Telecom
Huawei Names Computer Lab after Danbatta

A computer lab, constructed by Huawei Technologies and commissioned at the weekend to serve the community of Koguna Town of Makoda Local Government of Kano State, has been named “Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta Computer Lab”.

L-R: Director, Human Capital and Administration, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Usman Malah; Director, Public Relations, Huawei, Lola Fafore; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Prof. Garba Danbatta and the District Head of Makoda, Kano State, Alhaji Labaran Abdullahi, during the commissioning of computer lab constrcutted by Huawie and named after Danbatta in Kano recently.
Lola Fafore, Director, Public Relations of Huawei Nigeria, said at the commissioning, which was witnessed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, and the District Head of Makoda, Alhaji Labaran Abdullahi, that the project was among the company’s contribution to Nigeria as part of its corporate social responsibility. Fafore assured that Huawei will continue to promote digital inclusion, primarily through the provision of access to technology.
“Huawei has been operating in Nigeria for over 22 years now and we can say that Nigeria is a great country filled with many great talents and potential. We love the Nigerian people and are happy to always give back through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives such as this,”
“Huawei is therefore constantly making more effort in terms of connectivity, applications, and skills transfer to promote digital inclusion for all. This is in line with Huawei’s mission to bring digital services to every person, home, and organization for a fully connected intelligent world. As part of our contribution to this great nation, we believe in making technology accessible to all. Technology should not be for the few, but for everyone,” she said.
In appreciation of naming the centre after him and donating to the community, Danbatta commended Huawei Nigeria Limited. He also thanked the company for the central role it has played in the development of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
“This computer laboratory was built through a huge donation by Huawei. And Huawei is a household name in Nigeria. They provide and manage services for major telecommunications companies in Nigeria. They are dominant in that sector. I can’t imagine the state of telecoms in Nigeria without the invaluable role that Huawei is playing in the country,” Danbatta said.
Traditional ruler of Makoda who doubles as Barayan Bichi, poured encomiums on the donors and the NCC boss, whose philanthropic disposition attracted the gesture to the community.
He said Danabatta has been making invaluable contributions to the development of our communities, the state, and the nation at large. The community leader stated that Danbatta has implemented many philanthropic and people-oriented projects in his Danbatta community in addition to his strides in driving the development of ICT adoption and usage, through numerous initiatives as the country’s Chief Telecoms Regulator.
Those who attended the commissioning ceremony include, the Vice Chairman of Makoda Local Government, Alhaji Yusif Bala, the Director of Human Capital and Administration of NCC, Barrister Usman Malah, the Chief of Staff to the EVC, Malam Hafiz Shehu, and the Controller, NCC Zonal Office in Kano, Malam Shuaibu Swade among others.
Telecom
GBB Reaffirms Commitment to Driving Public Sector Innovation @ the 5th Public Service Innovation Competition Awards

Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, joined other key government institutions at the 5th Public Service Innovation Competition Award Ceremony, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
The event, which held in Abuja, celebrated groundbreaking ideas from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that are reimagining public service delivery through innovation.
The ceremony, which attracted notable dignitaries including the Chief Host herself, The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON mni. Others include, former Heads of Service, Dame Amal Pepple and Mr. Danladi Kifasi, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service, Hon. Sani Bala, showcased the vibrancy and ingenuity of Nigeria’s Civil Servants.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the MD/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Mr. Sani Ibrahim, Executive Director, Finance & Corporate Services, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, digital literacy, and innovative thinking as pillars for national development.
He emphasized that GBB remains deeply committed to supporting initiatives like the Innovation Competition, which foster a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and transformation across the public sector.
“Innovation is no longer a luxury — it is essential to building a responsive, efficient, and digitally enabled government. At Galaxy Backbone, we are proud to align with this vision through our Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), which drives digital infrastructure, innovation, data security, and capacity building across MDAs,” he stated.
The 2025 edition of the competition saw an outstanding 155 entries, with 132 individuals pitching innovative ideas and 66 thematic teams presenting implementable solutions designed to enhance service delivery and governance.
Themed around streamlining bureaucratic processes, succession planning, employee welfare, and change management, this year’s event reaffirmed the role of innovation in shaping a future-ready public service.
Galaxy Backbone recognizes the critical role of digital transformation in empowering civil servants to create lasting impact. By supporting platforms such as the Public Service Innovation Competition, GBB reinforces its commitment to equipping the public sector with the tools, skills, and digital infrastructure necessary for Nigeria’s progress.
As part of this commitment, GBB will also be providing mentorship for all the winners of the innovation challenge, helping them refine their ideas, scale implementation, and drive sustainable transformation across the public service.
As the country advances on its journey toward e-governance and efficient service delivery, GBB continues to stand as a strategic partner in building a connected, innovative, and digitally skilled public service.
Telecom
Onafriq and Circle Partner to Revolutionize Cross-Border Payments in Africa with USDC

