Telecom
COVID-19: DG NITDA Urges Financial Institutions to Improve Lending Access to SMEs
Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has called on financial institutions in the country to increase lending access to Small and Medium Enterprises especially Startups in the Financial Technology (FinTech) ecosystem in order to promote financial inclusiveness in the country.
Mallam Abdullahi disclosed this in a Webinar organised by FinTech Association of Nigeria with the theme: “COVID-19: Enabling Speedy Business and Economic Recovery Through Regulations.”
He stated that traditional banks’ lending process have long been a barrier to assessing finance for SMEs in Nigeria which has negatively impacting the operations of the SMEs, adding that the banks need to come up with innovative ideas to assist vulnerable SMEs in the era of COVID-19 that is plaguing the world.
He said, “the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted SMEs around the world, Nigeria inclusive.
“Traditional bank lending process has long been a barrier to accessing finance for SMEs in Nigeria.”
He, however, informed that government is providing different types of interventions and palliatives but Financial Technology is not being employed optimally for disbursement.
Adding that, “our interventions are to help lead the tech startups from crisis to recovery as well as support them to navigate today’s challenging business landscape.”
While reiterating the promise of president MuhammaduBuhari’s administration to lift 100 million Nigeria out of poverty in 10 years, Mallam Abdullahi expressed optimism that government would support investment in startups to create jobs and future prosperity for all.
He explained that, NITDA as an Information Technology regulator in the country with twin mandates to regulate and develop the sector, had designed initiatives meant to provide a secure base for startup ecosystem with inclusion of FinTech startups.
He said, immediately the government pronounced the lockdown, NITDA constituted a 10-man committee named Tech4Covid with objectives to identify innovative solutions to address the pandemic; provide enabling policies and incentives to cushion the impact of the pandemic; and build massive digital skills to reskill the region to leverage technology in different sectors.
On funding for the innovative ideas of the startups, the NITDA DG recalled that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has directed all parastatals under the supervision of the ministry to set up an Innovation Research Fund for the startups, and NITDA is equally working with Bank of Industry, BOI, to give consideration to I T startups in accessing funding.
The DG further stated that the Agency is also supporting the IT hubs in the country by implementing the recommendations submitted by Tech4Covid committee on hubs’ support during and after the pandemic and had also developed innovation porter that would serve as database for innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
He listed some of the policies the government has put in place to assist the startups to include the National Outsourcing Strategic policy, Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, Reviewing of Framework and Guideline for the Use of Digital Platform by Federal Public Institutions, and the National Cyber Security Policy.
Another Speaker at the webinar and Chairman, Africa FinTech Network, Mr. Segun Aina, described the agency as a great pillar of support which has been reliable in providing fund for FinTech in Nigeria.
He said, “although most of the funding come from outside the country but regulatory agencies like NITDA have been very helpful in assisting the FinTech industry.
He said that the Association is embarking on advocacy and support for the startups in 32 African countries and assisting them to access funding from organisation like African Development Bank.
Another speaker, Mr. Sopnendu Moharty, in his own remarks maintained that African needs to prioritize the new normal by leving that “COVID-19 has given us opportunity to rethink.
He said, for economy to survive the pandemic, there is need for people to leverage on IT.
“We need to digitise everything and you can’t argue with the fact that if you don’t digitise you will die,” he concluded.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced plans to issue up to N50bn in Series 13 and 14 Commercial Paper Notes under its N250bn Commercial Paper Issuance Programme.
This proposed issuance aligns with the company’s strategy to broaden its funding sources and strengthen its liquidity position.
The proceeds from the issuance are earmarked to support MTN Nigeria’s short-term working capital needs, enabling the company to sustain its operations and meet financial obligations effectively.
In a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public, MTN Nigeria emphasized its commitment to maintaining financial stability and operational efficiency.
According to the statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, further details regarding the structure, pricing, and timeline of the issuance will be disclosed to the market in due course, as MTN Nigeria continues to engage with stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
MTN Nigeria recently completed its series 10 commercial paper issuance under its upsized N250bn commercial paper issuance programme.
The telecom giant said it sought to raise N72.1bn and the offer recorded 149 per cent subscription with N72.1bn issued.
The 266-day commercial paper was issued on 29 November 2023 at a yield of 16 per cent.
The CP issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy to continue diversifying its funding sources and reducing its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied towards short-term working capital requirements.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria said. “We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded a 149 per cent subscription from a broad range of investors. This reflects NTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, brand strength, and market leadership amidst the upward pressure on interest rates”
Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited played the role of Arranger and Dealer with ARM Securities Limited. Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronations Marchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital &Investments Limited, Rand Marchant Bank Limited, and Vetiva Capital Management Limited played the role of Joint Dealers on the transaction.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria will launch four satellites as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu said this at the opening ceremony of the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria in Space in Abuja.
The anniversary celebration was organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the Defence Space Administration (DSA).
Tinubu, represented by Chief Uche Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, stated that space was previously exclusive to developed countries, but the foresight of Nigerian leaders facilitated the passing of the Space Act that led to the establishment of NASRDA in 1999.
“Space is an area of limitless opportunities and one in which the advanced countries of the world are relentlessly discovering how the opportunities can be tapped for their advantage.
