General News
Gilat Satcom Believes in Connectivity for Everybody- Alex
Alex Petropouliadis is vice president, Sales Africa, Gilat Satcom, the communication solutions provider that offers satellite and fiber-based connectivity solutions in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Petropouliadis joined Gilat Satcom in 2007 as a regional sales director and was appointed VP Sales Africa in 2012.
Prior to joining Gilat Satcom, Petropouliadis worked for Xerox and was part of the management team and has also worked for Creo as a sales director responsible for SADC sales.
Petropouliadis on a recent working visit to Nigeria spoke to peter ugwu on a wide range of issues.
Gilat Satcom’s Mission in Nigeria
Our main target is to become the biggest Internet Service Provider (ISP) Company in the country. I will say Gilat today has become a pan-African company.
What we do as a new strategy is to acquire businesses all over Africa. We are combining them under one brand, which is Gilat.
The idea started about a year ago and became a strategy for the company; since then we have been able to acquire three operations in Zambia, Nigeria and DRC.
Gilat’s core business has always been satellite and we have decided that the core focal area and the strategy should change hence we engage in buying home-grown and developing businesses in Africa.
We have invested about $20 million in West-Indian Ocean Cable Consortium (WIOCC); the biggest investor in the EASSY cable in East Africa.
With this investment, we became a shareholder in WIOCC. Apart from that we also purchased capacity through this organization on the WIOCC cable.
The route is actually a big ring starting from London, going around the continent (Africa). The good news is that we have a full redundancy ring with fibre capacity in Africa.
So, basically we engage in the technologies-satellite, which has always been our world business and we are continuing with it and engage in fiber connectivity.
African Focus
We decided to have local presence in Africa, starting with acquiring local presence. In addition to what we already have, we are finalizing the acquisitions of businesses in Niger and Burkina Faso; by end of 2013, we would have five full operational bases in Africa.
Our people oriented strategies will continue in 2014 with the aim to have seven additional ISPs in Africa.
Of course, we are not going to reach every country in Africa; it all depends on the business case of the country we have mapped out to reach out to, just like some countries in Central Africa.
Nigeria is one of our major targeted markets; here we have commenced 100% operation; today we emphasis on aspects of communication in Nigeria, especially in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
We are planning to have redundant ring connecting the three cities; you can imagine a triangle moving from Lagos to Abuja, there to Port Harcourt and back to Lagos.
The impact would be that when have a cut, we can reroute the traffic back to the customers. By this we are achieving full redundancy.
Secondly, we are part of WACS, we see our customers’ needs and the primary need is redundancy.
So, we are solving the challenges local in the country through the range-rings, but still not limited to one infrastructure so that when one network is down we should not be down as well.
We are actually taking capacity from other vendors like MainOne Cables, Glo 1, integrating them into one system; when a provider goes down, the other one comes up immediately.
The Last-Mile Infrastructure
Basically, we are a carrier of carriers. We sell capacities not directly to the home users.
However, we are introducing a latest technology into the market to mitigate some customers’ related challenges.
We supply capacity to other ISPs, cellular operators, among others. Unless a government office, we would not sell directly to the customer.
I understand there are challenges in the country today, eventually, as more competitors enter the market, more fibers laid, they will be solved.
Many countries in Europe, United States, and other developed countries started exactly the same way Nigeria and other African countries are going today.
The last mile is the problem, but the stakeholders-individuals, corporations and the nation at large will overcome that.
If you are to reach everywhere and reduce the price, then solving the challenge of last-mile is paramount in the process.
Taking the capacity from the shore is very cheap, but extending it to Port Harcourt is very high.
This is the biggest challenge that could be solved with more players coming in; Gilat is not the playing this game per say, we are not laying fiber rather we are adopting other infrastructure.
Gilat’s New Product
We have developed a new product and we are introducing them into the African market.
It is something that will basically give people internet connectivity in a very small modem (box) in a size of 20 meters.
There will be an accompanying dish of about 90 meters (the same used for the DSTV). The modem is able to reach high speed internet uplink through a cellular using the cellular modem (uplink) and downlink via satellite.
Idea behind the Innovation
Today, the market is used to the cellular data spurred by the evolution in mobile devices.
The user experience about how the devices are connected for surfing the internet actually depends on the download, not the upload. For instance, when you want to get CNN online via Google, to cull up the page you are actually uploading a request to the web.
