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USPF, Stakeholders Seek New ICT Growth Paradigm

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The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) was established with a mandate to ‘achieve universal access, universal coverage and universal service through a public-private partnership framework that stimulates economic and social development, private sector investment and market-based provision of basic affordable and quality ICT infrastructure and services to unserved and underserved areas, communities and populations.’

But sadly, the fund since establishment has struggled to meet its basic tenets. However, at a recent stakeholders’ conference in Lagos to preview its Strategic Management Plan – 2013 – 2017, the general consensus was that time has come for a new approach to streamline the Fund with the realities and demands of the ICT market.

Specifically, it was noted that the Fund would henceforth work in tandem with stakeholders and industry operators to give them greater opportunities.

Maikano Abdullahi, secretary of the USPF, agreed in his own words that the Fund had not met its set out goals. He pleaded with stakeholders to give the Fund the benefits of doubt as it was set for a new season of mutual cooperation.

“In the past, there has been this mutual distrust between the operators (especially the major players), and the Fund. Whereas, the Fund expected them (operators) to take what we give them, the operators see things differently. They first look at projects on basis of returns-on-investment. How beneficial would the project be to them economically? I think we have looked at all these issues and we’re ready to dialogue with every player in the industry to ensure full participation,” said Abdullahi.

And to ensure that the new SMP strategy would not be another ‘white Elephant’, Abdullahi said so much work has been included in the new plan which would see an addition of about 3,000 kilometres of fibre and 1000 Base Stations, deployed across Nigeria every year. Admittedly, noted that the last SMP which expired in 2011 had minimal success.

He noted that the last SMP which ran from 2007 to 2011 had targeted provision of 291 community communications centres across the six geo-political zones (which will provide shared access to telephone and internet services in the rural areas).

Sadly, at the close of the period, it ended up providing 224 which represented 77 percent of the target.

It also targeted deployment of 490 base stations which would subsidize the lot that operators have to deploy in rural Nigeria, but it succeeded in awarding subsidies for only 74 BTS which represented just 12 percent of its target.

Consequently, the Fund would now adopt a holistic approach to project selection by determining specific ICT gaps in regional clusters within the country and tailoring its projects and service delivery models to suit identified needs within the clusters. With this approach, the USPF shall ensure that its projects are relevant and appropriate for its beneficiaries,” said Abdullahi.

The new published SMP strategy also emphasized the need for the USPF to actively involve all stakeholder groups in the planning and execution of its programmes and projects in order to effectively address and close Nigeria’s universal access and service gaps.

The aim is to avoid previous operational model collapse due to its one-size-fits-all approach. It is also aimed at arresting operators’ apathy due to perceive non-economic viability by engaging in frank dialogue before a project is awarded, using the cluster-development group model.

It noted that the “USPF’s experience over the past five years and the lessons gleaned from the review of the USP service delivery models in other jurisdictions have indicated that USP projects implemented in rural areas often difficult to sustain doe to high costs associated with operating these projects. In a number of cases, operational costs have been known to outweigh the initial capital outlay required for implementing USP projects. Consequently, the USPF will ensure its subsidies take into consideration operational costs associated with running USP projects over a defined period.

This is expected to provide service providers with a ‘grace’ period within which they will have built up a stable clientele and established demand for the service being provided. The period over which operational support will be granted will be determined based on assessment of the time required for each project to generate revenues capable of meeting its operational costs.”

It also expects to “develop and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework which will define the metrics/indicators that would be used to determine effectiveness of UAS programmes and their impact on beneficiary communities. The defined metrics should measure the relative cost and benefits of each programme and must ties back into the overarching objectives of the USPF. “

Abdullahi said “effective monitoring and evaluation of USP projects will facilitate the early detection of potential projects sustainability issues and help to address and rectify these issues early on in the implementation process.”

In arriving at the new SMP, the USPF also took into consideration factors such as Nigeria’s macroeconomic review and outlook, political landscape and outlook and an overview of the country’s telecommunication industry. 

