Telecom
Broadband, Key to Nigeria’s Growth – Evans
Nigeria with a population of 160 million and over 110 million mobile subscribers, but low on broadband penetration has been advised to develop the sector as it holds the key economic growth in the next decade, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report. Steven Evans, CEO, Etisalat Nigeria who made the submission in Lagos noted that current usage of broadband was too low. He noted that recent studies show broadband as a catalyst for economic growth and development. “Studies in developed nations with advanced broadband services have repeatedly established that broadband networks drive economic growth and development. They provide a platform for addressing social issues like health-care and education,” said Evans. He stated that among developing nations, broadband usage was abysmally low. Only 1 per cent of worldwide Broadband users are in developing countries. The Etisalat boss noted that Nigeria has a bigger potential to reap big in the sector if resources are effectively harnessed. He said “there is great potential in Broadband yet to be fully exploited in Nigeria.” Evans noted that with adequate penetration, broadband provide an “avenue/platform to diversify revenue streams for telcos, equipment manufacturers and downstream sector.” It would also enhanced variety of product offerings for consumers to choose from; such as mobile applications, web content development and government developed domain-related local content. He figured that in “low and middle income countries, every 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration accelerate GDP growth by up to 1.38 percentage points.” Nigeria which already has a target growth of ICT contributing about 6 per cent to its national GDP by 2015 could even get it better if the potentials in broadband are effectively harnessed. “By 2015, wireless broadband services could contribute up to 1.22 per cent or N862 billion to Nigeria’s GDP, with the right policies in place,” said Evans. And the potential impact to the overall economic growth are immerse. It would lead to increase efficiency of workforce and improve access to distant customers-suppliers, as well as improve access to critical information. Broadband impact on the agricultural sector would culminate in reduce cost interactions between spatially dispersed market participants; provide real-time access to relevant information and facilitate access to current weather and pricing information. As already seen in other emerging economies like Brazil and India, Nigeria’s healthcare and Social service sector would benefit. There would also be improved mobile finaicial services; as e-government.
Google has launched its Search Live feature globally to over 200 countries, including Nigeria, where AI Mode is available, enabling voice-and-camera conversations in users’ preferred languages.
Powered by the new multilingual Gemini 3.1 Flash Live model, it delivers natural, real-time interactions via the Google app on Android or iOS—tap the Live icon under the Search bar.
Ideal for hands-free help, users can speak queries for audio replies, follow-ups, or web links. Camera integration adds visual context, like troubleshooting a shelving unit, or pairs with Google Lens for real-world chats.
From the app or Lens, Nigerians can now explore, learn, or solve tasks instantly, boosting everyday productivity worldwide.
Clean and reliable power for telecom networks in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone will be expanded following a $45 million investment by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in IPT PowerTech.
The investment targets countries where limited power supply continues to slow digital connectivity and broader economic participation, the institution stated earlier this week.
To enable this expansion, the IFC is providing a $45 million corporate financing package consisting of an A-loan of $27 million and $18 million in blended finance.
The blended portion is sourced from the Canada-IFC Blended Climate Finance Programme and the IDA20 Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility.
The initiative marks the IFC’s first direct infrastructure engagement in Liberia in a decade and in Sierra Leone in six years.
It will help scale solar- and battery-based power systems that reduce reliance on diesel and support greener, more resilient telecom networks.
By improving the quality and stability of power to telecom towers, the initiative will strengthen mobile coverage and ensure that households, schools, health centres, and small businesses can depend on consistent digital services, said the IFC.
The funding supports the modernisation, operation, and maintenance of 2 235 telecom sites across the three nations. More than 90% of these are located in off-grid or weak-grid locations.
With new solar and battery systems powering these sites, mobile networks will experience fewer outages and improved service quality.
Optimising the energy mix is estimated to reduce power costs for operators by up to 30% in Liberia, 26% in Sierra Leone, and 52% in Ethiopia.
This transition is also expected to cut emissions by more than 10 624 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Furthermore, the partnership will promote gender inclusion by expanding opportunities for women in technical, operational, and leadership roles within the sector, says the IFC.
This agreement reflects a shared vision for a greener telecom industry and empowers the company to scale its innovative energy platforms, according to Nabil Haddad, CEO of IPT PowerTech Group.
Reliable and affordable power for telecom networks is a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation, said Nathalie Kouassi-Akon, IFC regional director for West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
Through this partnership, the institution is supporting a scalable, private sector-led solution that enables mobile operators to reach underserved and fragile communities more sustainably, added Kouassi-Akon.
The project advances the World Bank Group and African Development Bank’s Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
Expedier has unveiled “Expedier for Business,” an online pro-banking platform to simplify global payments, multi-currency transactions, and financial operations for expanding companies.
Kingsley Madu
The tool centralizes payments, invoicing, payroll, and treasury into one secure dashboard, tackling challenges like fragmented systems and poor visibility that hinder international scaling.
Kingsley Madu, Co-Founder and CEO of Expedier, said: “African businesses are increasingly global… Expedier for Business was built to simplify how companies manage money across borders while maintaining visibility, control, and compliance.”
Key features include customizable dashboards for payments, invoices, and workflows; support for USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, and more; virtual cards; automated payroll/invoicing; currency swaps; and real-time tracking.
Security measures cover two-factor authentication, KYC/KYB verification, and team access controls.
As cross-border trade and remote work boom in Africa, the platform aids firms dealing with international suppliers, teams, and customers. It is now available for organizations scaling globally.
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