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BCX Is Redefining IT Solutions Adoption in Africa-McAlpine

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Ian McAlpine is the managing director for Business Connexion in Nigeria. He holds an MBA from Oxford Brooks University, an ITIL Foundation Certification, and an Institute of Marketing Management Diploma in Marketing Management. He has also completed the GIBS/UCS Senior Management Development Programme. McAlpine has been in the IT industry since 1998 and has gained a wealth of valuable experience in project management, client service management, business development, marketing, product development and procurement. Much of this experience has been at executive level and across various African territories; most recently, Ian served as Sales Director for multinational IT Services Company, where he was responsible for sales across the sub-Saharan region. He spoke to peter ugwu on the Company’s mission in Nigeria and other issues in the Nigerian and African IT market.

 

Business Connexion Mission in Nigeria
Our mission in Nigeria is to enrich communities by making the impossible possible, through technology.
We have a passion for making a difference in people’s lives and we thrive on making the seemingly impossible happen.
We do this by delivering exceptional value propositions to our stakeholder communities whether it is business communities, consumer communities, citizen communities or geographical communities.
The Business Connexion Group is an African based ICT company with over 7000 employees.
We operate in many countries in Africa. We have been in operation in Nigeria for over 5 years, employing more than 140 people and have made significance investment in empowering infrastructures.
We launched our locally hosted cloud offering a year ago and are delivering fully-functional, leading-edge cloud platforms and services into the Nigerian market and out of Nigeria.  

 
Plans for Small Scale Businesses
Nigeria has a well-established and sophisticated Enterprise market and a very large Small Medium Enterprise market that is well positioned to deliver value to their customers.
Lack of infrastructure and IT systems could be an inhibiter for growth. They require collaborative services; proper emailing, document management and seamless integrated communication.
We also believe that the market has quickly adopted the concept of cloud computing. The two offerings launched at the start of last year are Infrastructure as a Service (computing on demand) for storage, Disaster Recovery and enhancing capacity and Software as a Service.
The Cloud Service Broker model we have deployed allows for fully automated self-provisioning of services as well as an integrated payment gateway.

Cloud Computing Adoption in The Market
Looking at the measures we have adopted, the same level of security we provide for our large customers, we replicate that in other sectors.
This is not just in Nigeria; it is in the character of our Company to offer our customers the ultimate and authentic security, because that is how businesses’ confidence can grow. We are not providing the services from outside the shores of the country; we have made the investments in building the infrastructure in Nigeria.
We are taking a different approach. People sometimes question the security of Cloud offerings but, in many instances use the rudimentary email services provided by the likes Yahoomail, Gmail, etc., those emails are not hosted in Nigeria, rather in the cloud all over the world.
However, our offerings are ultimately indigenous. So, people are already used to it, but we are making a difference in the sense we have localized the cloud computing.

Plans for Data Centre
We are hosting the solution in a state of the art Tier III data centre located in Ikeja, Lagos. We are also able to offer colocation rackspace in the data centre for the hosting of private cloud infrastructure.

Business Connexion listed as a Gartner Cool Vendor for providing innovative IT solutions
Business Connexion has made the list of Gartner Cool Vendors in Emerging Markets Worldwide for 2013. This is for its innovative products and services relating to data, cloud services, software infrastructures, applications and outsourcing.
Each year Gartner, the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company identifies new Cool Vendors in key technology areas and publishes a series of research reports highlighting these innovative vendors and their products and services.
ICT businesses who transform the way businesses operate and get consumers to engage with technology are what Gartner calls Cool Vendor.  According to Gartner, “Cool Vendors in 2013 are exploiting the Nexus of Forces of cloud computing, social, mobile, and information to challenge long-held assumptions and significant investments in traditional ICT.
As Africa’s largest provider of data centre and customised cloud computing services, Business Connexion’s title as a Cool Vendor reinforces its services and innovations and the continued impact they have in Emerging Markets.
The Cool Vendors report was started in 2004, and has since profiled more than 1,800 Cool Vendors.

Focus On Africa
We believe in this market and have seen the future as bright. If you look at other markets, majority of them are established with relatively low growth rates.
Looking at Africa and the opportunities and growth rates, Business Connexion found them tremendous. Any company thinking of growing its businesses exponentially will think Africa. At the same time, our focus hangs on our motives for skills development in the markets.
Aside that, we are providing platforms that will stimulate new businesses and innovations. We believe that Africa will need to rapidly close the digital divide.
It is not about trying to catch up with the rest of the world, it is about being able to leapfrog ahead in a way that is dynamic, innovative and cost effective.
I believe that the driver for cloud will come from this requirement. Cloud allows you to be dynamic and accessible. Cloud allows you to function straightaway.
I think the focus on cloud is all about how it is an enabler, the potential in the economy and breaking of barriers.

