Përshëndetje,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- 5G fever hits Ghana
- Why your coworker might not exist
- Banking blackout hits this weekend
5G fever hits Ghana
Five months after Ghana announced its plans, the country is all set to launch 5G services on November 1, 2024.
This is a significant step for Ghana, as it aims to become fully digital by 2030, providing fast and affordable mobile broadband to everyone, no matter where they are.
This rollout is made possible through a collaboration between the government and tech giants like Ascend Digital, K-NET, Nokia, Radisys, and Tech Mahindra, all working to build a solid digital infrastructure in the country.
As the launch date approaches, there’s a buzz about how 5G could transform daily life and open up new opportunities across various sectors in Ghana. But here’s a thought—are they a bit late to the game?
When you look at 5G adoption in Africa, it’s been a mixed bag. Some countries like South Africa and Kenya, have been quick to roll out 5G services, while others are still catching up.
The adoption has been slower in many regions due to factors like infrastructure challenges, regulatory hurdles, and the high costs associated with deploying new technology.
However, as more countries recognise the potential of 5G, we’re likely to see a faster rollout in the coming years!
Why your coworker might not exist
Have you ever wondered why so many companies are pushing for employees to return to the office?
Amazon, for example, is calling its workers back for five days a week starting January 2025. And they’re not the only ones—big names like JPMorgan, Apple, Citigroup, and Disney are doing the same.
Sure, they claim it’s all about boosting productivity and creativity, but there’s a bigger reason that isn’t getting much attention: fake employees.
Yep, you heard right — fake employees! And we’re not just talking about people slacking off remotely or juggling two jobs. We’re talking about people who don’t even exist or, in some cases, actual employees outsourcing their tasks to third parties without anyone knowing. There are even instances where entire teams of phantom workers have been hired.
One of the most shocking cases? A threat intelligence firm, Mandiant, uncovered North Korean IT workers posing as non-North Korean nationals to land jobs at U.S. companies. These fake employees weren’t just earning a paycheck—they were planting backdoors and altering code to conduct espionage.
This whole thing is becoming a serious problem, especially with remote hiring. In the rush to fill positions, recruiters sometimes skip important vetting steps, assuming everything is fine because it’s a remote role. From fake identities to people using deepfakes for video interviews, it’s getting easier for fraudsters to sneak in.
Curious about how companies are dealing with this rising threat? For all the details, check out Oluwanifemi’s latest article — it’s a must-read!
Banking blackout hits this weekend
GTBank is gearing up for a temporary service disruption as it transitions to a new core banking application system.
Starting on Friday, October 11, 2024, they’ll be upgrading to the Finacle Core Banking suite, which aims to enhance service delivery and improve customer experience.
This upgrade is expected to wrap up by Monday, October 14, and it will impact both in-branch services and digital banking. While digital banking services like transfers, bill payments, and airtime purchases will still be available, some functionalities will be limited for about 11 hours — from 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, to 9:00 a.m. the next day.
The bank has reassured its customers that this transition is all about enhancing the quality of customer interactions by tapping into advanced technology.
Customers are encouraged to plan their transactions in advance to avoid any hassle during the shutdown. GTBank has advised everyone to steer clear of banking activities between Friday afternoon and Monday morning to prevent any disruptions. They also promised to keep customers in the loop throughout the entire process.
GTBank isn’t the only Nigerian bank making these moves. Access Bank announced its core banking system upgrade for Saturday, October 12, while other banks like Zenith and Sterling have also been on a mission to upgrade their systems this year.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is reportedly backing this shift, pushing for a more robust banking infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of modern banking.
In case you missed them
- South African Revenue Service mulls adding crypto assets to compliance programmes
- Nigeria introduces ‘convert now, pay later’ for CNG vehicle conversion
- Bpifrance launches in Egypt to strengthen venture capital ties with North Africa
What I’m watching
- 2023 The Great Debate! Dean Ogle destroys Greg Locke in Biblical Cosmology Pt.1
Opportunities
- Briter Bridges is hiring for several roles in Nigeria, Kenya, and London. Apply here.
- Piggytech is recruiting a Senior Risk and Compliance Executive. Apply here.
- Kuda is looking for a Product Manager. Apply here.
- Quidax is hiring a Head of Growth and Partnerships. Apply here.
- Kuda is hiring a Senior IOS Engineer. Apply here.
- Meta is hiring software engineers here.
- Follow Techpoint Africa’s WhatsApp channel to stay on top of the latest trends and news in the African tech space here.
Have a terrific Thursday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
