Author: ITPulse

The duo of Prof. Isa Pantami, Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), have made a case for Africa digital transformation strategy. The two telecom ombudsmen, who spoke at the recent 3-day virtual African Internet Governance Forum 2021 (vAFIGF2021) with the theme: “Advancing Digital Transformation in Africa in the Face of Crisis”, and hosted by the Nigerian government, noted that the digital transformation strategy for Africa should be established on key foundational pillars. For the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, these pillars should include an enabling…

Despite being the second largest continent by population and its huge landmarks, Africa still lags behind in several indicators vital for a successful industrial revolution.  The region is still behind in the most important measures of innovation capacity. Although Africa has 18% of the world’s population, it accounts for only 0.3% of global R&D spending and 0.5% of patent applications. Trade statistics paint a picture of a relatively low-tech, low value-add region: Africa produces 0.4% of global high-technology exports and 0.8% of middle-technology exports, such as industrial machinery, autos and chemicals. Unlike previous waves of industrial change, competing in the…

Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on governments and citizens, countries across the African continent are looking at e-government with renewed interest and urgency. In its latest E-Government Survey, the UN notes that governments around the world are looking at new e-government initiatives in their pursuit of digital government transformation. These include the expansion of e-participation, the delivery of e-government as a platform, the innovative use of intelligent technologies to power smart cities, and the adoption of data-centric approaches to service delivery and government policy. E-government is defined as the use of information and communication technologies to transform government…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced Agomate, BridgingSpace and 28 others as top tech startups that have qualified for the Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria (B2MC Nigeria) programme. The 30 startups will participate in an intensive, virtual boot camp between 24th of January and 18th of February 2022 in the NITDA-sponsored national startup competition that identifies and accelerates the most high-impact startups across Nigeria. B2MC Nigeria is a collaborative programme between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and MassChallenge, a global network for innovators, headquartered in the United States of America. The participating startups will have access…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has created a new subsidiary from the agency tagged Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).. The creation of ONDI follows the successful merger of two of its subsidiaries; the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE) and the Office for Nigerian Content Development in ICT (ONC). In a statement signed by Mrs Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, the merger of the two subsidiaries to create ONDI is an efforts to implement the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and to streamline its operation to serve stakeholders more efficiently.…

The Innovation and Development Fund set up by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), yesterday got a boost with the announcement that the Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh has donated the sum of N50m to the programme. Speaking while announcing the donation, the Zinoc Boss commended the Executive Council of the NCS for birthing the idea of an innovation hub that would incubate start-ups and foster the spirit of creative genius which abounds in Nigeria’s increasingly tech-focused youths. While appealing to other stakeholders to support the initiative to ‘‘train our brothers and sisters who shall lead globally certified…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has met with relevant stakeholders with the aim of reviewing the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2021-2024. The meeting, which was held at eGovernment Training Centre, Public Service Institute of Nigeria, Abuja is aimed at critically reviewing the SRAP document and making adjustments where necessary. It is also in line with the continuous implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Delivery his address at the meeting, the Director General of NITDA, Mal. Kashifu Inuwa noted that the review of the document was to enhance…

The board of the African Development Bank, has approved the sum of  $170 million to finance Digital and Creative Enterprises Program (i-DICE) in Nigeria, which is a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative to promote investment in digital and creative industries.. The program, which is part of Nigeria’s efforts to build greener environment to create more sustainable jobs for the teeming youthful population, targets more than 68 million Nigerians aged 15 to 35 years who are recognized as leaders of innovative, early-stage, technology-enabled start-ups or as leaders of creative sector micro, small and medium sized enterprises. The program is co-financed by…

After pulling out from the 3.5 gigahitz (GHz) spectrum auction license for 5G deployment on Monday in Abuja, Airtel Nigeria says it still committed to driving broadband capacity in the various markets it operates. The Group Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, who stated this in a statement confirmed that the Nigerian subsidiary of the company pulled out of the auction after submitting its final bid of $270m. While commending the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a transparent 5G auction, the Airtel Africa CEO, said the business case for 5G across all sub-Saharan markets is evolving, and…

Good things happen in different ways and we know that experiencing them brings us so much joy and happiness. But do you know what makes good moments even more special? The opportunity to share them with your loved ones. Your route to make memorable moments with SHAREit Lite   In the holiday season, we know that sharing moments matter so much to you and your loved ones. That’s why SHAREit Lite is committed to helping you achieve the best of memories through sharing. The app has started a big giveaway in Nigeria to make your celebration and moments special. And…