The Next Big Thing: Cryptocurrency or Renewable Energy?

Cryptocurrency is creating a wave across the world. If you had invested a thousand dollars in bitcoin in 2011, it would have appreciated 15.6 million dollars in April 2021. It would be an unbelievable feat in the world of business.

Before the rise of cryptocurrencies, the world has been awaiting a transition from petroleum energy to renewable energy, automotive batteries precisely; and it’s here already.

The World Economic Forum announced recently that China has joined a list of nations that will ban old-style fossil fuel vehicles by 2035. Soon, the world will become a battery sustained society.

The transition is necessary because the emission by diesel cars are no more bearable. Therefore, this is an industry that cannot just be overlooked.

Meanwhile, cryptocurrencies have grown from just a concept to worldwide success in the short space of a decade.

The industry has been growing rapidly over the last five years. In fact, Tesla, the biggest player in the industry grew by 720% in 202. It’s an industry with great potential, but why not invest in cryptocurrencies?

Experts have predicted that cryptocurrencies will be the centre of finance and eCommerce in a matter of a few years.

In fact, a few companies like Tesla already trade their products for cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. It seems like where the world is going. But is crypto really the next big thing or a bubble that would burst anytime soon?

But why cryptocurrencies?

The subject of cryptocurrencies has lighted a very controversial spark in the last few years especially since its astronomical rise in 2017 followed by its unpredictable downfall. Unlike fiat money, no entity holds total control of the value of a cryptocurrency.

In contrast, it is largely influenced by its users via the internet. They are digital currencies that can be used to pay for goods and services but most people view them as investment objects.

Its decentralization and the presence of blockchain, an online ledger that records transactions in code make the disruption of hackers impossible.

Of course, cryptocurrencies are one of the most volatile investments and though it is the future, it does not take the risk out of the equation. Nevertheless, a deep and closer look could mean juicy returns.

An unmined gold reserve.

According to Mordor intelligence.com, the automotive battery industry is valued at 43 billion dollars in 202 and is expected to hit 59 billion dollars by 2026. Nonetheless, there is still a large pile of unmined gold in this industry. Recently, the industry’s growth has been enormous and there is enough room for competition.

No doubt, the world will transition from diesel cars to electric cars and anyone about to take a big leap into this industry has a large goldmine to reap, although the industry giants like Tesla have already conquered a lot.

A large number of cars in the market have still not been made electric. Of course like every other investment, it comes with its own great risk but we cannot deny it in the future.

You can also read : NAFDAC introduces Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System

If the rise of cryptocurrencies and automotive batteries have been astronomical, then one might say that investing now is already late. Of course, it is a bit late, but not too late. There is still a large portion of the world to conquer and shortly, they will significantly transform human existence.

So where should invest in?

The answer is both yes and no and it depends largely on your financial goals. Cryptocurrencies are more volatile while energy companies are more stable. They have both produced successful multimillionaires and billionaires. Of course, they both have great risks, but a closer look and a bold leap could mean a life-changing encounter

 

 

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British Council Story Making West Africa Workshop,2018

Deadline: 21st February,2018

 

British Council in collaboration with the African Storybook Initiative invites writers and illustrators to participate in a residential workshop for the production of mother-tongue based multilingual storybooks. The workshop is a component of the broader Story Making West Africa project which aims to promote the arts, education and mother-tongue based multilingual education in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Workshop Output 1: Up to 20 draft story manuscripts with ten manuscripts selected for publishing. Each manuscript will consist of 12-page stories in at least two languages (an indigenous African language and English).

Workshop Output 2: Illustrators draw and colour five sets of illustrations (that is, five story manuscripts).