Onafriq, Africa’s largest payments gateway, and Circle, stablecoin market leader and issuer of USDC, today announced their strategic partnership aimed at transforming cross-border payments and digital financial services.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards compliantly leveraging stablecoins and blockchain infrastructure to boost Onafriq’s payment network, positioning it at the forefront of the digital payment’s revolution for real-world financial applications.
Currently, over 80 percent of intra-African payments are routed through correspondent banks outside the continent and settled in foreign currencies such as the US dollar or Euro. This results in a staggering US$5 billion in transaction fees annually and undermines economic integration efforts.
Onafriq and Circle are working together to change this paradigm by piloting the use of USDC-powered settlement solutions into Onafriq’s network, which connects over 500 wallets and 200 million bank accounts in more than 40 African markets.
Onafriq’s founder and CEO, Dare Okoudjou, said: “Our partnership with Circle is an important milestone, reinforcing Onafriq’s commitment to harnessing technology to remove complexity from cross-border payments. By integrating USDC, we aim to simplify financial transactions for institutions and individuals, reduce costs, and strengthen trust.
This collaboration underscores our vision to democratise access to payments and drive financial inclusion across the globe. We’re not just envisioning the future of payments – we’re actively building it.”
Miriam Kiwan, Vice President, Middle East & Africa at Circle, said: “The emerging markets that Onafriq serves hold tremendous potential for digital asset innovation, particularly in the adoption of stablecoins for cross-border payments.
“Our partnership with Onafriq aligns perfectly with Circle’s mission to promote financial inclusion and improve efficiency in areas where traditional banking has often been costly and inaccessible.
“Together, we aim to transform how money moves across borders, offering secure and transparent digital payment rails that enhance economic empowerment and connectivity.”
This collaboration is a major step toward a more inclusive and self-reliant pan-African financial system. It signals a new phase in the modernisation of African payment rails – one where blockchain technology is applied responsibly, in lockstep with regulators and financial institutions, to build a faster, more efficient, and economically empowering future for the continent.
Telecom
5 tips to start taking digital payments as a business in Africa

Not long ago, cash was dominant in Africa, but digital payments are now rapidly gaining traction.
From Lagos to Kenya and the US, businesses are recognising that embracing digital methods is essential for growth.
A Mastercard-commissioned report forecasts Africa’s digital payments market will reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, fueled by increased mobile phone usage and e-commerce. While cash is still common, mobile money is on the rise.
Zabira is simplifying this transition for SMEs, freelancers, and online merchants. In August 2019, the company launched Zabira to innovate Nigeria’s cashless transaction market, offering services like crypto trading and utility payments.
The Zabira app supports four major fiat currencies—USD, NGN, GHC, and KES, making cross-border transactions seamless. It also provides access to over 20 cryptocurrencies, giving users flexibility and freedom in managing their digital finances.
For small business owners looking to adopt digital payments, here are five easy tips to get started.
1. Choose a Platform That Does It All
Choose a digital payment platform like Zabira that offers multiple services in one app, including cryptocurrency trading, utility bill payments, and fiat transactions, to manage your financial life seamlessly.
2. Integrate Crypto Payments Early
Africa is rapidly growing as a crypto market. Zabira allows businesses to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, facilitating real-time trading of crypto assets. This gives businesses a competitive advantage in international commerce, particularly with diasporan clients.
3. Get Paid Instantly, No delay
Waiting three to five business days for payment to clear can disrupt cash flow. Zabira offers instant fiat payments through a robust blockchain system, allowing businesses to move money quickly, pay suppliers faster, and avoid telling customers to “wait till Monday.”
4. Opt for a user-friendly app
Zabira is incredibly easy to use, with no confusing menus or hidden steps. Users can download the app on Android and on iOS.
5. Offer More Than Just Products
Zabira offers more than money transfers; users can top up airtime and data, pay cable bills, and fund betting wallets within the app. Businesses can learn to add value beyond just selling products.
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