They strengthen backward integration by developing local suppliers for components and machinery; build forward linkages through processing and branding to capture more of the final product value, and invest heavily in skills, standards, and innovation ecosystem that enable firms to move up the value chain. The strategy helps keep more value jobs and profits domestically while competing on technology and quality rather than just cost.

Nigeria for some decades has struggled to improve on its industrial outputs, but growth has been hampered by a single bottleneck: the gap between research and commercial production. Ideas are generated in labs and universities, but few make it to factories, markets, and the hands of Nigerian consumers.

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is closing that gap by building a complete value chain, from concept to prototype, from pilot production to market-ready products that industries can adopt today.

From Lab Bench to Factory Floor

NASENI’s mandate goes beyond research. The Agency operates a network of Development Institutes and advanced manufacturing centres designed to translate research into tangible products. At the heart of this system is reverse engineering and technology adaptation as well as commercialisation.

Instead of waiting for imported equipment, NASENI’s engineers dissect foreign technologies, redesign them for Nigerian operating conditions, and prepare them for local manufacturing.

This approach has already produced working models in renewable energy, agriculture, transportation, and capital goods.

The goal is simple: reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports, cut foreign exchange drain, and create products that are cheaper to buy, easier to maintain and built for local use and create jobs for Nigerians.

The R&D to Market Pipeline

NASENI’s process follows a deliberate 5-stage pipeline that private sector partners can plug into at any point. They are as follow:

1. Research & Adaptation

NASENI identifies high-demand capital goods products that Nigeria imports heavily. Engineers adapt designs using locally available materials and skills. These capital goods products cut across the key sectors of the economy.

They include Multi-grain Thresher, Rice Milling and Destoning Machines, Solar-powered Irrigation Pump, Oil Extraction System/Oil Expeller, Solar Water Dispensers, Home Solar Energy units, Energy Street Lights, Lithium Batteries, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, Electric Tricycles, NASENI Laptops, Tablets, and many more.

2. Prototype Development & Testing

Prototypes are built and tested in NASENI’s laboratories for durability, efficiency, and compliance with Nigerian standards. Testing reduces risk for partners who want to licence the technology.

3. Pilot Production

Small-batch production validates cost, quality, and scalability. This is where NASENI de-risks the investment for industry. Stakeholders can inspect pilot lines, assess quality, and negotiate licencing before committing to large-scale production.

4. Technology Transfer & Licencing

NASENI offers licencing agreements, joint ventures, and technical support to qualified partners. This means industries can start manufacturing NASENI-developed products without building R&D departments from scratch.

5. Market Deployment & After-sales Support

Through partnerships with distributors, cooperatives, and state governments, NASENI products reach end-users. The Agency also provides training for maintenance and troubleshooting, protecting the partner’s brand reputation.

Where Industry Gains

The value for stakeholders is in speed, cost, and reduced risk.

Speed to Market: A partner licencing a NASENI design bypasses 2–4 years of independent R&D. Production can begin once licencing and training are completed.

Cost Savings: Products adapted for local materials and labour cut import costs by 30%–60% in sectors like solar components, agricultural machinery, and electrical equipment.

Data point to source: Comparative cost analysis of NASENI solar panels and imported equivalents are available at the NASENI Energy Directorate.

Risk Reduction: NASENI absorbs early-stage R&D risk. Partners enter at the pilot or licencing stage with proven prototypes and technical documentation.

Local Content Compliance: Products developed under NASENI meet Nigerian local content requirements, making them eligible for government procurement and preferential treatment in public projects.

Real Products, Real Impact

Several NASENI technologies have passed through the licencing stage. Examples include Solar Irrigation Pumps designed for smallholder farmers, Electric Tricycles for urban transport, and Transformer components for the power sector.

Each product comes with a technical package: design files, bill of materials, supplier list, and training manual. For industries, this means immediate opportunities.

An agricultural equipment dealer can licence a NASENI Thresher and begin assembly in-house. A renewable energy firm can integrate NASENI’s solar components into its existing projects at lower cost.

A manufacturing small and medium enterprise (SME) can use NASENI’s CNC and machining centres to produce parts without buying expensive equipment. There are a number of active licencing agreements, SMEs trainings, and jobs created through NASENI technology transfer programmes from 2023–2026.

The Infrastructure Advantage

Nigeria, NASENI operates advanced manufacturing centres equipped with CNC machines, 3D printers, metrology labs, and testing rigs.

