Author: Akin Naphtal

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, says there is potential for the creation of thousands of jobs through innovative initiatives, such as a certified installer/maintenance program for Starlink. The minister discussed this during a meeting with Ryan Goodnight, Senior Director of Global Licensing and Activation at SpaceX. The two met on the sidelines of the ongoing International Telecommunication Union-World Radio Communication Conference in Dubai. Dr. Tijani stated that Nigeria has become Starlink’s largest market in Africa, highlighting the country’s growing demand for the service. The discussion centred around connecting unserved and underserved Nigerians, exploring avenues…

Two National Communications Authority (NCA) engineers, Messrs Peter Djakwah and Ransford Odoom, have been appointed Vice Chairs for the International Telecommunications Union Radiocommunications Study Group (ITU-R SG) at the ongoing World Radiocommunications Conference 2023 (WRC-23) in Dubai. Their appointments follow the submission of eligible applicants for the roles by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD) and the NCA, and is set to last for the 2024-2027 Study period. Following consistent efforts and contributions at the group, Peter Djakwah, will serve as Vice Chair of Study Group 6 to work on the development of ITU-R Recommendations, Reports and Handbooks on…

Nigerian digital publishing and bookselling platform, Okada Books, has revealed its decision to shut down on 30th November, with its CEO and founder, Okechukwu Ofili, citing macroeconomic challenges as the primary reason for the decision. Launched in 2013, Okada Books aimed to simplify book distribution and sales in Nigeria, particularly addressing the challenges faced by local writers in securing publishing contracts or affording self-publishing. The platform allowed authors to easily self-publish their works and connect with readers who were willing to pay for their content. Available on Android, the Okada Books platform facilitated direct sharing between authors and readers, with…

President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame has praised MTN Rwanda for its partnership with the government and the people of Rwanda and its contribution to the digital and financial inclusion of the country. Speaking at the celebration of the 25th anniversary of MTN Rwanda, President Kagame said “Who else would have found it easy to invest in a country that had just emerged from our tragic history, as we know it? We took risks, both of us, you took a risk with us, and we took a risk with you, but here, 25 years later I think we can say we…

Established nearly three decades ago, MTN Ghana has steadily risen to position itself among the most reliable telecommunications companies in the country. Some Ghanaians would rank MTN Ghana as the best telecommunications company in Ghana, due to their experiences with the company. MTN Ghana, by dint of hard work and consistent reliable performance, has amassed a large following, surpassing its competitors in subscriber count. An NCA 2022 report showed that Telco achieved 63% of the mobile voice share market, 72% for mobile data, and 78% of the 4G operator’s market share. It remains the telecom market leader in Ghana While…

In an initiative aimed at strengthening disaster management capabilities, the governments of Ghana and India have embarked on a collaborative knowledge exchange and technology transfer program. Led by Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ms. Ama Pomaa-Boateng, a 17-member delegation has embarked on an eight-day mission in India, focusing on Early Warning Systems for Emergency Preparedness and Response.The mission, scheduled from November 15th to 24th, 2023, is being hosted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.Objectives and ImpactMs. Pomaa-Boateng emphasized that the collaborative effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 17…

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), at the 45th Anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, has campaigned for a sustainable digital economy based on trusted use of data. The NDPC Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations Department, Babatunde Bamigboye Esq., represented the NDPC National Commissioner/CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji, at a panel session. The National Commissioner highlighted the strides achieved by NDPC towards Nigeria’s Digital Economy landscape, particularly in the area of data processing value chain. Whilst assuring stakeholders of the government’s effort in creating a stable business environment, he applauded Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the…

MTN Uganda, partnered with Sense International, has successfully launched the Digital Access Program at Ngora School for the Deaf in Eastern Uganda through its corporate social responsibility arm, hashtag#MTNFoundation. The school, which caters for 101 pupils, is one of the three specialist schools for the deaf in Uganda, making this initiative a significant action towards digital inclusion for students with hearing challenges. The new computer lab, worth Shs 124 million, has state-of-the-art technology, including 10 computers, a projector, printer, sound amplifiers, power backup, and a one-year maintenance plan. The lab has specialized software that ensures a suitable and accessible learning…

OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, has announced the departure of CEO Sam Altman, citing Altman’s “lack of candor” in communications and doubts at his ability to lead the company forward as the primary reasons behind the decision. This move follows Altman’s recent announcement of a new feature allowing users to build their own versions of ChatGPT. OpenAI’s decision to part ways with Altman comes at a time when ChatGPT has experienced unprecedented success, amassing over 100 million active monthly users within its first quarter. The announcement has left both the tech community and the public in disbelief. Altman reportedly…

Nigerian fintech giant, Flutterwave, has developed a product named “Swap”, backed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its bid to revolutionise the way Nigerians access foreign currency, and address key challenges in the current FX landscape. Flutterwave’s Swap is the result of a partnership with Wema Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, and Kadavra BDC. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of each entity, with Flutterwave utilising its International Money Transfer Operator license, Kadavra contributing its BDC license, and Wema Bank providing comprehensive support throughout the process. Addressing FX Market Challenges Acting governor of the CBN,…