E-Business
Digital Infrastructure in Africa to Witness Boost Post Pandemic – Coker
COVID-19 pandemic has opened doors to new ways of communications in the face of lockdown of cities. As a result organisations have embrace working remotely which before now were used by few. Today, workplace software providers such as Microsoft, Google and Zoom witness increased demand for their work-from-home services.
According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, Microsoft Teams reached a new daily record of 2.7 billion minutes of use in one day, representing a 200% increase from 900 million minutes on 16 March.
Against this backdrop that Ayotunde Coker, managing director, Rack Centre, a data centre service provider explores the lockdown situation and the benefits it provides for the growth technology infrastructure in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Looking at how the world will look like post-COVID-19, Coker said: “One thing is clear, global technology has shown the capacity to be elastic and to scale.
“Working from home will be more accepted. But I don’t think it is just going to be working from home. There is something I call Semi-flex office locations. Imagine someone traveling from Agege to a contact centre somewhere on the Island which is about three hours traveling (due to traffic situations), you will find semi-flex office locations about half an hour into the journey and walk in, put your laptop down and with your headphone you connect to the contact centre and perform some routine due to the exigencies of your assignment. So, you are kind of working from home but from a semi-flex location.”
He said that outsourcing will ensure business sustenance. “Over the years we have been explaining to companies the need to focus on their core-business areas and outsource the none-core areas. Lessons learnt now will reinforce and deliver that value.
“EduTech will gain momentum. Children are working and studying at home now because they have been sent home due to COVID-19. What they require now is the data to follow their lectures online. Universities in the UK and US have been doing this for ages.
“In-country, we have the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) where most of the courses are online. So, we are going to see a change in the way we interact with our educational institutions.
On healthcare technologies, Coker said it will receive massive attention. “We now have high quality video augmented reality interaction with experts anywhere in the world; remote key control non-intrusive technologies are now being done by interaction through technology with our doctors in Nigeria.
“Quick consultation of experts will become normal; you can consult with all your patients before you travel to a place. So, by the time you see the patients they have been pre-consulted. This will save significant amount in health tourism.
“We are moving to an era where digital conferencing becomes normal; you don’t have to travel thousands of miles to attend a conference. You start to use augmented reality (AR) for you to virtual visit a stand of a company and interact.
“Docusign digital and blockchain technology will reach a new level of acceptability and use where contracts, agreements, real estate businesses, etc., will be enabled through technology.
“Internet Exchange volume will grow significantly and the world will become more digitally connected on the information super-highway.
“Data centre and technologies will now move to the Edge because businesses will not tolerate latency; the volume of data will be such that you will have to be on the Edge to get closer to the point of use.
“One of the things we have been doing is ensuring that customers with us continue to operate and I am glad that we are able to ensure that. Secondly, we are moving and doing our bit of making sure that Nigeria and our location is supporting the digital technology for West Africa. It is certainly a leading point for digital infrastructure in Africa.”
According to him, “global supply chain will change and it is a benefit for Africa. Most countries will embrace changes; enabling digital process and key changes that support ease-of-doing business. We have a good geo-physical location. For us it is not just going digital but how we optimize how we plug in to the global supply chain. And I think it is a great opportunity for us to embrace”.
He noted that it will be interesting to see how the new normal changes how we bring the information super-highway to the good old super-highway. “How we optimize relationship of the new technology with the established technologies, because we have to strike a good balance. And I believe that the balance we strike will be much more optimal in the way we drive things forward.
Speaking on the operations of his firm, Coker disclosed that Rack Centre had since doubled its capacity and had put infrastructure in place that would help organizations host their data locally to have access to their data from a remote location, without physically appearing at the data centre, a situation, he said, would boost efficiency and reduce costs of operation.
He said the innovation from Rack Centre has helped it to engage and have connections to over 35 of its major carriers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria, Tier 1 networks, pan African international carriers, and direct connection to all five undersea cables serving the South Atlantic Coast of Africa, and that every country on the Atlantic coast of Africa is directly connected to Rack Centre. He claimed that despite the lockdown, Rack Centre business is still up and running.
inq. Nigeria, the leading provider of Edge technology solutions in Nigeria, has achieved a remarkable double win at the 8th annual Technology Innovation Awards (TIA).
Known for delivering innovative, business-relevant solutions in Edge AI and IoT, SDN/NFV for Edge Cloud, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Elastic Edge, inq. Nigeria was honoured as the “MVNO Provider of the Year” and received the “Cloud Product of the Year” award for its groundbreaking product, inq.Fabric.
The TIA Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in the tech industry, celebrates exceptional individuals and organisations at the forefront of digital transformation. This year, inq. Nigeria was acknowledged for its comprehensive impact on the Nigerian tech landscape and its commitment to innovation.
The MVNO Provider of the Year award highlights inq. Nigeria’s leadership in delivering flexible, high-performance MVNO services in an emerging market.
