Cisco DevNet presents at API Days Paris 2023

Year after year, this global event for API practitioners gets bigger. This year the event was held in the newly renovated CNIT Forest – a central and easy… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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Cisco DevNet presents at API Days Paris 2023

Year after year, this global event for API practitioners gets bigger. This year the event was held in the newly renovated CNIT Forest – a central and easy to join location in the Paris La Defense business area. Many of us were amazed by the number of talks and exhibitors showing their latest advances in API Design, API Management, and Event Driven Management gateways and the many discussions around OpenAPI, JSON-Schema, and GraphQL.

As a sponsor of API Days Paris, Cisco DevNet – Cisco’s developer program – offered a booth where we engage 100+ conversations with attendees and discussed how to build and publish robust APIs, sharing our experience driving API Quality and Security initiatives. (We also had the opportunity to meet and, for some of us, play chess with Laurent Fressinet, the two-time French Chess Champion, and ‘second assistant’ with opening preparation during Magnus Carlsen‘ World Chess Championship matches. But that’s a different story.)

The importance of API Contracts

DevNet offered 2 talks explaining the importance of API Contracts, how we are evaluating and scoring our APIs internally, and also the challenges that come with the lifecycle and management of OpenAPI documents (see resources below for recordings and slides).

We were able to show why and how a successful API-first strategy not only encourages consistent practices when designing, versioning, and documenting APIs, but also lets you look into testing and observing live traffic to ensure APIs behave as per their contract.

Schedule a live Panoptica demo

In this regard, we offered demonstrations of the latest version of Panoptica – Cisco Cloud Application Security solution – with a particular focus on API Security. If you are interested in this topic, we encourage you to schedule a live demo of Panoptica.

Related resources

For the many of you who could not attend the conference and want to further grow your skills and expertise in this domain, we’ve got you covered:

Panoptica Learning Lab: This hands-on tutorial will take you all the way from zero to detecting API drifts from live traffic observations.
Why API Contracts matter: In this talk we define what is an API Contract and the maturity model used at Cisco to evaluate the quality of API Contracts. We will then dive into strategies and OpenAPI tools to automatically score APIs.
Managing OpenAPI Documents at scale: In this talk, we will discuss strategies for managing OpenAPI documents at scale, leveraging lessons learned from Cisco’s extensive use of OpenAPI specifications across its REST API portfolio. We will delve into standardization, version control, automation, and modularization. Join this session to gain insights into challenges faced in handling very large documents, ensuring compliance, and maintaining consistency.
Panoptica API Security 
Blog: How Cisco is the Bridge to an API-first, Cloud Native World
Blog: How Cisco’s API-First Motion is Driving Innovation at Scale

We are looking forward to meeting again next year for API Days Paris 2024, Dec 3-5th 2024. Hope to see you there!

  See how Cisco DevNet discussed how to build and publish robust APIs, managing API contracts and OpenAPI documents at scale, and the challenges that come with the lifecycle management of OpenAPI documents.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

G’day mates from Down Under! The DevNet Zone at Cisco Live APJC in Melbourne, Australia was a great adventure. Connecting with our colleagues and meeting new customers, partners, and developers is t… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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G’day mates from Down Under! The DevNet Zone at Cisco Live APJC in Melbourne, Australia was a great adventure. Connecting with our colleagues and meeting new customers, partners, and developers is the best part of this conference. For those who couldn’t make it, here are some highlights of the DevNet Zone at Cisco Live APJC 2023.

Technology Takeovers

The DevNet team partnered with the Networking and Meraki business units this year to present a captivating set of takeovers. On Tuesday, December 5, Camillo Rossi from the Networking team unraveled the secrets of managing hyper-distributed workloads and the benefits of cloud networking. You can see his presentation here.

The next day, the Meraki team, hosted by Vasundhra Dewangan, showcased an insightful talk on Meraki APIs in action. These collaborations with our respected colleagues highlight both the programmability and versatility of Cisco products as well as the pivotal role of the developer in the future of networking.

