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Disaster Recovery: Satellite-enabled Opportunities

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By Andrew Aroh

During disaster recovery operations, an affected region is mostly likely to become critically dependent on satellite communications, products and services.

Infact, depending on the extend of damage, the entire country or region may become critically dependent on satellite communications and broadcasting because satellites provide a quick-solution and seamless service to a region or country seriously damaged communications networks

The reliance particularly will bring opportunities from the following

  • The broadcasting sector
  • Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs)
  • Satellite-based broadband access and services
  • In particular the immediate beneficiaries will be
  • Public administration
  • Security
  • Rural Communications
  • Healthcare Sector
  • Education
  • Finance & Banking Sectors
  • Oil & Gas to revive the economy
  • The above sectors stand to gain the most benefit from space-based technology in the after region during recovery efforts.
  • Most likely, reconstruction of fixed line telephone will remain low on the priority list, leaving major possibilities for satellite in provision of broadband and innovative services such as wireless local loop and Wi-fi applications
  • Top on the list of opportunities commercial satellite companies can assist with includes:
  • Repairing power, water and sewage systems
  • Upgrading critical infrastructure at the Sea ports and international and civil businesses
  • Restoring the country’s telephone infrastructure
  • Areas where satellite technology becomes a perfect fit for assisting in reconstruction efforts:
  • Getting air Traffic Control (ATC) System backup and running:

in this case, the international Air Transport Association (IATA) will turn to the commercial satellite industry for a network management solution to supply air traffic control for the affected airspace.

  • Multipoint Voice Connectivity:

In most cases, the ministry of communications will grant permission for mobile satellite phones to offer communications services to those in need of connectivity while the ground infrastructure is being restored.

  • The sale of commercial mobile satellite communications service, subscriber terminals and related equipment needed for connectivity are made available to those in the region affected.
  • In a region where the terrestrial communications infrastructure has been severely damaged by disaster or crisis, mobile satellite communications, data usage, and short-burst data capabilities could be welcomed by international people operating there and this connectivity in most cases ends up being only option.
  • As contractors continue to pour into the affected area, satellite communications will only grow in demand.
  • As foreman, workers and supervisors will need to keep in contact with their headquarters in their home countries, satellite will most surely be the tool that keeps them connected.
  • For the Agency or military procurement officers seeking such solutions, many commercial satellite service providers have equipment suitable to meet these needs.
  • Although a large sum of money will be needed in the communications and information technology sector to establish a new infrastructure with adequate networks for the affected region, perhaps when completed it will be more advanced with substantial satellite-enabled enhancements.
  • Today, we already have a strong case model for post-crisis-rebuild policies and procedures.
  • As a benchmark, satellite services and the assistance they provide, may ultimately be cemented in the future reconstruction protocol.
  • Whatever the case, one thing remains certain; satellite connectivity and the technology’s inherent mobile nature will always leave its mark in such scenarios.

Without satellite, none of the reconstruction progress in a large scale disaster recovery would be possible.

Andrew Aroh is President of SSPI Nigeria


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Meta, FMCIDE Unveil AI Accelerator to Drive Innovation in Nigeria

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Meta, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE), has launched the Llama Impact Accelerator Program to foster AI-driven solutions across critical sectors in Nigeria.

The eight-month program will support early-stage startups developing AI innovations using Meta’s open-source Llama models. Target sectors include Agriculture, Security & Safety, Healthcare, and a wildcard category for other high-impact applications.

Speaking at the launch, Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa at Meta, emphasized the initiative’s role in advancing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. “We are thrilled to partner with FMCIDE in supporting local AI talent. Open-source AI should be accessible and relevant to national challenges,” she said.

The program will begin with a six-week incubation period, offering technical training and mentorship from industry experts, followed by six months of extended support, including access to technical resources.

Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, hailed the initiative as a “major step forward” in Nigeria’s AI development strategy. “AI will be a key driver of national growth, and this program equips innovators with the tools to tackle pressing issues,” Tijani stated.

The Llama Impact Accelerator aligns with Meta’s broader mission to democratize responsible AI access while fostering innovation in emerging markets.

