Hotspot Network Limited and NIGCOMSAT partner to deploy cutting-edge satellite technology, bridging the digital divide in Nigeria's rural areas. (Image source: NIGCOMSAT)

Hotspot Network Limited, a leading technology company specialising in rural connectivity solutions, has announced a partnership with NIGCOMSAT Limited, Nigeria’s premier provider of satellite infrastructure

The strategic collaboration aims to deploy advanced satellite technology and innovative connectivity solutions to remote and rural areas that have traditionally lacked internet access.

Under the agreement, Hotspot and NIGCOMSAT will leverage their respective strengths to deploy advanced satellite technology and innovative connectivity solutions to connect remote and rural areas that have traditionally lacked internet access.

By combining Hotspot’s expertise in rural connectivity with NIGCOMSAT’s extensive satellite infrastructure, this partnership will enable communities to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for socioeconomic development.

Hotspot’s CEO, Morenikeji Aniye, expressed, “We are thrilled to work alongside NIGCOMSAT in this endeavor. At Hotspot, connecting the millions of unconnected people remains a cardinal objective of our mission.

“By combining our expertise and resources, we will be able to deploy innovative solutions that bring reliable and affordable internet access to rural communities, empowering them to participate fully in the digital economy and access essential services,” Aniye said.

The agreement, signed at Hotspot, is part of Hotspot’s ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity throughout Nigeria.

Hotspot Network Limited is a comprehensive provider for all networking and telecommunications needs, dedicated to bringing innovative solutions to rural communities.

Bridging digital divide

This rural connectivity project, in partnership with the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), targets numerous rural communities across Nigeria with services delivered via the NigComSat-1R Ka-Band platform.

“At NIGCOMSAT, we are committed to leveraging our technological capabilities to drive digital transformation and improve the lives of Nigerians, especially those in underserved regions,” said Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, managing director and CEO of NIGCOMSAT Limited.

“This collaboration with Hotspot highlights our unwavering dedication to connect the unconnected and ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age.”

The rural connectivity project is also in partnership with the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), targeting numerous rural communities across Nigeria with services delivered via the NigComSat-1R Ka-Band platform.

The joint initiative between Hotspot and NIGCOMSAT will commence immediately, with plans to roll out the first phase of the project in select rural areas within the next six months.

Under the visionary leadership of minister Dr Bosun Tijani, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy are spearheading a series of initiatives to expand rural connectivity, promote digital inclusion, and drive job creation in the country’s thriving digital economy.

Dr Tijani’s strategic direction is guiding the collaborative efforts between the USPF and the ministry to achieve these objectives. The USPF, with the support of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, is playing a vital role in channeling resources to fund projects that extend telecommunication services to rural and underserved areas.

By investing in infrastructure development and technology deployment, the USPF is facilitating the expansion of connectivity, unlocking economic opportunities, and improving livelihoods in remote communities.

These efforts align with Dr Tijani’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and harnessing the power of technology to drive economic growth and social progress.

This partnership is poised to have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s digital landscape, promoting inclusivity, and empowering rural communities to fully participate in the country’s digital economy.

Previously, he announced significant progress in discussions with Development Finance Institutions to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) aimed at expanding the nation’s fiber optic network by 90,000 kilometers.

The project will boost Nigeria’s existing fiber optic cable infrastructure from 35,000 km to 125,000 km, making it the third-longest terrestrial fiber optic backbone in Africa, behind South Africa and Egypt.

Bayobab’s new license enhances digital transformation with improved connectivity through fibre, satellite, and radio technologies. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Bayobab Group has announced the acquisition of a crucial infrastructure license for Bayobab Cote d’Ivoire, marking a significant advancement in their mission to drive digital transformation

Ivorian connectivity revolutionised

This license includes terrestrial and subsea connectivity, enabling Bayobab Cote d’Ivoire to establish a robust data transmission network using fibre, satellite, and radio technologies.

The agreement was marked by the presence of Mohammed Aliyu, chief FibreCo officer of Bayobab Group, and Ibrahim Khalil Konaté, Minister of digital transition and digitisation.

The impact of this license goes beyond technology, aligning with the government’s strategic digital pillars to enhance public services and economic growth. By removing barriers for MNOs and ISPs, Bayobab fosters an environment for innovation and growth in Cote d’Ivoire’s digital ecosystem.

Bayobab is dedicated to connecting Africa through next-gen digital solutions. With our expanding fibre network, we serve a substantial African subscriber base as well as global customers.

Mohammed Aliyu, chief FibreCo Officer, Bayobab Group, stated, "This pivotal license marks a milestone in our digital transformation journey, positioning us to revolutionise connectivity and foster innovation nationwide."

Florent Guede, managing director of Bayobab Cote d’Ivoire, added, "With a population eager to embrace digital adoption, Cote d’Ivoire is poised to advance technology and accessibility across the nation."

