New Post Africa

Category: Technology

  • Northrop Grumman unveils major upgrades to E-2D advanced Hawkeye Surveillance Aircraft

    Northrop Grumman unveils major upgrades to E-2D advanced Hawkeye Surveillance Aircraft

    WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — Northrop Grumman has announced major modernisation upgrades to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, as the United States military moves to strengthen airborne surveillance, command and control capabilities against evolving global threats.

    The company said the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the latest aircraft in the E-2 series with a history spanning more than 65 years, is being upgraded with advanced digital systems, automation technologies and expanded operational capabilities designed to keep the platform combat-ready into the 2040s and beyond.

    According to Northrop Grumman, the E-2D has become one of the most heavily tasked aircraft in the U.S. military inventory, with every United States Navy carrier strike group deploying alongside a Hawkeye squadron.

    The company explained that the aircraft now supports a wide range of missions beyond airborne early warning operations, including integrated air and missile defence, electronic warfare, air traffic control, humanitarian assistance, combat search and rescue, border security and counter-drug missions.

    Officials disclosed that the aircraft provides a 360-degree surveillance capability capable of tracking thousands of targets simultaneously across land and sea environments.

    Northrop Grumman also highlighted improvements in automation, noting that tasks such as radar fine-tuning, target tracking and reporting are now largely automated, allowing crews to focus on mission-critical operations.

    The aircraft has additionally been upgraded with aerial refuelling capability, extending flight endurance to more than eight hours and improving operational flexibility.

    Vice President of Northrop Grumman, Janice Zilch, said the modernisation programme was developed in partnership with the U.S. Navy to ensure the platform remains ahead of future threats.

    “Northrop Grumman collaborated with the U.S. Navy on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye programme to ensure, with this fleet modernisation, that we continue to outpace evolving threats into the 2040s and beyond,” she said.

    The company revealed that the next Block II upgrade will focus on improving software resiliency, operational availability, cybersecurity and interoperability.

    New mission computers and cockpit displays are also expected to support rapid integration of emerging technologies through an open mission systems architecture.

    Northrop Grumman further disclosed that artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are being integrated into the aircraft’s maintenance and sustainment systems to improve readiness and reduce downtime.

    The company said augmented reality and virtual reality tools are also being introduced to accelerate maintenance procedures and enhance training for sustainment personnel.

    The E-2D programme has reportedly been recognised among the U.S. Navy’s top acquisition programmes for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.

  • FG pushes digital literacy, inclusion, child protection ahead of 2026 Children’s Day celebration

    FG pushes digital literacy, inclusion, child protection ahead of 2026 Children’s Day celebration

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusion, digital literacy and social protection for Nigerian children as part of activities marking the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.

    Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this during a media briefing held on Friday in Abuja ahead of the celebration themed: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

    According to the minister, the theme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child is included regardless of gender, disability, socio-economic background, religion, ethnicity or geographical location.

    “The Nigerian child is no longer viewed merely as a passive recipient of welfare interventions, but as an active participant in national transformation, innovation, leadership and sustainable development,” she said.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed that the ministry had intensified implementation of the “Future Now Initiative” aimed at equipping children with digital literacy, STEM education, innovation exposure, artificial intelligence awareness and other future-ready skills needed to compete in the global digital economy.

    She added that through the National Children’s Parliament, the ministry has continued to strengthen child participation and child-friendly programmes to ensure children contribute to discussions and decisions affecting their wellbeing.

    “This will ensure that children are not merely beneficiaries of policies, but active contributors to discussions and decisions affecting their lives and wellbeing,” she added.

    Also speaking, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.

    “We must recommit ourselves to building a healthier, safer and more inclusive Nigeria where no child is left behind,” he stated.

    He further called on parents, caregivers, teachers, traditional rulers, faith leaders, the media and other stakeholders to continue supporting immunisation, adolescent health, nutrition, maternal and child healthcare as well as child protection initiatives.

