The event brought together senior decision-makers from various organisations to explore how businesses can drive resilience and digital transformation through Cisco’s Enterprise Networking, Meraki, and Security solutions.

The session provided practical insights tailored to the evolving needs of today’s digital enterprises, with discussions centred on enabling smarter, scalable network environments while strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.

Speaking at the event, Abiodun Idowu, Head of Enterprise Business at TD Africa, highlighted the growing need for organisations to adopt integrated networking and security strategies in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

“As businesses accelerate their digital transformation journeys, the need for secure, intelligent, and scalable networking solutions has never been greater. Through our collaboration with Cisco and Arravo, we are empowering organisations with the tools and insights required to build resilient infrastructures that support innovation while safeguarding critical operations,” he said.

The session also featured an in-depth technical presentation by Theodore Chukwudi, Cisco Solutions Architect, who led discussions on Cisco Meraki’s Cloud-Managed Networking and its role in simplifying network management while enhancing visibility and security.

“Cisco Meraki enables organisations to deploy and manage networks with greater agility and confidence. By leveraging cloud-managed solutions, businesses can enhance operational efficiency, improve security posture, and respond more effectively to emerging threats,” Chukwudi noted.

Offering further insight, Ayantola Olaayan, director, Enterprise Business at Arravo, emphasised the importance of collaboration in helping organisations navigate modern networking demands.

“Strategic partnerships like this enable us to deliver solutions that are both innovative and practical. By combining Arravo’s enterprise expertise with Cisco’s technology and TD Africa’s distribution strength, we are helping businesses simplify complexity and build secure, future-ready networks that support long-term growth,” he noted.

Participants gained valuable perspectives on how Cisco’s enterprise networking and security technologies can help mitigate risks, protect digital assets, and support business continuity in an increasingly connected environment.

TD Africa’s collaboration with Cisco and Arravo on this engagement reinforces its commitment to equipping organisations with the knowledge and solutions needed to navigate modern networking challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth.

The agreement was formalised at the Middle East & Africa (MEA) Cisco International Systems (CIS) Annual Partners Conference, held at the Le Royal Méridien Resort, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 13th to 15th January 2026.

The partnership agreement was executed by Gbande-Hembaor Terwase, the group managing director/chief executive officer of BDIC and president/CEO of AfDIC, marking a significant milestone in Benue State’s commitment to developing a digitally skilled, globally competitive, and future-ready workforce.

This landmark collaboration is a direct outcome of the bold and intentional digital transformation agenda of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, executive governor of Benue State, who has consistently prioritised digital skills development as a key driver of economic growth, youth empowerment, and public sector reform.

Within the first year of his administration, the Benue State Government launched an ambitious programme to train 10,000 youths in digital and technology-enabled skills, alongside the ongoing digital literacy and e-governance training of over 40,000 civil servants, aimed at modernising public service delivery, improving efficiency, and strengthening transparency across government institutions.

The partnership with Cisco Networking Academy provides global validation and strategic reinforcement of the state government’s sustained investments in digital human capital development.

It introduces an internationally recognised framework to scale, standardise, and internationalise Benue State’s digital skills initiatives, ensuring alignment with global industry standards and labour market demands.

Under the agreement, 23,000 Benue youths will be trained biannually using Cisco’s globally accredited curricula in networking, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and emerging technologies.

Participants will earn internationally recognised certifications that significantly enhance employability, support remote work readiness, and open access to global job opportunities.

Cisco Networking Academy is one of the world’s largest and most respected digital skills and workforce development platforms, operating in over 190 countries and having trained tens of millions of learners worldwide.

Its certifications in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IT essentials are widely recognised by global employers, governments, and academic institutions as benchmarks for industry-ready skills.

Beyond youth empowerment, the partnership will also strengthen government capacity by supporting continuous digital upskilling of civil servants, accelerating Benue State’s transition to e-governance, data-driven decision-making, and digitally enabled service delivery.

Access to Cisco’s world-class learning platforms, instructor development programmes, and industry-relevant certifications positions Benue State as a leading subnational government in digital human capital development in Nigeria and across Africa.

The signing of the agreement at the MEA CIS Annual Conference in Dubai further underscores Benue State’s growing international profile and credibility in digital infrastructure, skills development, and governance innovation.

It reflects the state government’s deliberate strategy to leverage global technology partnerships to drive inclusive growth, reduce unemployment, and prepare its workforce for the future of work.

With this milestone, Benue State has firmly consolidated its digital transformation agenda, translating policy vision into structured, scalable, and globally competitive outcomes.

