Business
Gotocourse Launches GMIND AI 2.0 To Make AI More Accessible, Inclusive
BY: ADEOLA OGUNLADE.
Gotocourse, a prominent digital learning platform, has reached a significant milestone with the launch of GMIND AI 2.0. This state-of-the-art, AI-powered solution aims to make Artificial Intelligence more accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly. GMIND AI 2.0 is designed to assist educators, writers, and creatives in creating engaging and impactful learning experiences.
Dr. Success Ojo, Founder and CEO of Gotocourse, announced the launch at the grand opening of GMIND AI 2.0, held at Gotocourse Digital Literacy in Ibadan, themed “GMIND 2.0: Revolutionizing AI Accessibility.”
Ojo emphasized that GMIND AI 2.0 aims to bridge the AI divide and empower everyone to harness the power of AI. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, intuitive, and accessible to all.
Ojo highlighted that GMIND is not just a tool but a virtual assistant that helps teachers with curriculum and content generation, saving time and boosting productivity. GMIND AI 2.0 features an enhanced user interface, expanded AI capabilities, improved digital literacy resources, and a hub of notable AI tools, with a focus on inclusivity and equal access.
“Through user interactions and feedback, Gotocourse identified the need to enhance the platform’s features and capabilities, leading to the development of GMIND AI 2.0. The outreach team has trained over 30,000 individuals on AI and responsible use, with a goal to train 100,000 by the end of 2024″, she said.
The Founder and CEO of Cherithpoint Education and Youth Development Initiative, Mrs Olajumoke Akere praised Gotocourse’s achievement, highlighting GMIND AI 2.0’s potential to transform the way we create, innovate, and envision the future.
Co-Founder of Gotocourse, Dr. Oluseye Ojo, identified factors that might leave people behind in the age of AI, including lack of digital literacy and insufficient education.
He emphasized the need for inclusive AI design, digital literacy programs, and responsible AI development to address these challenges.
‘GMIND AI 2.0 is built on these strategies, aiming to resolve the AI divide in Nigeria”. he said.
Ojo appealed to the government to invest in infrastructure enabling access to the internet and computers, especially in hard-to-reach communities across Nigeria.
‘The launch of GMIND AI 2.0 marks a significant milestone in making AI more accessible and inclusive, empowering educators, writers, and creatives to create engaging and effective learning experiences’, he said.
Access Bank Plc, a leading global financial institution based in Nigeria, has taken a significant step towards expanding its services across Africa by securing a provisional license from the Bank of Namibia to establish a commercial bank in Namibia. The announcement was made by Olakunle Aderinokun, Head of Media Relations at Access Holdings Plc. Commenting on this development, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, expressed optimism about the expansion and its impact on the bank’s seamless banking services across the continent.
“This expansion represents an important milestone towards establishing a railroad in Namibia for intra-African trade within the Southern African region, Africa, and the rest of the world. It cements our commitment to building a robust Southern African banking network to deliver shared prosperity and advance financial inclusion thereby empowering many to achieve their dreams.
“Our entry into the Namibian market also represents a pivotal step in our broader ambition to build a strong global franchise and will unlock new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. We look forward to partnering with local stakeholders to drive innovation, empower communities, and contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of the region.
We remain confident that our investments towards diversifying and strengthening the Bank’s long-term earnings profile will deliver significant value to our shareholders, customers, and wider stakeholder groups”
Access Bank’s operations in Namibia is expected to stimulate the local economy and strengthen its position as a leading regional player. With existing operations in Southern Africa, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia, the Bank is well-positioned to offer stakeholders seamless access to diverse opportunities for expansion and collaboration across the region.
The Bank will be working in the coming months to fulfil the conditions precedent to the grant of final licence and will keep the market informed.
Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) operates through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets, spanning three continents, 23 countries and over 60 million customers. The Company serves its various markets through four subsidiaries across the banking, payment, pension administration and insurance sectors through four operating companies, viz: Access Bank Plc, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, Access Pensions Limited and Access Insurance Brokers Limited.
