ESET’s move to protect the future of technology

ESET’s move to protect the future of technology

Global leader in cybersecurity is championing innovation and enabling progressive change by ensuring a safe digital future

We’re moving into an increasingly complex digital world – technology is how we connect, how we work and how we express ourselves. Communities are built and businesses grown through digital innovations, but these are open to attack, putting the future of technological innovation at risk.

A report by Accenture found that security breaches had increased by 67% over the last five years, and currently over 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected every day, according to research by the AV-Test Institute. Cybersecurity is becoming essential to ensure a positive digital future for all.

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, has announced its new branding with the tagline ‘Progress. Protected’. This new brand positioning is inspired by the insight that while the power of human ideas remains the leading catalyst for the world’s progression today, progress is advanced via the connectivity provided by technology, which needs protecting. Human and technological progress is now more vulnerable than ever to attack, and ESET is positioned to protect the continued advancement of this innovation through the provision of its industry-leading security software and services.

To celebrate the concept of Progress. Protected, ESET will put a spotlight on a number of thought leaders across a range of fields in a series of high-level brand films shot by Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Hubert Davies. These experts in science, education, innovation, and space exploration will provide their insights on what progress in technology means to them and how it’s helping to change the world for the better.

The thought leaders include: 

  • Chris Hadfield, astronaut, engineer, pilot and author of four international bestsellers – for his work in promoting technological progress and innovation via collaboration, and his unique perspective on our world.
  • Dr. Mimi Ito, cultural anthropologist and Professor in Residence at the Humanities Research Institute at the University of California – for her research into and promotion of youth enablement in technology for a safe and progressive future.
  • Steven Johnson, author of 13 books focusing on the intersection of science, technology and personal experience, and host of the American Innovations podcast – for his research into the history of transformative ideas and the role diversity plays in creating the most innovative solutions for the present and future.

“The world continues to move forward at pace. When ESET was founded, the internet was in its infancy. Now technology is part of everything we do and is central to the continued advancement of our society,” explains Richard Marko, CEO of ESET. “To ensure continued progress in the digital age, we need someone to question what’s going on in the background. I believe that is an important task for our company, as to protect technology means to protect progress itself.”

“If we imagine for a moment, losing the contributions to our progress and future made by our champions of technology, it becomes clear exactly what is at stake. Through this new brand positioning, we hope to demonstrate ESET’s investment and passion for progress through technology.”

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES VERITABLE TOOL IN COMBATING INSECURITY — PROF PANTAMI

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES VERITABLE TOOL IN COMBATING INSECURITY — PROF PANTAMI

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), has reiterated that the use of emerging technologies in combating insecurity remains a veritable tool which Nigeria will continue to capitalise on, as government and stakeholders are pointing towards digital technology as the next available option to help reduce the scourge of insecurity in the country.

Prof. Pantami, who was represented by the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE said this during a paper presentation at the National Students Security Summit 2022 organised by National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

He said that the rapid advancement of technology has brought about the term Emerging Technologies that are new, and they have not been fully explored or are still under development, and new cases are discovered every day.

According to the Minister, the technological revolution is transforming lives at breakneck speed, dramatically altering the way people work, learn and live together.
He stated that Emerging Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Quantum Computing, Augmented Reality, Internet of Things and Robotics are exponentially growing and finding new applications in an ever-increasing number of sectors, including the way people receive, exchange and process information for security activities.

The Minister further said that unstoppable as insecurity is, the country has continuously explored various approaches to mitigate security challenges.
“You would all agree that the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), characterised by digitalisation and automation, is cutting across all sectors of industry and humanities. The copious role of digital technology in tackling insecurity can never be underestimated; making it a veritable tool for defeating all security threats in the country.

“It is pertinent to understand that advances in technology are reshaping global security capabilities, from enhancing the way borders are monitored to helping mitigate insecurity, the impact of natural disasters to intelligent detection, the identification of criminal activities to automatic detection of crime associated menace in the society,” he added.

Pantami further stated that these new challenges and opportunities are currently being utilised in facilitating digital solutions and building capacities to address national security challenges in Nigeria. Adding that Federal Government is not unmindful of the role of emerging technologies in a sustainable digital economy and national security issues.

