February 19, 2024

MCI enters Cape Town South Africa with the Acquisition of Cloud CX QA and BPO Provider BYC Aqua

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Feb. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MCI BPO (MCI), a globally recognized leader in business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer experience (CX) solutions, today announces the acquisition of, BYC Aqua (BYC), a preeminent South African BPO and Call Center CX Quality Assurance (QA) technology and as-a-Service solution. The MCI acquisition furthers MCI’s strategic expansion of MCI’s global footprint and enhancement of its tech offerings. The BYC acquisition includes BYC’s Byron Yeats Consulting division.

BYC, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, is a rapidly growing global BPO, delivering exceptional Quality-Assurance-as-a-Service (QAaaS) services to a diverse base of over 25 marquee South African, Australian, and United Kingdom enterprise clients. The integration of BYC into the MCI family of companies strengthens MCI’s offerings by adding a robust QA technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and human capital services in over 150 languages, including all African regional languages.

Anthony Marlowe, CEO of MCI, expresses MCI’s enthusiasm of the BYC acquisition: “The addition of BYC Aqua to the MCI Group propels our global and technology mission forward in MCI’s ability to offer CX worldwide. BYC Aqua’s established client base and exceptional proven performance provides both BYC and MCI clients access to a multi-decade and innovative delivery experience. The Cape Town based acquisition, a location requested by many MCI clients, opens the door to one of the most dynamic and growing CX BPO markets in the world, adding to MCI’s ever expanding multi-national footprint.”

This acquisition brings together MCI’s innovative approach and BYC’s deep understanding of the region and substantial cloud offerings, including certain unique AI offerings. This MCI strategic move harnesses the tech-savvy and abundant talent pool that South Africa offers, bolstering MCI’s capacity to serve its rapidly it’s marquee global customer base.

“BYC Acqua’s dedication to tech-enabled business services, customer experience and quality assurance aligns perfectly with MCI’s values and vision,” said Natasha Anthony, BYC Aqua General Manager. “Together, MCI and BYC are redefining the BPO landscape in Cape Town and beyond, offering both BYC’s existing and MCI’s clients a distinct competitive edge in terms of cost savings, competency, data security, performance, and proficiency.”

This acquisition, completed in 2023, successfully afforded clients of both MCI and BYC a seamless transition to now enhanced service offerings, integrating cutting-edge technology with world class customer satisfaction (CSAT). MCI’s acquisition and recent further expansion of BYC facilities ensures material capacity to meet the high demand of MCI’s English-speaking client base. With five million English speakers, and 50% youth unemployment, South Africa is poised to be a material frontier for CX BPO service delivery, and MCI by its BYC acquisition positions itself as a challenger in this growing market.

For further details on how MCI can reduce your call center costs, or for more information about MCI’s comprehensive global capabilities, please visit https://www.mci.world/subsidiaries.

About MCI

MCI is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Miami Beach, FL, USA. With a diverse lineup of tech-enabled business services MCI’s offering range from Artificial Intelligence (AI), Contact Center Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Customer Experience (CX) solutions, and Anything-as-a-Service (XaaS) cloud technology applications. MCI organically grows, acquires, and operates companies with synergistic adjacent products and services portfolios. MCI includes service brands BPOaaS, BYC Aqua, Byron Yeats, GravisApps, Gravis Marketing, March East, Mass Markets, MCI BPO, MCI Federal Services, OnBrand24, Sydney Call Centre, Teletechnology, Valor Intelligent Processing, and Vinculum. For more information about the MCI Group, please visit www.mci.world.

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Email: info@mci.world
Website: www.mci.world

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February 19, 2024

Sissili Education Directorate Reviews School Year ProgressAU Summit Calls for Overhaul of African Education to Boost Technology and Development

LÉO — The Provincial Directorate of Post-Primary and Secondary Education (DPEPS) in Sissili convened its second board of directors meeting on Friday, February 16, 2024, presided over by Mimtiri Oualbéogo. This session, marking a significant point in the 2023-2024 academic year, brought together leaders from various high schools and colleges, the administrative staff of DPEPS, and representatives of student parents.

According to Burkina Information Agency, The meeting focused on evaluating the educational progress of the second term, preparations for upcoming school exams and competitions, and reviewing the reports from the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Michaël Apollinaire Sow, the head of the education service at DPEPS-Sissili, reported a 55.94% success rate in the province’s educational activities for the first quarter, a slight improvement from the previous year’s 54.97%.

