Telecom
ICTLOCA Convergence Summit 2024 to Discuss the Future of Sustainable Local Content through Digital Innovation
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The Association of Information Communication Technology Local Content (ICTLOCA) has announced the theme for its upcoming Convergence Summit 2024: “Sustaining Local Content with Digital Innovation backbone in the Ecosystem”.
This landmark event, taking place in July 2024 at Landmark Event Centre will bring together key stakeholders in the Nigerian ICT sector to explore the transformative potential of digital technologies in driving sustainable local content development.
The theme reflects the critical need to bridge the gap between the rapid advancements in digital technologies and their practical application in fostering a thriving local content ecosystem. The summit will delve into cutting-edge solutions across various ICT sub-sectors, including:
FinTech: How can digital financial technologies empower local businesses and entrepreneurs, promote financial inclusion, and drive economic growth?
EdTech: How can innovative educational technologies enhance access to quality education, develop skilled talent, and support knowledge transfer within Nigeria?
HealthTech: How can digital health solutions improve healthcare delivery, address medical challenges, and bridge the healthcare gap in underserved communities?
AgriTech: How can digital tools empower farmers, optimize agricultural production, and ensure food security for the nation?
AI and Machine Learning: How can artificial intelligence and machine learning be harnessed to develop locally relevant solutions, automate processes, and drive efficiency in various ICT domains?
Key Highlights of the ICTLOCA Convergence Summit 2024:
Keynote addresses by renowned experts: Thought leaders from the global and Nigerian ICT landscape will share their insights on the future of digital innovation and its role in local content development.
Panel discussions and interactive sessions: Participants will engage in lively discussions on specific themes and challenges related to digital innovation in ICT local content.
Case studies and success stories: Leading organizations will showcase their innovative solutions and best practices in using digital technologies to promote local content development.
Networking opportunities: The summit will provide a platform for stakeholders to connect, build partnerships, and explore potential collaborations.
Awards and recognition: The summit will recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the field of ICT local content development and digital innovation.
“We are excited to host the ICTLOCA Convergence Summit 2024 under this timely and critical theme,” said Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, President ICTLOCA. “Digital innovation has the potential to revolutionize the way we develop and consume local content in the ICT sector. This summit will be a catalyst for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of actionable strategies to leverage digital technologies for sustainable local content growth.”
The ICTLOCA Convergence Summit 2024 is expected to attract a diverse audience of ICT professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, investors, and other stakeholders passionate about the future of Nigerian ICT and local content development.
Telecom
SpaceSail, Kuiper Battle Starlink for Souls of Customers
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Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet network faces increased competition, with challenges from China’s state-backed SpaceSail and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s Project Kuiper.
SpaceSail, ased in Shanghai, signed an agreement to enter Brazil in November and started work in Kazakhstan in January, with plans to expand to over 30 countries.
Brazil is also negotiating with Project Kuiper and Canada’s Telesat for high-speed satellite internet services.
The yearly LEO satellite launches by the USA, China, Europe, Russia (formerly the USSR), and other countries are contrasted in this graphic through 2024.
Since 2020, Starlink has launched more satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO) than all competitors combined, providing high-speed internet for remote communities, vessels, and militaries.
Beijing views Musk’s dominance in space as a threat and is heavily investing in rivals and military research to track satellite constellations. Last year, China launched a record 263 LEO satellites.
SpaceSail aims to deploy 648 LEO satellites this year and 15,000 by 2030, forming part of China’s international push into satellite broadband.
This rapid expansion has raised concerns among Western policymakers about Beijing’s potential influence on global digital infrastructure.
Telecom
Smartcash PSB Wins Outstanding Payment Service Bank at New Telegraph Awards
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Smartcash Payment Service Bank (PSB), a subsidiary of Airtel Nigeria, has been recognised as the Outstanding Payment Service Bank of the Year 2024 (Fintech) at the New Telegraph Awards, reaffirming its continued growth and reach of the PSB within the last year.
The award ceremony, which took place at the Lagos Oriental Hotel recently, celebrated Smartcash PSB’s commitment to providing seamless, secure, and inclusive financial solutions aimed at driving financial inclusion across Nigeria.
During his welcome address, The Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of New Telegraph Newspapers, Ayodele Aminu, emphasized the need to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions across various sectors.
“The New Telegraph Awards was in place to identify and assess individuals or organisations who have played a significant impact in politics, governance, industry, and other sectors of life. We believe that acknowledging them will galvanize the awardees towards greater productivity and excellence in their various fields and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact they will continue to make,” he said.
Commenting on the award, Chief Executive Officer, SmartCash PSB, Ayotunde Kuponiyi said, “Receiving the Outstanding PSB of the Year 2024 (Fintech Award) from New Telegraph is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing financial inclusion and empowering MSMEs across Nigeria.
At SmartCash PSB, we remain dedicated to bridging the financial gap for underserved communities through innovative and accessible solutions. This recognition strengthens our resolve to drive economic empowerment and sustainable growth for millions of Nigerians.”
CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, remarked that the award was a reminder to the company of its commitment to excellent customer services. “The recognition by New Telegraph again reminds us as a business to remain dedicated to keeping the customer at the heart of our operations,” he said.
Since its launch, Smartcash PSB has continued to advance the digital payments landscape by offering secure payments, mobile banking solutions, and agent banking services, enabling seamless financial transactions for both urban and underserved communities.
The event had prominent guests in attendance, including former chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority and statesman Chief Bode George who was the chairman of the awards; Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, publisher of New Telegraph; Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development; and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State; among others.
Telecom
ATCON Warns of Nationwide Telecom Blackout over Diesel Shortage
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Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised alarm over a diesel supply crisis caused by an ongoing strike by National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON in a statement said that the fuel supply disruption is critically affecting telecom base stations, pushing them to the brink of a shutdown and threatening millions of mobile and internet users in the region.
“This strike, which stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements,” Emoekpere stated.
He explained that diesel supply to telecom infrastructure has been severely impacted, leaving critical sites with dangerously low fuel levels.
According to him, if urgent measures are not taken, the situation could escalate into a full-blown network blackout, disrupting essential services including mobile and internet access, business operations, emergency response systems, and daily communications.
ATCON has called on the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to intervene immediately by facilitating the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety,” Emoekpere stressed.
The association also appealed to security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly to safeguard Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability.
ATCON emphasised that a prolonged disruption in fuel supply to telecom infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences for both businesses and individuals who rely on stable communication networks for daily operations.
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