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Economies Built on Insight

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Taiwo Otiti
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Data has always been a silent, almost indiscreet part of our lives. In the very near future, it is going to define how we live, and the quality of the decisions that we take.

As much as 80% of all the data in the world has been created in past three years. I also read an article recently which said as much as 500 million DVDs worth of data is currently being generated daily.

The present challenge for today’s data and information professionals is how to extract value from the humungous and growing reservoir of data around the world.

Ongoing investments in technology assets, bank records and customer data need to be protected.

These are some of the enterprise-level issues companies and consumers are grappling with. IBM’s way of responding to these ‘business information management’ challenges in commerce and industry is to keep making organic investments in cloud, analytics and mobile technologies, in addition to strategic alliances and acquisitions in these areas.

Analytics will be key to the future growth of the African business environment. Having data and not being able to properly use and mine it to help you operate more efficiently will be dangerous because analytics will soon become the soul of every business.

Collating and consistently analyzing the traffic to a firm’s website, for instance, will be an instructive exercise.

Analyzing this sort of data for trends and insights on customer behavior and preferences will always be useful information for any company keen on retaining and growing its market share.

Big Data is no longer a reference for a growing pool of useless techno-junk – it’s fast becoming the single most effective way to drive your business forward.

Not a day goes by, in my job at least, when someone isn’t talking about Big Data. And whether or not that stands true for you, too, it’s certainly a trend that impacts everyone today.

Big Data has therefore become an extremely under-utilized phenomenon. I believe there are several reasons for this; one is that Big Data isn’t a technology we can pinpoint in the physical sense.

We can’t point to a single product and say, “that’s Big Data”. And in the same sense, we can’t listen to a customer’s issue and say, “why don’t you just have some Big Data”.

What Big Data really represents is equal measure of trouble and opportunity. The trouble is that we are producing an exponential amount of data – files, file copies, images, videos, admin, details, emails, etc. – and all of it needs housing.

Moreover, the pace of technology evolution means that we’re constantly looking to upgrade systems and devices, leaving us with a bunch of data that needs rehoming.

But on the other hand, while we’ve got this data lying around, we might as well use it. This surge of information is hiding endless insights that can benefit your business.

Let me give you an example: Many of us should by now be used to receiving cold calls and spam mail offering us several types of services weekly – sometimes daily.

You might get a call or email from your bank about a credit or debit card that you’re fully aware you don’t want.

You might tell them you’re not interested. At the same time, a different type of credit or debit card might be offered through a letter in the post, for those who still receive snail mail. At the same time someone else might call you to offer you a loan.

And at the same time, you might be searching the internet for the best mortgage, or for the best place to get a new or used car.

The constant barrage of unrelated and inconsistent information is enough to drive you away from your bank and seek new services.

However, imagine that your bank could analyze all the data gathered from your information, needs and concerns and consolidate that into a valuable chunk of insight.

That information could be used to personally serve you more directly. In fact, your bank would have the ability to see your mortgage concerns, your lack of interest in a debit or credit card and the fact that you had received countless letters regarding loans and cards that you’re not interested in. It could tailor-make a call or email designed just for you.

It could approach you with the sole purpose of offering you the ideal mortgage package, possibly gaining business, as opposed to frustrating you with wasted time and offers you’re not interested in.

This consolidation of information and data is exactly where Big Data services come in useful. And many companies are taking advantage of these by taking the necessary steps to crunch their unstructured data into tangible business insights.

This trend will most certainly push the economy forward, but only if it’s managed and used quickly and accordingly.

Unstructured data is building up at a scary rate, and it’s essentially inexplicable text. Letting that get the better of you and your company is going to cause a strain on your storage, management and effectiveness of business.

However, breaking it down and using it for business insights will offer up opportunities previously unheard of.

Otiti is Country General Manager, IBM West Africa

 


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E-Business

Firm Enhances its Security Awareness Platform with SCORM and PDF Support

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Kaspersky has introduced an update to its Automated Security Awareness Platform, adding full support for PDF and SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) – the industry-standard protocol for deploying and managing e-learning content.

The enhancement enables organisations to build fully customised cybersecurity training programmes that reflect their infrastructure, risk profile, and internal policies, while continuing to benefit from Kaspersky’s expert-driven security content and phishing simulations.

According to the Kaspersky report titled “Redefining the Human Factor in Cybersecurity”, employees responding to phishing attacks was one of the main causes of cyber incidents in companies worldwide, accounting for 21% of cases among other reasons.

At the same time, additional Kaspersky research reveals that social engineering attacks are predicted to increase more than any other type in the nearest future, with 87% of respondents believing that social engineering attacks will become even more effective due to the use of AI tools.

The new Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform (Kaspersky ASAP) update directly addresses several persistent challenges such as reducing the number of human-related incidents, cutting time spent on managing training programmes, decreasing regulatory and compliance risks, and minimising potential legal or reputational damage stemming from cybersecurity breaches.