He said that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics has been established to foster the development of emerging technologies in preparing Nigeria for the Fourth Industrial Revolution via research and development of technologies like drones, robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

Pantami said to curb cybercrime activities, NITDA rejigged its Computer Emergency Readiness Response Team (CERRT) in response to the increase rate of cybercrime and fulfilment of the requirement of the National Cybersecurity Strategy.
He added that CERRT functions in coordinating and facilitating information sharing, providing mitigation strategies and recommendations for the incident response and recovery, researching and analysing trends and patterns of incident activity for government Ministry, Department and Agencies (MDA) with extension to the private sector.

“We are taking steps to establish National Public Key Infrastructure to ensure the protection of Nigerian systems in cyberspace. We are establishing National Emergency lines in almost every part of the country to ensure citizens’ communication access. We are creating cybersecurity awareness across geopolitical zones to educate Nigerians on the potential of cyber threats. Every Nigerian must be aware of his responsibilities as far as security is concerned, and each person must be safe,” he added.

In an attempt to create a safe digital environment, the Minister said that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the designation and protection of relevant telecommunications infrastructure across the country as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) towards supporting implementation.
The Minister added that Government at all levels, private and other critical stakeholders in the technology ecosystem are expected to respond more rapidly and effectively to the unique opportunities emerging technologies could bring to Nigeria’s security administration.

Pantami stressed that, “as government, we would channel our energy towards creating an enabling environment for innovation in emerging technologies that could be harnessed and utilised effectively to the country’s advantage. We would develop integrated frameworks and approaches for adopting and deploying Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in national security architectures. We will continue to create suitable platforms to foster trustworthy collaborations between the country’s public and private technology community and civil society organisations.”

NCC to Sustain the Drive for Digital Economy Transformation – Danbatta

NCC to Sustain the Drive for Digital Economy Transformation – Danbatta

The Executive Vice  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has emphasised the commitment of the Commission to continually drive initiatives that accelerate deployment of digital infrastructure, in order to enhance economic transformation of Nigeria.

Danbatta reiterated the commitment of the Commission while speaking at the NCC Day, at the recently-concluded 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair, organised by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA).

Speaking on the overarching theme of the event “Strategising Nigerian Economy for Global Competitiveness,” in the context of the regulatory activities of the Commission, the EVC, who was represented by a Senior Manager at the Commission, Attah Ogbadu, said the NCC has been at the heart of providing the digital impetus for transforming the businesses and sustaining socio-economic activities in Nigeria.

Danbatta stated that due to the COVID-19-induced economic downturn and continued volatility, many countries are exploring policies to stimulate growth and create new jobs. “Information Communications Technology (ICT) is one of the fastest-growing industries because it triggers the creation of millions of jobs and therefore an enabler of innovation and socio-economic development”, Danbatta stated.

The EVC also asserted that while COVID-19 pandemic came with its attendant challenges, the Commission has continued to work assiduously with various stakeholders to see how more businesses can embrace digital platforms for delivering their services to the consumers.

PROF. DANBATTA, THE NCC EVC

He explained that aside accelerating digital infrastructure, NCC is also paying attention to ensuring a level-playing ground for operators to promote investment and ghe delivery of innovative services to individual consumers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and big business owners by ensuring enhanced consumer quality of experience.

“So, as a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers, on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud and otherwise ensure you do not fall victims to cybercrimes while using the internet, legitimately”, Danbatta stated to underscore NCC’s commitment to consumer protection.

Also speaking at the NCC Day forum, The President of KADCCIMA, Suleiman Aliyu, who was represented by an official of the Chamber, Farouk Sulaiman, commended NCC for its regular and impactful attendance and participation at the trade fair. He also placed on record NCC’s commitment to improving network coverage and consumer-centric initiatives, which are increasingly impacting job creation, the emergence of new services and industries, workforce transformation, and business innovation.

On the theme of the event, Aliyu said the theme was chosen to complement the efforts of the government in promoting economic growth. Aliyu asserted that the critical impact of the communications sector on the nation’s economic output is evident in its contribution to the Fross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to Aliyu, “the competitiveness of Nigeria would depend on our ability to leverage new technologies in light of the rapid growth of the number of active mobile subscriptions, internet subscribers, and broadband penetration, indices of telecom sector’s mark as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.”

