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Over 40% of Nigerian Businesses are Leveraging Interconnection, for Expansion, Over 90% Pursuing the Benefits of AI – Survey

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Organizations are now seeking digital-first strategies to embrace the power of ecosystems and interconnections. From the Equinix 2023 Global Tech Trends Survey, 47% of IT leaders in Nigeria who were interviewed noted that interconnection has increased the flexibility of their connectivity.

Other interconnection benefits cited by respondents included network optimization (46%) and optimized end-user experience (45%). This is consistent with the 2023 Global Interconnection Index, which forecasts interconnection bandwidth to grow at over 40% CAGR in EMEA and major metros through 2025.

This is a key indicator of how many businesses are relying on interconnection to enable digital acceleration.

“The growth of interconnection bandwidth and associated IT budgets for interconnection and carrier neutral colocation show how businesses are embracing interconnection as a critical component of their digital strategy, and how they are future-proofing their digital infrastructure to gain competitive advantage,” stated Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne – an Equinix Company.

On carrier-neutral colocation, the survey recorded a 35% increase in spend compared to the previous year, that recorded a 14% increase, an unsurprising result given predictions from last year, which forecasted a rise in digital deployments that will not only enhance digital transformation, but also build resilience. More businesses (29%) plan to increase their colocation spend in the next 12 months.

Analyzing their long-term technology strategies, respondents highlighted improving customer experience, accelerating innovation, and complying with data protection regulations amongst others as top priorities amidst their digital expansion plans.

Of the 100 IT leaders surveyed in 2023, 37% are planning to expand geographically into a new region, 30% into a new country and another 45% in a new city in an existing country, with data sovereignty laws as a top deciding factor for those plans.

79% of these respondents are likely to adjust their expansion plans in some form, in adherence to the data sovereignty laws implemented in these new markets.

According to Funke, “As businesses expand their infrastructure to meet the constant growing need for digital services, data sovereignty laws play a critical part in their expansion plans.

“This is because businesses need to ensure that their data is stored and processed in accordance with the laws of the country in which they operate. However, strict data sovereignty laws can make it difficult for businesses to expand their infrastructure across borders.”

“With MainOne, businesses can leverage a globally interconnected ecosystem to expand their reach and tap into new markets, scale their operations and lower latency for critical services and applications, adapt to changing market dynamics and comply with regulatory requirements”, she added.

Rise in AI Uptake

As IT leaders in Nigeria continue to see a need for colocation and interconnection, they cannot ignore the need to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) for a sustainable future.

Results from the survey confirmed AI uptake is on the rise across all industries, with 93% of the 2,900 IT decision-makers polled globally seeking to benefit from the advantages of AI and already using or planning to use it across multiple key functions. 94% of businesses in Nigeria are likely to be using AI or planning to do so in cybersecurity, closely followed by IT operations (93%), and customer experience (92%).

Despite its widespread adoption across industries, only 3 in 10 (37%) of the IT leaders surveyed in Nigeria believe their team’s ability or existing IT infrastructure are fully prepared for the demands of artificial intelligence technology. To create scalable AI solutions, businesses must ensure their IT frameworks can accommodate the required ingestion, sharing, storage and processing of massive and diverse data sets, while keeping sustainability in mind.

In addition to digital infrastructure updates, the survey also highlighted the need for education and collaboration to enable IT teams optimize the deployment of this infrastructure, with AI and machine learning expertise being sought by 52% of those growing their IT teams.


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Airtel Nigeria Reinforces Commitment to Youth Empowerment Hosts UNICEF GenU 9JA Steering Committee Meeting

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Airtel Nigeria hosted the 2024 UNICEF Generation Unlimited (GenU) Steering Committee meeting at the Airtel Nigeria headquarters in Banana Island, Lagos, yesterday.

The breakfast meeting served as a collaborative forum, bringing together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society to review GenU 9JA’s progress in providing Nigerian youth with digital learning, upskilling, and pathways to meaningful employment.

In his opening remarks, Chief Executive Officer at Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz expressed Airtel’s dedication to supporting the youth. “It is a privilege for Airtel to host this significant meeting and reaffirm our commitment to an initiative that holds the power to transform the lives of millions of young Nigerians.

“By equipping our youth with essential skills and resources, we not only support their individual success but also contribute to Nigeria’s social and economic growth,” he said.

Mr. Cruz further highlighted Airtel’s leadership in providing connectivity for digital learning, noting, “With the support of our UNICEF partners, we have connected 1,260 schools across Nigeria to digital learning, enabling 600 children to access educational platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport and Yoma Africa.

“This connectivity is not just about internet access; it is about creating an equal playing field for young people, giving them access to quality education and skills essential for their future.”

The event saw participation from a host of other GenU 9JA partners, including IHS Towers, ATC, Unilever, Jobberman, Microsoft, Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, GIZ, World Bank, ILO, UNDP, UNFPA, the EU Delegation, and the Government of the Netherlands.

