The announcement came at a media briefing held at the National Information Technology Development Agency’s North-West Regional Office in Kano, the first public event ahead of the main conference, which runs from November 3 to 5.

Futuremap Foundation, NITDA and a coalition of partners are convening the event under the theme “Connecting Africa, Accelerating Growth,” with a sub-theme sharpening the focus further: industrialization, market access and what organizers are calling the Sahel Gateway.

That framing marks a deliberate pivot for a platform that built its name in Lagos. The inaugural conference there in 2024 drew more than 6,000 participants, over 100 speakers and upward of 85 sessions, and it helped broker roughly $5 million in trade and investment for businesses and startups, with backing from partners including the United States consulate and the UN Women Group. Moving to Kano trades that coastal, finance-driven audience for a frontier one, positioning the city as the last major Nigerian trading hub before the routes north into Niger, Chad and beyond.

The bet rests on a familiar continental promise given a fresh, regional edge.

Organizers point to the African Continental Free Trade Area, valued in their materials at $3.4 trillion, and argue that the gap between that potential and the reality on the ground is a technology gap as much as a policy one.

Their pitch for Kano specifically names leather and agriculture as value chains ready for digitalization, alongside traceability systems for exporters, digital payment rails for cross-border trade, smart logistics networks and applications of artificial intelligence to manufacturing.

Whether that translates into results this time will be measured against a specific scorecard. Organizers say they are targeting 15 industrial partnerships, 1,000 business-to-business meetings and 10 trade corridor agreements over the three days, along with a pipeline of more than 500 jobs created or committed and three signed sister-city or regional trade memoranda of understanding. The conference is also expected to produce what organizers are calling a Kano Digital Industrialization Accord, though details of what that document will contain were not disclosed at the briefing.

The programme itself is built around access as much as content. Alongside keynotes, fireside chats and panels covering Africa’s digital infrastructure, AfCFTA trade rules and cross-border payments, the schedule includes what organizers describe as decision labs, deal rooms, industrial design sprints and trade simulations, formats meant to push participants from discussion toward deals. Masterclasses on digital infrastructure, startup funding and capital raising round out a programme that also touches on climate innovation and health equity.

Registration is expected to open six weeks before the conference begins.

Organizers say speakers from the Sahel region, alongside government officials, academics, development partners and private sector representatives, are expected to headline the event, though a full speaker list had not been released as of the briefing.

The post Kano to Host Global Tech Africa Conference in November, Staking Claim as Sahel’s Tech Gateway appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Kano, Nigeria — In a significant push to narrow the digital divide in Nigeria’s education sector, leading stakeholders are set to gather in Kano for the Private Schools Conference on Digital Academic Transformation.

The summit, themed “Smarter Schools, Better Management,” will take place on January 31, 2026, at the Twin Theatre, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN). A key highlight of the event will be the official unveiling of SchoolTra, an advanced digital school management solution developed to modernize governance, streamline administration and improve learning outcomes.

The conference is being organised by Zenith Global IT Solutions in partnership with the Kano State Ministries of Education and Power and Renewable Energy, as well as Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria and Tech Digest.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Founder of SchoolTra and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Global IT Solutions, Abdullahi Sabo Mahuta, said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s growing emphasis on digital literacy and innovation in education.

“Private schools play a crucial role in Nigeria’s education delivery, but many still struggle with inefficient manual systems,” Mahuta said. “SchoolTra offers an integrated, technology-driven platform that enhances transparency, accountability, and overall academic performance.”

According to him, the conference is designed as a practical intervention rather than a purely theoretical discussion, with participants expected to gain direct exposure to the platform’s features. These include AI-powered tools for generating lesson plans, computer-based testing systems, online result processing, financial management modules, smart attendance tracking, and digital admission portals. Participating schools will also have access to free institutional websites as part of the ecosystem.

To encourage adoption, organisers have announced incentives for early registrants. The first 100 schools to sign up will receive a 60 per cent onboarding discount and a one-term free subscription to the SchoolTra platform.

