Standard Chartered Bank chips in to upskill women startups in cyber security
Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania in collaboration with SheFound on Wednesday hosted an event for over 40 women running businesses.
The event was hosted in line with the lender’s commitment to promote inclusion and awareness was to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the cyber security space targeting women-led businesses and start-ups.
The CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Herman Kasekende was the represented by Mr. Jerry Agyeman-Boateng, the head of Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking.
In his speech to the 40 women, he said the Bank’s purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity.
“In today’s digital era, cyber criminals are increasingly targeting many organisations. Any organization can be targeted by cyber criminals. If not managed properly, a cyber-attack can cause a business operational, financial, and reputational damage. We have a role to play to ensure that we are well informed on the potential cyber-attacks. Therefore Standard Chartered Bank is running events like this one in collaboration with SheFound so that we create more awareness on cyber security. Such events can go a long way towards fighting this ongoing battle and ensuring your business stay safe from cyber-attacks,” said Mr Boateng who spoke on behalf of the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Herman Kasekende.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Vannesa Kisowile, the executive director of SheFound said that over 60 per cent of the MSME landscape in Africa is made up of women entrepreneurs with the adoption of technology.
A majority of them use digital platforms to sell and market their products and services. On the other hand, penetration of mobile money has also ensured their ease of online transactions. With the current technology adoption, cyber-security is a crucial subject for their personal and business safety. It is important that they are exposed to challenges and opportunities as far as cyber security is concerned. It is equally important to increase awareness on cyber-security so that to reduce incidents of online theft. This will result to growth and sustainability of these business as well as overall socio-economic development.”
The event also involved a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of cyber security amongst women led businesses.
The panel discussion involved Dr Moses Nkundwe Mwagasa, Director General of the ICT commission of Tanzania, Eng. Esther Christopher, Managing Director of Meri Tech Limited, Ilago Mabelya, Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Standard Chartered Bank and Bupe Mwakabaga, Project Manager at Standard Chartered Bank.
The panel was moderated by Necta Richard, an activist for technology inclusion.
Commenting on the Bank’s commitment to support start-ups, Mr. Busara Raymond, Cash Product Manager at Standard Chartered Bank said the bank has the capacity to support start-ups through SC Ventures.
“This is a business unit that provides a platform and catalyst for Standard Chartered to promote innovation, invest in disruptive financial technology and explore alternative business models. SC Ventures is open to all start-up businesses that have viable business ideas.”
