The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle, has initiated high-level discussions with Major General Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC). The talks, held at the IMCTC Headquarters in Riyadh on Monday, November 18, 2024, aim to foster collaboration and share expertise in combating terrorism.

The meeting underscores Nigeria’s commitment to addressing security challenges through international partnerships. Dr. Matawalle is set to engage with top counter-terrorism strategists and logistics experts during his visit.

Speaking on the significance of the discussions, defence analysts anticipate the outcomes will strengthen Nigeria’s approach to counter-terrorism and enhance its capacity to tackle insurgency and extremism. This visit represents a crucial step in leveraging global alliances to safeguard national and regional security.

In a move to strengthen international collaboration and drive inclusive digital development, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) hosted representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on a courtesy visit to its corporate headquarters. The visit was led by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, and marked a significant milestone in fostering partnerships aimed at addressing gender disparities in the digital economy.

The primary focus of the meeting was to explore areas of mutual collaboration and introduce an innovative initiative targeting Nigerian women entrepreneurs. The program is designed to provide participants with advanced training, critical knowledge, and practical skills needed to excel in the digital and entrepreneurial sectors. Beyond skills development, the initiative seeks to offer resources and mentorship opportunities to empower women to overcome gender barriers and create a thriving ecosystem for female-led businesses.

This strategic effort aligns with NITDA’s National Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy, a framework aimed at achieving gender parity in Nigeria’s digital landscape. Additionally, it ties into the agency’s broader Digital4All (DL4ALL) initiative, which emphasizes inclusivity, capacity building, and mutual learning.

Speaking on the initiative, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi highlighted the importance of such partnerships in building a resilient and equitable digital economy. “Empowering women entrepreneurs is not just about addressing gender inequality; it is about unlocking economic potential and fostering sustainable development. Collaborations like this pave the way for innovation and progress,” he said.

JICA representatives expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing their commitment to leveraging technology and education as tools for social and economic transformation. The initiative is expected to set a benchmark for international cooperation in driving gender equality and innovation in the digital age.

As Nigeria continues to position itself as a hub for technology and innovation, the collaboration between NITDA and JICA demonstrates a shared vision of using digital transformation as a lever for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Technology experts at the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0) held in Lagos State-Nigeria, recently, highlighted the transformative potential of blockchain and AI in positioning Africa as a global technology leader.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in his keynote address, titled “Blockchain Technology & AI: Positioning Africa for the Future,” emphasized Africa’s unique position to leverage these technologies for economic and social development.

With mobile penetration at about 80% and a rapidly growing youth population, Africa, he noted, is fertile ground for digital transformation, noting that Blockchain and AI offer unparalleled opportunities to propel Africa into the future as a leader in the global digital economy.

“Both blockchain and artificial intelligence are powerful technologies that offer Africa unprecedented opportunities. By strategically integrating these technologies, we can propel Africa forward as a dynamic leader in the global digital economy,” he said.

PHOTO: Mrs. Rita Shoremi, Head, Startup Innovations and IT solutions, NITDA, South West Zone

Abdullahi who was represented at the event by Mrs. Rita Shoremi, Head, Startup Innovations and IT solutions, NITDA, South West Zone, outlined the potential of blockchain to address challenges in financial inclusion, governance, and property rights across the continent arguing that with over 57% of Africans unbanked, blockchain can extend financial services to underserved regions, adding an estimated $300 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025.

“Africa stands at a unique juncture. Our continent has seen remarkable digital growth, with mobile phone penetration reaching 80% across sub-Saharan Africa according to a World Bank, 2022 report.

“Africa is also home to one of the world’s fastest-growing youth populations, over 60% of whom are under the age of 25 by a UN Population Data of 2022. These dynamics offer a fertile ground for digital transformation, and emerging technologies like blockchain and AI have the potential to redefine key sectors that fuel Africa’s economy,” Abdullahi stated.

To fully capitalize on blockchain and AI, Abdullahi emphasized the need for supportive policies, strategic partnerships, and youth empowerment and noted that NITDA’s eight-pillar strategy aligns with Nigeria’s goals for digital literacy, infrastructure access, and global research collaboration, with a goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027.

In his presentation titled “Navigating The Future of Technology In Africa: The Intersection of AI, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Cybersecurity,” Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, the chief visionary officer, Digital Encode Limited, examined adoption trends, industry impact, and the key challenges across these technologies.

PHOTO: Oluwakayode Olatunji, CISO and Group Head of Information Security at Digital Encode Limited

Taking an overview of Emerging Technologies in Africa, Obadare who was represented by Oluwakayode Olatunji, CISO and Group Head of Information Security at Digital Encode Limited stated that Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating in key sectors like fintech, healthtech, and agritech that are adopting cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies.

According to him, whereas mobile penetration, cloud computing, and increasing internet access are driving the growth of these technologies, these innovations come with risks and threats associated with cyberattacks, fraud, and data breaches and cautioned that a robust cybersecurity framework is crucial for sustainable digital transformation.

On his part, Mr. Biram Fall, the Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa, said that with over 350 million unbanked adults, there is a significant potential of financial inclusion and digital solutions for Africa, and a vast opportunity to expand access to financial security, event through electronic commerce (eCommerce).

