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Telecom

Firm Highlights Skills Development to Drive Data Center Expertise and Sustainability

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The integration of modern technologies has introduced both challenges and opportunities for the data center workforce. Over the past 15 years, the evolution from finance-focused IT applications to edge computing on the cloud has transformed the industry, steering data centers toward a more distributed IT model.

Today, the emphasis is on sustainability, and selecting the right certifications is pivotal for career development in various roles, ranging from data center design to networking and security.

Ben Selier, Vice President of Secure Power for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, emphasizes the need for strategic skills development, noting that, “Training and certifications in data centers have traditionally focused on IT-related and non-IT-related roles. With the industry shifting towards sustainability and smart technologies, the need for relevant certifications has never been greater.”

The shift to the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and smart applications has fueled the digital economy but has not been matched by the growth of a skilled workforce. Specialized IT professionals, previously experts in fields like finance software, face the challenge of rapidly outdated skills.

“The adoption rate of technologies like AI—reaching 1,000 million users in just two months compared to the World Wide Web’s seven years—highlights the pressing skills gap in areas such as cooling and power specialization,” Selier explains. Companies are struggling to train or hire fast enough to meet the demand, exacerbating operational issues within data centers.

Modern technologies offer significant competitive advantages, but Selier warns of the challenges: “Attracting and recruiting skilled technicians, engineers, and operators has become a critical priority for the industry. Without proper investment in training, the shortage of qualified staff could hinder growth and innovation.”

Certifications remain a cornerstone for building expertise in the rapidly changing data center landscape. Schneider Electric has been proactive in addressing this need through its Schneider Electric University and comprehensive training services. “Our programs are designed to bridge the knowledge gap, enabling professionals to gain the latest competencies quickly,” Selier notes.

Flexible training plans have also been introduced to meet immediate demands, allowing companies to collaborate with data center partners for temporary solutions while their teams undergo certification. The EcoXpert™ Partner Program, which initially focused on IT solutions, has been expanded to include sustainability certifications for roles such as cooling specialists and systems integrators.

“The program reflects the growing need for sustainability-specific training, empowering partners to adopt innovative technologies in data center design and operations,” Selier explains. The initiative is designed to educate and create opportunities for collaboration across industry.

The rise of AI, cloud, edge computing, and IoT has disrupted traditional data center operations, making advanced certifications essential for career growth. Certified EcoXpert partners gain expertise in areas such as power distribution, grid management, and new energy landscapes.

“Acquiring skills in emerging technologies not only breaks traditional constraints but also propels the career trajectory of data center professionals,” Selier asserts. The expanded EcoXpert program is tailored to meet the evolving needs of individuals and organizations, fostering collaboration and innovation in critical infrastructure.

He concludes with the statement, “The future of the data center industry depends on our ability to develop talent, embrace sustainability, and invest in skills that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving landscape.”


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Telecom

NCC Orders Telcos to Compensate Subscribers for Outages More than 24 Hours

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a fresh directive mandating telecom operators to compensate subscribers when major service outages last longer than 24 hours.

The commission also  mandated telecom licensees in Nigeria to inform consumers of major service outages on their networks through media channels, stating the cause(s) of the service interruption, and the area(s) affected by the service interruption/outage, as well as the time that would be taken to restore service.

Consumers must also be informed one week in advance where operators have planned service outages.

This development, contained in the “Directive on Reportage of Major Network Outages by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs),” is part of the Commission’s drive to ensure timely resolution of outages, enhance quality of experience for telecom consumers, and keep consumers informed.

According to the Directive, Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers and other operators that provide last mile services will also provide proportional compensation, including extension of validity, as may be applicable and in line with the provisions of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, where any major network outage continues for more than 24 hours.

It identifies three types of major outages to include: Any network operational condition such as fibre cut due to construction/access issues/theft & vandalism and force majeure that impacts five per cent or more of the affected operator’s subscriber base or five or more Local Government Areas (LGAs); having an occasion of unplanned outage of, or complete isolation of network resources in 100 or more sites or five per cent of the total number of sites (whichever is less) or 1 cluster that lasts for 30 minutes or more; and lastly, any form of outage that can degrade network quality in the top 10 states based on traffic volume as specified by the Commission from time to time.

In furtherance of this, the Commission has further directed that all Major Outages are to be reported by operators through the Commision’s Major Outage Reporting Portal, which is accessible to the public through the Commission’s website, www.ncc.gov.ng. The portal additionally discloses the identity of the culprit responsible for the disruption.

Commenting on the Directive and the Major Outage Reporting Portal, the Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogor stated that, “The Commission has trialed the reporting process and portal with operators for some months now before issuing the directive.

“By providing consumers and stakeholders in the telecommunications industry with timely and transparent information on network outages, we are entrenching a culture of accountability and transparency. This approach also ensures that culprits are held responsible for sabotage to telecommunications infrastructure.

“This also aligns with our broader commitment to the effective implementation of the Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). It reinforces the need to safeguard these assets, given their centrality to national security, economic stability, and the everyday lives of Nigerians,” Engr Edoyemi Ogor said.

 


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Celebrating African Creativity: Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ Returns for Its Fifth Year

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The “Made by Africa, Loved by the World” campaign is back for its fifth year, celebrating African creativity and global influence. This year’s theme, “Where Culture Meets Connection,” highlights how social media fosters conversations around cultural moments worldwide.

The campaign features three cinematic films premiering on the Meta Africa page, showcasing the groundbreaking work and personal stories of six dynamic African creatives.

These artists, from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, represent diverse disciplines, including rap, animation, dance, photography, fashion, and videography.

Here are some of the featured talents:

  • Ladipoe (Nigeria) – A BET-nominated rapper known for blending global hip-hop with African rhythms.
  • Fatboy Animations (Kenya) – An animation studio founded by Michael Muthiga, recognized by Forbes for its original African storytelling.
  • Lisa Quama (Ghana) – A dancer who gained fame after appearing in Beyoncé’s “Already” music video.
  • Gilbert Asante (Ghana) – A photographer and creative director featured in GQ and Glam Africa.
  • David Tlale (South Africa) – A fashion designer whose bold designs have been showcased at major fashion events, including the Met Gala.
  • Ofentse Mwase (South Africa) – A filmmaker with over 24 international awards for his unique visual storytelling.

Kezia Anim-Addo, Communications Director for Africa, Middle East & Turkey, emphasized that the campaign not only celebrates individual success stories but also showcases how culture and social media drive meaningful connections and inspiration.


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Telcos Warn of Nationwide Telecom Blackout over Diesel Shortage

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Mr Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON
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Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has raised the alarm over a diesel supply crisis caused by an ongoing strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

Telcos Warn of Nationwide Telecom Blackout over Diesel Shortage

Mr Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON in a statement said that the fuel supply disruption is critically affecting telecom base stations, pushing them to the brink of a shutdown and threatening millions of mobile and internet users in the region.

“This strike, which stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements,” Emoekpere stated.

He explained that diesel supply to telecom infrastructure has been severely impacted, leaving critical sites with dangerously low fuel levels.

According to him, if urgent measures are not taken, the situation could escalate into a full-blown network blackout, disrupting essential services, including mobile and internet access, business operations, emergency response systems, and daily communications.

ATCON has called on the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to intervene immediately by facilitating the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety,” Emoekpere stressed.

The association also appealed to security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly to safeguard Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability.

ATCON emphasised that a prolonged disruption in fuel supply to telecom infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences for both businesses and individuals who rely on stable communication networks for daily operations.

 

 

 


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