Meanwhile, majority of telecom consumers, who attended the trade fair, also visited the NCC Day event and the NCC corner of the Exhibition Group of the KADCCIMA. There, officials of NCC’s Consumer Affairs Bureau educated the enthusiastic consumers on the various consumer-centric initiatives instituted by the Commission to inform, educate and protect consumers.

The telecom consumers also seized the opportunity of the platform provided by NCC at the Fair, to make complaints and to resolve their service-related challenges at the NCC Stand of the Exhibition, which also housed representatives of telecoms operators who responded to the concerns of the consumers.

Ethnos IT Solutions Brings World-Class Cyber Security Solutions to The Nigerian Corporates

Ethnos IT Solutions Brings World-Class Cyber Security Solutions to The Nigerian Corporates

In an increasingly digital world, businesses today are having greater online presence, this has necessitated   the need to invest in robust cyber security architecture. This investment has been noted to scale up business agility and also deepen the business continuity of firms. The investment in cyber security isn’t a project only designed for big corporate players. Cyber Security solutions are for all sorts of business ranging from the small business to the guy working from home and doing his online shop to the online market place. Every type of business today needs cyber security framework embedded their business plan or operational expenditure.

Ethnos IT solution, an indigenous cyber security IT solution provider, with over a decade in providing robust cyber security solutions has brought to the forefront various layers of security architecture for all tiers of organizations. The company has made seeking for reliable experts in the cybersecurity ecosystem seamless and easy for the Nigerian business managers.

Having known this, another challenge that most business owners or chief technology officers do is that they assume that cyber security is all about buying an antivirus and dumping it in the platform or sever. Cybersecurity transcends above this narrative. Depending on the platform or business model, this cyber security can involve vulnerability testing, ethical hacking, penetration testing and all what not. In a perilous world like ours today criminals are constantly inventing, researching and deploying the best methods t breach your platforms, the role of cyber security solution providers like Ethnos IT is to ensure that organizations are one step ahead of these criminals.

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Speaking on the role of experts in cybersecurity ecosystem, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the indigenous firm, Mr Peter Ejiofor said “Ethnos provides solutions and professional services in the field of Information Security, Risk Management, Cyber Security and Compliance Management. “

He added “We advise and support companies and organizations that want to align their ICT environment with ‘Best Practices’ for Enterprise Security. We stand for assurance of security when it comes to cost-effective measures and solutions to reduce the risks, to get more in control and also to preserve the trust in doing business. The many years of experience of our professionals in IT Governance and Information Security guarantee an optimal implementation and customer satisfaction. We work with reputable and innovative suppliers. “

“Today, technology is looking at artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, metaverse, digital transformation, holography and many others. We have grown with these new technologies and also improved in our capacity and skillset to support our customers as they consume these technologies. We have grown our market base, personnel, in terms of global technical engagements we have grown also. That is the journey.”

On the expertise of Ethnos IT as a cyber security solution provider, Peter said ““Currently, we have a wealth of experience and we have changed our thinking and vision as a company. What we do now is to solve real problems for organizations and we are not limited in our thinking. We are not limited in any area of cyber security. We are no longer at this stage delivering products but solving problems. We evaluate customers to determine their needs, some we train them and improve their cyber hygiene culture, some we deploy technologies to control their touchpoints others we support on their regulatory journeys. So, we look at businesses and implement threat management and we have platforms that we can plugin your environment and help you control and detect threats from internet exposure to data base.”

Ethnos provides solutions and professional services in the field of Information Security, Risk Management, Cyber Security and Compliance Management. We advise and support companies and organizations that want to align their ICT environment with ‘Best Practices’ for Enterprise Security. We stand for assurance of security when it comes to cost-effective measures and solutions to reduce the risks, to get more in control and also to preserve the trust in doing business. The many years of experience of our professionals in IT Governance and Information Security guarantee an optimal implementation and customer satisfaction. We work with reputable and innovative suppliers. We are ready to fulfil your specific requirements for working securely, either in or outside the cloud.

