New Post Africa

Category: Innovation & Technology

  • UNGA81: AfDB, partners launch free AI training for African public officials

    UNGA81: AfDB, partners launch free AI training for African public officials

    NEW YORK, United States (NPA) — The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, in partnership with the UNDP AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Google and Apolitical, has launched a free training programme to help public officials across Africa understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) in their work.

    The programme was launched on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

    Under Apolitical’s Government AI Campus initiative, participants will have access to courses including “AI Fundamentals for Public Servants: Opportunities, Risks and Strategies,” “AI Leadership in Government: Building Trust, Skills and an Innovative Culture,” and “Smarter Procurement with AI.”

    The training courses were developed by Stanford University Online and SDA Bocconi School of Management, while Google and Apolitical are providing the learning platform and content.

    The AI Hub for Sustainable Development is a G7-endorsed initiative co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. It also aligns with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.

    The African Development Bank Group is a founding member of the AI Hub’s Executive Steering Group.

    AfDB Director for Industrial and Trade Development, Ousmane Fall, said the partnership would help address the need for stronger understanding of AI applications within government.

    “AI is changing how we work. It promises major productivity gains if users fully understand its application. Building that understanding in government has been neglected and this partnership helps us put that right,” Fall said.

    The training is the first step towards implementing recommendations from an AfDB report, “Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation.”

    The report projected that inclusive AI deployment could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product by 2035, while identifying skills and trusted governance among five key enablers needed to realise those gains.

    Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development and UNDP Head of Digital and AI Programmes, Keyzom Ngodup Massally, said African governments needed timely support to strengthen their institutional and technical capacity to participate in the AI economy.

    “As the AI landscape continues to evolve, governments across Africa need timely support to strengthen the institutional and technical foundations required to participate meaningfully in the AI economy,” Massally said.

    The training is self-paced, with enrolment open and free of charge to serving government officials and public servants in the African Development Bank’s regional member countries.

    The programme is targeted at officials working on AI in public service delivery, digital infrastructure, public-private partnerships and innovation.

  • NDPC highlights data protection, AI governance at CAC annual retreat

    NDPC highlights data protection, AI governance at CAC annual retreat

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has highlighted the need for strong data protection, artificial intelligence (AI) governance and cybersecurity frameworks as public institutions adopt advanced digital technologies.

    The National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, was represented by officers from the Commission’s IT and Cybersecurity Department, Mr Abubakar Bello Adamu and Mr Abubakar Mahmud, at the 2026 Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Annual Retreat.

    The retreat, themed “Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Scale: Advancing an Intelligent Corporate Registry for Efficient and Trusted Service Delivery,” examined practical approaches to integrating modern automated systems into public registries while ensuring data privacy, AI governance and cybersecurity safeguards.

    In a joint presentation titled “Data Protection & AI Governance,” Adamu and Mahmud said data protection principles under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act), must extend to AI training processes.

    They stressed the importance of conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk automated decision-making and highlighted the need for a multi-layered governance framework.

    According to them, such a framework should include human-in-the-loop oversight, algorithmic auditability and transparent model controls to safeguard citizens’ rights.

    The NDPC representatives reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to continuous regulatory oversight, robust risk management and strategic inter-agency collaboration.

    They said these measures were essential to building public trust and ensuring that technology adoption across public institutions remained secure, inclusive and privacy-centric.

  • Ebonyi launches free digital skills training for young people

    Ebonyi launches free digital skills training for young people

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ebonyi State Government, through the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (EBSMEDA), has commenced a one-week free digital skills training programme aimed at equipping young Ebonyians with practical skills for the digital economy.

    The programme, organised in collaboration with Mutech Afrique under the FON4-TECH Initiative, is designed to train participants in web development, graphic design, Web3 and artificial intelligence (AI) automation.

    According to a statement signed by Leo Ekene Oketa, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, the training is scheduled to hold from September 14 to 18, 2026, at the Staff Development Centre, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki.

    The statement said training sessions would commence daily at 10:00 a.m., with participants expected to learn from experienced tutors in a practical training environment.

    The initiative, according to the state government, is aimed at strengthening the digital and entrepreneurial capacity of young people and improving their ability to participate in the growing digital economy.