Partners can use these facilities on a fee-for-service basis, avoiding millions in capital expenditure.

This shared infrastructure model is critical for SMEs and mid-sized firms that want to move up the value chain but lack the capital for heavy equipment. It also ensures quality control, as all licenced products are tested against NASENI’s standards before market release.

Partnership Model: How It Works

NASENI’s engagement with industry is structured for clarity and mutual benefit. NASENI assesses technical fit and readiness. The following are how it works.

Agreement & Training: Licencing terms are agreed, and partner staff receives hands-on training.

Production & Rollout: Partner begins production with ongoing technical support from NASENI.

Market Feedback Loop: NASENI collects user feedback to improve future iterations. The model is designed to be flexible. Partnerships range from single-product licencing to joint ventures for large-scale manufacturing plants.

Call to Action:

Nigeria’s industrial transformation will not come from imports alone. It will come from Nigerian companies producing Nigerian solutions, using Nigerian talents and infrastructure.

NASENI invites manufacturers, investors, distributors, and state governments to partner in building this value chain. If you operate in agriculture, energy, transportation, or manufacturing, there is a NASENI technology ready for adoption.

For existing or new partner of the Agency, the following steps are available: Review NASENI’s current technology catalogue on the Agency’s website and at zonal offices; Request a technical briefing and factory tour to assess production readiness; Engage NASENI’s Investment and Partnership Directorate to discuss licencing, joint venture (JV) and co-production terms; and Join upcoming NASENI Industry Stakeholder Forums for direct access to engineers and project managers.

NASENI is currently playing a critical role through its indigenous technologies in building Nigeria’s industrial value chain.  The infrastructure is in place.

The designs are tested. The market is waiting. The next step is for industry to step in, scale production, and make “Made-in-Nigeria” the standard.

The telecom operator explained that several factors contribute to faster data usage, including hotspot sharing, video streaming, automatic app updates, cloud backups, and the growing adoption of high-speed internet services.

According to the company, many users unknowingly consume significant amounts of data through background activities on smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and other connected devices.

Features such as auto-play on social media platforms, automatic software updates, and cloud synchronization can continue running even when users are not actively using their devices.

MTN also noted that hotspot sharing remains one of the leading causes of unexpected data consumption. When subscribers connect multiple devices to a single data plan, activities such as video streaming, online gaming, software downloads, and system updates on those devices can quickly exhaust available data.

The operator further explained that faster internet technologies, including 4G and 5G networks, naturally encourage higher data consumption as users access more high-definition content and bandwidth-intensive applications.

Similar observations have previously been highlighted by industry stakeholders and regulators, who note that video streaming, automatic updates, and background applications are among the major contributors to increased data usage.

Speaking today at subscriber townhall meeting codenamed ‘Data on Trial’, Michael Ndukwe, a senior manager for core network implementation at MTN Nigeria, said many subscribers misunderstand how data is consumed, particularly with the increasing adoption of high-speed technologies such as 4G and 5G networks.

“We usually hear the concern that MTN is stealing my data. I’m here to take you step by step through exactly how your data is used,” he said.

According to him, using a TikTok video as an example, he said data is not consumed when a mobile device merely connects to the network or undergoes authentication checks.

The expert said significant data usage only begins when a user requests online content, such as a video, which is then delivered through the network in “packets and reassembled on the device”.

He said the network first confirms that the subscriber is registered, has an active data bundle, and is authorised to access internet services before establishing a session.

“Data is not taken from you without your action. When you stream, scroll, download or share, you are using data. It’s as simple as that,” Ndukwe said.

Ndukwe said subscribers often conclude that operators are deducting data unfairly because consumption rates on modern networks differ significantly from what users experienced on older technologies such as 2G and 3G.

He explained that faster networks are designed to support richer content and provide a better experience, resulting in greater data usage.

Also speaking at the ‘Data On Trial’ session, David Ogunshola of MTN’s information technology team, said differences between data usage records displayed on customers’ devices and those recorded by the network are normal.

He said devices typically track only user activities and application-level consumption, while the network records the entire data session, including signalling and other processes required to establish and maintain connectivity.

Ogunshola said discrepancies may also arise from different measurement standards used by device manufacturers and network systems.

According to the IT expert, these differences are usually marginal but become more noticeable as data volumes increase.

He noted that the evolution from basic mobile phones to smartphones, smart televisions, gaming consoles and wearable devices has significantly increased data consumption because modern devices are optimised to deliver higher-quality experiences.

