Latest news with #digitaltransition
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Africa accelerates its digital transition: 17.5% growth expected in the data centre sector
Africa accelerates its digital transition: 17.5% growth expected in the data centre sector 93.6% of industry leaders anticipate sustained growth, according to the ADCA INSIDER SURVEY 2025 presented in Johannesburg during the Data Centres in Africa event. On the occasion of the Data Centres in Africa conference, the Africa Data Centres Association (ADCA) unveiled the 2025 results of its annual ADCA INSIDER SURVEY. Conducted with analytical support from Rising Advisory and backed by partner STELLARIX, this benchmark study gives voice to industry leaders to gather and consolidate their perceptions and expectations regarding the economic landscape, investment, innovation, ESG, and human resources shaping the future of the data centre sector across the continent. A growth trajectory driven by digital demand The development of data centres is a lever for digital sovereignty, economic attractiveness, and regional integration. It allows Africa to control its data processing while strengthening the infrastructure needed to support emerging uses such as cloud computing, AI, digital finance, and e-government services. According to the survey, 93.6% of respondents expect strong or moderate growth over the next 12 months, with an anticipated average growth of 17.5%. None of the leaders interviewed foresee a decline, highlighting strong confidence in the sector's fundamentals. Respondents believe this momentum is primarily driven by the accelerating digitisation of African economies, rather than by emerging technologies. Between digital acceleration and structural limits 'This survey highlights a growing consensus: data infrastructure has become a cornerstone of economic development, it is not peripheral to development, it is foundational. ' says Faith Waithaka, Chairwoman of ADCA. The findings confirm the rise of a strategic sector that continues to face structural challenges. 77.4% of companies plan to make significant investments within the next 12 months, with an average profitability rating of 3.3 out of 5. The business climate is seen as favourable by more than 80% of respondents, despite persistent barriers such as access to reliable energy, financing issues, and regulatory constraints. 'The sector is progressing, but with greater maturity: the priority is to build solid, collaborative, and sustainable models, rooted in Africa's operational realities,' adds Paul-François Cattier, Managing Director of ADCA. ESG: Steady progress with a growing focus on energy efficiency Industry players give an average ESG performance rating of 5.87 out of 10, reflecting progress that remains cautious. The main focus is on tangible and immediate gains, particularly in terms of energy efficiency: 74.2% of respondents cite energy efficiency as their primary ESG criterion, well ahead of the use of renewable energy (22.6%). Talent, sovereignty, regional integration: the next frontiers Skills development is emerging as a central issue: 61.3% of surveyed companies report having created their own training programs to meet specific operational needs. While the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds great promise, it is still seen as having no significant impact on the data centre sector at this stage. Finally, digital sovereignty is gradually gaining ground as a strategic priority, reflecting African stakeholders' growing will to control their infrastructures and data flows. Didier Hung Wan Luk, CEO of STELLARIX, concludes: 'The potential is considerable. What we are building today are the digital foundations of a continent connected according to its own priorities. We believe in a sovereign digital Africa, anchored in reliable technologies tailored to local realities. Our commitment to ADCA reflects our intention to actively contribute to this continental transformation.' About the Survey The ADCA INSIDER SURVEY is based on in-person interviews with senior executives across several African countries. The results were analysed by Rising Advisory, a consultancy focused on strategic analysis and advocacy for African industry associations. It covers six dimensions: business climate, growth drivers, financing, innovation, human capital, and regional integration. About ADCA The Africa Data Centres Association (ADCA) is the leading organisation representing the data centre sector on the continent. It brings together operators, service providers and key stakeholders to build a sovereign, resilient, and sustainable digital ecosystem in Africa. About STELLARIX STELLARIX is a pan-African provider of data center services, specialising in tailored colocation, cloud computing, managed connectivity, and cybersecurity solutions. Our mission is to empower Africa's digital sovereignty by delivering sustainable, decarbonized infrastructure that supports seamless digital transformation for businesses and institutions across the continent. Copyright © 2022 - All materials can be used freely, indicating the origin Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE launches graduate services package with Fazaa card, traffic file, banking support