Workshops and Theater Sessions

The theater and workshop sessions were top draws in The Hub this year. Tailored to cater to all levels of attendees, the sessions ranged from basic workshops on programming, CICD, and containers to sophisticated topics such as threat hunting with Cisco security APIs and application design.

Cloud networking was a popular topic, with sessions on orchestration and security. The Meraki sessions were in high demand, delving into topics from dashboard APIs to optimization for sustainability. Workshops using Terraform and Ansible with Cisco products, including IOS XE, ACI, Intersight, and others, were particularly engaging. Security was brought into the limelight with sessions about Cisco XDR, Cisco Defense Orchestrator, and more.

In addition to these technical sessions, there were also sessions on DevNet certification, from DevNet Associate to DevNet Expert. In addition to preparing for certifications, Cisco Live also gives attendees the opportunity to get certified and earn Cisco Learning Credits.

If you want to watch many of these excellent sessions, you can find them on demand on the Cisco Live Melbourne site.

Decade of DevNet Celebration

It’s hard to believe that DevNet is 10 years old! The Decade of DevNet had its first of several celebrations for our 10-year anniversary. The Melbourne celebration had food, drinks, and a selfie robot! Cisco Live attendees mingled with the DevNet team and had a great time. The celebration continues in Amsterdam at Cisco Live Europe. We hope to see you there!

A Playground for Developers

Cisco Live is a fantastic event for developers. Developers can participate in hands-on labs, giving them a chance to experiment with new Cisco technologies and solutions in a practical, real-world context. Also, developers can connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and even meet potential collaborators. It’s a melting pot of ideas and innovations where developers can discuss their challenges and solutions. The DevNet Zone at Cisco Live is a playground of opportunities waiting to be explored. It’s a space where they can learn, grow, connect, innovate, and have a great time doing it!

Want to attend Cisco Live Europe? Go to https://www.ciscolive.com/emea.html to register!

  Cisco Live is a fantastic event for developers to participate in hands-on labs. It gives them a chance to learn about and experiment with new Cisco technologies and solutions along side fellow developers and product experts.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

I had this longtime dream of volunteering in Africa and working with sea turtles. This year, I had the chance to fulfill my dream because of this incredible company. Cisco incentivizes employees to… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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I had this longtime dream of volunteering in Africa and working with sea turtles. This year, I had the chance to fulfill my dream because of this incredible company. Cisco incentivizes employees to give back — providing us with 80 hours of paid time off in addition to our regular paid time off called Time2Give — and this is just part of our amazing culture. No wonder we are the #1 best place to work in more than 12 countries!

For almost four weeks — a combination of Time2Give and paid time off submitted for Cisco volunteer donation matching hours, another incredible benefit — I worked and learned with biologists and the local guards from Programa Tatô, an NGO in Praia Jalé on São Tomé & Príncipe Island.

It was a challenging experience that developed my resilience and helped me overcome many fears. I slept in a tent on the beach that tore a little more each day during huge storms. I faced cockroaches, lizards, snakes, and rats. I ate instant noodles daily, had no tap water or electricity, and spent two weeks without cell phone coverage. Most of my time was spent ALONE, walking many miles on the sand or in the mud. When I wasn’t by myself, it was a completely opposite experience, deep diving into the locals and their culture, habits, and food and learning their local language called “Angolar Creole” to communicate. Even though some times were tough, I felt stronger than ever. Nothing was going to stop me from fulfilling my dream and purpose for being there.

… and the sea turtles. I was truly blessed!

Although not the high season for nesting, it was the high season for baby turtles. Every day, I helped many babies on their journeys to the ocean, protecting them from super huge hawks, dogs, and pigs. And despite the season, I was still lucky enough to assist a sea turtle nesting every week.

What I loved the most during my time there was monitoring turtles at the feeding area near Ilhéu das Rolas and being invited to fishermen’s homes, tasting their food, and hearing their stories.