The internet sees it and downloads the site for your usage. The big content and the user experience depend on the downlink.
When you download you have the picture, texts, video, they are actually big contents; so the bigger the bandwidth is the better the user experience.
It makes people happy; saves time, energy, resources and enhances productivity. What we did is to leverage on the issue cellular companies have ingested on their towers and links.
We expect the product to get to every home. Another feature embedded in the product is WiFi, which allows people to share data or connectivity.
The price will be based on consumption level as well. We are segmenting it, because we are not targeting just home users alone; we are creating opportunities for the small and medium enterprises to benefit from it. Gilat will always be on the forefront of innovation in this regard.
Solutions for Banking and Financial Institutions
We have several banks working with us on deploying primary links for redundancy actualization. We are very well known in the industry.
Essentially, we have an iDirect hub in Lagos where any bank can connect for a capacity it can use for any application.
In the mean time, a number of banks are accepting the offer. The hub serves both for regular and private networks. We have invested about $1 million dollars in this hub just to set it up in the neighbourhood.
Crash of Broadband Internet Price in 2014
It is absolutely possible. However, it depends on the market segment the analysts are talking about. If you are talking about the home user, the answer is definitely yes.
For example, the new product we are introducing to the market has reduced price compared to what is already in the market.
For corporate, depending again on where they are located. Like I said earlier, pricing depends, largely, on the last-mile; that is taking the capacity from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and other cities.
As more players enter the market the prices will go down and then the corporate entities will enjoy lower pricing.
The issue will be the time those players will recoup their investment; because if companies after laying fibers and deploying other infrastructure, they could not recoup their investment they will become distressed.
The cost of laying the fibers cost money. Based on the fact that investors are coming into the Nigerian market means it will not be long even the corporate bodies will enjoy bandwidth at reduced prices.
Today, we have Glo1, MainOne Cable, SAT-1, WACS and a new one coming up; the user experience and cost will always get better.
We are talking about terabytes of capacities. It is similar with other markets; when you are growing the prices are usually high, nevertheless more investments brings price down. So, as soon as companies make gains from their investment, new players entering the market, then monopoly has since been eliminated, it will cruise.
Africa and Broadband Ubiquity
I believe, it will not be long, Africa will witness broadband ubiquity. We are all striving towards this initiative.
It is an initiative that Gilat Satcom delights in. We believe that each country and each person should be connected to the world.
There are many challenges in Africa and outside Africa. In each continent there are challenges; Africa has the challenge of the last-mile, US had it, Europe experienced it.
So there may be additional challenge in each country. I truly believe that five years from now, in Africa, there will be full connectivity given the enormous investments going on. If you remember in some African countries, with exception of Nigeria, five years ago, they had not internet and ill-afford it.
They were only the government and big companies that were connected; people had no access to 3G or cellular connectivity, but look at what we have today. And in five years we can compete with other developed countries of the world.
Assessment of Government Policies
I am very satisfied with what the government is doing. I had met with several government officials in Nigeria, discussing on the way forward and I could see the passion and willingness to develop the system, give the people the connectivity they want.
Today, everybody has one smart device or the other looking for connectivity and government is interested on that.
Competition among ISPs
My company’s competition is not with the local ISPs. They are my customers; the people that
I will supply my capacities to.They are the ones to distribute my hybrid product. Although, may be some cases customers may approach Gialt directly, we will define what they want and decide to sell directly to them.
But that will be a fraction of business we are doing now. We are carrier of carriers. We are not deploying directly to homes.
If someone wants a gig of bandwidth I will not sell to him, he has to approach the ISPs. There is an aspect that can raise some concerns because the companies we are carrying also deploy the solutions and that is the beauty of competition. But we are not afraid. As many competitors are there, the better for the market. Our uniqueness will give us an edge in the market.
OpenAI has launched Codex, which it regards as its most capable AI coding agent available to ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team subscribers.
Users will have ‘generous access at no additional cost’ for a few weeks, after which OpenAI plans to introduce pricing options and rate-limited access.
Codex, a cloud-based software engineering agent, can write features, answer questions about a codebase, fix bugs, and propose pull requests for review. Several tasks can run simultaneously, and users retain full access to their computers while the agent takes anywhere from one to 30 minutes to complete a task.
