Zimbabwe Introduces New Digital Currency Amid Economic Turmoil

Opinion Editorial

The Writer Clive Ayuko is the Managing Editor of Whistling African.

Harare, Zimbabwe – In a bold move to stabilize its embattled economy, Zimbabwe has introduced a new digital currency aimed at curbing hyperinflation and restoring public confidence in the financial system. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) announced the launch of the digital Zimbabwean dollar (Zimdollar) marking a significant shift in the country’s monetary policy.

The new currency, officially named ZimCoin, is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) designed to operate alongside the existing physical currency. The RBZ hopes that the digital currency will enhance transaction efficiency, reduce the cost of printing money, and provide a more secure and transparent monetary system.

Economic Context and Motivations

Zimbabwe has faced chronic economic challenges over the past two decades, with hyperinflation, currency devaluation, and widespread unemployment wreaking havoc on the nation’s economy. The introduction of the ZimCoin comes as part of broader efforts by the government to modernize the financial system and combat inflation, which remains a persistent issue.

Governor John Mangudya of the RBZ stated, “The launch of the ZimCoin represents a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s economic recovery efforts. We believe that a digital currency will provide a more stable and efficient means of conducting transactions, reducing the reliance on physical cash, which has been prone to counterfeiting and other abuses.”

Public Reaction and Challenges

Public reaction to the new currency has been mixed. While some see it as a necessary step towards economic stabilization, others remain skeptical due to the government’s track record with previous monetary reforms. Trust in the RBZ has been eroded over years of economic mismanagement and failed currency initiatives.

One Harare resident, Tafadzwa Moyo, expressed cautious optimism: “If implemented correctly, the ZimCoin could help ease some of the issues we face with cash shortages and inflation. But the government needs to ensure that this is not just another failed experiment.”

The successful implementation of the ZimCoin will depend on overcoming several challenges, including ensuring widespread internet access and digital literacy among the population. With a significant portion of Zimbabweans lacking reliable internet connectivity, the RBZ faces an uphill battle in promoting the adoption of its digital currency.

International and Regional Implications

Zimbabwe’s move to adopt a digital currency is being closely watched by other African nations facing similar economic issues. If successful, the ZimCoin could serve as a model for other countries in the region looking to stabilize their local currencies.

Private Sector Urges Ethical AI Framework Amidst East Africa’s Digital Transformation

Nairobi, April 19, 2024 – As East Africa accelerates its digital evolution, the private sector is championing the need for an ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework to guide the region’s technological advancement. At the ‘Digital Transformation in East Africa Conference,’ industry leaders emphasized the imperative of responsible AI adoption, culminating in a call for the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.

Bringing together over 50 global thought leaders and more than 1000 delegates from 24 countries, the conference, organized by the Aga Khan University, served as a platform to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era. Amidst discussions on sustainable development and environmental conservation, the necessity of ethical AI surfaced as a paramount concern.

The proposed Advisory Council aims to unite local and international experts to craft guidelines ensuring the ethical utilization of AI technologies across various sectors. This initiative seeks to foster innovation while safeguarding privacy, respecting human rights, and promoting sustainable development practices.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of government in steering technological progress, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi’s representative, Principal Secretary Aurelia Rono, affirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating the adoption of new technologies. Rono expressed eagerness to integrate the conference’s recommendations into legislative agendas, underscoring the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors.

Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, Vice Chancellor of Aga Khan University, commended the government for creating an enabling environment conducive to digital innovation. He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between governmental support and private sector dynamism, essential for propelling Kenya to the forefront of Africa’s digital landscape.

Highlighting the transformative potential of technology in healthcare, Rashid Khalani, CEO of Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, shared insights into the implementation of an Electronic Health Records system. This system promises to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and facilitate localized research efforts across Africa and Asia.

Distinguished speakers, including Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Hon. Eliud Owalo and Google’s Vice President Vint Cerf, underscored the pivotal role of technology in driving socio-economic development. With luminaries from various sectors lending their expertise, the conference marked a pivotal moment in East Africa’s digital journey.

As East Africa navigates the complexities of digital transformation, the resounding call for an ethical AI framework echoes a commitment

Kenya ICT Week and KUZA Awards Unite to Champion Innovation and Sustainability in Digital Sector

Nairobi, Kenya 17th April 2024

In a strategic alignment aimed at elevating the digital landscape in Kenya, the forthcoming 7th edition of the KUZA Awards will merge with the prestigious Kenya ICT Week. This amalgamation, announced amidst anticipation within the tech community, signifies a unified effort to spotlight innovation and sustainability in the country’s digital sphere. Sc

Scheduled at the tail end of  Kenya ICT Week, the KUZA Awards will adopt the theme of “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future.” This thematic focus underscores the pressing need to harness technological advancements while ensuring long-term environmental and social sustainability.

