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The challenge of digital literacy in Brazil

Digital literacy has become one of Brazil's major challenges on the path to social and economic inclusion. In a world where technology permeates all spheres of life, the lack of digital skills not only excludes millions of Brazilians from educational and job opportunities but also makes them vulnerable to misinformation and cyber risks.

The portrait of digital literacy in Brazil 

A survey conducted by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) in 2024 revealed that only 30% of the Brazilian population possess basic digital skills, while only 18% have reached an intermediate level of proficiency. The data reveals a concerning reality: most Brazilians struggle to perform simple tasks in the digital environment, such as accessing online public services, using internet security tools, or distinguishing reliable information from fake news.

Infrastructure and training 

Poor infrastructure, especially in rural and peripheral regions, is one of the main obstacles to the expansion of digital literacy in the country. According to the Internet Steering Committee in Brazil (CGI.br), in its 2024 study, approximately 35% of Brazilian households still do not have adequate access to quality internet. Furthermore, the lack of educational programs focused on digital training prevents students and teachers from acquiring the necessary skills to navigate the digital environment in a productive and safe manner.

The digitization of public and private services has made digital literacy an essential skill for citizenship. In 2024, the Ministry of Communications reinforced the need to expand digital training to reduce inequalities.

The National Common Curricular Base (BNCC), through Opinion CNE/CEB No. 2/2022, established clear parameters for teaching computing and technology in basic education. The document guides schools to develop curricula that include digital skills such as computational thinking, ethical use of technology, and problem-solving from the early years of elementary education.

Furthermore, the recently enacted Law No. 15.100/2025 regulates the use of electronic devices in classrooms, prohibiting indiscriminate use of cell phones but allowing their pedagogical use under teacher supervision. The measure aims to balance discipline and innovation, allowing digital technologies to be integrated into teaching for educational purposes.

Personalized teaching is one of the most promising strategies in this context. The use of data analysis to tailor learning to students' individual needs has shown significant gains in digital literacy. In the State of São Paulo, for example, adaptive platforms are being tested to identify specific deficiencies and offer tailored solutions.

Another critical point is the digital exclusion of the elderly. To address this problem, Bill 4263/24 was presented in the Chamber of Deputies in March 2025, proposing the creation of the National Digital Literacy Program for Elderly People. The initiative aims to empower this segment of the population and reduce their vulnerability to digital challenges.

Ongoing initiatives 

Several actions are being implemented to mitigate the challenges of digital literacy in Brazil. Programs like Telecentros, which offer free internet access and technological training courses, have played a crucial role in democratizing access to technology. The Acessa São Paulo Program is another example of an initiative aimed at providing infrastructure and digital training for vulnerable communities.

In this context, digital platforms like Britannica School, from Britannica Education, emerge as strategic allies. Aimed at elementary and high school students, the platform promotes the development of skills and competencies aligned with the BNCC, serving as a complementary tool to the curriculum-based teaching.  

In Minas Gerais, the partnership between the State Department of Education (SEE/MG) and Britannica Education has already benefited more than 1.6 million students in the state network. Furthermore, the project provides an educational digital collection, containing tens of thousands of articles, as well as over 3 million images and videos aimed at education, with image rights cleared.

To ensure that teachers can use this collection effectively, 30 teachers from the School of Training and Professional Development of Educators of SEE/MG participated in a training in August 2024. Furthermore, Britannica Education is developing content focused on Mineira culture, enriching the educational material and making it more attractive to students.

Future advances 

The expansion of digital literacy in Brazil depends on more public and private investments, the training of educators, and the creation of programs that reach marginalized populations. Ensuring that all Brazilians have basic digital skills is a fundamental step to reduce social inequalities, promote the digital economy, and strengthen democracy in times of misinformation.

The transition to a digitally literate country is a challenge, but also an opportunity. If the right policies are implemented, Brazil can become an example of digital inclusion and prepare its population for the challenges and opportunities of the information age.

