Solar-based internet service provider, Tizeti, has partnered with Microsoft to roll out affordable high-speed broadband internet infrastructure in Nigeria starting with Oyo State. The service comes with an introductory N2,222 or $5 offer for monthly fixed broadband and installation costs.
Through the Microsoft Airband Initiative, Tizeti and Microsoft will leverage low-cost wireless technologies. Making it easier and cheaper for people in underserved communities to access the internet and get connected to the digital economy. The internet in Oyo State will empower more Nigerians, stimulate economic activities, and widen the broadband envelope in Africa.
“Communities need reliable, affordable internet access in our increasingly digital world,” said Microsoft Airband General Manager, Vickie Robinson. “That’s why Microsoft is working with providers like Tizeti to connect the unconnected, expand opportunity, and close the global digital divide.”
Microsoft’s Airband Initiative is focused on advancing digital equity—access to affordable internet, affordable devices, and digital skills—as a platform for empowerment and digital transformation across the world.
Speaking on the partnership, Tizeti’s Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti, Kendall Ananyi, said that Microsoft Airband collaboration will complement Tizeti’s existing initiative in Oyo State and lay a foundation for a robust and thriving digital ecosystem for the large population of vibrant, young people in Oyo State. “We are happy to work with Microsoft on the Airband Initiative as it extends our mission of bringing affordable and reliable internet to more Nigerians outside the digital envelope,” Ananyi said.
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Ola, first from left – with female Software Engineers admitted into Microsoft LEAP Engineering Acceleration Program in Nigeria
Ola ‘Olatomiwa‘ Williams assumes the new role of Microsoft country manager for Nigeria. Formerly serving as the Director of Microsoft Cloud and Digital Transformation Solutions for Microsoft’s Multi-Country Cluster region. She will now lead the organization’s efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s Digital transformation and cloud adoption. As well as identify new opportunities, mobilize internal organization resources and external stakeholders.
Ola shares “It’s a great honour to be taking on this exciting journey. At a time when the organisation is focused on growing and accelerating Africa’s transformation. I am very optimistic of where Africa is headed and how we have a unique opportunity to use technology to really transform the lives and businesses in this region.” she adds.
Ola joined Microsoft in 2010 as the Enterprise Voice Technology Specialist. She has since held various positions including Partner Technology Manager, Dynamics Partner Sales Executive and Account Technology Strategist. Ola has over 21 years of Information technology experience which spans through Solution implimentation, Solution Sales and Channels Management.
We must burst all stereotypes that link science to masculinity and encourage girls to embrace Science & Technology’
Ola WIlliams
New Microsoft Nigeria country manager, Ola Williams, takes over the role previously held by Akin Banuso. Akin will take on the new role of Enterprise Commercial Lead for Middle East and Africa Multi market region. It is not yet clear if Ola’s responsibilities will also include being country manager of Ghana.
“I’m proud of the significant contributions Akin has put in to accelerate the transformation journey of our customers in Nigeria. I’m thrilled that Ola will bring her unique expertise to take the country to new heights and also play a part in the larger leadership team to design how we address Africa’s business landscape.”
Microsoft’s Middle East and Africa – Multi market region’s General Manager, Ibrahim Youssry,
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Check out other stories making the news in the technology ecosystem in Africa and the Middle East.
Microsoft is inviting developers and software architects to a one day training event in Lagos.
Microsoft is hosting a free one day Microsoft Azure Training Day event for developers and software architects. The training will be on migrating applications to the cloud.
The training is scheduled to take place 13th September 2019, 8am at the Microsoft Office in Nigeria. (6th Floor, Civic Towers Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island).
The invitation reads;
Join us at Microsoft Azure Training Day: Migrating Applications to the Cloud. A free, one-day event for developers and architects to learn the steps and decision-making process of a migration. Assume the role of a member of the fictional Tailwind Traders’ cloud-migration team as it transitions a recent acquisition, Northwind, to the Azure cloud platform. Please make sure to bring your laptops to the training
Topics will include migrating web applications and moving your database to Azure, deploying your application faster and safer and more.
Microsoft Nigeria and National Information Technology Development Agency sign memorandum of understanding to strengthen ICT adoption and innovation in Nigeria.
The National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA) Nigeria and Microsoft Nigeria have signed a memorandum of understanding. The MOU seeks to see both parties working together to improve and strengthen ICT innovation and adoption in Nigeria. The collaboration will center on cloud policies, data protection, privacy laws and data classification frameworks.
Akin Banuso, Microsoft Nigeria’s General Manager, shares on the delight to partner to technologically and digitally transform sectors.
“We are excited to collaborate with NITDA. Microsoft is committed to providing technology you can trust. We have been actively involved in discussions with governments around the world to digitally transform systems. Also frequently asked by other governments to identify best practices for moving to the cloud. We are honored to be able to work with the Nigerian government on this framework.
This collaboration aims to foster detailed discussions of recent regulatory and policy development, including global best practices. To create cloud regulatory frameworks appropriate for driving innovation and improving how the public sector operates and delivers citizen services”
NITDA believes technology will be at the center of driving some of its governments priorities. Which include Job creation, anti-corruption drive, security, youth and skills training and economic growth. They therefore believe this collaboration will develop policies which drive growth and encourage investments.
Microsoft Nigeria hosts a Digital Government Conference to highlight the leveraging of Microsoft technologies in digital transformation for the public sector.
Photo: Dr. Isa Ali Pantami @ Digital Government Conference via NITDA NIGERIA
The digital government conference was on the theme “Empowering Digital Government to share latest innovative technology trends and government solutions. With emphasis on Microsoft’s Technology platform to improve the capabilities of government within Nigeria”.
The event held in Abuja was in cooperation with the Nigeria Communications Commission and Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency.
Some of the subjects of discussion during the event included Transforming Government Services digitally and Security of Government data. Also there was a review on how Nigeria is doing against global and regional trends when it comes to digital transformation.
Digital Transformation for the government is about making the government more accessible, efficient and transparent to people.
Microsoft Nigeria’s general manger Aikin Banuso, speaking at the event shared on Microsoft’s commitment towards digital transformation of the public sector.
He said Digital transformation has become the bedrock of most economies in the 21st century. Microsoft is uniquely driving the adoption across key strata of national development. Digital Transformation for the government is about making the government more accessible, efficient and transparent to people. It is also about unlocking insights from data. By understanding the data, government organizations can realize and increase the value of their information through digital transformation.