I also had the chance to work with tourists, present my ideas and proposals for improvements to the NGO and their team management, and identify some parallel markets, naturally incorporating some of my daily business operations expertise even though I was far away from my everyday life.

Being a sea turtle conservation volunteer was an amazing experience, patrolling beaches day and night, helping mothers and babies survive their enemies, and overcoming personal fears. I’ve grown so much as a person, made many friends, and left part of my heart in São Tomé.

This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my Cisco family and our company’s unique culture, which encourages our spirit of giving back with paid time off to do it. Thank you, Cisco, for helping me fulfill my dream.

Want to see how your dreams can come true through your career at Cisco? Explore our benefits and perks.

Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Blog.

  With Time2Give, a Cisco benefit of 80 volunteer hours in addition to regular paid time off, Business Operations Manager Cristina L. fulfilled her dream to travel to Africa and work with sea turtles.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

As a retail business, the relentless pursuit of safeguarding your customers’ data and ensuring uninterrupted holiday joy has never been more crucial! In a world where the retail sector is a prime… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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As a retail business, the relentless pursuit of safeguarding your customers’ data and ensuring uninterrupted holiday joy has never been more crucial! In a world where the retail sector is a prime target for cyber adversaries seeking to exploit payment processing data, envision a constant onslaught of incidents – perhaps hundreds of thousands, if not millions – unfolding even as you read these very lines! Brace yourselves, for in the realm of retail, the term ‘retail therapy’ takes on a whole new meaning for threat actors, and the stakes are higher than ever! 

Protecting customer data 

Embark on a thrilling journey through my decade-plus career, navigating the diverse landscapes of Education, Commercial ventures, State and Local Government, and the Federal government. In this electrifying adventure, there’s one treasure everyone seeks to protect – data. Over the past 15 years, data has evolved into a priceless asset, enhancing the retail consumer experience while simultaneously becoming a coveted prize for threat actors. Picture the adrenaline-pumping scenarios as I conducted security assessments before, during and after the holiday season. I have witnessed surges in security incidents akin to a cyber battleground, where threat actors intensify their malicious activities. 

Unleashing a torrent of illegal data viewing and exfiltration, these actions brand the culprits as nothing short of digital outlaws. In this perilous landscape, retail companies must recognize the threat these actors pose and the price they are willing to pay for the tools enabling them to launch breach attempts with stolen payment information. The call to action is clear – engage in due diligence to protect consumer data, fortifying not only your customers’ trust but also the very essence and reputation of your brand. 

Amid the holiday frenzy, witness a surge in all things consumerism – from social media usage and online purchasing to the bustling activities in brick-and-mortar stores. Yet, alongside this festive chaos, nefarious endeavors such as phishing attempts, pre-texting, and malicious click-baiting reach a crescendo. The implication is undeniable: the spike in attack techniques mirrors the increased value of data during this season, encompassing everything from personally identifiable information to fresh credit card data. 

Delve into the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report, a treasure trove of insights revealing a spike in breaches within the retail industry. The report states “both Ransomware and Use of stolen credentials among the top, along with Email and Web applications for vector.  However, there is a relatively unique addition to some of these actions – the “Export data” and Capture app data. This is also one of the few industries where we see “Other” creep up as one of the top actions”  

Before we draw the final curtain, picture the destiny of your brand hanging in the balance – poised to either soar to new heights with cybersecurity diligence or vanish into obscurity by embracing inadequate “free” controls. The heartbeat of basic controls – safeguarding your server applications, securing data at rest and in transit, fortifying employee credentials and data access – resonates as the symphony of success. Enter the realm of MFA, standing tall in the top three, followed by an email control that fends off post-pretext attacks, complemented by security awareness training. The climax approaches with a minimum DNS control, a guardian of the cyber gates, expanding to a secure internet gateway and a SASE platform, ushering in scalability and reducing complexity. As the crescendo fades, the choice is yours – a thriving brand or a mere memory in the digital sands of time! 

Join us!  