According to Mimtiri Oualbéogo, the Provincial Director of Post-Primary and Secondary Education in Sissili, this achievement reflects the collective efforts of all stakeholders within the education sector of the province. Oualbéogo emphasized the importance of parental involvement and the support of social partners in the educational process, highlighting their roles in sustaining and improving the quality of education.

The meeting also noted the enrollment of 2,968 students as BEPC (Brevet d’Etudes du Premier Cycle) candidates for the year, underscoring the ongoing need for dedication and effort from all parties involved to ensure the successful completion of the school year. Oualbéogo called for increased commitment from everyone to contribute their best to the success of educational activities in Sissili, aiming for continuous improvement in the province’s educational outcomes.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – During the 37th African Union (AU) Summit, participants emphasized the need for Africa to overhaul its education system to better embrace technology and prepare the continent for a prosperous future. The summit, which gathered African leaders from AU member states, focused on enhancing the state of education to accelerate Africa’s development goals.

According Ethiopian News Agency, the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which lasted two days, aimed at fostering resilient education systems. These systems are intended to provide increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa.” Hosted at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the summit sought to position education at the center of Africa’s development strategy.

Prince Moses Ofori-Atta, Communication Head of the African Prosperity Network, highlighted the critical need for new, technology-focused educational frameworks. “When we say our education approach should be technology-focused, it means that we need to build systems that speak to technology,” Ofori-Atta stated. He pointed out Africa’s vast untapped potential in natural resources and its significant population, lamenting the continent’s lag in technological advancement and global competitiveness.

The lack of a transformed education system was identified as a major barrier to achieving inclusive prosperity across the continent. Ofori-Atta stressed the importance of revising and reimagining the current educational systems to better align with the demands of the 21st century, particularly in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, echoed the sentiment, arguing that a robust education system is fundamental to Africa’s development. “If we don’t have education for our children, it is going to be extremely difficult to actually power development on the continent,” Eziakonwa said. She underscored the need for a new approach to education in Africa to harness the skills of young people and make them globally competitive.

The summit highlighted the importance of integrating technology into education to enable African youth to thrive in a technology-driven global economy. Eziakonwa and other leaders advocated for creating educational systems and institutions that are conducive to the future of work, emphasizing technology’s role in shaping competitive, skilled workforces.

The 37th AU Summit thus marked a significant step towards redefining education in Africa, with leaders calling for a strategic shift towards technology-oriented learning to secure the continent’s future in an increasingly digital world.

February 19, 2024

AU Commissioner Outlines Strategies to Enhance AfCFTA Implementation and Boost Intra-African Trade

ADDIS ABABA — The African Union (AU) is actively implementing several strategies to accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promote intra-African trade, revealed Albert M. Muchanga, the AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry. These measures include the development of a trade observatory and the hosting of the Africa intra-trade fair, aimed at fostering economic integration and boosting investment within the continent.

According Ethiopian News Agency, Commissioner Muchanga highlighted the success of the last year’s Africa intra-trade fair, which saw transactions exceeding 43.5 billion USD. This figure not only reflects the potential of intra-African trade to spur economic growth but also underscores the importance of such initiatives in encouraging investment across the continent. “This demonstrates the extent to which African countries can unleash exponential benefits from promoting intra-trade,” Muchanga stated, emphasizing the role of these events in increasing investment flows and enhancing the understanding of market needs among African suppliers.

Muchanga pointed to infrastructure development as a key factor in the effective implementation of the AfCFTA, noting the significant investments required to upgrade existing infrastructure. Citing an assessment by the African Development Bank (AfDB), he mentioned that Africa needs approximately 170 billion USD to develop the necessary infrastructure to support the continent-wide free trade agreement.

The Commissioner also stressed the importance of capacity building among member states, not only in creating new infrastructures but also in utilizing them for the collective benefit of the continent. He acknowledged the support of some African countries in the AfCFTA’s infrastructure development efforts. “The railway between Ethiopia and Djibouti, and developments like the Lobito Corridor being developed by the US, UK, and EU to link Angola, DRC, and Zambia, as well as the Chinese-funded rehabilitation of the Tanzania-Zambia railway at a cost of about 1 billion USD, are prime examples,” Muchanga explained.

The AfCFTA, aiming to create a single market for goods and services across Africa, seeks to liberalize the market for goods and services, thereby enhancing the movement of capital and people, and driving economic growth and development across the continent.