On the Macroeconomic review and outlook, the Fund notes that “Nigeria is a middle income and emerging economy which is predominantly agricultural – agriculture is the single largest contributor to GDP and is estimated to have contributed about 40.24 percent of the GDP in 2011.

However, while agriculture remains the largest employer of labour, petroleum, the leading mineral in Nigeria, is currently the major source of revenue (especially foreign exchange) for the country. Macroeconomic reforms introduced within the country since 2003 have created an environment for strong and sustained economic growth over the past few years and Nigeria is currently ranked 30th in the world in terms of GDP (purchasing power parity) as at 2011.”

Although the sustained civil democratic governance since 1999, (the longest since independence in 1960) has led to unprecedented economic growth, especially the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI), there are grey areas posing as new strands of challenges to this growth paradigm.

Chiefly, the recent escalation of security in North and the not so comfortable calm in the oil and gas producing Niger Delta belt is seen as a major threat to this political-economic stability.

The Nigeria telecom industry’s exponential growth since its deregulation is in 2001 has seen its rise to become the leading market in the Africa and Middle East (MEA) region.

With active subscribers in excess of 102 million, and teledensity of over 70 percent, Nigeria no doubts is seen as a fertile market. But despite these, there has been a steady decline in year-on-year growth in the past two eyar, declining ARPUs and a decrease in minutes of usage (MoU) indicate that the telephony market is Nigeria is fast approaching maturity.

However, data services have seen an upward growth in the last decade. The landing on the shores of Lagos of four submarine cables has increased bandwidth intake, thereby making broadband availability even at cheaper cost.

The mobile segment of the telecom industry continues to rule with much the growth coming from the GSM sector, while the CDMA operators lay prostrate.

The fixed line sector is non-existent in this market as there are no new infrastructural investments and operators seem to stay off course.

The USPF however believe, it could fasttrack development in the ICT sector through three strategic planks, viz-a-viz facilitation of an enabling environment for ICT (especially promotion of rollout of sustainable ICT service in rural, un-served and underserved areas), promotion of universal access and universal service that facilitate connectivity for development and Institutional development.
While stakeholders applauded the new USPF approach, they also expressed cautious optimism over the Funds’ ability to keep to its terms of engagement.

Ms. Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne Cable, West Africa’s first open access submarine cable operator noted that the Fund’s implementation module has not transited to new reality of large the volume of bandwidth available in the country. She believes it could do better if it effectively engages every operator and stakeholder as promised in the new SMP.

Engr. John Ayodele, director of Post and Telecommunications in the Ministry of Communications Technology notes that government was addressing all grey areas that stand as cog in the wheel of ICT growth in the economy.

Amongst such impediments, the issue of right of way (RoW) is getting urgent government attention, he noted.  While admitting that states have rights to legislate on relevant laws to increase revenue base, Ayodele stated all levels of government was discussing to address the issues of RoW and redress the much maligned multiple tax conundrum. 

Titi Omo-Etu, former president of association of telecom operators of Nigeria (ATCON), welcomed the new SMP, but cautioned both operators and the Fund to stay on course to achieve the set goals.

“There appears to be a paradigm shift, because in the past, the USPF has failed to communicate effectively with operators. And this shift also calls for operators to give the Fund the benefit of the doubt so that together, we can all work together to achieve our objective of developing the industry of our dream,” said Omo-Etu.


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5 Common Backup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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Are you confident that your valuable data is protected from unexpected disasters or cyber threats? Consider this: 1 in 10 computers fall victim to viruses, and a staggering 113 phones are stolen every minute every day[1].

With data loss being a sudden and potentially irretrievable nightmare, ensuring reliable backups is non-negotiable. March 31st, celebrated as World Backup Day, is a poignant reminder of this essential task. Let’s delve into the common backup mistakes people make and how to steer clear of those.

