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Alan Barrett Says AFRINIC Focusing on IPv6 Training

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By chukwuemeka fred agbata

AFRINIC is the internet number registry for Africa. It plays an important role for the internet community, not just in Africa, but across the world.

As a result of this, AFRINIC plays an important role in ICANN and other global internet bodies. Some of the issues that AFRINIC is addressing includes, IPv6 deployment, cross border connectivity and promotion of Internet Exchange Points.

I was recently with Alan Barrett, CEO, AFRINIC and the centre of discussion was on the impact and relevance of AFRINIC.

In explaining the work that AFRINIC does, Alan stated that, AFRINIC is an organisation that manages the allocation of IP internet addresses throughout the African continent. He stated further that, the role of AFRINIC is to encourage and to support internet development in Africa. Alan explained that some of the ways it does this, is through training on internet technology and organising conferences.

“Our members are mostly internet service providers and some larger businesses but, small businesses can also join, although, usually, they don’t”, Alan stressed, while stating who can be a member of AFRINIC. He stated that, the membership of AFRINIC currently stands at around 1,500 members from all over Africa.

On the benefits to an organisation owning its own IP address, Alan stated that there are two important benefits to be derived from this. These are, the fact that you can receive as much as you need from AFRINIC, whereas, if you are trying to get from your service providers, they might not have enough to provide for what you need. The second benefit, he stated, is the freedom to change to internet service providers in the future, while still keeping the same IP addresses. Alan stated that it is not expensive to own your own IP address.

Stating some of the ways in which AFRINIC is helping to deepen internet penetration in Africa, Alan stated that AFRINIC encourages the development of Internet Exchange Points, which are locations where multiple service providers in the same country, can all join together and share traffic. This enables the traffic from one, going into another one, staying in the country. “This is very important for performance and cost reduction “, he explained.

Alan stated that what used to happen before is that, traffic between two internet service providers in the same country, will have to  go through Europe or the USA and that is very expensive.

He stressed that AFRINIC has a training team that goes all over Africa and it organises more than 20 training courses every year, mostly focusing on IPv6, a new version of the internet protocol. He stated that some other courses it carries out include those on how to manage IP addresses and how to interact with Africa.

Alan stated that the body engages in what he calls the FIRE program, Fund for Internet Research and Education. “We receive grants from big donors and we redistribute them in smaller grants, to help their projections throughout Africa”, he stressed.

He stated that these are given to organisations involved in the area of technical innovations, social development and bringing internet access to rural communities, which are not well served by the traditional ISPs.

To have access to  those funds, Alan stated that, once a year, AFRINIC puts out calls for proposals with the submission of an application with details of what your project is doing. He stated that the call for application for the grant is usually done on the AFRINIC website, when the time comes, but the FIRE program has its own unique website, which can also be accessed from the AFRINIC website.

On the benefits for Africa, if it decides to fully deploy IPv6, Alan stated that the main benefit is to be in line with what is happening in the rest of the world. “If a web server has IPv6 only and does not have IPv4 and a user trying to access it, has only IPv6, they cannot communicate”, he stated. He observed that, in more than 10 years from now, we will have only IPv6. “During the in-between phase, people need to have both”, he stressed.

Alan explained that, end users need not worry about all these because, the smart phones available now, will support IPv6, the moment the mobile operators turns it on. Likewise, he stated that, desk computers will also support IPv6 as soon as your office IT department turns it on.

Alan stressed that, although, the deployment of IPv6 in Africa is lagging behind the rest of the world, but AFRINIC is trying to encourage the deployment of IPv6 in Africa.

On the use of the internet in Africa, Alan stated that there is always room for more use, although data is still very expensive as the cost of access is very high. “I would love to see more competition. If you have competition among service providers, that drives the price down and that in turn, encourages more usage, making it easier for users”. he concluded.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

E-Business

Konga Yakata’s Last Week: Don’t Miss Out on Incredible Deals

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Excitement is reaching a fever pitch among shoppers as the Konga Yakata Black Friday shopping fiesta enters its final week. Shoppers nationwide are gearing up for a rain of last-minute deals and irresistible offers, with the promotion set to end on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The month-long Konga Yakata campaign, which kicked off on Friday, November 1, has delivered an unparalleled shopping experience, treating customers to incredible discounts, engaging promos, and unbeatable incentives.

In addition to massive price cuts across a wide range of products, Konga has thrilled shoppers with exciting events such as Treasure Hunts, Flash Sales, Bargain Bash, Brand Days, and specialized Black Friday packages like the Budget Store, Under 50k Store, and TGIF Epic Drop.

The highlight of the Yakata 2024 season will be this year’s Black Friday, which takes place on Friday, November 29. Thousands of customers will be able to score exclusive discounts on items including electronics, clothes, home appliances, computers, and groceries.

Reflecting on the experience so far, a satisfied anonymous shopper who snagged a TV at a discounted rate said, “Konga Yakata has been nothing short of amazing this year. The discounts are unbelievable but true, and the convenience of shopping online is unmatched.

“I’ve already made several purchases, and I’m excited to see what other deals are in store for the final week.”

