COUNTRY FOCUS : NIGERIA

The Lagos state government announced the construction of a free technology zone that would allow for growth and financing of innovative ideas and may become one of the major technology clusters in West Africa . environment for innovation , growth , and development in technology .

Nigeria aspires to become one of the top economies in the world and the country recognizes ICT development and broadband access as critical requirements to achieve this vision . This ambition , however , remains far from being accomplished as several hurdles have encumbered broadband expansion and investment opportunities for the sector .

Some of the major challenges that have affected the sector include long delays in the processing of permits ; multiple taxation at federal , state , and local government levels ; multiple regulatory bodies ; damage to existing fibre infrastructure as a result of cable theft , road works and other operations ; and right of way , ROW charges implemented by several state governments .

Nigeria aspires to become one of the top economies in the world and the country recognizes ICT development and broadband access as critical requirements .

infrastructures to boost digital infrastructure rollout outside of urban areas .

Following the rapid growth and progress in the country ’ s ICT landscape , the country ’ s international connectivity improved from a single international submarine cable system with 340 GB total capacity installed in 2001 to a total of five cable systems with a combined overall capacity of over 40 terabytes .

Project round up : data centre

This typically leads to the high cost of leasing transmission infrastructure . Following criticisms and outcry by stakeholders , the federal government has been pushing for the states to review ROW charges . Some states are providing zero cost for laying broadband or any other telecommunications

In April this year , TelCables West Africa , part of the Angola Cables global network , shared details of its Partner Programme . This initiative is designed to empower companies in West Africa to shape the future of digital connectivity , tap into the rapidly growing enterprise market , and expand their businesses internationally .

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