    Director of Programme Operations at Save the Children Nigeria, Mr Joshua Anar, stressed the need for stakeholders to move beyond commitments and take concrete actions toward strengthening child protection, education and inclusive services for every Nigerian child.

    “Today’s event is not only a celebration of children, but also a reminder of our collective responsibility to create an inclusive Nigeria where every child has equal opportunity to thrive,” he said.

    Acting Chief Child Protection Officer at UNICEF, Mona Aika, also reaffirmed commitment to strengthening child protection systems, preventing violence and harmful practices, and ensuring children’s rights are protected in every environment.

    Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, Mrs Boladale Akin-Kolapo, urged stakeholders to continue building inclusive, safe and responsive systems that address the needs of every child.

    “Let us continue to amplify children’s voices, protect their rights and create opportunities that allow them to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

    Deputy Speaker of the Nigeria Children’s Parliament, Ibrahim Zanna-Sunoma, emphasised the need to invest in equitable opportunities, break barriers of exclusion and create a Nigeria where every child is seen, protected and empowered.

    “Anything for us without us is not truly for us. Let them not fail in their responsibility to protect, nurture and empower every child,” he stated.

  • Peter Mbah rates Enugu higher on security as state becomes first to equip agents with body cameras

    Peter Mbah rates Enugu higher on security as state becomes first to equip agents with body cameras

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing iron-clad security across Enugu State, highlighting the deployment of advanced security technology and surveillance infrastructure as part of efforts to safeguard lives, property and investments.

    Mbah said security has remained central to his administration’s governance strategy since assuming office, explaining that the government has invested heavily in surveillance drones, security cameras, a state‑of‑the‑art Command and Control Centre, and supporting infrastructure to ensure round‑the‑clock monitoring across the southeastern state.

    He noted that the issue of security is the biggest elephant in the room. “If we are going to realis our dream of growing this economy exponentially, we have to address it. Business don’t undertake security risks. Government, your primary responsibility is to provide security. We understood that clearly from day one,” he said.

    According to the governor, the security architecture introduced by his administration is the first of its kind in Nigeria and is designed to provide sustainable, technology-driven policing and rapid emergency response capabilities.

    In a broadcast reviewed by our correspondent, Mbah outlined his administration’s security achievements, noting that the state has deployed more than 150 distress‑response squad vehicles and established a Command‑and‑Control Centre with round‑the‑clock surveillance of identified hotspots across Enugu State. He emphasized that the scale of these measures is unmatched by any other state.

    He added that security agencies operating within the state had also been equipped with modern communication gadgets to improve coordination and operational efficiency.

    The governor further revealed that security operatives in the state had been fitted with body cameras — a development he described as the first by any state government in Nigeria — to promote accountability and ensure that security operations are conducted within the confines of the law.

    “We have spared no effort in building a security network that is fit for purpose, so that Ndi Enugu and businesses can feel safe, protected and confident,” Mbah said.

    Political and economic analysts have praised the governor, who campaigned under the “Tomorrow is Here” mantra, for what they described as responsible and responsive leadership focused on economic transformation and institutional reforms.

    Mbah’s broader economic vision is aimed at transforming Enugu into a major hub for business, tourism and quality living, with a target of increasing the state’s Gross Domestic Product from $4.4 billion to at least $30 billion within the next four to eight years.

    Since assuming office, the governor has pursued a series of ambitious projects, including the Enugu Air initiative, Smart Green Schools, innovation and technology hubs, rural road construction and urban renewal programmes aimed at stimulating sustainable economic growth.

    In the first quarter of 2026, the Enugu State Government inaugurated the Enugu Haier Factory, a $20 million Foreign Direct Investment project by Haier Global Business Group in partnership with the state government.

    The factory, located in Enugu, is expected to position the state as a production hub for smartphones, tablets, computers, smart boards, Android televisions, education and health technologies, as well as renewable energy solutions.

    Under the arrangement, the state government provided land for the facility and is expected to serve as its largest customer through the purchase of 25,000 all-in-one desktop computers and 300,000 tablets for deployment across the state’s 260 Smart Green Schools.