1. Skipping regular backups:

The most common mistake is forgetting to back up data regularly. Whether personal files or crucial business documents, not establishing a consistent backup routine leaves you vulnerable to data loss.

Unexpected system crashes or malware attacks can happen anytime, making your precious data inaccessible or permanently lost. But you can help avoid such a situation by setting up automatic backups.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
2. Putting all faith in a single backup device:

A device can get damaged or stolen, putting your backups at risk, so depending entirely on one storage medium is playing a dangerous game with your data’s safety.

 Instead, diversify your backup storage solutions with a combination of external HDDs, NAS, and cloud storage.

Portable HDDs like those from WD like Western Digital’s My Passport offer up to 5TB for simple, cost-effective backups. For smartphones, 2-in-1 flash drives such as SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C and SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe are convenient options.

These drives, compatible with USB Type-C devices, automatically back up photos, videos, and more. Just plug and play for seamless data transfer across devices.

If you need a device to store huge amounts of data, then the desktop drive called My Book  from WD is just the product for you, with up to 22TB of storage capacity.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
storage device

3. Forgetting version control:

Overlooking version control during backups is another blunder. Not keeping multiple versions of files increases the chance of saving corrupted or wrong data over previous versions.

Without a proper versioning system, fixing mistakes or retrieving older versions can become a challenge. To prevent forgetting version control, establish a system that tracks changes to your files over time.

This ensures that you can always revert to earlier versions if needed, helping protect against accidental data loss or corruption.

Regularly maintaining this system will help you stay organized and prepared for any unforeseen issues.

Additionally, it’s crucial to verify the version you’re backing up to ensure it’s the correct one.

This simple step can help prevent accidental overwriting of important data with potentially corrupted or incorrect versions.

Double-checking ensures that you’re safeguarding the most up-to-date and accurate information, minimizing the risk of errors during backups.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
4. Ignoring off-site backup solutions:

Many people overlook off-site backup solutions, assuming local backups are foolproof. However, relying solely on local backups makes you vulnerable to site-specific disasters like fires or theft.

Using off-site backups means keeping copies of your data in different places so that if something bad happens in one area, your data stays safe.

As an alternative, you could use cloud storage. Cloud backup devices are popular for remote data storage accessible via the internet. Various online cloud services offer features like file synchronization, sharing, and encryption for secure data storage.

5. Underestimating encryption:

Not prioritizing encryption in backups can be a costly mistake. Storing unencrypted backups makes your sensitive data vulnerable to unauthorized access or breaches.

Implementing strong encryption ensures even if your backups fall into the wrong hands, the data remains protected.

However, it is equally important to remember not to opt for out-of-the-box encryption solutions, as they might make it difficult for you to retrieve the backed-up information later.

My Passport HDD and My Book from WD come equipped with built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection that helps keep content secure.

Additionally, maintaining proper key management practices is essential to ensure smooth decryption and access to your data when needed.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
Monitor and storage device

This World Backup Day, Western Digital urges you to back up your data safely, and at the same time, prepare for the unexpected by having a contingency plan in place for device mishaps like crashes, theft, or damage.

Worrying about losing data isn’t something you have to lose sleep over if you have an active data backup strategy.

A common rule of thumb for keeping important data from disappearing forever is the 3-2-1 Rule. It dictates that you should:

3. Have THREE copies of your data. One is a primary backup and two are copies.

   2. Save copies of your backups on TWO different types of media or devices.

   1. ONE backup copy should be kept offsite in case of disaster.

Determine where and how you’ll store backup files and identify support contacts for swift assistance.

These proactive measures ensure quick data recovery and safeguard your cherished memories for the long haul.


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Treepz Doubles Down on Corporate Mobility in Africa with Launch of a New Website

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Treepz, Africa’s leading corporate mobility startup, has expanded its corporate mobility and employee transportation services across the continent with a fresh new look for its website.

