Enhancing internet connectivity promotes digital inclusion across regions, ensuring more people have access to online resources, education, and opportunities. This aligns with broader efforts in Africa to bridge the digital divide and empower communities through technology.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced, on July 2, a 2,400km fibre optic network initiative to provide free Wi-Fi across Anambra State. Revealed during the swearing-in of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 NYSC members, the project aims to address internet connectivity challenges.

Soludo, represented by Martin Agbili, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, emphasized youth empowerment and local enterprise support. He said, “My administration has articulated a deep-rooted policy towards the youths which corps members deployed to the state benefit.”

Nigeria, with its large population (accounting for 47% of West Africa’s total), a significant youth demographic (half of its 200 million people are under 30), and a robust mobile market, has immense potential in the digital economy. However, limited fixed broadband infrastructure in rural areas leaves many marginalized segments without Internet access. Strategic investments are crucial to fully unlock the country’s digital economic opportunities and transform lives, as highlighted by the World Bank assessment and Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017–2020.

The network aims to boost digital infrastructure and economic opportunities in Anambra. It aligns with the ‘Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere’ vision of the state's governor.

Hikmatu Bilali