    Mbah described the investment as a major milestone in his administration’s efforts to reposition Enugu as a preferred destination for industry, technology and innovation-driven growth.

    Vice President of Haier Group, Sun Yongle, said the facility will initially produce about 200,000 units annually across ICT, medical equipment, and renewable energy product lines, with plans to expand the workforce to more than 200 employees.

  • Terra Industries unveils interceptor drones, mine-clearing vehicles

    Terra Industries unveils interceptor drones, mine-clearing vehicles

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigerian technology startup Terra Industries has unveiled interceptor drones and mine‑clearing unmanned vehicles as part of new defence systems the military says could bolster anti‑insurgency operations. The announcement was made on April 27, 2026, at Terra’s Abuja facility during an event with Nigerian Military officials in attendance.

    Terra CEO Nathan Nwachukwu said: “We are unveiling new defence systems such as our interceptor UAVs, our minesweepers, ground vehicles that can detect IEDs, and our battlefield intelligence software.”

    Major General Babatunde Alaya, head of Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation (DICON), emphasized the importance of collaboration with Terra Industries, citing high troop casualties from improvised explosive devices.

    Terra had earlier announced the construction of a 34,000‑square‑foot drone manufacturing facility in Accra, Ghana, which will serve as its primary regional base for drone and counter‑drone systems. This follows Terra’s $34 million funding round to expand manufacturing, accelerate deployments, and grow engineering teams across Nigeria and allied African countries.

    The new facility, Pax‑2, will complement Terra’s 15,000 sq. ft. Pax‑1 flagship in Abuja. Once fully operational, Pax‑2 will be the largest drone factory in Africa, with an expected annual capacity of 50,000 units by 2028. The Ghana plant will create 120 engineering jobs and operate continuously to meet rising demand for systems such as the Archer VTOL (long‑range surveillance and strike), the Iroko UAV (rapid tactical deployment), and Kama, a high‑speed interceptor drone capable of 300 km/h for counter‑drone defence.

    Nwachukwu said the expansion advances Terra’s mission to build Africa’s sovereign defence‑industrial base amid growing threats from non‑state actors deploying modified commercial drones in conflicts across the Sahel and sub‑Saharan Africa. “The only way Africa can have lasting peace is by uniting to build sovereign defence, not by relying on foreign security architecture,” he said.

    Founded in 2024, Terra Industries develops integrated land, air, and maritime systems powered by ArtemisOS, its unified software platform for large‑scale security operations. The company serves critical sectors including energy, mineral resources, urban infrastructure, maritime assets, border security, and counterterrorism, working with governments and strategic partners across Africa and internationally.

  • YABATECH students unveil electric tricycle, AI delivery platform

    YABATECH students unveil electric tricycle, AI delivery platform

    LAGOS, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, have showcased groundbreaking innovations — an electric tricycle and an AI‑powered food delivery platform — designed to address Nigeria’s transport, energy, and logistics challenges.

    The projects were unveiled during an institutional innovation showcase, where students presented solutions to rising fuel costs, mobility constraints, and inefficiencies in urban delivery systems.

    According to a statement issued on Sunday by Mr. Adekunle Adams, Deputy Registrar, Centre for Communication Information and Public Relations, the initiatives reflect YABATECH’s commitment to practical learning and real‑world impact.

    Adams explained that Higher National Diploma Mechanical Engineering students, led by Chukwuma Chisom, converted a petrol‑powered TVS tricycle into a fully electric vehicle. The innovation, which emerged as the overall best project, replaces the combustion engine with a 72‑volt, 4‑kilowatt brushless DC motor, smart controller, and lithium battery system.

    The prototype delivers about 45 kilometres per charge, while a proposed commercial model is projected to cover nearly 200 kilometres daily. Evaluators commended the project for its relevance to Nigeria’s transport and energy needs, noting its potential to reduce fuel dependence, cut costs, and promote eco‑friendly mobility.

