Telecom
UNDP and Anambra State Foster Innovation with New Marketplace
In the lead up to Anambra Innovation Week 2024, in a landmark collaboration poised to position Anambra State as Africa’s Silicon Valley, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Anambra State Government through the Solution Innovation District (SID) to establish a cutting-edge Makerspace.
L-r: Ms. Elsie G Attafuah, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative in Nigeria; Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo,CFR; Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, and Christian Udechukwu, Commissioner for Industry, Anambra State, at the foundation laying ceremony for Anambra Innovation Marketplace.
This event was officiated by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR and the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G Attafuah.
This initiative aligns with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary agenda of “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” and aims to empower youth, drive innovation, and foster economic growth across the state.
The Makerspace in Awka is designed to democratize access to entrepreneurship and technological innovation. It will create pathways for improved livelihoods by providing young people with the resources, skills, and collaborative environments to bring their ideas to life.
The Anambra Makerspace, strategically located in Awka, will prioritize inclusivity, with special programs tailored for young women, persons with disabilities, individuals with low literacy skills, and youth in underserved areas.
Speaking during the launch of the Makerspace, His Excellency Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra State stated that, This Makerspace will unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and empower local talent. Through collaborative partnerships such as the UNDP, we will pave the way for innovation.
I believe that technology is the bridge to a prosperous future, and we are immensely delighted to embark on this journey with UNDP. Our long-term vision is to raise a powerful Anambra Digital Tribe who will drive economic transformation through innovation, position Anambra as Africa’s Silicon Valley and make a significant impact on the global stage.
The value of Anambra’s Makerspace’s in entrepreneurship development is multifaceted.
The Makerspace will provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to turn ideas into tangible prototypes, facilitating the testing and refinement of products. Breaking barriers to innovation, the space enables entrepreneurs to experiment and iterate without significant upfront costs. Thus, entrepreneurs are equipped with the resources to ignite ideas, permitting prototyping, testing and refinement of products.
What’s more, the Makerspace is forward-looking and promotes technological know-how through offering trainings and workshops, enabling skill refinement and keeping entrepreneurs abreast with emerging technologies.
In her remarks, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative expressed that the groundbreaking ceremony was “A landmark for young entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators of the state and region at large.” Furthermore, she reflected on the significance of Nigeria’s youthful population, expressing that its talented youth are an invaluable asset and “The ability to create and innovate locally is not just a matter of choice; it is essential for economic resilience and growth.” Ms. Attafuah acknowledged the support of the Anambra state government and private sector partners, dedicated to ensuring the Makerspace remains sustainable, accessible, and impactful.
She extended gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for its support in the establishment of the Makerspaces. Redefining entrepreneurship, Ms. Attafuah stated that, “The Makerspace puts young women, persons with disabilities, persons with low literacy skills and those living in non-urban areas at the forefront, for economic growth synonymous with social progress – leaving no one behind.”
The Makerspace is a launchpad for ideas that address real-state challenges extending to wider challenges of the nation. As such this space will bridge the gap between education and employability, enhancing the quality of life for all who live in Anambra and Nigeria. Empowering communities and preserving Nigeria’s rich culture, the space blends art, technology, and local craftsmanship, igniting creative capabilities in the region.
The Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership:
“We are immensely delighted to have UNDP support Mr. Governor’s vision for the Solution Innovation District as we continue to build the Anambra Innovation Ecosystem. The Solution Innovation District is designed to attract opportunities like this from leading institutions, further cementing Anambra’s position as a hub for innovation and creativity.”
She highlighted the Makerspace’s cutting-edge features, stating, “The facility will be equipped for robotics, textiles, and electronics, with dedicated sections for design, prototyping, and advanced technological experimentation.
“It will also include collaborative zones for brainstorming, ideation, and project pitching. Importantly, the Makerspace will integrate designs that celebrate Anambra’s rich heritage while meeting global standards.”
The project stems from the UNDP-Anambra Stakeholders Meeting on Digital Transformation and Tech Development held in August 2024.
This strategic dialogue highlighted critical gaps in the state’s innovation ecosystem, particularly within tertiary institutions, and laid the foundation for this transformative partnership.
The Makerspace will bridge these gaps by fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government while serving as a launchpad for the commercialization of groundbreaking ideas.
The Makerspace will incorporate green building materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable waste management practices. By involving local youth and artisans in its design, construction, and operations, the project not only nurtures local talent but also reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship and community ownership.