Ethnos focuses on providing Security, Governance and Business Improvement to organizations of all sizes.

Ethnos have partnered with worldclass brands such as; Webroot, Trustwave, Checkmarx, One Identity, AlgoSec, Thales, SentinelOne, Checkpoint, Beyond Security, Acunetix, RSA-EMC, Security Innovations, Ipswitch, PaloAlto Networks, PECB, Forcepoint, DataSunrise, Digital Guardian, Gemalto, Gigamon, Logrhythm, Kaspersky and more.

“In delivering our solutions, we strive to first understand the specific security requirements of our clients, assess their risks and unique security and compliance needs and identify the gaps between current and desired security postures. We then utilize highly experienced and extensively trained information security professionals to deliver custom solutions optimized for cost, efficiency and performance. If required, we assist to manage your compliance against regulatory standards and certifications while continuously work with you to ensure our solutions fully delivers ROI”, Peter Ejiofor concluded.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

“We advise and support companies and organizations that want to align their ICT environment with ‘Best Practices’ for Enterprise Security. We stand for assurance of security when it comes to cost-effective measures and solutions to reduce the risks, to get more in control and also to preserve the trust in doing business. The many years of experience of our professionals in IT Governance and Information Security guarantee an optimal implementation and customer satisfaction. We work with reputable and innovative suppliers. “

HOW ZETA WEB NIGERIA IS CHANGING THE ICT ECOSYSTEM WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

HOW ZETA WEB NIGERIA IS CHANGING THE ICT ECOSYSTEM WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Zeta Web Nigeria Limited, an indigenous information and communication technology (ICT) with emphasis in broadband and internet solution, call center solution and a host of other innovative ICT solution. ZetaWeb has been described as a company set-up to bridge the gap between Quality Solutions and Services as well as Business Success. the company has been described by industry watchers and stakeholders as one of the innovative indigenous ICT firms in the country offering world-class solutions.

Zeta-Web Nigeria Limited (ZNL) is an ICT company with significant expertise focused on value creation for all our customers through the provision of world class, full-service resource system with expanded technological capabilities – to meet our clients’ total communication requirements.

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Speaking to the media on one of the flagship solutions known as Z Force, Chris Obasi, Managing Director, Zeta–Web Nigeria Limited, concisely outlined the importance of Z-Force to the current workplace. “Our Z-Force service is unique in its design as it came out at a point when users are seeking internet services with both speed and data that they can use while working remotely, void of the frequent intermittencies and the high-cost associated with such requests, ¨ he stated.

With bouquet of solution in their kitty, ZetaWeb Limited as evolved to a complete ICT firm where the organization has made itself a one stop area for all ICT needs for corporate and individual clients. The ZetaWeb has a team of Web Experts that do undertake all online and offline services that ensure clients benefit from having an online presence. The ZETA-WEB CONTACT CENTER deploy sustainable and unmatched Contact Centre Solution at clients’ business facilities to provide them with the right technical support. While the ZETA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS is meant to Design, implement and operate high-end enterprise networks, data centre technologies and applications for various tier of customers.

The company’s INTERNET SERVICES are based on various technologies such as VSAT (Ka, Ku, C band) services, Wireless Technology, Fibre, FiberSat and Corporate Networks. While their ICT CONSULTING AND OUTSOURCING includes Business Automation, Service Level Agreements, Project Management, Mobile Application Development.  They also offer IT SECURITY solutions and these are E-Council Cyber crime Security Solutions & Training, SOC, End-point protection, DAM, Next-Gen Firewall, Data Loss Prevention, Network Access Control, Web Application Firewall, Mobile Device Management.

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The ZetaWeb SOFTWARE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION is al about Bespoke Software & Digital Business Solutions – Document Management with workflow process solutions, Process Mining, Travel Management Solutions, Sales Automation Process Solutions.

Zeta-Web Nigeria Ltd (ZNL) is an ICT firm with vast experience in innovating, designing and deploying IT technology solutions in Nigeria and across Africa.  According to Muyiwa Esomojumi – Manager Marketing and Corporate Communications of Zeta-Web Ltd, she said “We are well positioned to significantly contribute to the realization of Nigeria’s vision of becoming a regional ICT hub.”

