Telecom
ICT SMEs Are Vital for Socioeconomic Growth- ITU
ICT-enabled entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a particularly relevant role in ensuring economic growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner, Houlin Zhao, ITU secretary-general said in a blog post.
They are involved in the development of innovative ICT-enabled solutions with a unique potential to make a long-lasting impact in global, regional and national economies.
In recognition of this, the theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2016 was ‘ICT entrepreneurship for social impact’.
In his keynote address, Michael Moeller, director general, United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), highlighted that “Entrepreneurship can change and shape the future by maximizing the social impact of ICTs.”
The event in Geneva brought together company founders, social innovators and members of the international community to explore recommendations for private and public actors to better inform their interventions to support small business development.
The dynamic panel included: Katherine Milligan, Director, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship; Candace Johnson, President, EBAN; Whurley, Co-Founder and CEO, Honest Dollar; Marcos Vaena, Chief of Enterprises and Competitiveness, ITC, and Houlin Zhao, Secretary-General, ITU.
Social Impact
The panel noted that technology is an equalizer and enabler of opportunities, especially when building a sustainable business in developing markets.
For example, Africa’s e-commerce market is projected to reach USD52 billion by 2018, up from USD8 billion in 2013.
This growth will not happen on its own: entrepreneurs need to have access to the right tools and information to fully leverage the growing international e-commerce market.
As Marcus Vaena noted: It’s really access to information, to knowledge, to understand not only what is on the front end of an e commerce operation, but what lies behind. A lot of it is business as usual, but there are some specific issues related to electronic commerce that people still have to become familiar with, and it is the UN’s role to educate the public on how to better leverage these opportunities.
Katherine Milligan added that what is generally underappreciated is that the ICT industry has created a fabulous infrastructure to deliver social goods, more cost effectively and efficiently.
Finding the right regulatory balance isn’t easy. Over regulation can stifle innovation, while too little can have drastic implications for domestic markets and local economies.
The panel noted that while entrepreneurs often criticize regulation as being a barrier to innovation, they do not effectively engage with the policy-makers when given the opportunity, and they tend to shy away from this community instead of actively participating in discussions which could lead to regulatory reform or modifications.
From an entrepreneur’s perspective, government regulation is just another set of requirements that they have to take into account when developing their products and services, however we should encourage regulatory frameworks that enable innovation, rather than discourage it.
This was outlined by Whurley who stated that, just as he would take requirements from a customer who wants to be able to use their mobile to do X, Y, Z, then it is necessary to look at the regulations and understand that it needs to be done within a certain context. For Whurley the regulatory system is more about context, and regulations need to involve entrepreneurs who can help shape and modify policies to ensure that the bottom line – the user experience – is better.
This was echoed by Candace Johnson who acknowledged that governments alone can set policies. Governments can deregulate, but Governments do not exist to do business. Entrepreneurs on the other hand have a social contract with Governments who are depending on them to bring about social change. She emphasized that Governments need to put forth a framework that can allow entrepreneurs to be able to fulfill their mission, to thrive and do business effectively.
Taking Advantage of these Opportunities
According to ITU, the future of SMEs is very important for the ICT industry, to drive development of the sector, especially in creating demand for ICT services. We are seeing a lot of support for small businesses at the local and national levels, but they often don’t have good enough access to regional and global markets.
As highlighted by Katherine Milligan, there is hope but we also have to be realistic. The majority of people in developing countries are making $2, $3 or $5 a day.
These are incredibly risk averse customers. It is very difficult to market to them to get them to change their behaviour. It’s not on a three to five-year time frame that you are going to penetrate these markets in a big way. It requires patience and vision.
In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.
According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.
In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.
Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.
This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.
Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.
This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”
Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”
“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.
The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:
- Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
- Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
- Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
- Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
- Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
- Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.
The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.
GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.
Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants. This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.
Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.
The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.
“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”
According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.
Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.
With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.
Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.
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