Kwesi Hayford

Watch the latest news in Africa’s tech space this week here.

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Elevating Esports to New Heights: Genisus Extreme At Genisus Extreme, we're on a mission to empower the global gaming community and propel African esports onto the international stage. With a vision of redefining excellence, we offer a comprehensive suite of world-class services: 🎮Events: From customized activations to end-to-end event management, we create unforgettable online and physical experiences. 📺 Broadcasting & Production: Witness the thrill of top esports tournaments through our high-quality live broadcasting, directing, match scheduling, and talent management. 🏆 Tournament Management: Let us handle every aspect of creating and managing your esports tournaments, from ruleset creation to player/media management. 🎥 Asset & Content Production: Engage your audience with professional broadcast assets, social media content, videography, and more. ⭐ Access to Esports Teams: Join the world of sports teams with our expertise in player management, structured team building, PR training, and competing at the top international level. 🤝 Consulting & Partnerships: Tap into our expertise for strategic guidance on business development and growth in the esports industry. With core values of excellence, inclusivity, innovation, community, and global impact, we're committed to fostering a thriving esports ecosystem in South Africa and beyond. Join us as we showcase African talent, businesses, and innovation to the world. Together, we'll redefine what's possible in esports. #GenisusExtreme #GenisusRisk #Kaizen

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Empowering Africa's Digital Dream: Celebrating the Unsung Labour Force Behind Esports, Game Development, and Animation. Ayekoo!!! ( acclamation in Twi (Ghanaian language ) recognising successful work done!!. On International Labour Day, we salute by spotlighting the men and women behind the surging success and continuous development of esports in Africa. Game development and esports epitomise the realm of digital entertainment and creativity, and in Africa this industry is emerging as a vibrant hub of talent and innovation. It is commendable that esports, game development, and animation industries in African have steadily gained global recognition. Behind this surge lies a hardworking, dedicated and selfless labour force, often unseen but indispensable, driving these sectors towards unprecedented success and excellence. #esportsafricaconnect #esportsafricaengage #esportsafricanews #labourday #workforce #collaborations https://lnkd.in/dzWtppVf

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GHANA PROCLUBS SEASON 2 BEGINS As we gear up for another thrilling season, I want to highlight the opportunity for brands to tap into the growing esports movement in Ghana. By supporting esports initiatives like Ghana ProClubs, you can build brand affinity and contribute to the development of the gaming community. Investing in African esports means investing in the future of gamers and their families, providing hope for better livelihoods and a platform for passion to thrive. Ghana ProClubs is one of the most consistent and promising leagues in Ghana, offering a unique chance for your brand to connect with the esports community. Reach out to Gideon Acquaah for inquiries on how to get involved. #Esports #GhanaProClubs #BrandAffinity #CommunityDevelopment"

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FUNDING FOR ESPORTS IN AFRICA MUST BE DELIBERATE ACTION ON THE PART OF THE COLLECTIVE, PRIVATE, MULTINATIONALS, GOVERNMENT & CONTINENTAL STAKEHOLDERS. African Union African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat GIZ Ghana United Nations USAID IFC Africa

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Oluwaseyi K. Oni, General Counsel at KingMakers (BetKing), highlighted the crucial role of technology for operators in the gaming industry. Watch the full interview: https://lnkd.in/dNTtmN8p #Gaming #Betting #Sportsbetting #Casino #Casinonews #iGaming #Gambling #BetKing #iGamingAFRIKA

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Social media is not just about likes and shares; it's about building relationships, fostering communities, and creating meaningful connections that resonate with your audience. Contact me on +256703156488 | +256788654750 #TuNjeMedia #DigitalSuccess #SocialMediaMastery #WeMakeItHappen