The research preview of Codex offers powerful code-writing, debugging, and collaboration features, which mark a major step in OpenAI’s push to automate software development.
“We imagine a future where developers drive the work they want to own and delegate the rest to agents—moving faster and being more productive with AI,” OpenAI said.
Since it is still in research preview, the tool remains in early development. “It currently lacks features like image inputs for front-end work, and the ability to course-correct the agent while it’s working,” the firm said in a blog post.
Additionally, delegating to a remote agent takes longer than interactive editing, which can take some getting used to, it stated. Over time, however, the company said using the service will feel more like asynchronous collaboration with colleagues.
The launch comes as part of a broader rise of AI tools for software engineers that are meant to handle repetitive, boring tasks rather than take over the whole gamut.
OpenAI is reportedly in talks to acquire Windsurf, a maker of AI coding tools, for around $3 billion, which is potentially its largest acquisition to date.
General News
Africa Gears Up For Digital Sovereignty At 13th Edition Of Digital Africa Conference 2025
Africa’s digital destiny will on October 28-29, 2025, take centre stage at the 13th Edition of the Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition (DACE), to be held at Merit House, Abuja, under the theme: “Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global Digital Order.”
At a time when artificial intelligence (AI), smart systems, and data technologies are reshaping societies, economies, and governance structures worldwide, DACE 2025 is sounding a clarion call: ‘Africa must lead, not lag in this transformation.’
Organizers say the aim is to move beyond consumption and dependency, and instead position the continent as a proactive contributor to global digital norms and governance.
“This year’s conference is about shifting from passive adoption to active leadership,” said Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman, Digital Africa Consult, organisers of the event. “Sovereign Intelligence is more than a concept, it’s a movement to ensure that Africa controls its digital resources, designs its own ethical frameworks, and asserts its voice in shaping global technology norms.”
A Defining Moment for Africa’s Digital Future
Woherem said the conference will serve as a high-level, cross-sectoral platform aimed at positioning Africa as a co-author of global AI governance standards, rather than a mere recipient, assuring that the conversations are expected to align closely with the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy, advocating for a united, self-determined digital ecosystem across the continent.
“The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. As the world builds its digital infrastructure, much of the technology consumed in Africa is still imported, foreign-owned, and culturally disconnected. African data is often stored offshore, local languages and cultural contexts remain invisible in AI systems, and African experts are frequently excluded from global decision-making tables.
“This must change. Digital Africa 2025 is about taking control of our data, our narratives, and our technological development. Africa must move from being users of foreign systems to creators of our own,” Woherem added.
Key Objectives of DACE 2025
One of the primary objectives of this year’s event is to advocate for African ownership of digital infrastructure, data policies, and technology standards. Organizers hope to inspire African leaders and institutions to say yes to innovation and regulation built by Africans, for Africans.
Another major focus will be amplifying African voices on the global stage. This involves not only advocating for inclusion in international policy dialogues but also ensuring that African values, cultures, and wisdom shape the design and deployment of AI systems worldwide.
“The conference will also spotlight homegrown innovation. Startups and developers from across the continent will showcase digital solutions addressing local challenges in healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education. These practical examples will reinforce the message that Africa is already generating intelligent, scalable answers to complex problems,” said Nneoma Ofodile, General Manager, Digital Africa.
Empowering young Africans through digital skills, research opportunities, and leadership training is another key goal of the gathering. Organizers are committed to fostering a new generation of African tech leaders who can confidently shape global digital trends from a place of knowledge and ownership.
Regional cooperation will be front and centre, as DACE encourages cross-border collaboration on harmonizing laws, sharing infrastructure, and building integrated digital ecosystems. Sessions will explore how African nations can jointly develop policies and platforms that reflect the continent’s unique needs and aspirations.
While global partnerships will also be on the agenda, the conference aims to deepen Africa’s engagement with international institutions such as UNESCO, the UN, and the OECD, not as passive participants but as co-authors of global standards for ethical and inclusive AI.
Nneoma said that throughout the two-day event, attendees can expect high-level discussions on digital law, tech sovereignty, and innovation policy, alongside practical workshops for developers, educators, and youth. Innovation showcases will highlight the work of African tech hubs, while strategy sessions will promote cross-country digital alignment.
