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Telecom

FG Woos Broadband Investors with Incentives, Opts for Open Access Model

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Federal government has said there is much to do to achieve an all inclusive penetration of telecommunications to every part of the country, despite attaining active telephone line connectivity of over 134 million and a teledensity of 96 percent, the

Dr.Omobola Johnson, Communication Technology minister, told a large gathering of telecoms investors, friends of Nigeria and the global Informaton and Communication Technology community in Doha, Qatar, that the theme of  ITU Telecom World 2014,The Future in Focus, resonates ,with the vision of the Nigerian Government as we work to build  a better and brighter future for our youthful population especially using ICT.

The minister who spoke at the Nigerian sponsored Leaders Lunch, at the Qatar National Convention Centre, venue of the ITU yearly event, told the audience that in the last three and a half years since the creation of her Ministry, Nigeria has been putting in place key policies and initiatives that set the foundation for the widespread use of ICTs by government, by businesses, and by citizens to further their progress.

And we are seeing the impact of our efforts in the continued growth of the sector in Nigeria ,its contribution to GDP and in the contribution of ICTs the efficiency of other sectorsof the country.

 Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman, of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said he was particularly excited that the audience made out time to be at the leaders lunch which presents us opportunity to interact with you and update our stories and share our experiences.

According to Juwah,we will ruminate on our ICT potentials and opportunities as a nation, which we believe you may have influenced in one way or the other as opinion leaders in the industry.

The NCC boss said Nigeria being the most populous nation in Africa with over 170 million  people and having made giant strides in ICT development, it is obvious that a lot must be happening in our industry.

He said top on Nigeria’s desk today is broadband availability and usage. Hence Nigeria’s theme in this conference: Broadband Nigeria, Enabling Access, Transforming Communities.

He said President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has graciously approved an inclusive national implementation plan for effective nationwide pervasive broadband deployment.

According to Juwah, from the regulatory perspective, NCC has entrenched the Open Access Model, which allows for inclusive, fair and transparent licensing processes as well as incentives for investors in the industry.

He said NCC has tested the Open Access Model and it is workable in Nigeria.

In February 2014,we successfully issued a wireless broadband licence for the 2.3 Gigerhertz frequency spectrum band.

Regional fibre optics infrastructure deployment licence is currently being finalized for Lagos and the North Central  region including Abuja, the capital of Nigeria..

After that, the other five regions will follow hereby creating huge investment opportunities for both current and new investors, and both small and big ones.

He said although over 75millon people have access to the internet, they currently browse on the narrow band and with our current maturity on the voice segment, the data market remains untapped.
Juwah told his audience including Dr.Hamadoun Toure, outgoing secretary general of the ITU,   that a lot more potentials and opportunities exist in the financial sector where banks are yawning for broadband services to enable their indispensable data services requirements.

The Education sector too has huge demand for broadband data applications and so do government agencies. The potentials are simply enormous, Juwah advised.

Earlier a spectacular Opening Ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha brought together a glittering line-up of high-level participants, including (in speaking order):
•Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ooredoo Group, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani,
•Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani,
•Minister of Information and Communications Technology, ictQATAR, Hessa Sultan Al Jaber,
•ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun I. Touré,

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, chairman of the Board of Directors Ooredoo Group took the opportunity to highlight the need for partnership and collaboration between the world’s key players, saying, “Amongst us are many of the world’s largest technology companies. We are joined by many high ranking government representatives, policy shapers, from across the region and the world, as well as a new generation of entrepreneurs and app-developers. Feel our power, our combined experience and know how. Together we can make the future happen sooner.”

“We are extremely proud to host a great number of telco corporations as an important hub,” said H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar in his Opening Ceremony address.

 “To meet here and to debate is an opportunity to exchange ideas about new opportunities which can contribute to changing and transforming the world.”

“With the increasing interconnectivity between sectors, no one can work alone, as in the past,” said Dr Hessa Al Jaber, Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR). “We must work together to help bring these technologies to the rest of the world.”

Highlighting the tremendous potential of technology as a tool for improving lives, Touré noted in his opening address: “Never before in human history have so many developments in technology, in science and business come together with such tremendous potential to improve the lives of people everywhere. Never before have the challenges of ensuring that the changes happening are fair, equitable and ethical been so considerable.”

