Telecom
Mobile Data Remains Africa’s Cash Cow for Telcos
International Data Corporation Insight has found that mobile data will remain the operators’ cash cow in 2014, aside the exponential increase in mobile data forcing telecommunications operators in Africa to rethink their network and data service strategies.
Mobile data services have continued to gain prominence in the business models of Middle East and Africa operators.
While those in the Middle East have remained at the forefront of technological development and invested heavily in building ubiquitous next-generation networks, operators in Africa, however, have taken a more cautious approach, with sporadic network evolution centered on highly populous areas and major commercial centers.
Thus, IDC predicted that in 2014, mobile data will remain a cash cow for regional telcos. However, the growing popularity of data-hungry applications and services, particularly video, will contribute to an exponential increase in data traffic and make network investment economics difficult to justify.
To spur the trend is the belief that the regulatory environment will become more progressive and stimulate competition.
IDC noted that Telecommunications markets in MEA have expanded significantly over the last decade, backed by progressive regulatory environments and conscious efforts by the regulatory authorities to stimulate competition.
The first era of market liberalization was marked by the opening of mobile markets to new operators, followed by progressive reforms to introduce new services (e.g., 3G) and/or the opening up of markets to competitors.
Having done this, regional regulators will strive to improve the market dynamics in 2014, accelerating the development of new services in addition to increasing competition.
Regulators can approach this in three primary ways: by introducing mobile number portability; by opening markets to mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs); and by releasing spectrum for next-generation 3G/LTE networks.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek had earlier in the week reported that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will auction the 2.3 GHz band for commercial assignment on a national basis during the week commencing February 17, 2014.
The spectrum is one unpaired block of 30 MHz, adjoining a 10MHz guard band with the adjacent 2.4 GHz band. The specification is: • 2360 – 2390 MHz – Spectrum on offer; and 2360 – 2390 MHz – Spectrum.
Meanwhile, IDC also said that operator media transformation will continue as acquisitions are on the cards.
Thus, in 2014, operators will move beyond merely setting up businesses to forming clear strategies to help them play a broader role in the digital economy.
“Service evolution will force operators to rethink their strategies and recognize the importance of the customer experience. As the usage of smartphones and mobile social media is growing rapidly in the MEA region, marketers are more cognizant of consumers’ locations and preferences. Many organizations will explore ways to work closely with operators, media companies, and app developers to create targeted marketing practices in the region, which will prove to be a win-win situation for all involved.
“Telecommunications services are evolving as social media, multiscreen offerings, mobile applications, and OTT services increasingly influence consumer behavior. It is imperative for operators to understand consumer behavior and push products and services in line with their expectations. This will eventually help operators to counter declining service engagement cycles and improve customer experience.
“As markets continue to evolve, more customers are eschewing core telecommunications services in favor of rich OTT services,” said Paul Black, director of telecommunications and media at IDC Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. “This is forcing regional operators to reevaluate their business models, data offerings, tariff packages, and even network rollout plans, as well as go-to-market strategies. While traditional services are still offered, operators are expanding their role in the digital value chain by promoting local content generation and application development. Operators are also looking at adjacent markets and exploring new digital services opportunities.”
“For digital media providers and OTT players,” Black continues, “the changing market dynamics provide unique opportunities to establish direct relationships with end users. However, the business models are still evolving, and the ability to pay for these services, despite their growing usage, remains low throughout the Middle East and Africa (MEA). In this scenario, the importance of partnerships between telcos, content providers, OTT players, and digital media companies is growing.”
QNET, leading global wellness and lifestyle direct-selling company, has successfully concluded V-Malaysia 2025, its flagship annual convention, at the Penang SPICE Convention Centre in Malaysia. Held from 21–25 June, the five-day event drew over 8,000 participants from more than 30 countries, including Nigeria, reinforcing the company’s global reach and strong foothold in the African market.
For over a decade, QNET has chosen Penang as the destination for this transformative event, which blends business networking, entrepreneurial development, and immersive personal growth experiences.
The 2025 edition underscores the continued collaboration between QNET, its event partner V Global Management (The V), Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and its state-level affiliate, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
In Nigeria, QNET has steadily gained recognition as a key player in the direct selling and wellness space, empowering thousands of Nigerians with entrepreneurial opportunities, health-conscious products, and financial education.
Through its innovative business model, QNET has fostered a growing community of independent distributors across states like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Events such as V-Malaysia provide distributors a platform to connect with the global QNET network, learn from top leaders, and gain exposure to cutting-edge tools and products that can be leveraged in their local businesses.
V-Malaysia has evolved into a premier platform for business networking, entrepreneurial development, and cross-cultural collaboration. The synergy between QNET and The V — an internationally recognised organisation specialising in large-scale training and events has been pivotal in building the convention’s global draw.
YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACH), emphasised the regional impact of V-Malaysia: “Penang’s vibrant tourism and business events ecosystem continues to attract top-tier events like QNET’s V-Malaysia.