WORKSHOP DETAILS

The 5-day workshop will bring together participants in Abuja, Nigeria from 12 to 16 March 2018 from Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Ghana and will be facilitated by trainers from the African Storybook initiative. The workshop will be fully funded by the British Council inclusive of travel, accommodation and a small stipend as per diems.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated against the following criteria:

Story Writers

Please complete the online application formwith your details and a statement of motivation describing how you meet these criteria:

  • Can write (speak and read) competently in 2 (or more) languages: an indigenous African language and English. Writers of the following languages are strongly encouraged to apply: Pidgin, Ashanti Twi, Ga, Krio, Mende, Themne, Limba, Pulaar, Wolof, Kanuri, Fulfulde, Ijaw or Igbo; other languages will be considered. A competent writer pays attention to these aspects of written language: style and clarity of expression, vocabulary choices, creative and imaginative language use, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Have at least 2 years of experience as a language or literacy educator – e.g. teacher, librarian, lecturer (or other relevant educational work with young children and/or language teaching). It will be an advantage if you have a degree or diploma in one of the following areas: Education, Language / Literature, or Transl
  • Have computer literacy skills – are comfortable typing on a keyboard (standard or most accepted orthography of the language) and using Microsoft Word (or other word processing program).
  • Have not previously published a storybook for children
  • Have an original idea for a story or a character or know a traditional indigenous story.
  • Allow your work to be released under a Creative Commons Attributions Licensewhich allows your work to be used  freely by others.
  • Would like to work with other participants to develop, write and translate openly licensed stories.

Application:

Interested writers and illustrators must be a resident of any West Africa country living and working in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal or Sierra Leone; and are required to complete the online application meeting the criteria above using this link https://goo.gl/T8eFfa  by midnight 21 February 2018

Please note:

Only successful applicants will be contacted by 1st March 2018

Selected participants must be available to travel for the workshop from 11th to 17th March 2018 and must be able to get a short term insurance to cover their stay in Nigeria

Illustrators will be expected to attend the workshop with a laptop installed with their preferred illustration software

Visit  https://www.britishcouncil.org.ng/call-participation-–-story-making-west-africa-workshop for more details

 

 

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APPLY TO BE QUEEN’S YOUNG LEADERS MENTOR IN 2018

 

Personal mentors commit to a one-to-one mentoring relationship with a Queen’s Young Leader award winner – sharing advice, experience and networks.

 
Advisory mentors help Queen’s Young Leaders tackle specific issues, as and when their skills and expertise are required.

Our mentors have described mentoring Queen’s Young Leaders as “inspiring”, “an honour” a “great privilege and learning experience” and “an experience filled with hope, aspiration, and love .

Application:

Click here to Apply

 

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University of Nottingham Achiever Foundation Prize for Africa (Engineering and Physical Sciences)

Deadline: 29 June 2018 

 

The University of Nottingham is consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities* and is ranked 8th in the UK for research power**.

In 2018, the university is offering 5 scholarships of £2,000 each towards tuition fees to students from Africa***, registering on its Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate.

Eligibility

You can apply for this high achiever prize if you:

  • are a national of (or permanently domiciled in) an African country*** AND
  • are classed as an overseas student for fee purposes AND
  • already hold an offer to start on the Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate at Nottingham in September 2018. You must have gone firm on that offer by 29 June 2018
  • Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application within six weeks of the closing date
  • Students will only be eligible to receive this high achiever prize if they meet the conditions of their academic offer
  • The high achiever prize is for the first year only

***Three of these scholarships will be reserved for students from Kenya or Nigeria

Application

 

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NLNG: The Literary Criticism 2018 Award for N1,000,000

Deadline: 29th March, 2018.

The Literary Criticism Award yearly prize is endowed by Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited to honour the author of the best work. To encourage literary criticism, the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Literature will reward one critic with the sum of N1,000,000.00

Submission Procedure

  • Since the aim is to promote Nigerian literature in the world, the prize will be open to literary critics from all over the world. Special considerations shall be given to critical essays on new writings in Nigerian Literature.
  • Contestants shall send in three critical essays published in major scholarly journals. Such journals shall have a proven track record of dedication to excellence and must have international circulation.
  • No critical essay previously submitted for this competition may be considered at a later date, even if major revisions of it have been made.
  • Mere manuscripts will not be considered. Entries not submitted by the deadline and according to stated conditions shall not be considered.
  • Only entries published in the year of the competition or within three years before then shall be considered.
  • No member of the Advisory Board or Panel of Judges can enter their essay(s) for the literary criticism award in the year they are serving.

Announcement and Public Presentation of Winners

  • The Winners will normally be announced in October and will be presented to the public on a later date.