At the close of the event, a concrete roadmap is expected to emerge—outlining actionable steps toward achieving digital sovereignty across the continent. The conference will also aim to strengthen networks among African innovators, regulators, and thinkers, while increasing the visibility of African insights in international technology policy.
Above all, Digital Africa 2025 is about reclaiming agency. “This isn’t just a technology conversation,” Nneoma emphasized. “It’s about power, voice, and independence. Africa must not only catch up; Africa must lead.”
As preparations intensify, DACE 2025 is inviting visionary organizations, sponsors, and partners to join the mission of building a digitally sovereign and inclusive Africa.
IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Holding Limited (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has continued its impact assessment tour of its oxygen plant projects situated in different hospitals across the country.
The telecommunications infrastructure company visited Jericho Specialist Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to assess the usage condition of the oxygen plant jointly donated in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in May 2024.
The oxygen plant donation is part of IHS Nigeria’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system through sustainable, impactful initiatives designed to serve health facilities in the state.
Ahead of a tour of the facility, the IHS and UNICEF team were received at the Oyo State Ministry of Health by the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Adewunmi Ajetunmobi alongside the Permanent Secretary and other Directors from the Ministry and the Oyo State Hospital Management Board.
The visit, led by senior officials from IHS Nigeria and UNICEF, provided an opportunity to evaluate the plant’s operational efficiency, its integration into critical care delivery, and its broader impact on the state’s healthcare system.
Commenting on the visit, Titilope Oguntuga, Director, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria remarked: “At IHS, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our focus spans four key pillars which are Ethics & Governance, Environment & Climate Change, People & Communities and Education & Economic Growth.
This oxygen plant initiative speaks directly to our commitment to people and communities. As we assess the progress of this project, we are reminded of its alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and well-being, responsible consumption, and partnerships for the attainment of the SDG goals.”
“We are here not just to inspect the plant, but to witness the impact, strengthen relationships, and continue building a partnership that delivers real value to Nigerians.” She added.
Health Specialist, UNICEF Lagos, Dr. Olufemi Adeyemi commented: “It is a pleasure to witness the results of our strong collaboration with IHS Nigeria and Oyo State. On behalf of UNICEF, I want to sincerely thank the state for providing an enabling environment that makes impactful partnerships like this possible.
“We are here to assess how well the oxygen plant is performing. We no longer want to see lives lost due to a lack of oxygen. We want to be assured that the investment made is truly saving lives and delivering the impact it was intended to.”
Commissioner of Health, Oyo State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Adewunmi Ajetunmobi expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying: “This partnership between IHS Nigeria and UNICEF is a testament to the power of collaboration in strengthening our healthcare system.
“The oxygen plant at Jericho Specialist Hospital has become a critical asset in our fight to reduce avoidable deaths, especially among newborns and vulnerable patients. It is not just a donation; it is a life-saving intervention that has redefined emergency response capabilities in the state.
“We commend IHS Nigeria and UNICEF for their foresight, dedication, and long-term commitment to healthcare delivery in Oyo State.”
Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health commented on the significance of the oxygen plant and the broader impact of the partnership.
“Before COVID-19, oxygen therapy was not prioritized in most hospitals, government or private. But when the crisis hit, IHS Nigeria and UNICEF didn’t just donate equipment, they identified the gap and moved quickly to close it. This oxygen plant has completely transformed our emergency response system. We’ve gone from scarcity to stability. Patients who once struggled to access oxygen especially those who couldn’t afford it now receive it without delay’’.
“Beyond the donation, IHS and UNICEF brought us a sustainability model, trained engineers, and introduced a more efficient, solar-powered oxygen management system. We’re now extending oxygen access to primary and secondary care centers and even supplying private clinics in crisis. For me, this initiative is not just impactful, it is lifesaving. We are truly grateful and committed to building on this collaboration to ensure long-term impact.” He added.
The oxygen plant is equipped with 50 units of 6-cubic-meter cylinders and 150 units of 3 cubic meter cylinders that currently supplies both private and public hospitals including primary health centers all over Oyo state.
The hospital management acknowledged the difference the plant has made in ensuring prompt availability of oxygen even for primary healthcare centers that are unable to pay, and in improving the medical outcomes for many patients who need oxygen as part of their management.
Recall that earlier this year; the team had visited the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, to evaluate the operational status and impact of the oxygen plant installed in Ogun.
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