Samuel Ubido – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng Tech | Business | Economy Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:26:02 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png Samuel Ubido – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng 32 32 10 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025 https://techeconomy.ng/10-entrepreneurs-to-watch-in-2025/ https://techeconomy.ng/10-entrepreneurs-to-watch-in-2025/#comments Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:00:03 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=151537 Everywhere you turn, you might find Nigerians either starting a tech startup, dreaming of one, or writing motivational quotes about it, and of course, the numbers don’t lie.

Nigeria has the highest number of tech startups in Africa with over 3,360 as of 2024. That’s more than Egypt and Kenya combined! 

But again, Africa has the highest entrepreneurial rate globally, with 22% of its working-age adults in the space, yet it also holds the crown for the greatest fear of failure among budding entrepreneurs.

Why the paradox? Perhaps it’s the daily duel with inflation, unstable exchange rates, or even the high stakes of being courageous in an unstable market. 

Nevertheless, Africa’s perceived opportunities and credibility are one to commend, creating a system where innovation thrives despite the odds.

Today, we dive into the stories of 10 entrepreneurs to watch in 2025, having gone through challenges, overcame them, and still driving through the rough roads.

These, among many others, are the leaders turning challenges into achievements, from enhancing financial technology to bolstering transport and embracing blockchain as well as cybersecurity innovations. 

These entrepreneurs reiterate the fact that Africa isn’t just watching the world evolve, it’s involved in the processes.

Fintech and Digital Commerce

1. Mitchell Elegbe

10 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025

Mitchell Elegbe, the founder and group managing director of Interswitch Group, is one with a huge impact on Africa’s financial technology sector. His impact was globally recognised in 2024, when he was appointed to the jury for the Ernst & Young (EY) World Entrepreneur of the Year (WEOY) Awards, held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Elegbe was inducted into the 2023 WEOY Hall of Fame becoming the first African entrepreneur to win in both the emerging and master categories of the awards. 

In 2024, his role as a juror further boosted his global profile, placing him as a representative of African innovation. His contributions to digital payments and financial inclusion were further recognised when he was named one of the top fintech CEOs of 2023 by the Financial Technology Report, joining the ranks of leaders from PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard.

Under Elegbe’s leadership, Interswitch has remained at the fore of Africa’s payment efficiency. Having transformed the company into a unicorn in 2019, Interswitch has expanded its footprint across 23 African countries, providing solutions that have made cross-border payments seamless. Its platforms, such as Quickteller and Verve, have become integral to financial transactions across the continent.

Elegbe’s accolades also include receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the CIO Awards Africa, recognising his contributions to Nigeria’s technology sector. Through his advocacy for innovation and mentorship of young entrepreneurs, Elegbe is building a new generation of African business leaders. His focus on leveraging technology to drive economic development places him among the top entrepreneurs to watch in 2025.

2. Elsie Godwin

10 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025

Elsie Godwin is the perfect blend of creativity, strategy, and innovation. As the co-founder and chief operating officer of Cashwise Finance, she recently led the launch of a daring fintech platform that bolsters global remittance. 

With features like Virtual USD Cards and Zelle integration, Cashwise aims to simplify international transactions while maintaining compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The app’s transparent pricing and user-centric ethos make it a game-changer in the fintech space.

Beyond fintech, Elsie Godwin is a seasoned marketing and communications professional and a respected media personality. With a career spanning diverse sectors, she has established herself as a master of strategic impact and innovation. 

She is the founder and lead strategist at Mind-Mastik Media, a dynamic marketing agency through which she has driven success for various brands by leveraging data-driven insights and trend-savvy strategies. Throughout her career, Elsie has been instrumental in shaping go-to-market strategies for brands in both the Web2 and Web3 spaces. 

Her notable achievements include facilitating the institutional partnership between Pan Atlantic University and Emurgo Africa, which played a pivotal role in advancing blockchain adoption across Africa. She was recognised as one of the Top 40 African Women in Blockchain for her contributions to the blockchain ecosystem.  