The Founder of MAAUN, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the event, which is expected to attract school proprietors, policymakers, investors and education administrators from across the region.

Beyond the software launch, the conference will feature training sessions on the application of artificial intelligence in education and data-driven school management. Participants will also receive certificates, software access and comprehensive conference materials.

Organisers say the initiative represents a major step toward aligning Nigeria’s private education sector with global best practices in digital governance, innovation and capacity development.

By PRNigeria

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Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledged Kano’s longstanding status as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its history of trade, enterprise, and human capital provides a strong foundation for future development. He emphasized that while these traditional strengths have powered Kano’s success for centuries, the modern economy now offers greater opportunities through innovation and technology.

“Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea—turning it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value—you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion,” Inuwa said.

Highlighting the state’s rich educational landscape, he pointed out that Kano hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state, and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development. However, he expressed concern that these institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.

Inuwa stressed that innovation does not occur in silos, calling for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs, and government. Universities, he said, should align research with industry needs; industries should leverage research to boost productivity and competitiveness; and startups should act as bridges to convert ideas into market-ready solutions.

He further encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt a global mindset from day one. “You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global. Technology has removed barriers. With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world,” he said.

Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s ongoing interventions, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which equips Nigerians with essential digital skills, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, aimed at producing globally competitive professionals in software development, data analysis, and emerging technologies.

“Through DL4ALL, we ensure Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT deliberately builds a pipeline of technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs, and attract investment,” he said.

The NITDA DG explained that these programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes skills development, innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth as pathways to national prosperity.

Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Kano to collaborate in building a functional innovation ecosystem capable of unlocking the state’s vast potential. He expressed confidence that with the right mindset, sustained investment, and strong collaboration, Kano could reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.

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The telecom giant explained that the planned work is part of a long-term effort to improve service reliability and strengthen its fibre infrastructure in northern Nigeria. The activity involves a fibre cutover on a newly relocated cable segment between AFCOT and Bawo Village, replacing previously damaged spans and reducing multiple joints that have weakened optical performance and network stability.

The affected areas include Nasarawa LGA in Kano State; Girei, Song, Mubi North, Hong, Gombi, Fufore, Mubi South, Madagali, Michika, Maiha, Chibok, and Yola North in Adamawa State; as well as Askira/Uba and Shani in Borno State. During the maintenance window, services on 2G, 3G, 4G, and ten enterprise connections will be unavailable due to the linear and unprotected nature of the fibre route.

MTN said the intervention builds on an earlier network restoration exercise conducted in August 2025 along the same AFCOT–Bawo fibre route, describing this next phase as a more comprehensive upgrade to eliminate long-term faults and ensure more stable connectivity for customers in the region. While acknowledging the temporary disruption, the company expressed regret over any inconvenience caused and appreciated customers’ understanding.

Earlier in August, MTN had carried out a similar scheduled maintenance across the same states to repair damaged fibre cables. Nigerian telecom operators have continued to face frequent incidents of fibre cuts, leading to service disruptions and network outages across the country.

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In a customer notice on Friday, MTN said the exercise — scheduled between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM — will affect 101 sites across 15 local government areas. The work involves cutting over traffic to a new fibre route along the AFCOT–Bawo Village corridor in Adamawa.

During the window, 2G, 3G, and 4G users, as well as 10 enterprise clients, may experience outages. The company explained the two-hour exercise was necessary to permanently replace damaged fibre spans and enhance network resilience.

The downtime highlights a growing problem: fibre cuts, which cost operators billions annually. Airtel recently disclosed it suffers an average of 43 cuts daily, while the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) estimates 1,100 fibre cuts weekly nationwide.

NCC boss Aminu Maida has declared telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and vowed stronger enforcement to protect cables from vandalism and reckless construction.

The post MTN Announces Network Downtime in Adamawa, Borno, Kano for Fibre Repairs appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The strategic promotion underscores the state government’s dedication to harnessing digital innovation for economic growth, job creation, and improved public services.