WhatsApp is the new customer service counter for Brazilian SMEs

WhatsApp has established itself as a true service counter, showcase, and even cash register for small businesses across Brazil. But what happens when the volume of messages increases and the organization of the service begins to fall apart? This challenge can be overcome with the help of technological solutions, which offer the agility and efficiency needed to optimize communication and improve the customer experience.

Currently, WhatsApp is the main communication channel for SMEs, but many still use this tool in an improvised manner. This harms the customer experience and results in missed sales opportunities," says César Baleco, CEO of IRRAH TECH, a specialist in automation and artificial intelligence solutions for retail. The company offers PlugChat, a platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses professionalize the use of WhatsApp in customer service and relationship management.

According to the 2024 Marketing and Sales Panorama by RD Station, 70% of Brazilian companies already use WhatsApp as their main means of contact with their customers and leads. "The challenge, however, is to scale this service without losing control or quality," says Baleco.

He explains that technologies, such as PlugChat, are capable of centralizing all WhatsApp customer service into a single number, allowing multiple company agents to respond to customers simultaneously and in an organized manner. The records are saved, and managers can monitor the team's performance in real time, with clear metrics.

"The businessman no longer needs to worry if the client spoke with Fulano or Ciclano. The conversation is there, in the system, visible to everyone involved. This eliminates misunderstandings and speeds up responses," says Baleco.

Additionally, the platform integrates with tools like Trello, transforming conversations into tasks for other areas of the company, such as technical support, finance, or logistics. This ensures agility in deliveries and greater operational efficiency.

Another important feature is the automatic sending of satisfaction surveys at the end of the service. According to Baleco, this feature helps the entrepreneur understand where they can improve. It's a simple way to listen to the customer without the need for complex tools.

The CEO of IRRAH TECH comments that many SMEs started using WhatsApp casually, replying to messages from their personal numbers. However, he emphasizes that, with the digitalization driven by the pandemic and the growth of e-commerce, the app has become an extension of the business and requires professional tools. "Helping the small entrepreneur take this step: moving from improvisation to intelligent, data-driven management," says the CEO of IRRAH TECH.

Autonomy is the key to more creativity in companies, according to 69% of Brazilian professionals.

Ultimately, what stimulates your creativity the most in the work environment today? A recent survey questioned hundreds of professionals across Brazil and discovered the answer:at least for nearly 70% of respondents, the autonomy to test new ideas— more important for creative work than challenging goals, as well as investment in training and various courses.

The finding is from Conquer Business School, a business school that, in recent weeks, asked Brazilians from all regionsthey would share details of their creative lives, among the factors that most stimulate them professionally, the most common obstacles to exercising their own creativity, and the impacts of the skill in question on their self-esteem.

For most respondents, obstacles such as a rigid culture and excessive demands only tend to weaken creative work itself.independence in companies (69%), a collaboration with colleagues (58%)and theaccess to appropriate technologies (55%), on the other hand, they would be the main keys to more creativity in daily life — whether leading large projects or performing operational tasks.

Main findings:

  • 74% of the professionals surveyed feel creative at work currently;
  • 83% of them also recognize the positive impacts of AI on their own creativity;
  • Autonomy (69%) and collaboration (58%) are what most stimulate them to be creatively professional;
  • The main barriers to more creative work today are mental fatigue and exhaustion (45%).

Mental fatigue, the number one villain of creativity

In general, something that the experiences of the interviewees by Conquer only confirm is thehow positively creativity tends to reflect on professional motivation— with impacts on a person's perception of themselves, their work projects, and the company they are part of.

This is because, while studies like the ReportState of Creativethey already identified thatThe exploration of creative potential increases productivity in companies by 78%., the business school survey actually discovered how the interviewees feel when they are able to use their creativity professionally. For most of them, in fact, the effects are always encouraging, ranging from perceivingmore motivated and engaged (59%), productive(49%) andproud of his activities (34%). 