Her media presence includes features on Nigeria Info, NewsCentral, TV Plus TV Africa, Arise News, R2TV, Lagos Traffic Radio, and Guardian Nigeria. She has also collaborated with top agencies like BHM, Plaqad, HK Strategies, DottsMedia, Alder Consulting, and Anakle to amplify brand stories. As a Google influencer affiliate, she leverages her platform to share impactful narratives. 

Her dedication to meaningful conversations led to organising Africa’s most prominent bloggers’ conference in 2018 and UnwontedConvos in 2019. Currently, she hosts The Smartpreneur Show, where she highlights the journeys of industry leaders and entrepreneurs. She is a co-host at Nigeria’s number one talk radio station, Nigeria Info, and has recently been seen on an advocacy show on NewscentralTV’s ‘A Place At the Table’.

These combined experiences and achievements make her extraordinary in the drive for impact and innovation.

Telecoms Business

3. Kingsley Adonu

10 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025

Kingsley Adonu, the founder and CEO of S Mobile Group, is one entrepreneur who is changing the role of technology and business in Africa. His initiatives in 2024 make him one of the most daring entrepreneurs to watch in 2025. 

Adonu’s most commendable achievement of the year was his announcement of the S Mobile Tech Hub in Enugu State, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project aimed at promoting innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and job creation.

The hub, which comprises cutting-edge facilities such as robotics labs, high-speed internet, and co-working spaces, reiterates Adonu’s goal to empower young Nigerians. Aligning with the vision of Governor Peter Mbah to revitalise Enugu State’s economy, the hub seeks to create a rich startup ecosystem in the region. 

As the CEO of S Mobile Group, a conglomerate operating across telecommunications, real estate, oil and gas, and more, Adonu’s leadership has placed his company as a key partner of MTN Nigeria. His record-breaking performance in 2024, becoming MTN Nigeria’s top partner in airtime and data distribution, is a milestone for the Southeast region. 

Beyond his business ventures, Adonu’s influence includes academia and philanthropy. He was appointed as a patron of the Students Union Government at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, strengthening his dedication to youth empowerment and education. In his acceptance speech, Adonu reaffirmed his focus on championing digital skills development among young people, revealing his vision of a brighter, tech-driven future for Nigeria.

Adonu’s recognition at the MTN Nigeria Partners Award and his international presence at telecom conferences have further firmed up his prestige as a leader who blends business acumen with a passion for societal impact. 

Transport | Logistics 

4. Chidi Ajaere

10 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025

Chidi Ajaere is one of the most interesting young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, leading a diverse and thriving conglomerate with over 5,000 employees. As the chairman of GIG Group, Ajaere has masterminded the expansion of the company into various sectors, including logistics, aviation, real estate, banking, energy, and automobile manufacturing. 

In 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed him to the newly established Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), a body designed to drive economic growth and policy reform in Nigeria. As one of 31 distinguished members, Ajaere’s inclusion in the council further shows how well he is doing in the entrepreneurial space, placing him as one of the most promising entrepreneurs to watch in 2025.

His innovative mind has led to the creation of subsidiaries such as GIG Logistics, GIG Motors, Stella’s Banking and Finance, Richmondhill Real Estate and Property, Ziuss Energy, Oil & Gas, GIG Aviation, and, most recently, Jet Motors, a pioneering African electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer.

Under Ajaere’s leadership, GIG Logistics has flourished, expanding its reach to the United States, United Kingdom, China, and West Africa, delivering services that range from courier and e-commerce logistics to on-board courier services and packaging solutions. 

The company’s partnerships, such as the one with Aim Higher Africa in 2019, where it launched the “Back-2-School Giveaway” for underprivileged children, show that Ajaere aims big when it comes to social impact. Again, GIG Logistics has innovatively responded to Nigeria’s motorcycle ban by converting motorcycles into dispatch vehicles, creating an additional revenue stream for the business.