“The more sophisticated the device, the more it is optimised for quality. If you do not adjust those configurations, the device will always try to give you the best possible experience, and that comes with higher data usage,” Ogunshola said.

Ndukwe said MTN provides tools to help customers monitor and manage consumption, including the MyMTN app, data usage alerts, and data management features that allow subscribers to set limits and restrict background activities.

“Our promise is that we continue to invest heavily in network quality to give you the best experience and ensure that every megabyte you purchase delivers the experience that you expect,” he said.

He assured customers that the company would continue investing in network infrastructure to improve service quality and ensure transparency in data billing.

Meanwhile, Blessing Banro from TECNO Mobile representing the device makers spoke on understanding smart devices and how to they help you manage your data

The clarification comes amid increasing consumer complaints regarding data consumption patterns, particularly following recent adjustments in telecommunications tariffs.

While some subscribers continue to question the accuracy of data deductions, Timi Agbaje spoke against the defence of device makers and MNOs, asking pertinent questions on behalf of the people, operators maintain that changing digital habits and increased connectivity are the primary drivers of higher data usage.

To help subscribers better manage their data, MTN advised customers to:

• Monitor data usage regularly through available tracking tools.
• Disable automatic updates when using mobile data.
• Turn off auto-play features on social media and video platforms.
• Restrict background data usage for non-essential applications.
• Review devices connected through hotspot sharing.
• Use data-saving modes where available.

Industry analysts at the Data on Trial session by MTN Nigeria are of the view that the growing popularity of video content, cloud services, remote work applications, and connected devices is reshaping internet consumption patterns across Nigeria, resulting in higher average data usage per subscriber than in previous years.

Apple led the market with 12.6 million units shipped, capturing a 31.7% share. While Apple saw only 1.4% growth in shipments, its market share slipped from 37.7% in the same quarter last year, which was due to reduced consumer demand.

Samsung followed in second place, shipping 7.1 million units for a 17.9% market share. The company experienced an 18.3% growth in shipments over the last year, driven largely by the popularity of its budget Galaxy Tab A9 series. However, its market share decreased slightly from the previous 18.2%.

Amazon recorded the highest growth rate among the top players, with 111.3% year-over-year increase, reaching 4.6 million units. 

This surge pushed Amazon’s market share to 11.6%, up from 6.6% last year. Prime Day promotions were a major contributor to this success, boosting demand for Amazon’s tablet lineup.

Huawei also posted strong gains, recording a 44.1% growth rate and 3.3 million shipments, increasing its market share to 8.2%. The company’s affordable MatePad SE 11 proved popular in emerging markets, bolstering Huawei’s standing.

Rounding out the top five, Lenovo shipped 3 million units, capturing a 7.6% market share and seeing a 14.7% year-over-year growth. 

Lenovo’s sales improved particularly in China and Western Europe, but the company’s share declined slightly from last year’s 8.0%.

Other tablet brands collectively accounted for 9.1 million shipments, representing a 22.9% market share and a steady demand for alternative devices. 

The holiday season is approaching, and this is a good time for tablet makers to boost sales, with a focus on new model releases and promotional events to capture further consumer interest.

• Plans to produce and sell over 500,000 smart devices within the next calendar year
• BOI delighted about Imose Technologies’ Laptops, smart devices, says company embodies the Nigerian Dream

Imose Technologies, an indigenous original equipment manufacturer in Nigeria, is set to push its Imose Zedon X-Pro laptops, mobile phones and tablets into the mass market, Techeconomy can authoritatively report.  

The company is also on track to produce and sell over 500,000 devices within the next calendar year, with the first set of laptops to be launched around November this year, Techeconomy gathered, exclusively.

Meanwhile, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the newly appointed managing director/ chief executive officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI), was at Imose Technologies’ assembly factory in Lekki, Lagos on Tuesday 3 September.

He expressed delight about the locally produced Imose Zedon X-Pro laptops, mobile phones and tablets during a tour of plant.

In line with its six thematic areas for economic growth and development impact namely, SMEs, youth and skills, digital economy, infrastructure, climate and gender, the BOI provided a N2 billion loan facility to Imose Technologies in 2023 to expand its operation.

The visit was therefore aimed at reviewing the organisation’s progress since receiving the facility.

During his presentation, Mr Osayi Izedonmwen, chairman and founder, Imose Technologies, appreciated the BOI for its support and stated that the facility from BOI had fuelled the company’s growth.