The UAE Ministry of Interior has announced the launch of its services package for high school graduates for the 2024–2025 academic year. Timed with the release of high school results, the package offers a range of digital services designed to support students as they transition into university or the workforce. Key features include: Criminal record certificate issuance through the Ministry of Interior (MOIUAE) app. Electronic traffic file creation via the ministry's website to streamline traffic-related procedures. Fazaa discount card with access to student-exclusive offers through the Fazaa app. Banking services from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank tailored to young adults' financial needs. Now in its eighth consecutive year, the initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the Social Solidarity Fund for Ministry Employees (Fazaa), and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. Brigadier Nasser Khadem Al Kaabi, Director General of Happiness at the Ministry of Interior, highlighted the Ministry's commitment to delivering proactive and customer-focused services. He noted that the continued rollout of this package for eight years demonstrates fruitful cooperation with strategic partners and reflects the Ministry's ongoing commitment to supporting the future generation and raising the quality of life in Emirati society. The Ministry emphasised that the services are easy-to-use through digital platforms, eliminating the need for in-person visits and ensuring a smoother, faster user experience. This enhances the efficiency of service delivery and reflects the tangible efforts of the joint work teams that continuously contribute to improving and developing the package's content to ensure the best customer experience.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chair's Summary
KANANASKIS, AB, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - The Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) gathered in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15-17, 2025, with the objective of building stronger economies by making communities safer and the world more secure, promoting energy security and accelerating the digital transition, as well as fostering partnerships of the future. Five decades after its founding in 1975, the G7 continues to demonstrate its value as a platform for advanced economies to coordinate financial and economic policy, address issues of peace and security, and cooperate with international partners in response to global challenges. G7 Leaders focused on economic developments. In a context of rising market volatility and shocks to international trade, as well as longer-term trends toward fragmentation and global imbalances, they discussed the need for greater economic and financial stability, technological innovation, and an open and predictable trading regime to drive investment and growth. They considered ways to collaborate on global trade to boost productivity and grow their economies, emphasizing energy security and the digital transition. They acknowledged that both are underpinned by secure and responsible critical mineral supply chains and that more collaboration is required, within and beyond the G7. Leaders undertook to safeguard their economies from unfair non-market policies and practices that distort markets and drive overcapacity in ways that are harmful to workers and businesses. This includes de-risking through diversification and reduction of critical dependencies. Leaders welcomed the new Canada-led G7 initiative – the Critical Minerals Production Alliance – working with trusted international partners to guarantee supply for advanced manufacturing and defence. G7 Leaders expressed support for President Trump's efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They recognized that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same. G7 Leaders are resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions. The G7 met with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Mark Rutte to discuss their support for a strong and sovereign Ukraine, including budgetary defence and recovery and reconstruction support. G7 Leaders reiterated their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. They exchanged on the evolving situation, following Hamas's terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the active conflict between Israel and Iran. Leaders discussed the importance of unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of all hostages and an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Leaders also talked about the need for a negotiated political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that achieves lasting peace. Leaders affirmed Israel's right to defend itself, and were clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. They underlined the importance of protecting civilians. They expressed their readiness to coordinate to safeguard the stability of international energy markets. They urged that the resolution of this crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza. G7 Leaders released a statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran. Leaders highlighted the importance of a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law, and discussed growing economic cooperation with the region. They stressed the importance of constructive and stable relations with China, while calling on China to refrain from market distortions and harmful overcapacity, tackle global challenges and promote international peace and security. Leaders discussed their ongoing serious concerns about China's destabilizing activities in the East and South China Seas and the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They expressed concern about DPRK's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and the need to jointly address DPRK cryptocurrency thefts fueling these programs. The need to resolve the abductions issue was also raised. Leaders acknowledged the links between crisis theatres in Ukraine, the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Leaders discussed other instances of crisis and conflict, including in Africa and Haiti. The G7 Leaders underscored their resolve to ensure the safety and security of communities. They condemned foreign interference, underlining the unacceptable threat of transnational repression to rights and freedoms, national security and state sovereignty. Leaders highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration to promote border security and counter migrant smuggling and illicit synthetic drug trafficking, noting recent successes. They stressed the need to work with countries of origin and transit countries. Leaders discussed the impacts of increasingly extreme weather events around the world. They highlighted the need for more international collaboration to prevent, fight and respond to wildfires, which are destroying homes and ecosystems, and driving pollution and emissions. The G7 welcomed participation in the Summit by the President