In collaboration with academic and government stakeholders, the initiative is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s AI industry and drive impactful change.

Applications for the program remain open until June 27, 2025. More details can be found at llamaimpactssa.splashthat.com.


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Nigeria Leads the Charge in Green Innovation @MTN’s Africa PachiPanda Challenge

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In an era where climate change, youth unemployment, and food insecurity loom large over the continent, a powerful new force is rising — young African innovators building a green future from the ground up.

At the just-concluded Africa PachiPanda Challenge 2024, organised by MTN and WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), Nigerian entrepreneur, Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel, emerged as one of the continent’s top eco-champions, spotlighting the potential of purpose-driven innovation to rewrite Nigeria’s climate and development story.

While Moses Afopezi of Cameroon took home the top prize with AgricFresh, a smart solution combating post-harvest loss, Olabisi’s reusable menstrual products solutions as a waste transformation model earned her national applause and a seat at Africa’s sustainability table, emerging as the second-place winner.

Speaking during the announcement, MTN’s leadership underscored that this challenge goes far beyond accolades. “Together, we have the power to shape a greener, more sustainable Africa — one bold idea at a time,” Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, MTN, said.

The triumph comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with the environmental menace of climate change in major urban hubs like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, even as the Nigerian government is clamouring for smart innovations to address climate change issues such as climate funding, carbon trading and just energy transition.

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) recently reiterated calls for tech-based waste management solutions – making Olabisi’s innovation timely and impactful.

MTN says this is just the beginning. With plans to expand the PachiPanda Challenge to more countries and deepen support for eco-entrepreneurs, the telecoms giant is reaffirming its commitment to socio-economic development through green innovation.

As Nigeria sets its sights on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the PachiPanda story is a timely reminder that the answers may lie not in government halls – but in the dreams and drive of Nigeria’s young changemakers.


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Zinox Technologies Collaborates with FGN for VivaTech Paris 2025

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In what could be a turning point for Nigeria’s global tech ambitions, Zinox Technologies, a strategic integrated tech solution company and pride of Nigeria ICT ecosystem has been officially invited to represent Nigeria at VivaTech Paris 2025, one of the world’s largest technology and innovation events.

The invitation, extended in partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, is seen as a strategic endorsement of Zinox’s over two decades track record of delivering digital infrastructure, innovation, and enterprise solutions across the country for government, corporates and homes including some African countries.

The four-day event, taking place from June 11–14, 2025, is a major fixture in the global tech calendar, drawing startups, corporates, investors, and tech leaders from across the world. Zinox is expected to engage with international players at its assigned booth while showcasing flagship projects and solutions that reflect Nigeria’s evolving digital capacity.

“Zinox represents the kind of indigenous innovation the world needs to see more of — practical, scalable, and deeply rooted in local challenges,” said one of the international event leads, who confirmed their excitement about Zinox’s participation. “It’s a unique opportunity to place African tech at the centre of global conversations.”

From Local Execution to Global Attention

Zinox’s reputation has largely been built on its ability to execute high-impact, often mission-critical tech projects for both public and private sector players. The company is known for powering most government and corporate sector tech infrastructure rolling out the most integrated ICT projects and partnering global manufacturers with it’s iPower renewable energy solutions. Zinox is credited with transitioning Nigeria from analogue to digital democracy, amongst many other critical projects for companies like Chevron, Shell, FIRS, CBN, NPC, and educational institutions just to mention a few.

Its inclusion at VivaTech reflects growing international curiosity about Nigeria’s digital innovation and infrastructure story, particularly from brands that have built success indigenously.

Konga, the e-Commerce Engine, Joins the Spotlight

In an interesting strategic angle, Zinox will also showcase Konga, the composite e-commerce group it acquired in 2018. The move united two major tech forces under one umbrella and enabled a fusion of logistics, fintech, and commerce with Zinox’s core technology expertise.

Since the acquisition, Konga has benefited from infrastructural reinforcements, platform upgrades and supply chain optimization, becoming Nigeria’s most efficient digital marketplace.


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