Telecom
AI in Nigeria hosts artificial intelligence summit in Lagos

AI in Nigeria is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) conference and hackathon, InnovateAI Lagos 2024.
InnovateAI Lagos 2024, which is set to be a pivotal event in the Nigerian artificial intelligence industry is themed: “Adapting AI For Nigeria: Crafting Intelligent Solutions For Our Unique Landscape” and will explore the transformative power of AI in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian context.
Scheduled to hold on Feb 23 and 24, 2023 for conference and Hackathon Grand Finale respectively at Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, InnovateAI Lagos 2024 is a convergence of over 1,000 professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, thought leaders, enterprise businesses, and regulators, all united by a passion for AI and its potential to revolutionise our society. These events present unique opportunities to connect, collaborate and contribute to shaping AI’s future in Nigeria and beyond.
Participants at the InnovateAI Lagos 2024, according to the organizers would gain insights from pioneers like Rodger Werkhoven, Creative Director, OpenAI (ChatGPT), who was pivotal to creating DALL-E and the creative elements of ChatGPT; showcase your AI-based products to consumers of AI technology and forge valuable relationships and collaborations; learn about the evolving AI landscape in Nigeria – regulation, ethics, safety and responsible deployment of AI; access to a pool of AI software developers who will develop sustainable AI-based solutions to sectoral challenges in education, agriculture, financial services, regulation and compliance, financial services and health and serves as a unique platform to showcase your products and services to a targeted audience, engage with key stakeholders and gain visibility in this rapidly evolving sector.
According to Dotun Adeoye, one of the co-conveners, he expressed his enthusiasm when he said that “InnovateAI Lagos 2024 is more than just a conference. It is a catalyst to eliminate silos in the Nigerian AI ecosystem as well as imbibing best practices from local and global thought leaders.”
Ehia Erhaboh added, “We aim to localise AI advancement for Nigeria, ensure this 4th industrial revolution and general purpose technology for local challenges. InnovateAI Lagos 2024 will showcase how AI can effectively address our unique challenges.”
Our partners and sponsors, including leading tech firms and academic institutions, have echoed these sentiments. A spokesperson from one of our major sponsors stated that “We are proud to support an event that not only highlights technological advancements but also focuses on practical solutions for Nigeria’s diverse economy.”
It should be noted that Nigeria’s AI market is burgeoning, with significant growth potential. According to a recent study, the AI sector in Nigeria is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate of over 30 per cent in the next five years. This growth is driven by increasing healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education adoption.
In healthcare, AI is poised to revolutionise patient care and diagnostics. AI-driven solutions are expected to enhance crop yield predictions and pest control in agriculture, which is vital for a country where agriculture constitutes a significant part of the economy.
In the financial sector, AI is transforming customer service and fraud detection, while in education, it’s creating personalised learning experiences.
In terms of current State-of-Play and AI benefits, it should be noted that with its diverse and dynamic economy, Nigeria faces unique challenges that AI can address effectively. From tackling infrastructural deficits to enhancing public services, AI offers innovative solutions.
For instance, AI can be crucial in managing urbanisation challenges in cities like Lagos, improving traffic management and waste disposal systems.
Moreover, AI’s potential in addressing issues like financial inclusion is immense. With a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, unbanked AI-driven financial technologies can provide accessible financial services, fostering economic growth and inclusion.
Telecom
GBB Reaffirms Commitment to Driving Public Sector Innovation @ the 5th Public Service Innovation Competition Awards

Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, joined other key government institutions at the 5th Public Service Innovation Competition Award Ceremony, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
The event, which held in Abuja, celebrated groundbreaking ideas from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that are reimagining public service delivery through innovation.
The ceremony, which attracted notable dignitaries including the Chief Host herself, The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON mni. Others include, former Heads of Service, Dame Amal Pepple and Mr. Danladi Kifasi, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service, Hon. Sani Bala, showcased the vibrancy and ingenuity of Nigeria’s Civil Servants.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the MD/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Mr. Sani Ibrahim, Executive Director, Finance & Corporate Services, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, digital literacy, and innovative thinking as pillars for national development.
He emphasized that GBB remains deeply committed to supporting initiatives like the Innovation Competition, which foster a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and transformation across the public sector.
“Innovation is no longer a luxury — it is essential to building a responsive, efficient, and digitally enabled government. At Galaxy Backbone, we are proud to align with this vision through our Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), which drives digital infrastructure, innovation, data security, and capacity building across MDAs,” he stated.
The 2025 edition of the competition saw an outstanding 155 entries, with 132 individuals pitching innovative ideas and 66 thematic teams presenting implementable solutions designed to enhance service delivery and governance.
Themed around streamlining bureaucratic processes, succession planning, employee welfare, and change management, this year’s event reaffirmed the role of innovation in shaping a future-ready public service.
Galaxy Backbone recognizes the critical role of digital transformation in empowering civil servants to create lasting impact. By supporting platforms such as the Public Service Innovation Competition, GBB reinforces its commitment to equipping the public sector with the tools, skills, and digital infrastructure necessary for Nigeria’s progress.
As part of this commitment, GBB will also be providing mentorship for all the winners of the innovation challenge, helping them refine their ideas, scale implementation, and drive sustainable transformation across the public service.
As the country advances on its journey toward e-governance and efficient service delivery, GBB continues to stand as a strategic partner in building a connected, innovative, and digitally skilled public service.
Telecom
Onafriq and Circle Partner to Revolutionize Cross-Border Payments in Africa with USDC