Even though, today, 74% of respondents frequently acknowledge exercising such competence in the workplace,obstacles to a more creative journeyThere don't seem to be any shortages in the companies. When questioned, for example,certain digital distractions, such as Instagram and WhatsApp(29%), aabsence of tools(23%) and therigid organizational culture(17%) appeared among the most common obstacles, alongside the worst of problems:the constant feeling of mental fatigue or exhaustion (45%)

In a context in which theArtificial Intelligencesgenerative they are being increasingly exploited in companies; on the other hand, for most Brazilians,your use has also become more space for creatingwhile 42% of them shared feeling stimulated by so manyideas and references, for 41%, the gain has been theautomation of simple tasks, which would allow more free time for creating.

For a more creative work — and life

Now, if what is abundant in offices from North to South are factors that hinder a more creative routine, on the other hand,What would most incentivize you in the corporate environment according to Brazilians?As a company focused on the professional development of people, this was one of the doubts shared by Conquer with the interviewees — who selected the aspects that most stimulate their creativity at work today.

Between access to different tools, more free time to create, and challenging goals, what most tends to contribute to creative doing is theautonomy to test new ideascited by 69% of respondents.

Not just her, by the way: proving the importance of investing in people, as well as the role of teamwork, thecollaboration and idea exchange with colleagues(58%) and theaccess to appropriate technologies and tools(55%) also appeared in the respondents' answers, alongside morefree time to think (48%).

At a time when so many tasks are automated within companies, investing in employees' creativity (whether through training, tools, or organizational culture adjustments) means betting on a differentiator with lasting results for various teams and businesses, says Juliana Alencar, Marketing Director at Conquer. Creative teams tend to be more strategic, collaborative, and attentive to market developments, qualities that are increasingly in demand today. Everyone benefits.

Methodology

To understand the relationship of Brazilian professionals with creativity, in recent weeks, 500 adults (over 18 years old) living in all regions and connected to the internet were interviewed. The confidence level was 95%, and the margin of error was 3.3 percentage points.

Overall, the respondents had access to a total of 5 questions, which explored what most stimulates them creatively, certain obstacles, and the impacts of AI on creativity itself. The organization of the responses enabled the creation of different rankings, in which you can see the percentage of each option indicated by the interviewees. 

QualiBest launches QMetrics, a tool that compares product performance with market standards

QualiBest Institute has just launched QMetrics, an innovative solution for product analysis and comparison in the market, based on metrics extracted from sensory tests. The tool transforms research data into strategic intelligence by allowing brands to compare their product performance with historical averages, providing a clear view of attributes such as flavor, texture, crunchiness, appearance, and color.

With a standardized database, QMetrics makes it possible to identify, for example, whether the crunchiness of a new snack is above or below the market average, or if the residual flavor of a beverage better meets the target audience's expectations. These analyses are based on three pillars: standardization of questions, identification of attributes and correct scales, and construction of an organized and dynamic database.

"The market needs quick but well-founded decisions. With QMetrics, we can turn a simple product assessment into a comparative report. It is possible to know, with precision, where the product stands out and where it needs to improve to become more competitive," says Camila Ricomini, product manager at QualiBest.

The data presented by QMetrics facilitate both the adjustment of formulations and the direction of marketing strategies, helping companies reduce risks in launches and enhance the performance of their products. One of the cited examples shows an item that had 90% approval for the attribute "residual flavor," while the market average is 78%. This difference can be decisive in a highly competitive and demanding consumer environment.

More than a comparison tool, QMetrics positions itself as a guide for evidence-based innovation. QualiBest Institute also offers a digital Hub that integrates its platforms, allowing centralized and secure monitoring of research projects with integrated metrics.

Brazilians working from home order 30% more delivery and spend R$ 61.4 billion on restaurants

Contrary to initial expectations, home office — widely adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic and still present for many professionals — did not change a habit that was already established among Brazilians: eating outside the home.

Practice has become common for many families in Brazil, according to data from the IBGE News Agency (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics). According to the latest Family Budget Survey, meals outside the home account for 32.8% of food expenses in the household budget, revealing an increasing preference for ready-made meals and the convenience offered by restaurants and delivery services.

