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Nigeria to Play Pivotal Roles in Upscaling African Global Tech Ecosystem
The Nigerian Government through the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has assured that it would intensify effort at partnering with the industry stakeholders to help evolve, enable broad opportunities, foster innovation and build the African tech innovation ecosystem.
This assurance was made today at the maiden edition of the Global Tech Africa (GTA) Summit, an initiative designed to help Africa transform and ignite a flame of innovation that will illuminate the path towards creating a digital future in the continent.
The event was organised in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), United States Consulate General, Ascends Studios Foundation, and Future Map Foundation.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. William Nwankwo Alo who was represented by the Director of Information Communication Technology, (ICT) Mr. Samuel Okoye noted that the Summit presents a pathway for embarking on a journey to explore the immense opportunities that lies at the intersection of innovation, technology, and human progress.
Dr. Alo emphasised that the potential of technological advancements is to bridge gaps, foster inclusivity, and ignite economic growth, therefore, the Summit catalyses the unlocking of these potentials and empowers Africans to become global leaders in technology.
He said the Pan-African Summit would foster a collective vision and help in harnessing technological power that could uplift communities, improve healthcare, education, access to information, drive sustainable agriculture, and improve innovation in all sectors of the economy.
“Today, we stand on the precipice of a transformative journey — one that will redefine the future of Africa and her people, and I believe with this kind of summit, which has congregated some of the best minds in the industry, we will shape a destiny where access to technology is no longer a privilege but a fundamental right for all Africans,” he added.
On his part, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE while delivering his keynote address said Africa is blessed with abundant talent, untapped potential, and a vibrant youthful population to play pivotal roles in the global tech ecosystem.
He posits the necessity of recognising the importance of uniting to reap the potential that lies ahead in the areas of e-commerce, fintech, and digital economy in general under the banner of Global Tech Africa (GTA).
Expressing optimism, he said that GTA would provide a powerful platform to unlock all these opportunities in Africa; though he expressed some skepticism about this, but he is convinced that with the playbook that has been developed to propel the realisation of these potentials, and has identified three steps that would ensure the unlocking of these potentials in a digital economy.
He believed that there is no reason for Africa to be left out in this Fourth Industrial Revolution after being left out in the first, second and third Industrial Revolutions.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is about talent and technology. In Africa, we have the talent. The developed world has the technology. Technology will not work without talent; therefore, they need us to develop the technology while we need the technology to boast our economy,” he said.
While noting the need for talent development in Africa by saying that by 2030, there is going to be 85 million talent deficits globally, which will result in 8.5 trillion US dollars annualised value, Inuwa maintained that “Nigeria have proven that we have the talent. We have done that in sports, the music industry, the film industry, and we can do it in the technology ecosystem.”
He called for the need to embrace and create value via the ecosystem, saying that no one succeeds in isolation.
He said, “Looking at it globally, innovation is not evenly distributed but in clusters as ecosystem; therefore, the reason for this platform is to create a strong ecosystem in Nigeria and in Africa by partnering with all the key stakeholders that are captured under five categories in the ecosystem.
He listed the ecosystem partners as the high institutions that produce human capital, corporate organisations that absorb the human capital, entrepreneurs who can start and grow businesses, venture capital that can invest in those innovative ideas and lastly the government that makes policies and provide infrastructure in un-served and underserved communities.
Referring to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, (WIPO), the Director General noted that innovation ecosystem is worth more than five billion US dollars.
Citing Coferry report, Inuwa said a country or a region with a strong innovation ecosystem creates jobs at twice the rate of countries or regions with a weak innovation ecosystem, adding that according to Statista, digitally transformed enterprises contributed 13.5 trillion US dollars to the global GDP in 2018 and are projected to contribute 53.3 trillion US dollars this year, in 2023.
“That means innovation is winning when it comes to wealth creation, and we need the ecosystem to be able to benefit from it. This is what we are trying to build with GTA,” he said.
Apologetically he asserts that currently, the ecosystem is weak and needs to be reinvented through rebuilding the trust among stakeholders to aid the social contract within the system.
He described the government’s role from two angles as the rule-based and non-rule-based regulations. Stating that the objectives of all regulatory instruments are to create a market to enable innovation within the ecosystem, protect consumers and make service delivery more efficient.
In his conclusion, he appealed to the audience to welcome the goals of GTA Summit as a platform that places Africans at the forefront of innovation, growth, and prosperity.
“As a nation and continent, together we can make it possible; and together, we can unlock the boundless potentials in our continent, forging a future where technology drives positive change and creates opportunities for all,” Inuwa assured.
Other speakers at the event were, Will Stevens, the United State Consular General; Steffi Czerny, Co-founder, Digital Life Design (DLD); Bunmi Akinyemiju, Co-founder, Venture Garden Group; Emmanuel Tarfa, GTA Team and the Chief Convener, Dr Inya Lawal.
News
Ecobank Sends Important Message to Customers Over Service Disruptions
Ecobank Nigeria has issued a notice to customers regarding fluctuations in its interbank funds transfer service, which may result in delayed transactions.
The bank reassured its customers that efforts are underway to resolve the issue and that all affected transactions will be processed as soon as the service is restored.
In a statement, Ecobank acknowledged the inconvenience caused and emphasized its commitment to minimising disruptions.
“We are working diligently to resolve this issue and ensure normal service delivery,” the statement read.
The bank also noted that other electronic banking services remain fully accessible, allowing customers to continue enjoying a seamless banking experience.
To assist customers during this period, Ecobank encouraged the use of its live chat feature on ecobank.com and provided an email address, [email protected].
The bank reiterated its dedication to providing reliable financial services across its platform, thanking customers for their understanding and patience.