Organized by ITU, the United Nations Specialized Agency for ICTs, the event is hosted by the Government of Qatar, with the support of leading international communications company, Ooredoo.

The Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of an action packed few days of high-level debate, networking and knowledge-sharing, with the Leadership Summit on the future launching the debate in the afternoon of 7 December.

The Forum will bring together the industry’s leading names who will explore three major scenarios of disruption, cross-sector partnerships and the intelligent future. Sessions will take a variety of formats from panel sessions, keynotes and high-level debates to global media-moderated Big Conversations.

The show floor highlights technologies and investment opportunities through the presence of National and Thematic Pavilions and Industry Showcases. Top global players include Alcatel Lucent, Huawei, Intel, LS telcom, Nokia, Ooredoo and ZTE, along with countries from across the world such as Argentina, Azerbaijan, China, Nigeria and the Smart Africa Zone (Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Rwanda).

Innovation will be a core component of the event. The InnovationSpace will host the Lab, featuring state-of-the-art demos and technological, social and design innovations. The show floor is also home to the Young Innovators Competition finalists, young social entrepreneurs between ages 18 and 30 from around the world with innovative digital solutions with positive social impact

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Telecom

Digital Payments Reshaping West Africa’s Largest Market, Unlocking Economic Growth

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Moniepoint, Nigeria’s leading fintech and business banking provider, has unveiled a detailed case study showcasing its pivotal role in powering trade and financial inclusion in Onitsha, West Africa’s largest market.

The report provides an in-depth look at how Moniepoint’s digital payment solutions and innovative business support tools are transforming the commercial landscape for thousands of traders and businesses in the region.

The case study, titled “How Moniepoint is Driving Trade in West Africa’s Largest Market,” draws on extensive field research and firsthand accounts from market participants.

“It highlights the unique challenges of operating in Onitsha’s dynamic environment and demonstrates how Moniepoint’s technology is enabling seamless transactions, improving access to financial services, and fostering trust among merchants.

Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO and Co-founder of Moniepoint Inc, commented: “Our mission has always been to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive.

“This case study is a testament to the impact of digital innovation in Africa’s most vibrant markets.

“By providing reliable, accessible, and secure financial services, we are not just facilitating transactions-we are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Key findings from the report reveal that Moniepoint’s integrated platform has significantly reduced payment bottlenecks, enhanced business efficiency, and contributed to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the market.

The study also explores the enduring apprenticeship system in Onitsha and how digital tools are supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Excerpts from the Report’s Findings:

Onitsha Market as a Living Business School:

Beyond trade, Onitsha functions as a structured business incubator through the Igbo apprenticeship system. Generations of entrepreneurs are created, transferring wealth, trade secrets, and business skills without formal academic structures.

Payments Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Safety and Speed:

Transitioning from cash to digital payments (led significantly by Moniepoint) dramatically reduced risks of theft, enabled faster transactions, and eliminated costly bank runs — unlocking smoother business flows in one of Africa’s busiest markets.

Massive Digital Payment Penetration at the Grassroots:

Today, 2 out of 3 in-person payments in Onitsha are via Moniepoint POS terminals. This shows that digital finance can deeply penetrate highly traditional, informal economies when solutions are hyperlocal, reliable, and frictionless.

Access to Instant Credit as a Growth Accelerator:

Merchants can now leverage digital transaction histories to secure fast loans, allowing them to stock up quickly when market prices fluctuate — a crucial competitive advantage in volatile, high-volume markets.

Hyperlocal Support and Trust as the Differentiator:

Moniepoint’s dedicated local account managers who understand cultural nuances (even language) have been critical to building trust — proving that digital financial services must be deeply embedded in community realities to succeed.

This latest case study adds to the growing pool of thought leadership materials curated by Moniepoint for the benefit of stakeholders – regulators, investors and the general public aimed at improving their understanding of the financial services ecosystem in Nigeria.

Past case studies have explored family-owned businesses, community pharmacies, women owned businesses and the Informal Economy Report.

Moniepoint’s ongoing commitment to financial inclusion and economic development has positioned it as a catalyst for growth across Nigeria and beyond.

The company processes over $17 billion in transactions monthly and continues to expand its reach, supporting millions of businesses with payments, banking, credit, and business management solutions.


