Connect with us

Telecom

How Nigerians Welcome Launch of ZTE Latest Mobile Phones

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian mobile ecosystem witnessed a historic moment on Friday, June 28, 2024, with the grand launch of ZTE’s latest mobile range, spearheaded by a strategic partnership with TD Africa, the leading tech products distributor in the continent.

The event showcased an impressive lineup of ZTE’s latest mobile devices, including the ZTE V60 Design, Nubia Neo2, and Nubia Focus Pro. These mobile phones, which sold out with a huge pre-order at the launch, are a new generation of lifestyle mobile phones delivered in anticipation of the AI disruption.

The launch was graced by the presence of prominent figures, with the Chairman of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and former Executive Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe as chief guest of honour, and the founder and Chairman of TD Africa, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, leading the prestigious lineup of attendees. CEOs in the tech and e-commerce sectors were in attendance. The event garnered significant media attention, and major media houses led by Arise News captured it. This widespread coverage underscored the importance of the launch and the potential it holds for the Nigerian mobile market.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, the Chief guest of honour, praised the collaboration between ZTE and TD Africa. He highlighted the importance of continued innovation and transparency in the industry. He congratulated TD Africa Distribution on its 25th anniversary and expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. He concluded by advocating for reduced mobile phone tariffs in Nigeria to enable wider accessibility.

Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, a visionary in the African tech space, echoed Dr. Ndukwe’s enthusiasm, expressing his excitement about the future of this partnership. He charged the partners of TD Africa to remain steadfast in the tech industry, poised for short-term growth and long-term profitability. His words resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the collective responsibility to drive technological advancement and accessibility across Africa.

TD Africa, known for its strategic partnerships and commitment to excellence, has once again demonstrated why it is a leader in the tech distribution space. TD partners with international companies, including well-known names in the sector like Apple, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Dell Technologies, HP and Starlink. This event not only highlighted the strength of its partnership with ZTE but also reinforced its role as a catalyst for technological advancement in Nigeria.

The heart of the launch ceremony revolved around the unveiling of ZTE’s latest mobile range. Attendees were treated to a captivating presentation that showcased the distinct features and functionalities of the ZTE V60 Design, Nubia Neo2, and Nubia Focus Pro. These devices, designed to cater to a wide range of needs for Nigerian users, offer exceptional performance, sleek designs, and cutting-edge technology. These mobile phones are designed for those who appreciate quality and style, and are yet pocket-friendly. The ZTE V60 Design, in particular, is anticipated to revolutionize the smartphone market with its state-of-the-art features and user-friendly interface.

The launch event was more than just a showcase of new products; it was a celebration of innovation, partnership, and the promise of a brighter technological future. Attendees were treated to a night of music, entertainment, and an exquisite dinner. The event also featured a live raffle draw, where five lucky winners walked away with brand-new ZTE phones. The joy and excitement were palpable as the winners were announced, adding an extra layer of celebration to the evening.

Chioma Chimere, Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, spoke about the importance of making advanced technology accessible to all. According to her, “This partnership between TD Africa and ZTE marks a new era in the mobile landscape of Africa. By leveraging TD Africa’s extensive distribution network and ZTE’s innovative technology, we are set to redefine the dynamics of the mobile industry, bringing unparalleled value and choice to our customers.”

In addition, Mrs. Chimere announced a special pre-order incentive. Partners who pre-ordered 200 ZTE devices at the launch would receive a free 32-inch Smart television. She emphasized TD Africa and ZTE’s commitment to fulfilling orders of any size, assuring partners and customers that TD will meet their needs regardless of the quantity.

Mr. Ding Deng Kerwin, CEO of ZTE Nigeria, unveiled the ZTE range and expressed his gratitude to TD Africa’s leadership and partners. He emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, stating that we must keep moving forward and let dreams connect with reality. He also highlighted ZTE’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance, sleek designs, and cutting-edge technology.

The launch concluded with a networking session that provided an excellent platform for industry leaders and tech enthusiasts to connect and discuss the future of mobile technology in Nigeria. Guests departed with not only a deeper understanding of the ZTE product line but also with swag bags filled with gifts, solidifying a memorable experience.


Kindly share this post

Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Telecom

Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO again Defends Tariff Hikes amidst Backlash

Published

on

Karl Toriola, chief executive, MTN Nigeria
Kindly share this post

Karl Toriola, chief executive, MTN Nigeria has defended recent tariff hikes by mobile network operators, stating they are essential for the “survival” of the telecoms industry in Nigeria, despite significant criticism.

Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO again Defends Tariff Hikes amidst Backlash

Karl Toriola, chief executive, MTN Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted mobile network operators permission to raise tariffs by up to 50% last month, a change reportedly implemented on 11 February.

The increase has sparked public outrage, as mobile connectivity has become a vital necessity in daily life across the West African nation.

In an interview with Developing Telecoms, Toriola pushed back against criticism that the price surge was excessive, arguing that tariffs should have increased by approximately 300% to reflect the naira’s sharp devaluation and the country’s soaring inflation.

Addressing the impact of currency devaluation, Toriola emphasised that MTN purchases network equipment and software in US dollars, a process that has become significantly more expensive. With the naira’s decline, operators are now receiving three times fewer dollars than they did in 2023, making operations more challenging.

In February 2023, businesses could exchange 460 naira for one US dollar, but the currency has since devalued sharply. At the time of writing, a single dollar was worth 1,510 naira.

As Nigeria grapples with the sharp devaluation, MTN has been severely affected.

The company was technically bankrupt in 2023 as its liabilities surpassed its assets—a deeply concerning issue for the wider MTN Group, as Nigeria remains one of its highest revenue-generating markets.

