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Pantami Leads ICT Experts To Virtual 2020 Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition
Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Minister of Communications & Digital Economy; Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); and Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), are among the array of ICT policy makers, regulators and experts lined up to speak at the 8th edition of the annual Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition.
Dr Armstrong Takang (left) and Dr Evans Woherem, Chairman, Digital Africa Group during the 2019 Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition held at Baze University, Abuja
This year’s event, the first virtual edition in the series, which holds August 25-27, 2020, will also be graced by other speakers and notable ICT eggheads including Founder and Chairman, Mobile Software Solutions Ltd, Mr. Chris Uwaje; former Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC and Chairman of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; Professor of Engineering & Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Prof. Joe Amadi-Echendu; and Chief Executive Officer, Africa My Home, Morocco, Karima Rhanem, among others.
The theme of this year’s edition of Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition is Africa’s Post-Pandemic High Tech World, while the thematic sessions will focus on Education, ICT, Telecommunication, Health, Transportation, Economy (Crypto-Currency), Power, Agriculture and Entertainment.
Chairman of Digital Africa Group, organisers of the annual premier international tech event, Dr Evans Woherem who addressed the press on Monday in his office in Abuja, said the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented level of business turbulence across industries and geographies, with almost no industry or jurisdiction untouched, including the education sector in Africa.
“The “New Normal” that we are facing presents significant challenges, but also opportunities, for education sector stakeholders. How do we explore these challenges and opportunities, and to consider legal, operational and financial strategies to help navigate the post-COVID-19 landscape?
“As students stay at home and moved off campus, educators shifted to virtual learning, and development teams leapt into action to address current needs, the landscape of education fundraising now looks different than it did just a few months ago. The question we now ask ourselves is: Is remote learning here for good?” Woherem said.
He noted that even before the global COVID-19 pandemic broke out, food insecurity was a serious concern throughout sub-Saharan Africa as movement of people and goods is seriously hampered at domestic and cross-boundary levels.
He stated that currently, governments in over 70 countries have imposed various degrees of lock-downs affecting 3 Billion people worldwide, disclosing that this has severe consequences for many sectors including the agricultural sector, farmers and agricultural enterprises.
“Farmers are not able to access markets anymore, and in many cases also, do not have access to storage or cooling facilities thus are forced to dump their produce. Globally, imposed export and import restrictions lead to limited exports of produce and potentially creating food shortages in import-depending countries especially in Africa.
“Measures to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector against external shocks like this kind of pandemic crises seem desperately needed. This could entail more circularity and autonomy in local based production systems; increased availability of and access to processing and storage facilities or; creating food banks and emergency stocks at decentralized levels.
“The term ‘think global, act local’ seems to be more appropriate than ever. How will technology play a role to aid sufficient food security in the continent? This is one the issues participants at the Conference on Tuesday, will be proffering solutions for.”
In an answer to a question, Woherem said, “We live in an era of technological innovation. Digital breakthroughs are empowering healthcare organisations to improve labour productivity, clinical outcomes and human experience. How we adapt technology to the people who use it – patients, health insurers and providers is going to define the future of health.”
He said that some of the factors set to remake the digital healthcare ecosystem is Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that AI is changing from a back-end tool for healthcare organisations to being at the forefront of both consumer and clinician experience.
“AI-powered technologies can suggest relevant options based on user behaviour as well as guide patients and doctors toward optimal outcomes.
“Technology holds incredible promise for health: It can yield data to help stamp out emerging epidemics before they reach crisis level; make health care providers and services accessible to people in hard-to-reach places; and get people closer than ever to universal health coverage.
“It can also save money! Human-focused tech also provides consumers with a better opportunity to access care and information in a way and at a time that they want to.
The recent global Covid-19 pandemic is adversely affecting Africa’s economic growth and consumer spending potential, and businesses are grappling to adapt to the changing environment,” the Digital Africa Group boss said.
He stated that shoppers have adapted what they are putting into their baskets to accommodate their wallets, and have also adjusted where and how often they are shopping.
“There is a trend towards more frequent shopping due to the decline in disposable income. As incomes vary on a daily basis, consumers are shopping on an immediate-needs basis, often visiting stores more than once per day due to their fluctuating earnings.
“The concept of resilience has emerged as a plausible framework for substantially improving regional or local capacity to manage risks, loss of businesses and jobs, withstanding future shocks and stresses, and reducing the need for humanitarian responses.
“The technology sector shows resilience during lockdowns. Remote working, online shopping and telemedicine have shielded the technology sector from the worst effects of COVID-19 lockdowns and have confirmed technology’s role as an essential survival tool for businesses now and in the future,” Woherem emphasized.
News
Ecobank Sends Important Message to Customers Over Service Disruptions
Ecobank Nigeria has issued a notice to customers regarding fluctuations in its interbank funds transfer service, which may result in delayed transactions.
The bank reassured its customers that efforts are underway to resolve the issue and that all affected transactions will be processed as soon as the service is restored.
In a statement, Ecobank acknowledged the inconvenience caused and emphasized its commitment to minimising disruptions.
“We are working diligently to resolve this issue and ensure normal service delivery,” the statement read.
The bank also noted that other electronic banking services remain fully accessible, allowing customers to continue enjoying a seamless banking experience.
To assist customers during this period, Ecobank encouraged the use of its live chat feature on ecobank.com and provided an email address, [email protected].
The bank reiterated its dedication to providing reliable financial services across its platform, thanking customers for their understanding and patience.