Onafriq, Africa’s largest payments gateway, and Circle, stablecoin market leader and issuer of USDC, today announced their strategic partnership aimed at transforming cross-border payments and digital financial services.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards compliantly leveraging stablecoins and blockchain infrastructure to boost Onafriq’s payment network, positioning it at the forefront of the digital payment’s revolution for real-world financial applications.
Currently, over 80 percent of intra-African payments are routed through correspondent banks outside the continent and settled in foreign currencies such as the US dollar or Euro. This results in a staggering US$5 billion in transaction fees annually and undermines economic integration efforts.
Onafriq and Circle are working together to change this paradigm by piloting the use of USDC-powered settlement solutions into Onafriq’s network, which connects over 500 wallets and 200 million bank accounts in more than 40 African markets.
Onafriq’s founder and CEO, Dare Okoudjou, said: “Our partnership with Circle is an important milestone, reinforcing Onafriq’s commitment to harnessing technology to remove complexity from cross-border payments. By integrating USDC, we aim to simplify financial transactions for institutions and individuals, reduce costs, and strengthen trust.
This collaboration underscores our vision to democratise access to payments and drive financial inclusion across the globe. We’re not just envisioning the future of payments – we’re actively building it.”
Miriam Kiwan, Vice President, Middle East & Africa at Circle, said: “The emerging markets that Onafriq serves hold tremendous potential for digital asset innovation, particularly in the adoption of stablecoins for cross-border payments.
“Our partnership with Onafriq aligns perfectly with Circle’s mission to promote financial inclusion and improve efficiency in areas where traditional banking has often been costly and inaccessible.
“Together, we aim to transform how money moves across borders, offering secure and transparent digital payment rails that enhance economic empowerment and connectivity.”
This collaboration is a major step toward a more inclusive and self-reliant pan-African financial system. It signals a new phase in the modernisation of African payment rails – one where blockchain technology is applied responsibly, in lockstep with regulators and financial institutions, to build a faster, more efficient, and economically empowering future for the continent.
Telecom
5 tips to start taking digital payments as a business in Africa

Not long ago, cash was dominant in Africa, but digital payments are now rapidly gaining traction.
From Lagos to Kenya and the US, businesses are recognising that embracing digital methods is essential for growth.
A Mastercard-commissioned report forecasts Africa’s digital payments market will reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, fueled by increased mobile phone usage and e-commerce. While cash is still common, mobile money is on the rise.
Zabira is simplifying this transition for SMEs, freelancers, and online merchants. In August 2019, the company launched Zabira to innovate Nigeria’s cashless transaction market, offering services like crypto trading and utility payments.
The Zabira app supports four major fiat currencies—USD, NGN, GHC, and KES, making cross-border transactions seamless. It also provides access to over 20 cryptocurrencies, giving users flexibility and freedom in managing their digital finances.
For small business owners looking to adopt digital payments, here are five easy tips to get started.
1. Choose a Platform That Does It All
Choose a digital payment platform like Zabira that offers multiple services in one app, including cryptocurrency trading, utility bill payments, and fiat transactions, to manage your financial life seamlessly.
2. Integrate Crypto Payments Early
Africa is rapidly growing as a crypto market. Zabira allows businesses to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, facilitating real-time trading of crypto assets. This gives businesses a competitive advantage in international commerce, particularly with diasporan clients.
3. Get Paid Instantly, No delay
Waiting three to five business days for payment to clear can disrupt cash flow. Zabira offers instant fiat payments through a robust blockchain system, allowing businesses to move money quickly, pay suppliers faster, and avoid telling customers to “wait till Monday.”
4. Opt for a user-friendly app
Zabira is incredibly easy to use, with no confusing menus or hidden steps. Users can download the app on Android and on iOS.
5. Offer More Than Just Products
Zabira offers more than money transfers; users can top up airtime and data, pay cable bills, and fund betting wallets within the app. Businesses can learn to add value beyond just selling products.
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