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THE JOURNEY - TymWithCalebson I’ve always had a thing for streaming and hosting podcast. To make my dream come into reality, I decided to invest in my craft. I am the Founder and CEO of Ace Gamers(Ace Gamers Esports) Africa Mobile Championship and other high stake roles in the Africa esports community.  My industrious work with Esports Africa Tournament(Esports Africa Tournament) as tournament manager, and Esports Association Ghana(Esports Association, Ghana ) as call of duty mobile community lead. These skill set gave me the opportunity to work with one of the prestigious gaming studios in Africa ie Leti Arts(Leti Arts). As their Community Manager. I’ve had the opportunity to meet great personalities in the scene. This also gave me so much exposure and experience. I had much to put into the Edtech and Experiential leads with schools. TymWithCalebson, which I started February 2024 is to engage with gaming audiences and enthusiasts and help educate the community and people who do not understand the various paths in Esports. With good relationships with other stakeholders, I got motivated to invest more into it. Because I heavily invested into my esports teams across Africa. Just as I planned to put up a streaming setup, my rent was due. This affected my financial plans and ability to do what I had planned.  As though that wasn’t enough, my mum passed away. The heavy burden as an adult caused chills in my spine…. I had lots of encouragement from Eyram(Eyram Tawia) & other close friends. It honestly felt like my world was falling apart. One night after work, I prayed and thanked God for my life, but told the big man I’m tired and frustrated of this life. Nothing seems to be going my way. My doubts became stronger. At midnight after ranting bitterly, I had a text from a long-lost friend I had a good partnership with in web3.  “Calebson, God said I should help you. I know it’s been almost 8 months we texted. Tell me what you want to do.” I thought it was a dream, so I woke up from bed to use the washroom. Because urinating in dreams is one of the realistic things. Well, it happened I wasn’t in dreamland. I told him I want to build a setup for TymWithCalebson. To anyone reading this, when you see me saying “it’s TymWithCalebson!” Just know, good relationship with people comes a long way to solve our problems.  Good relationships, got my boss Eyram to advice and encourage me. It got me speaking to God. We do not have to let go of our big man (God). He’s with us through it all….. I look forward to having a lot of good relationships with industry players and also have you all on my show.  Let’s collaborate and partner for more esports contents and events. “I’m Calino Calebson and it’s TymWithCalebson!” 🤗🤗🤗 Kwesi Hayford Christopher Turner Gabriel Atsu Sikanku Bsc,LLM,MCIArb Prince Kingsley Afedo Maximus Ametorgoh Bukola Akingbade Kofi Apraku

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Digital transformation is here, and it's changing the game for African media. From stunning visuals to immersive stories, the future is bright and brimming with possibilities! ​ How are digital tools reshaping your media experience? Let us know! ​ #whatmediagroup #digitaltransformation #africanentertainment

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Recently, 8thGear Hub & Venture Studio, under the leadership of Damilola Obidairo, EMBA, CAPM, organized an orientation session for Cohort 2 of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF)/Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Employability training program, marking the organization's 5th anniversary. The theme, "Unlocking the Future: Positioning in the New World of AI," set the tone for insightful discussions with guest speakers: Ifeoluwa Mobolaji Olawoye, Esther O. and Segun Mustafa. Key takeaways from the event include: Venturing into Tech: Emphasizing the importance of determination, focus, and thorough research as fundamental elements when pursuing a career in technology. Age Limit: Acknowledging that while there's no specific age limit in tech, it's noted that assimilation may become more challenging with age due to increased responsibilities. Qualifications: Highlighting the significance of building a track record to showcase passion, particularly to high-tech companies, although there's no strict qualification for entering the field. Gateway to Tech: Recognizing the vastness of the tech industry, attendees were encouraged to excel in their chosen field and explore various avenues as they progress towards mastery. Other noteworthy points discussed include the importance of mentorship, community engagement, collaboration, and prioritizing tech endeavors over "side hustles." The necessity of timely project execution due to the rapidly evolving landscape was also emphasized, with a reminder of the benefits of leveraging AI to streamline tasks. The presence of delegates from the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and Shuttlers added further significance to the event. Despite being a beneficiary of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF)/Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) scholarship, I actively participated and documented the proceedings through still pictures, demonstrating my commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the tech industry.