    The government said the programme forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to equip residents with skills that can improve their employment and entrepreneurship prospects.

    EBSMEDA, under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr Stephen Odoh, is implementing the programme as part of its efforts to support the development of the state’s small and medium enterprise and technology ecosystem.

    The statement also linked the training to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s focus on skills development and youth empowerment, saying the administration had continued to pursue initiatives aimed at providing young people with practical knowledge and opportunities.

    The organisers said the programme would help participants develop skills that could be applied in professional, entrepreneurial and technology-related activities.

  • Nigeria’s Education Minister of State joins UNESCO roundtable on AI in education

    Nigeria’s Education Minister of State joins UNESCO roundtable on AI in education

    PARIS, France (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has participated in a UNESCO ministerial roundtable on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education as part of the Digital Learning Week 2026 in Paris.

    The minister joined representatives from 25 countries at the session, which focused on the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of AI in education.

    Ahmad said Nigeria’s experience with AI in education was not theoretical, noting that while some Nigerian learners use AI regularly, others still lack reliable access to devices and internet connectivity.

    She said policies and initiatives must therefore help bridge the digital divide rather than widen it.

    “For Nigeria, this conversation is not a distant or theoretical one. Some Nigerian learners can use AI every day, while others still lack a reliable device or internet connection, so any solution we build has to close that gap rather than widen it,” she said.

    The minister said Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and Nigeria Data Protection Act provide a foundation for developing responsible AI systems in the education sector.

    She also highlighted the AskFME initiative and the Naija Teacher AI pilot, which she said had already onboarded 50,000 Nigerian teachers onto tools designed for mobile and offline use.

    According to Ahmad, these initiatives are helping to translate national policies into practical safeguards for classrooms.

    She stressed that every AI tool used in Nigerian classrooms must be assessed for accuracy, curriculum alignment, age suitability and data protection.

    “Our responsibility does not end there. Teachers and learners must be able to report problems, and any tool that keeps failing them must be corrected or withdrawn,” she said.

    The minister added that AI should complement teachers rather than replace critical thinking and curiosity among learners.

    “In Nigeria, a child who is unsure will always look to the teacher, and we want our children to gain from AI while staying curious and asking questions of their own,” Ahmad said.

  • JUST IN: FG launches Nigeria’s first manufacturing technology innovation hub at Michael Okpara University

    JUST IN: FG launches Nigeria’s first manufacturing technology innovation hub at Michael Okpara University

    UMUDIKE, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has inaugurated Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, through a partnership involving the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Abia State Government.

    Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the facility reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming universities into centres for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and job creation.

    According to the minister, Nigerian universities must evolve beyond their traditional teaching and research roles to become drivers of enterprise development, technology transfer and industrial competitiveness.

    He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 through innovation, industrialisation and human capital development.

    Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, described the siting of the Manu-Tech UniPod in the state as a demonstration of confidence in Abia’s growing potential as a manufacturing and industrial hub.

    United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, and the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, described the project as a catalyst for youth innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.

    The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, said the innovation hub represents a landmark achievement that will strengthen the university’s role in science, technology, manufacturing and enterprise development while promoting innovation and sustainable economic growth.

  • Tinubu orders FCCPC probe of big tech, AI platforms over alleged unfair practices against Nigerian media

    Tinubu orders FCCPC probe of big tech, AI platforms over alleged unfair practices against Nigerian media

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful use of news content belonging to Nigerian media organisations.

    The directive follows a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

    FCCPC, in a statement issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs, said the Federal Government’s directive was conveyed to the FCCPC in a letter signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

    According to the petition, major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and several Generative AI platforms, are alleged to have engaged in practices that undermine fair competition, threaten the commercial sustainability of Nigerian media organisations and infringe the rights of content creators and publishers.

    Reacting to the directive, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the commission would conduct an independent, transparent and evidence-based investigation.

    “We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth. Our responsibility is to objectively determine the facts and ensure that competition within the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent and consistent with Nigerian law,” Bello said.

    He stressed that the investigation should not be interpreted as a presumption of wrongdoing against any company.

    “This inquiry is not directed at any entity by presumption of wrongdoing. Rather, it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear from all affected parties and determine whether any conduct has resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices,” he added.

