Telecom
Impact Amplifier Launches Platform to Address Africa’s Online Safety Issues
Impact Amplifier, with the financial support of Google.org, on Thursday launched its African Online Safety Platform (AOSP), which provides a rich repository of research, education content, funding opportunities and ways to seek help after an online crime.
The Platform also is an Africa-wide project and part of Impact Amplifier’s broader intention to address African Online Safety at a systemic level.
The African internet safety ecosystem is hindered by several issues, key among them is the lack of a central repository of all the online safety research that has been conducted on a broad spectrum of issues in Africa; lack of a central repository for education material for the plethora of online safety challenges relevant for African users; the absence of legal and social media platform support systems that are less complex and time consuming; and underfunding of the needed interventions.
The AOSP has been built to address all these challenges. The platform provides a rich repository of research, education content, funding opportunities and ways to seek help if an online crime has occurred.
The site is intended to address the complexity of understanding what online safety issues are affecting different parts of Africa, how to keep everyone and particularly young people safe online, how to teach online safety formally in schools and at home, funding opportunities for safety innovators, and how to get help if a crime or other violation has occurred.
The event also included a panel discussion with several of Impact Amplifier’s grantees which are part of its ecosystem solution. These panellists reflected online safety innovators from South Africa and Kenya who discussed some of the complexities and solutions to staying safe online in Africa.
The panellists from South Africa were Craig Rosewarne, Managing Director Wolfpack Information Risk and Camaren Peter, Director/Executive Lead, Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change (CABC). Those from Kenya were Dennis Ratemo, Programme Manager, Terre des Hommes and Martha Sunda, Executive Director, Childline Kenya. Their discussions underscored the importance of solutions that were suited to local contexts in Africa.
Google SA Country Director, Dr Alistair Mokoena said: “We first partnered with Impact Amplifier in 2020, when we announced the initial fund.
“We have now launched version 2.0 to show that we remain committed to providing sustained and dedicated support to the online safety ecosystem in Africa, in order to ensure that vulnerable populations are protected from online harms and reap the benefits of the internet.
“We encourage the relevant parties to use this amazing new education and research resource and to apply to the fund.”
Speaking at the event, Impact Amplifier Director, Tanner Methvin said: “With over 570 million people having access to the internet in Africa, reflecting just under 47 per cent of the continent’s population, online safety concerns deserve utmost attention.”
The new platform, Methvin added, “offers innovative approaches to addressing the complex safety issues the internet presents. These range from unique ways of combating mis and disinformation, tracking of cyber criminals, supporting journalists targeted with hate speech and bullying, integrating online safety training into school curriculums, and much more,” he concluded.
Telecom
NLC Announces Nationwide Boycott over Telecom Hike
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), an umbrella group for trade unions, has announced that Nigerians are planning a statewide boycott of telecom services in protest of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) recent approval of a 50% increase in phone costs.
Following carriers’ demands for cost-reflective charges amid challenging economic conditions, the NCC approved a 50% increase in telephone tariffs on Monday.
This hike, which fell short of the 100 percent increase that telcos requested, caused the average cost of calls to go from N11 to N16.5 per minute, the cost of 1GB of data to go from N287.5/GB to N431.25, and the price of SMS to go from N4 to N6.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 percent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” the commission said.
In a statement issued , Joe Ajaero, president, NLC, denounced the tariff increase, calling it an unfair burden on those who are already facing financial difficulties.
He voiced concerns about the hike’s timing, pointing out that it comes while inflation and purchasing power are on the rise.
He said, “This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.
“Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10 percent of their wages on telecom charges.
“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month, or 15 percent of his salary—an unsustainable cost.
“NLC is not opposed to a tariff review but disagrees with the approved rate of increase. We therefore call on the government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it.
“If the dialogue agrees on the need for the hike, then we can all seek a more humane increase and definitely not this 50 percent hike,” he stated.
The NCC added that rate adjustments were made to close the gap between current tariffs and growing operating costs without compromising service delivery to customers.
Telcos had complained that a 300 percent increase in operational costs was forcing them to shut down.
