The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has refuted claims circulating in the media about an impending increase in service tariffs by telecommunications providers, scheduled for January 2025. The Commission clarified that no official approval has been granted for any such tariff adjustments.
Reliable sources within the NCC emphasized that the Commission adheres to a rigorous, evidence-based, and data-driven process for tariff modifications, ensuring any changes align with regulatory standards and public interest.
Similarly, officials from the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy dismissed the reports, describing them as unfounded and misleading. A senior official from the Ministry noted, “These claims are entirely untrue and uncalled for. Only a properly constituted board of the NCC has the authority to approve tariff increases, and such a decision has not been made.”
Investigations by Tech and Biz News NG revealed that the speculations are baseless, likely stemming from desperate attempts by some people to pressure for a tariff hike through unofficial means.
The NCC reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in all its regulatory activities, urging stakeholders and the public to disregard unverified claims while assuring that any tariff adjustments would follow established guidelines and involve extensive consultations.
After a challenging period marked by regulatory audits and disruptions, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is rebounding with renewed vigor. The nation’s mobile subscription base climbed to an impressive 157.3 million in October 2024, up from 154.6 million in the previous month. This marks a significant turnaround following setbacks linked to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) audit and the implementation of the National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage exercise.
The growth is being driven primarily by MTN and Airtel, two of the country’s largest mobile network operators. MTN, the undisputed market leader, added a staggering 2.2 million new subscriptions in just one month, bringing its total to 80.3 million active lines. This surge has pushed MTN’s market share to 51.09%, solidifying its role as the backbone of Nigeria’s telecom industry.
For Airtel, the month was equally promising. The network saw an influx of 697,430 new subscribers, raising its active base to 54.4 million. This growth translated to a 31.61% market share, further cementing Airtel’s position as a key player in connecting Nigerians across the country.
This recovery extends beyond mere numbers. The rise in active subscriptions has significantly improved Nigeria’s teledensity—a metric that gauges telecom penetration relative to population size. Teledensity grew from 71.46% in September to 72.7% in October, a clear indicator of the industry’s resilience and its ability to adapt to regulatory demands.
However, not all telecom operators are celebrating. Globacom, Nigeria’s third-largest provider, faced another challenging month, losing 44,635 subscriptions. Its active subscriber base now stands at 19.1 million, with its market share slipping to 12.15%. For 9mobile, the struggles are even more pronounced. The operator, which has been battling customer retention issues for years, shed 245,263 subscribers in October, leaving it with a mere 3.3 million active users and a market share of just 2.15%.
The challenges faced by these operators stem largely from the NCC’s rigorous audit, which aimed to cleanse the sector of inaccuracies and ensure compliance with industry guidelines. The audit revealed that one network operator had wrongly classified 40 million inactive lines as active. These lines, which had not generated any revenue for over 90 days, violated the NCC’s criteria for active users and had skewed the industry’s overall data.
For the industry as a whole, these regulatory interventions, while initially disruptive, appear to have laid the groundwork for a more stable and transparent telecom ecosystem. Industry insiders note that the efforts to link SIM cards with NINs and enforce proper registration processes are crucial steps toward creating a system that prioritizes both security and efficiency.
This growth story isn’t just about numbers; it’s about connecting people, businesses, and communities. From bustling urban centers to remote rural villages, telecom operators like MTN and Airtel are driving progress by enabling millions of Nigerians to stay connected, access digital services, and participate in the global economy.
As the industry regains its footing, the onus is now on all players to innovate, compete, and meet the evolving demands of Nigeria’s diverse and dynamic population. For MTN and Airtel, the challenge will be to sustain this growth, while for Globacom and 9mobile, it’s a wake-up call to rethink strategies and reclaim market relevance.
In the words of a telecom analyst, “This recovery is not just a win for the operators but a win for Nigeria. It reflects the potential of a robust telecom sector to drive digital inclusion, economic growth, and societal transformation.”
The federal government has taken a decisive step toward securing Nigeria’s digital economy with the release of the *Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024*. The gazette, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was lauded by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as a transformative move to safeguard the nation’s technological assets and infrastructure.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the order’s pivotal role in reducing disruptions and intentional damage to critical ICT systems and infrastructure. “This is a significant step that will strengthen and protect investments in the ICT sector by reducing incidences capable of damaging the operations and functionality of our technological systems, infrastructure, and networks,” he stated.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also commended the initiative, describing it as a critical milestone for the telecom sector. The Commission highlighted that the order would help mitigate recurring threats to telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring seamless service delivery across the nation.