With the growth of cities and urban mobility challenges, the habit of leaving work to have lunch at home has, in many cases, been replaced by going to a restaurant or ordering packed meals, reflecting routine adaptations and the desire for convenience.

In the home office, the individual is at home. However, the period is dedicated to professional work. There is no time to plan and prepare the day's meal. Result: eat nearby or resort to delivery.

Recently, iFood announced that orders increased post-pandemic, from 60 million to 70 million per month. Per client, the number of orders increased by 30%.According to a report by the ANR (National Restaurant Association), in 2024, spending on eating out in Brazil reached a new record, with consumers spending around R$ 61.4 billion in the second quarter, representing a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. The average ticket increased by 4%, indicating that customers are willing to spend more when dining out.

In this context, restaurants, in addition to focusing on their core activities such as preparing exquisite dishes and providing courteous and prompt service, have another concern: establishing efficient resource management that ensures the operation of the business. This management needs to allow the entrepreneur to have "at their fingertips" control of all the necessary indicators to prevent stock shortages or, on the other hand, food waste.

"At the tip of the pencil" is an idiom, of course. Because this meticulous and assertive management I refer to should precisely abolish manual control, to be carried out with the help of technological management solutions. It's not a matter of whim or luxury, it's a matter of necessity. Management software specialized in food service businesses represents an investment that translates into waste reduction, better-controlled operational costs, appropriately priced menus, quality in production, among thousands of other benefits.  

Ultimately, automated management impacts the results across all fronts. Both in providing the service to the customer, as the offer and quality of products meet what the consumer desires and deserves, and in the sustainability of the business.

Correct pricing and properly stocked inventory—so that nothing is missing and nothing is excessive—mean customer satisfaction and financial viability of the business. Given the peculiarities and complexity of food service businesses, there is no "pencil tip" that guarantees this control. Technology is here to help us, freeing entrepreneurs from operational work to focus on the intellectual and strategic aspects, thereby expanding their businesses.

Microsoft Brazil offers free AI course for small and medium-sized businesses

Microsoft Brazil announces the courseFluency for Small and Medium Businessesa series of educational videos produced by company specialists, offering practical and accessible tips to optimize daily business operations. The course was developed to help small entrepreneurs understand and apply artificial intelligence in their businesses. Divided into ten episodes, the content covers everything from basic AI concepts to creating effective prompts to achieve results with generative AI tools.  

The content is permanently available on the official channel.Microsoft AI SkillsOn YouTube, where the company provides tips about AI for beginners and professionals at various levels worldwide. Through the channel, Microsoft offers tutorials, expert insights, and accessible tips to help diverse audiences gain confidence and achieve results with the use of artificial intelligence.

In the courseFluency for Small and Medium BusinessesRande Rodrigues, Technical Specialist, and Liliane Lima, Channel Manager at Microsoft Brazil, demonstrate examples of how generative AI can be useful for SMEs, such as automating repetitive tasks, improving internal processes, and creating a data analysis foundation to guide decision-making.

One of the techniques explored in the course is OCFE – an acronym for "Objective," "Context," "Source," and "Expectations." The technique is essential for creating effective prompts when interacting with artificial intelligence:

  • ObjectiveIt refers to what the user wants to obtain as a response from the AI.  
  • ContextIt can be described as the reason why the information is necessary and its importance to the business, as well as who else may benefit from it, such as clients or partners.  
  • Sourceindicate where the AI should look for the necessary information.  
  • ExpectationsThey should describe how the user expects the AI to respond in order to meet their needs.

Check out three examples of practical tips offered in the courseFluencIA for small and medium-sized businesses: 

1. Automation of repetitive tasks 

Imagine you are an entrepreneur who spends a lot of time managing emails, scheduling meetings, and organizing information. These repetitive tasks can be automated using AI, freeing up your time for more strategic activities. In the FluencIA course, you learn to use Microsoft Copilot to automate these tasks. For example, you can ask the tool to create a task table from your emails from the previous week. An effective prompt for this action would be: "From my emails last week, create a table of actions, including who the action is assigned to, who assigned it, and the deadline. I need this to have a good structure to organize my day. Be concise." This type of prompt helps to better organize your time and prioritize important tasks.