As Africa’s leading Pan-African bank, Ecobank assured customers of its commitment to addressing their concerns promptly while delivering innovative and customer-centric solutions. The bank concluded with an appeal for continued trust as it works to resolve the current challenges.
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Galaxy Backbone Hosts Governor Mutfwang in a Move to Advance Plateau State’s Digital Future
Galaxy Backbone Limited, Nigeria’s premier Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service provider, had the distinct honor of hosting the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at its corporate headquarters in Abuja. The visit highlighted Plateau State’s growing commitment to harnessing digital infrastructure to enhance governance and accelerate economic development.
Governor Mutfwang, accompanied by a distinguished delegation, toured Galaxy Backbone’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its Tier III data center, its Security Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre. The visit provided a platform for robust discussions on leveraging ICT for improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.
Welcoming the Governor, the Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, commended his visionary leadership and dedication to digital transformation.
“Your visit is a testament to Plateau State’s commitment to embracing innovation as a catalyst for development,” Professor Adeyanju stated. He further emphasized Galaxy Backbone’s unwavering dedication to providing the digital infrastructure and expertise required to turn this vision into reality.
During the meeting, the Galaxy Backbone team outlined the immense opportunities that Plateau State could unlock through its partnership with the ICT giant.
These included access to Uptime-certified data centers for secure and uninterrupted operations, robust digital security measures through the Security Operations and Network Operations Centers, and cost-effective solutions designed to localize data sovereignty while optimizing payment structures. Additionally, the discussion explored how managed cloud services, tailored to Plateau State’s unique needs, could scale e-governance initiatives and drive efficiencies.
The visit also focused on empowering the state’s workforce through capacity-building initiatives. Galaxy Backbone is committed to designing training programs that would not only enhance digital literacy but also foster an ecosystem of innovation to create job opportunities for the youth.
The potential of the 1Government Cloud platform was also discussed, highlighting its ability to streamline and automate government services while promoting transparency and accountability. Furthermore, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were positioned as tools for informed decision-making, offering solutions in areas such as land registration and resource management.
Governor Mutfwang expressed his administration’s dedication to transforming Plateau State into a leading digital hub, noting the state’s unique positioning as a vibrant ICT community outside Lagos. He underscored the importance of empowering the youth to participate in the global digital economy while residing in Plateau. “This is the future, and Galaxy Backbone is pivotal to making this vision a reality,” he remarked.
He also referenced complementary projects, such as the ongoing upgrade of the Yakubu Gowon Airport into a cargo hub and the African Development Bank’s selection of Plateau State as a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, as initiatives poised to boost the state’s economic potential.
Barr. Mutfwang also described GBB as a national asset with immense potential to foster good governance and stimulate economic growth. He commended the company for its role in promoting digital inclusivity and emphasized his administration’s determination to spearhead a digital revolution in Plateau State.
The visit earlier commenced with an extensive tour of Galaxy Backbone’s cutting-edge facilities, reinforcing the company’s readiness to support Plateau State’s aspirations. Professor Adeyanju reiterated the company’s commitment to translating the interactive deliberations into actionable solutions, stating, “This engagement marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine governance and foster innovation.
“We are honored to host Your Excellency and look forward to working closely with your administration to achieve a digitally inclusive and economically prosperous Plateau State.”
The collaboration between Galaxy Backbone and Plateau State signals a bold step toward a groundbreaking digital transformation, setting a precedent for ICT-driven development not only in the state but across Nigeria.
News
IFC Invests in IHS Holding Bond to Support Digital Connectivity in Emerging Markets
IFC has anchored a $1.2 billion dual tranche bond issuance—its biggest ever mobilization for a single bond deal—for IHS Holding Limited (“IHS Towers”) to support digital connectivity for millions of people in emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The funds will enable the company to refinance existing debt and support organic growth across its markets.
The financing package, which was supported by an initial commitment from IFC of up to $100 million, will help the company refinance some of its near-term debt and lengthen its debt maturity profile.
IHS Towers, one of the world’s largest independent communications infrastructure providers, builds towers, supports the deployment of mobile network operator equipment, and provides fiber connectivity for its customers.
Estimates indicate that 95 percent of people without internet access reside in low- and middle-income countries, presenting a significant opportunity to expand digital connectivity.
Access to affordable, good-quality internet services is central to economic and social development, driving business growth, local economies, and access to education, healthcare, and financial services.
Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, said, “This investment represents a transformative step toward closing the digital divide and driving sustainable, inclusive growth in emerging markets.
“We are proud to support IHS Towers through this partnership to help foster digital inclusion and empower businesses and individuals with greater access to digital tools that drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen communities, especially in the most remote areas of the countries covered by this important project.”
IHS Towers will continue in its efforts to integrate solar power and energy-efficient systems to reduce the carbon emissions intensity of its tower operations, ensuring it plays a central role in driving innovation and growth within the telecoms sector.
“We are proud to support innovative solutions that advance digital inclusion while prioritizing sustainability,” said Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa.
“Our collaboration with IHS Towers underscores our shared commitment to driving sustainable development globally, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, empowering communities to engage more fully in the digital economy.”
IFC has been a long-standing partner of IHS Towers which operates over 40,000 towers facilitating mobile coverage and connectivity for approximately 750 million people across 10 countries: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Brazil, Colombia, and Kuwait. Approximately three quarters of IHS’s towers are located in Africa.
By financing mobile network operators, independent tower operators, data centers, and broadband providers, IFC is strengthening the infrastructure needed to expand digital connectivity. This effort actively bolsters Africa’s digital economy while providing reliable and affordable access to millions.
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