The gazette designates critical national information infrastructure (CNII) as protected assets, making it a criminal offense to willfully damage key facilities such as telecommunications towers, switch stations, data centers, satellite systems, submarine and fiber optic cables, transmission equipment, e-government platforms, and databases.
Dr. Tijani underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring the security of these assets, noting that their protection is essential for improving the quality of telecommunications services often disrupted by vandalism and other threats.
“This administration prioritizes the security and protection of these critical infrastructures, recognizing their importance in fostering a thriving digital economy,” he added.
The NCC further noted that the gazette would boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s ICT sector, assuring that telecommunications operators can now operate in a safer and more stable environment.
The government has pledged to continue creating supportive policies and an enabling environment for the digital economy to flourish, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leader in ICT innovation and investment in Africa.
This landmark order reflects the administration’s resolve to protect the backbone of the nation’s digital and technological advancements.
In a bold step to advance Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has outlined a strategic blueprint designed to improve service delivery. The plan, which focuses on knowledge-based policies, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship, capital, and trade, is expected to revolutionize the telecom industry and enhance connectivity nationwide.
While addressing stakeholders at a consultation meeting, Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, emphasized the importance of collaboration and industry participation in the regulatory process. He stated, *“In line with one of the key factors on collaboration as outlined in our focus areas, and the Commission’s traditionally institutionalized policy of participatory regulation, we are here again to elicit your comments and inputs on the use of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).”
Maida further elaborated on the significance of global best practices in shaping the Commission’s decisions, saying, “We sincerely believe that our actions must be guided by decisions that take into cognizance the inputs from all stakeholders in the industry.”He explained that the 6GHz band, which spans from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, offers a substantial increase in available spectrum, vital for supporting the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications.
Wi-Fi continues to play a crucial role in delivering broadband connectivity in homes and offices. However, Maida noted that the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands are becoming congested due to increased demand. He stressed the need for alternative frequency bands, stating, “It is, therefore, imperative to identify other frequency bands to complement the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands.”
The EVC also referenced the recent 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23), where the 6GHz band was allocated for Wi-Fi and IMT applications. This decision followed a comprehensive study cycle and extensive consultations, leading to recommendations on how to optimally use the spectrum.
In concluding his address, Maida welcomed participants to the consultation, encouraging them to provide valuable input that would guide the NCC in making informed decisions. He remarked, “Today, we present to you our thoughts and recommendations on the use of the spectrum band to get your feedback for informed decision-making. I welcome you all and wish you fruitful deliberations.”
The NCC’s efforts reflect its commitment to maintaining a dynamic regulatory environment that supports innovation, improved service delivery, and global standards in the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
As the tech world eagerly anticipates the launch of Apple’s iPhone 16, industry experts are offering varied perspectives on the device’s potential impact. Notably, Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, a respected entrepreneur, suggests that the hardware evolution of the iPhone is reaching its zenith. According to Ekekwe, the focus is shifting from the physical attributes of the device—such as the camera, shape, and size—to the more intangible aspects of its software.
He highlights the fact that Apple’s upcoming release, set for September 9th at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, will be marked by the introduction of generative AI capabilities embedded within iOS 18. This evolution signals a strategic shift for Apple, as the company continues to lead in software innovation while maintaining its hardware dominance. Ekekwe points out that Apple has successfully transitioned into a company where the fusion of hardware and software makes it one of the most influential firms of the 21st century.
Ken P. Oke, an expert in digital transformation and growth, expands on this view by discussing the broader implications of AI within a Web3 framework. Oke believes that by embracing Web3, the iPhone 16 could play a pivotal role in the move towards a decentralized, user-centric internet, fostering innovation in the digital space.
Emeka Okonkwo, an e-commerce management expert, echoes the sentiment that Apple’s focus on software is a testament to its forward-thinking strategy. He asserts that as hardware innovations plateau, it is the continuous advancement in software that will keep Apple ahead of the competition.
However, Victor Owuda offers a slightly different perspective, cautioning that hardware innovation might not be over just yet. He notes that Apple has been conservative with its hardware updates since the iPhone 12, focusing instead on software improvements to optimize shareholder value. This approach, coupled with strong marketing and customer experience, has allowed Apple to maintain its substantial market share.