The bank serves its various markets through four business segments, Retail Business, Commercial and Corporate, and has enjoyed what is Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last twenty years. Following its merger with Diamond Bank in March 2019, Access Bank Plc became one of Africa’s largest retail banks by customer base and the Nigeria’s largest bank by total assets.
Hydrogen, the payment company, leverages the strong suite of the Bank’s existing assets and customer base, creating a super fintech that will be Africa’s most powerful business services network. Hydrogen being a company of African heritage has a clear understanding of the unique payment challenges across the continent and is positioned to address these challenges with its offerings. Its range of products and services, such as InstantPay, Payment gateway, POS services, Card and Switch processing are gaining traction in the marketplace and addressing the unique needs of customers.
Access ARM Pensions Limited, formerly Access Pensions Limited, is one of Nigeria’s largest Pension Funds Administrator (‘PFA’) by customer base and Assets Under Management, with nearly ₦3 trillion in assets under management and serving over 2 million Retirement Savings Account holders.
Access ARM Pensions Limited is the product of several separate entities. The erstwhile Access Pensions Limited first became a subsidiary of Access Holdings following the acquisitions of the former First Guarantee Pension Limited and Sigma Pensions Limited and their subsequent merger. Subsequently, Access Pensions Limited merged with ARM Pensions Managers Limited to then form Access ARM Pensions Limited. As one of Nigeria’s leading PFAs, Access ARM Pensions Limited will leverage key relationships and Access’ growing ecosystem across Africa to unlock greater opportunities for customers.
Access Insurance Brokers Limited is a company licensed by the National Insurance Commission that provides intelligent solutions that mitigate the unique risks faced by individuals and business in an ever-changing world using leading risk management tools and governance standards.
Access Holdings Plc strives to invest in businesses that are committed to sustainable practices and have a positive impact on the environment.
Business
Access Bank Strengthens Women Empowerment Effort In Southern Africa, Relaunches W Initiative In Zambia And Botswana
One of Africa’s leading banks, Access Bank Plc has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing women’s empowerment across Southern Africa with the relaunch of its ‘W’ Initiative in Zambia and Botswana. The ‘W’ Initiative, which provides a wide array of financial services and support programs specifically designed for women, is a key component of Access Bank’s broader strategy to drive financial inclusion and foster socio-economic growth in the region.
The revamped ‘W’ Initiative aims to provide financial services for women by offering customised solutions such as savings and investment products, business loans, and mentorship programs. In addition to these services, the initiative also promotes financial literacy and provides opportunities for professional growth. During the event in Zambia, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, highlighted the importance of initiatives like these for empowering women.
“Empowering women is a cornerstone of Access Bank’s mission to drive economic growth across Africa. Through the ‘W’ Initiative, we aim to provide tailored financial solutions while also fostering environments that encourage women to thrive in all areas of life – whether as business owners, professionals, or leaders in their communities,” she said.
L-R: Helen Lunda, Executive Director, Public Sector and Corporate Banking, Access Bank Zambia; Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc; Vice President of Zambia, W.K. Mutala Nalumango; Lishala Situmbeko, Country Managing Director, Access Bank Zambia, and Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head, Women Banking, Access Bank Plc during the visit of Access Bank to the Vice President in Lusaka, Zambia… recently.
Okoli held discussions with key stakeholders, including Vice President of Zambia, Mrs. W.K. Mutala Nalumango, to explore strategies for creating an enabling environment for Zambian women. Access Bank Zambia also pledged a donation of K500,000 towards nutritional programs in the Vice President’s office, further demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to community welfare.
Nalumango highlighted the vital role women play in the nation’s economic development. “It is crucial for women to recognise the value they bring to the table and to be vocal about their accomplishments,” she stated. She also emphasised the importance of self-promotion and self-advocacy, particularly for women and girls, while commending Access Bank’s efforts to support women through initiatives like the ‘W’ Initiative.
ALSO EAD: Access Bank Take’s Over Bancabc Tanzania, Now To Operate As Access Bank Tanzania Limited
Meanwhile, in Botswana, Access Bank’s relaunched ‘W’ Initiative set a new benchmark for women’s financial empowerment in the country. Sheperd Aisam, Managing Director of Access Bank Botswana, described the Initiative as a “transformative platform” offering tailored financial products and services that cater to the unique needs of women. The initiative in Botswana will introduce solutions such as vacation, health, and educational loans, as well as high-interest savings accounts designed for long-term wealth building.