Trends In The Nigerian Market
For us the shift is away from providing predominantly commodity based technology solutions. It is no longer about buying technology and negotiating on price alone, to having value based discussions about technology being an enabler for future growth.
When we talk to our customers, we talk less about a particular technology, but rather about business vale. When we see the opportunities in the market, we ask ourselves how we can help our customers benefit from the opportunities that are presenting themselves.
How will they grow from that and what do they need to achieve that; it is about business discussions, and then the technology will follow.
In the age we are in, everything is possible with technology. If you have the right business focus and understand of how to best serve your customers, technology can be customized and deployed to support your strategy. You must understand your business first and not the other way round.
Is it not expected that every company should own a data centre or keep spending scarce resources on buying equipment.
As far as data management is concerned, we share the infrastructure and leverage on the benefits.

Local Content Development
If you look at our business, we have over 140 people working for us, and we look forward to employing far more.
Our philosophy has always been to introduce new technology and offerings and to employ and train staff locally to deliver these offerings.
We are creating the atmosphere of running Nigerian business with Nigerians. We have seen significant outputs in our skills development strategy.
Also, if you look at the technology trends, there is a skills shortage, globally. So we have to develop the skills to tackle local challenges.
Business Connexion, however, treasures the development of appropriate skills; people who can compete at the international technological level.

BCX 2014 Expectations
This market, and Africa as a whole, has witnessed tremendous improvements and growth. We see Nigeria becoming the biggest economy in Africa, capable of taking over from South Africa. In fact, our next biggest operation, after South Africa is Nigeria.
Our vision in the short term is for Nigerian potentials to be harnessed for the growth of businesses and the economy.
It is unimaginable how significant the information technology sector would rub-off on the economy.
Most of the Nigerian government revenue comes from the oil & gas, but we have seen a lot of potentials in other sectors like the manufacturing, retail industry, agriculture, mining, et cetera. We feel the sectors will thrive better as technology permeates their operations.

Expectations from Governments
Certainly, the government has shown its commitment to closing the digital divide with the adoption of the new broadband plan.
We are happy with the policy, because it is what the industry needs at this point. Essentially, it will help in addressing the infrastructure challenges.
The measure will definitely reassure investors of government’s concern, especially when implemented.
Also, we have different cables coming into the country; four are already there with the fifth coming on board.
The challenge has been on how to provide last mile connectivity. Obviously, where we are seeing the future is on wireless and mobile, yet there is need for easy-to-connect fiber network. However and ultimately the stride will help telecom companies work together.
A situation where different companies are laying different cables almost on the same spots does not make business sense. You cannot achieve success or values by working separately.
There must be a structure that enables collaborations. The other area I think government is focusing on is how to make the market attractive for technology growth.
It is on that ground that companies like ours would see the efforts of developing local talents pay off; a situation where locally developed applications solve local needs.

Plans For Acquisitions   
Business Connexion is notable for its acquisition strategies. Our goals are targeted at enhancing the business level of any entity we acquired. So, in 2014, we are hopeful on acquiring more businesses.
It may be in the form companies’ developed applications, specifically, for a particular market.

                                                                                                        


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Dufil Takes Donation of Indomie Noodles Cartons to Vulnerable Communities in Abuja and Environ

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In line with its commitment to provide critical support to indigent members of communities around the country in the face of the ongoing economic challenges, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, in partnership with Golan Helps Abuja Food Bank Initiative (GHAFBI) and Meluibe Foundation on Wednesday, April 17 distributed Indomie noodles cartons to vulnerable communities in Kuje and Kubwa Local Government Areas in Abuja.

With the goal of alleviating hunger and supporting communities across Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has committed to donating a substantial quantity of noodle packs to various NGOs working tirelessly to address food insecurity.

These organizations play a crucial role in reaching remote and underserved areas, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.

“We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate,” said Olusola Olayinka Idowu OON, former Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, and the CEO/Founder of GHAFBI.

“At GHAFBI, we believe that everyone deserves access to wholesome and nourishing food. Our partnership with Dufil Prima Foods to donate Indomie Noodles packs is a big step towards addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Abuja”, said Idowu who was also the former National Conveyor, UN Food System Dialogues in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Executive Director, The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Indomie Noodles for the partnership. “Our vision as an NGO is to change the world one step at a time, by providing relief and support to vulnerable communities.

This is achieved through collaborations and partnerships, one of which is what we have done with Indomie Noodles. We remain grateful for their support through this food relief initiative”, she said.

By partnering with NGOs, Indomie Instant Noodles works closely with local leaders and community heads in directly engaging with rural communities to distribute noodle packs and provide immediate relief to families facing hunger and ensuring that food assistance reaches those who are most in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and community leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity”, said Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited. “Together, we bring hope, love and relief for all”.

The community leaders and some of the beneficiaries also expressed their immense gratitude to Indomie for the support, stressing the impact the products donated will have in alleviating hunger in their communities.

Speaking at the outreach centre, His Royal Highness, Muhammed D. Jibril, Community Leader of Gbazango Community in Kubwa Local Government Area said: “I am very grateful to Indomie Noodles for coming to our aid in these challenging times. I pray for more expansion and growth for the business and may God bless Indomie Noodles”.

Other communities who benefited from the product donations include Wunmi, Tondo, Godoji and Shazhi communities in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Dufil Prima Food’s donation of Indomie Noodle packs underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting communities in need. By providing essential food relief, Dufil Prima Foods is contributing to the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains dedicated to bringing joy to mealtimes and making a positive impact in communities around the world.