Ahmed Tijani, from Amazon’s Operations and Strategy division, warns that the true test of the iPhone 16 will come after it reaches consumers. If the device is perceived as merely an overpriced upgrade with minimal improvements, it could face challenges similar to those that plagued companies like RIM (Blackberry) or Nokia.
David Amilo, Ph.D., a researcher and lecturer, raises critical concerns about privacy. He argues that while software advancements are exciting, the iPhone’s capabilities to monitor and manipulate user data could pose significant privacy risks. Amilo suggests that upcoming alternatives, such as Tesla phones, might offer users greater control over their personal information.
Finally, Dr. Pierre Taner K., a blockchain and distributed ledger technology expert, believes that we are not witnessing the end of hardware evolution but rather its transformation. He argues that as new interaction concepts develop, hardware will continue to evolve to meet these changes, aligning more closely with software interfaces.
These diverse viewpoints highlight the complexity of technological innovation as Apple navigates its future strategy, balancing hardware maturity with the boundless possibilities of software.
Anthony Emeka Nwosu
….. Apple has been conservative with its hardware updates since the iPhone 12, focusing instead on software improvements to optimize shareholder value. This approach, coupled with strong marketing and customer experience, has allowed Apple to maintain its substantial market share.
Telecommunication stakeholders have commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its recent mandates aimed at significantly improving the quality of service provided by telecom operators in the country. The NCC’s directive, which requires companies like MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria to attend to subscribers within 30 minutes of their arrival at service centres, marks a significant step towards elevating customer satisfaction and operational efficiency within the industry.
This directive is part of the NCC’s newly released ‘Quality of Service Business Rules,’ which came into effect in August 2024. These guidelines, initially drafted in June 2023, aim to set clear benchmarks for service delivery by establishing minimum service standards, associated measurements, and key performance indicators. Industry experts have lauded these rules as essential for maintaining a competitive edge in an increasingly demanding market.
From the perspective of industry stakeholders, the NCC’s focus on customer-centric regulations reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both service providers and their customers. The requirement that subscribers must be attended to within 30 minutes of arriving at service centres is seen as a proactive measure that will not only reduce customer frustration but also enhance the overall reputation of telecom operators.
In addition to the 30-minute service window, the NCC has introduced several other customer service improvements that stakeholders believe will drive industry-wide enhancements. For example, the commission has limited the maximum number of call attempts before connecting to customer care lines to three, and mandates that customers must be able to speak with live agents within five minutes. In instances where this is not possible, telecom operators are now required to call the subscribers back within 30 minutes—a move that is expected to significantly reduce the long-standing issue of customer care accessibility.
The swift blocking of lost or stolen SIM cards, which must now be completed within five minutes of a report, has been highlighted as another crucial improvement. Stakeholders agree that this mandate not only protects consumers but also reinforces the integrity of telecom networks by preventing unauthorized usage.
Furthermore, the NCC’s rules stipulate that internet outages should not exceed two hours, except in cases of lawful disconnection. This requirement is anticipated to drive network reliability, a key factor in maintaining customer trust and loyalty. The regulations around the deactivation of subscriber lines also offer a balanced approach, allowing for the deactivation of lines that have not been used for revenue-generating events within six months, while also providing an option for line parking to prevent number loss for subscribers with valid reasons for inactivity.
Stakeholders within the telecom industry view these measures as a win-win for both consumers and service providers. By ensuring that customer service is prompt, efficient, and reliable, the NCC is helping to foster a more competitive and responsive telecom market. Operators are expected to benefit from higher customer retention rates and enhanced brand loyalty, while consumers will enjoy improved service quality.
The NCC’s proactive stance in regulating the telecom industry has set a new standard for customer service in Nigeria, and stakeholders are optimistic that these changes will drive further innovation and growth within the sector.
Coure has always been an IT firm for years. How has the journey been?
COURE Software & Systems Limited (“COURE”) is a Platform Services Provider with a focus on the provision of accurate, secure and relevant data to improve its clients’ business processes and operations. We started out in the US in 1998 at a time when the internet and modern technology, as we know it, were taking off. At that time, we were focused on networking and physical systems integration. Over the years, the shifts in technology and the need to be scalable beyond billing for individual man hours caused us to migrate our technology services first to web and application development, then to what we currently provide today, which are platforms that leverage standardized and aggregated data to enable and enhance the operational efficiency of our clients.