With the new SCORM support, the platform becomes even more flexible: companies can now upload, track, and manage their own SCORM-based learning materials directly within the system. In addition, companies can accelerate their programmes by using easier-to-create PDF-formats.

This allows organisations to tailor training to their specific technology stacks and emerging threats targeting their industry or region. Businesses that have already invested in third-party SCORM courses or internal learning development can now seamlessly reuse their existing modules, protecting their prior investments while strengthening their cybersecurity posture.

The combination of Kaspersky’s embedded content built on real cases uncovered by the company’s world-class experts with customers’ PDF materials or SCORM modules enables a true best-of-breed approach to human risk management.

Organisations can supplement Kaspersky’s up-to-date cyberattack scenarios with internal policies, unique workflows, and industry-specific lessons, ensuring training resonates with employees and reflects real operational challenges.

“Human behaviour remains one of the most unpredictable elements in cybersecurity and also one of the easiest for attackers to exploit. By adding SCORM support to Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform, we’re giving organisations the flexibility to build training programmes that truly match their internal realities.

“Combined with Kaspersky’s expert-driven content and real-world attack data, this update empowers companies to create more adaptive, relevant, and impactful awareness programmes than ever before,” comments Svetlana Kalashnikova, Security Awareness expert at Kaspersky.


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NDPC, 60 DPAs Collaborate on Enforcing Privacy Rights in the Use of Al

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Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined sixty (60) other Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in endorsing the “Joint Statement on Al-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy.”

NDPC, 60 DPAs Collaborate on Enforcing Privacy Rights in the Use of Al

NDPC

The Joint Statement was coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG) of the Global Privacy Assembly.

This underscores the growing concerns regarding the privacy risks posed by Artificial Intelligence tools capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.

The Joint Statement highlights concerns over the misuse of Al-powered tools to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials, particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups.

It calls on organisations to implement strong safeguards, ensure transparency, provide effective content removal mechanisms, and comply fully with applicable data protection laws.

The current effort forms part of a continuum of steps being taken by Nigeria to ensure the responsible use of Al. It will be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, led the initiative for the development of the National Al Strategy.

The NDPC also issued the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which, amongst others, mandates privacy by design and privacy by default in the development and deployment of Al tools.

The National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed that the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) by data controllers and processors of major importance will serve as a yardstick for monitoring and evaluating responsible use of Al for data processing in Nigeria.


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Jumia Tech Week 2026 Begins with Tech Deals on Smartphones, Electronics, and Everyday Technology

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Jumia Nigeria has announced the launch of Jumia Tech Week 2026, a two-week campaign offering customers access to discounted technology products across key categories, including smartphones, computing, home entertainment, and wearable devices.

Starting from March 2 to March 15, Jumia Nigeria’s Tech Week 2026 is themed ‘Tech Products for Less’ – a deliberate commitment by the e-commerce giant to drive down the cost of technology products for Nigerian consumers. The campaign offers significant price reductions across key product categories, enabling more Nigerians to access the devices they need at prices that reflect the company’s dedication to affordability and consumer value.

Jumia Tech Week will feature deals across a wide range of product categories, including mobile phones, computer systems and accessories, televisions and audio equipment, gaming products, home appliances, portable power solutions, health technology,, and wearable devices.

Customers will also have access to curated recommendations, including top smartphone deals, must-have accessories, gaming essentials, and home technology upgrades.

According to Temidayo Ojo, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, the campaign reflects Jumia’s broader commitment to making everyday technology more accessible to Nigerians.

“Technology has become an essential part of everyday life, and access to the right devices enables more people to participate fully in the digital economy,” said Ojo. “At Jumia, we remain focused on expanding access and improving the shopping experience as we continue to build Nigeria’s everyday retail destination.”

The campaign will include a range of customer engagement initiatives such as flash sales, brand days, anchor deals and interactive activities designed to enhance the online shopping experience.

Special highlight periods, described as Explosion Days, will take place on March 6 and March 13, featuring limited-time offers across selected technology categories. Customers will also be able to participate in interactive activities, including product-based games, treasure hunts,, and live shopping sessions during the campaign period.

The campaign will feature participation from leading brands including Oraimo, Silver Crest, Samsung, Ecoflow, Nivea and Aeon, offering customers a wide selection of technology, household and lifestyle products. Early access promotions already begun during the teaser period from February 16 to March 1, allowing customers to preview selected deals ahead of the official launch.

Jumia Tech Week forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand e-commerce adoption by improving access to essential products and enhancing the customer experience across its platform. As Nigeria’s e-commerce market continues to grow, Jumia remains focused on strengthening its product assortment, logistics capabilities, and digital experience to serve customers better nationwide.

Customers can participate in the campaign by using the Jumia mobile app or visiting the Jumia website and following the conversation online using #JumiaTechWeek.

 


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