New Post Africa

Category: Technology

  • Mahama commissions ICT centre, Ghana deploys 100 new buses

    Mahama commissions ICT centre, Ghana deploys 100 new buses

    ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the Mahama ICT Centre in Damongo, describing the facility as a major boost to the government’s BSTEM programme aimed at strengthening science and technology education in the country.

    Speaking during the inauguration, Mahama said the centre would support practical learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, particularly in information and communications technology, following the rollout of the BSTEM initiative in the region.

    The president expressed satisfaction that the ICT facility is powered entirely by solar energy, describing it as a “green lab” aligned with global sustainable development goals.

    According to him, the centre would help equip young people with digital and technical skills needed to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.

    Meanwhile, Newpost Africa earlier reported that Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has commissioned 100 new buses on behalf of President Mahama as part of efforts to revitalise Ghana’s public transportation system.

    The ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Metro Mass Transit Limited, forms part of a broader government initiative to deploy 300 buses nationwide to improve transportation accessibility and ease commuter challenges across the country.

    Opoku-Agyemang commended the management of Metro Mass Transit Limited, led by Managing Director Kale Caesar, alongside partners including MAC Ghana, for their roles in delivering the intervention.

    She stressed that an efficient and reliable transportation system remains critical to national development, noting that the initiative was designed to improve safety, affordability, and convenience for commuters while restoring confidence in public transport.

    The vice president also highlighted the importance of proper maintenance and disciplined operations to ensure value for public investment.

    According to her, the government remains committed to increasing local participation in the manufacturing and assembly of transportation components as part of its long-term industrialisation strategy.

  • Osun residents to enjoy free unlimited internet access on Saturdays

    Osun residents to enjoy free unlimited internet access on Saturdays

    OSHOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Residents of Osun State are set to enjoy another weekend of free unlimited internet access as the Osun State Library Board announced complimentary Wi-Fi services at the Osun State Library in Osogbo.

    In a public service announcement issued on Friday, the Board encouraged residents to take advantage of the initiative to study, conduct research, work remotely, learn digital skills, and stay connected in a conducive learning environment.

    The initiative is being provided by the Osun State Government under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as part of efforts to promote digital access and educational development in the state.

    “Enjoy FREE unlimited Wi-Fi every Saturday at the Osun State Library, Osogbo. Study, research, work remotely, learn digital skills, and stay connected in a conducive environment, courtesy of the Osun State Government,” the public service announcement read in part.

    The programme is expected to benefit students, researchers, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and other residents seeking affordable internet access and digital learning opportunities.

  • Africa losing billions annually over poor logistics, connectivity — CILT

    Africa losing billions annually over poor logistics, connectivity — CILT

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria has warned that Africa is losing billions of dollars annually due to poor connectivity, weak transport infrastructure and inefficient logistics systems across the continent.

    The National President of the institute, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, disclosed this on Thursday during the 2026 CILT Annual Lecture Series held in Abuja.

    Oyeyemi said inadequate road networks, underdeveloped rail systems, congested ports and limited innovation infrastructure continue to slow trade, discourage investment and hinder economic growth across Africa.

    According to him, despite Africa’s enormous natural resources, growing population, agricultural strength and entrepreneurial potential, poor connectivity remains a major obstacle to development.

    “The roads that should connect farmers to markets are inadequate. The railways that should move cargo across national borders are underbuilt or completely non-existent.

    “The ports that should serve as gateways to the continent are too expensive and congested, while innovation networks that should connect African cities remain too limited and costly,” he said.

    He further lamented that the continent’s logistics systems remain fragmented, underdeveloped and inefficient, making the movement of goods and people difficult and expensive.

    Oyeyemi warned that the connectivity deficit is costing Africa billions of dollars yearly in lost trade, investment opportunities, productivity and human potential.

    He called for stronger collaboration among African governments, institutions and stakeholders to improve transport infrastructure and unlock greater continental trade opportunities.

    Delivering a lecture at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said no continent could achieve true economic integration while remaining physically disconnected.

    Represented by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, the minister described aviation as a critical economic infrastructure for Africa due to the continent’s vast geographical size and transport limitations.

    According to Keyamo, aviation remains essential because roads and rail systems alone cannot effectively connect many parts of Africa.

    He stressed the need for African countries to prioritise integrated transport infrastructure, policy harmonisation and strategic partnerships to address barriers limiting connectivity.

    “When connectivity improves, investment flows. When investment grows, jobs are created, poverty declines and prosperity expands,” he said.

    The minister urged African nations to transform the Single African Air Transport Market into a practical reality through more flight routes, affordable tickets, modern fleets, efficient airports and stronger regional cooperation.

    “Let us make the African sky a true space of opportunity — open, safe, connected, sustainable and prosperous for all,” he added.

    Keyamo also emphasised that Africa must collectively harmonise legal standards and improve judicial efficiency to build a competitive continental aviation market capable of attracting global investment.

    Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Prof Umar Katsayal, said research, innovation and manpower development remain critical to advancing Africa’s transport sector.

    He urged governments and institutions to invest in technology-driven transport solutions and human capacity development to achieve sustainable growth.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the annual lecture included awards presented to distinguished guests for their contributions to the institute and the transportation sector.

  • Abia launches biogas pilot project to boost renewable energy innovation

    Abia launches biogas pilot project to boost renewable energy innovation

    UMUAHIA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Abia State Government has launched a pilot biogas project at a secondary school in Owerrinta, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, as part of efforts to promote renewable energy, research and technological innovation across the state.

    The Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, David Kalu, disclosed this during a news conference in Umuahia following the State Executive Council meeting.

    Kalu described the initiative as a locally-driven renewable energy project aimed at testing the viability, affordability and adaptability of biogas technology in schools and public institutions.

    According to him, the project, which was recently deployed at the school, is expected to begin gas production within four weeks.

    “The idea is to determine whether it is easy to implement, cost-effective and acceptable to the school community. If successful, it can be replicated in other schools and institutions across the state,” he said.

    He added that the government would assess feedback from the pilot programme before considering a broader rollout across Abia State.

    The commissioner also spoke on the Federal Government’s “Energised Commercialisation Now” initiative, which seeks to promote research, innovation and commercialisation of viable projects nationwide.

    According to Kalu, Abia State has been directed to establish a committee comprising representatives from government, academia and industry to coordinate the initiative within the state.

    He disclosed that the committee would include members from Abia State University, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, alongside private sector stakeholders.

    The committee, he said, would identify commercially viable research projects and innovations for presentation at the federal level.

    Kalu further revealed that the state government plans to use the committee to develop a comprehensive research and innovation policy focused on solving local challenges, utilising local resources and supporting commercially sustainable innovations.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the biogas project was designed to demonstrate how renewable energy can be generated from organic waste within schools and institutions.

    According to him, the initiative would also generate research data capable of supporting large-scale deployment of biogas technology across the state.

    Kanu noted that the project aligns with the state’s science, technology and innovation framework aimed at strengthening research and development.

    He also confirmed that the state had approved the establishment of a committee to drive the Federal Government-backed “Energised Commercialisation Now” programme.

    According to him, the committee would comprise innovators, startups and researchers, while also facilitating the development and presentation of market-ready innovations and research outputs.

    Kanu added that the initiative would strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and government stakeholders, with special emphasis on youth and women participation.

  • 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.