In 2024 alone, Penang recorded an estimated RM1.29 billion in economic impact from such events – a testament to their significance. QNET’s long-term commitment brings not only economic value but also strengthens Penang’s global reputation.”
Trevor Kuna, Chief Marketing Officer of QNET, added: “For QNET, Penang is more than just a venue; it’s a home for inspiration, collaboration, and transformation.
“Our strong base in Nigeria and across Africa makes this event especially meaningful, as we bring together entrepreneurs from across the continent to share ideas and build cross-border relationships that accelerate personal and economic growth.”
The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), a government agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and parent body of PCEB, plays a pivotal role in Malaysia’s business events ecosystem. In 2023 alone, MyCEB facilitated 248 business events, brought in over 180,700 international delegates, and generated about RM 2.8 billion in economic impact.
For V-Malaysia 2025, MyCEB’s expertise in destination marketing, strategic facilitation, and coordination between federal and state levels (through PCEB) has been instrumental in elevating Penang’s standing as a premier MICE hub.
Complementing this effort is Tourism Malaysia, whose targeted incentives and logistical backing helped deliver V-Malaysia 2025 as a high-impact global event. Their support underscores the government’s broader commitment to positioning Malaysia as a top-tier host for international conferences and high-impact corporate events.
As part of the event’s activities, QNET also unveiled new wellness innovations, including Harmoniq, a bio-signaling patch designed to enhance energy and well-being, and QWIK, a line of oral health and nutrition strips — products set to expand into markets like Nigeria in the coming year.
V-Malaysia 2025 is not just a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship; it is a dynamic platform that exemplifies how global vision and local action, especially across Africa, can reshape the future of direct selling. For more information about V-Malaysia 2025, please visit QNET’s official website.
In today’s digital world, teens are using social media to connect with their friends, learn and explore their interests.
Instagram has developed a variety of tools to give parents peace of mind, support safer interactions, and empower teens to make thoughtful decisions online. Whether you’re new to the platform or want to stay informed, here are essential safety tools every parent should know about:
Teen Accounts: Teen Accounts were designed to support parents better and give them peace of mind that their teens have the right protections in place. Teen Accounts have built-in protections that limit who can contact them and the content they see. By default, teen accounts are set to private and teens under 16 can only change this default setting with help from a parent or guardian.
Supervision tools (parental controls): As part of Teen Accounts, Instagram offers supervision features that allow parents to stay involved in their teen’s experience on the app. With this feature, parents can monitor how much time their teen spends on Instagram, view who they follow and who follows them, receive updates when their teen reports accounts or content, and set daily time limits or scheduled breaks to help manage usage.
Daily time limit: The daily time limit feature is also part of Teen Accounts. It allows parents and teens to set limits on app usage, encouraging healthier and more mindful engagement over time.
Block, restrict and report feature: Teen Accounts include tools that allow teens to block or restrict people they don’t want to interact with and report harmful content or behavior. Restricted users won’t be able to see when your teen is online or if they’ve read messages.
Sensitive content control: This safety feature, also available through Teen Accounts, lets users filter out potentially upsetting or mature content in Explore and other surfaces. content across Explore and other surfaces.
Educational Family Center: Instagram’s Family Center is an educational hub that provides articles and guidance to help parents have meaningful conversations with their teens about their online experiences and how to make time spent online a positive experience. The hub focuses on providing parents with practical tools from online safety experts, organisations and academics on everything from bullying to cybersecurity.
Take time to explore these features with your teen and use them as a starting point for open, ongoing conversations about their online life. When parents and teens navigate these digital spaces together, everyone wins.
In a bold move to blend digital empowerment with fun and entertainment, the Anambra State ICT Agency, in partnership with the Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), announces the availability of free WiFi at the Anambra Mega Fest/Grand Opening of Solution Fun City.
Powered by Pine Heights Systems (PHSWEB), this initiative reinforces the state government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and bringing connectivity directly to the people.
Set to hold on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 1 PM, the grand opening of Solution Fun City will light up Awka with a mix of tech-forward innovation and high-energy entertainment, all under the distinguished hosting of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR.
Attendees are in for a tech-enhanced experience featuring music, dance, comedy, games, and electrifying performances from Flavour, Umu Obiligbo, JeriQ, Jennifer Eliogu, Ugoccie, Apete, Ojadili, Ogbuefi I Go Tuk, Onye Obodo, Prince Neche, and many more.
“Technology is one of the greatest equalizers of our time.
Through digital access, we are not only empowering citizens, we are deepening civic participation and driving progress,” said Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency and Convener of GEFAS.
The event signals a new chapter in Anambra’s smart governance journey, where technology, inclusivity, and community celebration come together in one dynamic space.
To connect to the Free WiFi: turn your phone’s WiFi, select Soludo Solution WiFi and follow the prompts on the landing page
For details, call: 0201 410 1240
Follow the conversation: @gefasoludo across all social media platforms.
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