“We are proud to launch the ‘W’ Initiative in Botswana, which is designed not only to provide financial products but also to equip women with the tools, resources, and networks they need to achieve personal and professional success,” said Aisam. “Access Bank is committed to inspiring and empowering women across all sectors of society.”
Over the past 17 years, Access Bank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, expending over N338.6 billion in financing for over 3.6 million women. The ‘W’ Health Loan, the new umbrella product for all health loans available under the W Initiative comes in 3 variants. One of these variants is the Maternal Health Service Support (MHSS) – a flagship product designed to provide discounted financing for fertility procedures, natal support and specialized procedures peculiar to women.
The MHSS, which is currently present in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Mozambique and Zambia, is positioned to help women and families overcome barriers to good health and wellbeing. Often referred to as the ‘baby making product’, the MHSS is a premier product in Africa which has impacted over 160 women and families with access to finance on various health procedures worth N245.5 million as well as birthed 104 babies through the discounted health financing scheme. The 2 additional health loan variants cover medical emergencies and cancer treatments.
Running in 12 countries across Africa, the ‘W’ Initiative stands as a testament to Access Bank’s broader commitment to women’s empowerment across Africa, ensuring that more women can access financial opportunities that propel them towards success.
Access Bank PLC (“Access Bank”) has successfully satisfied all legal and regulatory requirements to complete its acquisition of African Banking Corporation (Tanzania) Limited (“BancABC Tanzania” or “BancABC”). With the acquisition now finalised, the entity in Tanzania will operate under the name Access Bank Tanzania Limited, further consolidating Access Bank’s presence in the East African region.
This milestone also builds on Access Bank’s recent acquisition of the consumer, private, and business banking operations of Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania. The newly formed Access Bank Tanzania will leverage its inherent strength and that of its parent company, Access Bank Plc, to offer a comprehensive suite of financial solutions aimed at fostering economic growth in Tanzania.
L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Tanzania, Hassan Abdullahi; Team Member, Financial Control, Access Bank Ghana, Henrietta Agyemang; Country Managing Director, Access Bank Tanzania, Imani John; Team Member, Subsidiaries, Access Bank Plc, Eloho Onoberhie, and Chief Operating Officer, Access Bank Tanzania, Olajumoke Oluwakemi Ajayi, at the event to mark Access Bank Tanzania’s ‘Operational Day 1’ in Dar-es-salaam on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Commenting on this significant milestone, Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank Plc, stated:
“This milestone represents a crucial step in our East African growth strategy, reinforcing our commitment to Tanzania’s economic development. By integrating BancABC Tanzania into the Access Bank Group, we will enhance our ability to provide diverse and innovative financial solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our goal is to facilitate greater inter- and intra-African trade, while empowering local communities, especially women and youth, through improved access to banking services and financial opportunities.”
John Imani, Managing Director of Access Bank Tanzania, also shared his perspective, saying, “We are excited to officially become part of the Access Bank family. This marks a new era for our operations as we bring together the best of both institutions to create a stronger and more competitive bank that will serve the needs of our customers. Our shared commitment to delivering excellent service and driving financial inclusion will guide us as we integrate and grow in Tanzania.”
With the conclusion of the acquisition, Access Bank Tanzania customers will benefit from banking with an institution possessing a world-class class payments gateway and supported by a dynamic ecosystem of local and international partnerships. Furthermore, Access Bank’s international expansion and its deepened presence in key trading corridors across Africa, enables it to bridge the gap between cross-border and domestic transfers across all business segments while servicing global payments and remittances efficiently.
Access Bank is committed to making a lasting, positive impact to the communities we serve. The Bank brings its proven track record of positively impacting communities and the environment from across the countries in which it operates to the forefront of its Tanzanian operations, ensuring that its growth supports not only economic progress but also environmental preservation and community development. Through these efforts and more, Access Bank Tanzania will contribute to creating a more sustainable future for the nation.