 

The company’s new website boasts a sleek, user-friendly interface with added features to better showcase Treepz’s range of services for companies looking to efficiently and sustainably move employees and clients in major African cities. From on-demand employee shuttles, and school bus solutions to intra-city group trips for events and conferences, Treepz is positioning itself as an all-in-one corporate transportation provider.

Managing transportation logistics across multiple sites has always been an operational nightmare for companies,” said Onyeka Akumah, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Treepz. “Our goal is to streamline that experience through Treepz’s powerful technology platform.”

With nearly 6,000 employees of companies daily relying on Treepz’s innovative tech and reliable fleet for employee transportation or staff bus commutes, we understand the complexities of managing corporate transportation firsthand. “Our revamped website simplifies the process, offering businesses a seamless solution to optimize their transportation needs and empower their workforce in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana,” Onyeka added

Key Features of the New Treepz Website

  • Trackable Dashboard for a bird’s eye view of all guests’ trips in real-time when using Treepz.
  • 24/7 customer support to assist with all mobility inquiries.
  • Wide selection of vehicle options, each with professional drivers tailored to specific needs.
  • Friendly interface for easy navigation and booking.
  • Client testimonials and case studies showcasing Treepz’s success stories.

Treepz’s mission extends beyond just transportation – they aim to revolutionize how over 1 million daily commuters experience mobility across Africa. Since its launch in 2019, the company has provided employee transit for top firms like Tekexperts, Wakanow, Somasource, and Brighter Monday across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. This has resulted in the transportation of about 5 million passengers since then.

With this digital reinvention, Treepz doubles down on transforming corporate mobility through tech-driven solutions. The company welcomes businesses seeking smarter ways to move their people to explore the new website www.treepz.com.


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Nigerian Business Leaders Partner Google for Strategic Advantage, Seeks Competitive Edge in Privacy-First Era

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Leading companies from Nigeria joined Google West Africa at a roundtable to discuss the shift towards privacy-first marketing as third-party cookies are phased out. The forum brought together leaders from FairMoney, Konga, Mondelez, Stanbic IBTC, and Zenith Bank, highlighting a collective commitment to redefining consumer engagement in the digital age.

Businesses recognize that building consumer trust is essential in a world that increasingly values privacy. In this new era, adapting marketing strategies to be more privacy-focused is not just a necessity but a strategic move towards building sustainable customer relations. This transition challenges businesses to innovate while maintaining transparency and respect for consumer data privacy, turning potential constraints into avenues for deeper consumer engagement.

“Customer trust is the new currency,” noted Felicia Otolorin, Senior Industry Lead, West Africa, Google. “Consumers are demanding more control over their data, and the savviest businesses are seeing this shift as an opportunity. This is about reimagining how we engage with technology and data, ensuring that innovation and privacy go hand-in-hand.”

The discussions emphasised this point, highlighting the competitive advantage of adopting privacy-first strategies. Google showcased innovative solutions like Google Tag and Enhanced Conversions. These tools demonstrate a commitment to both high performance and privacy standards. Success stories illustrated how other businesses have successfully navigated this shift, offering valuable insights.

“We stand at a crucial juncture,” remarked Oluwadamilare Akinwunmi, Chief Data & AI Officer at Interswitch. “The winners of tomorrow will be those enterprises that strike a balance between innovative, data-driven marketing and a profound commitment to data protection and privacy-first practices. The essential dialogues we engage in, and the subsequent actions we take, set us on the path to achieve precisely this”

The roundtable underscores a pivotal shift towards privacy-first strategies in Nigeria’s digital marketing sphere, emphasising the critical role of collaboration and innovation in this transition. It marks a collective stride towards a future where consumer trust and data privacy form the cornerstone of business growth and competitive advantage.

“We are committed to empowering Nigerian brands in building a privacy-forward future. By harnessing AI and privacy-centric technologies, we aim to empower our partners to thrive amidst these changes,” stated Felicia Otolorin, Senior Industry Lead, West Africa, Google.


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