As Africa’s leading Pan-African bank, Ecobank assured customers of its commitment to addressing their concerns promptly while delivering innovative and customer-centric solutions. The bank concluded with an appeal for continued trust as it works to resolve the current challenges.
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Galaxy Backbone Hosts Governor Mutfwang in a Move to Advance Plateau State’s Digital Future
Galaxy Backbone Limited, Nigeria’s premier Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service provider, had the distinct honor of hosting the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at its corporate headquarters in Abuja. The visit highlighted Plateau State’s growing commitment to harnessing digital infrastructure to enhance governance and accelerate economic development.
Governor Mutfwang, accompanied by a distinguished delegation, toured Galaxy Backbone’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its Tier III data center, its Security Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre. The visit provided a platform for robust discussions on leveraging ICT for improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.
Welcoming the Governor, the Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, commended his visionary leadership and dedication to digital transformation.
“Your visit is a testament to Plateau State’s commitment to embracing innovation as a catalyst for development,” Professor Adeyanju stated. He further emphasized Galaxy Backbone’s unwavering dedication to providing the digital infrastructure and expertise required to turn this vision into reality.
During the meeting, the Galaxy Backbone team outlined the immense opportunities that Plateau State could unlock through its partnership with the ICT giant.
These included access to Uptime-certified data centers for secure and uninterrupted operations, robust digital security measures through the Security Operations and Network Operations Centers, and cost-effective solutions designed to localize data sovereignty while optimizing payment structures. Additionally, the discussion explored how managed cloud services, tailored to Plateau State’s unique needs, could scale e-governance initiatives and drive efficiencies.
The visit also focused on empowering the state’s workforce through capacity-building initiatives. Galaxy Backbone is committed to designing training programs that would not only enhance digital literacy but also foster an ecosystem of innovation to create job opportunities for the youth.
The potential of the 1Government Cloud platform was also discussed, highlighting its ability to streamline and automate government services while promoting transparency and accountability. Furthermore, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were positioned as tools for informed decision-making, offering solutions in areas such as land registration and resource management.
Governor Mutfwang expressed his administration’s dedication to transforming Plateau State into a leading digital hub, noting the state’s unique positioning as a vibrant ICT community outside Lagos. He underscored the importance of empowering the youth to participate in the global digital economy while residing in Plateau. “This is the future, and Galaxy Backbone is pivotal to making this vision a reality,” he remarked.
He also referenced complementary projects, such as the ongoing upgrade of the Yakubu Gowon Airport into a cargo hub and the African Development Bank’s selection of Plateau State as a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, as initiatives poised to boost the state’s economic potential.
Barr. Mutfwang also described GBB as a national asset with immense potential to foster good governance and stimulate economic growth. He commended the company for its role in promoting digital inclusivity and emphasized his administration’s determination to spearhead a digital revolution in Plateau State.
The visit earlier commenced with an extensive tour of Galaxy Backbone’s cutting-edge facilities, reinforcing the company’s readiness to support Plateau State’s aspirations. Professor Adeyanju reiterated the company’s commitment to translating the interactive deliberations into actionable solutions, stating, “This engagement marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine governance and foster innovation.
“We are honored to host Your Excellency and look forward to working closely with your administration to achieve a digitally inclusive and economically prosperous Plateau State.”
The collaboration between Galaxy Backbone and Plateau State signals a bold step toward a groundbreaking digital transformation, setting a precedent for ICT-driven development not only in the state but across Nigeria.
News
IFC Invests in IHS Holding Bond to Support Digital Connectivity in Emerging Markets
IFC has anchored a $1.2 billion dual tranche bond issuance—its biggest ever mobilization for a single bond deal—for IHS Holding Limited (“IHS Towers”) to support digital connectivity for millions of people in emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The funds will enable the company to refinance existing debt and support organic growth across its markets.
The financing package, which was supported by an initial commitment from IFC of up to $100 million, will help the company refinance some of its near-term debt and lengthen its debt maturity profile.
IHS Towers, one of the world’s largest independent communications infrastructure providers, builds towers, supports the deployment of mobile network operator equipment, and provides fiber connectivity for its customers.
Estimates indicate that 95 percent of people without internet access reside in low- and middle-income countries, presenting a significant opportunity to expand digital connectivity.
Access to affordable, good-quality internet services is central to economic and social development, driving business growth, local economies, and access to education, healthcare, and financial services.
Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, said, “This investment represents a transformative step toward closing the digital divide and driving sustainable, inclusive growth in emerging markets.
“We are proud to support IHS Towers through this partnership to help foster digital inclusion and empower businesses and individuals with greater access to digital tools that drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen communities, especially in the most remote areas of the countries covered by this important project.”
IHS Towers will continue in its efforts to integrate solar power and energy-efficient systems to reduce the carbon emissions intensity of its tower operations, ensuring it plays a central role in driving innovation and growth within the telecoms sector.
“We are proud to support innovative solutions that advance digital inclusion while prioritizing sustainability,” said Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa.
“Our collaboration with IHS Towers underscores our shared commitment to driving sustainable development globally, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, empowering communities to engage more fully in the digital economy.”
IFC has been a long-standing partner of IHS Towers which operates over 40,000 towers facilitating mobile coverage and connectivity for approximately 750 million people across 10 countries: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Brazil, Colombia, and Kuwait. Approximately three quarters of IHS’s towers are located in Africa.
By financing mobile network operators, independent tower operators, data centers, and broadband providers, IFC is strengthening the infrastructure needed to expand digital connectivity. This effort actively bolsters Africa’s digital economy while providing reliable and affordable access to millions.
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