One of Ajaere’s crowning achievements came with the launch of Jet Motors, which introduced the JET MOVER, a multipurpose van, and an electric vehicle model that pushes Africa’s transition to eco-friendly transportation. The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) purchased electric vehicles from Jet Motors, reiterating Ajaere’s focus on reducing carbon emissions in Nigeria.

5. Onyeka Akumah

Onyeka Akumah

Onyeka Akumah, the co-founder and CEO of Treepz, is one with an obvious impact felt across the transportation sector in 2024, earning accolades that reflect his leadership. Akumah was named one of Africa’s Under 40 CEOs and received an honorary doctorate from Prowess University, Delaware, USA. His role as a Techstars Global All-Star Mentor further highlights his drive for entrepreneurial talent across Africa.

Treepz’s innovative corporate mobility solutions garnered recognition, with the company winning the Best Startup Pitch in Africa award at the African Union Private Sector High-Level Conference in Lusaka, Zambia. This was accompanied by cash awards from Afreximbank and Google, emphasizing Treepz’s impact on the mobility sector in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya.

Akumah’s work in real estate through Small Small Technology and in agriculture with Farmcrowdy, Mazia Honey & Tea, and Nyeri Hills Coffee have positively impacted thousands of individuals across the continent. His mentorship of over 60 startups and his contributions as a visiting lecturer at the Rome Business School reiterates his zeal to empower entrepreneurs.

Akumah is a role model for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their ventures while addressing pressing societal needs.

eCommerce | Delivery 

6. Prince Nnamdi Ekeh

Prince Nnamdi Ekeh

Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, CEO of Konga Group, is pioneering innovation in Nigeria’s e-commerce sector. In 2024, he tackled challenges such as logistics inefficiencies, exchange rate instability, and corruption, helping Konga’s efficiency in the industry. 

Under his leadership, Konga introduced solutions like Konga Prime, a subscription-based delivery service offering unlimited free delivery, and KongaPay, a secure digital payment platform enhancing financial inclusion.

Ekeh’s creative approach has transformed Konga into a hybrid e-commerce model that combines online and offline retail. This model has bridged gaps in Nigeria’s diverse market, providing logistical support through Konga Express and expanding product categories to take care of evolving customer needs. Again, Konga has onboarded numerous Nigerian SMEs, supporting local businesses and enabling economic growth.

In 2024, Ekeh led youth empowerment and technology adoption, recognising Africa’s youthful population as key drivers of change. His advocacy for intra-African trade and blockchain technology further accentuates his drive to leverage innovation for economic growth. With his exceptional foresight and leadership, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh is among the top entrepreneurs to watch in 2025.

Cybersecurity

7. Samuel Ubido

Samuel Ubido

Samuel Ubido’s accomplishments have strengthened his standing as a thought leader in cybersecurity and fintech investments. As a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Engineering and Technology, his expertise spans decades of engineering and cybersecurity merit. In 2024, he joined First Circle Capital as a Venture Partner, focusing on African fintech investments.

His influence extended globally as he led key panels at GITEX AFRICA, Fintech Surge, and Money20/20 Middle East, addressing topics like financial inclusion and cybersecurity. Samuel also launched his YouTube channel, Cyber Monday with Sam, where he shares insights into cybersecurity and innovation.

At Techinnovate Group, Samuel facilitated investor roundtables and strategic partnerships for organisations like NITDA Nigeria, Kigali International Financial Centre, and Wema Bank Plc. The company plans to launch a Cybersecurity Conference and Training Programs to develop talent and protect critical assets in 2025, collaborate with the University of Oxford to offer an Offline Education System, providing global access to quality education and strengthen trade links between the Middle East and Africa, providing African startups and SMEs with mentorship and funding.

Samuel’s ability to merge technical expertise with investment vision has placed him among the top entrepreneurs to watch in 2025. 

Aviation 

8. Chukwuerika Achum

Chukwuerika Achum

As the CEO of Nigerian business aviation firm Vivajets, Chukwuerika Achum is driving integration and connectivity across Africa. In 2024, Vivajets showcased its innovative edge by attending the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where Achum highlighted the role of business aviation in overcoming Africa’s logistical and geographical challenges. The firm’s digital platforms, CharterXE and FlyPJX, have boosted private aviation by making it more accessible and affordable.

Vivajets also made a move into the fashion industry during the 2024 Lagos Fashion Week, debuting exclusive cabin crew attire designed by Ivorian designer Loza Maléombho. Inspired by the African Kinkeliba tree, the uniforms seamlessly blended cultural heritage with luxury, cementing Vivajets as a symbol of African elegance and innovation.

Achum also took part in the Invest in Africa Conference (AFSIC) in London and announced Vivajets’ sponsorship of the Africa Financial Summit (AFIS) 2024 in Casablanca, Morocco. Under his leadership, Vivajets has expanded its fleet, grown its global routes, and strengthened its place in the $1.09 billion African business aviation market, projected to reach $2.14 billion by 2030.

Digital Assets

9. Chuta Chimezie

Chuta Chimezie - Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025

Chuta Chimezie is a force in Africa’s blockchain and tech innovation sectors. He is the founder of the Blockchain Nigeria User Group (BNUG) and CEO of BlockSpace Technology Innovation Hub, who has built communities focused on blockchain exploration and development. In 2024, BNUG hosted Nigeria’s largest blockchain and cryptocurrency events, promoting education and collaboration within the industry.

Chimezie also had academic achievements, completing a pre-MSc program in Blockchain and Digital Currency at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, and continuing an MSc in Cryptocurrency. His book, Seizing Opportunities in Blockchain & Digital Currency Revolution, is a definitive guide for enthusiasts walking through the complex blockchain industry.

As an advocate for open-source technologies, Chimezie has spent nearly a decade training individuals in Drupal and other open-source platforms. His upcoming book, Building Blocks of Blockchain StartUP Entrepreneurs, focuses on empowering the next generation of tech leaders. 

Interestingly, his expertise includes 3D printing, robotics, and drone technologies, making him a multifaceted innovator to watch in 2025.

Communications | PR

10. Ayeni Adekunle

Ayeni Adekunle - Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025

Ayeni Adekunle, founder and CEO of BlackHouse Media (BHM), showed his ability to lead the communications sector to new levels in 2024.

Under his stewardship, BHM was listed by Financial Times among the fastest-growing companies in Africa for the second consecutive year. 

The FT ranking, which evaluates the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of independent African companies, affirmed BHM’s solid revenue growth and strategic market expansion.

Ayeni’s vision to create a global communications services company rooted in Africa is gaining traction, bolstered by BHM’s innovative initiatives such as the continent’s first PR & Communications Report and the World PR Day celebrated annually on July 16. His company’s data-driven approach and resilience in the African business industry have placed him among the top entrepreneurs to watch in 2025.

Not just BHM, Ayeni’s contributions to the broader marketing and entertainment sectors through platforms like TheNETng and the Nigeria Entertainment Conference (NEC Live) have also been recognized. With his longstanding track record, Ayeni is one of the innovators building Africa’s communications and media industries.

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5G: Current State of Rollout, Risks, Challenges and Regulatory Solutions https://techeconomy.ng/5g-current-state-of-rollout-risks-challenges-and-regulatory-solutions/ https://techeconomy.ng/5g-current-state-of-rollout-risks-challenges-and-regulatory-solutions/#respond Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:32:18 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=93214 Summary

  • The added complexity of 5G increases the risk of attack surface and makes it more difficult to secure the network
  • Securing 5GC, which performs functions including managing access, authenticating devices and subscription management, is very vital to the security requirement of 5G
  • Security should be built into the network from inception of deployment up to final setup, rather than being an afterthought or a reactive action
  • Governments typically should have regulations in place to ensure that 5G networks are secure and resilient, and that they can be effectively managed during times of crisis

The 5G rollout is no longer news, but following up on what it brings and its current state is the news. 

