Telecom
Future Of Mobile Innovation In Sub-Saharan Africa Hinges On Consistent Privacy Regulation
By John Giusti (GSMA
Mobile is critical for creating a truly “Digital Africa”, a connected region where digital technologies are delivering positive impacts to societies and economies. Sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest growing mobile market in the world.
Fuelled by growing access to mobile data services, the mobile ecosystem is flourishing, providing a platform for innovation that is generating employment opportunities and spurring the creation of new services.
This wave of growth is underpinned by increased availability of mobile data.
By 2020, sixty per cent of mobile connections are forecast to run over mobile broadband networks, almost double the number from 2016. In the same period, mobile data traffic is expected to grow by sixty-six per cent.
Global data flows are also creating new degrees of connectedness among economies, and digitalisation can positively impact GDP, and this surge in data is critical to economic opportunity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In this new data driven world, the mobile industry is focused on building the trust and confidence of users and, in so doing, enable data innovation that benefits citizens.
This will hinge on the implementation of certain and consistent rules for data privacy that apply to all service providers.
Today, there are significant discrepancies within the region regarding principles incorporated into data privacy laws and how they are implemented nationally. In some countries, mobile licence conditions stipulate that certain user information or accounting information may not be transferred outside the country.
In those same countries, other service providers are not subject to the same restrictions. If mobile operators are prevented from transferring data outside the country, it will inhibit their ability to bring the benefits of centralised cloud systems to the region.
This will make operating within the global economy more difficult, and will deny consumers the innovative services and other benefits that come from fair competition and economies of scale.
In respect to data usage, mobile operators are also often subject to privacy-related restrictions in their licences or national law regarding what they can and cannot do with user data. In some circumstances, this may be reasonable and proportionate, however, we would urge governments to limit such restrictions to only those that are strictly necessary and, in any case, apply equally to all providers of communications or equivalent services.
Whilst inconsistent application of rules will affect mobile operators’ ability to compete, critically it prevents consumers’ privacy expectations from being met in a consistent way. To maximise growth, consumers must have confidence that data is being protected.
However, as the lines blur between what type of service each service provider delivers, consumers are not always aware of the different privacy rules that apply or which provisions only impact one segment of the market.
This can lead to a degradation of trust, meaning consumers are less willing to share information, less confident that their data will be used in accordance with stated mobile privacy policies and ultimately less likely to use data-based services.
Creating a regulatory environment across Sub-Saharan Africa that not only protects the privacy of consumers through consistent application of privacy rules but encourages the mobile industry’s ability to deliver innovative services is vital to unlocking social and economic benefits across the region.
The mobile industry urges governments throughout Sub-Saharan Africa to avoid legislating for specific types of data and instead focus on individual privacy concerns – ensuring that obligations are not tied to the type of service provider.
This will guarantee that all providers of data services are subject to the same privacy regulations, creating an environment where consumers feel their data is safe and protected.
This will allow all service providers to compete in the provision of data-based services and contribute to the growth of the data economy throughout the region.
Only by creating a level-playing field in applicable regulation – regulation that not only protects consumers in a consistent way, but also promotes innovation – can digital technologies realise their full social and economic potential in Sub-Saharan Africa.
SAIL Teachers Fellowship Program recently celebrated a milestone graduation, equipping 4000 teachers with innovative teaching techniques to transform Nigerian classrooms.
The program, organised through a collaboration between the SAIL Empowerment Foundation and MTN Foundation, represents a groundbreaking effort to transition educators from traditional methods to inquiry-based and digital learning strategies.
This year’s fellowship, a hybrid initiative engaging over 4,000 teachers from a pool of 15,000 applicants, culminated in intensive training sessions and certifications for 400 outstanding participants. These educators were introduced to tools like Canva, and advanced classroom management strategies designed to address the unique challenges of Nigerian classrooms.
During the graduation event in Lagos, MTN Foundation’s Executive Director, Odunayo Sanya, emphasised the Foundation’s 20-year legacy of impactful initiatives, with investments totalling over ₦30 billion across health, education, and empowerment sectors. Sanya underscored the Fellowship’s transformative role in shaping the nation’s future through teacher development.
Sanya challenged the teachers to become change-makers. “The knowledge you have gained is not for you alone. You are expected to empower other teachers and uplift your students, ensuring the impact of this training spreads beyond you.”
Senator Tokunbo Abiru, co-founder of the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the program’s vision to empower teachers as change agents within their communities.
Abiru called for continued partnerships to expand the program’s reach and ensure its sustainability. “The Teachers’ Fellowship has grown to about 6,700 teachers thanks to the incredible support from MTN Foundation,” he said.
The event also featured the unveiling of the MTN Foundation’s legacy publication, Yellow Impact: 20 Years Stronger, a testament to two decades of impactful interventions. As both organizations reiterated their commitment to the program, they underscored the importance of collective effort in shaping the future of education in Nigeria.
With plans to expand the program in the coming year, the MTN Foundation and SAIL Empowerment Foundation continue to inspire hope and transformation in the education sector.
