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ITU Connect2Recover to Boost Africa’s Post-COVID Connectivity

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The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched the Connect2Recover Initiative, which will initially focus on Africa, helping the continent accelerate digital transformation post-COVID-19.

The ITU says Africa is the least connected continent, and is expected to be hit hardest by COVID-19 in socio-economic terms. It adds that Connect2Recover reinforces long-standing efforts to accelerate digital transformation on the continent and help achieve long-term development goals.

At the launch of the initiative last week, the world telecommunications body noted that out of the 25 least connected countries in the world, 21 are in Africa, with nearly 300 million Africans living more than 50km from a fibre or cable broadband connection.

“Access to high-speed Internet thus remains out of reach for many Africans, hindering their ability to fully harness the potential of digital transformation,” says the ITU.

It notes that Connect2Recover seeks to expand access to affordable and reliable connectivity, which is an essential aspect of countries’ COVID-19 recovery strategies.

ITU secretary-general Houlin Zhao explains: “The ITU, and the wider international community, is transitioning from aiding countries with their immediate response to COVID-19, to helping countries prepare for and adjust to a ‘new normal’.

“As the United Nations is calling on its member states to ‘build back better’, Connect2Recover represents the ITU’s contribution by facilitating socio-economic recovery through the use of digital infrastructure, services and applications, thanks to the generous support of the Japanese government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Connect2Recover is backed by the ministry of internal affairs and communications of Japan and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, the ITU says COVID-19 has highlighted that digital infrastructure is not just a convenience but an essential requirement for fully-fledged participation in society and the economy.

“Broadband connectivity has proved vital in helping countries’ businesses and citizens adapt and respond to the pandemic, enabling them to access the latest health information and continue working, learning and socialising remotely.”

How it works

The Connect2Recover initiative will consist of three key elements.

First, the initiative will develop a methodology for identifying gaps and bottlenecks in the use of digital networks and technologies at country level; to respond to and mitigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as preparedness for any similar emergencies in the future; and to enable recovery and readiness for the ‘new normal’.

According to the ITU, on the basis of this methodology, Connect2Recover will also assist countries in assessing their needs, gaps and bottlenecks, and develop strategies to ensure the digital infrastructure and ecosystems adequately support recovery efforts and the ‘new normal’.

“These strategies will be designed in line with global best practices, as well as with other relevant policy tools developed by ITU and other relevant organisations.”

Lastly, the ITU says, Connect2Recover will conceptualise and implement pilot projects to test specific technological solutions in line with national country strategies and policies.

“The project will also undertake deep-dive studies in specific areas of digital policy as prioritised by the selected countries, such as digital finance, e-education, e-health, e-government, or teleworking.”

Minoru Terada, state minister for internal affairs and communications of Japan, comments on the initiative: “Digital technology is playing a vital role to respond to and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Under these circumstances, our project aims at improving the connectivity through the development of resilient broadband networks to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among African countries.”

“COVID-19 has demonstrated the vital importance of meaningful connectivity and it has also served as a wake-up call to the global community to renew efforts to connect the 3.6 billion people still offline,” says Doreen Bogdan-Martin, director of the ITU telecommunication development bureau.

“Connect2Recover represents a first step in our journey to recovery and preparedness. I applaud the commitment of Japan and Saudi Arabia, and I invite all stakeholders to join this initiative to help advance real and rapid progress for all.”


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Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

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Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

Karex, World's Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.

Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.

Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.

“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We ​have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to ⁠the customers,” Goh told Reuters.

Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.

Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.

The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.

“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.

 


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Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

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Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC

In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.

The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”

Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”

Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”

Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.

He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.

“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.

The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”

Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.

The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.

 


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UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

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L-r: Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest; Steve Grey OBE, UK Export Finance Lead; Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission; Ayo Sotinrin, MD/Chief Executive Nigeria's Bank of Agriculture (BoA), and Lovina Kayode, Director, Investor Relations, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, at the UK-Nigeria Trade mission in Abuja, yesterday.
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Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.

With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.

Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.

These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.

The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.

It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.

Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.

“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”

Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.

The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”

Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.

“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”

Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.

The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”

All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.

The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.

This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.


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