The Cisco Networking Academy partnership stands as a strong testament to the commitment of the Benue State Government, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to building a resilient digital economy and positioning Benue State at the forefront of Nigeria’s and Africa’s digital revolution.

The new systems are already being adopted by hyperscale customers including Microsoft Azure and Alibaba Cloud.

The launch will enhance data centre connections and scale. With the growth of AI training models that span multiple regions, Cisco’s P200 and 8223 systems aim to efficiently link data centres located thousands of miles apart, acting as a unified, high-performance computing network.

Martin Lund, executive vice president of Cisco’s Common Hardware Group, explained the scale of change the company is addressing: “AI compute is outgrowing the capacity of even the largest data centre, driving the need for reliable, secure connection of data centres hundreds of miles apart. With the Cisco 8223, powered by the new Cisco Silicon One P200, we’re delivering the massive bandwidth, scale and security needed for distributed data centre architectures.”

The P200 chip, a deep-buffer routing silicon, replaces 92 separate chips with one. It delivers more than 65% energy savings compared to traditional routers, an important development as hyperscalers face power challenges. 

The chip also supports interconnect bandwidth of over 3 exabits per second, allowing AI workloads to run across multiple facilities without performance loss.

The 8223 routing system is built to complement this. It can process more than 20 billion packets per second, supporting 64 ports of 800G, the highest density of any fixed router available. Its deep buffering feature absorbs data surges generated during AI training, keeping systems stable and responsive.

The system’s design prioritises power efficiency and flexibility. It is the most power-efficient 3RU router in its category, offering switch-like energy performance while managing the intense traffic of AI-driven networks. The 8223 can adapt to changing network protocols through programmability, reducing the need for hardware upgrades and keeping operations agile.

Security is another focal point, as the 8223 integrates line-rate encryption and post-quantum resilient algorithms, backed by continuous monitoring features that provide visibility into performance and threats. This ensures that sensitive AI traffic remains protected as data moves between facilities.

Dave Maltz, corporate vice president of Azure Networking at Microsoft, said: “The increasing scale of the cloud and AI requires faster networks with more buffering to absorb bursts. We’re pleased to see the P200 providing innovation and more options in this space.”

Alibaba Cloud is also deploying the technology to enhance its eCore architecture. “We are pleased to see the launch of Cisco Silicon One P200, the industry’s first 51.2T routing ASIC that delivers high bandwidth, lower power consumption, and full P4 programmability. This breakthrough chip aligns perfectly with the evolution of Alibaba’s eCore architecture,” said Dennis Cai, vice president and head of Network Infrastructure at Alibaba Cloud.

The 8223 is initially being released for open-source SONiC deployments, with IOS XR support to follow. Cisco also confirmed that the P200 silicon will be available for modular and disaggregated platforms, allowing consistent integration across different network sizes.

With AI workloads increasing across industries, Cisco’s latest launch will boost its competitive edge with companies like Broadcom in the networking chip market. More importantly, it stresses how infrastructure innovation, not just software, will determine how effectively global AI systems evolve.

Patrick Moorhead, CEO and chief analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, said, “As AI workloads rapidly outpace the capabilities of traditional data centres, the industry faces new challenges in bandwidth, reliability, and scale. Cisco’s 8223, powered by Silicon One P200, marks a significant step forward, delivering the industry’s first 51.2-terabit fixed Ethernet router purpose-built for secure, power-efficient scale-across networking.”

The programme, a collaborative effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Cisco, was hosted at NITDA’s South West Zonal Office in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA, Mrs. Chioma Okee-Agugwo, the head of the South West Zonal Office, described the initiative as a vital component of Nigeria’s digital future. “This is not just a closing ceremony. It is the launchpad for new journeys—anchored in digital knowledge and powered by innovation,” she remarked.

According to the Director General, the initiative is rooted in NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and reflects key focus areas including Digital Literacy, Emerging Technologies, and Youth Empowerment. It also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, innovation, and skills development.

Inuwa noted that the DL4ALL initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to digital inclusion—ensuring that no one is left behind in the evolving digital economy.

It also supports the ambitious goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027, championed by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

This national vision aims to equip millions of Nigerians with the skills required to thrive in a tech-driven world.

He further emphasized the importance of empowering youth with globally relevant skills. “They are no longer just consumers of technology. They are creators, innovators, and future employers,” he said.

The NITDA boss explained that throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged in hands-on learning experiences designed to build both technical proficiency and digital leadership capabilities.