Speaking as a lead presenter at the AfriTECH 4.0, Mr Fall stated that financial inclusion transforms lives by providing essential financial tools like savings accounts, credit, and insurance, which foster economic independence.

PHOTO: Biram Fall, the Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa

Highlighting the importance of the Forum’s theme, “Harnessing Fintech Solutions for Financial Inclusion & eCommerce Growth,” he said”: “The demand for financial inclusion aligns with a projected $75 billion e-commerce market in Africa by 2025, driven by rising internet access and smartphone adoption. However, limited banking infrastructure and high cash dependency hinder digital engagement,” he said.

He disclosed that QNET’s initiatives, such as its “Fit Green” financial literacy programme, have trained over 1,500 young Nigerians, promoting financial self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship through an e-commerce-driven direct-selling model active in over 100 countries.

“Our e-commerce driven direct-selling model provides income-generating opportunities in over 100 countries, promoting entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency in low-income regions. True progress requires collaboration.

Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone, underscored the importance of building sustainable digital infrastructure to fuel Africa’s economic transformation.

PHOTO: Nnamdi Onoh, Field Service Engineer at Galaxy Backbon

Presenting a paper titled: Building Digital Infrastructure for a Sustainable Digital Economy, through a representative, Mr. Nnamdi Onoh, Field Service Engineer at Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Adeyanju noted that technology has the potential to redefine Africa’s economic trajectory, and that at Galaxy Backbone, they are dedicated to building the foundational digital infrastructure that supports this vision.

According to him, “Africa’s digital journey presents immense opportunities, but it requires robust, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure to enable economic growth. Galaxy Backbone’s mission aligns directly with these goals, as we work to provide the infrastructure and connectivity that powers government services, businesses, and communities across Nigeria.”

He said that today, digital infrastructure is much more than just technology but about creating resilient systems that empower citizens, foster economic empowerment, and drive inclusive growth. “Our investments in state-of-the-art data centres, fibre optic networks, state of the art SOC and secure cloud solutions have created a backbone that supports Nigeria’s public sector and enables interconnectivity among MDAs,” he said.

Nodding in agreement, Mrs. Ebehijie Momoh, the chief executive officer of AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited, said that the company, working with Nigerian banks and the Central Bank, aims to reduce payment processing costs, thus supporting the nation’s financial inclusion goals.

PHOTO: Mrs. Ebehijie Momoh, the chief executive officer of AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited

Momoh noted that with a population exceeding 220 million and mobile penetration reaching a notable 90%, Nigeria is well-positioned for a digital transformation that supports a burgeoning economy, adding that over 103 million Nigerians, or 45.5% of the population, are now internet users, underscoring the potential for digital growth.

“According to a 2023 report, the country’s financial inclusion rate rose to 64%, an impressive increase from the 50s just two years prior. This growth is driven in part by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) initiatives focused on financial inclusion, fostering an environment where more Nigerians can access essential financial services,” she said.

PHOTO: A cross section of attendees at AfriTECH 4.0/ATAEx Awards

The AfriGoPay Chief Executive expressed delight that Nigeria’s digital payments landscape is also experiencing rapid expansion, with 2023 alone seeing an estimated $730 billion in transactions and noted that the advent of domestic payment solutions, like the recently launched AfriGo card, represents a home-grown option that facilitates cashless payments.

“The AfriGo card, developed in collaboration with Nigerian banks and the CBN, is designed to reduce costs by processing transactions in local currency instead of foreign exchange, thus supporting the nation’s financial inclusion goals.

AfriTECH 4.0 attracted both physical and virtual attendees from Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, amongst others.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has called on the Nigerian Air Force to intensify the use of its advanced platforms to bring an end to banditry and terrorism. According to the Minister, “You are key to this fight, and we must align our efforts to end this war.”

During his operational visit to the Air Component Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Katsina State on Monday, 18th November 2024, the Minister commended the heroic Air Warriors for their unwavering courage and resilience, which continue to inspire hope among Nigerians.

“Their efforts are yielding tangible results,” the Minister said, noting that farmers are returning to their fields, schools are reopening, businesses are thriving, and citizens can now sleep peacefully.

H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s GCFR confidence in the professionalism and loyalty of the armed forces, recognizing the personal sacrifices made daily to safeguard the nation’s unity.

To bolster the fight against insecurity, the Minister highlighted the state-of-the-art platforms recently provided to the Nigerian Air Force by the President. These include advanced aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, with the latest induction of T129 Attack Helicopters poised to enhance operational capabilities significantly.

“I am confident we will make Mr. President and Nigerians proud,” the Minister stated, urging the Air Force to synergize efforts with ground forces and other stakeholders for maximum impact. “It is no coincidence that I am here today to flag off this critical phase of operations,” he added.

As part of his visit, the Minister proceeded to Sokoto to assess the combat readiness of the Air Force platforms and toured the proposed permanent site for the newly established Air Force component at Sokoto Airport.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, commended the Minister’s servant leadership, describing it as a source of inspiration for the armed forces. He further emphasized the transformative impact of the T129 Attack Helicopters on operational efficiency, assuring that these assets would strengthen the nation’s resolve against those threatening its stability.