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Just had the first interest call with AfriBlocks a community of freelancers and founders that are elevating the budding African tech nation. Tech is the greatest equalizer and between AI/Web 3 and remote first founders, the sky is the limit on what one can build. This is also a two way community. They reached out for their founder feature, but this also establishes an amazing partnership, where I can get the talent I need, from a continent that is seeming to leapfrog through this new AI revolution, bringing abundance where its deserved. Excited to build and deepen this relationship. Here is a nugget from their founder..a payments genius..Tongayi Choto 🥁 Fight the urge to build in silence. There is often that personal reason to build in silence ( you know something you make money from that could benefit others, but you don't want people around you to know you make from it) this is a poor mindset that limits growth and expansion. 🥁 When you meet person(s) who are interested in what you do, they do not necessarily need to be in the same career space with you; keep in touch and ensure they get updates on what you do. Soon they will reach out if they need your services. 🥁 Ensure people in your contact, and social and business cycle know what you do. It is easy to get referrals and recommendations from there. Well said! Looking forward to the relationship here. #technations #africa

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Throwback to #Gamathon 2023 coverage by ARISE News . When the Gamathon started in 2020, we didn't have everything figured out, nor did we know how important the structure we were setting up was going to be for the African Video games industry. The vision was clear either ways, create a connected ecosystem that can support the exchange of ideas, values , resources and opportunities for the growth of the African Video Games Industry. Over the years, we experienced tremendous growth. Through the jams, exchange programs, meetups, event showcases, pitch competitions, fellowships, convention and partnerships, we've created a bridge for stakeholders to be seen and connected. It's been a labor of love and the compounding wins coupled with the growth of the sector have been rewarding. I've had the opportunity to review the plans set out for this year's convention and I'm really excited at how we will be doing things differently this year🤓🎉. Special thanks ❣️ to all our partners , supporters : Temi Afolabi Xbox Game Studios Publishing , Hugo Obi Maliyo Games , IndieGameBusiness® , Fedor van Herpen MeetToMatch , LG Electronics Business Solutions West Africa , Teddy KOSSOKO Gara , AFRICA GAMES WEEK , Alliance Française Lagos , GDBAY , Technext , Student Paddy , MaxWryte , Banwo & Ighodalo , Adewale Abdulkabir ,Oluwatosin Ogunyebi , Nimat Asunogie , Edu Shola Deluxe Creation Studios , Obinna Akpen , The Nest Innovation Technology Park Ltd , Wendi Ndaki , Martin E. , Rahma Seleman Jumanne , Louis Whyte Jonah Gameverse Africa , Abdulaziz Akanbi , Awodi Abdulmujeeb Ayomide 👓 , Emmanuel Echoga , Ibrahima MOUNKORO , Adefiyinfoluwa Adeniji , Folakemi Oladimeji - GNIM, PHRi™ , Lucky Mark , Ikenna Bede and many more ♥️♥️♥️ Gamathon 24 returns this September 30 - October 5, 2024, once more as a hybrid event, with physical activities in Lagos, Nigeria. You can go through the recap herehttps://lnkd.in/dW-Cz4CW Watch out for announcements from Africacomicade for this year's schedule 😎 #Africagamesindustry #gamesindustry #africa

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🌐 CONNECTION ESTABLISHED 🌐 Let’s talk about the many ways to network at Africa Games Week: 🎮 Games Exhibition Walk the event floor and in a matter of seconds you can be play-testing a game and chatting with the developers who crafted it. Get feedback on your own games, share learnings with fellow game developers and perhaps get together a crew to grab dinner nearby after the event. The exhibit floor is where the plentiful connections are forged and plans made. ☕️ Mixers and networking opportunities There’s always a chance to attend a mixer hosted by one of our partners or even introduce yourself to someone over the lunches provided at the event. Keep an eye on our social pages and you will be sure to hear about these developments. 👥 B2B Matchmaking If you are attending Africa Games Week, then we 100% recommend you carve out time in your calendar to meet with industry professionals from all spheres. Attendees with a VIP pass will experience B2B matchmaking handled by our team, to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time with the right people. Included in the VIP pass is access to VIP Day, which is full of opportunities to chat with fellow gaming industry inhabitants whether on a tour of Cape Town or sipping wine at a stunning vineyard. We received valuable feedback from attendees of #africagamesweek2023 and have very exciting improvements to the networking experience to reveal for #africagamesweek2024