“Because of these factors, we’ve seen our costs rise dramatically. The cost of leasing tower space and supplying energy to cell sites increased by 120% in the first three quarters of 2024. So, in comparison, a 50% tariff increase is not that high,” said Toriola.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

IoT West Africa & Data Centre Cloud Expo 2025 Set to Boost Africa’s $180Bn Digital Economy

Published

on

Shitij Taneja, Vertex Next Managing Director
Kindly share this post

The IoT West Africa & Data Centre Cloud Expo 2025, co-located with Power and Water Nigeria, is poised to play a crucial role in boosting Africa’s digital economy, projected to reach $180 billion by 2025 and contribute 5.2% to the continent’s GDP.

Shitij Taneja, Vertex Next Managing Director

Organized by Vertex Next, the three-day event will take place from May 13th to 15th, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. It will convene government leaders, industry experts, investors, and innovators to explore the latest advancements in IoT, AI, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, and energy solutions.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lagos, Vertex Next Managing Director, Shitij Taneja, stated that this influential event will significantly contribute to the continent’s digital economic growth.

He assured that the expo will feature a comprehensive conference program focused on the transformative power of IoT, AI, and digital technologies across various African industries.

According to Taneja, discussions will center on how these technologies drive economic expansion, improve connectivity, and increase efficiency in key sectors like telecom, energy, finance, and e-commerce. Government officials and business leaders are also expected to collaborate on strategies for scaling digital infrastructure and leveraging data for innovation and sustainable development.

As demand for secure, efficient, and scalable digital infrastructure surges, Africa’s data center market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2030, reaching a valuation of over $5 billion.

The expo will feature high-level discussions on critical infrastructure development, investment opportunities, cybersecurity, and AI-driven data center expansion. Thought leaders from global cloud and data center giants will share insights into building future-ready facilities that power industries and drive economic progress.

With Africa’s power sector undergoing transformation, discussions will focus on smart grids, energy storage, and sustainable power solutions to support the continent’s growing digital economy.

The African Development Bank estimates that investment in energy and utilities must increase to $70 billion annually to meet rising demand. Industry leaders will explore the role of IoT and AI in optimizing utilities, managing resources efficiently, and developing smart, connected cities.

The rise of digital banking, fintech, and e-commerce is reshaping consumer experiences and financial transactions across Africa. The fintech sector alone attracted over $3 billion in investments in 2023, and e-commerce is projected to exceed $75 billion in value by 2028.

This expo will highlight how automation, AI, and IoT are creating secure, seamless, and scalable financial solutions, ensuring that businesses stay ahead in the fast-paced digital landscape.

Taneja disclosed that the IoT West Africa & Data Centre Cloud Expo 2025 aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and Agenda 2063 of the African Union, both of which prioritize technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and economic diversification.

By bringing together policymakers and industry stakeholders, the event aims to support regulatory frameworks for digital transformation, foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) in ICT and energy, and accelerate initiatives such as Smart Cities and e-Governance.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

NITDA Pledges to Foster Innovation with Cloud Infrastructure and AI Applications

Published

on

Kindly share this post

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering an innovative ecosystem that balances regulation with industry growth. The agency is investing in cloud infrastructure, data classification, and AI applications to establish Nigeria as a leading digital hub in Africa.

Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s Director General, emphasized this commitment while speaking at the Africa Hyperscalers Digital Infrastructure Outlook 2025. The event gathered industry experts to explore Africa’s role in the expanding global AI-driven infrastructure boom.

In his remarks, Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s dual regulatory framework: rule-based regulation, involving strict compliance guidelines, and non-rule-based regulation, which allows for industry-led innovation with established benchmarks.

“Before we regulate anything, we need to be aware of the landscape, we need to be intelligent, we need to have data and make sense out of that data, we need to be dynamic because technology is fast-changing and we need to develop that agility within the regulatory framework,” Inuwa stated.

He also discussed the Cloud First Policy, introduced in 2019 to discourage excessive reliance on physical data centres. This policy encourages government agencies and private businesses to leverage cloud computing and digital solutions. Initially, businesses were granted waivers to use public cloud infrastructure, but NITDA is now pushing for local data centres to enhance their capabilities.

A major milestone for NITDA was its successful engagement with global hyperscaler providers, including Google Cloud, which pledged to collaborate with local data centres to drive cloud adoption and establish a hyperscaler data centre in Nigeria. This follows a meeting between Google CEO Sundar Pichai and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Paris, where the President shared his transformative ambition for Nigeria.

To further drive cloud adoption, NITDA is finalizing a framework that will mandate data classification, ensuring that certain data categories remain within Nigeria. This move is expected to attract more cloud service providers and bolster the country’s digital sovereignty.

Emphasizing the importance of AI applications, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA is prioritizing AI to enhance governance, regulation, and service delivery. He asserted that AI can revolutionize governance and business operations by automating processes, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and developing knowledge management systems.

Dr. Nadu Denloye, Co-founder of Telnet Nigeria Limited, also spoke at the event, highlighting Africa’s remarkable digital transformation driven by connectivity advancements, cloud adoption, data centres, AI, and a growing digital-native population. She expressed confidence in crafting solutions to drive Africa’s digital growth.

Other notable panelists included Dr. Ayaotunde Coker, CEO Open Access Data Centres and Chairman of the Africa Data Centres Association; Johnson AgboGbua, CEO of Kasi Cloud; Obinna Isiadinso, Data Centres Global Sector Lead at International Finance Corporation; Kazeem Oladepo, Chief Operating Officer at IHS; and Abibat Kazeem, Commercial Director at Bayobab.

This commitment by NITDA underlines its dedication to advancing Nigeria’s position as a digital leader in Africa through innovative solutions and strategic regulations.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending