Ben Roberts

𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮'𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 #DigitalInfrastructure Africa's digital space is rapidly evolving, with governments across the continent focusing on policies and initiatives to drive broadband access, data center development, and improved digital connectivity. These efforts are important in unlocking the continent's immense economic potential and bridging the digital divide. One key area of progress is the expansion of broadband access. Countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria have implemented programs to extend fiber-optic and wireless networks to underserved communities, ensuring more Africans can participate in the digital economy. Regulatory frameworks that encourage private sector investment and public-private partnerships have been instrumental in accelerating this connectivity rollout. In parallel, the development of data center infrastructure has been a priority. African nations are recognizing the import of locally hosted, secure data management to support the growth of cloud computing, e-commerce, and other data-intensive industries. Initiatives like the Mauritius International Technology and Innovation Hub and the Kigali Innovation City in Rwanda are leading the way in this regard. While progress has been made, challenges still remain. Bridging the digital divide in rural and remote areas, addressing the gender gap in digital access, and driving digital skills development will require continued focus and collaboration. Policymakers must work closely with the private sector, civil society, and development partners to develop holistic, sustainable solutions. This is where the Africa Digital Economy Forum (ADEF) plays a critical role. As a platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing, ADEF brings together key stakeholders to discuss the policies, investments, and innovations needed to accelerate Africa's digital transformation. By facilitating these relevant conversations, ADEF is helping to shape the continent's digital future. As Africa continues to build its digital infrastructure, the opportunities for economic growth, social inclusion, and global competitiveness are immense. By leveraging the collaborative efforts of governments, businesses, and civil society, the continent can unlock its full digital potential and create a more prosperous, connected future for all. Join ADEF https://adeforum.org/ in our mission to champion sustainable policies for Africa’s digital economy. Together, we can create a future where digital transformation drives lasting, inclusive, and resilient growth for all. #ADEF #Africa #AfricaDigitalEconomyForum #TechForGood 📸 Pixabay

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On April 3, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), under the auspices of the Federal Government, approved a substantial increase in electricity tariffs from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour for Band A consumers across the country, which was later revised to N206 in May. This decision, hailed by key stakeholders including Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, signifies a pivotal moment in addressing commercial pricing dynamics within the industry. However, Nigeria’s power sector faces multifaceted challenges, ranging from infrastructural deficits to investment limitations due to a lack of commercial viability. As of February 2024, Nigeria had 13,301,551 electricity consumers, with only 5,932,733 metered customers, underscoring a critical issue in metering efficiency. The disparity between consumer numbers and metering infrastructure presents a significant hurdle for distribution companies (DisCos), particularly concerning revenue and Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses. The tariff hike exacerbates these challenges, necessitating a strategic approach to revenue collection amidst ongoing metering gaps. The 94th Power Dialogue aims to provide a platform for robust discussions and actionable insights into addressing challenges surrounding metering efficiency and tariff dynamics in Nigeria’s power sector, especially with the recent deregulation of meter prices under the Meter Asset Provider scheme. This edition of the Power Dialogue seeks to discuss prioritising closing metering gaps to ensure accurate billing and revenue generation, thereby fostering sustainable commercial viability within the power sector. The session will also give robust strategies to mitigate revenue losses and ATC&C challenges, aligning with the tariff dynamics and evolving consumer landscape.

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