The fusion brings together an impressive array of award categories, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the digital sector. From acknowledging excellence in Broadcast Regulatory Compliance and Subscription Management Services to honoring pioneers in Cybersecurity and Green ICT, the awards encompass critical facets of the industry’s evolution.During the launch, the Corporate Director at the Communications Authority M Christopher Wambua underscored the significance of this collaborative initiative. By integrating the Kenya ICT Week with the esteemed KUZA Awards, the event aims to amplify the spotlight on Kenya’s technological achievements while fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry stakeholders.

Of notable mention are specialized recognition categories such as the Lifetime Achievement Award, designed to honor individuals whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the tech landscape. Additionally, the awards will spotlight initiatives dedicated to Child Online Protection and Women in Tech, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and diversity in driving innovation forward.As the digital arena continues to evolve, initiatives like the amalgamation of the Kenya ICT Week and the KUZA Awards serve as catalysts for progress. Through this unified platform, stakeholders are poised to celebrate achievements, share insights, and chart a course towards a future characterized by innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Redefining mobile performance with the stable and smooth ColorOS 14: OPPO’s Journey to Ultimate Smoothness

The Tech Powering ColorOS 14’s Trinity Engine, Smart Features, and the Future

of AI Integration

As the landscape of computing evolves, so does the definition of performance. In recent
years, there has been a shift in the way that people have come to perceive what truly
defines top computing performance. Whereas speed was previously seen as the be-all
and end-all of computing capabilities, the question of stability and smoothness has
steadily moved into the spotlight too. Only by delivering consistent and smooth
operations across all types of applications and scenarios is it possible for users to enjoy
a real sense of fluency and efficiency. This is a principle that OPPO has embraced and
exemplified through a decade of development with ColorOS.

Since its first development in 2014, OPPO has been working to perfect the balance
between rapid responsiveness, rock-steady stability, and silky smoothness with each
iteration of ColorOS. By constantly finding new ways to blend the best hardware with
the most comprehensive and in-depth optimization of the underlying software. ‘Visible’ and ‘invisible’ smoothness One of OPPO’s first breakthroughs in delivering the ultimate smooth user experience came with the release of UI First in early 2020.

By prioritizing active applications, UI First prevents background applications from over consuming system resources causing the drag down towards the overall performance. The result is a significant reduction in
noticeable lag and the enhancement of what we call “visible smoothness.” However, as computing resources were directed into supporting active applications, apps running in the background were being starved of resources and effectively killed.
This in turn caused delays when switching between those apps. Meanwhile, the
widespread adoption of 5G increased the consumption of high-data media, entering the
so-called “rich media” era, has placed additional processing pressure on the system. To
address this ‘invisible’ smoothness issues, OPPO began optimizing ColorOS for better
temperature control, stable battery life, and a more continuous and uninterrupted
experience.
Continuously ColorOS improved memory compression technology to save more
memory space for users, and breakpoint reading technology to ensure a more
continuous and uninterrupted experience. With the latest release of ColorOS14, it has
upgraded technologies in the OS’s Trinity Engine make it possible for the phone to run
as many as 27 applications on the back end for up to 72 hours.

These innovations enable ColorOS to make the most of any given smartphone
hardware and deliver the best results when it comes to traditional stats used for
measuring smooth performance, such as app launch speeds, game frame rates, and
more. Thanks to hardware scheduling capabilities like these, ColorOS now consistently
ranks among the top performers in major industry benchmarks.