    Another highlight was an AI‑powered food delivery ecosystem developed by student innovator Uba Mathew. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to personalise user experience, streamline vendor operations, and optimise delivery routes. It integrates customer reviews, predictive demand systems, and rider performance evaluation to enhance accountability and service quality.

    Adams said the innovation could benefit small food vendors by boosting visibility, improving order management, and addressing inefficiencies such as delays and poor coordination in existing delivery services.

    Meanwhile, YABATECH Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, urged students to embrace creativity and technology, stressing that innovation is vital to economic growth. He reiterated the institution’s support for innovation‑driven education, noting that such initiatives position graduates for entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

  • AEDC announces planned outage in Wuse, Maitama, Jabi; technical fault disrupts power in Nyanya, Ado areas

    AEDC announces planned outage in Wuse, Maitama, Jabi; technical fault disrupts power in Nyanya, Ado areas

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) —The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced planned maintenance and confirmed a separate technical fault affecting electricity supply in parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

    In a public notice issued on Monday, AEDC said its technical team would carry out maintenance on the 33kV Wuse 2 and Jabi feeders from the Katampe Transmission Substation. The exercise, scheduled from 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is part of ongoing network upgrade and reliability improvement efforts.

    The company warned that electricity supply to Wuse 2, parts of Maitama, and Jabi would be disrupted during the maintenance period.

    In a separate notice, AEDC also informed customers in One Man Village, New Nyanya, Ado, and the APPMA community that a current power outage in those areas is due to a technical fault.

    According to the distribution company, its engineers are working to restore supply, with power expected to be reinstated around 12:00 p.m. on the same day.

    AEDC expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by both the planned outage and the fault, urging customers to remain patient while efforts to stabilize supply continue.

    The company advised affected customers to seek further information through its customer service lines.

  • Sanwo-Olu signs new power agreements to boost reliability, manage costs

    Sanwo-Olu signs new power agreements to boost reliability, manage costs

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday at Lagos House, Marina, presided over the signing of three new power purchase agreements aimed at strengthening capacity and addressing gaps in the state’s electricity supply.

    In a statement, the governor explained that Fenchurch Power will support major water facilities in Adiyan and Iju, while Mainland Power will continue serving Ikeja, Oshodi, and Anthony, with room for expansion. The third firm, Viathan, will maintain stable supply to key facilities on the Island, with integration into the wider distribution network.

    Sanwo-Olu noted that the agreements have been updated to reflect current market realities, stressing that the state will no longer pay for power that is not delivered. Payments, he said, are now tied strictly to actual metered supply, a move designed to reduce waste and manage costs more effectively.

    “This means more reliable power for public infrastructure, better use of state resources, and a clear path to scale capacity over the next few years,” the governor stated.

  • WTO, ITC launch WEIDE Program in Jordan to empower women entrepreneurs

    WTO, ITC launch WEIDE Program in Jordan to empower women entrepreneurs

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The World Trade Organization (WTO) has congratulated 46 women-led businesses in Jordan selected to benefit from the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a program designed to strengthen their participation in international trade through digital commerce. The announcement was made in Amman on April 23 at a launch event organized by the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), the program’s local partner.

    The beneficiaries were chosen from a pool of 469 applicants and will undergo a one-year program combining technical assistance, mentorship, access to international business networks, and financial support. The WEIDE Fund, launched in 2024 by the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Center (ITC), is currently being implemented in four countries, including Jordan.

    WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, speaking virtually, said: “Digital trade is reshaping the global economy and creating new pathways for women entrepreneurs to participate in international trade. Ensuring women’s participation is essential for inclusive growth and the creation of even more jobs.”

    ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton emphasized that the program equips women-led businesses with both finance and digital skills to scale sustainably. Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Yarub Qudah, described the initiative as part of national efforts to enhance women’s economic participation, calling it “an economic necessity.”