If you are attending NRF2024, stop by our Cisco booth 5639. Our secure, automated solutions can help transform the retail experience and improve operations. We give our customers and partners the tools, solutions, and digital capabilities to serve and protect their customers online, at home, on the go, or in-store. 

  As a business one should be diligent to make sure your customers' data is not stolen and the holidays are not ruined for them and you as a business. Here is what you need to know to get connected. Visit Cisco at NRF24 Booth #5639.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

This is typically the time of year when we take time to reflect, and looking back, 2023 has been a wonderful year of fulfillment and purpose for me, specifically in my role leading Partnering for… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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This is typically the time of year when we take time to reflect, and looking back, 2023 has been a wonderful year of fulfillment and purpose for me, specifically in my role leading Partnering for Purpose. A global Cisco initiative, Partnering for Purpose works to align our commitment to an inclusive future across our business relationships. It is designed to make it easier for our partners, customers, and suppliers around the world to collaborate with Cisco to accelerate and amplify our collective positive impact in our communities.

While the Partnering for Purpose initiative was formalized in 2022, the truth is that we’ve been doing this sort of work for years, and this initiative serves to define a simplified framework. Much like our Cisco Validate Designs (CVDs), it provides a blueprint with tested and documented approaches to help jumpstart purpose-driven social and environmental actions.

Progress and Successes

In our first year, Partnering for Purpose has grown into a movement that is expanding to our channel partners globally. In fact, they are keenly engaging, sharing their stories, their innovations, and best practices to amplify and grow our purpose work together.

I have had the privilege to see first-hand our Cisco teams and our partners innovate and create, in order to drive positive change.

Here are just a few examples and highlights from the past year:

Reimagining the Next Generation of Cyber Warriors: Best practice sharing at Cisco Live US with our partner ePlus to highlight how our shared purpose is helping to chart a path for young girls to stick with STEM subjects. Read more: GRIT – Girls Re-Imagining Tomorrow, creating the next generation of Cyber Warriors
Connecting Certifications to Purpose: In 2023, Cisco Black Belt Academy launched “Black Belt Certification for a Reason,” a one-of-a-kind campaign that addresses business goals and aligns to the essence of giving back to society. In Vietnam, an innovative crowd funding model helped the remote Aur Lang village. Read more: Cisco “Black Belt for a Reason” shows how small contributions make a big impact
Environmental Sustainability Certification for a Sustained Future: Cisco and distributor Ingram Micro united to launch the first Cisco Partnering for Purpose Initiative in Australia where participants could earn Black Belt Sustainability Certifications and give back to the community. Read more: Embracing Sustainability: Embark on the Journey to a More Sustainable Future!
A Week of Community Impact/Giveback: In June we embarked on a week of giveback activities with our partner community across the US, Canada and LATAM. Engaging over 100 partner employees and over 300 Cisco employees we recorded more than 1300 volunteer hours for a variety of worthy causes, organizations, and endeavors.
Cisco and Orange Business Team’s Green Day: Account teams from Cisco, ThousandEyes, and Orange Business collaborated to put on a day of learning and knowledge exchange on addressing climate change and environmental stewardship and exploring how technology and their combined expertise could help their customers achieve their social and environmental sustainability goals. Read more: Building a greener tomorrow: the power of partnerships
Global Partner Innovation Challenge: Honoring the investments partners are already making, and to drive a bigger impact and address what matters to them and our collective customers, we incorporated a Partnering for Purpose category into the 2023 Partner Innovation Challenge. The results were amazing. Read more: 6th Annual Partner Innovation Challenge: Remarkable Growth, Outstanding Winners

Aspirations and next steps

2023 has, by all accounts, been a successful first year for Partnering for Purpose, and we will continue to be both strategic and aspirational in the coming year. Taking best practices and integrating them into the work our partners and customers are already doing, we will continue to drive engagement and find new ways to grow. We will capture and share more of your stories, continue to grow the Partnering for Purpose aspect of the Partner Innovation Challenge, and show up in other new and exciting ways.