As OPPO’s engineers continued to push the boundaries of smoothness and ColorOS
received increasing recognition from tech authorities with its top benchmark scores, the
team gradually came to realize that high performance and ultimate speed do not
necessarily translate into a more comfortable and “smoother” user experience in all
scenarios.
With the brand-new Aquamorphic Effects in ColorOS 14, it showcases how this insight
has been put into practice. Contrary to what might be expected, the animations of these
new effects have actually been optimized by reducing the speed from 380 milliseconds
to a more user-friendly 750 milliseconds. By refining the dynamic effect logic in ColorOS
14, every interaction has been made more intuitive and fluid.
This is just one example of how OPPO has introduced Human Factors Analysis into the
design of the OS. This is a discipline that specializes in the study of human interaction
with machines and environments in order to make machines or systems more adaptable
to human physiological and psychological characteristics. Through Human Factor
Analysis, OPPO learned that the human eye can only detect changes at intervals of
about 100-150 milliseconds or more. If changes occur in less than 100 milliseconds,
most people simply cannot tell the difference. This means that, even if the hardware is
capable of doing so, there is no reason to engineer system response times as low as 50
milliseconds.
In order to provide this level of consistently smooth experience throughout the
operating life of our mobile devices, OPPO has introduced Human Factors Analysis into
multiple aspects of ColorOS. One of the decisions that came from this was to set the
response speed of application launches to 135 milliseconds. Through millions of
repeated tests, we also identified and solved extremely low-likelihood consistency
issues in areas like touch feedback, software concurrency, display delay, and more. The
result is a consistent response time in the 100-150 millisecond range for all aspects of
the UI with no perceivable fluctuations.
Embracing the possibilities of AI-generated content
Looking towards the future of smartphone and operating system experiences, the
ColorOS team is mindful that the integration of AIGC (AI-generated content) is likely to place a high demand on mobile system resources, covering everything from memory
and processing capabilities to battery life. Right now, OPPO is exploring and
experimenting in related capabilities, for instance, on how to optimize memory use and
power management techniques to cope with such high demands.
ColorOS 14’s Trinity Engine exemplifies this forward-thinking approach with its
advanced solutions for optimizing system smoothness and stability through fine-tuned
management and scheduling of computing resources, memory, and storage at the
microarchitecture instruction level.
The upgraded Trinity Engine contains three core technologies: ROM Vitalization, RAM
Vitalization, and CPU Vitalization. ROM Vitalization frees up more memory space by
compressing app data and merging duplicated files to address performance degradation
issues caused by memory filling up over the long term. RAM Vitalization works by
reconstructing Android’s underlying RAM mechanism and employing specialized
techniques to accelerate app launch speeds and improve the level of fluidity when
switching between apps. Finally, CPU Vitalization uses a sophisticated computing
power model that can precisely schedule power resources while determining the best
balance between performance and power consumption.
“After years of R&D upgrades and positive feedback from millions of users, ColorOS
has reached a certain level of maturity today and is serving more than 600 million
monthly active users worldwide. With the introduction of ColorOS14, it shows OPPO
commitment to always provide unique experience to its users by breaking boundaries
and tending to the unmet needs of smartphone users in order to further optimize the
smooth and stable experience on OPPO devices,” said Fredrique Achieng, PR
Manager, OPPO Kenya.
With the launch of OPPO’s newest Reno11 series, users can start experiencing the
unmatched and smooth experience of ColorOs14 on the new Reno11 series available
for purchase across all OPPO branded stores countrywide and online through OPPO
Kenya website and e-commerce partners such as Jumia & Kilimall at *RRP Ksh67,999
for the Reno11 5G and *RRP Ksh85,999 for the Reno11 Pro 5G.

LG’s Groundbreaking Transparent and Wireless TV Takes Center Stage, Captivating Audiences at Global Electronics Show

·         The 4K SIGNATURE OLED T television is also wireless allowing it to seamlessly blend into different interiors

·         LG is showcasing many other futuristic innovations at the show, including a coffee machine that can extract two different flavours at once

LAS VEGAS, USA, January 10, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has unveiled its groundbreaking transparent and wireless 4K SIGNATURE OLED T TV at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas, USA. The TV is showcased in a ‘floating’ setup, emphasizing wireless connectivity and integration with external devices, providing installation flexibility and enhancing interior design freedom.

Also displayed in LG’s booth is a captivating media art exhibit created from 15 77-inch OLED Ts, seamlessly transforming into a transparent OLED TV, symbolizing a new era in display technology. The transparent and wireless features enable SIGNATURE OLED T to blend into any space, complementing interior design and offering an extension of future living experiences. The transparent screen also enhances the viewing experience of media artworks.

A dedicated zone highlights the LG SIGNATURE OLED T’s transparent and wireless technology, showcasing its ability to exceed space constraints and seamlessly blend into everyday life. The TV complements any space’s interior design, offering an extension of future living experiences. Additionally, the transparent screen enhances the viewing experience of media artworks by adding depth and dimensionality.

In another area of the booth, visitors explore a tunnel structure featuring over 140 55-inch OLED displays, forming the webOS experience Zone. This platform showcases diverse content through collaborations with partners, providing an immersive journey into entertainment powered by the webOS platform.

