Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us

Telecom

Nigeria Will Be A Global Player In Tech Innovation, Entrepreneurship – DG NITDA

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to positioning the country as a global leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

This assertion was made by the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) during the closing ceremony of the iHATCH startup incubation programme’s third cohort in Abuja. The programme, a joint initiative of NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to cultivate a thriving tech ecosystem in Nigeria

This partnership is a major step forward in Nigeria’s endeavors to promote innovation and entrepreneurship and it is in line with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), specifically to “Forge Strategic Partnership and Collaboration” and “Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem.”

Inuwa said in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s priority area of Accelerating Diversification through Industrialisation, Digitisation, Creative Arts, Manufacturing and Innovation, “IHatch programme is fostering a thriving ecosystem for startups, empowering the next generation of tech innovators in Nigeria.”

The NITDA boss, while maintaining that one of the success stories of the iHatch programme is the creation of jobs, he noted that “Because of the success of cohort one and two, we decided to expand cohort 3 to five locations – Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Gombe.

“Part of the success story of Cohort 1 and 2 was, we trained 16 startups with 32 participants, however, they have created a combined job of 179 and over 1000 indirect jobs,” he added.

The Director General recalled that the programme, which started in 2022 is designed to tackle social issues with innovative and creative solutions, generate employment opportunities, and boost Nigeria’s economic development.

He said, “The initiative is designed to support young entrepreneurs by pairing founders with co-founders, guiding them through the incubation process, and teaching them the fundamentals of building a business from the ground up.

“The goal is to help them transform their ideas from inception into impactful ventures.”

While challenging the participants to contribute to building a mentoring platform, Inuwa promised NITDA’s support, and urged JICA to consider expanding the initiative to cover all 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory.

He noted that “At NITDA, we see this initiative as a gateway to not only enhancing local initiatives but also explore opportunities to export Nigerian talents to Japan.”

On his part, the Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, stated that Japan is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria during his remarks.

He emphasised that Japan’s support extends beyond mere technical assistance but focuses on building partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange.

“As these startups advance, I foresee a stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese companies, leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual prosperity,” Kazuyoshi stated.

He added that since the programme commences in 2021, it has empowered early-stage businesses that are dedicated to addressing societal challenges through innovative technologies and ideas.

“We have 10 standout ventures that will showcase their ingenuity today, and it is a testament to their hard work and the support they have received. Japan’s involvement in this initiative through JICA shows our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“Our experts have provided capacity building and training support, ensuring that these startups gain technical knowledge and imbibe Japanese business ethics, punctuality, adherence to rules, and a relentless pursuit of quality improvement,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for their support and commended the participants of the iHatch 3 incubation programme.

He said “This is not just about technology; it is about making our country proud and showcasing that Nigerian youth are innovative and creative.

“You are contributing significantly to societal development, and I am extremely proud of each and every one of you for stepping up and making this presentation,” he added.

Speaking at the event, one of the winners and founder of Northinho, Mr. Abubakar Umar expressed gratitude to NITDA and JICA for their intensive training.

He said he would utilise the cash prize given to him to advance his venture and encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to remain persistent in their endeavours.

Umar said, “Believe in what you do, even if your ideas are still evolving. Keep working on your projects, and one day you will look back and appreciate how far you have come.”

Three startups were awarded cash prizes; Northinho received $15,000, Dorpals Technologies received $12,000, while Connected received $10,000.


Kindly share this post

Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Telecom

4 Dead, 20 Others Injured as Fire Engulfs Cairo Data Centre

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Four people have been killed, with over 20 injured after a fire at Cairo data centre disrupted telecom services nationwide.

4 Dead, 20 Others Injured as Fire Engulfs Cairo Data Centre

A fire at a major Telecom Egypt facility in Cairo on Monday has left four workers dead and at least 22 others injured, plunging parts of the capital into a communications crisis.

According to Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for Egypt’s Health Ministry, most injuries were due to smoke inhalation.

The blaze, which broke out at a key data centre operated by Telecom Egypt, the country’s primary fixed-line and internet provider, was brought under control later that day.

However, it caused widespread disruptions, halting phone services, affecting internet connectivity, and even interfering with digital banking operations.