 Application: 
Interested and qualified candidates should send their entries which should include complete contact information, including full contact address, e-mail(s), phone number(s) and other relevant contact information to:

The Nigeria Prize for Literature,
External Relations Division,
Nigeria LNG Limited,
Intels Aba Road Estate,
Km 16 Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway,
P.M.B 5660,
Port Harcourt,
Rivers State.
nigeriaprizeforliterature@nlng.com
Or
The Nigeria Prize for Literature,
External Relations Division,
Heron House,
10 Dean Farrar Street,
London, SW1 H ODX.

Note: The prize will be awarded for no other reason than excellence.

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Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria Programme

LiveWIRE Nigeria Programme

    • Are you aged 18-35 in Nigeria?
  • Do you have an innovative business idea?
  • Do you desire to  own and manage a business?
  • Do you possess a University degree or HND in any discipline?
  • Have you completed NYSC (if mandatory)?
  • Not in paid employment.

Kindly send your application via email to info@livewire-nigeria.org stating:

  1. Full name
  2. State of origin
  3. Community
  4. Local Government  Area
  5. Date of Birth
  6. Email
  7. Marital status
  8. Telephone no (s)
  9. Residential Address
  10. Educational qualification
  11. Subject area
  12. Type of business
  13. Description of business idea
  14. Place of Business/Address
  15. What is innovative about your business idea?
  16. Years of experience
  17. Do you have a Physical Disability
  18. Type of Disability
  19. Business name
  20. CAC registration if any
  21. Business address
  22. Name of Referee (s)
  23. Telephone number of Referee
  24. Address of Referee

NB: If shortlisted, you will be required to attend a face-to-face interview with the following

  1. Birth Certificate/Age Declaration sworn affidavit
    2. Copies of Educational Qualification
    3. Two passports photographs
    4. Local Govt. Identification Letter

This application does not guarantee being shortlisted for the Shell LiveWIRE  Nigeria Programme.

Only shortlisted candidates will receive further communication via their email addresses.

 

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Call for Application: SDG Labs Africa for the Seedbeds conference 2018 (€7000 in funding)

We invite researchers, innovators and change-makers to propose SDG Labs Africa for the Seedbeds conference.

Overview

  • Up to 20 SDG Labs will be funded
  • Each lab will receive up to €7000 to run a lab/workshop/hack and present their initial findings at the Seedbeds conference
  • The 3 themes for SDG Labs are: oceans and coasts, urban sustainability, and digital technology for transformation
  • Deadline: 16 February 2018 (midnight Pacific time)
  • Proposals must be led by African institutions

 

Describing SDG Labs

SDG Labs are intended to bring together participants from a range of research disciplines and sectors of society to develop solutions to complex problems that help to make progress towards implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG Labs concept aims to initiate processes towards sustainability transformations through developing prototype solutions.

We want to encourage innovative approaches that help to shift systems towards more sustainable trajectories.  These are multi-stakeholder processes and the changes they seek to catalyze may be in institutions, systems or sectors of society, for example in food systems and food security, risk governance, inequality and poverty, or ecosystem health.  The innovations may be social, ecological, technological, in business models or policy,  or a combination of several of these. The aspiration of the SDG labs is that they plant seeds of change that can grow and spread, inspire and provide knowledge for transformation on a greater scale.

In practice, a lab is a short series of solutions-focused workshops aimed at delivering a specific innovation. This is how a Lab works: You put together a team of people with different backgrounds, and ideas for how to find solutions to a very specific sustainability challenge. The “idea” in this case could be, for instance, a certain process, activity, bringing together of specific stakeholder groups, a technical solution, design activity, etc. The solutions should be evidence-based, have legitimacy within the stakeholder groups you are engaging,  and include some element(s) of innovation, include local or indigenous knowledge as relevant, and provide culturally appropriate meeting formats. You design a process to explore the idea on the relevant scale and you try it out. That is the lab.

SDG Labs are based on the social innovation lab concept, developed by Frances Wesley and team at the University of Waterloo for the Rockefeller Foundation, and based on earlier lab concepts.  Social Innovation Labs have been used around the world to catalyze change.  Future Earth has further evolved the concept with the Stockholm Resilience Centre and together we funded 21 SDG Labs as part of the 2017 International Conference on Sustainability Science. You can learn more about these labs on the conference website.

