May 30, 2023 – Djibouti News Gazette

May 30, 2023

Chris McCloskey Joins Duck Creek as Chief Operating Officer

Boston, May 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of Property and Casualty (P&C) and general insurance, today announces the addition of Chris McCloskey to its leadership team as Chief Operating Officer. McCloskey will be instrumental in driving key strategy, operational and transformation initiatives across the entire business, particularly within our customer and professional services organizations.

McCloskey joins Duck Creek from Datto, where he was most recently Chief Customer Officer for the cybersecurity and business continuity company. At Datto, McCloskey was responsible for building a new customer success organization that significantly improved technical implementation, customer satisfaction and retention, and partner health. Before joining Datto, McCloskey grew through sales and customer-facing leadership roles to become COO, Americas at London-based Finastra, a multi-billion-dollar financial services software company.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris to Duck Creek’s leadership team; he will help us continue to better focus on increasing lifetime value and enable our customers to be more successful,” said Mike Jackowski, CEO of Duck Creek. “Chris is incredibly accomplished in growing and leading large teams through transformation, and having him as a strategic customer-facing leader is the perfect match to advance our vision.”

McCloskey Chris earned his MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University and his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Gettysburg College.

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and Twitter.

Carley Bunch
Duck Creek Technologies
2019626091
carley.bunch@duckcreek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8847565

May 30, 2023

Hitachi Energy signs agreements with ENOWA and Saudi Electricity Company to design and develop the first phase of visionary NEOM region transmission system

Collaboration to accelerate the development of NEOM in Saudi Arabia with up to 9 gigawatts of power transmission capacity

Zurich, Switzerland, May 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader advancing a sustainable energy future for all, has signed agreements under the supervision and management of the Ministry of Energy with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and with ENOWA. The agreements include the supply of three high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems to end customer ENOWA, the utility company for NEOM in Northwest Saudi Arabia. Built with sustainability in mind, NEOM is among Saudi Arabia’s Giga-Projects¹ reshaping the future of development. The three HVDC links will have a total power capacity of up to 9 gigawatts (GW).

The agreements include an order from ENOWA’s engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) partner, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) awarded to Hitachi Energy and its consortium partner, Saudi Services for Electro Mechanical Works (SSEM), to provide one of the world’s first 3 GW, 525 kilovolt (kV) HVDC Light^® transmission system connecting Oxagon, NEOM’s regional development, with the larger Yanbu area more than 650 kilometers away in Western Saudi Arabia.

Hitachi Energy’s scope of supply includes design, engineering, procurement of HVDC technology and commissioning of the HVDC Light converter stations. Whilst SSEM – a leading Saudi EPC specialized in power, water and industrial projects – will design and supply the AC equipment portion and perform the construction and the installation. The converter stations convert the power from AC to DC then back to AC for integration into the receiving grid. The converters will be sourced by and supplied to Saudi Electricity Company, who were contracted in 2022 by ENOWA to act as their EPCM to build this first HVDC system for NEOM.

Further to this, Hitachi Energy and ENOWA have signed an early works and capacity reservation agreement for two additional HVDC projects, each rated up to 3 GW. Under this agreement, both companies commit to having the resources and capacity necessary to implement these two HVDC systems. As part of a new scalable and modular regional network design that is targeted to seamlessly integrate future renewables and energy storage technologies in the NEOM Energy System, making it unique in terms of size and complexity. The co-operation will also explore opportunities to develop local competencies in the Kingdom, including ways to sustainably assemble the necessary HVDC Light components locally.

“We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with ENOWA and Saudi Electricity Company in order to power one of the most visionary development projects of all time,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “As the world progresses towards a more sustainable future, our expertise and HVDC technologies are true enablers of the electrification of the global energy system and the transition to renewables.”

“By securing the first capacities for such an important part of our future grid in only one year since the decision to use this technology, we show ENOWA’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 in collaboration with Saudi Electricity Company and Hitachi Energy,” said Thorsten Schwarz, Executive Director of Grid Technology & Projects, Energy of ENOWA.

ENOWA, NEOM’s energy and water company, produces and delivers clean and sustainable energy for industrial and commercial applications. The company benefits from NEOM’s greenfield site and strategic location in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia, with abundant solar and wind resources. ENOWA will act as a catalyst and incubator for developing new, sustainable energy and water businesses while creating a robust economic sector regionally.

ENOWA seeks by its commitment to renewable energy and efficient water management, to become a global reference for industry leaders and setting a benchmark for sustainable economic circular systems around the world. Formed in 2022, ENOWA is the principal shareholder in the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant set to be commissioned in 2026 and will enable NEOM to be a global green hydrogen hub.

NEOM will be powered by 100 percent clean energy, through renewable solar, wind and green hydrogen-based energy. The region is designed to be a blueprint for sustainable urban living with minimal impact on the environment and enhanced livability.

Note to editors:
Hitachi Energy’s HVDC solution combines world-leading expertise in HVDC converter valves; the MACH digital control platform², converter power transformers and high-voltage switchgear; as well as system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.

HVDC Light is a voltage source converter technology developed by Hitachi Energy, which was launched over 25 years ago. It is the preferred technology for many grid applications, including interconnecting countries, integrating renewables and “power-from-shore” connections to offshore production facilities. HVDC Light’s defining features include uniquely compact converter stations and exceptionally low electrical losses.

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology almost 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects.