“This is only the beginning,” he stated. “Through our zonal strategy, we are bringing innovation closer to local communities. This is how we democratise access and unlock Nigeria’s full digital potential.”

Inuwa expressed appreciation to Cisco for delivering high-impact training and called on stakeholders to continue investing in partnerships, people, and platforms that drive digital inclusion.

He asserted that the newly certified participants are now equipped to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy—armed with the skills to build solutions, secure infrastructure, and launch tech ventures that solve real-world problems.

At the end of the bootcamp, participants demonstrated their knowledge through impressive presentations that showcased the integration of skills acquired across Data Science, AI, and IT Essentials. Many spoke passionately about how the programme had expanded their technical competence and sparked a drive to create job opportunities—not only for themselves but also for others—as entrepreneurs and digital solution providers in their communities.

Like many Nigerians, I have learned to take such a political promise with a grain of salt. But in Imo State, the Eastern Heartland, a remarkable transformation is taking place.

During a recent visit to Owerri for the 4th Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Summit organized by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), I had the rare opportunity to witness firsthand the executive governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma’s, unwavering commitment to positioning Imo as Nigeria’s premier digital economy.

Far from merely paying lip service to innovation, the governor was actively engaging with young innovators, demonstrating his administration’s genuine dedication to digitalizing Imo State.

Governor Hope Uzodimma didn’t just deliver a speech at the NCS event; he laid out a blueprint. His administration’s vision is clear: to make Imo State a global player in AI, robotics, and digital innovation. And he is not waiting.

At the centre of Governor Uzodimma’s digital revolution stands the Imo Digital City — a groundbreaking initiative poised to catapult the state onto the global technology stage.

This ambitious project is not just another government white elephant; it’s already taking shape as a comprehensive ecosystem designed to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Imo Digital City features cutting-edge facilities, including high-tech classrooms, innovation hubs, and co-working spaces equipped with state-of-the-art tech tools.

These resources are strategically designed to cultivate the next generation of digital entrepreneurs and position Imo as a formidable player in the global digital economy.

While his administration is doing its part, he understands the importance of partnership with the private sector.

In March 2025, the governor signed a landmark agreement with the US Market Access Centre (US-MAC) to fully realize the potential of the Imo Digital City.

This collaboration aims to replicate the success of Silicon Valley by fostering local tech talent, accelerating startup growth, and attracting global investment.

Beyond US-Mac, the administration has fostered partnerships with global tech giants including Microsoft, Zinox Technologies, Cisco, Konga Group, and the European Union Digital SME Alliance.

These strategic alliances are structured to provide training, infrastructure, and funding that will establish Imo as Nigeria’s premier technology hub.

The governor’s digital initiatives extend beyond infrastructure to human capital development. The Skill-Up Imo Programme has already trained and empowered 40,000 youths, many of whom are now gainfully employed.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to create over 300,000 jobs through various digital economy programs.

What sets this initiative apart is its focus on entrepreneurship. As Governor Uzodimma stated during his address at the NCS summit, “We don’t just want to create jobs; we want to create those who will create jobs.” This philosophy underscores his administration’s forward-thinking approach to governance and economic development.

He even added that his administration is rolling out fibre optic infrastructure across all 27 Local Government Areas to bridge the digital divide.

Additionally, the soon-to-be-launched “My Imo App” will democratize access to government services, while an automated Land Information System will ensure efficiency and transparency in land administration.

Vision without execution is a hallucination. Fortunately, Governor Uzodinma has assembled a dynamic team to ensure these projects do not remain on paper.

Leading the charge is Dr. Chimezie Amadi, the honourableCommissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, whose expertise and enthusiasm have been instrumental in fast-tracking these initiatives.

While many Nigerian leaders pay lip service to youth empowerment and tech innovation, Governor Hope Uzodimma is putting Imo on the map as a model for digital governance.

If he maintains this momentum, Imo won’t just be the pride of the South-East, it will be Nigeria’s business and technology hub.

*Chimezie Orisakwe is a Corporate and Marketing Communications expert

The prestigious event, held at the Kempinski Hotel Accra, brought together some of the most influential minds in the technology ecosystem, further cementing TD Africa’s role as a transformative force in Sub-Saharan Africa’s tech landscape.

Spearheaded by Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa, the summit provided a strategic platform for top industry players, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and key stakeholders to network, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations that will shape the future of technology in Ghana and beyond.

Chioma Chimere, CMD of TD Africa, set the tone for the event by warmly welcoming guests and partners. In her opening remarks, she described the esteemed attendees as the “men and women redefining the technological landscape in Ghana.”