Meanwhile, LG has also introduced innovative products through LG Labs, its experimental project for unique customer experiences. Featured items include DukeBox, an all-in-one audio device; DUOBO, a dual-flavor capsule coffee machine; and Bon Voyage, a customized living space blending home comfort with nature. Other standout products in the LG Labs zone include LG CineBeam Qube and brid.zzz, offering bold approaches to enhance customer experiences.

For more information on what the company is showcasing at CES 2024, visit LG’s dedicated CES site (www.LG.com/CES2024) and the LG Global YouTube channel.

Airtel Africa registers its 150 millionth customer

Africa, 19 December 2023: Airtel Africa has registered its 150 millionth customer. Airtel Africa is very proud to give millions of people access to reliable and high-quality digital and mobile money services, often for the first time. Led by the purpose of transforming lives, connecting 150 million customers is a significant milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to enriching the lives of its customers. Looking forward, Airtel Africa is focused on further expansion, increased innovation, and continued investments to ensure a digitally empowered future for all.
The growth reflects Airtel Africa’s commitment to reaching more people, with more services, in more places than ever before. By bringing mobile banking, data, and telecoms to underserved communities across sub- Saharan Africa, Airtel Africa is driving financial and digital inclusion and helping to unlock the potential of people, businesses, and societies.
In response to the increased demand for accessible and affordable services, Airtel Africa is continuing to expand its network and invest in the future through fiber and 5G. This is supported by new, best-in-class digital products, services, and content.
Airtel Africa’s Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, would like to thank each one of the stakeholders for their continued commitment and support in helping the company reach this milestone. But as everyone knows, this is just the beginning of a journey that will see many more milestones in the coming years.

FIRST AUGMENTED REALITY CLOUD EDITOR AND PUBLISHING PLATFORM

• MediAR enables users to create AR experiences without a need for prior coding skills
• The platform has an inclusive monetization model shared between content creators and brands
• The platform was developed with a 180,000 Euros grant from ACP-EU HEVA


NAIROBI, Kenya, December 8, 2023 – BlackRhino VR, an Extended Reality Tech Co., has launched into the market, a groundbreaking Augmented Reality (AR) platform, designed to empower content creators within the creative economy to rapidly build and publish AR content.
Dubbed “MediAR”, the platform is Africa’s first, user-friendly, AR cloud editor and publishing platform that uses the drag and drop technology, which lessens the challenging learning curve associated with coding while producing AR solutions and content.
Speaking during a colourful launch ceremony, BlackRhino VR Chief Executive Officer Brian Afande said the platform is a response to the need to unlock Africa’s creative sector through AR.
“Our primary objectives are to empower Africa’s youth, who are the innovators of the future, to broaden their skills set that allows them to scale up innovations as well as to democratize extended reality technologies in order to make them easily accessible so that ultimately, these immersive technologies can actively and positively contribute to Africa’s socio-economic development,” Afande said.
“We also want to demystify the notion that Africa is only a consumer of technology and demonstrate that there are numerous innovative African technological solutions that are being developed to solve the continent’s challenges,” he added.
MediAR has been designed with a unique and inclusive revenue share model that is based on a pay-per-view service that allows content creators and brands to co-exist in a digital ecosystem.
BlackRhino VR is urging content creators across Africa to leverage the platform to perpetuate the development of an Internet economy that will in turn create jobs, reduce poverty, and contribute to the continent’s development.
The global extended reality (XR) – which includes Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality – market is valued at USD$29.26 billion in 2022 and is projected to rise to over USD$100 billion by 2026.
Longino Muluka, Head of AR/VR at BlackRhino VR asserts that the integration of XR technology into other sectors of the economy is key for it to have a positive impact on Africa’s economy and future.
“Augmented Reality has the ability to create immersive experiences where linear blueprints seamlessly transform into 3D models. For instance, we are witnessing a new era where technology and creativity intertwine to create powerful visualization tools adding immense value to the dynamic construction industry,” Muluka said.
This technology can also revolutionise the education sector in order to bridge the current skills mismatch between those acquired in learning institutions and those required by the job market.
“The seismic shift for education will come from deploying Augmented Reality in a learning context where dynamic learning environments will be created as abstract concepts turning classrooms into immersive experiences,” Shamina Rajab, the BlackRhino VR Managing Director said.
“In the convergence of Augmented Reality and farming, we are witnessing not just technological innovation but a catalyst for positive socio-economic change. By bridging gaps in knowledge access, AR democratizes agricultural insights, offering farmers the tools to make informed decisions,” added Abraham Kyalo, BlackRhino VR’s COO.
BlackRhino VR anticipates that MediAR will facilitate the creation of a non-existent tertiary economy and ecosystem specializing in AR goods, products and services.
The platform was developed with funding of approximately 180,000 EUR from ACP-EU, which is an Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (OACPS) financed by the European Union (EU). BlackRhino VR was one of 20 creative and cultural businesses from 8 East Africa countries that made the short list in the Ignite Culture programme that is geared at supporting the growth of the cultural and creative sector in the region.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY FIBREHOME SIGNS AGREEMENTS WITH CHINESE FIRM CP CABLES TO INCREASE ACCESS TO INTERNET