Konga’s Black Friday sale has been a boon for consumers, offering respite from the economic challenges many Nigerians face. By providing access to affordable products and services, Konga has empowered shoppers to make the most of their money.

Despite the prevailing economic challenges, shoppers have embraced the Yakata season, targeting high-value deals and leveraging Konga’s tailored offerings to make significant savings. With the countdown underway, the excitement is expected to hit its peak on Friday as customers traditionally wait for that day to grab the most exclusive deals.

Speaking on the heightened anticipation, Kunle Ajani, Group Head of Marketing at Konga, stated, “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response to Konga Yakata this year, and we’re committed to ensuring the final week delivers the biggest surprises yet.

“We are proud to offer a platform where shoppers can enjoy exceptional value, despite the economic realities.”

As the curtain closes on the 2024 Yakata season, shoppers can look forward to a flurry of last-minute deals, culminating at midnight on November 30. From tech enthusiasts to lovers of electronics and deal hunters, Konga Yakata continues to redefine the shopping experience, making it a season to remember for all Nigerians.

Take advantage of the final week of Konga Yakata. Visit Konga.com and experience the thrill of shopping at unbeatable prices.


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NITDA DG Harps on the Role of Innovation in Nigeria’s Sustainable Development

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Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reiterated the critical role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.

Inuwa made this remark while delivering a keynote address at the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), where he called on academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive transformational innovation as a tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and unlocking its immense potential.

Speaking on the theme, Disruptive Transformational Innovation; Shaping the Future,” Inuwa commended NSUK for organising an event that aligns with Nigeria’s pursuit of growth through knowledge-driven solutions.

Inuwa who was represented by the Deputy Director, eGovernment and Digital Economy Development Department, Engr Ya’u Garba, applauded the university’s increasing focus on transformation, noting that such initiatives reflect an understanding of the need for impactful innovations to address real-world issues.

Inuwa emphasised that while inventions remain a cornerstone of academic inquiry, their significance lies in their ability to move beyond theoretical exploration to become practical innovations. These innovations, he explained, have the power to reshape industries, tackle societal challenges, and accelerate national progress.

He urged institutions to prioritise creativity and bold thinking, ensuring that research outputs translate into tangible benefits for society.

Explaining the concept of disruptive transformational innovation, Inuwa described it as a profound force capable of altering established systems, processes, and products in ways that redefine societal functions. Unlike incremental innovations, which focus on improving existing frameworks, disruptive innovations introduce entirely new paradigms, addressing challenges in groundbreaking and previously unimaginable ways.

He cited historical examples such as the Printing Press, the Steam Engine, and Electricity, which have significantly transformed human existence and set the foundation for modern development.

Inuwa pointed out that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources present a unique opportunity to harness innovation for sustainable development. He called for a collaborative approach involving academia, industries, and government to build an environment that nurtures creativity, supports bold investments, and encourages inclusive growth. Such an ecosystem, he said, is vital for fostering homegrown innovations that can propel Nigeria to the forefront of global technological and economic advancements.

He further highlighted NITDA’s dedication to fostering innovation through various initiatives, including the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) to digitally transform the agricultural sector, the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy to enhance digital trust and transparency, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at building a robust AI ecosystem in the country, among other impactful projects, which are part of the Federal Government broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.

Inuwa also urged NSUK to deepen its commitment to innovation by establishing hubs that support facility-led startups, fostering collaborations with industry stakeholders, and equipping students with essential technological skills. He noted that such efforts would not only empower the university community but also contribute significantly to national development.

Inuwa expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to not only adopt global innovations but also create groundbreaking solutions that could influence the trajectory of Africa and the world.

He called on all stakeholders in the country to embrace the transformative power of innovation in order to drive sustainable development, economic diversification, and global relevance.


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Data Commission, NAICOM Partner to Safeguard Data in Insurance Industry

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Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to protect data pilfering in the insurance industry.

Data Commission, NAICOM Partner to Safeguard Data in Insurance Industry

The agreement was finalised on Friday and aims to address critical concerns around data privacy and ensure that the insurance sector complies with global best practices in data management.

Some of the objectives of a MoU include training and capacity building to enhance awareness and skills in data protection, setting up specialized clinics to address data protection concerns and provide guidance; conducting compliance activities by regularly, monitoring and enforcing compliance with data protection regulations and educating insurance companies on the importance of data protection and the benefits of adhering to best practices.

Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, commissioner for Insurance/ chief executive officer, NAICOM, said, “The collaboration marks a significant milestone in safeguarding the personal data of insurance policyholders and promoting trust in the insurance sector”.

To ensure the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an Implementation Committee will be established.

This committee will comprise representatives from the 2 agencies, as well as other key industry associations, including the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

The committee’s primary responsibility will be to monitor progress, provide guidance, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to guarantee the successful execution of the MoU.

Officials from both NAICOM and NDPC have expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to strengthen data privacy frameworks within the insurance sector.

They noted that the initiative would boost public confidence, enhance compliance, and position the sector for greater innovation and credibility.

This collaboration is expected to pave the way for a more secure and trustworthy insurance landscape in Nigeria, ensuring the protection of personal data while fostering the industry’s growth.


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