Through its adaptable network platform, inq. empowers licensed MVNO providers with seamless, scalable connectivity solutions for data-driven applications and IoT, bypassing traditional infrastructure needs. This enables them to meet critical network demands and integrate efficiently across diverse environments in Nigeria’s evolving market.
The Cloud Product of the Year award celebrates inq. Nigeria’s inq.Fabric, a pioneering cloud connectivity solution that automates provisioning and routing for cloud access. This software-defined networking solution provides secure, agile, and reliable connectivity, supporting rapid deployment and scalability, which is critical for multinationals, government bodies, and SMEs in Nigeria.
Reflecting on this achievement, Ifeanyi Akosionu, Managing Director of Anglophone West Africa, inq. Nigeria, expressed his gratitude, stating, “These awards reflect our commitment to excellence and innovation. At inq., we are dedicated to continuously advancing our solutions, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth by empowering businesses to thrive.”
He highlighted inq.’s leadership in supporting Nigeria’s emerging MVNO industry, noting, “Our MVNO solutions equip licensed providers with the agility, tools, and support needed to enter the market confidently and succeed in a dynamic landscape.” Akosionu also acknowledged Fabric by inq., which offers a flexible, cloud-based environment designed to boost productivity and streamline decision-making for clients.
Akosionu attributed inq.’s success to its close partnerships with a diverse clientele, whose collaboration inspired the development of forward-thinking solutions that address critical needs in connectivity and digital transformation across Nigeria.
Akosionu also extended appreciation to inq.’s dedicated team, saying, “Our thanks go to our valued customers for their trust and to our team at inq. Nigeria, whose dedication ensures that we consistently deliver world-class solutions.”
Previously, at the 7th edition of the TIA Awards, inq. Nigeria also received recognition as “IoT Solutions Provider of the Year” and “Digital Services Provider of the Year”, further solidifying its leadership in digital and IoT solutions.
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken a significant step forward in its mission to promote data protection and privacy awareness in Nigeria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Enioluwa Adeoluwa, renowned social media influencer.
L-r: Enioluwa Adeoluwa, renowned social media influencer andDr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, NDPC, at the signing of the MoU
This partnership aims to harness the power of social media to educate Nigerians on the importance of data protection and privacy.
The MoU, which will last for six months and is subject to renewal, is also aimed at creating a safer digital landscape for all Nigerians.
Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, NDPC, stressed that with over 40 million Nigerians using social media daily, data protection and privacy have become crucial concerns.
He noted that this number highlights the immense importance of safeguarding personal information in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
“The Nigerian government is really taking this up to ensure that Nigerians are protected. More importantly, we know that about 40 million Nigerians go online every day, which is significant considering there are about 120 million people in total. That is huge. For this reason, we have to ensure adequate measures for safety to safeguard the data within our country.
“And Nigerians know their rights under the Nigeria Data Protection Laws and understand the kind of measures they need to implement to protect their data,” he stated.
Dr. Olatunji explained that the MoU was signed to increase awareness about data protection and privacy in Nigeria, helping individuals understand their privacy rights and ensuring that data controllers and processors are aware of their obligations.
The National Commissioner emphasised that, with Enioluwa’s social media following, this partnership will aid in educating the public about the Commission’s mandate and in advancing its roadmap for awareness creation.
“This partnership with Enioluwa Adeoluwa marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote data protection and privacy awareness in Nigeria. We believe that social media has the power to shape public discourse and influence behaviour, and we’re excited to leverage this platform to drive positive change,” Olatunji said.
On his part, Adeoluwa emphasised that his motivation for collaborating with the Commission is not driven by financial gain, but rather by a desire to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. He encouraged more young people to participate in nation-building to ensure that Nigeria can become great again.
The Nigeria Data Protection Act, which established the Commission, was signed into law on June 12, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu.
Since then, the Commission, led by Dr. Olatunji, has been working actively to ensure that every Nigerian understands his or her privacy rights.
The Commission’s mandate includes protecting the rights of data subjects, promoting data protection best practices, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
Converting Bitcoin (BTC) to Naira has become increasingly popular in Nigeria, and choosing the right platform for this task can make a big difference in maximising your returns while keeping your funds secure.
With numerous options available, it’s essential to know which features set a great BTC-to-Naira conversion site apart from the rest. This guide breaks down the key features you should look for and includes a trusted recommendation: Breet.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Site to Convert BTC to Naira
1. Security and Trustworthiness
Security should be the top priority when choosing a BTC-to-Naira conversion platform. A reputable site should have strict security measures, such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity. To ensure the platform’s legitimacy, verify that it’s licensed or regulated.
2. Conversion Rates
Getting the best possible conversion rate means more Naira in your pocket. Rates can vary across platforms, so it’s worth comparing them to get the most value for your BTC. However, be mindful of platforms that advertise unusually high rates, as they may come with hidden fees or tricky terms.
Quick Tip: Pay attention to the platform’s fee structure. Some may charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage, which can significantly impact your earnings.