“On our platform clients are assured that slow browsing, intermittency, service degration are eliminated because all our internet services come with a redundant link that allows us to switch clients seamlessly. We lead the market from our customers’ perspective, by providing a balance between Reliable, Fast & Efficient Internet connections with Value-added services on a cost effective platform.”

ANTHONY NWOSU

With bouquet of solution in their kitty, ZetaWeb Limited as evolved to a complete ICT firm where the organization has made itself a one stop area for all ICT needs for corporate and individual clients. The ZetaWeb has a team of Web Experts that do undertake all online and offline services that ensure clients benefit from having an online presence. The ZETA-WEB CONTACT CENTER deploy sustainable and unmatched Contact Centre Solution at clients’ business facilities to provide them with the right technical support. While the ZETA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS is meant to Design, implement and operate high-end enterprise networks, data centre technologies and applications for various tier of customers.

NCC to Strengthen AOL Administration

NCC to Strengthen AOL Administration

…Set to deploy Revenue Assurance Solutions

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is unwavering in its commitment to deploy a Revenue Assurance Solution (RAS) in the telecommunication sector to ensure a more robust Annual Operating Levy (AOL) administration in the telecom industry.

This subject matter was the focus of an industry stakeholder consultative engagement organized by the Commission at its Head Office in Abuja on Friday, February 25, 2022, which is in congruence with the NCC’s renowned commitment to inclusive participation and consultative stakeholder engagement as part of its regulatory practice.

The RAS application is designed to ensure a linkage with licensed telecommunications operators’ systems and will have the capability of capturing and reporting in near real-time, billing activities by the operators for the purposes, amongst others, of computing and assuring with minimal margin of error, the accruable AOL to NCC from the licensees. When deployed, the NCC RAS will bring significant solutions to the industry’s challenges, including a more effective and enhanced monitoring and regulation of the licensed telecommunications operators.

Speaking at the event, which was well attended by representatives of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Licensees of the Value Added Service chain, officials of the Commission and other industry stakeholders, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said AOL remains the bedrock of an efficient and effective telecommunications regulatory environment.

Danbatta said the event was organized to sensitize industry stakeholders through a conversation on the Commission’s plan to deploy RAS that will instill greater transparency and increased accuracy in the administration of AOL in the sector, as stipulated by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003.

According to the EVC, since the NCA 2003 came into force and pursuant to Section 72 of the Act, various efforts have been made by the Commission towards achieving an effective AOL administration, including the development of AOL Regulations 2014, which is being reviewed.

He said the Commission believes that the deployment of appropriate RAS would enhance monitoring and regulatory activities around AOL administration and confer higher levels of integrity and fidelity on the AOL figures obtainable in the industry.

In a contextual recall, Danbatta stated that the need to deploy the most appropriate Revenue Assurance Systems in the Nigerian telecommunications industry began since 2015 when Commission published an invitation to bid for the services, in which 3R Company Nigeria Limited emerged the preferred bidder. The EVC informed that during the bid process, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), indicated a ‘no objection’ to the process.

“However, it was reasoned thereafter, that due to the scope of the project, the solution would be more appropriately procured under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. This led to the invitation of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to guide the process, as mandated by its regulations. Following this, the Commission set up a Project Delivery Team (PDT), which worked with a consortium of legal advisers, financial modelers and PPP experts under the guidance of ICRC, and took the appropriate steps required under the ICRC Regulations 2005,” he said.
He said part of the process included a proper due diligence of the preferred partner, which received a clean bill of health from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) while the Commission also subjected the software and hardware components of the proposed RAS to the certification of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The EVC stated further that the Commission recorded a major feat in December 17, 2021, as the transaction received the Certificate of Compliance from the ICRC in line with the Provisions of the ICRC Act 2005. “Thus, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) graciously presented the NCC RAS project to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting on January 26, 2022, where the final approval was given for the implementation of the solution,” he said.

Underscoring the EVC’s position, the Head, Special Duties, Reuben Muoka, stated that the industry has been waiting for the RAS from the Commission. He also signaled that this current regulatory intervention will bring about a multiplier effect on the economy, local content and several other sectors in the Nigerian economy.