She further highlighted the importance of their partnership with TD Africa, emphasizing how, together, they are the drivers and enablers of digital transformation across the region.

The summit attracted high-profile personalities, amongst whom were Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, renowned as Africa’s foremost tech disruptor and serial entrepreneur; Mr. Emmanuel Morka, CIO of Access Bank and Regional CIO of Access Bank West Africa Region; Dr. Bryan Achempong, the former Minister of Agriculture in Ghana; Mr. Chimaraoke Nwogwugwu, the COO of M-Technology Solutions Limited. Their presence underscored the importance of TD Africa’s mission to drive innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement across the continent.

In addition, the event saw the active participation of top delegates from global tech giants such as Dell, Cisco, Microsoft, Huawei, HP, Starlink, Philips, IBM, APC, Ecoflow, and Vertiv, among others.

These industry experts engaged in insightful discussions, explored new frontiers in digital transformation, and leveraged the event as a powerful networking opportunity.

A major highlight of the summit was Emmanuel Morka’s thought-provoking discussion on Financial Inclusion, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain Technology. Addressing the audience, he emphasized that the core idea behind Financial Services Innovation (FSI) is to create inclusive financial systems that leave no one behind.

According to him,

“AI and Blockchain are not just buzzwords; they are game-changers that have the potential to revolutionize financial inclusion in Africa. The challenge before us is to develop systems that can reach every individual, no matter their socio-economic status, and empower them with financial tools that drive economic growth.” He also expressed deep appreciation for TD Africa, noting that “this summit is a testament to TD Africa’s commitment to fostering digital transformation and providing platforms where crucial conversations like these can take place.”

The Accra Synergy Summit was more than just a gathering — it was a catalyst for action. It reinforced the urgency for tech industry leaders to go beyond discussions and take deliberate steps in transforming Africa through technology. Events like this serve as a wake-up call, inspiring tech pioneers to innovate, collaborate, and break new ground in an industry that continues to shape the continent’s future.

TD Africa’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation across sub-Saharan Africa was evident throughout the event. By fostering synergy between key stakeholders, TD Africa continues to play an instrumental role in bridging technology gaps, empowering businesses, and driving economic growth through innovative solutions.

The impact of this summit will undoubtedly empower Ghana as a formidable force in the global tech space and set the stage for a tech-driven Africa poised for unprecedented growth.

 The availability of cloud credits for third-party purchases through the hyperscalers’ marketplaces and the emergence of new digital-first buyers are reshaping enterprise customer procurement behavior, vendor sales strategies and channel models.

While most vendor sales via these marketplaces are today “direct” to end customers, channel partners are playing an increasingly important role. By 2027, Canalys expects more than 50% of marketplace sales to flow through the channel.

This trend is explored in a new Canalys research report: Now and next for hyperscaler marketplaces.

Enterprise customers have committed to spend over US$360 billion on the top three hyperscalers’ cloud services on a multi-year basis.

Spend is shifting to the hyperscalers’ marketplaces as customers seek to burn down a portion of their cloud credits on third-party software and SaaS.

AWS Marketplace remains the clear leader in terms of sales volume, but Microsoft and Google Cloud are focused on closing the gap.

With enterprises facing IT budget pressure, the opportunity to use pre-approved cloud budgets to source a wide array of software and cybersecurity products while taking advantage of simplified billing and consolidated purchasing can be highly compelling.

This is tempting vendors from across the technology spectrum to sell through the hyperscalers’ marketplaces. CrowdStrike and Snowflake were among the first to publicly claim US$1 billion of total cumulative sales through marketplaces, and a host of the largest software and cybersecurity vendors are actively embracing this route to market.

Cisco, Citrix, IBM, NetApp, Nutanix, Red Hat, Salesforce, ServiceNow and Zoom are just some of the vendors that have launched or grown their sales on the hyperscalers’ marketplaces so far in 2024.

At the same time, many smaller “digital native” ISVs built on one of the three top hyperscalers’ cloud platforms are using their respective marketplaces as their primary routes to market.

The hyperscalers meanwhile are funneling substantial investments into marketplace co-sell resources, demand generation, sales incentives and channel programs (along with cuts to marketplace fees) to attract vendors to their cloud platforms.

The channel is becoming a focal point in the battle between the hyperscalers as vendors prioritize partner-first marketplace strategies.