The Makerspace is a highlight of the upcoming Anambra Innovation Week 2024, scheduled for November 25–29, 2024. This event celebrates the state’s remarkable strides in technology and innovation under the theme “Creating the Future of Africa Now” serving as a premier platform to showcase and celebrate Africa’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.
The Makerspace aligns seamlessly with the vision to position Anambra as a regional leader in technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Local firms will lead the remodeling, repurposing, and furnishing of the facility, which is set to become fully operational within six months.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure across the country, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order, which criminalises the vandalism, theft or obstruction of critical national infrastructure.
The Commission noted that the enforcement drive is aimed at curbing the growing incidence of sabotage at telecom sites, which continues to degrade the quality of network services nationwide.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, head of Public Affairs at the NCC, reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to act.
She stated, “President Tinubu signed the Executive Order on 24th June 2024, declaring telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). The NCC is now mandated to implement this order fully, and anyone found tampering with these facilities will face the full weight of the law.”
Mrs Ukoha, who represented Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, added that the NCC has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to sensitise the public about the significance of protecting critical national infrastructure, including telecom, energy and transport facilities.
Expressing concern over rampant damage, she said, “The destruction of fibre cables, theft of generators and fuel, and removal of key components from telecom base stations have become all too common. These acts directly affect the quality of service that millions of Nigerians depend on.”
She identified three major challenges undermining telecom service delivery:
Vandalism and Theft: “We are witnessing frequent attacks on telecom sites. These lead to service outages and cost operators billions in repairs.”
Restricted Site Access: “Operators face obstruction from local communities, touts and even some government officials who demand levies, making it difficult to access sites for maintenance and refuelling.”
Road Construction Damage: “Ongoing road projects often result in accidental damage to underground fibre cables, further compounding the situation.”
Responding to public complaints about fast-depleting data, Mrs Ukoha clarified that “mobile network operators do not steal users’ data. What many people experience is due to automatic app updates, background processes, and hotspots being shared unknowingly.”
She advised users to be proactive: “We encourage consumers to review their phone settings, limit background data, turn off auto-play videos, and regularly change hotspot passwords.”
Commending the media, she added, “Journalists play a vital role in educating the public. We appreciate your efforts and urge continued partnership in disseminating accurate, impactful information.”
She also revealed the Commission’s drive to improve digital inclusion: “The NCC is committed to supporting underserved communities with affordable internet access and has commenced specialised training for journalists, particularly senior editors in Lagos and Abuja.”
Mrs Ukoha emphasised collaboration with government agencies to reduce infrastructure damage: “As construction projects expand nationwide, we must work together to prevent unnecessary damage to telecom assets.”
Also speaking, Mallam Yakubu Musa, head, Corporate Communications, NCC, reinforced the importance of the media in the telecom ecosystem.
He said, “Our partnership with the press is key to promoting transparency, building consumer trust, and supporting regulatory compliance.”
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike, chairman, NUJ FCT, commended the NCC’s regulatory efforts and expressed interest in deeper collaboration.
She stated, “We look forward to partnering with the NCC on media training, expanding internet access for journalists, and enhancing public awareness. We also seek your support for our forthcoming Press Week and capacity-building programmes.”
She continued, “The NUJ recognises the importance of digital tools in journalism. Equipping media professionals with access and knowledge will strengthen democratic engagement and promote good governance.”
The NUJ delegation, comprising key executives and media team members, reiterated its commitment to working closely with the NCC to promote national development.
This enforcement initiative—anchored on President Tinubu’s July 2024 Executive Order—provides a solid legal framework for protecting vital telecom infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted communication services.
Telecom
Africa’s Lawmakers Commit to Strengthening AI, Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing Frameworks
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the African Population Health Research Center (APHRC), in collaboration with the GSMA, have concluded the first Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit focused on building legislative capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI), data protection, digital health and smart manufacturing, in a bid to promote evidence-based policy-making for Africa’s digital future.
The three-day Summit, held from 9-11 July in Lusaka, convened over 20 Members of Parliament from the Pan-African Parliament Committees on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology, and Health, Labour and Social Affairs and was opened by the Zambian Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable Felix Mutati. Strategic partners in attendance included AUDA-NEPAD, Africa CDC, ECOSOCC, and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
This concluded with the publication of the Lusaka Declaration outlining shared priorities and next steps for ensuring Africa’s digital transformation is inclusive, responsible and grounded in evidence-based policy.