Telecom
FG, WIOCC Sign $10M MoU to Connect 3 million Homes with Broadband Fibre Connectivity
WIOCC Group, a provider of digital infrastructure and connectivity solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE) of Nigeria.
This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s digital economy through substantial investments in critical digital infrastructure and comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance digital connectivity and inclusion across Nigeria. Represented by the Honourable Minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, and WIOCC Group’s Chief Development Officer, Mr. Darren Bedford, the agreement outlines a shared vision for fostering technical efficiency and collective prosperity.
The partnership focuses on enhancing stakeholder engagement by jointly reviewing and improving the National Policy on Telecommunications to meet digital economy needs. WIOCC Group commits to investing in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, deploying a hyperscale open-access digital platform for internet service providers (ISPs) with advanced fibre and colocation facilities.
Additionally, through this partnership, the collaboration with the Nigerian Broadband Alliance for Nigeria aims to improve broadband quality and accessibility, with WIOCC expanding fibre infrastructure and partnering with ISPs to connect more homes and businesses. The partnership also includes WIOCC providing digital infrastructure training and supporting job creation for Nigerian youth.
Commenting on the partnership, WIOCC Group’s Chief Business Development Officer, Mr. Darren Bedford said, “The MoU with the Ministry of Communications underscores our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, by working together, we aim to create a robust digital ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders and drives sustainable economic growth”.
Dr ‘Bosun Tijani stated that “This collaboration with WIOCC Group represents a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring that Nigerians have access to reliable and high-quality telecommunications services. We are committed to building a resilient digital infrastructure that fosters innovation, inclusion, and economic growth.
“Working with the private sector to deliver last-mile connectivity to homes and businesses, amongst other key benefits, is essential to achieving this vision, and we are excited about the opportunities this collaboration creates for empowering communities across Nigeria”.
Telecom
QNET Champions Education Accessibility with QLearn on International Day of Education 2025
QNET, a global leader in lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling, celebrates the UNESCO International Day of Education 2025 by advancing educational access for learners of all ages through its innovative e-learning platform, QLearn.
This year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in an Automated World,” highlights the critical role of education in empowering individuals to thrive in an AI-driven future.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, technological advancements and the green economy are projected to create a net gain of 78 million jobs globally by 2030.
However, the report also emphasizes the need for education reform and reskilling to address the skills gap generated by AI advancements and to prepare individuals for an evolving, automated job market.
In response to these global shifts, QNET’s QLearn platform offers accessible, high-quality e-learning solutions, covering everything from professional development to K-12 education.
These courses are designed to help individuals acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a rapidly changing world
Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, shared his thoughts on the International Day of Education: “In today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, education is more important than ever.
“As AI reshapes industries, fostering adaptability through innovative learning is crucial. Through QLearn, QNET is committed to providing quality education and empowering individuals to shape their futures.”
Beyond QLearn, QNET is actively engaged in global educational initiatives, such as FinGreen, its financial literacy program, and strategic partnerships with organizations like the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI) in Nigeria.
Together with the LFBI, QNET has provided nutritious meals to over 1,000 underserved students under the EDUFOOD program, helping reduce absenteeism and improve academic performance.
QNET continues to play a significant role in global efforts to position education as a pillar of sustainability and equity.
By leveraging digital tools and the transformative potential of AI, QNET is working to bridge educational gaps and empower communities to thrive.
- Telecom16 hours ago
Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: Redefining Smartphones with Advanced AI Integration
- Telecom16 hours ago
MTN’s New Year Campaign: Inspiring Change, One Move at a Time
- General News16 hours ago
CBN’s FX Code to Boost Transparency for Launch on January 28
- Telecom22 hours ago
FCCPC Insists Telcos’s Tariff Hike must Translate to Improved Services
- Telecom16 hours ago
FG, WIOCC Sign $10M MoU to Connect 3 million Homes with Broadband Fibre Connectivity
- General News22 hours ago
FG Plans Aircraft Manufacturing in Nigeria
- Telecom16 hours ago
NLC Announces Nationwide Boycott over Telecom Hike
- Telecom16 hours ago
MainOne Boosts Connectivity for West African Businesses with Equiano Cable