EU: Africa Hackathon looking for participants and partners to jumpstart cross-continent innovation

The EU: Africa online hackathon is seeking innovative solutions to socio-economic problems in Africa that have been amplified by the COVID-19 crisis. Estonia and the African Union, in cooperation with Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg and Poland, with the implementing partners Garage48 and Smart Africa are organising an online cross-continental hackathon “EU-Africa The Post Crisis Journey” from the 10th to the 13th of December 2020. Registration of mentors and participants ongoing at http://www.euafricathejourney.com

What is the EU-Africa Online Hackathon Program about?

It is an African-European online hackathon program aimed at finding innovative solutions to socio-economic problems that have been further escalated by the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to engage in 10,000 passionate tech-savvy and socially conscious problem solvers, 300 mentors, and 500 community organizations across Africa and Europe. Winning teams will get their hands on a 100,000 Euros prize fund , develop their prototypes further in the follow-up program of the hackathon, and implement their world-changing ideas in real life.

How does it benefit Africans Post Covid-19?

The post-Covid-19 era offers Africa an important opportunity to revitalize its economy under a green and smart framework that supports sustainable technologies. More importantly, it provides a platform for young Africans to put their creativity, innovation, and ingenuity to work in creating solutions that will help Africa recover better and faster.

Where are the targeted impact areas on the African continent?

• Education
• Food Security
• Health and Wellness
• Governance
• Economy and entrepreneurship
• Smart Cities in Africa
• Cyber Security and Data Protection
• Big Data
• Banking and Financial Services
• Job Security    

When is it commencing, Criteria for eligibility and how to join the program? 

The Call for Applications is open and two online matchmaking sessions will be held on 28^th November and 5^th December to combine the best teams for ideas before the main online hackathon which will run from 10-13^th December 2020.

This program is open to team and individual sign-ups – visionaries, developers, designers, marketers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and anyone socially active. Registration ongoing at https://eventornado.com/event/eu-africa-the-post-crisis-journey

Yusuf Mutamba is the African Project Coordinator charged with participants outreach, creating awareness and enabling credibility for the program in Africa.

Abiodun Abidoye writes from Pretoria for Africa Online News

Nigerian Army Launches Cyber Warfare Exercise

The Nigerian Army announced the commencement of a cyber warfare exercise from the 20th of October to the 31st of December.

Recently, reports of cyber attacks on state institutions revealing personal information of some government employees including those of the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad SARS were leaked and made available online.

Image Source: Nigerian Army

The Army statement reads that the exercise is specifically designed to identify, track and counter negative propaganda in the cyber space.

While assuring Nigerians of the Army’s commitment to sustain peace and security, the exercise would likely bring the Army in confrontation with Nigerians on the streets of Major cities in the country as protest against police brutality tagged “EndSARS” has been ongoing for over 10 days unabated and gaining a more coordinated momentum.

Abiodun Abidoye writes from Pretoria, South Africa.

Emirates Airlines cancel flights to South Africa

The United Arab Emirate national carrier Emirates Airlines flying out of the business and leisure city of Dubai cancelled all flights to South Africa.

Reports from an online source reveals that this cancellation takes immediate effect due to protest against government regulation that requires crew members to be subjected to the same protocol as international travellers arriving and departing from South Africa.

South Africa eased its Coronavirus lockdown regulations from 1st October allowing international tourist and business passengers from predetermined low risk countries to arrive on its shores.

Source: eNCA