Through models such as AWS’ Channel Partner Private Offers, Microsoft’s Multiparty Private Offers and Google Cloud’s newly launched Marketplace Channel Private Offers, vendors can enable their partners to create customized offers for their customers on the hyperscalers’ marketplaces while seeking to maintain margins for the channel.

“The channel has concerns about the rise of marketplaces, but both hyperscalers and vendors acknowledge the vital role of channel partners in driving customer adoption and growth,” said Alastair Edwards, chief analyst at Canalys. “Customers often prefer buying through trusted partners for help with managing cloud commitments and accessing professional services and technical expertise when sourcing complex technologies from multiple marketplaces.”

IT distributors are facing increasing competition from hyperscaler marketplaces that are themselves acting as digital distribution platforms.

Yet distributors will be important to reduce operational challenges for partners and vendors as adoption grows globally and to support the growing number of second-tier partners whose customers want to buy this way.

Canalys expects the development and expansion of new programs, such as AWS DSOR, to support greater distributor involvement.

Channel partners are vital to ensure customers can access the technologies they need, regardless of their buying preferences.

“A seamless buying experience is essential, and success will depend on greater API-led integration between hyperscalers, distributors and partner platforms,” said Edwards.

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The program, the first of its kind in the TD Academy training series, was aimed at empowering young minds with technical skills and professional exposure.

The initiative, titled “Introduction to Cisco Networking Solutions and Workplace Professional Skills,” exemplifies TD Africa’s comprehensive and futuristic approach to technology education and professional development, empowering individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital age.

This innovative series of pooled training aims to equip the participants with the foundational knowledge of Cisco networking solutions, which is critical for building and managing robust IT infrastructure and workplace professional skills, recognizing the importance of soft skills in today’s dynamic work environment.

This combined focus on technical competence and professional development aligns with TD Africa’s robust approach towards impacting appropriate skills set into young people.

Cisco’s extensive portfolio for this first leg of TD Academy encompasses carefully curated programs in cybersecurity, data analysis, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address the most sought-after skills in the African technology market.

For Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa, the company’s dedication to bridging the skills gap is not a one-off training program nor limited to knowledge transfer.

Her words: “We understand the critical need for a skilled workforce to propel Africa’s digital transformation. Through our collaborative training programs with industry leaders like Cisco, we are committed to equipping individuals with the right tools and knowledge to succeed in this exciting field.”

Amblessed Ubong, one of the beneficiaries of the training program, said, “I recently completed a four-week training at the TD Academy; it was enriching and transformative. The sessions were thought-provoking, the trainers were passionate, and the environment was highly supportive. Collaborative projects enhanced my teamwork skills and made learning enjoyable. I left the TD Academy with a wealth of knowledge and a renewed enthusiasm for my career.”

Impressed by the exceptional talent emerging from the program, Africa’s number one tech distribution company immediately recruited some of the top graduates who participated in the training program.

This commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent further strengthens the technology ecosystem in Africa, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.

By empowering individuals and businesses with the necessary skills and knowledge, TD Africa is further stamping its foot in the sand of time, playing a pivotal role in Africa’s digital renaissance.

NITDA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cisco System Incorporation as a major boost to artificial intelligence, and smart agriculture, Techeconomy can report.

Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Programme is a global initiative that partners with government and private sector leaders to develop sustainable, secure, and inclusive communities powered by ethical and innovative technology solutions.

The partnership aims to unlock the value of digitalisation in Nigeria and drive an inclusive future.

The Federal Government will collaborate with Cisco, industry, and academia to accelerate the national digitisation agenda by implementing pilot projects in five key areas: Repurposing NCAIR to create an AI and Cybersecurity Experience and Incubation Center; Establishing a Broadband Innovation Centre; Setting up a Smart Agriculture Demo Farm; Designing and deploying Technology Learning Hubs; and Incubating Defense Technology Solutions.

This partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority areas of accelerating diversification through digitisation and innovation, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, and boosting agriculture to achieve food security.

Speaking during the signing of the MoU at the NITDA Headquarters, Abuja, Kashifu Inuwa, the director general, maintained that AI and Cybersecurity go hand in hand, this has made it imperative to upgrade the NCAIR to a world class AI Lab because as “we develop the AI, we also need to develop and design it with a security in mind.

On the second initiative, the NITDA boss noted that broadband is the backbone to digitisation and digital transformation, and it provides the connectivity needed for transformation adding that the establishment of the innovation hub would encourage local startups and companies to come up with affordable broadband solution in Nigeria by using cutting edge technology.