This curiosity led me to Information Security professionals with vast knowledge in the field, including the Telecommunications Industry, Cyber and Physical Security in Industrial Automation and Control Systems.

The conversation initiated some interesting facts and touching on the network itself, the challenges it poses, current status in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large, as well as legislations and measures involved, Samuel Ubido and Engr. Michael Dazhi gave in-depth details in various aspects:

In a definitive approach, explain 5G in the simplest form 

5G is the fifth generation of mobile communication technology. It is designed to be faster and more efficient than the previous generations of mobile communication technologies such as 4G, 3G and 2G. 

In terms of Speed, 5G networks can transmit data at a higher speed compared to 4G networks, allowing for faster download and better streaming of high-definition videos. Latency is the time it takes for a unit of data to travel from one point to another, 5G networks have lower latency compared to other generations of technology including 4G. 

“This means data can be transmitted and received faster, which is a vital requirement for applications like online gaming and virtual reality. 5G has higher connection density, making it capable of supporting many more connected devices at once”, Samuel Ubido said.

5G: Current State of Rollout, Risks, Challenges and Regulatory Solutions
Samuel Ubido, Innovative Information Security Expert and Speaker

 

Expatiate on the cyber security challenges of 5G 

The deployment of 5G networks brings with it a number of cybersecurity challenges. A few of these challenges are further elaborated. 

According to Samuel, “In terms of complexity, 5G networks are more complex than previous generations of mobile technologies, with a larger number of connected devices and a wider range of use cases. This added complexity increases the risk of attack surface and makes it more difficult to secure the network. Furthermore, 5G networks are designed to be highly interconnected, with connections between devices, networks, and services. 

“The increased interconnectedness also increases the risk of a security breach, as a vulnerability in one device or network could potentially be used to gain access to many others. In addition, 5G networks will include more edge computing capabilities – edge computing refers to processing data at the edge of the network, closer to the device or user. 

“This feature can increase the security risks because it might not be easily controlled by a centralized authority. With the increasing support for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in 5G, there is a higher risk of malicious devices connecting to the network, which could be used to launch attacks. Moreso, there is the risk of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, these types of attacks occur when multiple devices are used to flood a network or website with traffic, effectively blocking legitimate users from accessing it. 5G is expected to introduce new use-case applications, such as autonomous vehicles, telemedicine and virtual reality. 

“The security of these applications will be important in order to secure the systems and user privacy. The 5G network has a new and different architecture compared to other generations including 4G, especially the new 5G core network (5GC). Securing this 5GC which performs functions including managing access, authenticating devices and subscription management is very vital to the security requirement of 5G”, he explained.

What are the best practices of the framework used to secure 5G Globally? 

In his response to this question, Samuel said, “Securing 5G networks is a complex task that involves a number of different methodologies, technologies and practices. There are some global best practices and frameworks that can be used to help secure 5G networks. One important best practice is to use security by design. This means the security should be built into the network from inception of deployment up to final setup, rather than being an afterthought or a reactive action. 

“This includes using secure protocols and encryption for all communications, as well as implementing security features such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and access control strategies. Secondly, another best practice is to use a risk-based approach to security strategy. 

“This means that the potential risks to the network should be identified and mitigated, rather than trying to secure the entire network against all possible threats. This approach allows organizations to focus their resources on the areas of the network that are most at risk and to continuously assess and adjust the security measures deployed. Furthermore, an important best practice is to have a robust incident response plan. 

“This involves a process for detecting and responding to security incidents, as well as a means for communicating with other organizations and authorities. In addition, many standardization bodies have developed security frameworks for the 5G network, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NCSF), developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, it provides a set of guidelines and best practices for organizations to use in order to improve their cybersecurity posture. Other standardization organizations also developing the 5G security framework are the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). 

“The frameworks are designed to help organizations understand and manage the risks associated with 5G networks and to ensure that the networks are as secure as possible. Furthermore, 5G security standards are now following the regulations of national level cyber-security laws and standards for example, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released a set of guidelines for secure deployment and operations of 5G networks.

