Author: ITPulse

Data obtained by GlobalData has shown that the technology industry in the Middle East and Africa region recorded a total of 177 deals worth $2.94bn during the second quarter of 2020. This is a rise of 14.9 percent in overall deal activity when compared to the last four-quarter average of 154 deals. The top five technology deals in the quarter as highlighted by Globaldata are Intel’s $900m acquisition of Moovit App Global, the $450m acquisition of Spotinst by NetApp and National Instruments’ $365m acquisition of OptimalPlus. Others are the $170m acquisition of CyberX by Microsoft and American Express Ventures, Bain…

Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami will today lead the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta; Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mal. Kashifu Inuwa to the 8th edition of the annual Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition. This year’s event is a 2-day event and the first virtual edition in the series, will also be graced by other speakers and notable ICT eggheads including Founder and Chairman, Mobile Software Solutions Ltd, Mr. Chris Uwaje; former Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC and Chairman of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc,…

The telecom industry in Nigeria is expected to generate over N100 billion before the end of the year 2020, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta has said. Danbatta stated this last week at the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning during the Public hearing on the 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework And Fiscal Strategy Paper in Abuja. He said the N100 billion will represent double of the N52 billion that was generated by the industry in the first six months of the year. “Total revenue generated in the first half…

The rumors of the second COVID-19 wave have been circling the market. With a significant number of vendors still battling the consequences of the first siege of the pandemic, keeping in mind what measures could mitigate the impact could be the difference between a ‘crash and burn’ and staying afloat.   The expectations of the second spike in COVID-19 cases pose a unique risk to businesses both in physical space and on the Internet. The first lockdown posed quite a few challenges, however, it has also distinguished alternative options and niches that could be leveraged by the payments industry market players to…

Anxiety about the future of work had hunted humans for aeons. Conversations around working from home, creating work-life balance, and using technology to promote remote work has festered for decades. The COVID19 pandemic has now brought everything home. The pandemic not only disrupted human existence but has nudged work onto a new direction; the direction many had been wary of exploring. Today, virtual and remote has suddenly become the norm. The feared digital transformation of work has finally arrived faster than ever anticipated, thanks to COVID19. Remote working is way passed the buzz word stage. Experts are now calling it…

Digiconverge, a one-stop digital convergence platform that provides fit-for-purpose services in re-broadcasting and global content syndication has launched operations in Africa, starting with Nigeria. The platform which already enjoys the blessings of the Federal Government of Nigeria has signed an exclusive content distribution partnership for Africa with the Viva Entertainment Group Inc. US to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Nollywood through effective collaborations and broadcast of original and exclusive African movies on the Flikontv Channel. The Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has described the newly launched Digiconverge as an example of Africa being a producer and not…

Nigeria’s based Programos Foundation has advocated for smart city innovation for connected communities development across Nigeria and indeed Africa as a way of living and navigating in the Covid-19 pandemic era, which is presently ravaging the world. The Foundation made the case in its recent COVID-19 intervention programmes, which was organised as one of the meeting points for many innovation producers in the ecosystem battling a pandemic from Nigeria. “This global pandemic has demonstrated once again how much we need digital innovations that serve society, and make us smarter, better connected, healthier – with solutions that have a positive impact…

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta has argued that governance in Nigeria has been made open and transparent as a result of the various Information and Communcations Technology projects being executed. The former University lecturer stated this during the 4th phase of the virtual commissioning of additional 12 digital economy projects implemented by agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. “Through the various projects, we are building shared and sustainable prosperity for this country. We are also making governance more open and transparent because people are able to participate and have…

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has opened applications for the ITU Digital World SME Virtual Awards 2020, which will take place online for the first time. The awards will help innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hone pitching skills, showcase solutions, make key connections, foster investment and gain valuable United Nations recognition, all by virtual means. The award is open to any SME worldwide and seek out innovations in four different categories: Connectivity​, Smart cities, smart living​, E-health and Digital finance​​​​ All eligible applicants will be able to join a virtual programme of masterclasses, with shortlisted entrants then able to pitch…

A global study covering internet affordability, quality and security has ranked Nigeria 81st position in the world in its 2020 results of the Digital Quality of Life (DQL) research. According to the DQL Index 2020, out of all African countries, analysed in the research, Nigeria surpasses Algeria, however, lags behind Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia and others. Algeria ranks 84th while Kenya is in the 77th place, Morocco – 70th and Tunisia – 64th. Meanwhile, while Nigeria ranks at the bottom of the DQL Index 2020, it surprises in terms of its e-security ranking. Nigeria is in the 70th place globally –…