E-Business
The Value of Broadband Internet
In order for the country of Nigeria to become a significant contributor to the global economy, the connectivity issues that are prevalent in the more remote parts of the country ideally need to be addressed and resolved.
People that have access to pervasive broadbandhttp://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadband/10719-what-is-needed-for-pervasive-broadband.html are proven to directly influence a faster economic growth but in order for this to happen, the networks that provide the broadband coverage firstly need funding and building.
A broader coverage of networks would provide the general public with faster, widespread access to the Internet which in turn could become a platform for the development and growth of the Nigerian economy.
A Better Quality of Life
Pervasive Internet delivers such things as better quality education, healthcare information and employment opportunities which would enable citizens to improve their standards of living.
In regards to education, having access to the Internet for citizens in more remote locations would allow the potential for high quality, distance learning which would improve the value of students in the employment sector.
Cooperation between Nigerian universities and foreign institutions could also be encouraged, forging essential links to other educational establishments that could also be beneficial to the growth of the economy.
Conversely, highly qualified retired professionals (teachers, doctors, scientists) could impart their knowledge over the Internet to willing students from isolated locations, at no significant cost to themselves.
Similarly for healthcare, professionals can provide the public with information that people in the more remote areas of Nigeria would not previously have had access to, benefitting the healthcare services across the country.
The Need for Investment
Despite the introduction of new broadband cable http://www.budde.com.au/Research/Nigeria-Broadband-and-Internet-Market-Digital-Economy.html networks over the past few years, the coverage tends to be limited to the more densely populated areas of the coastline, with undersea cable networks laid near the coast, whereas the hinterlands must tolerate restricted access while the infrastructure cannot support the extension of the networks.
Furthermore, the price of broadband internet http://www.money.co.uk/broadband.htm has not become more accessible to promote increased usage, as might have been expected, meaning it is still largely out of reach for the greater part of the Nigerian population.
Building such a network would require a huge investment, which is why investors are unwilling to spend in to something that doesn’t have a short-term profit return.
Without the willingness of financial investors to advance the provision of a broader service, and without the stimulation of competition in the marketplace, something which the Nigerian market really needs for prices to be able to be reduced, the prices will remain high and inaccessible to the majority of citizens.
The Vision of the Future
Electronic-commerce and electronic payment schemes are made possible and are encouraged with the provision of accessible, affordable, high speed broadband Internet and with the extension of these networks, this could become available to those who reside in the more remote parts of Nigeria as well.
The Nigerian Communications Commission
Omobola Johnson, Minister for Communications Technology has also promised to help the development of the infrastructure in order to increase the number of Internet users in Nigeria to 70 million by 2015. At the moment, out of 40 million Nigerians with access to the Internet, only around 3% have access to the higher quality broadband, and this 3% tends to be the higher socio-economic groups of citizens.
She also aims to promote investment into skills that are required to power the emerging industry and provide ‘digital havens’, places where the public can go to connect to the global network.
In India, the ICT sector contributes up to 6% of its nation’s GDP, whilst Nigeria’s currently makes up 3.5%. By 2015, this is hoped to be raised up to 5%.
Expansion of the Market
After the arrival of fibre-optic broadband in Nigeria in 2010 and 2012, additional cable networks are expected to be launched in 2013 and 2014 to further provide Internet to remote areas.
Due to this expansion of the market, the price of international broadband internet could be seen to drop by up to 90%, making it much more accessible.
The economy in Nigeria is beginning to rapidly evolve, in turn promoting the application of e-commerce, e-learning, e-health and online banking.
It is holiday season in many parts of the world. These days though, going on holiday does not always mean turning your back on office life – hybrid work cuts both ways.
Today’s widespread connectivity—available at airports, train stations, restaurants, hotels, and most indoor public spaces—makes staying connected easier than ever, with free Wi-Fi in many locations and reliable 4G or 5G coverage elsewhere, helping to facilitate a seamless blend of work and leisure even while on holiday.
This increase in connectivity among travellers has not gone unnoticed by cyber criminals. Kaspersky experts analysed nearly 25,000 free Wi-Fi spots in Paris ahead of the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The analysis revealed that almost 25% of these networks had weak or no encryption, making users vulnerable to personal and banking data theft.
Travellers often have their guard down. The unfamiliar surroundings of a new location or a different language can throw up a useful smokescreen for a cyberattack, meaning additional care needs to be taken when logging on. Fortunately, a few smart tools and habits can help you stay protected while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
Use a VPN for secure connections
A VPN is one of the most effective ways to safeguard users’ online activity, especially when working from unfamiliar locations. By encrypting Internet traffic, a VPN ensures that hackers can’t intercept sensitive data like login credentials or financial details. This is particularly important when accessing work emails or company files on public Wi-Fi, where cybercriminals often lurk.
Switch to an eSIM for reliable, secure mobile data
Another useful digital tool that provides a seamless way to stay connected using local mobile networks with no physical SIM card required is the eSIM. This is a game-changer for international travellers who want to avoid sky-high roaming charges or the hassle of hunting down temporary SIM cards in foreign countries.