Hitachi Energy’s consulting services assist energy customers in pinpointing their challenges and suggesting customized solutions tailored to their unique requirements. Our consultants operate independently, with a product and system-agnostic approach, possessing in-depth knowledge of global technologies, standards, and local grid codes.

1 Saudi’s Giga-Projects
2 Modular Advanced Control for HVDC (MACH)

See also:
Hitachi Energy to supply the first ever large-scale HVDC interconnection in the Middle East and North Africa (2022)
Hitachi Energy and Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority sign contract to upgrade high-voltage direct current transmission system (2023)

ENOWA website

-END-

About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of over $10 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

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Hitachi Energy signs agreements with ENOWA and Saudi Electricity Company to design and develop the first phase of visionary NEOM region transmission system

Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy
jocelyn.chang@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8848737

May 30, 2023

Pesapal Unveils Real-Time E-Payment Platform

Pesapal, a leader in building payments and business tools for Africa, has introduced real-time settlement for merchants in Kenya, enabling fast transfer of funds into their accounts.

Through Pesapal’s e-wallet Openfloat, merchants who use the Pesapal platform can receive funds faster.

Real-time settlement offers several benefits to merchants, including quicker access to funds, improved cash flow management, reduced risk of fraud, and better customer experience. The development, therefore, empowers businesses, especially Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and large organizations, with the flexibility to manage their money and make time-sensitive payments.

Speaking during the launch, Pesapal CEO and Founder Agosta Liko said this new feature ensures that funds are available to merchants immediately, enabling businesses to streamline their operations and make better financial decisions.

“We are thrilled to introduce real-time settlement on the Pesapal platform. From now on, our merchants will have quicker access to their funds, ultimately improving the health of their business,” Pesapal Group CEO Agosta Liko said.

Merchants using Openfloat enjoy various benefits which include payouts to bank accounts and mobile money. One can view transaction reports and track their cash flow in real-time.

Pesapal has a footprint across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. The organization processes over 12 million transactions monthly and is on track to connect a million African entrepreneurs to e-commerce, digital payments and the global financial system by 2030.

Source: Kenya News Agency

May 30, 2023

3,000 Boda Boda Riders Registered In Garissa Township To Tame Crime

Police in Garissa Sub County have successfully registered over 3,000 boda boda riders and zoned them into more than 100 groups according to their stages in reforms that seek to streamline the sector.

The programme which is being undertaken in conjunction with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), social development department and the religious leaders also seeks to train the boda boda operators on road safety to ensure they are licensed to operate.

Speaking after a one day workshop for security officials and the boda boda stage chairpersons, Garissa township sub county police Commander James Ngétich says that crime associated with boda boda riders has decreased since the programme started.

“Over the past years, boda boda riders in the country have been accused of committing various crimes and being rogue. We have found a way here to bring them closer, establish a good working relationships with them so that we can root out the bad ones and tame crime,” Nge’tich said.

“Robbery cases and stubbing by criminals with boda bodas have significantly gone down since we started this process. There might be a few incidents but we will deal with it firmly,” he added.

The OCPD urged all boda boda riders in the area to comply with the directives to avoid arrests by traffic police officers.

Nominated Member of Parliament for youth Umi Harun, who sponsored the event together with the Kesho Alliance non-governmental organization called on national leaders and public institutions to come up with ways to empower the boda boda riders who are a key pillar to the country’s economy.

Umi said that once the boda boda operators are empowered and trained, no politician will be able to incite them to cause harm especially during elections.

“Once people are informed and empowered, no one can invite them in any way. The leaders need to ensure they support these riders and not to wait to use them in electioneering time,” Umi said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

May 30, 2023

Narok Residents Commemorate World Menstruation Day

The Narok County Government is collaborating with different stakeholders to sensitize the public to appreciate and normalize menstrual cycles by giving support to the girl child.

The county Governor’s wife Agnes Ntutu stressed that an informed society will support girls to lead a normal life and eliminate the stigma surrounding the menstrual process.

“There is a pressing need to address menstrual health as a priority because we understand that when women and girls face barriers in managing their periods, it impacts their education, health, productivity and ultimately their overall wellbeing,” he said.

She said the issue is not a concern of girls alone but also needs to engage boys to create a society that appreciates the whole concept of menstruation.

Mrs. Ntutu lamented that many girls have fallen pregnant after they were lured by men who buy them sanitary towels.

“Our county is position four on teenage pregnancy according to statistics from the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS). I believe that most of these girls are lured into sex by men who buy them sanitary towels as their parents are ignorant of providing such essential commodities to the girls,” she said.

The County First Lady said she will engage the governor in an effort of finding a way in which the county government will provide free sanitary towels to all school going children in the county.

She spoke at Masikonde primary school during the World Menstrual Day celebrations attended by officials from the department of Health, Education and a number of Civil Society Organizations (CSO).

“No girl should miss out on education or feel marginalized due to something as natural as menstruation,” she said.

To tackle these challenges, she said, the county has initiated a comprehensive menstrual health and hygiene programme that focuses on education and accessibility of equipment like clean toilets, sanitary pads and water.

A medic from the Narok County and Referral Hospital Mr. Torotich Sang reiterated that menstruation is a normal process to women in the reproductive process saying it is good for a woman to maintain hygiene when menstruating.

Sang encouraged girls to change a pad at least three times per day and wash hands before and after changing so as to keep cleanness.

The medic also reminded the girls to dispose of the sanitary towels appropriately in a closed container so as to ensure a clean environment.

This year’s theme was ‘Making Menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030.’

Source: Kenya News Agency