While delivering a report on GenU 9JA digital learning, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, reiterated Airtel’s dedication to driving digital inclusion and youth empowerment in support of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

“For us at Airtel, we are actively involved in connecting schools and advancing digital learning for young Nigerians. Looking back at the debut of our partnership with UNICEF in 2023, we have exceeded our initial expectations in school connectivity, which highlighted the significant gaps in Nigeria’s educational system.

This year, we have made even greater strides and our involvement in initiatives like the Nigeria Learning Passport reflects our commitment to bridging this gap by expanding digital access, fostering learning, and building essential skills nationwide to support young Nigerians,” he said.

“Also, it would interest everyone to know that Airtel Nigeria’s new Home Broadband thematic campaign, ‘Live Limitless’, resonates strongly with the GenU 9JA ‘We No Get Limit’ motto, which underscores our dedication to empowering young Nigerians to unlock their full potential without barriers.

This commitment drives us to continue creating and promoting opportunities that equip the youth for a brighter future” he added. The GenU Steering Committee meeting served as a valuable platform for Airtel and other partners to deepen their commitment to the GenU 9JA mission.

By fostering collaboration and driving impactful initiatives, Airtel demonstrates its corporate social responsibility by actively contributing to programs that uplift Nigerian youth and promote sustainable development across the nation.

 


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Zarttalent Foundation’s Summit Prepares Nigerian Youth for Global Tech Careers

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Zarttalent, a foundation dedicated to advancing digital literacy and tech education in Nigeria, hosted the How to Win With Tech Summit on October 17, 2024.

The event brought together students, educators, tech enthusiasts, and influential leaders for a day focused on the power of technology in shaping the future.

Notable guests included Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor Entrepreneurship Youth Employment & Healthcare, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos, and Elizabeth Owei-Oladepo, Youth Advisor at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos.

Their presence, along with teachers, principals, media representatives, and Zarttalent partners, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in driving tech innovation and education.

Opening the summit, Nelson Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer of Zarttalent, delivered a keynote address titled “The Power of Technology in Today’s World.”

He highlighted the role of technology in generating employment opportunities and creating global pathways for Nigerian talent. In addressing Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate, Nelson emphasized Zarttalent Foundation’s commitment to equipping young people with in-demand tech skills that align with global industry needs.

“The goal of education is to prepare students with skills for a meaningful livelihood. Yet, the challenge in Nigeria is a misalignment between university training and the skills required by today’s economy, contributing to the high unemployment rate.

By introducing relevant, in-demand tech skills, Zarttalent empowers young Nigerians to go beyond the standard curriculum and gain expertise that sets them apart in a rapidly digitizing world,” he stated.

Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor Entrepreneurship Youth Employment & Healthcare, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos, delivered a compelling address titled “Leveraging Technology for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.”

She outlined the potential of tech-based skills to empower Nigerian youth to not only secure employment but also become problem-solvers in their communities. Fajusigbe encouraged the attendees to look beyond traditional jobs and consider digital entrepreneurship as a means to tackle local challenges and boost economic growth.

Fajusigbe’s keynote on technology as a tool for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship offered practical strategies for harnessing technology to create meaningful change. Her session encouraged students to see themselves as future innovators who can leverage tech to build a better society.

This landmark event is part of the foundation’s ongoing effort to empower the Nigerian youth and address its high youth unemployment rate by creating access to digital skills and mentorship.

The foundation aims to empower over 5,000 students over the next five years, equipping them with competitive tech skills that will translate into job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and solutions to real-life issues.

With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at record levels, the event focused on building sustainable career pathways and preparing a generation ready to thrive in a tech-driven economy, where digital skills are increasingly essential.


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MTN Foundation Celebrates 20 Years with Exclusive Anniversary Dinner in Lagos

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As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, MTN Foundation will host an appreciation dinner for key stakeholders and partners on November 14, 2024, at the Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. This dinner is designed to celebrate the Foundation’s two-decade journey of social impact and express gratitude for the invaluable support of its stakeholders and partners.

Following a series of impactful panel discussions at the anniversary conference in Abuja, the Lagos gathering will be a blend of sophisticated dining with an array of entertainment. The evening will bring together notable guests, including MTN Foundation directors and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Guests will also enjoy live performances by MTN MUSON scholars; talented young musicians whose training is fully funded by MTN Foundation. The event will also feature a performance by the Vintage Band, bringing a unique fusion of Afro-culture and pop music that promises to set an engaging tone for the evening.

The dinner will provide the opportunity for MTN Foundation to introduce its newly unveiled logo, vision, and mission to the Lagos audience. This refreshed focus underpins the Foundation’s dedication to ‘Inspiring Impact Where it Matters’ as it embarks on its next decade of social investment, prioritising youth empowerment, healthcare, and community development across Nigeria.

“We are deeply grateful to all our stakeholders and partners who have joined us on this 20-year journey. This dinner is a celebration of what we’ve achieved together and a look forward to the future of impactful investments in our communities,” remarked Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation.

The dinner promises all guests a memorable evening that celebrates past achievements and looks forward to a future of possibilities.


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