With an eSIM, a user can download a local data plan before you even arrive at your destination, ensuring instant connectivity the moment you land. This eliminates the need to rely on unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots, significantly reducing your exposure to cyber threats.
Plus, many eSIM providers allow you to manage multiple profiles on a single device, making it easy to switch between work and personal data plans without juggling multiple phones.
Services like Kaspersky eSIM Store enables users to purchase and activate data plans in advance, track usage and top up as needed, all from a single app.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
When travelling, people often leave devices unattended. To protect against unwanted people logging in, travellers should ensure two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on all critical accounts and that passwords are used on all devices.
Final tips for a secure workation
Even with a VPN, eSIM and 2FA in place, your devices still need strong defenses against malware, phishing scams and ransomware. Cybercriminals often target remote workers who may let their guard down while travelling, making real-time protection essential.
Modern antivirus software does more than just scan for viruses, it actively blocks malicious downloads, warns you about phishing attempts and even secures your passwords and financial data.
For the most robust security, consider a solution like Kaspersky Premium, which combines antivirus protection, a VPN and password management into a single, easy-to-use package.
By combining a VPN, eSIM and strong antivirus, you can work from anywhere with confidence, whether you’re sending emails from a poolside or joining a video call from a festival tent.
E-Business
Zequence Digital Boss Calls for Strong IP Laws Enforcement, to Protect Nigeria’s Software Sector
Mr Adeoye Oludamilola, managing director, Zequence Digital, a digital agency, has said strong enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) laws , protection of Nigeria’s software industry against piracy will encourage innovation and investment.
Adeoye told reporters lately in Lagos that software piracy and the unauthorised use of proprietary technology are widespread in the country.
According to report Intellectual Property (IP) laws in software refers to the legal rights that protect the creations of the mind used in software development.
These rights, which include copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and trademarks, grant developers exclusive control over their software and related assets, preventing unauthorised use or reproduction.
Adeoye said that many startups do not protect their innovations, due to a lack of knowledge and the cumbersome legal processes involved.
“IP registration and litigation are expensive and time-consuming, which further discourages developers from protecting their work,” Adeoye said.
He added that the lack of awareness among developers about their IP rights contributed to the problem.
To address these challenges, Adeoye stressed the need for the formation of an IP Protection Consortium, comprising tech firms, legal experts, and regulators, to advocate for stronger IP enforcement.
He also suggested collaborating with legal tech startups to create simplified platforms for fast-tracked IP registration.
The managing director further called for joint initiatives between legal bodies and tech communities to launch IP rights education campaigns.
This, he said, would equip developers with the knowledge they needed to protect their innovations and grow their businesses.
Adeoye emphasised the need for the government and stakeholders to create an ecosystem for development and inclusivity by proactively engaging with regulators.
According to him, this will help ensure that policies are created with the input of concerned agencies and industry experts.
PalmPay, a leading fintech platform and full-stack digital neobank for emerging markets, has partnered with Nigeria’s biggest Health Insurance Company, AXA Mansard Health a member of the globally trusted AXA Group, to provide millions of Nigerians with affordable, accessible digital health insurance.
This strategic partnership enables PalmPay users to seamlessly access a range of health insurance packages from AXA Mansard directly within the PalmPay app. With plans starting as low as N500 per month, users can now choose from flexible insurance options tailored to fit their everyday needs.
The plans are designed to meet a wide range of needs; for example, the AXA Digital Health plan offers access to telemedicine consultations with doctors, N5,000 worth of medications, and up to N40,000 in surgical coverage. Users can also opt for the AXA Mansard MicroHealth plan at N1,000 per month, which provides unlimited diagnostic tests and funeral benefits. Additionally, the AXA Mansard Accident plan, available for N500 monthly, offers comprehensive death cover for both accidental and non-accidental cases.
Speaking on the partnership, Habib Kowontan, Head of Wealth Product at PalmPay, said: “Insurance is a key pillar of financial security, yet millions of Nigerians remain underserved. Our partnership with AXA Mansard Health breaks down long-standing barriers by placing reliable and affordable insurance solutions right at our users’ fingertips.”
In her remarks, Jumoke Odunlami, Chief Distribution Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance said that the partnership with Palmpay presents the AXA with another opportunity to improve health and productivity of Nigerians. “Through partnerships like this, we are covering over 1.8 million Nigerians and ensuring that healthcare is accessible, available and affordable.
“So we are excited about joining forces with a brand like Palmpay to compliment the range of financial possibilities they offer their customers with health plans. It fits well with our mission and our purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters, and we are looking forward to doing even more with Palmpay”, she explained.
This partnership reflects PalmPay’s broader mission to create a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem, one that empowers users to not only manage their money efficiently, but also secure their future.
This partnership reflects PalmPay’s broader mission to create a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem, one that empowers users to not only manage their money efficiently, but also secure their future.
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