Nairobi, Kenya 29th November 2023

By Clive Ayuko

In Kenya approximately 9.8million living in the urban and semi urban areas have access to broadband internet with 38 percent of this number accessing the internet through low-speed dial-up internet. Various telecommunications firms like Safaricom and Airtel have rolled out 5G networks. The uses of high speed internet networks are numerous ranging from online gaming without any interference, watching streaming services like Netflix, ShowMax with no glitches, machine operations and control of robots remotely or making conference calls. The possibilities offered by high speed internet connections are endless.

In Kenya Data By the Communications Authority of Kenya CA the number of mobile data subscriptions as at 49.4 million with 539,000 on 5G, 22.5 million Kenyans on 4G networks, 16 million on 2G and 10.3 million on 3G networks. These coupled with various other factors have driven the demand for reliable high speed internet. These numbers coupled with various other factors have driven the demand for high speed internet with global china based fibre giant FibreHome Technologies Co. Ltd and Kenya based CP CABLES limited hoping to fill the increased demand.

Speaking at a Nairobi Hotel during the unveiling of the partnership Deputy Chief Executive Officer of FibreHome International Technologies Mr Bruce Wang reiterated the significance of the partnership acknowledging that the project will have far reaching impact on communities. He continued to add, ” the two companies have a broad basis for cooperation and a common development vision in the fields of optical fibre cables and ODN. We choose to partner with CP CABLES due to their dedication to excellent service delivery in the communications industry.”

Also present during the signing ceremony was the Group Chairman of CP CABLES Mr Rashmi Shah who gave credence to the partnership saying the partnership will ensure the availability of quality fibre optic products at affordable prices and will fill the gaps and demand for fibre optics products in the country.

Public Relations Practitioners Urged To Tackle Misinformation by Embracing Artificial Intelligence

Diani, Kwale, 28 November 2023 – Public relations practitioners have been called upon to embrace artificial intelligence as a powerful tool to combat the growing threat of misinformation.

The President of the Public Relations Society of Kenya, Mr. Arik Karani said that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to help public relations (PR) professionals identify, analyze, and debunk false information more effectively, thereby protecting the integrity of their communications and the trust of their audiences.

“In today’s digital age, misinformation in the form of fake news, ChatGP, and deepfakes is a rapidly evolving and interconnected world of can spread rapidly and have significant consequences for individuals, organizations, and society. However, PR practitioners must leverage AI to increase their capabilities, from data-driven insights for strategic decision-making to crafting personalized and targeted communication,” said Mr. Karani.

Mr. Karani spoke during the 2023 Public Relations Society of Kenya Annual Summit at the Diamond Leisure Lodge in Diani, Kwale County. The Summit has brought together over 600 delegates from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the field.

Officially opened by The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Hon. Eliud Owalo, the Summit explored how PR practitioners can Retrospect, Reimagine, Reposition while Adopting Agile PR Practices to Cope with a Rapidly Disrupted, Fragmented, and Polarized World.

Misinformation, which has turned some publicity campaigns into crises, makes it imperative for practitioners to be vigilant against fake news and misrepresentation.

While the industry seeks to leverage AI to open new frontiers for creativity, efficiency, and impact, it is lobbying the government to establish industry standards that reflect the principles of accuracy, transparency, and ethical communication.

The Public Relations Society of Kenya, through the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, has submitted the Institute of Public Relations and Communications Management (IPRAC) bill for cabinet approval. This initiative establishes a legal framework for public relations in Kenya, further elevating the industry’s standards.