“It is obvious that Nigeria cannot afford to lag in this global quest of discovering space and how the knowledge from such discoveries can help in solving her internal issues for national development,” he said.
NASRDA has made efforts to develop major space programs in collaboration with the Nigerian Military to develop capacity in the use of space for tactical services, among others.
“Today, the synergy between NASRDA, NigComSat, and DSA has led to a tripodal support upon which an advanced and more robust national space program will be built in the near future.”
“All these giant strides made by this important sector of our dear country are notable and noble with the launch of seven satellites, and efforts are on top gear to launch an additional four satellites within the lifespan of this administration.”
“Great effort should be made to ensure that the private sector is mainstreamed into the heart of our space program for us to do more in the coming years for our national development,” President Tinubu said.
The President also emphasised the need to strengthen the NASRDA Act to help the Nigerian space ecosystem be more vibrant in its engagements, locally and internationally.
“Similarly, the sector will require improved budgetary support to be able to accomplish its programs, whose outcomes can bring massive socioeconomic dividends to Nigeria and her citizens.
“This will also solidify Nigeria’s standing as a leading space-faring country in Africa and further boost her image to competitively attract foreign direct investment because of our locational advantage for cheaper launching services.”
“This restates our administration’s commitment to continue to support the space program to accelerate technological and innovative development.”
In his remarks, Nnaji, who was represented by Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report projected the global space economy to reach about 1.8 trillion dollars by 2035.
The minister added that the growth would be driven by advances in satellite technology and industries like supply chain logistics and agriculture, among others.
He stated that the growth would also impact the aerospace sector and communications and was expected to generate over 60 percent of the new economic value from space-enabled technologies.
“Space technology offers transformative solutions to global challenges, from monitoring climate change and managing natural resources to enhancing disaster response capabilities.
“Reduced costs and heightened accessibility will encourage increased participation from non-space sectors, integrating space into the fabric of global infrastructure,” the minister said.
He commended the President for recognising the role of space technology in the Renewed Hope Agenda and approving some projects for the agency.
“The President approved for the replacement of NASRDA’s Earth Observation satellites, ensuring the regulation of oversight functions of all space activities in the country and utilisation of space technology to monitor federal government revenues.”
Nnaji called on NASRDA to capitalise on the support of the federal government by expanding its revenue base through partnerships with the private sector.
According to him, the key areas of private sector engagement include commercial space travel, development of satellite technology, resource utilisation, investment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) ventures, and technology transfer to drive industrial growth.
Earlier, Dr Matthew Adepoju, director-general of NASRDA, recalled that over the past 25 years, the Nigerian Space Program had been a beacon of Nigeria’s aspirations in space exploration and development, thereby placing the country on the global map of space-faring nations.
The DG disclosed that President Tinubu’s administration had recently approved the development of four satellites, which included a Synthetic Aperture Radar (5AR) satellite and the first in Africa.
“This transformative project will be executed under a public-private partnership, ensuring the infusion of expertise and investment to accelerate implementation.
“These satellites will significantly enhance our capabilities in areas such as precision agriculture, disaster management, national security, and urban planning while contributing to global scientific advancements.
“Furthermore, we are guided by the recent Presidential directive to integrate space technology into the operations of all revenue-generating agencies, departments, and ministries in Nigeria.
“This directive underscores the strategic importance of space technology in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability across government functions, ultimately contributing to national development.
“Nigeria’s space assets—including NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-2, and NigeriaSat-X, NigComSat-1, among others—are vital tools for national development.
“These satellites have supported critical disaster management, urban activities in security, health, agriculture, disaster immense value to planning, and broadband connectivity, advancing our nation’s reputation as a space-capable country,’’ he said.
Airtel Africa, a telecommunications and mobile money services provider with presence in 14 countries across the continent, has appointed of Dinesh Balsingh as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, effective 1st November 2024. By this appointment, Balsingh also becomes a member of the Executive Council for the Airtel Africa Group.
He takes over from Carl Cruz, who returned to his home country, The Philippines, at the end of October.
Balsingh has extensive experience across the telecommunications industry and returns to Nigeria following his appointment as Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Tanzania in 2022. Prior to his move to Tanzania, he served as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Airtel Nigeria and therefore brings with him considerable experience of the Nigerian telecommunications market.
Balsingh’s career in the telecommunications industry spans over 24 years, having begun his career in 2000 with Hutchison Essar, before moving to Airtel India as a Marketing Director in 2006 and then Tata Docomo in 2011. Balsingh joined Airtel Nigeria as Marketing Director in 2013, before taking over as CCO in 2018.
During his tenure in Airtel Tanzania, Balsingh led the business to achieve record growth through intelligent pricing, product enhancements and disciplined execution of projects, resulting in strong Revenue Market Share (RMS) gains in the highly competitive market.
Speaking on the leadership changes, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar said, “Mr. Balsingh’s deep telecommunications experience and strong operational execution, combined with his knowledge of the Nigerian market, will be instrumental in further supporting our corporate purpose of transforming lives across Nigeria.”
Balsingh holds a Master of Business Administration from Thiagarajar School of Management.
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