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

Digital Africa is set to host the Talent4Startup Job Fair on July 12. The fair seeks to bridge the gap between talented professionals and emerging startups, thereby boosting employability in the tech sector.

The job fair will feature candidates skilled in Front-End Web Development, Back-End Web Development, Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics.

The Agribusiness Innovation Challenge, co-created by the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), invites young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 passionate about agriculture and technology to develop solutions to improve the food supply chain in Nigeria.

Winners will secure a 2,000,000 naira ($12,700) equity-free grant and other benefits, with applications closing on July 26th, 2024.

The development of an indigenous blockchain is crucial for Africa. By controlling its blockchain infrastructure, African countries can ensure data security and reduce dependency on foreign technology to promote technological advancement.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is considering developing an indigenous blockchain named Nigerium to protect national data and enhance security. NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Abdullahi, announced this during a meeting with delegates from the University of Hertfordshire Law School.

During the meeting, the university delegation, led by Chanu Kuppuswamy, emphasized the importance of Nigeria controlling its blockchain to avoid foreign influence. “We want NITDA to consider developing an indigenous blockchain on which we can now think of putting all the public service and the land registries of the 36 states and Abuja,” Kuppuswamy said.

The delegation also suggested the creation of a "data embassy" to ensure digital continuity and protect data. This server, hosted in a third-party country but regulated by Nigerian law, would safeguard the nation's data. Additionally, the need for collaboration between government departments was highlighted to harmonize blockchain services.

A 2021 report by Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA), a Nigerian Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) organization, reveals that Blockchain has the potential to increase Nigeria’s GDP by $29 billion by 2030, highlighting the significant economic impact of the adoption of a secure blockchain in the country.

This initiative falls in line with the country’s adoption of a national blockchain policy in 2023 and follows NITDA's plans to establish blockchain research centers across Nigeria, underscoring the country's commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for national development.

Hikmatu Bilali

Africhange, a leading global remittance provider, launched, on July 3, its operations in the United Kingdom.

The platform aims to provide affordable and dependable international money transfer solutions for Africans abroad.

By addressing crucial infrastructure gaps, rural communities gain access to global economic connectivity, digital services, and opportunities in digital education and e-commerce. These advancements establish the groundwork for sustainable socio-economic development in Africa, positioning these communities on the global stage.

Zambia inaugurated its first smart village project in Namwala, Southern District on July 5. Sponsored by Huawei Technologies, a leading Chinese firm, the initiative includes a communication tower and a solar power system designed to power numerous homes, marking a pioneering step in Zambia's rural development.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to Huawei Technologies Zambia for their support, which aligns with our government's digital agenda to foster rural development," stated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema during the project's launch.

Deeply honored to have been the guest... - Hakainde Hichilema | Facebook

The launch event included the unveiling of a mini-solar plant equipped with solar panels as part of the Namwala project, underscoring Huawei's commitment to sustainable development. At the ceremony, Huawei Technologies Zambia also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Zambian government to establish 100 smart villages across the country's 10 provinces.

This initiative can accelerate the Zambian government's progress toward achieving the National Electronic Government Plan (NEGP) 2023-2026, which aims to leverage digital technologies for efficient public service delivery, with key focus areas including digital infrastructure and capacity building.

Zambia's progress in digital transformation has led to an improved ranking on the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), moving from 148th to 131st out of 193 countries between 2020 and 2022. It further reinforces Zambia's commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure and bridging the digital divide, contributing to its ongoing progress in e-governance and rural development.

Hikmatu Bilali

Glass House PR has partnered with the Fintech Association of South Africa (FINASA) to host the 3rd Africa Digital Finance Summit (ADFS) in Johannesburg.

The summit will discuss regulatory advancements, technological innovations, and fintech investment opportunities. It will take place from November 20th to 22nd.

The Global Tech Africa (GTA) Conference 2024 invites innovators and stakeholders to leverage AI to transform Africa’s tech landscape.

The event is scheduled for July 24-26 in Lagos, Nigeria. It aims to facilitate partnerships, investments, and capacity building.

The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, will host its first EdTech Conference from July 8 to 10, 2024, at Abuja's Hilton Transcorp.

Themed ‘Education Technology for Resilient and Inclusive Learning in Africa,’ the event aligns with the African Union’s Year of Education and focuses on EdTech trends, policies for fostering innovation, and its role in solving educational challenges across Africa.

The Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (C.I.I.F.A.), in collaboration with Google, announces the launch of the second Engage Nigeria cohort.

Engage Nigeria offers training in music business, production, event planning, cinematography, animation, graphic design, and content creation. Participants benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities to enhance career readiness.

Application is open to individuals aged 17- 35.