He said,

“We have a National Broadband Plan that aims to achieve 95 percent broadband coverage in Nigeria, and we need to be smart in the way we do things in order to achieve the target.”

According to Inuwa, the initiative on smart agriculture would help to improve food production and productivity in agriculture noting that the use of Internet of Things, (IoT), Drones and other technologies would enhance productivity in agriculture.

He said,

“As part of the Presidential Redefined Priority Areas of achieving food security in the country, the President has mandated the cultivation of 500,000 acre of land in the country and to achieve this successfully and efficiently, we need to use technology.”

The Director General expressed the willingness of the Agency to work with Cisco to establish a pilot of the Learning Centre adding that it is part of the Agency mandate to deploy IOM technology to the under-served and unserved areas.

He said, “Cisco is already working with International Organisation for Migration, (IOM) for a pilot project in Maiduguri, Borno state capital to deploy three Learning Centers using Cisco technology. So, we want to see how we can partner to also scale up that initiative, because we also have as part of our mandate to deploy this technology in under-served and unserved communities.”

In his remarks, Mr. Clayton Naidoo, Cisco’s country director, expressed that Nigeria would benefit from the MoU as it would improve agricultural production, create job opportunities, and increase the financial strength of the citizens.

“What we want to do is we want to make sure that we leverage technology to bring the right level of economic opportunity to Nigeria that will contribute towards economic growth and job creation. So that will be the first programme

According to him, Cisco has been unpacking the National Digital Agenda of the country and noted the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan which are in alignment with the Cisco programmes, resources, technology and investment. “And we try to implement pilot projects to ensure that we can help advance the acceleration of that digital plan,” he added.

While reacting to each of the initiatives, Mr. Naidoo disclosed that Cisco is at the vanguard of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence and will partner with NCAIR to build an experience centre in the country by using the experience.

According to him, the experience center will be designed to support organisations across Nigeria, building robust Cybersecurity and AI architectures which would be done through labs, design thinking rooms, and equipment that can test models.

While noting that Cisco intends to build a world-class experience center that would benefit all parts of Nigeria, the Country Director reiterated that “we are looking to bring the power of the Cisco business unit into the space using technology.”

“This is our immersive video technology using our platform called WebEx, where we can bring the power of those subject matter experts into Nigeria to collaborate and design together, he emphasised.”

He said the company will also build a broadband innovation hub with Galaxy Backbone in partnership with NITDA.

He noted that the initiative is in alignment with the National Broadband Policy that was outlined by the Minister.

He disclosed that Cisco would work with IXPs and various service providers to help them build networks that can serve underutilised communities or marginalized communities.

“We believe that with the technology that we are going to build, we will leverage the right level of platforms that will ensure that the internet economics are right. Because there is one thing building on technologies but if the technology is too expensive for service providers, they won’t be able to offer that into marginalised communities.”

While assuring that Cisco has an IoT team that builds sensor technology, he said the company will build a use case around smart agriculture using some agricultural bots and drone technology.

He commended the Agency for the partnership disclosing that Cisco is really focused on it.

He said the work will start immediately.

“We are really looking forward to the partnership and as Cisco, we believe in creating inclusive models that empower local communities and empower all citizens of Nigeria”, the country director said.

The highlight of the event was the visitation to a demo smart farm at the Abuja Technology Village.

This certification underscores SHELT SI’s dedication to excellence in providing innovative networking and security solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the market.

The Cisco Select Partner certification is a validation of SHELT SI’s technical expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, as well as its ability to deliver cutting-edge networking and security solutions that drive business success. With this recognition, SHELT SI is affirming its ability to further enhance its offerings and support its clients in navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.

Sebastine Nzeadibe, Cisco Nigeria’s general manager, comments:

“We are delighted to welcome SHELT SI to the ranks of Cisco Select Partners in Nigeria. Their demonstrated commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to collaborating closely together to empower businesses with transformative networking and security solutions.”

On his part, Youssef Abillama, CEO of SHELT, said:

“Achieving this certification strengthens our relationship with CISCO and is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in delivering best-in-class solutions. This milestone reinforces our commitment to empowering businesses in Nigeria with innovative technology solutions that will enable them to thrive in the digital age through cutting-edge technology solutions.”

Also, Walid Bou Abssi, SHELT’s country general manager, added,

“The Cisco Select certification empowers us to provide an increased level of support and further enhances our ability to address the requirements of our clients’ evolving needs in Nigeria. It is an acknowledgement of the ability of our pre-sales, sales, and client support teams to design, quote, deploy, and support Cisco solutions.”