February 19, 2024

Yaméogo Soumayda Takes Helm as Bittou’s Basic Education District HeadEthiopia and Kenya Commit to Strengthen Bilateral Relations and Address Regional ChallengesEthiopia, China, and UNIDO Sign Agreement to Establish Centers of Excellence

BITTOU — In a significant appointment within the educational sector, Inspector Yaméogo Soumayda was officially inaugurated as the head of the Basic Education District (CCEB) of Bittou on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. The ceremony took place in the Bittou town hall, marking a new chapter for the region’s basic education leadership.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the installation ceremony was presided over by the Prefect of Bittou, Lamine Mohamed Diabate, who also serves as the president of the special delegation of the commune of Bittou. The event saw the presence of Pierre Sylga, the Regional Director of Preschool, Primary, and Non-Formal Education of the Center-East region; Naba Kib korgho, the local traditional leader; along with teachers, heads of administrative services, and members of the community.

During the ceremony, the newly appointed head of CCEB, Soumayda Yaméogo, expressed his commitment to the role and called for the support and assistance of all educational stakeholders in the region to overcome existing challenges. His call for unity and collaboration underscored the importance of collective effort in advancing the quality and accessibility of basic education in Bittou.

The first provincial education official of Boulgou expressed confidence in Yaméogo’s capabilities, despite the ongoing security concerns in the region. The official’s remarks highlighted the belief in the new CCEB head’s ability to navigate the challenges and drive forward the educational agenda for the betterment of Bittou’s young learners.

Yaméogo Soumayda’s installation as the head of the Basic Education District of Bittou represents a pivotal moment for the educational community in the region, with high expectations for progress and development in the face of adversity.

ADDIS ABABA — At the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting held in Addis Ababa on February 19, 2024, Ethiopia and Kenya underscored the importance of deepening the ties between the two nations. This effort aims to enhance political, economic, and social interactions and address mutual challenges such as terrorism and human trafficking.

According Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Fiseha Shawel, African Affairs Director General at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the significance of the JMC meeting in bolstering the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Kenya. Shawel emphasized the need to address situations along the borders and within the volatile region promptly while acknowledging the challenges both countries face, including terrorism, human trafficking, illegal trade, and cross-border diseases.

Ambassador Shawel pointed out the deep-rooted connections between Ethiopia and Kenya, including geographical, cultural, and linguistic ties, which form the foundation for further strengthening their cooperative relationship. He reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to working with Kenya on peace, security, and development initiatives for the betterment of both populations.

From the Kenyan delegation, Ambassador Moi Lemoshira, Director General of Foreign Service, Political and Diplomatic Affairs, echoed the sentiment of strong historical relations and people-to-people interactions between the two countries. Lemoshira stressed the need for regular engagement due to changes in the regional and global environment, aiming to build a partnership that spans bilateral, regional, continental, and international levels.

The JMC’s main objective is to review the status of bilateral relations, evaluate the implementation of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) already signed, and define a future path to enhance relations for the benefit of both peoples. It was revealed that new MOUs are expected to be signed in areas of common interest at the ministerial level.

ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia has embarked on a significant development initiative with the signing of a tripartite agreement with the Government of China and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to establish Centers of Excellence in key sectors. The agreement, which was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, aims to foster development in agriculture, agro-industries, renewable energy, and digitization.

According Ethiopian News Agency, the Joint Declaration for Tripartite Cooperation underscores a strategic collaboration that seeks to leverage the strengths of Ethiopia, China, and UNIDO in promoting sustainable development and innovation. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hailed the agreement as a “unique opportunity” for Ethiopia to improve the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities through the innovative solutions that will emerge from these centers of excellence.

The prime minister expressed his gratitude towards the Government of China and UNIDO for their crucial roles in bringing this initiative to fruition. He also extended a special thanks to UNIDO’s Director General, Gerd Muller, for his ongoing commitment to Ethiopia’s development agenda.

This partnership represents a concerted effort to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Ethiopia, including the need for sustainable agricultural practices, the expansion of renewable energy, and the harnessing of digital technologies for economic growth. The establishment of these centers is expected to play a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s development trajectory, providing state-of-the-art solutions and fostering innovation across critical sectors of the economy.

February 19, 2024

Yaméogo Soumayda Takes Helm as Bittou’s Basic Education District HeadEthiopia and Kenya Commit to Strengthen Bilateral Relations and Address Regional Challenges