    The FCCPC said the investigation would determine whether the alleged practices violate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 or any other applicable law.

    The commission said the inquiry would examine allegations of market dominance, anti-competitive conduct, the unauthorised scraping and commercial use of copyrighted Nigerian news content to train Generative AI models, and claims that technology companies have failed to provide fair commercial compensation to local media organisations.

    The FCCPC noted that it had previously investigated Meta and, in 2025, secured a landmark judgment that imposed a $220 million fine on the company over alleged violations of the FCCPA, including data privacy breaches. The decision remains under appeal.

    The commission also cited South Africa, where following an investigation by the South African Competition Commission, Google agreed to compensate the country’s news media with 688 million rand (about $40 million) annually for between three and five years.

  • Google’s open-source AI Gemma 4 surpasses 200 million downloads in 2.5 months

    Google’s open-source AI Gemma 4 surpasses 200 million downloads in 2.5 months

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, California (NPA) — Google DeepMind has announced that its Gemma 4 family of open artificial intelligence models has surpassed 200 million downloads just two and a half months after launch, highlighting growing adoption by developers, researchers and startups worldwide.

    The milestone was announced on Thursday by Olivier Lacombe, Google DeepMind’s Product Director and lead for Gemma and Gemini on-device, who described the achievement as a major endorsement of the company’s open AI strategy.

    “Gemma 4 just hit 200 million downloads in only 2.5 months,” Lacombe said.

    He noted that total downloads across the entire Gemma family stood at 100 million when Gemma 3 was launched, indicating a sharp acceleration in adoption following the release of Gemma 4.

    “The community’s acceleration is incredible. Thank you to everyone building with Gemma,” he added.

    Reflecting on the milestone, Lacombe said Google DeepMind created Gemma to make the research behind its Gemini models more accessible to the global open-source community.

    “When we built Gemma, our goal was to bring Google’s Gemini research to the open-science community in an accessible and highly capable package. Seeing this milestone today is both humbling and exhilarating,” he said.

    According to him, developers are deploying Gemma in a wide range of real-world applications, from lightweight AI agents to satellite-based technologies.

    Lacombe reaffirmed Google DeepMind’s commitment to open science and developer choice, describing Gemma 4 as another step in expanding access to advanced AI technologies.

    “At Google DeepMind, our commitment to open science and developer choice remains unwavering. Gemma 4 is just one step in this journey, and we are excited to keep iterating alongside you,” he said.

    He thanked developers, researchers and organisations that have downloaded, fine-tuned and built applications using the models, promising more innovations in the future.

    Gemma is Google’s family of lightweight, open AI models developed by Google DeepMind and built on the technology that powers its Gemini artificial intelligence platform.

  • Mbah hails Enugu DNA Forensics Centre as Africa’s first, boost for justice

    Mbah hails Enugu DNA Forensics Centre as Africa’s first, boost for justice

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has described the newly inaugurated Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI) as the first facility of its kind in Africa, saying it represents a major investment in justice administration, public safety and scientific innovation.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Mbah said the centre would strengthen criminal investigations, improve prosecution, support scientific research and help build a safer society.

    “The safety of our people and the future of our society depend not only on infrastructure, but also on strong institutions, innovation and knowledge,” the governor said.

    “The commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation, the first of its kind in Africa, is a major step in that direction.”

    According to him, the facility will enhance the use of modern forensic science in combating crime while providing advanced training for future forensic experts.

    “It is an investment in justice, security and the kind of future we are building for generations to come,” he added.

    The Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation is located at Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu.

    The facility was established through a partnership involving the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre.

    The centre is designed to provide scientific evidence for criminal investigations, support law enforcement agencies and strengthen Nigeria’s justice system through forensic DNA analysis.

    Its services include crime scene analysis involving fingerprints, footprints, blood, hair and other biological evidence, while also serving as a training and research hub for forensic scientists, medical professionals and students.

    Although located in Enugu, the facility is expected to serve law enforcement agencies and institutions across Nigeria.

