A masterclass on digital innovation and cybersecurity was held recently, featuring a panel discussion with industry experts on the theme "Empowering Entrepreneurs in Tech and Agriculture." Madam Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness.
Ms. Hanson-Kotei provided pointers on cyber hygiene, advising individuals to have good password practices, such as using unique and complex passwords, changing them often, and not sharing them with anyone. She also recommended using password managers to securely store and generate strong passwords. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of multi-factor authentication, cautioned against using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, and advised against oversharing personal information on social media.
"Early detection is key," she said. "Let's all take our check-ups seriously and prioritize our health." Ms. Hanson-Kotei highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity measures, including employee awareness and education.
During the panel discussion, Dr. Stephane Nwolley, CEO of Npontu Technologies, discussed the transformative power of digital technology in various sectors. "If there is technology that has the right impact in our lives, then we are talking about the role of technology in our respective lives," he said. He cited examples of mobile health services and telemedicine, which have improved healthcare outcomes.
Daniel Asare-Kyei, CEO of Esoko, shared his experience of using digital technology to empower farmers. "We started with a simple market SMS service to allow farmers to know the price of commodities across the country," he said. "Today, we have covered 50 local areas in Ghana, and more than 2 million farmers across 20 countries are leveraging our simple SMS, voice services to improve their productivity."
Ethel Cofie, CEO of EDEL Technology, emphasized the importance of understanding the target audience when building technology solutions. "You must understand who you are building for," she said. "The context, behavior, and needs of the end-user are crucial in developing effective solutions." She shared an experience working with the Gates Foundation to provide information to pregnant women in rural areas, highlighting the need to adapt to the local context and understand the users' behavior.
The masterclass also featured a breakout session where attendees met with panelists to discuss ways to empower entrepreneurs in tech and agriculture. The session aimed to build data-driven, collaborative agri-ecosystems for businesses and innovators.
The masterclass highlighted how leveraging technology and promoting cybersecurity awareness, entrepreneurs and businesses can unlock new opportunities and improve their productivity and competitiveness.