3. Transaction Speed
In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, timing is crucial. A platform that offers quick processing times can help you secure the rate you want and avoid delays due to market fluctuations. Some platforms offer instant transactions, which is ideal if you need immediate access to your funds.
Pro Tip: If speed is a priority, look for platforms with a reputation for quick confirmation times and real-time processing.
4. Ease of Use
Not everyone using a BTC-to-Naira service is a crypto expert, so an intuitive interface can make the process stress-free. A clean, user-friendly layout ensures you can navigate the site or app with ease, regardless of your crypto experience.
Bonus Tip: A mobile app can be a game-changer, allowing you to convert BTC to Naira from anywhere, anytime. Don’t forget to check for accessible and responsive customer support, as they’ll be crucial if you have questions or run into issues.
5. Payment Methods Available
The best BTC-to-Naira platforms offer direct Naira bank transfers, which allow you to receive your funds without hassle. Verify if the platform has daily or weekly withdrawal limits that fit your intended transaction size. This ensures you won’t run into unwanted restrictions when it’s time to withdraw your funds.
6. Transaction Fees and Limits
Be sure to check each platform’s transaction fees. A flat fee might be more beneficial for smaller transactions, while a percentage-based fee might be better for larger transfers. Additionally, make sure the withdrawal and daily limits meet your needs.
7. Reputation and Community Trust
Word of mouth and community endorsement go a long way in the crypto world. Platforms with high ratings from seasoned users in forums or social media groups are often reliable. Look for transparency in their terms and policies, and be cautious of any red flags, such as rates that seem too good to be true or a lack of user reviews.
Recommended Site to Convert BTC to Naira: The Breet App
After reviewing several options, Breet stands out as a highly recommended site to convert 1btc to naira today. Here’s why:
- Competitive Rates: Breet offers competitive conversion rates with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Zero Trading Fees: Breet doesn’t charge a transaction fee, so you can perform as many transactions as you want, all at no cost to you.
- Instant Naira Payouts: The platform ensures fast, direct payouts to your Nigerian bank account, making it ideal for those who need immediate access to their funds.
- User-Friendly Experience: Breet’s interface is intuitive and designed with all users in mind. It’s simple enough for beginners and robust enough for advanced users.
- Community Trust: Known for transparency and reliability, Breet is well-regarded in the Nigerian crypto community and is backed by excellent customer support.
How to Convert BTC to Naira on the Breet App
Ready to convert your BTC to Naira on Breet? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Register & Verify: Download the Breet app, sign up, and complete verification for secure access.
- Check Rate & Confirm: View the btc to naira rate. If satisfied, proceed with your sale.
- Deposit Bitcoin: Transfer your Bitcoin to your unique Breet wallet address by copying it or scanning the QR code.
- Transaction Processing: Breet will detect and automatically process your transaction once it’s confirmed on the blockchain.
- Receive Naira: Your Naira balance updates instantly, ready for quick withdrawal—no delays or extra steps.
Conclusion
Selecting the best platform for converting BTC to Naira requires careful consideration of essential features, such as security, conversion rates, transaction speed, ease of use, and payment options. Breet is a trusted option for those who value simplicity, speed, and competitive rates.
For those new to converting BTC or seasoned traders looking for reliability, Breet offers a comprehensive solution that’s secure, convenient, and transparent. Try Breet today, or use our checklist above to find the platform that best suits your needs.
9PSB Promotes Financial Literacy @ World’s Savings Day 2024
Airtel HR Director, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias Honoured as HR Leader of the Year
Africhange Secures IMTO Licence to Streamline Remittance to Nigeria
NCC Calls on Judiciary to Champion Nigeria’s Digital Transformation
Empowering Nigerian Entrepreneurs: 15Wins Ventures Unveils Z-Habitat Hub
First Bank Proposes New Name after Upgrading Banking Platforms
Moniepoint Boosts STEM Education with Unveiling of Tosin Eniolorunda Design Lab @OAU
TD Africa to Empower 400 Young Women with TecHERdemy
Edo State Launches Data Centre in Benin
GSMA, Automotive Edge Computing Consortium Partner to Drive Forward Interoperable Connected Vehicle Services
News3 days agoHow Hackers Manipulated, Stole N622m from Interswitch within Minutes- Police
Telecom3 days agoMTN Nigeria Posts N514.9Bn Loss as Subscribers Drop in Q3
Telecom2 days agoAfriTECH 4.0 Holds in Lagos Today
E-Financial2 days agoKekere-Ekun, CJN Blames Reliance on Telecom Services for Online Banking Glitches
Telecom3 days agoWole Abu Takes over as Funke Opeke Resigns as MD of MainOne
Telecom2 days agoTelcos Scale Down on Network Investments to Reduce Forex Losses
E-Business2 days agoinq. Nigeria Celebrates Double Win at Tech Innovation Awards (TIA) 2024
E-Financial22 hours ago9PSB Promotes Financial Literacy @ World’s Savings Day 2024