It has been an exciting 25-year journey of change and transformation! Our flagship solutions, ANQ and HUB, have been enabling the telecom, fintech, banking and various other sectors to increase their value and service provision to their customers. Our development teams consist of analysts, UI/UX experts, programmers, product managers and network engineers all of whom have many years of experience in the design, development and support of clean, functional and aesthetically appealing applications and solutions.
Do you think that the Nigerian IT space is evolving in terms of digitization?
The IT space is constantly evolving with the advancement of digital technology such as cloud computing, AI, IoT, blockchain, etc. Nigeria has not been left out of this. The trend towards digital transformation, automation and artificial intelligence is accelerating, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, there were a lot of manual processes in business, and while automation was being implemented via IT, the pace was average. The pandemic accelerated digitization in Nigeria and across the world as businesses and people had to survive without close contact. Many businesses were forced to shut down. For those that were better prepared, their adoption of digital technology and new ways of working became an advantage, and customers embraced online and digital service delivery. The IT industry continues to develop innovative solutions to make life easier for people and to help businesses harness the power of digital technology to improve operations, products, services, and customer reach.
Can you consider yourself as a fintech firm?
COURE is a platform services provider with key partners in the telco, financial, and technology space. Through our platforms, we are able to aggregate various types of data, analyze the data, and create services that provide value to these organizations and generate revenue for them. This makes us an enabler of fintech firms as opposed to being one ourselves.
Tell us more about your ANQ Platform?
Our ANQ (All Number Query) is a lookup platform that provides quick and easy access to information which enables our clients support their customers in areas such as Fraud prevention, Routing and KYC (Know Your Customer) using various number and data sources. Our partnership with data owners and access to large volumes of diversified data along with our processing capacity and intelligent algorithms enables us apply real-time analytics to data that is being searched against and provide information to businesses to aid their decision-making.
Tell us more about your fraud prevention solutions?
Our fraud prevention solution adopts strategies, technologies, and processes to protect individuals, businesses, and organizations from fraudulent activities such as payment fraud, account takeover, and identity theft. Using intelligent algorithms, we check and flag fraudulent transactions before approval. Our algorithm takes into consideration numerous data points and provides a risk level rating for the transaction, thus minimizing losses, optimizing efficiencies, and protecting customers from fraud. This service helps achieve a faster and more effective fraud detection process leading to reduced financial loss, increased customer retention, protection of brand and reputation.
CEO , Coure Technologies Limited, Lagos
Are they only for banks and fintechs?
Our solutions cater to a cross-section of organizations that provide services to end customers. This includes banks, fintechs, lenders, payment services companies, telco service providers, retailers and value-added service providers. Fraud can affect any organization that deals with sensitive data or valuable assets. Many businesses outside of the financial sector invest in fraud prevention solutions to protect themselves against financial losses, maintain customer trust, and avoid legal and financial penalties. The same applies to KYC, Routing and Communication. These are all services that are relevant for organizations that provide services to end consumers.
Your Hub Platform is one of a kind. Do you think that SMEs can deploy it? If yes, how?
Our HUB platform is what is called a CPaaS – Communication Platform as a Service. It enables Aggregators and VAS providers in the telecom industry integrate with the Telcos, then safely and accurately deliver messages between the applications through the Telcos and onward to the end customer and back. Message types include Bulk SMS, USSD, Whatsapp and RCS (Rich Communication Services). It also addresses a number of industry issues and concerns such as the management of Sender ID’s and Short codes.
HUB is a ready-to-use platform for SMEs to create and manage their services, content, and subscriptions. The platform allows for hosting, management, and delivery of VAS services to Aggregators or Operators on behalf of the Service Provider. HUB was specifically built to address some of our local and African peculiarities. It is easy to use for SME’s as there is no local installation required, and for most of the services, the client can login via our web interface to enable management and delivery of their services. In the event the client already has a local system that they want to integrate into HUB, we have API’s which they can leverage to be up and running in a short time. HUB enables them to integrate once and have access to all the Telcos and multiple aggregators based on their preference thus simplifying their onboarding process. HUB’s messaging capabilities such as Whatsapp and RCS, help SMEs build better relationships with their customers, improve customer experience, reduce customer support calls, and improve communication security. They can also benefit greatly from using bulk SMS and USSD services as part of their marketing and communication strategies. These services offer a cost-effective and efficient way to engage with customers, provide information, and increase sales.
