E-Business
ISOC Says Internet Economy Presents a Major Opportunity for Africa
Many African countries have made significant progress toward creating an Internet sector, with broad sector reforms and focus on increasing broadband availability. However, there is still much work to be done to strengthen the Internet sector and to create an Internet economy in Africa.
This is according to a report by Internet Society titled “Promoting the African Internet Economy” which looks at Internet adoption and usage by companies and governments throughout Africa.
The study says Internet access infrastructure is no longer the roadblock to Internet adoption that it once was. While it is not available to everyone, and not affordable to all people, in many countries mobile broadband is now available to a far higher proportion of the population than are using it, it adds.
A focus on building the Internet sector is critical for development, but will have an ultimately limited impact on the size of the economy, says Internet Society.
The study says the Internet’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) in Africa is low relative to other developed and emerging economies. Internet-based companies currently represent a single digit percentage of the economy of most African countries, it adds.
In developed countries, the Internet contributes up to 3.7% of GDP on average, while in African countries it’s just 1.1%, says the report. In Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries the Internet sector makes up 3% to 5% of the workforce countries, but in developing countries only 1%.
Policy must focus on deepening the Internet sector, to ensure all users and organisations can go online, with good quality access that is affordable and supported by online skills training, says the study.
Two areas of focus should be: online platforms that can support further online growth, ranging from mobile money services to online employment platforms and supporting entrepreneurial efforts to allow innovative new companies to emerge, says Internet Society. These platforms themselves can grow into entire ecosystems that propel broader economic growth, it adds.
“The result will be an Internet economy that offers business-to-consumer services online with new opportunities for all citizens, business-to-business services to make the economy more efficient, and e-government services for all that are inclusive and reach all citizens.” This will enable growth and opportunities within the country, while also allowing all in the country to fully interact with the global digital economy, buying and selling goods, and providing services around the world, says the study.
If the Internet begins to match or exceed the levels seen in other countries, the impact on the continent’s economic and social development could be immense, says the study. As it stands today, there are already signs of growth of the Internet economy in some African nations – but there is great disparity across and within countries on the continent, it added.
However, a thriving Internet economy in Africa could be put at risk by the increasing number of Internet shutdowns in the region, says Internet Society.
Africa needs a secure and reliable Internet infrastructure that users trust to bring large and small businesses online, along with governments and other social services,” says Dawit Bekele, Africa region bureau director for Internet Society.
“In addition to the economic costs, Internet shutdowns also affect trust. If people don’t know whether they will have connectivity, they can no longer rely on that connectivity to build Internet-based businesses. This will affect entrepreneurs in greatest need of digital-led innovation for their own future, and the future of the Internet economy in Africa.”
Konga’s annual Jara campaign has sparked excitement among Nigerian shoppers, offering timely discounts of up to 50% across various product categories.
The initiative, themed “Confam New Year Deals,” has emerged as a vital lifeline for consumers navigating the financial challenges typical of January.
Market analysis shows a significant surge in essential household purchases, with electronics, home appliances, and FMCG items leading the sales charts.
Data from the first two weeks of the campaign reveals that home appliances and electronics account for 45% of total sales. Groceries and FMCG follow closely at 30%, while fashion and lifestyle products make up 25% of purchases.
“Konga Jara couldn’t have come at a better time,” says Mrs. Folake Adeyemi, a Lagos-based civil servant.
“With school fees and other January commitments, the discounts on groceries have helped me maintain our family’s standard of living without breaking the bank.”
Similarly, Mr. Chidubem Okafor, a small business owner in Abuja, notes, “I’ve been able to restock my shop with quality products at much lower prices. The authenticity of products on Konga gives me confidence in my purchases.”
The campaign’s success reflects growing consumer trust in online shopping platforms that prioritize genuine products and competitive pricing.
Shoppers have particularly appreciated the convenience of accessing these deals both online at www.konga.com and offline across Konga’s nationwide retail stores.
Beyond mere discounts, the initiative demonstrates Konga’s understanding of the Nigerian consumer’s needs, especially during traditionally challenging financial periods.
The combination of competitive pricing, product authenticity, and accessible shopping channels has created a winning formula for both the business and its customers.
As the campaign continues, shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of these substantial savings across all categories.
Whether shopping for household essentials, electronics, or fashion items, Konga Jara offers an opportunity to make significant savings while ensuring access to genuine, high-quality products through Nigeria’s trusted e-commerce platform.
National Orientation Agency (NOA) has officially unveiled details about Nigeria’s upcoming General Multipurpose National Identity Card (GMPC).
This innovative initiative aims to consolidate identification documents, improve financial accessibility, and streamline government and private sector services for Nigerian citizens.
Key Features of the GMPC
Unified Identification:
The GMPC will replace multiple identity documents, serving as a comprehensive form of identification for Nigerians.
This will reduce the burden of carrying multiple cards and simplify access to services.
Financial Integration:
In collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the GMPC will allow users to conduct financial transactions directly through the card. It will act as both an ID and a payment tool.
AFRIGO Support:
The GMPC will operate under the AFRIGO card scheme, Nigeria’s domestic payment system.
This move aims to promote the use of locally developed financial infrastructure and reduce dependency on foreign systems.
How to Apply
Citizens can apply for the GMPC through several channels:
Online Portal: Applicants can initiate the process online via a self-service portal.
NIMC Offices: Physical applications will be accepted at National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) offices across the country.
Banks: Selected banks will also facilitate applications, allowing individuals to apply directly through their financial institutions.
Applicants will need to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) as part of the application.
Once processed, the GMPC will be issued through the applicant’s chosen bank, similar to how debit and credit cards are distributed.
Cardholders can collect their GMPC at designated collection points or opt for home delivery at an additional fee.
The General Multipurpose National Identity Card (GMPC) is expected to revolutionise identification and service delivery in Nigeria.
It will provide secure, multi-purpose access to financial, governmental, and private sector services.
Additionally, the card is poised to enhance financial inclusion by bridging gaps for underserved communities.
The new identity card is part of the government’s broader effort to embrace digital transformation.
By consolidating identification and financial services into a single platform, the GMPC aligns with the country’s drive toward technological advancement and efficient service delivery.
The NOA has urged all eligible citizens to stay informed about the application process and prepare to leverage the benefits of the GMPC once it becomes available.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to modernising administrative systems and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
The United States Supreme Court has upheld a law seeking to ban TikTok in the United States.
The court ruled that the law does not infringe upon free speech rights, citing the US government’s legitimate national security concerns about the Chinese ownership of the app.
Last week, the Supreme Court listened to the arguments from ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, claiming the law violated free speech.
“There is no doubt that TikTok provides a unique platform for expression, engagement, and community to over 170 million Americans,” the justices stated.
With this decision, the ban set for Sunday remains in place, despite calls from lawmakers and officials across the political spectrum for a delay.
Last year, Congress passed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or shut it down in the US by January 19, reflecting widespread concerns in Washington that the app could be exploited by China for espionage or propaganda.
On Friday, White House officials informed the media that the ban would not be enforced, leaving the final decision to President-elect Donald Trump, who assumes office the next day.
In December 2024, TikTok asked the US Supreme Court to temporarily block a law that would force its Chinese owner to sell the popular video-sharing platform or shut it down by January 19.
The appeal came the same day TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, CEO, met with US President-elect Donald Trump.
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