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General News

Local Firms Yet to Leverage on Big-Data-Adisa

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Bola Adisa, country manager, IDC
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Bolanle Adisa, country managing director, International Data Corporation (IDC), West Africa, has worked at SAP Africa (Pty) Limited; Computer Warehouse Group (ExpertEdge Software); Digital Communication Konsult Nig. Ltd and KPS Limited.
He is responsible for the general management of the West African office and overseeing global projects and developing new business opportunities in West African Region.
In this interview with peter ugwu, the IDC boss explained IDC CIOs Summit and other issues.
 
Overview Of International Data Corporation (IDC)
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets.
We help IT professionals, business executives, and the investment communities make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy.
 
Plans for IDC in West African Market
Our plan is to increase the awareness of what IDC has to offer in this market and enable ICT professionals, business executives, and investors to make informed decisions that enhance their business prospects.
To fully capitalize on opportunities in the market you must have intelligence, and providing that all-important commodity to our customers is what IDC is all about.
As such, we are focused on increasing our coverage and extending our reach to prospective customers in order to help achieve this goal.
 
Data Analytics and Adoption in the Nigeria IT Environment?
Getting data and analyzing data in Nigeria can be challenging. Getting the data is the first hurdle that has to be overcome.
Unfortunately, a lot of organizations find it difficult to lay their hands on the data they require, either because it simply isn’t available or because there are concerns around its authenticity/reliability.
The adoption level is high among multinationals, but more work must be done among the indigenous companies to help them realize that their businesses can take a turn for the better when they utilize reliable research data and insights to inform their decision-making processes.
 
IDC’S CIO Summit
Having been successful in providing fact-based reports on evolving trends and the use of ICT globally, IDC believes it is important to facilitate ongoing discussions between key ICT stakeholders, especially those that are tasked with managing technology within the enterprise landscape.
The goal of the CIO Summit is to drive high-level interactions on the effective use of ICT in modern businesses, the latest trends and critical issues shaping the market, and the changing economic, social, and regulatory environments impacting both the sale and use of ICT.
 
What Are the Significances of this Year’s Summit?
IDC’s CIO Summits have been successfully bringing technology leaders together from across Africa for five years now.
However, following valued feedback from previous participants, IDC decided to split the annual event into three sub-regions. So, for the first time this year we have CIO Summits that have been tailored specifically to address the individual needs of East, West, and Southern Africa.
As a result of this approach, the discussions between the invited stakeholders will not only focus on emerging global technology trends, but also on the impact they are expected to have on the unique business environment of West Africa.
Presenting a local perspective on global issues, the event will delve deep into the specific challenges and realities of technology use within the parameters of the region.
 
Nigeria’s Market in Terms of Implementation of Market Intelligence Reports
Nigeria’s positioning in the global market space is becoming increasingly important. When the world thinks of emerging markets, Nigeria always features toward the top of the list, and for that singular reason, market intelligence report are becoming very important for investors and business owners.
The goal of any emerging business should be to identify their niche market and maximize it.
We see multinationals taking advantage of these market intelligence reports more than local organizations; they plan their businesses around these reports as the analysis within them provides all the information they require to know where to play, to assess the competition, and to make decisions on what business areas to focus on. It is undoubtedly becoming increasingly important for local organizations to embrace this idea of planning their businesses around reliable market intelligence as well.
 
Required Skills to Harness the Big Data for Usage
We possibly are not having a ‘big issue’ yet in Nigeria in regards to Big Data, but we need to start planning around it so this remains the case.
As businesses grow, so grows the business data. Banks, manufacturing companies, etc. are all embracing mobile and social technologies, and the increasing use of such solutions drives a simultaneous explosion in the amount of data generated.
Online retail is also on the rise, mobile transactions are increasing, organizations are interacting more with customers via social media platforms — the resultant effects of all of this is Big Data and it is important that CIOs put proper plans in place to accommodate these changes.
In terms of skills, I believe the relevant skill sets are readily available here. And if they’re not, it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge to upskill people to manage the relevant technology as Nigerian organizations have smart resources to call upon.
I am more concerned about the planning and strategy aspects, as these must be implemented properly in order to ensure smooth management of the process. 
 
Research and Development in Nigeria
No, we are not there yet in terms of investment in research and development.
There is still a lot of work to be done by both the government and the private sector when it comes to investing in research.


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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.

General News

PalmPay’s Bold Move For Social Impact in Northern Nigeria

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In the busy Fagge Market in Kano, Zahra Bello, a middle-aged entrepreneur who runs a fabric store, speaks about her experience with mobile banking and how this has simplified business transactions and improved her small business.

Behind the growth of these resilient women entrepreneurs lies a story of transformation powered by technology.

“My name is Zahra Bello, I’m from Dambatta in Kano State, and I’m a fabric trader. I first heard about PalmPay from my elder brother in March 2024. He told me how he used the PalmPay Target Savings feature to buy new machinery for his farm and even earned interest. That inspired me to try it too.”

Zahra downloaded the PalmPay app that very day. By December, she’d used the Target Savings plan to restock her shop with new fabrics, an achievement she never thought possible within such a short period. “I was so happy,” she smiles. “The interest I earned on my savings motivated me to save more. PalmPay has become my savings box. I use it for all my transactions now.”

Her story, like many others, is the inspiration for PalmPay’s evolving vision of inclusive banking in Nigeria’s underserved communities.

Women, SMEs, and Technology

Financial exclusion remains a critical challenge in Northern Nigeria. According to EFInA’s 2023 Access to Financial Services survey, an estimated 28.8 million adults in the North are excluded from the formal financial system, with exclusion rates as high as 47% in the Northwest.