What are the challenges you face in Nigeria?
Given the insecurity challenges and the economic hardship in the country, we have witnessed the loss of talent across many sectors of the economy including the technology sector. This has made it paramount that we adopt an aggressive recruitment and talent retention strategy in a bid to forestall the negative impacts of this trend affecting our business.
“HUB was specifically built to address some of our local and African peculiarities. HUB is very easy to use for SME’s as there is no local installation required and for most of the services, the clients can login via our web interface to enable management and delivery of their services.”
Do you have a presence in other ECOWAS countries?
Our routing service is present in most African countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Côte D’Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt. Our 2023 roll-out plan includes expansion to key regions within the continent with a focus on Ghana, Uganda and South Africa.
How do you do your Data Monetization?
COURE partners with data owners in the telco, banking and payment service sectors to aggregate and centralize data that can be analyzed to extract intelligent insights, and in an automated and real-time manner, provide those insights to service providers for decision-making. This offers data owners the opportunity to monetize their data which would otherwise sit idle. It also enables users to gain secure access to their data across different service providers, making it easier for them to use third-party applications which require these data. This presents a mutually beneficial business relationship between COURE, a proven platform provider, data owners, and end customers. In providing these analytics, COURE is careful to adhere to global data privacy laws and security standards, being an NDPR-certified organization.
How can the Public Sector leverage your solutions?
COURE’s services and solutions are relevant for public sector use. The HUB CPaaS (Communication Platform as a Service) offers an opportunity for such organizations to improve communication with citizens, enhance security, streamline billing, provide real-time transaction notifications, and gain valuable insights through data analytics. The service is currently used by a number of public sector entities including the CBN. Our fraud prevention solutions can also help public sector entities protect against fraud and cyber threats. This is especially important when handling sensitive information, such as personal data or financial information.
What do we expect from you this 2023?
This year 2023, COURE will be commemorating its 25th year of existence. This is a remarkable milestone for us and represents a pivotal point in our journey. We will also be expanding our services to other countries on the continent as well as adding a 3rd platform to our suite, the OpenBanking platform. The OpenBanking platform offers financial data owners the opportunity to monetize their data by making it available to third-party financial services securely and efficiently via APIs, and in alignment with the CBN’s Open Banking Initiative. We have already partnered with some banks to pilot the solution and are excited about the ease and convenience that customers will enjoy when they use applications that leverage these APIs. Needless to say, we expect great times ahead!
“Given the insecurity challenges and the economic hardship in the country, we have witnessed the loss of talent across many sectors of the economy including the technology sector. This has made it paramount that we adopt an aggressive recruitment and talent retention strategy in a bid to forestall the negative impacts of this trend affecting our business.”
The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, had meetings at Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (Space X) headquarters in Hawthorne, California, as well as a meeting at the World Bank Headquarters and another meeting with Google Corporation in a bid to strengthen partnerships for the development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The meetings with the World Bank and Google were held on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leaders’ Forum (USALF), which took place in Washington DC, United States of America, while the visit to Space X was a follow up to the events at the USALF.
Professor Pantami was received at Space X by Samuel (Chad) Gibbs IV, the Vice President of Business Operations, on behalf of Elon Musk, Founder and CEO of Space X. At the visit, both parties discussed how Space X can expand its presence in Nigeria, following their entry into the Nigerian market through the Starlink broadband service.
The Honourable Minister also asked the Space X team to consider sourcing some of its engineers from Nigeria’s digital talent pool. During the visit, the Honourable Minister and his team were given a personalised tour of the SpaceX Rocket Manufacturing Facility, Starlink Assembly Line, and Product Development Facility. He also witnessed the live Space X rocket launch of 2 telecom satellites into orbit.
On the invitation of the World Bank Group, the Honourable Minister had a meeting with top officials of the Bank, including Vyjayanti Desai, the Practice Manager for the World Bank’s Identification for Development (ID4D) and Digitizing Government to Person Payments (G2Px) Programs. Also at the meeting were Franz Drees-Gross, Director of Infrastructure, World Bank West African Region and Michel Rogy, World Bank’s Digital Development Practice Manager for Africa and the Middle East. The World Bank team commended the Minister for his great leadership, which has led to significant development in Nigeria’s digital economy sector. The meeting also discussed how the Bank can further partner with Nigeria to strengthen the digital economy ecosystem in areas such as infrastructure, skilling, cybersecurity, and digital identity.
