Telecom
AFRINIC-27 Meeting Makes Case for Local Internet Hosting
By peter oluka
African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) and its community, in keeping to its mandate to support Internet development in Africa, has called for improved local hosting of internet traffic.
The AFRINIC meeting dubbed AFRINIC-27, hosted by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) in Lagos, Nigeria, commenced on Monday; as a platform for stakeholders to share progress, successes and future plans as the Regional Internet Registry for AFRICA.
In an address at the opening ceremony, Alan Barret, CEO of AFRINIC, said that since inception, they have allocated more than 100 million IPv4 addresses and over 9000 IPv6 /32 prefixes in Africa with around 42% of over 1500 members receiving an IPv6 prefix.
“This year at end of October, we have allocated 7.2 millionIPv4 addresses, 95 /32 IPv6 prefixes, and 127 ASNs with 122 new members joining us.
“Besides our main role, that is, to distribute Internet Number Resources in Africa, we contribute to ensuring that our processes remain transparent and secure at all times.
“We have in place tools with which we are able to communicate our number resources distribution activities as well as ensuring that this distribution is secure.
Barret also referred to the ‘WHOIS database, RPKI and DNSSEC’ as tools and technologies that the community has used to keep the cyber space secure and transparent.
“We keep monitoring this to ensure we are up to date with the latest technological developments and in line with policies as proposed and ratified”.
He added that AFRINIC has continued to also support IP infrastructure development and reinforcement throughout the African region.
“This has seen increase in Internet access, speeds as well as infrastructure stability. Our relationship with the increasing numbers of Internet Exchange Points keeps growing stronger. This will help us achieve our goal of keeping Internet traffic local. Through our training this year, so far, we have trained over 545engineers from 18 countries on effectively deploying IPv6 and managing Internet number resources.
“Our FIRE Grant and Award Program is part of our capacity building initiative since 2007. The program provides funds for projects that empower communities in Africa through the use of the Internet and innovative ICT solutions. We recently announced the winning projects for the 2017 Awards Program. We are currently supporting a total of 18 projects worth over $300 000”.
In the coming days, hundreds of participants from all over the world will join AFRINIC for technical presentations, panel sessions on Internet related issues as well as the Public Policy Forum to discuss policy proposals that, if accepted by the community, will guide how AFRINIC manages and distributes Internet number resources in Africa.
Representatives of the Ministry of Communications (Nigeria); the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), industry players, were joined by their counterparts from over 60 countries at the meeting.
MTN Nigeria has partnered with CardCentre Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Chams HoldCo, to introduce eco-friendly SIM cards made entirely from biodegradable materials.
The launch, which took place in Lagos, targets the reduction of plastic waste across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
According to the statement releasedy, the new SIM cards are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and produced using recyclable components and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
“They meet global sustainability standards while maintaining the performance expected by telecom users,” the statement said.
It added that Tobe Okigbo, chief Corporate Services and Sustainability officer at MTN Nigeria, stated, that ”the partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while also supporting local businesses and economic growth through strategic alliances.”
In his remarks, Lekan Latona, chief executive officer, CardCentre, said: “We are proud to collaborate with MTN Nigeria on this project. Our biodegradable SIM cards mark an important step toward a greener future for telecommunications.”
Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a landmark breakfast meeting that spotlighted the transformative power of media in fostering bilateral ties.
Held under the theme “Media as a Bridge: Strengthening Nigeria-South Africa Ties through the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP)”, the event drew a dynamic mix of business leaders, academics, and media professionals.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, described the MIP as a strategic tool for diplomacy, designed to dismantle stereotypes and misinformation.
He emphasized the value of the programme’s study tour in South Africa, which offers Nigerian journalists immersive exposure. “If Nigeria and South Africa can get their act together, the rest of the continent will follow,” Okigbo remarked, hinting at MTN’s plans to scale the initiative across Africa.
Dr. Ije Jidenma, Chairperson of NSACC, hailed the MIP as a tangible example of innovation in action. She underscored the media’s role as a “catalyst for development,” especially in shaping public discourse and cross-border partnerships.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, stressed the need for rigorous training in journalism. He praised the collaboration between academia and industry, noting that ethical and contextual reporting is essential for meaningful impact.
A highlight of the event was a panel featuring MIP fellows—Amarachi Ubani (Channels TV), Oluwadunsin Sanya (BellaNaija), Nifemi Oguntoye (TVC News), and Akinkunmi Obakeye (CNBC Africa)—who shared how the programme reshaped their understanding of South Africa. Their stories revealed a shift from stereotypes to shared values and deeper connections.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of NSACC’s 25th anniversary logo, symbolizing a renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and opportunity for its members.
As NSACC enters its next chapter, the Chamber reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging media as a bridge between Nigeria and South Africa—two powerhouses whose unity could redefine the African narrative
Telecom
MTN Nigeria, WWF/NCF, and UNDP Launch 2025 PachiPanda Challenge to Drive Youth-Led Environmental Innovation
In a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has officially launched the 2025 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.
Part of the continental Africa PachiPanda Challenge, this initiative calls on young Nigerians aged 18–35 and youth-led SMEs to develop groundbreaking solutions addressing pollution, climate change, and community conservation. With the theme “Nourishing Tomorrow: Innovations for Food, Energy, and Water Security,” the challenge aims to empower eco-visionaries to reshape Nigeria’s environmental future.
Ten finalists will be selected for a transformative 3-day sprint event, featuring human-centered design workshops, masterclasses, and a high-stakes pitch session before a panel of industry experts. Winners will advance to the continental stage, representing Nigeria in the Africa-wide competition.
Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, described the challenge as “a green opportunity” for youth to channel creativity into impactful change.
Dr. Joseph Onoja of NCF emphasized the power of collaboration, while UNDP’s Dr. William Tsuma highlighted the challenge’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
More than a competition, the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is a movement—one that seeks to ignite innovation, foster sustainability, and amplify youth voices in shaping a resilient future.
Applications close on October 3, 2025.
Interested participants can apply at: www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge
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