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📢 Join Us for the Virtually Safe Debate Competition Stage 2! 🗣️💬 Online betting has become a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with many young people falling prey to its allure. The ease of access through smartphones and the internet has made it simple for minors to participate in gambling activities, often without the knowledge or consent of their parents. The consequences of underage gambling can be severe, leading to addiction, financial loss, and adverse impacts on mental health. Key Issues to Discuss: Parental Responsibility: How can parents better monitor and control their children's online activities? What tools and strategies are available to help them? Corporate Responsibility: What measures should betting companies take to prevent underage access to their platforms? Are current regulations sufficient? This debate competition aims to explore these critical questions, offering a platform for young voices to present their views and propose solutions. Don't miss out on this enlightening event! Join us and be part of the solution to ensure a safer online environment for our youth. Click to RSVP : https://lnkd.in/dUgTqmF9 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 29th June 2024 ⏰ Time: 6 PM WAT For more details, visit www.virtuallysafe.org. Find resources on online safety: www.africaonlinesafety.com #VirtuallySafe #AfricaOnlineSafetyPlatform #DebateCompetition #YouthEmpowerment #Nigeria #OnlineBetting #ResponsibleGambling #SocialImpact #DigitalWellbeing

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In recent years, the landscape of television and media consumption in Africa has undergone a significant transformation. With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing accessibility of high-speed internet, CTV has emerged as a promising frontier in the African media industry. As we navigate through this digital revolution, it's crucial to explore the vast opportunities that CTV adoption presents in key African markets. Africa's diverse and dynamic population, coupled with its expanding middle class and urbanization, has fueled a growing demand for quality entertainment and information. Traditional television viewership is evolving, with audiences seeking greater flexibility, choice, and interactivity in their viewing experience. This shift in consumer behavior has paved the way for the rise of Connected TV. The opportunities for Connected TV adoption in key African TV/Media markets are immense, with the potential to reshape the way content is consumed, produced, and monetized across the continent. By leveraging the power of technology, collaboration, and innovation, stakeholders in the African media industry can unlock new avenues for growth and prosperity. As we embrace the digital future, let us work together to harness the transformative potential of Connected TV for the benefit of African audiences and content creators alike. #CTV #MediaInAfrica #CTVPenetration #StreamingInAfrica https://lnkd.in/dPRRsA6M

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Great news. The Nigeria project by Creative Industries Initiative For Africa (CIIFA) and Google is launching its second cohort to train 8,000 young Nigerians in creative industry skills. Get essential training and mentorship in fields like music, animation, and more. Read the full story and apply here: https://lnkd.in/ezzFr97E #EngageNigeria #CreativeSkills #YouthEmpowerment #CIIFA #Google

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Gaming affiliates promote gaming platforms and services, earning commissions based on the traffic or customers they bring to these sites. The world of gaming affiliates is an intriguing blend of digital marketing and the fast growing gaming industry. Dear player, in this episode we highlight five pros and cons of gaming affiliates. #SLECAfrica #DearPlayer #SportsBetting #Lottery #Egaming #Casino #Africa #GamingAffiliates #StayInformed #ResponsibleGaming #GamblingInAfrica #GamingCommunity

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𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐈, 𝐗𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐁𝐨𝐱 𝐖𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐗 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒’𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐣𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 Despite Nigeria’s booming tech ecosystem, startups in the country’s northern region struggle to scale due to limited access to funding and visibility.

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