Professor Pantami also had a meeting with Karan Bhatia, Vice-President, Government Affairs, and Public Policy at Google. Mr. Bhatia was full of praise for the Honourable Minister for the significant progress that has been made in the digital transformation of the Nigerian economy.
He also commended the Minister for Nigeria Startup Act, noting the potential of the legislation to serve as a catalyst for rapid development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.The Google Vice-President discussed the company’s growing focus on Africa and looks forward to expanding partnerships with Nigeria in areas such as skilling, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, among others.
The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, under Professor Pantami’s leadership, remains committed to implementing the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) in order to ensure that Nigeria’s digital economy remains a leading light, both in Africa and across the globe.
Trailblazers in the technology and business circle in Africa are set to gather in Lagos, Nigeria (West Africa) on 9 November 2022 for another edition of Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 2.0) as the continent’s sought-after technology Forum, exhibition, and awards ceremony.
AfriTECH 2.0 scheduled to hold at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, is focused on ‘Sustainability and The Company of the Future’, as the central theme.
According to the organisers from TechCastle Foundation and TechEconomy.ng, AfriTECH 2.0 will convene Business leaders/CEOs of Companies and Organisations, Innovators, Government Representatives, International Organizations, Diplomats, Investors, Academia, Start-ups and Entrepreneurs in their numbers.
The array of industry leaders, and tech-entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and tech ecosystem players from across the continent, will unpack the various challenges, scenarios, and mind-blowing economic opportunities in ‘Harnessing Digital Identity for Digital Economy Agenda’; ‘Creating Sustainable Future through Connectivity’; ‘Blockchain & Cryptocurrency – The Future of Money’; and ‘Cloud Computing in 5G Era – Everything-As-A-Service’.
According to Statista, 97% of respondents to a digital transformation survey stated that the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, sped up digital transformation processes in their respective organisations.
Global spending on digital transformation is projected to reach $1.78 trillion in 2022. But in what ways will this transformation manifest?
The answer lies in trends that will shape the businesses of tomorrow. The case is no different for the Government: The current, incremental pace of economic and social advancement shows too many of Africa’s expanding youth population will be denied the opportunity to live up to their potential. Therefore, Africa should think big on digital development.
“Digital technologies offer a chance to disrupt this trajectory – unlocking new pathways for rapid economic growth, innovation, job creation and access to services which would have been unimaginable only a decade ago.
“Yet there is also a growing ‘digital divide’, and increased cyber risks, which need urgent and coordinated action to mitigate. Access to the internet remains out of reach for many citizens in the continent. Too few citizens have digital IDs or transaction accounts – locking them out of access to critical services and e-commerce”, said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the co-Convener AfriTECH 2.0 and Co-Founder of TechCastle Foundation.
Continuing, he said, “Digital startups seek more funding and ‘traditional’ businesses are only slowly adopting digital technologies and platforms to boost productivity and sales. Few governments are investing strategically and systematically in developing digital infrastructure, services, skills and entrepreneurship.
“To become tomorrow’s innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders, Africa’s youth need to be empowered with the digital skills and access to technology and markets that are essential to thrive in an increasingly digitized global economy. The time for action is now! Join us at AfriTECH 2.0
On his part, Peter Oluka, the Editor of TechEconomy.ng, said that AfriTECH 2.0 will be a consolidation on the last year’s edition with massive publicity and industry participation, adding that delegates should expect issue-based Forum through Keynotes, Panel Discussions, Exhibitions, Innovation Management Workshops, and AfriTECH AWARDS 2022.
“Africa Tech Alliance Forum 2022 will culminate in awards ceremony which aims to celebrate and reward companies and individuals on the African continent that have demonstrated excellence in the areas of innovative product/service development, policy/regulations, amongst other areas”.
“We are very excited about the feedbacks so far with regards potential speakers, panellists and even the potential awardees.
Delegates will be exposed to unique insights into the different ways 5G networks, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain/cryptocurrency, digital identity, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will shape the future of Africa’s development.
The answer lies in trends that will shape the businesses of tomorrow. The case is no different for the Government: The current, incremental pace of economic and social advancement shows too many of Africa’s expanding youth population will be denied the opportunity to live up to their potential. Therefore, Africa should think big on digital development.