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Empowering Nigerian Retail: The Promise of Pay on Delivery

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E-commerce in Nigeria has evolved exponentially in recent years, transforming the retail landscape and reshaping consumer habits. From the early days of skepticism and distrust to today’s thriving online marketplaces, the journey has been marked by innovation, adaptation, and perhaps most importantly, the establishment of trust and security between buyers and sellers. At the core of this transformation, Pay on Delivery (PoD) has emerged as the unsung hero of e-commerce.

The premise is straightforward: customers could place orders online and pay for their purchases only upon receipt. This innovative approach not only addressed concerns about security but also provided tangible reassurance to hesitant buyers. In countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked and where distrust in online transactions and fraudulent activities were once rampant, Pay on Delivery has emerged as a lifeline for both consumers and businesses. Many consumers were understandably hesitant to part with their hard-earned money before receiving their desired goods. Pay on delivery bridges this trust gap, offering reassurance to buyers and empowering them to transact with confidence.

In Nigeria, despite the adoption of a wide range of electronic payments, cash is still king. The results of a survey conducted in 2021 show that cash remains the dominant payment method, reflecting the ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by Oxford Business Group found that 70% of Nigerians prefer to pay with cash on delivery, while 28% use credit or debit cards, and only 12% use mobile money platforms. This has challenged e-retailers, and some companies like Jumia, to adapt by prioritizing cash-on-delivery options to cater to this consumer preference.

The Promise of Pay on Delivery in Nigeria

With consumers in mind, Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, has made Pay on Delivery a cornerstone of its business model. Understanding the local market dynamics and the importance of trust and convenience, the company has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless Pay on Delivery experience for its customers.

One of the key benefits of Jumia’s Pay on Delivery service is its flexibility. Customers have the option to inspect their purchases before making payment, ensuring satisfaction and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. This added layer of security not only enhances the overall shopping experience but also builds long-term trust and loyalty among customers.

Moreover, Jumia has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that products meet customer expectations upon delivery. This includes partnering with reputable brands and implementing stringent verification processes to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the marketplace. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and product quality, Jumia has solidified its reputation as a trusted online retailer in Nigeria.

Beyond enhancing trust and security, Pay on Delivery has also played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria. By providing an alternative payment method for those without access to traditional banking services, Jumia has expanded the reach of e-commerce to a broader segment of the population. This not only benefits consumers by providing greater access to goods and services but also stimulates economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and driving demand for products and services.

In all, the future of e-commerce in Nigeria looks promising, with Pay on Delivery poised to remain a key enabler of growth and expansion. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, innovative solutions like Pay on Delivery will continue to drive the transformation of the retail landscape, empowering Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.

 


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Verra Certifies d.light’s Clean Cookstove Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

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A series of pioneering projects by d.light, the global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, to distribute 600,000 energy-efficient clean cookstoves in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda have been officially certified by global verification body Verra.

This certification confirms the d.light projects as trusted, verified sources of high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon markets (VCMs).

The d.light projects aim to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, tackle indoor air pollution, and reduce deforestation through the sale of highly efficient biomass cookstoves subsidized by the revenues from the sale of carbon credits.

Since their launch in late 2022, the projects have positively impacted more than one million lives and are projected to transform more than three million lives by 2025.

Commenting on the news, Karl Skare, d.light’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasized the projects’ positive impact, “With these projects, we’re not just addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing quality of life for millions.

“Each project underscores d.light’s commitment to practical, innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges, as part of our mission to transform the lives of one billion people by 2030.”

Each year, domestic cooking emissions contribute more than two percent of total global GHG emissions and up to 25 percent of anthropogenic black carbon emissions.

Highly energy-efficient cookstoves solve this problem by reducing biomass use by up to 70 percent compared to traditional cooking methods, cutting emissions of both carbon dioxide and black carbon.

The d.light projects are expected to reduce emissions by up to 12 million tons, contributing to climate change mitigation. These emissions reductions will be registered as carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.

As well as reducing emissions, clean cookstoves are also a benefit to public health. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year and is still one of the predominant causes of pollution-related illness and death in Africa.

In Uganda, for example, less than one percent of the population has access to clean cooking, household air pollution is the one of the largest risk factors for death and disability.

In addition, switching from traditional three-stone open fires to cleaner, energy-efficient cookstoves significantly reduces deforestation and reduces threats to wildlife and biodiversity caused by habitat loss.

Skare explained, “By subsidizing energy-efficient cookstove costs through carbon financing, d.light makes clean cooking accessible to more households, which in turn leads to healthier living conditions and conserves natural resources as well.

“Our projects in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda are models of how sustainable investments can yield multiple co-benefits, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and also promoting socio-economic development.

Skare added, “d.light now has projects certified by both Gold Standard and Verra, the world’s two leading certifiers of carbon credits. Organizations looking for ways to offset their own emissions can be confident that when they purchase carbon credits in d.light’s clean cooking projects in sub-Saharan Africa, they are investing in transformative initiatives that reduce harmful emissions, improve people’s health and quality of life, and help conserve the environment as well.”

 


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