“Our staff strength has grown from less than 100 to over 200, 48% of which are women, and that is in line with the BOI thematic areas. We are also focused on providing products that support education. Today, Imose Technologies is the largest local manufacturer of educational tablets and laptops which compete favourably with international brands.

“In addition, we have built a wide distribution network and several service centres across the country to stay close to our customers and provide warranty support and after-sales service; that is why we are on track to produce and sell over 500,000 devices within the next calendar year,” Izedonmwen said.

In his response, Dr Olusi said the devices are a fantastic example of “made in Nigeria, used in Nigeria products.” Furthermore, he described Imose Technologies as a great Nigerian story which the BOI is very proud to be associated with.

“Imose Technologies embodies the Nigerian dream. I am fascinated by your story of success, resilience and focus on impact.

“Your focus on female employment, digital technology and transformation, a wide distribution network that shows strong support for MSMEs, and youth development through education check four of the six thematic areas of the BOI. This shows that we are in alignment.

“The BOI is committed to standing side-by-side with Imose Technologies to ensure that the company’s value chain is further developed.

“We believe that it is by developing the value chain that we can also contribute to your growth and job creation in this country,” Olusi said.

He encouraged Imose Technologies to think globally starting with the African region while highlighting the opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

Imose Technologies commenced operation a decade ago with its flagship IM-10 Desktop GSM Phone. After two years, it expanded its product line to include the Omotab, an educational tablet for children which has now become a market leader in the educational tablet space.

The company’s products have further expanded and now include;

1. Swag 1s Pro,
2. Waka 1s Pro,
3. Sabi+,
4. Padi II,
5. MyGee and
6. MyGee+,
7. feature phones,
8. Bam III and
9. Sempe smartphones,
10. Omotab 2 and
11. Omotab educational tablets,
12. Opor and X3 tablets,
13. M022 MiFi, R0516 Router,
14. IM-10i and IM-10D Pro desktop phones.

In 2023, the indigenous technology company opened its first assembly factory at the Benin Technical College in Edo State.

With the BOI’s intervention, the second factory was opened in Lagos at the beginning of 2024.

Both assembly factories can produce up to 1 million smart devices and laptops annually.

Imose Technologies is also certified by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) licensed to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, and sell smart devices and laptops in Nigeria.

With the latest updates rolling out on Feb 26, 2024, Android users can look forward to a range of new features designed to simplify daily tasks and maximize efficiency across devices.

Enhanced safety on the road is a primary focus of the updates, with Android Auto introducing a feature leveraging AI to summarize lengthy texts and busy group chats while driving.

This functionality promotes safer driving practices and also allows users to respond promptly with suggested replies and actions, all accessible with a single tap.

Accessibility is made better with the introduction of image captions in Lookout on Android, empowering users with visual impairments by providing AI-generated descriptions of photos and online images.

This inclusive feature, now available globally in English, enhances accessibility and enriches the digital experience for all users.

Lens in Maps receives an accessibility enhancement with enhanced screen reader support, enabling users to explore nearby locations and identify points of interest with greater ease. In leveraging TalkBack, users can receive audible information about businesses, restaurants, ATMs, and transit stations simply by pointing their phone’s camera.

Collaborative document review will become more intuitive and efficient with Google Docs markups on Android, allowing users to add handwritten annotations directly from their mobile devices using finger or stylus input.

With a variety of markup tools available, reviewing documents and providing feedback becomes more intuitive and efficient than ever before.

Android users can now seamlessly switch between devices while listening to Spotify, thanks to new casting controls integrated into the output switcher on the home screen. This enhancement ensures uninterrupted listening experiences across various media playback devices.

The redesigned Fitbit app on Android provides users with a holistic view of their health and wellness data by integrating information from connected wearables and apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal.

With data consolidated in one place, users can easily monitor their exercise, steps, calories burned, and more.

Google Wallet passes now extend to Wear OS smartwatches, allowing users to access boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, and loyalty cards directly from their wrists. Users can customize which passes to display for quick and convenient access whenever needed.

Google Maps for Wear OS introduces public transit directions, enabling users to check departure times and receive compass-guided navigation directions directly from their smartwatches. Whether on foot or using public transportation, users can stay informed and navigate with ease.

Google Messages now leverages Gemini, a virtual assistant accessible within the app for drafting messages, brainstorming ideas, planning events, or engaging in casual conversations. This feature, available in beta in English, enhances the messaging experience and streamlines communication tasks.

Android is utilizing cutting-edge technology and user-centric design principles to help users achieve more and stay connected securely.