 

SDG Labs Africa – solutions for change

The Seedbeds conference has a specific focus on Africa. The Labs can take place anywhere in Africa, or anywhere in the world if a majority of the participants are from Africa and the focus is highly relevant for sustainability in Africa.

We will allocate up to 7,000 EUR to each SDG Lab, which will consist of 5,000 to 6,000 EUR for lab activities, and 1,000 to  2,000 EUR for travel support to attend the conference, present your results and receive feedback.

We have three focus areas for the labs:

  • Sustainable oceans and coasts. Addressing any of the targets of SDG 14 on Oceans.
  • Urban sustainability. Addressing any of the targets of SDG 11 on Cities, or related goals, such as energy access, biodiversity, and climate adaptation in urban areas.
  • Digital technology for transformation. Addressing rapid spread and improvement of technology as catalysts or drivers of social and environmental change eg: artificial intelligence, machine learning, data visualisation, ICT, mobile apps.

Addressing one or more of these focus areas will increase the chance that your Lab proposal will be funded. It is also recommended that your lab proposal demonstrates how it will address one or more of the overall conference themes.

 

The SDG Labs-Africa process would be expected to follow four phases:

  • Initiate: Start pre-conference activities through research and preparation. Activities in this phase would be expected to involve outreach to understand the Lab’s specific conditions and opportunities, such as gathering stories, sketching or having preparatory meetings. This phase should be more than just a literature review.
  • Feedback: At the Seedbeds conference, present what you have done and receive feedback on your plan to complete the lab from conference participants.
  • Convene: Develop one or more workshops , to be completed within 4 months after the Seedbeds conference. This is the phase where most of the practical work of the Lab takes place.
  • Show.  Share lab results and lab media (photos, videos etc) on a dedicated website convened by Future Earth to amplify the lab’s impact and support its spread.

Funding will be provided up-front for the lab, and financial reporting of expenditures will be required at the completion of the lab.

 

Application process

The call for applications will open in mid-January (exact date to be determined). Here is an overview of what will be required and criterias for a successful application:

When applying for a Lab we want you to let us know:

  • What sustainability issue(s) are you addressing?
  • What focus areas of areas above and SDG goals/targets are you addressing?
  • What is your idea for solutions?
  • How will you operationalize the four phases?
  • How do you anticipate the work could continue after the Lab?
  • Draft budget for the lab and need for travel funding to the conference. Each Lab can apply for up to 7,000 EUR in total of which up to 2,000 EUR can be used for Seedbeds conference travel support.

A successful proposal will contain the following elements:

  • A clear and original idea on how to tangibly address a sustainability issue; and that both the issue and the potential solution have strong local relevance.
  • A clear plan for how to operationalize your idea in a Lab form.
  • The Lab connects well with one or more focus areas of this call.
  • The team has diverse knowledge and skills relevant to the Lab.
  • The Lab engages diverse groups, comprised of some combination of the following: researchers, innovators, policymakers, and other key local actors.
  • The Lab examines elements of both environmental and social sustainability.
  • The lab focuses on African concerns, particularly in Least Developed and Low Income Countries (OECD DAC list).

 

Deadlines:

  • 16th February for session proposals (applicant)
  • 2nd March for notifying winning SDG Labs (conference organizers)
  • 9-11th May – Seedbeds conference
  • 11th September for finalizing Phase 2 (applicant)
  • 1st December for final reporting of labs (applicant)

 

Please submit applications here.

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Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships,2018

Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) is a company-sponsored employee network dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of black employees at Microsoft Corporation. This year, BAM will award two US$5,000 scholarships to outstanding high-school seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in technology. The scholarships are renewable, so winners who continue to meet the criteria can receive an annual $5,000 award for up to four years.

Requirements

To be considered for a BAM Scholarship, you must:

  • Be a high-school senior of African descent (for example, African American, African, or Ethiopian).
  • Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the fall of the year following high-school graduation.
  • Plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (such as finance, business administration, or marketing).
  • Demonstrate a passion for technology.
  • Demonstrate leadership at school or in the community.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
  • Require financial assistance to attend college.