Learn more about Partnering for Purpose and how you can get involved:

Visit the Partnering for Purpose SalesConnect

Read our stories and Partnering for Purpose blogs

We’d love to hear what you think. Ask a Question, Comment Below, and Stay Connected with #CiscoPartners on social!

Cisco Partners Facebook  |  @CiscoPartners X/Twitter  |  Cisco Partners LinkedIn

  This is typically the time of year when we take time to reflect, and looking back, 2023 has been a wonderful year of fulfillment and purpose for me, specifically in my role leading Partnering for Purpose.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

As I reflect on the whirlwind of excitement and innovation that was Cisco Live Melbourne, I am inspired by the sheer passion and engagement that filled every corner of the event. Being there, live… Read more on Cisco Blogs

​

As I reflect on the whirlwind of excitement and innovation that was Cisco Live Melbourne, I am inspired by the sheer passion and engagement that filled every corner of the event. Being there, live and in person, was a reminder of the power of human connection in driving forward our tech-driven world.

Key takeaways from my keynote

In my keynote “Vision for the Future,” I underscored the evolving landscape of technology and its pivotal role in business transformation. I’m filled with immense pride and

excitement about what we at Cisco Customer Experience (CX) are accomplishing with our customers and partners. One of the most thrilling aspects of my role in CX is witnessing first-hand the incredible impact our solutions have on your businesses.

Our technology portfolio is the most comprehensive and innovative to date and a testament to our collaborative efforts with partners. This portfolio is not just a set of tools; it’s the backbone of secure, connected networks that empower your businesses to thrive in today’s intelligent world.

A standout moment for me in Melbourne was celebrating the CX Customer Hero Awards, this time honoring heroes from the APJC region. Each story shared on stage was a vivid illustration of transformation and innovation, echoing Cisco’s mission to securely connect everything to make anything possible. With their unique journeys, these seven heroes truly embody the spirit of progress we champion at Cisco. Learn more about these inspirational journeys in James Turrell’s blog.

As I closed my keynote, my message was clear and unwavering: We’ve got your back. With a robust network of over 8,000 experts and 10,000 partners, Cisco is more than ready to support you at every turn. Your success is our success. Together we’re building a future where the impossible becomes possible.

Sustainability: A core Cisco value

Another big highlight of the event was the announcement of the next milestone in our Lifecycle Services initiative supporting sustainability for our customers. At Cisco, we’re not just talking about sustainability; we’re actively integrating it into our business model and solutions. Our commitment is to not only advance technologically but to do so in a manner that is respectful and beneficial to our planet. Discover how our expanded services empower sustainability in Alistair Wildman’s blog.

Insights from the Executive Symposium and Innovation Talk

Interviewing three exceptional female technology leaders – Chrissy Chu from Coles, Jane Fernandez from FIFA, and Remona Murugan from Rio Tinto – was a highlight. Their insights into technology transformation and the challenges of aligning stakeholders and leadership emphasized the vital role of CX in their successes.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion: A core Cisco value

Speaking at the Women of Cisco and the PRIDE celebration was an honor. The theme of allyship resonates deeply with me, reflecting my own career path and the importance of having leaders who believed in my potential. I’m committed to fostering a culture of allyship and building diverse, thought-provoking teams—a key to our success.

Engaging with press and analysts

Meeting with the press and analysts is always a highlight for me at events like Cisco Live, as it offers us an opportunity to have two-way conversations that provide invaluable insights about vital market trends, and we’re able to share everything we’re seeing with our customers and partners. This year we had a dedicated session with analysts and press partners that allowed us to provide an in-depth view of our sustainability news and highlight everything on our road map for the future. One of the highlights coming out of our press and analyst engagement was reading Zeus Kerravala’s analysis of our sustainability news.

Replays available now

For those who couldn’t join us in Melbourne or who want to revisit the sessions, replays of sessions are being populated now. We’ve made sure that the keynotes, breakout sessions, and panels are accessible so that the valuable insights shared at Cisco Live Melbourne can reach a wider audience. The Cisco Live On-Demand Library is always adding to the free collection of on-demand sessions from our various Cisco Live events. Check out the APJC replays now!

A heartfelt thank you

I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who participated—our customers, partners, speakers, and the Cisco team. Your presence and engagement made Cisco Live Melbourne 2023 a truly remarkable event. It’s your enthusiasm and commitment that drive us to keep innovating and pushing boundaries.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration as we shape the future of technology together. I appreciate you allowing me to share some of my highlights from Cisco Live Melbourne, and I would love to hear about some of yours in the comments section.

  As I reflect on the whirlwind of excitement and innovation that was Cisco Live Melbourne, I am inspired by the sheer passion and engagement that filled every corner of the event. Being there, live and in person, was a reminder of the power of human connection in driving forward our tech-driven world.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

Our conviction in Africa’s vast potential is part of what fuels the climate investment strategy of the Cisco Foundation. Among our vision, we see the transition to clean energy not just as a… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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Our conviction in Africa’s vast potential is part of what fuels the climate investment strategy of the Cisco Foundation. Among our vision, we see the transition to clean energy not just as a necessity, but as a catalyst for inclusive growth and digital innovation. And through the Cisco Foundation’s $100 million Climate Commitment, we are investing wholeheartedly in this vision. Our recent investments into early-stage climate ventures SHYFT Power Solutions and Jaza Energy, following our previous limited partnership with The Catalyst Fund, are critical steps on our journey to help build a sustainable future across the continent.

Solving Africa’s Energy Gaps

Africa’s energy landscape is confronting a critical shortfall, with roughly 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lacking electricity, accounting for over 80% of the global population living without electricity​​​​. Due to the impracticalities of expanding grids due to geographical and financial constraints, the focus has shifted towards distributed energy resources.  Microgrids, and off-grid solutions are not just alternatives but necessities, particularly in reaching remote and rural communities with affordable and cost-effective energy solutions. Solar mini grids have been at the forefront of this sustainable transformation, with, according to the World Bank, an increase from about 500 installations in 2010 to more than 3,000 in sub-Saharan Africa today, and with plans for a further 9,000. By 2030, it is anticipated that the cost of electricity from mini grids could fall to as low as $0.20/kWh, making it the most affordable option for more than 60 percent of the population​​. Mini grids could help us achieve the ambitious UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims for universal energy access by 2030.

Digitalization in Africa’s Energy Transition

In the realm of digital innovation, we must create seamless integration between off-grid and on-grid systems to ensure reliable and continuous access to electricity. This integration is key to transitioning from intermittent power supplies to a stable and resilient energy infrastructure. Other innovation priorities include the growth of cost-effective, scalable off-grid solutions that can reach the most vulnerable citizens, who are living at or under the global poverty line of $2.15 per day, as defined by the World Bank. Technology and digital solutions are central to this endeavor, as they enable the efficient and effective adoption of renewable energy sources, crucial for closing Africa’s extensive energy gap.

Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are also essential in enhancing the efficiency and scalability of distributed energy resources, such as off-grid systems, solar panels, and storage solutions. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and management of energy assets, thereby optimizing energy distribution and consumption. The Cisco Foundation is eager to support the potential of information and communication technologies, including IoT and software-enabled off-grid energy, to support the climate transition.

Example of a SHYFT Power installation. Photo provided by SHYFT Power.

Enter our new portfolio investees, SHYFT Power and Jaza Energy. SHYFT Power is pioneering the use of IoT to efficiently manage energy resources, while Jaza Energy is innovating by integrating solar-powered hubs with telecommunications towers. These initiatives illustrate the powerful synergy between connectivity and energy, which play a pivotal role in empowering underserved communities and contributes to a more connected and sustainable future in Africa. As part of the broader Cisco family, these investees of the Cisco Foundation Climate Commitment can access an extensive range of in-kind resources and volunteer advisory. This support not only furthers these technologies but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovative, sustainable, and more inclusive solutions globally.

