Author: ITPulse

By Ivie Abiamuwe Nigeria’s economic resilience has historically been driven by its nano and micro-enterprises, ranging from roadside kiosks to rapidly growing digital vendors. These businesses play a critical role in driving economic activity, generating employment, and fostering community stability nationwide. These nano and micro-businesses form the bedrock of the country’s economic drive. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for approximately 96% of businesses in Nigeria, contributing nearly 48% to the national GDP and employing over 80% of the workforce. Yet, despite their fundamental importance, many of these businesses operate without…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has made it clear that the surge in investor interest in Nigerian startups isn’t accidental. Rather, it is a direct result of a maturing digital backbone. This was the position of the Director General of NITDA, Mal. Kashifu Inuwa at the Africa Fintech Foundry Ecosystem Roundtable 7.0. He noted that the narrative surrounding Nigerian tech is shifting from speculative hype to a focus on foundational strength, as Nigeria’s startup ecosystem is becoming an irresistible destination for global and local capital. Inuwa, represented by Muhammad Aminu, Special Assistant on Digital Transformation at NITDA, redefined…

By Martin Ekpeke As the global race for Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominance accelerates, experts are issuing a blunt warning to African leaders: shift from megawatt thinking to gigawatt scaling, or risk being left behind in the digital dark ages. The clarion call comes ahead of African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, where the AI and Data Center Track is set to dominate the agenda. The core message is clear: the incremental power planning that has defined the continent’s energy strategy for decades is fundamentally incompatible with the massive, concentrated energy appetites of modern AI. While Africa possesses some of the world’s…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the alleged diversion or mismanagement of ₦26.9 billion at the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). The allegations stem from the 2022 Auditor-General’s Report, published in September 2025, which highlights systemic financial failures and breaches of public trust within the agency. SERAP has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to initiate a probe and begin recovery efforts before the organization considers legal action. SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare emphasized that access to the internet is an enabler of fundamental human rights, and the failure…

Airtel Africa plc has reported a landmark financial performance for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, characterized by a significant increase in profitability and record-breaking customer acquisitions. The telecommunications giant saw its Profit After Tax soar to $813 million, more than doubling the $328 million recorded in the previous year. This resurgence was driven by robust operational growth and a favorable swing in foreign exchange impacts, turning a previous $179 million loss into a $127 million gain. The company’s customer-first digital strategy led to its highest-ever net additions, increasing the total customer base to 183.5 million. Notably, data has…

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has received a resounding vote of confidence from tech industry leaders and policymakers following its successful 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos recently. The assembly, which drew a diverse group of members, industry giants, and civil society representatives, celebrated NiRA’s operational resilience while sparking a national conversation on the urgent need for policy frameworks to accelerate the adoption of the .ng country code top-level domain (ccTLD). During the proceedings, members praised NiRA’s leadership for maintaining a stable and secure registry despite fluctuating global and local economic conditions. Stakeholders emphasized that the .ng…

Numbers don’t lie! We have seen figures and statistics of regions with high internet usage and adoption and South West Nigeria led the pack! For decades, the Igbo people of South-Eastern Nigeria have been celebrated across Africa as one of the continent’s most commercially gifted ethnic groups. From spare parts markets in Nnewi to large trading hubs in Onitsha and Aba, the region built a reputation for entrepreneurship, resilience, and grassroots capitalism long before startup culture became fashionable. Yet beneath this proud commercial history lies a growing crisis that many within the region are increasingly reluctant to confront: the South-East…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its iHatch startup incubation programme aimed at supporting early-stage Nigerian founders.  ONDI announced the opening in a post shared on its official X account on Wednesday, calling on founders at the idea and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage to apply for the programme.  According to the agency, the programme is designed to help entrepreneurs move from the idea stage to building workable products through mentorship, training, and startup support.  “iHatch is built for founders at the idea…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a cybersecurity warning over a new artificial intelligence-powered malware known as “DeepLoad,” saying it is actively targeting Nigerian government agencies, banks, businesses, and individuals.  The agency, through its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT.NG), released the advisory on Wednesday, warning that the malware could lead to theft of passwords, bank details, sensitive documents, and other personal information stored on infected devices.  According to NITDA, DeepLoad spreads through fake website error messages that trick victims into copying and pasting malicious commands into their computers. Once activated, the malware silently installs itself,…

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has entered into strategic partnerships with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), setting a new standard for data governance, ensuring that privacy is woven into the fabric of both federal procurement and state-level administration. The synergy between these agencies is designed to deliver high-impact results across the Nigerian digital economy. Nigeria enhances its reputation in the global digital ecosystem and fosters an environment of trust, confidence, and credibility by integrating robust data protection standards into the procurement sector. The partnership with the BPP addresses the critical need to…