Speaking in the same vein, Deputy Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, NCC, Edoyemi Ogoh, stated that the approval of the RAS project by the FEC is a major success in finding a transparent process for an independent assessment, validation and completeness of the Annual Operating Levy (AOL).  

Ogoh said the solution has the capability to limit the loss of revenue due to faulty billings, inaccurate or incomplete data and information from service providers, redundantly provided services and frauds. “It will enable the resolution of inconsistencies in billings for services provided by licensed service providers to their subscribers as well as AOL bills from NCC to service providers, resulting in optimum efficiency and accuracy. The RAS would enable the Commission to validate the information, records and data that are supplied to the Commission by the licensees,” Ogoh emphasised.

MICROSOFT AFRICA DEVELOPMENT CENTER (ADC) CONNECTS DEVELOPERS THROUGH ITS USER GROUP SERIES, AZURE DEVELOPERS CONNECT

MICROSOFT AFRICA DEVELOPMENT CENTER (ADC) CONNECTS DEVELOPERS THROUGH ITS USER GROUP SERIES, AZURE DEVELOPERS CONNECT

Microsoft Africa Development Center, the premier engineering center for Microsoft is organizing a free virtual event as part of its ADC’s user group series themed Azure Developers Connect for Developers and Software Engineers in Africa scheduled to hold on the 24th of February, 2022.

The event which would be held virtually is targeted at Azure user groups & communities, developers, engineers, working professionals; Tech communities in West Africa and Kenya in a bid to expose them to the many capabilities of Azure for building next-gen apps and driving global transformation as a developer or software engineer in Africa.

Microsoft Azure is Microsoft’s public cloud computing platform that provides a wide range of cloud services such as computing, analytics, networking, and storage. Microsoft Azure helps developers and software engineers to develop new applications or even upscale existing applications with its various cloud services. The public cloud computing platform is flexible and open which makes it globally recognized to developers and software engineers due to reliability.

Developers and software engineers would enjoy practical sessions with Top Azure experts, as well as get insights into existing cloud features, they never knew were in existence. Speakers at the event will include Scott Hunter (VP DIR Program Management, Azure Applications, Microsoft) Matt Soucoup (Senior Cloud Advocate, Microsoft) Donald Okafor (Principal Software Engineering lead, Microsoft ADC) Kehinde Ladipo (Software engineer, Microsoft ADC) and other Microsoft ADC software Engineers. The event would also serve as a great way for developers and software engineers to network with other Azure professionals in the field.

Developers and Software Engineers in Africa can book their seat by registering with the link https://aka.ms/AzureDevelopersConnect to get an in-depth knowledge about exploring the Microsoft Azure Platform and its existing features whilst they prepare to build next-gen apps that would drive global transformations.

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Microsoft Africa Development Center (ADC) represents Microsoft’s first-ever engineering offices in Africa, with locations in Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria. These centers were created by Microsoft to serve as a base for African industry leaders to create local solutions with global scalability as well as provide employment opportunities and further enhance technological innovations in the continent of Africa.

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. For more information, news and insights from Microsoft, please visit Microsoft’s news center at http://news.microsoft.com and or Middle East & Africa News Center (microsoft.com)

NCC Committed to Tackling Telecom Infrastructure Deficit – Danbatta

NCC Committed to Tackling Telecom Infrastructure Deficit – Danbatta

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is irrevocably committed to the implementation of various regulatory initiatives and programmes, in collaboration with all stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem, towards bridging identified gaps and shortages in critical telecom infrastructure in the country. The overarching objective is to fulfil Commission’s mandate and support extant and emergent policies and strategies of the Federal Government focused on providing ubiquitous, accessible and affordable broadband services in Nigeria.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, stated this during an in-house interview which took place at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja recently. The EVC emphasized the centrality of infrastructure to telecom service provisioning by asserting that availability of broadband in sufficiency was non-negotiable and irreducible in the nation’s strategy towards delivering pervasive telecom services.

