Tech services provider TD Africa and Cisco recently launched a month-long training program under the TD Academy banner to tackle Africa's technology skills gap.

The program, “Introduction to Cisco Networking Solutions and Workplace Professional Skills,” aims to tackle Africa’s technology skills gap. It combines technical training with vital soft skills, providing participants with a well-rounded skill set for today’s job market.

Ensuring consistent and improved satellite services is vital for supporting digital transformation efforts across African nations. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, the continent can effectively bridge the digital divide and drive economic growth.

The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) is set to replace its aging communications satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R. To this end, it seeks global investors and collaborators for the project. This move, announced by Managing Director Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, on July 14, comes as NIGCOMSAT-1R nears the end of its 15-year lifespan in 2026.

Operational since 2011, NIGCOMSAT-1R is essential to Nigeria's communications infrastructure. The NigComSat-1R satellite was launched to replace the failed NigComSat-1 in 2007. To maintain and enhance service, NIGCOMSAT plans to develop NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3. The two new satellites will replace NIGCOMSAT-1R.

In 2016, the Nigerian government announced its intention to acquire two new satellites. Adebayo Shittu, then Nigerian Minister of Communications, said the project would require around $500 million. He added that the government was negotiating a loan with Exim Bank China to implement the project.

The launch of two new satellites by NIGCOMSAT will reinforce the development strategy being pursued by the public company. In terms of services, the company has won several contracts with its single satellite. Between June and July, two new agreements were added to its portfolio. On July 5, NIGCOMSAT signed a one-year internet service agreement with Dimension Data, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure. Additionally, in June, NIGCOMSAT partnered with Hotspot Network Limited, a company specializing in rural connectivity solutions, and telecom giant Infratel to bolster rural connectivity.

NIGCOMSAT's proactive steps to replace NIGCOMSAT-1R and global collaboration underscore the need for continuous investment and innovation in Nigeria's satellite technology.

Hikmatu Bilali

TurnStay.com, a South African travel fintech, has secured $300,000 in funding from DFS Lab and DCG, based in Silicon Valley and New York. The company plans to use this investment to expand across Africa and build on its existing momentum.

Founded by Alon Stern of Slide Financial and James Hedley of Quicket, TurnStay aims to reduce payment costs for African travel merchants by employing strategies used by major global booking companies to lower international payment fees without compromising safety or efficiency.

Streamlining vehicle registration and documentation processes aids in combating vehicle-related crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Digital systems can be adapted to provide real-time data to help law enforcement agencies track and recover stolen vehicles, enhancing overall security.

In a recent development, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which was initially set to commence on July 29, 2024. This directive was announced in a press release dated July 14, just a day after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) announced the deadline for vehicle owners to register for the e-CMR, costing N5,375 per vehicle.

The decision aims to provide sufficient time for mass enlightenment and education of all citizens and residents on the e-CMR process, its benefits, and its effectiveness in addressing vehicle-related crimes and protecting vehicle ownership.

"The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR initially scheduled to commence on the 29th of July, 2024. This is to give ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of all citizens and residents on the process, benefits and effectiveness in solving the challenge of vehicle-related crimes, and protection of individual and corporate vehicle ownership," the statement read.

In light of the suspension, the IGP has instructed all police officers to refrain from requesting e-CMR certificates. Any officer found extorting or exploiting the public under the guise of enforcing e-CMR compliance will face strict sanctions. The NPF clarified that the e-CMR is not intended as a revenue-generating platform but as a digital policing initiative aimed at enhancing public safety and security.

The e-CMR system is designed to enhance the safety and security of all vehicle types, including motorcycles. By collecting data from vehicle owners, the system can flag vehicles if reported stolen, provide the police with a comprehensive real-time database, prevent multiple registrations, and integrate biometric and other data into a national database. This integration will contribute to overall security and streamline incident reporting across various government agencies.

This suspension provides an opportunity for better public understanding and preparation for the eventual implementation of the e-CMR system, ensuring it effectively enhances vehicle security and ownership protection.

The Central Motor Registry (CMR) was initially launched in December 2022 to enable citizens to report stolen vehicles and assist in processing motor vehicle information, supporting police operations, and enhancing national security. This digitalization effort is part of a broader trend where African nations are increasingly adopting digital solutions to combat crime, improve governance, and streamline services.