In his new capacity, Sharada will spearhead critical aspects of Kano’s digital transformation agenda, including policy development, digital infrastructure expansion, fostering innovation ecosystems, and implementing ICT-driven governance frameworks.
Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf lauded Sharada’s dedication and significant contributions in his prior role. “Ibrahim Yusuf Sharada has demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership, and technical expertise in advancing the state’s digital initiatives,” Governor Yusuf stated. “His elevation is both a recognition of his performance and a strategic investment in the future of Kano’s digital economy.”

Sharada is also a prominent and active member of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS).

He has consistently contributed to NCS programs, policy discussions, and professional development initiatives, both within Kano and at a broader level. His involvement has consistently showcased his passion for utilizing technology to foster inclusive development, empower youth, and drive innovation in the public sector.

Bringing extensive experience in technology policy, digital capacity-building, and youth empowerment, Sharada’s leadership is expected to strengthen collaborations with key technology stakeholders, broaden access to digital skills development, and implement innovative solutions aimed at boosting economic resilience and inclusivity within the state.
Expressing his gratitude, Sharada remarked, “I am deeply honoured by this opportunity to serve at a higher capacity. Together, we will continue building a digitally inclusive Kano where innovation fuels prosperity for all.”

The Chairman of Kano Chapter of NCS, Lukman Bayero noted that the elevation represents a significant stride in Kano’s ambition to emerge as a premier hub for digital excellence in Northern Nigeria.

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A 19-year-old tech prodigy from Sharada, Kano State, Khalifa Aminu, has developed groundbreaking innovations aimed at improving the lives of visually impaired individuals and enhancing mineral detection technology.

Khalifa designed a smart device that assists the visually impaired by alerting them to obstacles through a buzzer system, enabling safer navigation and independent mobility. He also pioneered a start-up focused on the detection of mineral resources and underground objects, a solution that holds significant promise for industries such as mining and construction.

Accompanied by his father, Khalifa visited former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, in Abuja to present his innovations and seek mentorship.

During the meeting, Pantami, a professor of cybersecurity warmly received the young innovator, commending his creativity and determination. He pledged his support for Khalifa’s initiatives, offering valuable guidance on scaling and refining his solutions.

Pantami, who is renowned for his advocacy of youth empowerment through technology, advised Khalifa to remain committed to innovations that serve humanity. He emphasized the importance of developing technologies that not only address societal challenges but also create employment opportunities and drive economic growth.

The visit was facilitated by Salisu Abdurrazzaq Sahel, one of Professor Pantami’s young mentees, who led the team that introduced Khalifa to the tech luminary.

Professor Pantami continues to inspire young Nigerians to become problem solvers, solution providers, and job creators by leveraging innovation and digital technology.

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TECHDIGEST – Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Ali Isa Pantami, has said a 41 Terabyte Data Centre created by the Galaxy Backbone Company of the Federal Ministry of Communication in Kano to cater for the communication needs of the zone will be commissioned in June this year.

Patami, who gave the hint in Kano yesterday while inspecting the ongoing Data Centre Project in the state, said the facility has 41 Terabyte and 2.2 Pentabite Storage facility that would take care of private and public offices.

The minister said he was satisfied with the level of work done so far.
He said, “The memory capacity of the initial storage is around 41 Terabyte and 2.2 Pentabite storage facility, which is of phase one, two and three, and we have them in Abuja and Southern part of the Country. “

Pantami said the Kano, North/West Zone Data Centre is the fourth tier Data Centre, while the Abuja and that of Southern part of the country formed the tier three, which means Kano is the higher grade as far as the data centre is concerned.

“We are embarking on these projects to provide more facilities for Private and Public storage, so that all information would be captured in the data center, which is the upgrade of the existing third tier center that we have in Abuja and Southern Nigeria”.

Pantami explained that by June the centre would be ready while the offices and all other remaining facilities would be executed and commissioned in March 2022.

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