Among women, especially those in rural areas, the figures are even more concerning, as these numbers represent the daily reality of millions of women who run informal businesses and contribute to household income without access to banking, credit, or digital tools.

PalmPay’s initiative addresses this gap directly. 5,000 female entrepreneurs in Kano and Kaduna will receive hands-on financial literacy training on mobile payments and their shops are rebranded with signages, aprons, and other kits that will enhance visibility for their businesses.

“I used to write down every sale in a notebook. Now I track everything with my PalmPay account,” says Rabi Abdullahi, a trader in Kano. “Customers trust me more now that I have a business name and branded store.”

PalmPay has done its due diligence to understand the challenges and has offered a tailored approach to solving these issues which includes this social impact initiative.

Social Impact and Strategic Growth

With over 35 million users in Nigeria, the company is keen to expand in regions where smartphone adoption is rising but digital finance penetration remains low.

Femi Hanson, Head of Marketing and Communications, explains: “We see this as long-term ecosystem building. When you give small business owners the tools to grow, you don’t just gain users, you build loyalty, trust, and sustainable impact.” This also aligns with Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion Strategy goal to reach 95% inclusion by 2025, a benchmark that can’t be reached without focused efforts in the North.

The project has earned the support of traditional leaders, most notably His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, who praised the initiative and called for greater collaboration between the private sector and community stakeholders.

With the success of this initiative, PalmPay has continued to expand its solutions in these regions offering support to even more women.

In Northern Nigeria, where the need is great and the gap wide, PalmPay is proving that true impact goes beyond offering products to providing support and meeting the needs of its users at the grassroots.


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Moniepoint Demonstrates Commitment to Nurturing Africa’s Future Leaders

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Moniepoint Inc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions partnered with the Mega Impact Foundation to support the 5th edition of the NextGen Connect Interschool Oratory Competition in Asaba, Delta state. This collaboration showcases Moniepoint’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development across the African continent.

The competition, which was held commemoratively to celebrate this year’s International Day of the Boy Child, brought together SS2 students from across Delta State to address the critical theme: “The Role of Financial Inclusion and Technology in Shaping a Brighter Future for Young People in Africa.” Moniepont has received critical acclaim over its core mission of advancing financial inclusion through innovative digital financial technology solutions and payment services..

The oratory competition showcased exceptional talent among Nigeria’s youth, with Otovo Praise of Crystalloid International School emerging as the champion.

His outstanding performance earned him a full-year scholarship through the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation, reflecting Moniepoint’s philosophy of investing in educational excellence. Second-place winner Audi Innocent of St Patrick’s College received ₦300,000, while third-place winner, Asher David of Glorious Kids Academy was awarded ₦200,000.

“At Moniepoint, we believe that driving sustainable innovation begins with future-proofing and expanding the talent pool by empowering the next generation with the tools that they need to succeed especially basic literacy skills which remain fundamental pillars in socio-economic development,” said Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO Moniepoint Inc.

“These young voices represent the future of African leadership, and their insights into financial inclusion and technology demonstrate the remarkable potential that exists within our communities. Through our various educational and developmental initiatives such as the CAD/CAM lab we donated to OAU last year or the Moniepoint DreamDevs programme, we are betting big on an investment in Africa’s future.”

The initiative extends beyond monetary rewards, creating meaningful platforms for young people to express their ideas on a global stage. Through its support of the NextGen Connect Conference and Tech-In-School conversations, Moniepoint is fostering an environment where youth can develop critical thinking skills, build confidence, and engage with pressing societal issues.

In her remarks, Founder, Mega Impact Foundation, Florence Ogonegbu said that “we reaffirm our commitment to building an Africa where every young person has simplified access to sustainable education, capacity building, and empowerment.

By leveraging technology and local initiatives, we are creating platforms that enable our youth to thrive and transform their communities. Together with partners like Moniepoint, we are not just shaping futures—we are driving a movement for social development that will resonate globally. Every boy, every young person, deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential and drive lasting impact across our continent.”

The competition received additional support from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Delta State, highlighting the collaborative approach required to nurture young talent effectively.

 


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African Parliamentarians Seek Answers from Telcos on Quality of Service

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African legislators across the continent are increasingly demanding answers from mobile network operators for chronic poor service. Parliamentarians in Cameroon, South Africa and Zambia are demanding answers on data pricing, network connectivity needs in rural regions, contributions to job creation, data security and privacy, and adherence to universal service obligations.

Zambia is the latest country to question telcos over quality of service, and National Assembly speaker Nelly Mutti has ordered minister of technology and science Felix Mutati to deliver a ministerial statement on the Airtel network’s repeat outages and the steps being taken to resolve them.

Lawmakers have expressed concerns about the impact of inconsistent connectivity, particularly in rural areas where mobile communication is important for emergencies and essential services.

This come after telecoms regulator, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) read the riot act to Airtel, after its most recent outage last week.

This was not the first time the telco had experienced service interruption, which prompted ZICTA to threaten the telco with a fine.

Meanwhile, the speaker of parliament declared that the nation has to be informed about the causes for the network provider’s bad service and the steps being taken to address the issue.

Mutti said: “This matter is affecting everyone. We need to know why the services are poor and what is being done to ensure service providers comply with stipulated guidelines.”

The move by the Zambian parliament comes a few days after South African parliament also summoned mobile network operators to respond to a range of concerns that lawmakers felt impacted consumers.

The following issues were considered by parliamentarians: network connectivity standards in rural areas, contributions to job creation, transformation, and economic inclusion and empowerment for blacks in general, women, youth, and people with disabilities, data security and privacy, adherence to universal service obligations, and spectrum conditions for universal connectivity.

 


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