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that national connectivity dropped to just 62% of normal levels following the incident.

Residents across Cairo struggled with poor network access, and banks—although already closed for the day—reported interruptions in ATM services and online transactions.

In a statement on Tuesday, Telecom Egypt mourned the loss of its employees and pledged support to their families.

Amr Talaat, Egypt’s minister of Communications and Information Technology,  assured the public that service restoration was underway and expected to be completed within 24 hours.

To address the disruption, the Health Ministry released alternative emergency contact numbers across Egypt’s governorates, in case its primary ambulance hotline remained unreachable.

The state-run MENA news agency reported that the fire was prevented from engulfing the entire building and nearby rooftops, thanks to the efforts of emergency responders.

A preliminary investigation suggests the fire was likely triggered by an electrical short circuit, according to a security source cited by MENA.

As the nation works to restore full connectivity, the incident has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for enhanced fire safety protocols in sensitive tech facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Globalcom Thrills Subscribers with 3 New Digital Products

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Tech faints, Globalcom, on Tuesday unveiled three exciting digital products aimed at rewarding customers. The products, Animation World Promo, Treasure Spin and Sport Brain, also provide subscribers with the opportunity to play and win instant prizes.

Globalcom in a statement in Lagos said that the company is dedicated to providing value-added service to its ever-growing customers.

The first digital product, which is Animation World Promo, is an innovative trivia-based service aimed at challenging customers culinary knowledge of Nigerian food. With it, subscribers engage in answering food related questions, earn points and win delicious prizes.

For Treasure Spin, customers are availed the digital treasure spin experience. With each spin Glo subscribers stand a chance to win instant prizes, making every participation exciting and rewarding.

In addition, Globalcom captures the heart of football lovers with Sport Brain. Subscribers are allowed to predict football scores in matches across top leagues all around the world. Customers get to select their preferred leagues. “It’s a fun and competitive way for football lovers to test their instincts and knowledge,” the company noted.

Customers who subscribe to any of the three services stand a chance to win fantastic daily, weekly, and monthly prizes. Every day, 20 participants will receive ₦1,000 cash, ₦1,000 airtime, and 3.5GB data. On a weekly basis, five lucky winners will walk away with ₦100,000 each, while one grand prize winner will receive ₦1 million every month.

To participate, customers are required to dial *13055*2# for Animation World Promo,*13199*3# for Treasure Spin and  *13199*2# for Sport Brain. Each plan can be activated either as a one-time purchase or Auto Renewal.

Globacom further explained that all products are available at an affordable subscription rate of ₦100 for a daily plan, ₦300 for weekly plan and ₦500 for monthly plan.

In concluding, the company disclosed that the services are available to all Glo prepaid and postpaid subscribers nationwide.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

SiBAN Applauds Interstellar’s Groundbreaking Role in Africa’s Blockchain Future

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) has lauded Interstellar, one of its prominent members, for spearheading a major breakthrough in Africa’s financial technology space.

This follows Interstellar’s strategic partnership with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to roll out the PAPSS African Currency Marketplace (PACM), a blockchain-based platform designed to address the continent’s long-standing currency inconvertibility challenge.

The initiative is already being hailed as a game-changer capable of eliminating the $5 billion annual trade friction currently plaguing intra-African commerce.

According to SiBAN President, Mr Obinna Iwuno, the development affirms Nigeria’s leadership in blockchain innovation, stating that Interstellar’s PACM is not only a technological feat but also a timely response to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) mandate of seamless and cost-effective regional trade.

PACM operates on STARGATE, a blockchain-agnostic system developed by Interstellar, and leverages the Bantu blockchain network to facilitate real-time, peer-to-peer exchanges of African currencies.

The solution ensures financial inclusion by allowing businesses, SMEs, and informal traders to transact in local currencies without relying on foreign intermediaries, all while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Mr Ernest Mbenkum, CEO of Interstellar, described the solution as Africa’s roadmap to financial sovereignty. “Blockchain is not just innovation; it is empowerment,” he said.

SiBAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and partnerships that promote secure, transparent, and inclusive digital economies.

The association further called on stakeholders in government and the private sector to prioritise blockchain adoption as a driver of national development.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending