Peter Oluka: Editor TechEconomy.ng Nigeria: Role of New Media on Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Road Map
8. Oludare Akinbo: Founder and MD/CEO Tishri InfoTech Ltd. Nigeria: Impacts of COVID-19 on the African Health Sector and the way forward
9. Rachael Orumor: Startup Innovation Consultant at Int’l Francophone Organisation (MediaLabo) & CEO,Soft Digital Benin Republic: Beyond COVID-19 African Startups Persistence Strategy

Tunisia

Ms. Faten Khalfallahi

Ms.Faten KHALFALLAHI a Techwomen Alumni 2015, a certified professional mentor from the United States Mentoring Standard, and Founder and President of the Tunisian educative association @First Skills Club in Sfax that aims to motivate the kids to speak and communicate in English via new technologies and give them another vision to the tools they daily handle (PC, Smartphone, Tablet, ipad, …).

Faten KHALFALLAHI is a Principal computer science teacher in the pioneer preparatory school of Sfax and Ph.D. student in New Technologies. After the Techwomen program, She got a lot of energy to continue working on her dream “Change the generation to change the world”, and currently working with kids aged between 8 and 18 to motivate them and engage them in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

KHALFALLAHI represent the Technovation Regional ambassador in Sfax, and working hard to inspire more and more female to coding including Robotics, Mobile Apps development, Electronics. She is the Autodesk Ambassador in Tunisia, initiating kids to the world of 3D design and printing.

Faten KHALFALLAHI is the Innovator teacher trainer in Sfax and selected from the United States Institute of peace as the “Change Generation Emerging Leader 2016”, Official trainer of the national team of Robotics 2017 and regional project manager in VEX Robotics. Motivational Speaker on Leadership Technics, coaching tools, Education innovation, Building trust, … Trainer in emerging PCT culture, Trainer in Leadership technics, Trainer in ICT tools in classroom, Trainer of innovative teachers.

She was selected as the Techgirls flight chaperone for 2019 and 2020 to join girls interested in Technology to US.

United Kingdom

Peter Atorough, PhD, APMP, FHA, Prince 2

Dr Peter Atorough is Associate Professor with a background in Digital Consumer Behaviour, Operations Management and Supply Chain Management at The Robert Gordon University in Scotland, UK. He is also the founder of Swype Global Ltd, a digital tech development and publishing start-up based in the UK.

In his own words:

Prior to joining the Aberdeen Business School in 2008, I enjoyed a successful career as an corporate investment appraiser/analyst specialising initially in oil and gas corporate investment solutions, before moving on to business development with the then Abbey Bank Plc. In both roles, I worked on several projects where I provided leadership and project management expertise. More recently, I was the project manager and main researcher for the Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, during which time I undertook sector based research, business development consultancy and business process optimisation training for businesses in North-east Scotland (with special focus on realising regional benefits from Energy and Oil and Gas wealth). Some of the key outcomes from this project was the setting up of the City business sector networks, Aberdeen City BID and Visit Aberdeen.

I describe myself as an applied management generalist and this is reflected in the diversity of qualifications and experience that I have. I hold a PhD in Management; I am professionally qualified, including as a Prince 2 Project Management Practitioner, APMP and as Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (FHEA). In addition, I am a member of APICS-the association for operations management. I have successfully contributed to research and teaching at the Aberdeen Business School through the development and delivery of undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA courses since 2008. I have several academic and industry publications to evidence this.

My ambition is to continue to develop my practice in terms of entrepreneurship, teaching, research, mentoring, and professional engagement with industry.

Morocco

Ali Zamharir

Ali Zamharir is a seasoned administrator, the President of Association Initiative and Development Essaouira- Agadir, Morocco. Ali is among the first associative activists to promote the importance of the ICT through associations activities and projects in Morocco since March 1996.

Since 1992, Ali Zamharir has constantly  Initiated Associative local programs with Many international partners including Council of Europe, European Union, United Nations Development Programme, Handicap International , African ICT Foundation among others in Morocco .

Ali is an activist when it comes to Awareness campaigns on health, environment and New Technologies. Also activities and projects for the integration of women, young people and people with disabilities.

Ali Zamharir holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature.

Tanzania

Ms Sarah Mhamilawa

Ms. Mhamilawa is a lawyer and an Advocate of High Court of Tanzania.

She is a member of Pan African Lawyers Union ICT committee and currently serves as Director (Business Development for an ICANN accredited Registrar Lexsynergy in Tanzania where she interacts with a lot of web developers, ICT Students and tech enthusiasts.

She possesses extensive Leaderships experience and is trained in board directorship by the Tanzania Institute Directors. Currently serving in the board of the East Africa Law Society as the Vice Chairperson, and Chairperson of the Audit Committee of Tanzania Women Lawyers Association.

