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UK Pledges Commitment to Support Inclusion of Women into Digital Space in Nigeria

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Founder/Executive Director, Cybersafe Foundation, Confidence Staveley (4th from left); British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Johnny Baxter (5th from left); Chairman, Cybersafe Foundation, Dr. Adewale Peter Obadare (2nd from right), with Award recipients at the CyberHubs Awards in honour of forerunners in the initiative to empower women and young girls with digital skills, held at the the residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner over the weekend
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Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria has pledged the commitment of United Kingdom to close the digital divide in the country. He said UK has been a leading partner in working with the Nigerian people to close the digital gender divide in Nigeria.

Speaking at an Award Ceremony for DigiHubs (DigiGirls Partners) held in Lagos, Baxter said: “we have championed inclusion for women and girls into the digital economy through projects such as Digi girls. This is because we know that the data says that inclusion leads to an increase in economic power.

“We know that women and girls are disproportionately impacted by climate change, natural disasters and conflict because they exacerbate existing inequality and barriers in accessing services and support.

“Yet women are critical front-line responders when crisis hits and are crucial voices in decision making processes – if given the space to be heard”.

He noted that, the participation of civil society groups, including women’s organisations, makes a peace agreement of 64% less likely to fail, and “we know that the benefit of reducing conflict in other countries is felt in many other countries of the world.

“Gender inequality is particularly entrenched for women and girls who face multiple discrimination because of their age, religion, disability, sexuality, race or other difference,” he added.

Mr. Baxter while reflecting on the Digital Access Programme in Nigeria, expressed the UK’s committment to being a global science and technology partner, working with others to develop solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, including on digital skills.

He said the UK firmly believes in the future growth story of Nigeria’s digital sector. “To continue to drive this growth, Nigeria needs a combination of increased access to safe, affordable, faster and better-quality internet, an encouraging regulatory environment, a skilled talent pool, and access to investment and partnership opportunities.

“Our in-country digital strategy focuses on working with both the government and private sector to improve infrastructure, build cyber resilience, reduce barriers to digital innovation, drive the upskilling of a digital workforce and improve policy and regulatory frameworks.

“Through the Digital Access Programme, we work with the Federal Government, State governments and policy makers as well as the Private Sector on removing systemic barriers to connectivity expansion”.

One of such programmes is the Digi-girls programme where last year on International Women Day, the UK launched a 10-year Women and girls’ strategy which showcases its commitment to tackling gender inequality across the globe.

“The first two cohorts of the Digi-girls programme saw the training and upskilling of 6,800 women and girls. While that might look like a large number it was only 6.3% of the people that applied for the opportunity to be trained for free.

“For us, it felt like we needed to do more. We thought about how we could make this project reach more people and have a wider impact yet still be sustainable.  We then decided to experiment with using local technology hubs to deliver upskilling to women and girls. This would strengthen the hubs as well as provide a physical space where women and girls could learn undisturbed.

“Our experiment paid off and in this present phase of the project Cybersafe was able to train 59,900 women and girls. We did this with support of 200 volunteer Alumni DigiGirls called DigiChampions and a partnership with 60 hubs across 22 states in Nigeria.

“We believe that this programme has helped in addressing the digital inequality in Nigeria – and we will continue to support programmes like this,” he stated.

Mrs. Confidence Staveley, founder and executive director of CyberSafe Foundation said that Education is the key to getting more women into tech and a door to innovation. “Inclusion of women will not happen by chance, it will take intentional, tailored and targeted investment in women to accelerate progress that we so desperately need”.

Among DigiHubs that won award at the event include; Guru Innovation Hub, Cross River that won Impact Amplifier Award, Inclusive Excellence Champion Award was won by NHub Incubator, Plateau.

Community Engagement and Outreach Award went to Dignity International Consults, Imo State.

Others are Outstanding Community Impact Award (A.K.A Grassroot Empowerer Award) won by Jbest ICT, Kaduna; and  Mission Champion Award (A.K.A Overall Best Hub) won by Development Hub, Borno.


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E-Business

NAICOM Urges Nigerian Insurers to Develop Cyber Insurance Products

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National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has urged Nigerian insurance companies to develop and introduce cyber insurance products.

NAICOM Urges Nigerian Insurers to Develop Cyber Insurance Products

This is in response to the escalating digital risks accompanying global digitalization.

This initiative aims to provide coverage against cyber threats and data breaches, ensuring that businesses and individuals are protected in the evolving digital landscape.

