E-Business
Service Providers/Mobile Manufacturers’ Partnership, Transformational- Accenture
The emergence and growth of digital technologies is one that has had a fast move in the world and has been quickly bought over by individuals, firms, industries and governments.
Also, the advent of digital technology has brought about new ways to communicate, interact and transact business.
An Accenture 2015 Digital Consumer Survey, however reveals that consumers find smart devices increasingly relevant to their lives, and are inspired by the possibilities of the connected world.
Another Accenture research also goes to show that large enterprises believe that digital technologies are a good potential for business transformation.
Knowing that communication is key not only for inter-personal communication but business as well, digital technology has changed the face of business communication with the ubiquitous nature of the internet, instant messaging, teleconferencing and even telecommuting have become possible.
In Nigeria, there has been a proliferation of digital activities with the high penetration of smartphones and tablets.
Studies show that strong global and indigenous mobile manufacturers in Nigeria are now giving in-depth attention to the smartphones and tablet divisions as against the computer.
In the Nigerian market, the activities of service providers are regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This high penetration of mobile devices is attributable to the laudable benefits it brings to end users; individuals and businesses alike.
It has helped individuals build a large network of people, create new ways for interaction and has aided communication by taking away the barrier of space and time.
For organisations, they have learnt new ways to conduct business, reduce employee work load, collaborate with other organisations and outsource jobs irrespective of location.
These are just a few of the advantages digital technology has brought to Nigeria and the world at large.
Holistically, digital technologies are now mainstays in the business world with some organisations even having the role of a “Chief Digital Officer”.
Thus mobile manufactures and Service Providers (SP) have become indispensable in our daily lives.
With the functionality digital technology plays in our world, conferences are held round the globe to discuss issues pertaining to this industry.
The challenges they face, successes recorded and the way forward. It is also an opportunity to make business deals and network. From the 2nd to the 5th of March, 2015; Barcelona Spain, played host to this year’s World Mobile Congress (WMC), which has become a Mecca to anyone interested in things relating to the internet.
Mobile manufacturers also use these events as an avenue to launch their flagship products. South-Korean conglomerate Samsung, launched its Samsung S6 and S6 Edge at the 2015 WMC.
Jim Bailey, group managing director Accenture Digital –Mobility at the 2015 WMC said, “insurance and financial services industry now want to connect everything to the internet, because they see it as an ‘insurable’ opportunity”.
With the potential of digital technology to transform business and thus the economy at large,a unique partnership with mobile telephony manufacturers (MTMs) and service providers should be considered.
Though it may seem like the functions of mobile manufacturers and service providers are clearly different in the business of digital technologies, a collaboration with both parties can transform not just individual lives but the face of business.
Mobile manufacturers should continually design, manufacture and sell wireless technological equipment that allow for seamless business transactions and interactions.
And on the other hand, service providers should ensure that information is efficiently and effectively transmitted.
The benefits of this partnership are innumerable with some including the ability to create new revenue opportunities, increase product and service development speed, an increase in customer engagement and also help create new markets for business.
However, these two key players in the world of digital technology are poised with some short comings.
The issue of security is one that cannot be over flogged in the digital ecosystem.
In recent times, there have been problems of authorization and authentication; with intruders gaining access to secured networks and information (hacking).
Nonetheless, there are a range of security measures and applications available to individuals and firms.
Organisations like the Centre for Internet Security help combat insecurity in the digital world.
In an Accenture global consumer survey, it was discovered that consumers believe that the use of a single service provider to manage communication and entertainment products and services aids security. Tom Loozen, managing director and global Communications Industry lead, Accenture said, “Consumers’ preferences for a single, trusted provider also place SP networks in the spotlight”. He further goes to say that “this can be a distinct advantage for SPs, because they can combine their expertise in building and managing IP networks with their increased capabilities to develop and deliver new, customer-focused services that incorporate data analytics for highly personalized services. As a result, SPs are positioned to do well in the digital ecosystem.”
However, in Nigeria this is not the case as individuals and organisations use different SPs on their different devices.
Businesses may stand on the fact that the use of different SPs makes it easier to connect with their customers.
Also connected to this is the issue of signals in different areas in Nigeria. Due to the terrain of the country, the networks provided by some SPs may or may not work in some locations.
Thus it may be wise to employ the services of more than one SP in order to be within reach at all times.
Conclusively, organisations must see digital security holistically, treating them as an extension of wider organisation security on an ongoing basis.”
Another hindrance to the advancement of digital technology in business is the complexity associated with using them. People who possess technological devices consider using and managing them a herculean task.
However, Loozen posited that “SPs who establish themselves as ‘trusted providers,’ enabling customers’ products to function effectively within this ecosystem are not only providing a valuable service, but helping drive digital for mass adoption.”
Closely associated with this is the fact that organisations have difficulties in building technological partnership due to the pervasive nature of digital technology. Thus the partnership between mobile manufacturers and service providers will help bridge this gap, and hence remove the difficulties inherent in creating the right partnership in the digital ecosystem.
Loozen also added that “consumers are considering service providers as their facilitators for the digital goals they aim to achieve and as such have an important role to play in the move to the digital age”.
The Nigerian digital ecosystem is a constantly growing field with mobile technology being at the forefront.
NCC as at 2014, put the total number of smartphones in the country at 12 million. This buttresses the point that Nigeria is a viable ground for software engineers, applications developers and technological gurus to invest in, in order to meet the ever evolving needs of digital Nigeria.
Digital technologies have been instrumental in transforming business and industries round the globe and thus mobile manufacturers and service providers who have a key role to play should endeavour to make this trend void of all technicalities and difficulties in order to get the buy-in of organisations in order to make this global village a better place.