SHYFT Power: Software & IoT Innovation for Reliable Clean Energy

Ugwem Eneyo, founder of SHYFT Power, alongside team members. Photo by SHYFT Power.

SHYFT Power Solutions, a 2017 Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge recipient emerging from Stanford University, is transforming energy management in Nigeria, and has become a key player in the Cisco Foundation investment portfolio. Their advanced platform integrates various power sources to improve energy efficiency and encourage clean energy adoption. The innovation that SHYFT brings to the table is further exemplified by its utilization of IoT, software, and smart meter solutions, which are essential in tackling the energy access and reliability issues prevalent in Nigeria.

The positive impact of SHYFT Power has been echoed by its customers, as illustrated by the glowing feedback from Bola Yusuf, General Manager at Wemabod Towers in Ikoyi. He asserts, “As a property and facilities managers of a high-brow building providing 24-hour power, energy efficiency is crucial for us, and SHYFT has been instrumental in achieving transparency. Their smart energy solutions allow us to effectively monitor and optimize consumption, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability. What sets SHYFT apart is their exceptional customer support – prompt, knowledgeable, and they provide solutions tailored to our needs. They have been a valuable partner in our journey towards energy efficiency and cost savings.”

This direct endorsement underscores the seamless integration of IoT technology within their systems, demonstrating how digital solutions can significantly bolster sustainable energy management. SHYFT’s approach is pivotal in reducing carbon emissions and serves as a standard in the management of distributed energy resources. It’s with great enthusiasm that we join an esteemed list of climate investors backing SHYFT Power, including Powerhouse Ventures, Third Sphere, and KawiSafi Ventures.

Jaza Energy: Empowering Communities with Sustainable Energy

Example of a Jaza Hub in Tanzania. Photo provided by Jaza.

Jaza Energy, another new investment portfolio company, is revolutionizing clean energy access in Tanzania and Nigeria with its solar hubs.

In Tanzania, 66% of households still use kerosene for energy needs. Jaza hubs offer a sustainable alternative to those reliant on kerosene and generators, illuminating over 11,500 homes and benefiting 90,000 people. Jaza’s impactful partnership with IHS Towers, one of the world’s largest owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure, integrates energy with telecommunication services, extending its reach.

By leveraging digital tools and advanced batteries, Jaza addresses the energy deficit impacting 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, where annual fossil fuel expenditure reaches $27 billion. Stories from Jaza’s hubs, like Agineta’s in Msambara, Tanzania, showcase the significant improvement in living standards” “The quality of the light allows me to work after dark and my children are able to study,” she says.

Jaza employs over 250 local women as “Jaza Stars,” further amplifying its social impact. One Jaza Star, employees responsible for sales and community development, from Mchori expressed, “After working with Jaza, I participate in decision-making in my family,” highlighting the empowerment brought by these roles.

We proudly support Jaza’s mission for a more inclusive future, alongside partners like Canada’s Active Impact Investments. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to innovative, sustainable solutions, aligning with the Cisco Foundation’s vision of sustainable community development.

Climate Investments for a Sustainable, Inclusive Future

The Cisco Foundation is a distinct legal entity established in 1997 by a gift from Cisco. But the Foundation’s work reflects Cisco’s strength as a tech leader; its purpose to Power an Inclusive for All; and its strategic environmental sustainability priorities to accelerate clean energy adoption, transition to a circular model, and invest in resilient ecosystems. By supporting climate ventures like SHYFT Power and Jaza Energy and pre-seed innovation platforms like The Catalyst Fund, the Cisco Foundation invests in a vision of a regenerative future where connectivity, advanced technologies and sustainability coalesce to power inclusive growth in Africa​​. Our climate investments through the Cisco Foundation reflect our vision for an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for Africa, and they embody our belief in a world where technology can drive sustainability, fostering an inclusive future for all.

  Through the Cisco Foundation's $100 million Climate Commitment, we are investing in early-stage climate ventures in Africa.  Read More Cisco Blogs