Bezos Earth Fund to Sponsor World’s Largest Youth-Led Energy Event

Washington, DC – November, 28, 2023

Bezos Earth Fund to headline sponsor the world’s largest youth-led energy event, 2023 Global Student Energy Summit, uniting 650+ youth from 150+ countries.
Transformative space for collaboration on energy solutions, engaging 30,000+ young people.
Launchpad for 15 youth-led clean energy start-ups.
Platform for youth climate activists and advocates, training and supporting 30 COP28 delegates.

The Bezos Earth Fund announced its headline sponsorship of the 2023 Global Student Energy Summit (SES 2023), under the theme “Reimagining the Future”, hosted by New York University Abu Dhabi from November 28th to December 1st, 2023. This historic event will take place at the margins of COP28, bringing together 650+ young people from over 150 countries with industry leaders and energy experts, championing youth participation in driving a just and equitable clean energy future.

SES is the world’s largest youth-led energy event, ensuring equal gender representation and diverse perspectives with 40% of attendees experiencing their first international conference. The summit provides a transformative space for collaboration on energy solutions, engaging over 30,000 young people in virtual and in-person capacity-building and digital engagement sessions leading up to SES 2023.

Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, expressed enthusiasm for this groundbreaking partnership, stating, ” Since its founding in 2009, Student Energy has become the world’s largest youth-led organization working on energy, empowering a network of 50,000 young people in over 120 countries accelerating the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future. Our support of SES 2023 aligns seamlessly with Bezos Earth Fund’s mission to foster innovation, collaboration, and action in the realm of clean energy. The youth-led initiatives and start-ups emerging from this summit are pivotal in driving systemic change, and we are proud to be part of this movement.”

As the next generation of energy sector leaders, young people are presented with a challenge and unique opportunity. According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Net-Zero Emissions Scenario, over 30 million jobs will be created in low-carbon technologies by 2030. However, the Energy Transition Skills Report, conducted by Student Energy in partnership with Ørsted, indicates that 47.6% of the survey’s 2,000 youth respondents lack awareness about existing job opportunities. With over half the global population under 30, young people need training to participate in the energy sector to bridge labor shortfalls, promote economic development and social welfare, and support climate resilience in the most vulnerable communities.

The summit serves as a catalyst for action and entrepreneurship, supporting 15 youth-led clean energy start-ups in priority regions through training and seed funding. “Climate change is an issue that affects each and every single one of us, and there are millions of young people all around the world who share the same feeling of frustration but still manage to find the drive to fight for change. SES23 is a platform to not only connect us with each other, but also sit at the table with representatives of governments, companies and institutions during these 3 days, whilst fostering a lifelong connection to join forces and increase global efforts of accelerating the adoption of renewable energy,” said Lydia Sanz Lozano, Co-Vice Chair of Programming, SES.
Additionally, SES 2023 acts as a launchpad for youth climate activists and advocates, training and supporting delegates to join a COP28 delegation that amplifies key messages from SES 2023 through partner-driven events. SES will be coming to the Middle East for the first time, highlighting the vision of the UAE’s energy transition.
Nicole Iseppi, Managing Director of Global Energy Innovation at the Bezos Earth Fund, added, “Leveraging the strategic location and timing of SES, we will support up to 40 SES delegates to attend COP28. Our partnership provides students with the opportunity to engage in the UN proceedings and will enrich the conversations at the highest level of climate change negotiations by ensuring that a diverse group of youth leaders are at the table. We have a responsibility to support young innovators and elevate their voices on the global stage. SES 2023 is not just a summit; it’s a platform for tangible change, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

SES 2023 key missions include:

Decent Jobs & Economic Development: SES will provide a platform for students to learn about career pathways in the energy sector, gain new industry-relevant skills during workshops and upskilling sessions, and connect with potential employers and mentors/experts from the global energy industry.
Scaling Solutions through Youth Innovation: SES 2023 will unlock an ecosystem of youth-led enterprises by delivering Innovation Jams. This initiative will provide business development training and small-scale seed funding for projects that meet Student Energy’s impact assessment framework.
COP28 & Inclusive Decision-Making: SES 2023 team is closely coordinating efforts with the 2023 COP28 Presidency team to synergize programming and themes, addressing significant barriers that prevent young people’s voices from being heard at decision-making roundtables.

The Bezos Earth Fund, founded by Jeff Bezos, is the largest philanthropic commitment ever to fight climate change and protect nature. The fund supports organizations and efforts working on innovative solutions to climate change, aiming to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. The Bezos Earth Fund works with others to monitor 50 key transitions required in this decisive decade, driving systems change across climate, biodiversity, and human development.