Hikmatu Bilali

Many African countries face significant challenges in providing reliable internet access, especially in rural and remote areas. Satellite internet can offer high-speed connectivity where traditional infrastructure is lacking, helping to bridge the digital divide and bring more people online.

South Sudan's National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced approved tariffs for SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink. In a July 8 post on X, the NCA stated it collaborated with Starlink to offer affordable connectivity in South Sudan as Elon Musk's high-speed internet service prepares to launch.

This serves to inform the public about the approved tariffs & the forthcoming selection of local distributor(s) by Starlink.

It should be noted that the tariffs exclude applicable taxes and relevant statutory fees. #ConnectingSSD pic.twitter.com/zTWLFbsXo4

— National Communication Authority - NCA (@NCA_SSD) July 8, 2024

The NCA issued a provisional license for Starlink in June 2024, aiming to reduce internet costs and improve access, especially in rural areas.

The authority reports that Starlink will offer four pricing plans: USD 38.19 per month for the cheapest and USD 5,005.40 for the most expensive. The plans are Standard, Priority, Mobile, and Mobile Priority, with equipment costing USD 296.67 for the Standard Kit and USD 2,502.70 for the Flat High-Performance Kit. Prices exclude taxes and fees.

According to DataReportal's Digital 2024: South Sudan report, the country had 1.36 million internet users at the start of 2024, with an internet penetration rate of 12.1 percent. Additionally, there were 3.97 million active mobile connections, representing 35.5 percent of the population. With only 12.1 percent internet penetration, the introduction of Starlink could dramatically increase internet accessibility, especially in rural and underserved areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking.

Starlink is expanding in Africa, recently launching in Madagascar and obtaining licenses in Ghana, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, with services active in Sierra Leone. It operates in several other countries, including Benin, Nigeria, Rwanda, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zambia. With these developments, Starlink is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and supporting economic development in underserved regions.

Hikmatu Bilali

Nigeria-based NeuRaL AI has introduced REACTOR, an AI platform designed to help businesses integrate Generative AI into their operations.

NeuRaL AI is a company that offers Artificial Intelligence solutions to businesses, from setup to maintenance and training.

Visa has opened applications for the third cohort of its Accelerator Program in Africa. This initiative aims to support innovative startups by providing resources and guidance for scaling their solutions.

The Program offers mentorship, access to Visa’s network, and partnership opportunities to pilot solutions. It aims to help startups scale their operations and impact across Africa.

Applications close on August 11.

Innovate Africa has launched with an initial $2.5 million to support early-stage startups tackling Africa’s challenges.

The fund aims to back up to 20 startups in its first year, focusing on solving complex problems such as insecurity, unemployment, and poverty through purpose-driven technology.

The Offshore Lab, a Nigerian company focused on Project delivery, capacity building, education, technology and innovation, has announced the completion of the ICT and Innovation Centre at Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

The project, funded by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and NNPC Limited, was inaugurated on July 4. It aims to address both local and global challenges through advanced technology by bridging infrastructure gaps and equipping young people with digital skills.

Africa, with its substantial untapped digital economic potential, stands to benefit greatly from strategic investments in technology. Such initiatives are crucial for enhancing competitiveness and fostering economic growth in the 21st-century global economy.

The Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) and Dimension Data, a South African IT and internet solutions provider, signed a one-year internet service agreement, on July 5. The agreement was signed by Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, NIGCOMSAT's CEO, and Olugbenga Olabiyi, Dimension Data's country director.

“In line with the aspirations of the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to rejig the nation’s economy through digital transformation, the Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd, has once again signed a partnership agreement with Dimension Data, a leading IT solutions company, internet solutions service provider,” revealed NIGCOMSAT in a press release dated July 5

Under the deal, NIGCOMSAT will provide Dimension Data with internet services on the NigComSat-1R network for one year.

This partnership follows similar agreements Nigcomsat signed in June with satellite telecom providers, including Hotspot Network Limited, a leading company specializing in rural connectivity solutions, and telecom giant Infratel, to enhance rural connectivity.

The initiatives align with Nigcomsat's ambition to become a leading provider of satellite communications infrastructure in Nigeria and Africa, supporting the government's project to bring broadband to every corner of the country.

Hikmatu Bilali