Telecom
IWD: Paradigm Initiative calls for Digital Gender Equality for Women
Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading Pan African organisation advocating for digital rights and inclusion in the region, has called on African Governments to urgently initiate reforms aimed at bridging the digital gender divide currently being experienced on the continent.
PIN made the call as it joined countries across the world in commemorating International Women’s Day under the theme, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality. A common form of equality breach is the widened access gap to digital technologies, termed the digital divide and, more emphatically, digital exclusion.
“Today, we bemoan the extent of the digital divide across Africa and call for urgent reforms. We note with concern the online barriers that violently expel women from participating meaningfully on the Internet and call for policies and practices that enable women to connect and stay on board, without digital discrimination.”
Paradigm Initiative, which every year publishes Londa, a report highlighting the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa, said women in their diverse capacities, including women journalists, politicians and celebrities are subjected to various attacks manifesting in the form of cyber harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images and trolling, pushing many from the Internet.
The 2021 edition of the report elaborates on the realities of the rampant exclusion of women from online platforms due to online gender-based violence and poor access to digital technologies. Without digital security, women cannot engage meaningfully online.
Ms. Thobekile Matimbe, the organisation’s Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements was categorical that for women to be safe online, a dual approach is imperative. “We need legislative frameworks that create a safe space for women online and hold perpetrators accountable on one hand and security sector practices that acknowledge the problem and hold perpetrators to account,” she said.
In addition to the above, government policies and budgeting, as highlighted in Londa 2021, should reflect a conscious effort to address digital inequalities as this ensures women have better access to devices such as smartphones and affordable data to be online.
PIN researches women’s rights online, including access issues and online gender-based violence, to provide facts and figures in an otherwise under-reported area. It also provides litigation support and guidance to help navigate the legal system where rights have been violated and reported on the organisation’s digital reporting platform, ripoti.africa.
Paradigm Initiative, which believes that access to digital technologies and the internet are fundamental enabling rights, is committed to working with partners in Africa to bridge the digital divide and empower women.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in 2022, 62% of men were using the Internet compared with 57% of women globally, while in the least developed countries, 19 % of women used the Internet in 2020, compared with 86 % in developed countries in 2019.
Gaps in Internet access, digital skills and participation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields were cited by ITU as some categories of the global digital gender divide. This divide is particularly stark in rural areas, where women often have limited access to education and economic opportunities.
The organisation further urged African governments to adhere to Resolution 522 on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa passed by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights at the 72nd Ordinary Session in 2022, which, among other things:
- Calls on the states to review and adopt legislation that counteracts all forms of violence, including online gender-based violence
- Protect women from online gender-based violence and conduct research on digital violence against women
- Close the digital gender divide by empowering women with digital technology education and include adequate budget allocations within national budgets that address digital inequalities.
MTN Nigeria has partnered with CardCentre Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Chams HoldCo, to introduce eco-friendly SIM cards made entirely from biodegradable materials.
The launch, which took place in Lagos, targets the reduction of plastic waste across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
According to the statement releasedy, the new SIM cards are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and produced using recyclable components and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
“They meet global sustainability standards while maintaining the performance expected by telecom users,” the statement said.
It added that Tobe Okigbo, chief Corporate Services and Sustainability officer at MTN Nigeria, stated, that ”the partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while also supporting local businesses and economic growth through strategic alliances.”
In his remarks, Lekan Latona, chief executive officer, CardCentre, said: “We are proud to collaborate with MTN Nigeria on this project. Our biodegradable SIM cards mark an important step toward a greener future for telecommunications.”
Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a landmark breakfast meeting that spotlighted the transformative power of media in fostering bilateral ties.
Held under the theme “Media as a Bridge: Strengthening Nigeria-South Africa Ties through the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP)”, the event drew a dynamic mix of business leaders, academics, and media professionals.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, described the MIP as a strategic tool for diplomacy, designed to dismantle stereotypes and misinformation.
He emphasized the value of the programme’s study tour in South Africa, which offers Nigerian journalists immersive exposure. “If Nigeria and South Africa can get their act together, the rest of the continent will follow,” Okigbo remarked, hinting at MTN’s plans to scale the initiative across Africa.
Dr. Ije Jidenma, Chairperson of NSACC, hailed the MIP as a tangible example of innovation in action. She underscored the media’s role as a “catalyst for development,” especially in shaping public discourse and cross-border partnerships.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, stressed the need for rigorous training in journalism. He praised the collaboration between academia and industry, noting that ethical and contextual reporting is essential for meaningful impact.
A highlight of the event was a panel featuring MIP fellows—Amarachi Ubani (Channels TV), Oluwadunsin Sanya (BellaNaija), Nifemi Oguntoye (TVC News), and Akinkunmi Obakeye (CNBC Africa)—who shared how the programme reshaped their understanding of South Africa. Their stories revealed a shift from stereotypes to shared values and deeper connections.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of NSACC’s 25th anniversary logo, symbolizing a renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and opportunity for its members.
As NSACC enters its next chapter, the Chamber reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging media as a bridge between Nigeria and South Africa—two powerhouses whose unity could redefine the African narrative
Telecom
MTN Nigeria, WWF/NCF, and UNDP Launch 2025 PachiPanda Challenge to Drive Youth-Led Environmental Innovation
In a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has officially launched the 2025 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.
Part of the continental Africa PachiPanda Challenge, this initiative calls on young Nigerians aged 18–35 and youth-led SMEs to develop groundbreaking solutions addressing pollution, climate change, and community conservation. With the theme “Nourishing Tomorrow: Innovations for Food, Energy, and Water Security,” the challenge aims to empower eco-visionaries to reshape Nigeria’s environmental future.
Ten finalists will be selected for a transformative 3-day sprint event, featuring human-centered design workshops, masterclasses, and a high-stakes pitch session before a panel of industry experts. Winners will advance to the continental stage, representing Nigeria in the Africa-wide competition.
Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, described the challenge as “a green opportunity” for youth to channel creativity into impactful change.
Dr. Joseph Onoja of NCF emphasized the power of collaboration, while UNDP’s Dr. William Tsuma highlighted the challenge’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
More than a competition, the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is a movement—one that seeks to ignite innovation, foster sustainability, and amplify youth voices in shaping a resilient future.
Applications close on October 3, 2025.
Interested participants can apply at: www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge
Tinubu Recalls Dembos as DG NTA, Nullifies Fresh Appointments
FIRS Decries Cross-border Tax Crimes
Minister Urges Africa Leaders to Unite on AI Infrastructure
MTN, CardCentre Join Hands to Launch Biodegradable SIM Cards
NGX Suspends Three Firms over 2024 Financial Results
Telecom3 days agoMTN Nigeria Empowers over 3,000 Customers with ₦579m in Mega Billion Promo
News3 days agoSuri’s Memoir Sparks Visionary Dialogue with Zimbabwean Ministers on Africa’s Future
E-Financial3 days agoUnion Bank of Nigeria Completes Merger with Titan Trust Bank
E-Financial3 days agoAMMBAN Faults CBN’s 60-day Deadline on PoS Geo-Tagging
News3 days agoAdlantique Named Nigeria’s Best in Digital Marketing, Content Creativity @ 2025 Beacon of ICT Awards
General News3 days agoAirtel Africa Foundation Presents Nigerian Students with Tech Scholarships
Telecom3 days agoSwitch Solutions to Lead Cybersecurity Innovation @GITEX Nigeria 2025
General News2 days ago6 Best Apps to Recharge Airtime & Data in Nigeria for Glo, Airtel, MTN, 9mobile