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Airtel, SpaceX Partner to Bring Starlink’s Connectivity Solutions to its Customers in Africa

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Airtel Africa has announced an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa. Currently, SpaceX has acquired requisite licenses in 9 out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint. Operating licenses for the other 5 countries are under process.

With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will further enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities like schools, health centres in even the most rural parts of Africa. Airtel Africa will also explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhauling.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX will continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.

Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said: “We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships.

Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently under-served parts of Africa.”

SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations Chad Gibbs said: “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways.

“Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets and this agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence.  The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business.”


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How MTN Employees Are Driving Social Change Through the Power of Corporate Volunteerism

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In a world often dominated by corporate profit margins and bottom-line thinking, it’s easy to overlook the quieter revolutions happening behind the scenes.

In Nigeria, one such movement is being quietly driven not by executives in boardrooms, but by employees armed with a powerful sense of purpose to go make a difference.

Each year, MTN Nigeria’s staff volunteers set aside their day jobs to participate in Y’ello Care, the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative. But in 2024, they did more than volunteer — they raised over NGN20 million from their own pockets to renovate a crumbling school block at Iwerekun Community High School, Lakowe.

Iwerekun Community High School, before the intervention, was a picture of broken promise: dilapidated classrooms, leaking roofs, and a lack of basic facilities. Students struggled to learn in an environment that failed to inspire hope. Today, thanks to the hands-on efforts of MTN employees, the school boasts refurbished classrooms, a steady water supply, and even an inverter system to ensure stable electricity. More importantly, it offers a renewed sense of possibility.

Speaking about the 2024 edition, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “Y’ello Care is the MTN Nigeria ecosystem giving back and contributing time, money, and resources to make a positive impact. Last year, we focused on education in remote areas, supporting three projects that will provide access to quality education for young Nigerians. And we are eager for the 2025 edition.”

Beyond renovations, previous editions of Y’ello Care have touched lives across Nigeria. Employees have organised vocational skill workshops, distributed learning materials through the KNOSK Charity Education Initiative, and mentored students to equip them for the future. From building digital libraries to delivering healthcare services through mobile clinics, MTN’s staff-led projects focus on long-term empowerment rather than short-term charity.

For many MTN volunteers, Y’ello Care is personal. Christiana Agyei, a participant in one of MTN’s earlier vocational training programmes, went from an unemployed single mother to a thriving entrepreneur. Today, she employs others in her soap-making business, a ripple effect that began with one employee-led workshop.

Over the past 18 years, Y’ello Care has grown into more than a CSR programme; it has become a culture within MTN, a living, breathing part of the company’s identity. Each initiative is not just a project, but a commitment to building the kind of Nigeria where opportunity isn’t determined by postcode or privilege.

At the commissioning of the Lakowe project, Honourable Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, summed it up simply: “The education sector worldwide thrives on collaboration and commitment between public and private partners.

“MTN’s generous contribution is truly recognised, and I express my deepest gratitude for its unwavering commitment to supporting education in Lagos State.

“This new facility will provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning, enabling our students to reach their full potential.”

As Nigeria faces ever-evolving economic and social challenges, initiatives like Y’ello Care offer a template for how corporations can genuinely transform the communities they serve, not with slogans, but with sleeves rolled up and boots on the ground.

In the end, it’s not about NGN20 million or refurbished buildings. It’s about faith restored, dreams reignited, and the simple, radical idea that change begins with care.

Beyond Y’ello Care: MTN’s has had Broader Impact through its Foundation

Beyond Y’ello Care MTN Foundation has impacted the society through critical initiatives such as:

Healthcare Interventions: Through the Y’ello Doctor Mobile Medical Intervention Scheme, MTN provided free primary healthcare services to individuals across communities. Since its inception, the initiative has impacted thousands of Nigerians.

Vocational Training & Entrepreneurship Support: In collaboration with partners, MTN facilitated skill acquisition workshops that enabled over 500 Nigerians—including women and persons with disabilities—to launch small businesses. Over 65% of participants actively applied their new skills, and 50% successfully started businesses.

Scholarships & Digital Libraries: MTN Y’ello Care has established digital libraries and awarded scholarships to students, ensuring that quality education is accessible to as many young Nigerians as possible.

As Y’ello Care continues to grow, MTN remains dedicated to expanding its impact, especially in underserved areas. By investing in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, the initiative is building a brighter future for Nigeria, one project at a time.


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