Telecom
Mastercard, Women Choice Expand Partnership to Empower More Women Entrepreneurs across Middle East and Africa

Mastercard and Women Choice have expanded their partnership to launch two programs – ImpactHer and EmpowerHer – to support women entrepreneurs grow their business and create jobs across the Middle East and Africa.
Women Choice – an international organization dedicated to advancing women’s personal and professional development – launched the pilot cohort in 2023.The next cohorts will be participating in the new programs this year and will aim to impact 50,000 women.
Mastercard has been at the forefront of providing women with access to digital tools, training to help them start and grow their businesses, creating mentorship and networking platforms and working with employers to create more jobs for women.
The collaboration with Women Choice is a step further in reinforcing their joint commitment to empowering female-led businesses with resources and growth opportunities with a goal of providing 1 million employment opportunities for women by 2030.
These programs will offer comprehensive support via trainings and mentorship for women entrepreneurs and helps them create employment opportunities for other women in their chosen field.
“At Mastercard, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our expanded partnership with Women Choice will not only have a significant impact on women in the workplace across the region, but also provide women entrepreneurs with the right skills, resources and tools to succeed and drive economic growth in the region,” said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard.
“We are proud to see the successful results of the program launched in 2023 in collaboration with Mastercard and are excited to see the partnership continuing to grow through 2024.
“We are now focusing on scaling the impact. Bringing change and improving the situation of women in the workplace and providing support to women-led businesses is a key element to help economies in the Middle East and Africa region grow and further thrive,” said Nezha Alaoui, Founder & CEO of Women Choice.
Globally, 15,000 women are already part of the Women Choice network and have participated in 100+ accelerator programs and conferences organized in recent years.
Telecom
ATICEN Commends NLC for Suspending Strike over Telecoms Tariff Hike

Comrade Adede John Williams, president of the Association of Telecommunications, Information Technology, Cable Satellite Network Operators and Allied Services Employers’of Nigeria (ATICEN), has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for suspending the planned strike over tariff hike by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Nigeria telecommunications operators.

Joe Ajaero, president, NLC,
He called on members and the general assembly of the Nigeria Labour Congress, telecoms subscribers, stakeholders, and all interested parties to see the need to accept the reality of things as they unfold.
He emphasised that rising inflation, energy costs, operational costs, and currency devaluation challenges faced in the country were the key reasons for the recent tariff hike, adding that the costs of importing telecommunications equipment, the maintenance support system, and unreliable electricity supply had affected the profits supposedly accrued to telecoms operators.
He, therefore, urged the telecommunications subscribers and Nigerians to always have the interests of the services of telecommunications operators at heart for the industry’s sustainability, as the industry regulator is always championing the consumer’s protection rights.
“So, it is important to know that the recent increase in telecoms tariff was approved according to its regulatory power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges for telecommunications operators operating in Nigeria,” he said.
Williams equally acknowledged Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maina, EVC/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for taking a proactive step in managing the NLC’s planned strike.
Telecom
Airtel Nigeria’s Communications Director Champions Workforce Transformation at PAU Career Fair

Femi Adeniran, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR Airtel Nigeria, has called for a human centric approach to workforce transformation in the face of rapid technological advancements.
Mr. Adeniran made this statement during a panel discussion titled ‘Building a Workforce for the New Era: Talent, Technology, and Transformation’ at the 2025 Career Fair, hosted by Pan-Atlantic University on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the University main campus.
He stressed the importance of organizations prioritizing clear corporate communication, continuous learning, and reverse mentoring to foster a resilient, future ready workforce, highlighting how crucial corporate communication is in enhancing workforce agility and driving innovation.
“Organizations that master transparent and engaging communication are better positioned to integrate digital tools seamlessly while maintaining a strong human connection. It’s not just about technology; it’s about empowering people through effective engagement, and purpose-driven messaging.” He said.
Mr. Adeniran also urged organizations to invest in upskilling and reskilling their workforce, advocating for a proactive approach to talent development that ensures employees remain relevant amid industry shifts.
He highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing talent through initiatives such as the “Open Talent Economy” an ambitious initiative aimed at preparing undergraduates for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
The panel discussion brought together leading industry experts, including Olabisi Omoregie (Head, Corporate Services, Fast Credit Ltd) and Abike Wesey (General Manager, HR & Admin, Mutual Benefits Assurance).
Moderated by Dr. Ruth Karachi Benson Oji, the discussion delved into the impact of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation on employment. Panelists emphasized that while technology is reshaping job functions, human adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic foresight are still crucial.
The career fair reaffirms Pan-Atlantic University’s commitment to fostering meaningful engagements that bridge the gap between academia and industry. The institution remains dedicated to empowering students and professionals with the insights needed to excel in the evolving job market.
Telecom
TUC Threatens Nationwide Strike over Telecom Tariff Hike

Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has vowed to “down tools,” arguing that citizens are “feeding from hand to mouth” following the recent hike in telecom tariff.
Festus Osifo, president of TUC, made this known when he appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
He blamed the hike on mismanagement of foreign exchange, which he believes the government can handle easily.
Osifo, said the TUC is not begrudging the telcos, knowing very well that the socio-economic landscape they operate in has changed dramatically, but insisted that the government has the responsibility to ensure that the economic outlook of the country is stable for businesses to thrive.
According to him, “Government has the tools and wherewithal to be able to manage the landscape to ensure that the cost of doing business goes down. And one of the ways is that exchange rate because that is the root cause of the problem.”
Asked what ultimatum they are giving to the Nigerian government, he added, “The NAC [TUC, which is like the National Working Committee] has met today. After that, we’ll have the Central Working Committee meeting, and we also have the NEC.
“So at the NEC, we’ll take the final decision. So the NAC was the one that met today.
“All we are saying is that if you allow your currency to slide, it will affect all of us.”
He added, “We are completely apolitical. For one, I don’t belong to any political party; I’ve said that severally, so we look for what is in the best interest of the Nigerian workers and Nigerians in general.
“We started shouting about this early last year; if our exchange rate is better managed, at the end you are going to see that there is no need for that increment.”
Asked if the TUC is proceeding with an industrial action, he said, “Absolutely,” adding that they will “down tools and go to the streets.”
He said the NEC of TUC has the responsibility to give a date for the strike.
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