Lesson 2 – Learn to write good prompts (source: Microsoft AI Skills) 

2. Data analysis for decision making 

For many SMEs, analyzing large volumes of data can be a challenge, but it is essential for making informed decisions. In the course, you learn to use AI to analyze financial data, predict consumption trends, and optimize production processes. For example, if you need to add columns about gross profit and net profit in a sales spreadsheet, you can describe the context to Copilot within Excel and ask it to generate comparative charts and describe the observed trends. A detailed prompt for this case would be: "Add a column for gross profit and another for net profit to my sales spreadsheet. Generate comparative charts and describe the observed trends." This allows you to better visualize the data and make more accurate decisions.

Lesson 7 – How to create and manage your cash flow (source: Microsoft AI Skills) 

3. Creation of marketing campaigns 

Developing effective marketing campaigns is crucial for the growth of SMEs. AI can assist in content creation, target audience segmentation, and campaign performance analysis. In the FluencIA course, you learn to use Microsoft Copilot for these tasks. For example, when planning a new product launch campaign, you can ask Copilot to create a detailed activity schedule and suggest content for social media. A good prompt to achieve this goal is: "Create a detailed activity schedule for the launch campaign of a new product."Describe the product and the target audience.), including content suggestions for social media and success indicators. This helps to better structure the campaign and reach the target audience more effectively.

 

Lesson 8 – How to create a social media marketing campaign(source: Microsoft AI Skills)

Decolar integrates Visa's Click to Pay to offer a simpler and safer payment experience to its customers.

Take off- travel technology company - and theVisa, specialized in digital payments, announced the integration ofClick to Payin yourcheckout.The feature offers a more practical and secure payment experience, allowing customers to complete their transactions with just a few clicks, without the need to enter card details for each new operation.

THEClick to Pay (C2P)Allows consumers to pre-register their credentials in a protected account and use this information quickly and securely during the payment process. The solution was developed based on the global standard.EMV Secure Remote Commerce, and through tokenization, replaces the 16 digits of the card with a unique and encrypted number, hiding sensitive data in online transactions.

"In"Take off, we are constantly seeking solutions that enhance our customers' experience throughout the entire travel purchasing journey," says Lucas Botelho, head of Loyalty & Financial Alliances of the company. "The integration of the"Click to Paybrings more agility to the payment process and reinforces our commitment to security, always in line with global payment trends.

Visa is committed to providing solutions that simplify the online payment process and protect consumers. THEClick to Payprovides users with a quick and hassle-free shopping experience, aiming to protect sensitive data through advanced tokenization technologies," complements Leandro Garcia, Executive Director of Digital Payment Solutions at Visa.

NG.CASH receives authorization from the Central Bank to operate as a Payment Institution

NG.CASHreceived authorization from the Central Bank of Brazil to operate as a Payment Institution (PI). With the license, the fintech begins to operate under the direct supervision of the monetary authority, expanding its operational autonomy and consolidating its position in the digital financial sector.

With over 6 million users, NG.CASH aims to facilitate access for new generations.financial services through a digital account focused on user experience, simplified resource management, and encouragement of personal financial organization. The BC's authorization also marks a milestone in the company's journey, as it allows it to operate in a regulated manner and develop more robust solutions to meet the demands of a transforming audience.

"The obtaining of the Central Bank license is a significant step in our mission to democratize access to quality financial services for young Brazilians. We will continue to expand our operations responsibly and in line with the demands of an audience seeking simplicity, control, and financial guidance from an early age," says Mario Augusto Sá, CEO of NG.CASH.

"The authorization reinforces NG.CASH's commitment to regulatory compliance and operational security, which are essential foundations for the sustainable growth of the financial technology sector in the country," concludes Petrus Arruda, COO of NG.CASH.