Mr. Biram Fall, the Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa, has said that with over 350 million unbanked adults, there is a significant potential of financial inclusion and digital solutions for Africa, and a vast opportunity to expand access to financial security, event through electronic commerce (eCommerce).
Mr. Biram Fall, the Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa
Speaking as a lead presenter at the recent Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0) held in Lagos, Fall stated that financial inclusion transforms lives by providing essential financial tools like savings accounts, credit, and insurance, which foster economic independence.
He referenced the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which highlights the role of financial services in strengthening economic resilience and reducing inequality, making them crucial for African socio-economic progress.
Speaking on the theme, “Harnessing Fintech Solutions for Financial Inclusion & eCommerce Growth,” Fall highlighted Africa’s opportunity to empower the 350 million unbanked adults by providing access to essential financial services.
“The demand for financial inclusion aligns with a projected $75 billion e-commerce market in Africa by 2025, driven by rising internet access and smartphone adoption.
“However, limited banking infrastructure and high cash dependency hinder digital engagement,” he said.
Fall who made reference to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), noted that digital payments can unlock significant revenue for small businesses and expand e-commerce by making digital platforms more accessible and trusted.
“Digital payment solutions like mobile wallets simplify transactions and build trust in digital platforms.
“The African Development Bank recognizes that increased accessibility of financial products boosts consumer confidence in digital payments and enhances participation in e-commerce,” Fall said.
He disclosed that QNET’s initiatives, such as its “Fit Green” financial literacy programme, have trained over 1,500 young Nigerians, promoting financial self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship through an e-commerce-driven direct-selling model active in over 100 countries.
“Our e-commerce driven direct-selling model provides income-generating opportunities in over 100 countries, promoting entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency in low-income regions. True progress requires collaboration.
The QNET regional manager emphasized the need for cross-sector partnerships to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gaps, expand digital financial services, and build an inclusive financial landscape.
QNET’s mission, according to Fall, is to use technology and partnerships to make financial inclusion and e-commerce key pillars of progress across Africa, empowering individuals and fostering economic growth for underserved populations.
Instagram has launched a regional campaign to celebrate a form of connection emerging through Direct Messages (DMs).
Recognizing how the act of sharing relatable memes and light-hearted content with friends, family and acquaintances is evolving into a unique vehicle of social communication and bonding across all ages, Instagram is coining a new term, Trendships.
A combination of “friendships” and “trends”, Trendships captures how Instagram users leverage playful or meaningful content to stay closer to distant loved ones, express complex emotions, and even navigate cultural trends.
The phenomenon gained traction with the launch of Instagram Reels and has rapidly become a bridge for individuals to communicate, engage and stay in touch.
“Trendships is not about sharing popular or viral content; it is about creating community over shared experiences and interests,” said Nada Enan – Head of Communications, Middle East & North Africa, Meta.
“People are exchanging content that resonates, from humorous memes to motivational Reels, redefining how people nurture intimate connections, exchange values and, in many cases, let loved ones know they are thinking about them with just a few taps. It underscores how social platforms are increasingly pivotal to building community in our daily lives and evolving how we communicate in the digital era.”
Trendships anchor on the simple act of “sharing” – through Reels, GIFs, videos, or memes – via DM. According to the latest stats from Meta, people reshare Reels over 3.5 billion times every day reinforcing how prolifically the platform is used to communicate and engage.
Embracing the new term, Instagram has partnered with popular comedy creator, Maraji and media platforms like KraksTv, Zikoko in Nigeria to spread the word about Trendships with their creativity.
The #WhatsYourTrendship campaign was revealed with fun, lighthearted content from Maraji, Zikoko and KraksTv showcasing their favourite trendships on Instagram.
CBN Fines 29 Banks N15Bn for Violation of Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Regulations
DBN Bags Financial Inclusion Award for Dedication to MSMEs
NFIU Seeks Advanced Technology to Combat Financial Crimes in Nigeria
Ina Alogwu Joins 9mobile as Chief Digital and Innovation Officer
CADEF Launches Platform to Promote Renewable Energy in Nigeria
Edo State Launches Data Centre in Benin
Echefu Launches LUFT TV, another Pay TV after Failed TSTV Project
UBA, Mastercard Launch Special Debit Card for 75th Anniversary
CBN to Sanction Banks Linked to Cash Hawkers
QNET’s Amezcua Workshop in Lagos: A Glimpse into Wellness & Innovation
E-Financial2 days agoUBA Group Sets Foot in France with Full Banking Services
Broadcasting2 days agoTETFund Suspends Foreign Scholarships Due to Rising Costs and Abscondment
News2 days agoStanbic IBTC Asset Management Unveils Anti-scam Measures to Protect Mutual Fund Holders
E-Financial2 days agoMoneyMaster Promotes Financial Inclusion, Offers more Bonus to Customers
Uncategorized2 days agoNAICOM Signs Agreement with NDPC on Data Protection in Insurance Sector
News2 days agoVerve Partners Ali Express On Seamless Cross-Border Shopping
E-Financial1 day agoCBN Fines 29 Banks N15Bn for Violation of Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Regulations
Uncategorized2 days agoZuckerberg’s Mar-a-Lago Meeting with Trump: What It Means for Tech