    Mbah described the project as one of the most significant investments in the state’s security architecture, noting that it would leave criminals with fewer places to hide.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police also hailed the facility as a landmark initiative that would accelerate the integration of forensic science into Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

    Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, Mbah said every policy and project undertaken by his government was aimed at building a prosperous and globally competitive Enugu State.

    “Brick by brick, we are building the Enugu we will be proud to live in and proud to show the world,” he said.

  • INEC under data protection scrutiny, says NDPC

    INEC under data protection scrutiny, says NDPC

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has disclosed that it twice requested the Records of Processing Activities (ROPA) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over allegations of data breaches.

    The National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, made the disclosure during a media briefing in Abuja to mark the commission’s third anniversary.

    Olatunji said the requests were made following the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 12, 2023, as part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral database.

    According to him, the commission treats all reported data breaches with urgency and professionalism, irrespective of whether the institutions involved are public or private.

    “There is no breach reported to us that we have not acted on, whether in government or private institutions,” he said.

    “For instance, INEC has been asked twice for its Records of Processing Activities. The matter is sensitive because the country is moving towards another election and it speaks to the credibility of the database.”

    He stressed that the commission was acting promptly because of the importance of maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

    The NDPC boss also revealed that the commission had investigated several organisations, including Meta, TikTok, Temu, Remita and Sterling Bank, insisting that no organisation was exempt from scrutiny.

    According to him, all organisations invited by the commission had cooperated fully with investigations.

    “I cannot remember any organisation that was invited and did not show up. All of them have appeared and engaged with us,” he said.

    Olatunji explained that the NDPC adopts a compliance-driven and developmental approach to regulation rather than focusing solely on sanctions.

    He said the commission evaluates organisations based on factors such as registration status, audit filings, data protection officers, privacy policies and technical safeguards before determining appropriate corrective measures.

    According to him, organisations with substantial compliance records are often directed to address identified gaps within a specified period and may be required to pay remediation fees instead of penalties.

    “The objective is compliance and not punishment. We do not want to stifle innovation or drive away investors,” he said.

    “Our law is a developmental law designed to stimulate sustainable growth.”

    Olatunji further disclosed that the commission’s dispute with Meta was the only case that proceeded to court after the company challenged a $32 million penalty imposed by the NDPC.

    He said the matter was eventually resolved through an out-of-court settlement after both parties agreed on measures to strengthen compliance and support data protection initiatives in Nigeria.

    According to him, the settlement was reached in the interest of the economy and millions of Nigerians who rely on Meta’s platforms for business and communication.

    “What we desire is compliance, not embarrassment or driving companies or investors away from Nigeria,” he said.

    “The agreement reached is a win-win situation that protects Nigerians and ensures responsible handling of personal data.”

    The NDPC commissioner reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to integrity, transparency and stakeholder collaboration in advancing data protection and privacy awareness across the country.

  • Nigeria launches digital switch-over, marks milestone in broadcasting transformation

    Nigeria launches digital switch-over, marks milestone in broadcasting transformation

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, has announced the official launch of Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO), describing it as the fulfilment of a longstanding national aspiration to transition broadcasting from analogue to digital.

    Speaking earlier today, Tijani said the DSO represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda and underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to investing in foundational infrastructure that will drive growth and prosperity for decades to come.

    “The Digital Switch Over is not just about television. By leveraging NigComSat’s satellite infrastructure, Nigerians will enjoy clearer access to information, richer educational and cultural content, improved quality of service, and greater inclusion — ensuring that no one is left behind simply because of where they live,” Tijani stated.

    He explained that the DSO is one of the first visible benefits of a larger national digital infrastructure strategy. Under this administration, Nigeria is embarking on the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of open‑access fibre through Project BRIDGE, connecting communities, businesses, institutions, and public services nationwide. In addition, President Tinubu has approved investments in two new satellites to further strengthen Nigeria’s communications and digital service capacity.

    Together, these initiatives will create a transformative digital backbone capable of reaching every Nigerian, regardless of geography. As the infrastructure expands, it will unlock unprecedented opportunities for broadcasters, content creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators to reach audiences across West Africa and beyond.

    “Infrastructure does not merely move signals; it amplifies culture, ideas, and influence,” Tijani emphasised, noting that the DSO marks Nigeria’s decisive step toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous future.