What is the current status of the 5G roll out in Nigeria? 

Tech Hub or Startup? Apply for the NCC Annual ICT Innovation Competition
NCC – Nigerian Communications Commission

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which is the telecommunications industry regulator, conducted a forum for all stakeholders in 2018 to develop a regulatory framework for the roll-out of 5G technology. 

NCC went ahead to allocate spectrum for 5G services, and mobile network operator – MTN Nigeria – performed 5G testing campaigns. 

MTN Nigeria performed testing of 5G, first in West Africa, in some cities which includes Abuja, Calabar and Abeokuta on 3.5GHz and 26GHz spectrum. 

In September 2021, the National Policy on 5G Networks and deployment was approved by the Nigerian federal executive council. These among others paved the way for the first auction of 5G licenses by NCC, this auction was performed in December 2021; two operators Mafab Communications and MTN Nigeria won the licenses for the two slots of 100 MHz of 3.5GHz spectrum. 

According to the information memorandum, the winners are expected to commence roll-out of 5G services from August 2022.  

MTN has started rolling out 5G in Nigeria eight months after securing the license while Mafab has yet to commence due. In fact, this January is the deadline for extension of service rollout granted the ‘operator’ by the NCC. 

Could you tell us about the current status of the 5G roll out in Africa as a whole? 

5G rollouts in Africa are still in the early stages. While a few countries on the continent have launched 5G services, they are currently limited in terms of coverage and availability. South Africa is one of the countries that has launched 5G services. 

In 2020, the country’s main telecom operators, Vodacom and MTN, launched their 5G networks in select areas of the country. 

The South African government has also auctioned off spectrum for 5G use, and it is expected that more operators will begin to roll out 5G services in the coming years. 

MTN Nigeria began 5G trials in some Nigerian cities in early 2020 and commercialized in 2022, Safaricom in Kenya also began roll-out of 5G in 2022. Ethiopia, Botswana, Seychelles and Zimbabwe have also launched 5G. Other countries in Africa such as Egypt, Gabon and Ghana are still performing trials. ‘

5G: Current State of Rollout, Risks, Challenges and Regulatory Solutions
MTN 5G Router

 

However, in many other African countries, the roll-out is yet to take place. In some countries, the roll-out is dependent on the availability of spectrum and the regulatory and policy frameworks are yet to be put in place. 

A major hurdle to the 5G rollout in Africa is the lack of infrastructure and the high cost of building 5G networks. The infrastructure needed for 5G, such as fiber-optic cables and small cell towers, is expensive and may be difficult to deploy in some rural and remote areas. Additionally, many African countries lack the necessary spectrum for 5G, and the process of allocating it can be slow and bureaucratic.

What is the legislation in place for the 5G roll out? 

The roll-out of 5G technology is still ongoing and different countries have their own legislation and regulations in place to govern it. However, in general, there are several key areas that 5G legislation typically covers. 

“First is spectrum allocation,” said Michael Dazhi, a Communications Engineer, Scholar and Entrepreneur. “5G technology requires a large amount of bandwidth, and governments must determine how to allocate the available spectrum for various uses, including 5G. Governments typically should have regulations in place to ensure that 5G networks are secure and resilient, and that they can be effectively managed during times of crisis. In the area of cybersecurity and with the increasing excitement on 5G networks, there is a growing concern about cyber threats and attacks. 

“Governments must have regulations in place to ensure that 5G networks are protected against security threats. In addition, governments should have regulations in place to ensure that different 5G networks are able to communicate with one another, and to encourage competition among providers. 

“Furthermore, governments can have regulations in place to ensure that personal data is protected, and that consumers have control over how their data is used. It is critical to note that 5G legislation is also close to broader technology, telecommunications and security regulations within each country. Also, some countries have taken extra caution on 5G rollout and national security, such as ban on equipment from certain vendors, or special review on national security concerns on roll-out of the 5G network”. 