This significant recognition signifies the SPARK 20 Pro+’s outstanding performance in the international design arena and further illustrates TECNO’s strength in product design.

Organised by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the French Design Awards, recognized as a prestigious international honour within the global design community, prioritizes impartial evaluation with a distinguished panel of globally experienced judges.

By bringing together diverse talents from across the globe, the French Design Awards illuminate the power of design to shape the world and the universal impact of innovative design.

The competition, featuring expert judges from the UK, New Zealand, Portugal, Germany, and more, received over 1,000 entries from 30+ countries, highlighting the universal impact of innovative design across diverse fields.

“It is a privilege for us to extend recognition to global designers through the French Design Awards, a united community that amplifies their profound influence across the design industry,” stated Thomas Brandt, spokesperson of the IAA. He added, “I am pleased to witness the exceptional design features of the SPARK 20 Pro+, and it’s thrilling to observe a remarkable fusion of design and innovation in their product.”

TECNO SPARK 20 Pro+ has been beautifully designed and refined to create a sleek and ergonomic device that appeals to modern, trend-setting Gen-Z users.

Inspired by the universe, the Quadrant Star Array Camera Design of the SPARK 20 Pro+ boasts an impressive 108MP main camera, showcasing a sophisticated visual aesthetic with its symmetrical design.

The 56.5° Ergonomics Double Curved Design, with G3-curvature, offers a sleek 7.55mm body at only 175g, ensuring aesthetics and comfort. Introducing a glasses-free 3D design, the device uses nanoscale photolithography for a unique visual experience and camera module protection.

Beyond the aesthetics of the design, the SPARK 20 Pro+ prioritizes sustainability and user experience. Reflecting an innovative approach, the device offers Magic Skin 2.0, a second-generation advanced silicon leather material, boosting its sustainable and anti-bacterial properties. With Magic Skin, users enjoy a premium and luxurious texture and durability like genuine leather.

SPARK 20 Pro+’s recognition at the French Design Award reaffirms TECNO’s expanding global influence and innovative capabilities, acknowledging the brand’s distinctive fusion of contemporary modern design with cutting-edge technology.

What you should know about TECNO

• TECNO is an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 countries and regions across five continents.
• Since its launch, TECNO has been revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging global markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies.
• Today, TECNO has developed into a recognized leader in its target markets, delivering state-of-the-art innovation through a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, HiOS operating systems, and smart home products.
• Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and newest technologies for forward-looking individuals.
• By creating stylish, intelligent products, TECNO inspires consumers worldwide to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures.

Shipments are still above pre-pandemic levels; however, growth has softened, which is an indication of the market reverting to normal seasonality.

Also, aggressive purchasing of devices in 2020 and 2021 led many users to hold onto their recently purchased tablets. Chromebooks also continued to decline with shipments down 61.9% year over year in 1Q22.

While the overall market contracted due to saturation in mature markets, Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan and China) still recorded growth in the quarter as there have been several large investments for digital education in the region.

“While the tablet market is certainly on a downward trend at the global level because of lower demand in mature markets, it is interesting to see several new players entering the emerging markets, especially smartphone vendors like realme, OPPO, Xiaomi, and so on,” said Anuroopa Nataraj, senior research analyst with IDC’s Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers. “While their volumes are not significant enough to move the market as of now, it is the high demand for tablets in the emerging markets since the onset of the pandemic that has led these vendors to take advantage of their existing channel presence to build an ecosystem where consumers possess multiple products of the same brand, just like Apple.”

“The decline in Chromebooks doesn’t come as a surprise given the buildup of inventory due to reduced demand over the past several quarters,” said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager with IDC’s Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers. “Barring any major shifts in supply, we do anticipate the inventory to clear out with the help of promotional activity over the course of the coming months and new shipments will start to pick up as the educational buying cycle begins to ramp up again.”

Top Five Tablet Companies, Worldwide Shipments, Market Share, and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q1 2022 (Preliminary results, combined company view for the current quarter only, shipments in millions)

Top Five Chromebook Companies, Worldwide Shipments, Market Share, and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q1 2022 (Preliminary results, combined company view for the current quarter only, shipments in millions)

According to IDC, the data is preliminary and subject to change. Also, shipments include shipments to distribution channels or end users. OEM sales are counted under the company/brand under which they are sold.

Chromebook numbers include Notebook PCs running Chrome OS.

IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, company share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe.

Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC’s Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis.

Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly Excel deliverables and on-line query tools.