News Wings

Tag: the Internet of Things (IoT)

  • NCC Begins Policy Review Workshop on National Telecommunications Framework

    NCC Begins Policy Review Workshop on National Telecommunications Framework

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a two-day Stakeholders’ Policy Review Workshop in Lagos to deliberate on the review of the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000, with stakeholders converging at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, to assess the trajectory of the sector and chart the next phase of Nigeria’s digital economy.

    In his opening remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the communications sector has moved beyond being a standalone industry to becoming a foundational ecosystem for national development.

    “The communications sector has evolved from an isolated vertical into a foundational ecosystem,” Maida said, stressing the need for stronger policy frameworks to address emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Satellite Broadband, the Internet of Things (IoT), Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), Digital Sovereignty, Network Resilience, Sustainable Innovation and Quality of Experience (QoE).

    He added that modern regulation must also respond more urgently to cybersecurity, data governance, digital financing and online safety.
    Citing projections from the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the NCC chief noted that strategic digitisation of agriculture, manufacturing, transport and trade could contribute an additional two percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), create up to two million jobs and generate about 1.6 trillion naira in tax revenue.

    “The strategic digitisation of key sectors of the economy will unlock significant value for Nigeria, not just in GDP growth but in jobs and revenue generation,” he said.

    The workshop brought together key stakeholders and industry figures including former NCC Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, alongside other sector leaders, regulators and private sector participants, who are contributing to discussions on the evolution and legacy of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000, strategies for bridging the digital divide, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and aligning Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem with global best practices.

    Technical sessions also examined stakeholder feedback on the Commission’s policy proposals, as well as pathways toward a more resilient, inclusive and future-ready digital economy.

  • MEST Africa Unveils AgriTech Report Mapping the Trends, Innovators, and Investment Opportunities Shaping the Future of West African Agriculture

    MEST Africa Unveils AgriTech Report Mapping the Trends, Innovators, and Investment Opportunities Shaping the Future of West African Agriculture

    The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa); the continent’s launchpad for tech entrepreneurs has released ‘the MEST Africa AgriTech Report’, highlighting the technologies, startups  and trends redefining agriculture in West Africa.

    Produced as part of the 2024 edition of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC), in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy in Accra, the report reveals how local innovators are harnessing mobile technology, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and solar-powered systems to tackle post-harvest losses, market inefficiencies, and financing gaps that constrain African farmers.

    “Agriculture has always been the backbone of West Africa’s economy, but today we’re seeing the emergence of a new chapter; one driven by innovation, local ingenuity, and technology,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MAC Lead, MEST Africa. “This report captures that transformation and calls for greater collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to ensure the promise of AgriTech benefits every farmer.”

    Drawing on data and case studies from five key markets; Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Benin, the report spotlights more than 40 AgriTech startups driving measurable impact, including Ghana’s SAYeTECH, winner of the MEST Africa Challenge 2024, which manufactures locally appropriate mechanization tools, and Nigeria’s ColdHubs, whose solar-powered cold rooms have saved over 40,000 tons of produce from spoilage.

    While ecosystem enablers such as MEST Africa, Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), and CcHUB continue to nurture talent and provide seed capital, the report highlights that AgriTech still attracts only about 4% of Africa’s venture funding; revealing untapped opportunities for investors to back AgriTech solutions driving food security and inclusive growth.

    “Our goal with this report is not only to spotlight innovation but to drive collaboration,” Ravichandran added. “By investing in data, infrastructure, and people, Africa’s AgriTech ecosystem can scale sustainably; ensuring technology works for the farmer first.”

    Since 2008, MEST Africa has trained and supported over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in 90+ startups. The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is its flagship pan-African pitch competition designed to identify, support, and scale high-potential technology ventures.

    Download the full report: https://apo-opa.co/49gBZyF