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Africa Seen as Emerging Technology Powerhouse

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On Africa Day, the continent has been hailed as an important next growth frontier, with the potential to be an innovation and technology powerhouse.

This was the word of Bocar Ba, member of the UN’s Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development and CEO of SAMENA Telecommunications Council, during a virtual high-level roundtable discussion this morning to commemorate this year’s Africa Day.

The roundtable, hosted to by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, was a celebration of the annual day, which commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now known as the African Union.

ICT ministers from three SADC countries, and industry experts, joined by minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, gathered to unpack the key strategic challenges and opportunities facing African countries in the ICT sector, and the related impact on the broader economy.

The discussion was held under the theme: “Accelerating digital transformation in challenging times, throughout the year with national, regional and international initiatives”.

Speaking to the significance of Africa Day, Ba said it’s important to appreciate the continent’s diversity, cohesiveness and its leaders’ vision to make Africa the first continent in the world to focus on youth, innovation and digital development.

“Africa has been globally recognised as the host of the next revolution in socio-economic development. Almost half of the 40-fastest growing economies are on the continent.

“While the prevailing pandemic has spared no one and no economy, including African nations, the continent still bears several strengths that it can bank on to emerge as a global economic and technology powerhouse.

“Africa’s undying spirit and massive techno-economic potential are key catalysts for thriving in these challenging times.”

Sustainable broadband

Ba explained that financing models for sustainable broadband development is vital for the continent, especially because access to broadband, and the services and content disseminated through it, are essential for people to participate in today’s modern world.

He revealed the broadband commission’s findings concluded that the primary reasons people don’t have access to broadband connectivity are three-fold: the persistent coverage gap, upgrade and adoption gaps.

“While the coverage gap relates mainly to uneconomical and hard to reach areas, the upgrade and adoption gaps can be found anywhere across the globe, with African economies being among the most affected.”

According to Ba, the cause of these gaps can be attributed to structural, economic, socio-economic and cultural variables. However, one recurring theme remains the lack of necessary funds and financial means to roll out and upgrade infrastructure.

Based on the World Bank’s estimates, Africa will require $109 billion to fund these connectivity gaps, he stated. “Over the next four years, Africa must be on a path towards sufficient availability of funds. The continent must also address affordability, access to devices, and ICT capacity building and skills development.

“To close the gaps, massive public-private partnerships and innovative stakeholder engagement and efforts are required. While we have managed to already connect 53% of the world, it’s very clear that existing mechanisms of funding and investment into building broadband infrastructure are falling short and cannot master the enormous task alone.”

Broadband is no longer a luxury, but a necessity and a general purpose technology, Ba stated. “From a basic human need, broadband is now a basic human right and a public good.”

Accelerating digital transformation

During her keynote, Ndabeni-Abrahams said even though the dark COVID-19 cloud hangs over this year’s Africa Day, the continent must remain committed to the cause of accelerating digital transformation even in challenging times.

The minister told the virtual audience that the COVID-19 pandemic has put human genius to test in a manner that knows no parallel in recent history. Conversely, the pandemic must be viewed as an opportunity for Africa to leapfrog to new heights, exploiting new opportunities brought by the advent of the fourth industrial revolution.

According to Ndabeni-Abrahams, the COVID-19 crisis has made it a global priority to connect the unconnected and has demonstrated the importance of access to broadband.

“There has been a significant increase in the demand for ICTs and the use of the Internet. Unfortunately, this has been accompanied by rising inequality, whereby lack of access to the Internet leaves our disadvantaged communities more vulnerable.

“Access to broadband will enable our people to access health services, education and governmental services online when necessary, and thus reduce the need for public gatherings. It will also enable greater access to the rapidly-growing e-commerce sector.”

Ba concurred that the prevailing pandemic showed ICT can help in time of crisis.

“What has emerged from the crisis is that meaningful broadband connectivity and affordable access to it is fundamental going forward and there needs to be bold approaches to ensure access is granted to everyone.

“Given the change role that broadband plays, more stakeholders need to be involved to build broadband and incentivise broadband adoption. Conventional ways of addressing the gaps may still apply, but many have become obsolete and need to be revamped,” he concluded.


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NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

This directive was  contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.

The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.

In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.

Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”

The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.

Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.

The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.

The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.

The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.

Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.

Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”


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Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

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Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.

Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.

The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.

The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.

“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.

Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.

 


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GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

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Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.

The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.

GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.

These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.

More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.

As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.

 


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