Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 24 | Page 42

COUNTRY FOCUS: NIGERIA Modernising regulation and policy reform will be crucial to boosting Nigeria’s digital economy and accelerating Internet access for millions through increased mobile broadband penetration, according to a new report released by the Global System for Mobile communications Association (GSMA). ///////////////// Lifting Nigeria’s digital economy T he GSMA report, Spotlight on Nigeria: Delivering a Digital Future, was launched at a GSMA industry event held in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The event brought together leaders from across the mobile industry with policymakers to discuss future regulation and how to enable the next-generation of 5G connectivity. “In the world we live in today, mobile communication is a cardinal tool of economic development, growth and integration, and the mobile industry is a key enabler of productivity across economies 42 INTELLIGENTCIO and societies,” said Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Office, NCC. “The mobile industry is not only a significant contributor to the economic activities of Nigeria, but also towards the growth of other sectors of the economy. “The Nigerian Communications Commission has been, and continues to play, a key role in the development of mobile communication in Nigeria, and I was delighted to be part of this event. This provides an avenue for regulators, operators, investors and other relevant stakeholders to examine, share and constructively exchange ideas.” Akinwale Goodluck, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA, added: “Mobile connectivity has already improved the welfare of millions of Nigerians, opening the door to new digital possibilities and powering the country’s economic development. “For Nigeria to take full advantage of the next phase of its Digital Transformation, it’s vital that collaboration between industry and government enables the right policy environment for millions more to benefit from ultra-fast mobile broadband. If www.intelligentcio.com