How to Apply

To apply for a BAM Scholarship, print and fill out the application. Enclose it in an envelope with the following items:

  • Two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a faculty or staff member at your school. Letters of recommendation should be original and should not be duplicates of college recommendation letters. (Letters must be on letterhead.)
  • Résumé. Your résumé should include the following information:
  • —Extracurricular activities (school and community related)
  • —Honors and awards that you have received (if possible, include awards that are technology related)
  • —Work experience
  • Picture of yourself.
  • Transcript. Include an official “sealed” copy of your current academic transcript. (Unofficial copies will not be accepted.)
  • Two essays.
  • 1. In no more than 500 words, describe how you plan to engage in the technology industry in your future career. (If you have done exemplary work using technology during high school, please describe that also.)
  • 2. In no more than 250 words, demonstrate your financial need for this scholarship.

Mail your completed application to the following address by March 1. You will receive a response by April 15.

  • The Seattle Foundation
  • c/o BAM Scholarship
  • 1200 5th Avenue, Ste. 1300
  • Seattle, WA 98101

Download the BAM Scholarship application (Microsoft Word document, 88 KB)

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Persephone Miel Fellowship for Journalists, 2018

The fellowship, overseen by the Pulitzer Center in collaboration with Internews, is designed to help journalists from the developing world do the kind of reporting they’ve always wanted to do and enable them to bring their work to a broader international audience. The fellowship will benefit those with limited access to other fellowships and those whose work is not routinely disseminated internationally. Miel fellowships involve reporting from within the applicant’s native country—or following migrant communities from there to other locations.

Eligibility

The Persephone Miel fellowships are open to all journalists, writers, photographers, radio producers or filmmakers, staff journalists as well as freelancers and media professionals outside the U.S. who are seeking to report from their home country. Female journalists and journalists from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be proficient in English.

Selection

The fellowship recipient will be selected by the Pulitzer Center in consultation with Internews. Selection will be based on the strength of the proposed topic and the strength of the applicant’s work as demonstrated in their work samples. We are looking for projects that explore systemic issues in the applicant’s native country and that provide an overarching thesis, rather than individual spot-reports from the field.

Terms of travel grant

The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting will provide a travel grant of $5000 for a reporting project on topics and regions of global importance, with an emphasis on issues that have gone unreported or under-reported in the mainstream media.

Specific grant terms are negotiated during the application process based on the scope of proposed work and intended outcomes.

Payment of the first half of the grant is disbursed prior to travel, upon receipt of required materials, and the second half on submission of the principal work for publication/broadcast.

The Pulitzer Center will also offer $2500 to cover travel expenses associated with travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with Pulitzer Center staff and journalists and take part in a 2-day workshop. Depending on the specific needs of the fellow, this may occur prior or after the reporting takes place.

The Center works with fellowship recipients to distribute their work across multiple platforms in the U.S. to reach the widest possible audience. Projects with multimedia components that combine print, photography and video are strongly encouraged.

Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2018.

Click here to apply 

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3D Africa Internship Application for Undergraduates in Africa

Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) seeks for brilliant and innovative undergraduate students willing to carry out their academic internship (SIWES) in the organization. The interns should be part of the YTF team and also will be among the prestigious 3D Africa ambassadors. They will learn from the 3D Africa programs and from the entire YTF team on 21st-century engineering/technology skills and organizational behaviours. They will be able to translate the skills they learned to tackle their immediate community challenges, gain a successful pathway into entrepreneurship and civic leadership.

Job Description:

3D AFRICA INTERN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Classroom Training: Interns will attend structured classes and workshops during the placement period.
  • Training: Support trainer for 3D Africa (for University Students) and 3D Africa Clubs in Secondary Schools.
  • Design: Support program officers to implement organization-wide programs. Involvement in program design, implementation and measuring results.
  • Program Planning: Organize and support the implementation of #HackforGood2018, 3D Africa’s annual hackathon.
  • Ambassador: Actively engage with 3D Africa stakeholders and supporters on social media to share impact stories and YTF’s work.

Final Project:

Implement final project based on learning acquired and internship related activities. The project must be approved by 3D Africa at the beginning of the internship and implemented satisfactorily at the conclusion of your internship after which sign off will be provided to your university.

 

 Click here to apply

 

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