The Lusaka Declaration recognised the vital role of Members of Parliament in shaping laws and policies that drive the continent’s development. The Digital Parliamentary Summit offered a timely platform to enhance the knowledge and capacity of Parliamentarians on critical aspects of digital transformation.
A key highlight of the Summit was the consideration and discussion with Parliamentarians on the draft Africa Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing reports developed by APHRC and the GSMA.
Both reports will be submitted to the Plenary of the PAP when Parliamentarians of the 55 member states of the African Union meet in Midrand later this month on the occasion of the 5th Ordinary Session of the 6th Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament.
Honourable Behdja Mokrani, Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology said “Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainties and the accelerating pace of technological disruption, this Summit has highlighted the critical need to equip African legislators with the foresight and capabilities required to navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The capacity-building component of the Summit, along with the presentation of the Africa Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing Reports by APHRC and GSMA, reinforced the importance of African policymakers acquiring the relevant skills to address policy issues related to digital transformation – particularly in the areas of Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing – in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Anthony Mveyange, Director of Programs, Synergy, African Population Health Research Center adds “At APHRC, we firmly believe that digital health is a transformative force, holding immense potential for Africa to ‘leapfrog’ traditional development pathways.
This Summit powerfully demonstrates how, by leveraging AI alongside advancements in digital health and smart manufacturing, we can accelerate socio-economic progress and foster deeper continental integration, directly aligning with the ambitious goals of the African Union’s Agenda.”
Key themes explored during the Summit included:
- The potential of AI-driven digital health to accelerate universal health coverage through better data integration and cross-border information exchange
- The role of smart manufacturing in enhancing industrial resilience and job creation through automation and IoT
- The need for harmonised, Africa-led data governance frameworks to ensure responsible AI development and protect privacy and human rights
“AI, digital health, and smart manufacturing have the potential to transform Africa’s economies and improve lives – but unlocking that potential requires the right policy environment.
“This Summit is an important step in equipping lawmakers with the tools to shape secure, inclusive and future-ready digital economies” said Kenechi Okeleke, Senior Director, Regional, Social and Policy Research, GSMA.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing digital transformation through coordinated reforms, including:
- Strengthening STEM education and digital literacy among policymakers
- Embedding ICT training in public service development
- Establishing cross-sector collaboration between the health, trade and ICT sectors
- Creating enabling conditions for investment in advanced connectivity infrastructure
Draft findings presented during the Summit estimate that Africa’s digital health market could reach $6.5 billion by 2030 under an optimistic scenario, highlighting the urgent need for policy alignment to maximise impact and drive inclusive growth.
The Summit also set out a roadmap for ongoing engagement between the Pan-African Parliament, APHRC and the GSMA, including the establishment of ‘Evidence-to-Policy’ resource units, sustained capacity-building efforts, and regional forums to harmonise legislation on AI, digital health, and data governance across Africa.
MTN Foundation hosted its annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Conference on July 9, 2025, at the MTN Rooftop in Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together stakeholders from government, healthcare, education, security, civil society, and the private sector to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.
L-R: Tobe Okigbo, Chef Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria; Archieabia Ibinabo, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, representative of Brig. Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, (representative of His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu); RT. Honourable Princess Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State Assembly; Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, and Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health (representative of Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State) during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Lagos Conference held in commemoration of World Drug Day at the MTN Rooftop, Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman of MTN Foundation; Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government; and Dr. Tolu Ajomale of the Lagos Ministry of Health, among others. Also present were representatives of NDLEA, UNODC, academia, psychologists, recovery advocates, and youth leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Salu-Hundeyin reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to safeguarding its youth and fostering a future free from substance abuse. Dr. Olusoga emphasized that drug addiction extends beyond health, touching families, communities, and national well-being, calling for proactive, united action.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobe Okigbo, stressed the company’s long-standing dedication to youth development through initiatives like ASAP. NDLEA’s Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Archieabia Ibinabo, representing Brigadier General Buba Marwa, commended MTN Foundation as a vital ally in drug prevention efforts.
The conference featured personal stories of recovery in a session titled “Journeys Through the Fire,” followed by a panel discussion on multi-sectoral solutions to substance abuse. It concluded with a dramatic performance, “Just One Breath,” by LASU’s WADA Club, illustrating the personal and societal toll of drug use.
Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, closed the event with a powerful call to action, urging media, communities, and policymakers to drive sustained investment in youth empowerment and early intervention.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience among young Nigerians and catalyzing cross-sector partnerships for a drug-free future.
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