Orange inaugurates the Orange Digital Center in Guinea-Bissau, fostering digital skills and entrepreneurship for a sustainable future. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Orange has inaugurated the Orange Digital Center (ODC) in Guinea-Bissau, a dedicated ecosystem for developing digital skills and supporting local entrepreneurs

The ODC offers a variety of free programs for youth, including hands-on digital training, project leadership support, and start-up acceleration and funding.

Orange described this initiative as a crucial advancement in the company's commitment to digital development and socio-economic inclusion in Guinea-Bissau.

The ODC in Bissau is part of a network of 26 ODCs across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Operating as a network, ODCs facilitate the transfer of experience and expertise between countries, providing an inclusive approach to enhancing young people's employability, fostering innovative entrepreneurship, and promoting the local digital ecosystem.

The launch ceremony was attended by high-ranking political officials such as the minister of transport, telecoms, and the digital economy, along with members of the Orange Guinea Bissau management team and the Orange Africa and Middle East Management Committee.

Brelotte Ba, deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, stated, “This space is much more than just a technology center; it's a promise of transformation and growth for the digital future of Guinea-Bissau and Africa.

“By providing free access to cutting-edge resources, we hope to inspire a new generation of creators and leaders and contribute to an inclusive digital economy.”

Sekou Dramé, CEO of Sonatel and chairman of the board of Orange Bissau, remarked, “By offering young talents the tools and resources they need to develop their skills, we are helping to create a dynamic and sustainable digital ecosystem. This investment demonstrates our commitment to positively transform society through technology and digital education.”

Therese Nogoye Tounkara, CEO of Orange Guinea Bissau, commented, “Digital transformation makes a strong contribution to achieving sustainable development goals, generating a significant impact. Orange Bissau is firmly committed to being a key player in this transformation in Guinea-Bissau, providing solutions tailored to the entire population.”

Huawei expands its LEAP initiative to train 150,000 talents in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2027, surpassing initial goals, promoting digital skills. (Image source: Huawei)

On 28 June, Huawei announced a new initiative to train an additional 150,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa over the next three years

This plan builds on the ICT leader's initial goal of equipping over 100,000 people in the region with digital skills by 2025. Huawei has already surpassed its initial target by 120%, training over 120,000 individuals in the past 26 months, ten months ahead of schedule. These announcements were made at the LEAP Summit 2024: ICT Talent and Sustainable Development for Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Huawei LEAP Summit 2024 took place on June 28th in Shanghai. LEAP stands for Leadership, Employability, Advancement, and Possibility. Co-hosted by Huawei and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), the event is an official partner program of Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2024. The LEAP Summit 2024 brought together over 200 guests, including high-ranking ministers, ambassadors, and other government officials from various Sub-Saharan African nations.

There is a significant need to equip talent in Sub-Saharan Africa with digital skills. According to the World Economic Forum, over one billion people globally need to be upskilled or reskilled by 2030. Furthermore, the International Financial Corporation estimates that over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.

In his opening address, Jeff Wang, senior vice-president and president of public affairs and communications at Huawei, outlined the company's inclusive, systematic, and future-oriented approach to talent development. He stated, "Huawei launched the LEAP Digital Talent Development Program in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2022. After more than two years of development, we are glad to see that so many people have benefited from it."

Hover Gao, president of Sub-Saharan Africa, Huawei, said, "We have made much positive progress in talent development across African countries, but this would not have been possible without the joint efforts of government agencies, academia, and industry."

John OMO, secretary general of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), emphasised a human-first approach to technology. He remarked, "Digital skills development and access to ICT is not about ICT, it's about people. It's about empowering people to participate sufficiently in the digital economy." OMO encouraged collective participation in upskilling to provide the youth with not only a future but also a present in which they can thrive.

The TECH4ALL Digital Inclusion Initiative is a key pillar of Huawei's Corporate Sustainable Development strategies. During the summit, Joyce Liu, Director of TECH4ALL Digital Inclusion Office at Huawei, shared the progress of TECH4ALL in Sub-Saharan Africa. She stated, "We must take a long-term perspective on how education can help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future, building connectivity for schools, improving capabilities for people and supporting STEM content development for digital upskilling and reskilling."

Huawei and its partners launched a series of activities for digital talent development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Steven Fan, the Director of Huawei's Training & Certification Department, unveiled the new Huawei Digital Intelligence Talent Development Program. This initiative includes free Huawei Certificate courses and exam vouchers for the Huawei ICT Academy and outstanding personnel.

Additionally, the Digital Badge program was announced, allowing students and teachers who have attended Huawei ICT Academy programs to display these certifications on their social media platforms and use them to unlock future employment opportunities.

Huawei launched its Leadership, Employability, Advancement, and Possibilities (LEAP) digital skills development program in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022. The program aims to foster strong digital leadership and a skilled ICT workforce, build a digital talent pool, and promote digital literacy among citizens. It includes a wide range of activities, from ICT training and certification courses to government digital capacity building and ICT skills competitions.