To facilitate this development, NAICOM is collaborating with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

This partnership seeks to promote cyber insurance and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulations, emphasising the importance of data protection training for industry practitioners.

Despite the growing threat of cybercrime, cyber insurance remains underutilised in Nigeria. Industry reports indicate that many businesses and individuals overlook the importance of cyber insurance, even as global cybercrime losses are projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.

NAICOM’s directive underscores the need for the insurance industry to adapt to the digital era by offering products that address contemporary risks, thereby enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s digital economy.

 


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Google Increases Price of Google One Subscription in Nigeria

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Google has increased the price of its Google One subscription in Nigeria.

Google Increases Price of Google One Subscription in Nigeria

The tech giant, in a note to its customers, said, “Price will automatically increase to N1,900/month on 28 Mar 2025 for your Google One subscription. Cancel at any time in Google Play.”

The old price was N1,200. Google One, a cloud storage service offered by Google LLC, provides users with a centralised platform to manage their storage across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.

It added that subscribers who do not cancel their subscription will be charged automatically on the payment method they provided.


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We Are Bringing the Change in Technology Distribution – Chioma Ekeh, TD Africa MD

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Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa
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In the world of technology and entrepreneurship, few names resonate as powerfully as Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa, Africa’s leading technology distribution powerhouse.

We Are Bringing the Change Technology Distribution – Chioma Ekeh, TD Africa MD

Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa

A media-reclusive entrepreneur and quiet achiever, she has made a name for herself not with loud proclamations but through consistent actions that have shaped the trajectory of the continent’s digital economy.

She has steered the company to unprecedented heights, forging strategic partnerships with global giants such as HP, Microsoft, Apple, Starlink, IBM, Dell Technologies, Ring (by Amazon), Cisco, Lenovo, APC by Schneider Electric, Samsung, Bosch, Philips, Logitech, and Vivo.

These collaborations have not only strengthened TD Africa’s position as a market leader but have also contributed to the growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem.

At the recently held Accra Synergy Summit, a high-profile event held in Ghana that brought together top strategic partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Mrs Ekeh made a bold declaration: “We are no longer waiting for change — we are driving it. We are no longer spectators in the digital revolution — we are architects, engineers, and visionaries shaping the future.” This statement, emblematic of her visionary leadership, underscores her commitment to driving Africa’s tech renaissance.

Ekeh’s words are not mere rhetoric; they are backed by tangible achievements and a deep understanding of Africa’s digital potential. The data speaks for itself.

According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa’s digital economy is on track to reach $180 billion this year, with projections indicating it will soar to an astonishing $712 billion by 2050.

This growth is not just an increase in numbers — it signifies a paradigm shift in how Africa engages with technology and innovation.

With over 570 million internet users today, Africa is undergoing an unprecedented digital awakening, a number expected to double by 2030 according to the World Bank.

From financial inclusion to business automation, Africa is embracing the digital age at an accelerated pace, with 70% of global mobile money transactions already occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

This widespread adoption is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of African entrepreneurs and businesses.

The continent’s tech ecosystem is also attracting significant global attention. In 2022 alone, African tech startups secured over $6.5 billion in investments, a clear testament to the world’s belief in Africa’s digital future.

Ekeh’s message is clear: Africa’s future is bright but requires collective effort.

Rapid transformation does not happen in a vacuum. It is built on strategic collaborations and forward-thinking leadership.

According to Ekeh, “This renaissance is not happening in isolation. It is built on the foundation of strong partnerships. It is fuelled by collaboration — between businesses, governments, and technology enablers like TD Africa. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that Africa doesn’t just adopt technology but creates, innovates, and leads.”

Her words serve as a rallying cry for businesses, governments, and individuals to strengthen partnerships, increase investments, and take bold steps toward excellence. “Africa is no longer just a consumer of technology. Africa is a builder. Africa is no longer following global trends. Africa is setting them. Africa is no longer waiting for the future. Africa is the future,” she concluded.

Chioma Ekeh’s leadership and vision are a testament to what can be achieved when passion, innovation, and collaboration come together.

As Africa continues its journey toward a tech-driven future, her words and actions remind us that the power to shape tomorrow lies in our hands today.

TD Africa has remained at the forefront of Africa’s tech revolution as the market leader in technology distribution.

Under Ekeh’s leadership, the company has not only expanded its portfolio of global partners but has also facilitated the seamless deployment of innovative tech solutions across various sectors.

By empowering businesses with cutting-edge technology, TD Africa is laying the groundwork for an Africa that does not just consume technology but pioneers it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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