Tech

Parallel Wireless partners with Hotspot Networks to bring connectivity to 500 Nigerian rural sites

Published

4 months ago

January 10, 2024

One of the biggest players in Open RAN Technology, Parallel Wireless, has partnered with Hotspot Network Ltd, a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) provider, to extend coverage to over 500 unconnected rural sites throughout Nigeria.

This collaboration, according to Morenikeji Aniye, Founder and CEO at Hotspot Networks, is aimed at “connecting residents of rural regions to essential services such as health, education, and financial services, that will ultimately improve their quality of life.”

“Hotspot Network Ltd offers its services to leading mobile networks in Nigeria, providing a comprehensive portfolio of products and services through collaboration with a network of global partners, making them a single point of contact for all rural connectivity and telecommunication needs,” she said.

She noted that the technology gap between urban and rural areas is expanding throughout the globe, but regretted that in rural Africa, residents risk being left behind as government and private sector services move to digital formats.

“In response to this challenge, Hotspot Networks is working directly with local and national governments to build 2G and 4G wireless communications infrastructure beyond the radio network.”

“These initiatives extend beyond mere communication to support phone banking, education, and health services, thereby ensuring that communication capabilities remain accessible to residents.”

“The terrestrial hurdles faced today are the same as those faced in years past, but the urgency has grown.”

“Technological advancements in our ability to connect these previously unconnected areas instantaneously bring them into modern times and all the necessities that come with it.”

“Once Hotspot Networks’ hardware is installed, Parallel Wireless can manage network activity via their Open RAN software, allowing for reliable service for those that now rely on it.

“With a focus on balancing speed with reliability, we made it our mission to deploy both 2G and 4G networks where relevant to connect as many residents as possible,” said Yisrael Nov, EVP Global Sales at Parallel Wireless.”

“This partnership has grown Parallel Wireless’s footprint throughout the region, now exceeding over 1,500 sites, and demonstrates the benefits of Open RAN through real-world deployments.”

“Ultimately Open Ran can help connect the disconnected, bringing them in touch with previously out-of-reach banking, health, and educational services,” Aniye added.

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Tech

African Union, Google Africa launch campaign to celebrate creative economy

Published

8 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The African Union has entered a partnership with Google Africa aimed at celebrating the continent’s thriving creative economy which has “fueled innovation, create jobs, and economic growth across Africa.”

Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, who announced the collaboration, said Google Africa, having recognized this potential, decided to team up with the African Union to launch the #DiscoverMyAfrica Shorts Challenge, a month-long campaign of the continent’s rich diversity, heritage, and vibrant spirit.

“In celebration of Africa Month, YouTube creators across Africa are invited to share short videos capturing their unique perspectives using the #DiscoverMyAfrica hashtag,” Awofisayo said.

“The challenge encourages them to showcase various facets of African life, from music and art to food, fashion, and local landmarks.

“It will be a curated playlist of African-inspired music on YouTube Music that will fuel inspiration and accompanies these creative expressions.

“This initiative goes beyond celebration. #DiscoverMyAfrica empowers African youth to share their stories and rich cultural heritage globally.

“By providing a platform for African voices, the challenge fosters cultural exchange and positions Africa as a hub of creative energy.

“It’s about unlocking the vibrant future of Africa’s creative landscape, aligning with the vision of a digitally-enabled Africa harnessing its cultural wealth for economic growth and social progress.

“YouTube is committed to supporting the diverse voices and talents that make up Africa’s creative landscape,” said Awofisayo.

He added that the “initiatives provide valuable resources and platforms for African filmmakers, musicians, and content creators to share their stories and connect with global audiences.”

The #DiscoverMyAfrica Challenge is part of the African Union’s collaborative effort in driving innovation through strategic partnership with Google, through the Office of the Youth Envoy, Make Africa Digital (MAD) initiative.

The MAD initiative is implemented under the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030 which envisions an “integrated and inclusive digital society and economy in Africa that improves the quality of life of Africa’s citizens.

Tech

Nigeria’s food delivery startup Chowdeck raises $2.5m to optimise operations

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Nigeria’s on-demand food delivery startup, Chowdeck, has announced securing the sum of $2.5 million in seed funding that will enable it optimise operations and support its expansion plans into more cities across the country.

Femi Aluko, the CEO and co-founder of Chowdeck who made the announcement on Thursday, said the funds which came from investors including Y Combinator, Goodwater Capital, FounderX Ventures, Hoaq Fund, Levare Ventures, True Culture Funds and Haleakala Ventures, will will enable the startup to double down on its market leadership in the cities they are already operating in as well as lay the groundwork for further expansion into other Nigerian cities.

“We know that Nigerians love good food, and we just want to make it as easy as possible for them to access the food they desire,” Aluko said.

“Chowdeck was birthed to fulfil this purpose and we are committed to delivering truly excellent experiences for our customers, vendors and riders.

“We are pleased with the success we have achieved to date and excited to have raised these funds that will enable us to replicate that success in more parts of Nigeria, and add value to our customers, vendors, and riders in as many ways as we can,” Aluko added.

Chowdeck which was launched in Lagos in October 2021, allows customers to order meals from a variety of restaurants and have them delivered to their doorstep within 30 minutes.

A participant in the Y Combinator accelerator in 2022, Chowdeck has acquired more than 500,000 users and more than 3,000 riders, serving eight Nigerian cities including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port-Harcourt, Ilorin, Benin City, Abeokuta and Asaba.