E-Business
5G To Serve User Generations Divided By Digital Literacy Rather Than Age
By Peter Linder
The fifth generation of mobile networks will be the first to serve five distinct human generations. The reason? Digital literacy… While in the past, we grouped generations into age brackets, soon we might use digital literacy as the divider.
Traditionally generations have been divided into age brackets: traditionalists (-1945); baby boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), Generation Y (1981-1994) and Linksters (1995-) – otherwise known as Depression babies, the Woodstock generation, the latchkey generation, the Millennials and the Facebook crowd.
This segmentation model worked well when the needs of each generation were homogeneous. But the traditional model is being reviewed and could soon become outmoded and irrelevant.
Ericsson is a member of the Smart Africa Alliance and one of their flagship initiatives is the Smart Africa Digital Literacy program, which aims to ensure that significant investments made into ICT infrastructure, content and services, and the increasing proliferation of smart devices need to be matched by investments into digital literacy if the continent is to maximize the opportunities presented by ICTs.
The World Bank expects 11 million youth to enter the African labour market every year over the next decade. They must be equipped with the right skills and training in order to succeed.
In the next 25 years, Africa’s working-age population will approximately double to one billion, exceeding that of China and India. African companies will need to fill positions with employees who possess the right digital skills.
Many population shifts have started to create new challenges for businesses. We are starting to work later in life.
We live longer than our parents. The things we want to acquire are different from those people prioritized owning in the past.
The free things we enjoy – such as neighbourhood networks – develop outside the government-financed services arena. New generations will earn less than their parents and do not therefore expect to own the same type of things, e.g. house, cars, boats etc.
But these shifts are not homogeneous within the various traditional generation brackets. The way we embrace and adopt digital innovations varies enormously, starting with how we research products and services ahead of any purchase.
While the digitally savvy explore the digital domain first, others still rely on talking to a sales person. At the point of purchase, the latter either go online or to a physical store. The digitally savvy benefit from a combination of the two models. While some people stick to a physical store, they might change their store preference.
Our preferences also differ when it comes to the customer support channels available. The digitally savvy users feel comfortable using chat support. Others prefer contact with a human voice over the phone.
All can manage mail support, but some are hesitant to share their e-mail address if it is used for marketing purposes.
The great variety of customer interfaces that businesses have is a new reality. They range from digital only to analog anchored, throughout the engagement process.
We also see that digital literacy is spread within and across the age-based generational divisions. When we combine these two phenomena, we might still have five generations to address, but they will be divided in a different way.
My predictions for the future are as follows:
5G will be the first wireless technology designed to serve five end-user segments with diverse needs.
The dividers between generations will change; instead of being age-oriented, they will depend on people’s level of digital literacy.
The new segmentation will define how digital businesses structure their marketing, sales and support flows.
Most digital generations will own less and rely more on subscription-based services.
E-Business
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,
During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.
This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes
Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.
Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.
According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.
E-Business
Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.
Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”
To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.
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