of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of the Republic Korea, Lee Jae-myung, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, as well as UN Secretary General, António Guterres, and President of the World Bank, Ajaypal Singh Banga. Together, they identified ways to collaborate on energy security in a changing world, with a focus on advancing technology and innovation, diversifying and strengthening critical mineral supply chains, building infrastructure, and mobilizing investment. They discussed just energy transitions as well as sustainable and innovative solutions to boost energy access and affordability, while mitigating the impact on climate and the environment. They talked about the consequences of growing conflicts for shared prosperity, including energy security, and the need to work towards a shared peace. Leaders and guests had a productive discussion on the importance of building coalitions with reliable partners – existing and new – that include the private sector, development finance institutions and multilateral development banks, to drive inclusive economic growth and advance sustainable development. The upcoming United Nations' Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development was raised as an opportunity to continue these discussions, including on private capital mobilization. G7 Leaders agreed to collaborate with partners on concrete outcomes that deliver for everyone. To this end, they agreed to six joint statements. Their commitments included: Securing high-standard critical mineral supply chains that power the economies of the future. Driving secure, responsible and trustworthy AI adoption across public and private sectors, powering AI now and into the future, and closing digital divides. Boosting cooperation to unlock the full potential of quantum technology to grow economies, solve global challenges and keep communities secure. Mounting a multilateral effort to better prevent, fight and recover from wildfires, which are on the rise around the world. Protecting the rights of everyone in society, and the fundamental principle of state sovereignty, by continuing to combat foreign interference, with a focus on transnational repression. Countering migrant smuggling by dismantling transnational organized crime groups. G7 Leaders welcomed the endorsement by many outreach partners of the Critical Minerals Action Plan and the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter. Discussions at the Kananaskis Summit were informed by the recommendations of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC), which stressed the social and economic benefits of gender equality, and of all G7 engagement groups. The G7 remains committed to working with domestic and international stakeholders and partners, including local governments, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, industry and international organizations, to advance shared priorities. The G7 will continue its work under Canada's presidency throughout 2025, and looks forward to France's leadership in 2026. SOURCE Prime Minister's Office View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
10-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
SAAQclic ‘bumpy' as early as 2018, witness tells Gallant commission
The Gallant Commission, tasked with investigating the failures of the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) IT transition, on May 15, 2025, in Quebec City. (The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot) The digital transition at Quebec's automobile insurance board (SAAQ) was already 'bumpy' in 2018, the commission investigating the SAAQclic fiasco heard Monday. Sylvain Cloutier, director of the project office, testified before the Gallant commission, which travelled to Quebec City to begin its sixth week of hearings. He spoke about the coloured indicators used by his team to track progress — markers that, without clear explanation, often shifted from red to green. 'When things become increasingly chaotic, doesn't accountability matter?' asked Justice Denis Gallant, pressing Cloutier on his apparent lack of control over how the colours were assigned. Cloutier said the indicators 'on their own weren't enough' to give a full picture of the project's status. The board's vice-president of information technology, Karl Malenfant, would regularly step in to offer 'explanations.' Malenfant's name has surfaced repeatedly over the past six weeks at the Gallant commission. 'There were problems, but Mr. Malenfant didn't try to hide them,' said Cloutier. 'He's an experienced man. He's led major projects at Hydro-Québec, at Rio Tinto. He knows what he's talking about. He came in to explain things and reassure the team — not reassure as in spinning stories,' Cloutier added. 'Was everyone aware?' commission lawyer Vincent Ranger asked. 'Was Mr. Malenfant transparent about how difficult the rollout was?' 'Yes,' Cloutier replied. 'Would it be fair to say Mr. Malenfant is naturally optimistic?' Ranger followed up. 'Yes, that's true,' Cloutier said. 'But not in a head-in-the-clouds way. He likes a challenge.' 'I didn't take bribes' Cloutier also admitted Monday to manipulating a public tender worth over $1 million so it would be awarded to external consultant Stéphane Mercier. 'That was my mistake,' Cloutier acknowledged under questioning from Justice Gallant. 'I'm not saying what I did was right. But I take responsibility — it was me.' In 2017, Cloutier urgently requested the bidding threshold be lowered to $990,000 after Mercier informed him he couldn't qualify for the contract because he didn't have authorization from Quebec's financial markets authority. That authorization is required for contracts valued at more than $1 million. 'I was in a panic,' Cloutier said, recalling thinking, 'If I don't have this guy to keep going, we're in deep trouble (…) I'm losing expertise.' 'I did it with the intention of not delaying the project,' he said. 'I didn't take any bribes. I'm not going on fishing trips. I'm not sailing around on a yacht. That's not what this is.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French June 9, 2025.
