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Nigeria: Govt approves SPV for 90,000km fibre optic cable

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To facilitate the delivery of an additional 90,000 kilometres of fiber optic cable for universal internet access throughout Nigeria, the Federal Government has approved a special-purpose vehicle.

An SPV is a distinct legal entity established for a particular purpose or undertaking. In this case, the SPV will oversee the execution, budget, and day-to-day operations of the fiber optics project.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, said that the project will maximize the utilization of eight underwater cables that have already touched down in Nigeria and boost the country’s internet access infrastructure.

According to him, the project is anticipated to boost Nigeria’s fibre optic cable capacity from 35,000 km to 125,000 km, placing it third in length among terrestrial fibre optic backbones in Africa, after Egypt and South Africa.

Tijani stated that for the past few months, the ministry had started laying the foundation for the SPV, which would be modelled after some of the best public-private partnership setups in Nigeria, like NIBSS and NLNG, in terms of administration and operations.

The minister explained, “This extensive coverage will enable us to optimise the unique benefit of having eight submarine cables already landed in Nigeria and, therefore, drive uptake of the data capacity that the cables offer beyond the current usage level of 10 per cent.

“Building on our existing work with the Broadband Alliance, this increased connectivity will help plug the current non-consumption gap by connecting over 200,000 educational, healthcare and social institutions across Nigeria, ensuring that a larger section of our society can be included in the benefits of internet connectivity.”

Approximately 71% of Nigerians do not regularly have access to mobile internet, according to a research released last week by the Groupe Special Mobile Association.

With the correct policies in place, Nigeria may gain 15 million Internet users by 2028. It was also stated that without universal access to digital connection, a more comprehensive digital transformation of the Nigerian economy would not be feasible.

The report stated, “While 29 per cent of Nigerians are regularly using mobile internet, there remains untapped potential; 71 per cent are not accessing these services regularly.

“An improved policy environment has the potential to help the industry boost coverage and adoption, resulting in 15 million additional internet users by 2028. However, the sector faces challenges to infrastructure deployment”.

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AfriLabs to host ‘Annual Gathering’ in Cape Town

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Pan-African innovation hub, AfriLabs, has announced Cape Town, South Africa, as the host of its “Annual Gathering” scheduled to hold between November 6 and 8 under the theme, “Uniting Innovation”.

In the statement issued by the Executive Director of AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, this year’s “Annual Gathering” emphasises the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth and social development through Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

‘It will feature seven key tracks, each focusing on pivotal sectors that are essential for Africa’s future, such as makerspaces, gender and inclusion, investment, and hub solutions,” she said.

Ekeledo also revealed that AfriLabs has secured a number of partners for the event including RLabs, NASENI, Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Intel and UNFPA.

“The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent,” Ekeledo added.

AfriLabs is a network organisation that is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. It counts 496 hubs across 261 cities in 53 African nations as part of its network.

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Young African tech-preneurs invited to apply for 2025 Anzisha Prize

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Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which comes with mouthwatering offers such as access to benefits, services, and prize money.

The Anzisha Prize is delivered by African Leadership Academy in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, with the aim of increasing the number of job-generative entrepreneurs in Africa.

It is designed to accommodate 35 exceptional entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 22 who will be selected for a multi-year fellowship experience, during which fellows will receive business support including business coaching, experiential learning and resources to help them develop and scale their ventures.

According to the organizers, businesses that show exemplary growth and initiative will be rewarded with benefits and services such as short courses, cloud services and cash support.

“At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and successes for a chance to win their share of prizes to the value of $50,000,” a statement by Didi Onwu, managing editor of the Anzisha Prize, said.

“The grand prizes are split into four categories – job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and integrating systems and processes. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will graduate and join the prestigious Anzisha Prize alumni network.

“This year, the Anzisha Prize is placing a special emphasis on green entrepreneurs. We are looking for passionate individuals who are tackling environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable business solutions,” said Onwu.

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