Editor’s Note: Cross-posted from FISMA Focus/Regulatory Cyber Security.
From: IT News Africa
***
Leishen Pillay, partner and Head of Technology, Media and Telecommunications at Hogan Lovells South Africa, says blockchain could present new ways to help overcome challenges which continue to stymy the continent’s growth, like corruption and a lack of infrastructure. The potential application of blockchain and other disruptive technologies within the African context was one of the key topics discussed at the 2nd annual Hogan Lovells Africa Forum, recently held in Johannesburg. “Corruption and fraud are classic problems. Yet, people are still looking at them through the lens of how we have always tried to solve them in the past. We need to fully embrace the way technology can offer new solutions to these age-old problems,” says Pillay.
***
Another possible African application for blockchain is to assist in combatting the sale of counterfeit cigarettes. “This problem is very prevalent in Africa and to curb it manufacturers are now exploring the idea of storing the serials numbers of batches of cigarettes on a blockchain so they cannot be altered in any way. A store owner would then be able to scan the serial number on each batch of cigarettes he receives to confirm it against the blockchain and verify if it is a legal delivery from the manufacturer.”