CBC
08-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Carney lays out Canada's G7 summit priorities while managing a complicated guest list
With one week to go until G7 leaders gather in Alberta, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced his priorities for the meeting and is managing a guest list that lays bare fault lines in some of Canada's international relationships. The G7 leaders summit will be held in Kananaskis from June 15 to 17. On Saturday, Carney said Canada will "seek agreements and co-ordinated action" on three core missions. The first is protecting Canadian communities and the world by strengthening peace and security, countering foreign interference as well as transnational crime and improving joint responses to wildfires. The second is "building energy security and accelerating the digital transition" through fortifying critical mineral supply chains and using artificial intelligence to boost economic growth. Finally, Carney said Canada will push to secure new partnerships that will catalyze "enormous private investment to build stronger infrastructure, create higher-paying jobs and open dynamic markets where businesses can compete and succeed." Those international goals tie closely to Carney's domestic agenda. WATCH | Carney and his Liberals table One Canadian Economy bill: Liberals table One Canadian Economy bill to cut barriers, speed up trade 2 days ago Duration 2:01 The Liberal government has tabled the One Canadian Economy bill, meant to reduce internal trade barriers and accelerate nation-building infrastructure projects, like pipelines, to strengthen Canada against U.S. economic attacks. Earlier this week, the Liberal government tabled the One Canadian Economy Act — a bill it says will eliminate federal barriers to internal trade and explain how nation-building infrastructure projects will be identified and approved faster. Many provinces are eager to take Carney up on nation-building plans, especially provinces ready to extract more critical minerals for their regions. B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix said one project on his mind is the North Coast Transmission Line, which would expand the province's electricity system and could unlock more critical mineral extraction in B.C.'s northwest. "It's a project that exists. We're working with First Nations on [it] right now. That's a significant project," Dix said in an interview on Rosemary Barton Live. Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pushing to use powers in his government's recently passed Bill 5 to designate the mineral-rich Ring of Fire as a special economic zone, where cabinet can exempt companies and projects from having to comply with any provincial law, provincial regulation or municipal bylaw. Ford put the Ring of Fire at the top of his list presented to Prime Minister Mark Carney for consideration as a potential nation-building project. Tricky diplomacy with India, Mexico Carney came under fire earlier this week when it was announced he'd invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit just months after the RCMP accused his government of acts of murder, extortion and coercion. The prime minister defended the move and said on Friday that India and Canada "have now agreed importantly to continued law enforcement dialogue. So there's been some progress on that." Last fall, the RCMP laid out allegations accusing agents of the Indian government of playing a role in "widespread violence" in Canada, including homicides, and warned that it poses "a serious threat to our public safety." That came after Canada accused Indian government agents of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian activist for Sikh separatism. WATCH | B.C. Liberal says constituents 'concerned' over Modi's G7 invitation: Constituents 'concerned' about Carney inviting Modi to G7, says B.C. Liberal MP 2 days ago Duration 7:50 On Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney defended his decision to invite the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta just months after the RCMP alleged agents of the Indian government are playing a role in murders and other violent acts. B.C. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal, who represents the Surrey riding where Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot in 2023, tells Power & Politics that his constituents are 'concerned about the justice.' The Sikh Federation of Canada called the invitation "a grave insult" and Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal, who represents the Surrey riding where Nijjar was shot, said neither he nor many of his constituents support Modi. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also been invited to the G7 summit, but it's not confirmed whether she will attend — a hesitation that underscores some diplomatic tensions after some premiers suggested Canada ditch Mexico and pursue a new bilateral trade agreement with the United States. Arturo Sarukhán, former ambassador of Mexico to the United States, said Sheinbaum should attend because it would allow her to "reset relationships with Canada" and leave aside "the pissing match that Canadians and Mexicans have been in since the fall." Sarukhán also said on Rosemary Barton Live that Mexico's attendance "would allow Carney and Sheinbaum to have a first sit-down with Donald Trump on neutral ground" to discuss a looming renegotiation of the North American free trade deal. When asked whether the North American free trade deal will hold up, Sarukhán said "probably the outcome of the process is that we will end up with two separate free trade agreements. One between the U.S. and Canada [and] one between Mexico and the United States."