Infracommerce reports positive EBITDA in Q1 2025, with an improvement of over 102% compared to Q1 2024

Infracommerce presents the financial results for the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25), highlighting the initial fruits of its restructuring plan initiated in 2024. The Company reported a positive adjusted EBITDA of R$1.3 million in the period, representing a significant recovery of 102.6% compared to 1Q24.

The total GMV reached R$3.3 billion in the first quarter, a 4.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Organic gross profit, excluding advance payments, reached R$52 million and showed a significant improvement of 53.7% compared to 1Q24, with an 11 percentage point gain. gross margin for the period. Total costs and expenses improved by 30.5% compared to the first quarter of 2024, reaching R$190.5 million.

Total operating costs and expenses recorded a decline in Q1 2025. Commercial and administrative expenses decreased by 44%, totaling R$61.8 million, while service revenues amounted to R$132.7 million, a reduction of 19.2% compared to 1Q24, highlighting significant progress in cost control and a focus on profitability, with strategic actions to improve operational margin and the company's operating cash flow.

The EBITDA performance and EBITDA Margin directly reflect the changes implemented after the management change, highlighting the restructuring plan and the rigorous cost and expense reduction discipline initiated in the second quarter of 2024. Even in the face of a 6.5% decline in net revenue, excluding the advance revenue in 2024, which totaled R$184.6 million, Infracommerce demonstrated adaptability, a focus on operational efficiency, and a commitment to financial sustainability.

Another positive point was the performance of the operation in Latin America (excluding Brazil), which recorded a 10.3% increase in revenue compared to 1Q24, helping to mitigate the effects of the termination of costly contracts in the Brazilian market. This strategic movement—while rationalizing the client portfolio—strengthens operations in key countries and boosts the group's profitability.

We are entering the third quarter of our management with the confidence of someone who has already witnessed concrete signs of transformation. In just six months, we have accomplished what we set out to do: stabilize the business in Brazil, resume growth, and restore operational efficiency as the foundation for a new cycle of expansion," says Mariano Oriozabala, CEO of Infracommerce.

Gi Group and Amazon open more than 200 vacancies for Logistics Assistant in Cajamar (SP)

Gi Group, an Italian multinational specializing in human resources, announces the opening of over 200 temporary positions with the possibility of permanent employment for the role of Logistics Assistant in Cajamar (SP), in partnership with Amazon, one of the largest companies in the world in the e-commerce sector. Opportunities are intended for professionals with a complete elementary education and availability to work in shifts.

Although previous experience in the logistics field is desirable, it is not a mandatory requirement.

The contractors will work directly in Amazon's operations, contributing to the efficiency of the company's supply chain. In addition to a competitive salary, these positions offer benefits such as transportation vouchers, on-site meals, shuttle service, and the possibility of permanent employment.

Interested parties must register throughfrom this linkwhere they can register their resumes and obtain more information about the selection process.

Requirements for the position:

  • Complete elementary education;
  • Be over 18 years old;
  • Flexibility to operate in different areas/activities in the distribution center.

Job responsibilities:

  • Receiving, inspection, and sorting of products;
  • Movement and storage of materials and supplies;
  • Packaging, labeling, and shipping of products;
  • Issuance of invoices;
  • Loading and unloading of vehicles;
  • Conference and inventory control;
  • Organization, conservation of products, and care for the work areas;
  • Use of collector and WMS system.

Available work shifts:

  • 3×2: from 06:00 to 18:00 or from 18:00 to 05:00;

Salary and benefits:

  • Salary: R$ 2,050.65 monthly;
  • Chartered transportation (without discount) and an additional transportation voucher, if necessary;
  • On-site cafeteria with meal without discount;
  • Attendance bonus of R$ 120.00 monthly for those without absences;
  • Modern workspace with a game room, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.

Selection process:Interviews will be conducted online from Monday to Friday (business days) at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Interested parties must register by clicking the "Apply" button at the link:https://linktr.ee/gigroup.amazon.

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