    Dana AlZoubi, Acting CEO of JEDCO, noted that the program provides technical support, training, and grants totaling $1.4 million. Beneficiaries are divided into two tracks: the Discovery Track, offering $5,000 grants to early-stage businesses, and the Booster Track, providing up to $30,000 for advanced firms ready to expand globally.

    Ahead of the launch, participants attended training sessions covering business development, digital trade, financial management, and soft skills such as leadership and negotiation. A pitch competition selected Hanan Aqeel, Manager of Khayrat Alsahra, to represent Jordan at an international trade fair.

    The WEIDE Fund is supported by the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Besides Jordan, it is also active in the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, and Nigeria.

  • TCN commissions Ihovbor transmission lines to boost power evacuation

    TCN commissions Ihovbor transmission lines to boost power evacuation

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful commissioning of the turn-in-turn-out connections for the Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV transmission lines, a development expected to enhance power evacuation capacity and improve grid stability.

    According to a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, the commissioning was completed at 19:05 hours on Wednesday, April 23, 2026. The new connections deliver the Ihovbor corridor and provide additional evacuation capacity for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and Azura Power.

    Currently, the Ihovbor/Benin transmission line is transmitting 200MW, while the Ihovbor/Ajaokuta line is transmitting 90MW.

    TCN noted that the project will strengthen power evacuation from the Ihovbor generating plant, improve reliability in the affected regions, and contribute to overall grid stability.

    The commissioning forms part of Nigeria’s broader national grid expansion plan, which aims to increase transmission capacity, reduce system collapses, and support the integration of new generation sources into the grid. With rising electricity demand across the country, projects like Ihovbor are critical to ensuring that generated power is efficiently evacuated and delivered to consumers, thereby reducing reliance on unstable distribution networks and improving overall energy security.

    The Company reaffirmed its commitment to expanding transmission infrastructure nationwide to support Nigeria’s growing electricity needs and ensure efficient delivery of power to consumers.

    Nigeria’s transmission grid currently struggles to wheel more than 5,000–6,000MW reliably, despite installed generation capacity of over 13,000MW. By 2026, transmission capacity is projected to rise to about 10,000MW, while national demand is estimated at 20,000MW — highlighting the urgent need for projects like Ihovbor to close the gap.

  • Lagos Government restates approval rules for solar panel installation in state-owned estates

    Lagos Government restates approval rules for solar panel installation in state-owned estates

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has reiterated that residents of government-owned housing estates must obtain official approval before installing solar panels or making external alterations to their allocated flats.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola, clarified the policy following concerns raised on social media by a resident of the Millennium Housing Estate, Ibeshe, during a routine inspection by the Ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance Team.

    “An allottee must obtain approval from the Ministry for any intended alteration to the flat allocated and the building, and this includes installation of solar panels,” Toriola stated. He explained that the requirement, outlined in the Letter of Allocation and Allottees Guide, is designed to safeguard shared assets such as rooftops, walls, and water facilities, while preventing fire incidents linked to poorly executed solar installations.

    According to him, the Ministry introduced specific guidelines after observing that unregulated solar panel installations were causing structural damage and fire outbreaks in some estates. “In recent times, the Ministry had to intervene in fixing leaking rooftops and incessant fire outbreaks caused by solar panel installation by some residents,” he noted.

    Toriola emphasized that government estates are social housing schemes with shared facilities, often accommodating between two and thirty-two families per block. To minimize risks, the Ministry has stipulated standards for installation, including approved materials, panel configurations, and certified technical expertise.

    The guidelines, he added, are designed to protect other flat owners, insulate the entire building with insurance against damages, and apportion appropriate roof space to all flat owners to prevent disputes when multiple occupants in a block seek to install solar panels on the same roof.

    The Ministry also stressed its openness to feedback from residents. Beyond monthly public enlightenment campaigns in government estates, allottees are encouraged to reach out to the Ministry when in doubt and comply with established processes to ensure safety, structural integrity, and harmonious coexistence in all state-owned housing schemes.