Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 25 | Page 10

NEWS Lenovo laptops amplify learning experiences through digital innovation Elevating energy access skills S chneider Electric is supporting the launch of the #PoweringJobs campaign, a global effort to ensure the creation of an energy access workforce. It’s estimated that scaling off-grid renewables can create 4.5 million jobs by 2030. But of the 10.3 million renewable energy jobs in the world, just 76,000 are in Africa. #PoweringJobs brings together companies, multilateral agencies, trade associations, research institutes and civil society organisations, with the goal of moving skills and training from the margins to the centre of international and national policy. It is currently conducting the first comprehensive jobs survey of the energy access sector, with an initial focus on India, Kenya and Nigeria. The goal is to conduct an annual survey that eventually covers all countries facing an energy access challenge. The survey will inform a report, and related calls to action, that will be launched in the first part of 2019. L enavo has announced an enhanced laptop lineup intended specifically to provide students and teachers in education institutions with a more personalised learning experience. 10 • Offering a broad choice of specifically designed models with solid reliability, the range of Chromebook and Windows enabled systems offer a superior user experience for students and educators. The Lenovo 100e and the multi-mode 300e and 500e second generation models are a direct result of the company’s continued investment in meeting the needs of education institutions. Highlights of the new line-up include: • • New thin and light AMD-powered Lenovo 14w with Windows 10 is engineered to offer higher performance capabilities for users with more advanced computing needs • The redesigned Lenovo 300e with • INTELLIGENTCIO • • • Windows 10 supports pencil touch, an optional garaged pen and World- Facing Camera for heightened user interaction in all modes Windows models include support for Microsoft Intune Management system The refreshed portfolio has standard USB type-C power and include reinforced ports and hinges and improved mechanically anchored keyboards Lenovo 500e Chromebook features garaged pen which is great for extended writing and designing on the go The 500e Chromebook includes a World-Facing Camera making it easier to record and take pictures and videos in all modes The Chromebook models include support for Google Classroom and G Suite for Education The complete education portfolio is MIL-SPEC tested with 6 methods and 12 procedures This year is a pivotal one for the topic of jobs and training in the global development agenda. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, focused on ensuring decent work and economic growth for all by 2030, is one of the SDGs which will receive high-level international attention, and therefore an opportunity to put energy access skills in the spotlight. www.intelligentcio.com