In a powerful stride towards an inclusive digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is spearheading a transformative drive to empower Nigerian women in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital economy.
This commitment was resoundingly reiterated by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, at the “Innovate Her 25” conference, the 10th National Conference and 11th Annual Meeting of Nigerian Women in Information Technology.
Speaking at the event themed “Women in AI: Unlocking Resilience, Fostering Innovation and Leadership,” Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, emphasised that true innovation blossoms not in isolation, but through synergistic partnerships and collective endeavor – principles deeply embedded in NITDA’s operational ethos.
Highlighting Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, Inuwa added that inclusivity is embedded as a core objective: “Our strategic roadmap mandates that at least 40% of our programmes directly benefit women and underserved groups. We have also developed a Gender Inclusion Strategy to guide interventions in areas such as training and infrastructure,” he explained.
Further underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in the digital space, Inuwa excitingly announced that in September 2025, NITDA will proudly host a Leadership Summit on AI. This landmark event will convene stakeholders from across the African continent, fostering a collaborative environment to forge a unified AI vision for Africa.
In alignment with the conference’s focus on empowering women in technology, the DG detailed NITDA’s diverse capacity-building initiatives spanning AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. “We work with partners such as the Renew Hope Initiative to train thousands of women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones,” he revealed, highlighting the agency’s broad reach.
NITDA stands ready to collaborate with organisations like the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT), actively encouraging proposals for bespoke programmes that cater to specific community needs. “We focus on targeted training with measurable outcomes, rather than generic approaches,” Inuwa affirmed, emphasising a results-oriented methodology.
He further spotlighted NITDA’s “Digital Literacy for All Initiative,” which seeks to equip 70% of Nigerians with digital literacy by 2027. Through strategic partnerships with the NYSC and the integration of digital literacy into national school curricula, the agency plans to train over 30 million Nigerians — with a dedicated focus on underserved communities and public servants.
Addressing critical concerns surrounding ethical AI, Inuwa emphasised the importance of developing indigenous datasets and large language models reflective of Nigeria’s unique realities: “We are working closely with stakeholders to build local datasets that safeguard Nigerians’ digital rights and ensure ethical AI use,” he assured.
NITDA is also championing mentorship for women in technology through impactful initiatives such as Women Innovate. The agency warmly welcomes collaboration with NIWIT to design structured mentorship programmes and is open to formalising such partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
“NITDA is committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through innovation. Partnership and collaboration remain the way forward,” Inuwa declared.
The session concluded with a resounding call to action, urging women-focused organisations to leverage NITDA’s open-door policy and unite in advancing digital inclusion across Nigeria. The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is inclusive, and women are at its forefront.
Amazon’s management on Wednesday said that it expects that artificial intelligence software will reduce the number of office workers at the world’s largest online retailer.
Andy Jassy, chief executive, Amazon
“We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today and more people doing other types of jobs,” Andy Jassy, chief executive, Amazon wrote in an email to employees.
He said it was difficult to predict how the overall workforce will evolve, but in the next few years, it is expected that AI efficiency gains will lead to a reduction in the number of office workers.
According to earlier reports, Amazon employed around 1.5 million people worldwide, with approximately 350,000 office employees in various roles.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the company does not anticipate further large-scale layoffs, as seen in 2022 and 2023, in the near future.
Instead, it expects that vacant positions will not be refilled.
However, layoffs are not ruled out, according to sources familiar with the matter.
“Amazon is focusing on so-called AI agents, software capable of independently performing tasks. These agents could, for example, summarise information from the web and data sources, write software, translate languages and automate many time-consuming tasks,” Mr Jassy explained.
“Agents will be teammates that we can call on at various stages of our work,” he added, urging employees to experiment with AI whenever possible.
The impact of AI on the job market has been a concern for many years.
Recently, Spotify, the leader in music streaming, announced that teams requesting additional staff would first need to prove that AI could not perform the tasks.
The creators of the language-learning app Duolingo plan to gradually replace external workers with AI.
Dr Adebowale Adedokun, director-general, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to data protection in Nigeria.
He disclosed this in a statement at the weekend by Zira Nagga, head of Public Relations, BPP, following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Adedokun stressed that data protection is vital to Nigeria’s economy and development, particularly in areas such as demography, health, education, and other key sectors.
He emphasised that no country should leave its data unprotected, as it plays a crucial role in future planning and national development.
“Data governs the world. It is essential to technological progress and must be protected for a country or business to be taken seriously,” he said.
Adedokun described the visit, aimed at fostering partnership on data policy implementation and protection, as timely and aligned with national goals.
He said the BPP would collaborate closely with the NDPC to boost data development, capacity building, and enhance the procurement system.
“The BPP will support compliance as part of the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy, although it is not a core procurement eligibility requirement,” he explained.
He suggested a hybrid training model to help build strong capacity in data protection, privacy awareness, and policy understanding.
According to him, a dynamic training approach will reduce logistics costs and improve public confidence in data safety and privacy.
Dr Vincent Olatunji, CEO, and national commissioner, NDPC, praised Adedokun and the BPP for supporting data protection initiatives.
He said the partnership supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision and will strengthen data privacy across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“The collaboration will create awareness and train BPP staff to ensure a firm grasp of data protection principles and policies,” he stated.
Olatunji said the NDPC would establish a working group to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding beneficial to both institutions.
He added that President Tinubu signed the NDPC into law on 12 June 2023 to uphold citizens’ rights and protect national and business data.
Olatunji also noted that strict legal measures were in place to enforce data protection and ensure full compliance nationwide.
Both agencies agreed to form a team to sign the MoU and focus on capacity building and data management in procurement and beyond.
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