5G: Current State of Rollout, Risks, Challenges and Regulatory Solutions
Engr. Michael Dazhi, Communications Engineer, Scholar and Entrepreneur

 

What do you think Nigeria needs to do to ensure the rollout is secure in terms of infrastructure and also for the users? What is the role of the Government and that of Citizens? 

“The rollout of 5G technology in Nigeria, as with any other country, will require significant infrastructure investments, as well as the implementation of robust security measures to protect both the network and its users. 

“From an infrastructure perspective, the government will need to work with telecommunications companies to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the deployment of 5G networks. This may include the construction of new cellular towers and the upgrading of existing infrastructure to support faster speeds and more capacity. 

“While in terms of security, the government will need to establish regulations and guidelines to ensure that the networks and devices that connect to them are secure. This could include measures such as mandatory cybersecurity testing for all devices that connect to the network, as well as regular security audits of the network itself. Additionally, the government may need to work with international partners to share information about potential threats and vulnerabilities in order to stay ahead of emerging security risks. 

“For the role of citizens, they also have a part to play in ensuring the security of 5G networks and devices. One way they can do this is by being vigilant about the security of their own devices and being careful about the types of apps and websites they access. Citizens should also be aware of potential phishing scams or other types of cyber-attacks, and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. 

“Another important role for citizens in keeping the network infrastructure safe is by reporting any damages or suspicious activities around the network infrastructures. Overall, the rollout of 5G in Nigeria will require a collaborative effort between the government, telecommunications companies, and citizens. Through careful planning, investment in infrastructure, and the implementation of robust security measures, it will be possible to deploy 5G networks in Nigeria that are both fast and secure”, he said.

How will regulations help Nigeria get the best from 5G? 

Michael also said that regulations can play a critical role in helping Nigeria to fully realize the potential benefits of 5G technology. For instance, in spectrum allocation, one of the key challenges in deploying 5G networks is allocating the necessary spectrum to support the technology. 

“By creating a regulatory framework that clearly defines how spectrum will be allocated and managed, the government can help ensure that the spectrum needed for 5G is available to service providers. Another critical area is security and privacy, 5G networks will be used to support a wide range of critical applications, such as healthcare and transportation that will require robust security and privacy protections. 

“Regulations can help to ensure that the networks and devices that support these applications are designed and deployed in a way that protects user data and keeps it secure. 

In the area of infrastructure deployment, 5G networks require a significant amount of infrastructure to be deployed, such as small cells and antennas. Regulations can help to streamline the process of deploying this infrastructure by setting clear guidelines for how and where it can be installed”, he said. 

Finally, by encouraging competition among service providers, it can help to drive innovation and keep prices low. Regulation can help to ensure that there is a level playing field for all providers, by preventing any single provider from dominating the market. 

Similarly, regulations can also allow a level-playing field for startups and entrepreneurs to innovate and capitalize on opportunities arising from 5G technologies, thus creating new jobs and economic growth.

There have been arguments about 5G and radiation. Every study supports that 5G is safe, but is there something to fear about 5G?

The scientific consensus is that 5G is safe for human use. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) have both stated that the levels of radio frequency (RF) radiation emitted by 5G networks are well below the levels that can cause harm to human health. In addition, many national and international bodies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission, have also concluded that 5G is safe.

Nonetheless, it is worth noting that 5G networks use higher frequency bands (mmWave) than previous generations of mobile networks, and this has raised concerns about the potential health effects of these higher frequency bands. However, research has found that the energy levels of mmWave used for 5G is so low that it does not pose any risk to human health. 

Studies have indicated that the RF radiation emitted by 5G networks is not strong enough to cause ionization, which is the process that can lead to cancer. It is worth noting that despite the overall conclusion that 5G is safe, there have been concerns raised by some individuals and groups about the potential health effects of 5G. 

However, these concerns have largely been based on misinformation and misunderstandings about the technology. It is important to rely on scientific research and the opinions of reputable organizations in determining the safety of 5G.

 

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