Ms Sarah Mhamilawa has well over 8 years of industry experience working in the Internet and ICT, marrying the DNS with Intellectual property and online brand protection.

Nigeria

Oludare O. Akinbo

Oludare Akinbo is a Biochemist by Training, he is a self-taught, consummate computer and Information Technology enthusiast, a high achiever with a passion for enhancing data collection, management and analytics, to improve the evidence based strategic planning and decision making that enhances efficiency and effectiveness in various aspects of business and life.

Founder and MD/CEO Tishri InfoTech Nig Ltd.  With almost 3 decades of experience in the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry, having wide experiences as Medical Sales rep, Network Administrator, National Sales Manager, Information Technology and Marketing Manager, Information Technology and Service Support Consultant for major players, public and private, External Consultant and former Technology Solutions Manager West Africa to QVIA, formerly Quintiles IMS – a human data science multination with Global Technology expertise in the healthcare space, Director Information Technology and Research, Josephine Consulting Ltd, consulting firm of Dr (Mrs) Ajoritsedere Awosika, the Chairman  of Chams PLC, Director, AOA Consulting –   External Consultants to FIIRO Consult (2012 – 2017), Member, Board of Trustees, African ICT Foundation (AfICTF).

President, African ICT Foundation

Tony Ojobo

Tony Ojobo is an experienced Regulation Specialist,Brand Communicator, Perception Manager, Image Maker,Public Speaker, with demonstrable experience in Public and Private Sector Organizations and over 30 years experience of working in the ICT industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Community Relations,Business Development, Strategic Planning, and Public Speaking. Strong media and communication professional with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) focused in Marketing from ESUT Business School, Master of Public Administration from the University of Lagos, and a Doctoral Scholar in Entrepreneurial Studies at Walden University,Minnesota, USA. Current President of African ICT Foundation. Founder TechX Innovation Hub.

Nigeria

Kufre Lawson

Mr. Kufre Lawson is a well presented, industrious, and highly personable individual who has extensive in-depth experience of the entire banking industry.

Currently, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Palm coast Microfinance Bank in Uyo, Chairman, MicroFinance Bank Association, South-South geopolitical Zone, Nigeria, member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Management, and a certified microfinance practitioner.

Kufre Lawson Possesses a huge range of abilities from providing support and leadership to junior staff right through to being able to successfully sell the money, credit, and products of a bank. Able to gain the trust of customers by interacting with people from all backgrounds.

He holds an HND from The Polytechnic, Calabar, a BSc, and an MBA from the University of Calabar. Kufre Lawson started his banking career with UBA in 1998 and voluntarily resigned to join Intercontinental Bank in 2001-2012.

Nigeria

Peter Oluka

Oluka, Peter Ikenna (@peterolukai) is a Media Practitioner with bias for IT and Telecoms reporting; a Technopreneur, Public Speaker, Speech Writer, amongst other Public Relations interests.

 He is the Editor, TechEconomy.ng.

 He also Co-founded an Online marketplace – Njalo.ng & Online news platform – GrassRoots.ng.

 Prior to establishing TechEconomy.ng, Peter worked as Senior Correspondent, Nigeria Communicationsweek.

 Peter also contributes to Communications beat of the Guardian Newspapers and the Co-Partner at Nigeria Innovation Summit (NIS); and DABConference, Digitalprwire.com.

 Peter started his mainstream journalism in 2010 with the Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper based in Ogun State. His penchants, interests and stunts registered NewsDirect’s presence in the league of Property & Environment and Labour newsprints in Nigeria.

 Peter was a Nigeria Youth Merit Award (NYMA) nominee 2013, which was viewed by many in the industry as a leap in the right direction and a notch to punch and gun for more glories in the industry he represents.

 Today, he is an Associate Member of the Institute of Information Management (IIM-Africa) and was awarded the Records and Information Management Best ICT Reporter of the Year by the Institute in year 2014. 

 As a rising gem in the Nigerian Online journalism space, peter is currently .NG Domain Name Brand Ambassador which was given to him by the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA) in year 2015.

Peter is a certified Customer Relations Management Personnel by the Nesburg School of Business and Management (NESBG-Nigeria), Africa’s foremost Persuasion School of Business based in South Africa (2015). 

 He obtained PGD (Mass Communications) from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in 2015; HND (Mass Communication) from the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu in 2008.

 He is currently a Masters Degree (Journalism) candidate at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

 He is an alumnus of the School of Media and Communications (SMC) Pan Atlantic University (PAU) (year 2016).

 Peter was also recognized at NITMA awards hosted by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in 2017.

Peter’s quest for journalism is exceptional as he remains committed to championing the development of ICT in Nigeria through news reportage and analyses, especially in promoting Women and Girls’ interests in the ecosystem.