Danbatta also put the efforts of Government in context towards addressing infrastructure gaps, and commended both state and non-state actors for the vision, diligence and continued dedication to the implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, an initiative of the Federal Government, being driven by NCC and conceived to address infrastructure gaps in the telecom and ICT sector. The EVC said he was gratified that the new plan particularly took into consideration, the identified gaps and challenges in its precursor, the National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, which implementation the NCC was equally central to.

According to Danbatta, one of the identified gaps to robust connectivity was the fact that inadequate infrastructure remained a bane to achieving desired broadband penetration to boost access to services that will enhance economic growth and development. He emphasised that the Commission recognises the importance of infrastructure expansion and this explains its unequivocal commitment and desire to see the licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) work speedily and with precision to cascade fibre to the hinterland, in order to enhance robust telecom service provision. He said the InfraCo licensees, expectedly, also prioritize stipulated licensing conditions to ensure expected milestones set by the Commission are achieved.

The EVC stated that Commission’s target for licensing the infraCos was to ensure the deployment of fibre infrastructure needed for pervasive broadband penetration across the 774 local government areas (LGAs). This, he said, will ensure access to telecoms services in the hinterlands of the country, and by so doing address the challenges of access confronting the unserved and underserved areas of the country.

Danbatta also placed on record Commission’s desire for inclusiveness as seminal to erecting sustainable telecom architecture. This, according to him is critical in ensuring the achievement of Federal Government’s target on digital access and financial inclusion.

One visible area of beneficial financial service riding on telecom infrastructure is the provision of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) for financial transactions across various financial institutions’ platforms. This feat, Danbatta asserted, has brought ease to financial transactions, even as he recalled that NCC is providing support for e-payment initiatives and policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including the e-Naira project, which is the digital currency issued and regulated by the apex bank.

“So, the Commission is committed to ensuring inclusiveness by ensuring the provision of affordable and pervasive accessibility to the Internet as emphasised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations (UN). We are aware that until commensurate infrastructure is deployed in the country, the country may not hit the required target necessary for the desired economic development,” the EVC added.

Additionally, Danbatta stated that the Commission has recorded remarkable progression with respect to contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is besides facilitating investment, enhancing Quality of Service (QoS) to enhance consumer quality of experience and stakeholder satisfaction in line with the expectations of the Strategic Management Plan 2020-2024. He assured that Commission will heightened efforts in all areas of the Plan as streamlined in new Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (SVIP) 2021-2025, including facilitating strategic collaboration and partnering through which it has forged quantifiable strategic alliances with its ever-expanding array of stakeholders.

Concerning NCC’s pioneering strides in the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Sub-Saharan Africa, Danbatta explained that the rollout of 5G network in Nigeria will require more infrastructure for the service to reach all parts of the country. He called for concerted efforts and unwavering commitment of all stakeholders for the nation to achieve steady, timely and accurate deployment of 5G services because of its benefits to individuals, businesses and the growth of the country.

Final: Meta launches Reels on Facebook and New Ways for Creators to Make Money across SSA

Final: Meta launches Reels on Facebook and New Ways for Creators to Make Money across SSA

22 February 2022 Today, Meta is expanding the availability of  Facebook Reels for iOS and Android to more than 20 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Meta is also introducing better ways to help creators to earn money, new creation tools and more places to watch and create Facebook Reels.

Prior to this launch Reels was available on Facebook in India, Mexico, Canada, the U.S, and is now available across sub-Saharan Africa in: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Swaziland, South Africa, Seychelles, Senegal, Rwanda, Nigeria, Namibia, Mali, Malawi, Lesotho, Kenya, Guinea, Ghana, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Burkina Faso.

Commenting on the launch Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa at Meta says, “We’ve seen that video now accounts for almost all of the time people spend on Facebook and Instagram, and Reels is our fastest growing content format by far. This is why we’re focused on making Reels the best way for creators to get discovered, connect with their audience and earn money. We also want to make it fun and easy for people to find and share relevant and entertaining content.”

Meta is also creating a variety of opportunities for creators to earn money for their reels. The Reels Play bonus program, part of Meta’s $1 billion creator investment, pays eligible creators up to $35,000 a month based on the views of their qualifying reels. In the coming months, the bonus program will be extended to more countries, so more creators can get rewarded for creating reels that their communities love.