By Nonye Ujam The most consequential AI story of the decade could belong to Africa. Artificial intelligence could boost the continent’s economic growth by 10 to 15 per cent, creating hundreds of millions of jobs by 2030. Powered by the youngest population in the world, Africa could emerge as a digital powerhouse. Yet, the reality today tells a different story. Immense promise aside, the continent’s AI sector remains underfunded and underdeveloped. Annual AI investments stand at just $2 to 3 billion—barely 1 percent of global spending. Without strategic investment in essential infrastructure and skills, Africa risks consuming AI rather than…
Author: DigitalTimesNG
Nigeria’s push toward a digitally enabled public service is gaining measurable traction, with over 54,000 civil servants enrolled in the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative—an effort positioned as a cornerstone of broader public sector reform. The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed that 54,377 officers, representing nearly 79 per cent participation, have signed up for the programme, while more than 40 per cent have successfully completed their courses. Speaking at the DL4ALL training awards ceremony, Inuwa underscored the Federal Government’s target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030, with…
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reached an agreement with Customs Licensed Cargo Agents operating at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on the proposed review of cargo port charges. The agreement was achieved at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, 9th February 2026, at the MMIA Terminal 2 Conference Room, chaired by the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas. After constructive deliberations, both parties agreed on a revised port charge of ₦15.00 per kilogram, representing a compromise from the earlier proposed ₦20.00/kg and an upward review of the existing ₦7.00/kg. The outcome reflects the spirit…
TD Africa has once again reaffirmed its leadership position in Africa’s technology ecosystem after emerging as “Distributor of the Year” at the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) operated by Selectium, held recently at The George Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos. The award, which marked the highlight of the evening, recognised TD Africa’s outstanding performance, consistent value delivery, and strong partnership within the enterprise technology landscape. The event brought together key ecosystem partners and industry leaders to celebrate shared successes, review strategic priorities for the new fiscal year, and honour exceptional contributions across the partner community. The ceremony spotlighted organisations that have demonstrated excellence…
Nigeria’s corporate regulatory landscape is set for a deeper technological shift as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) pledged full backing for the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations. The commitment was made by NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, during the Commission’s 35th anniversary celebration held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja. Speaking at the event, Inuwa positioned artificial intelligence as the next frontier of institutional reform, stressing that the era of basic digitisation has passed. According to him, sustainable transformation in public institutions now requires embedding AI…
Nigeria’s push for inclusive digital transformation took a fresh boost as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) deepened engagement on shared priorities around skills, connectivity, and sustainable ICT growth. The Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (ITU-BDT), Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to NITDA headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by the ITU Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Emmanuel Manasseh. The visit reinforced ongoing cooperation between the global telecoms body and Nigeria’s lead ICT development agency. Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Director General of NITDA,…
Reaffirming its belief that regional collaboration is essential to a thriving digital economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships among telecommunications regulators across the West African sub-region. The pledge was restated at the weekend when the Commission hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at its headquarters in Abuja. Speaking during the engagement, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, underscored the Commission’s statutory responsibility to work closely with sister regulatory bodies within the…
Google on Thursday announced the opening of applications for the 10th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa. This milestone edition marks nearly a decade of support for the African tech ecosystem and reinforces Google’s commitment to accelerating AI-driven scientific and technological breakthroughs across the continent. The 12-week “AI First” hybrid program is designed for Series A startups based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions with AI and machine learning. Participants will benefit from access to Google’s AI expertise and technical resources, alongside mentorship from seasoned AI professionals and invaluable networking opportunities. “Africa’s tech landscape is seeing a vibrant…
Ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, 2026, Polaris Bank has shifted the focus from rhetoric to action by rolling out a nationwide free breast cancer screening programme, reinforcing its growing role in community health advocacy. The initiative, being implemented in partnership with its NGO ally, Care Organization and Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), aims to expand awareness, encourage routine screening, and promote early detection and preventive care across communities. Through the programme, the Bank is underscoring its conviction that accessible healthcare is not only a social responsibility but a vital pillar for individual productivity and long-term economic wellbeing. As part…
Access Bank Plc has announced a new phase in its board leadership with the appointment of Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime as Chairman of its Board, underscoring the group’s focus on governance continuity and long-term strategic execution as it expands across Africa and other international markets. The appointment, which takes effect from February 2026, follows the receipt of all regulatory approvals and aligns with the company’s corporate governance framework. Osime succeeds Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, who retired on January 29, 2026, upon completing his approved regulatory tenure. In a statement to shareholders, Access Holdings described Osime as a seasoned professional whose depth…