The Nation Newspaper

Category: e-Business

  • Start-ups boost economy in Q3 with $101m

    THE Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Pantami, at the weekend, said over $101 million was contributed to the nation’s economy in the Third Quarter of 2018 by Information Technology start-ups.

    Pantami, who made the disclosure at a “Start Up Friday Progamme”,  organised by the  agency in Abuja, said the feat was unprecedented in the history of ICT sector in the country. He said more amazing performances were expected in the  sector in the coming years.

    Pantami said the ICT sector contributed 13.63 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the  Second Quarter of 2018,  assuring that this would likely increase by the third and fourth quarters.

    “With the little efforts we have put in place, a lot has been achieved in the ICT sector today. In the case of ICT start-ups,  within  the first quarter of 2018, start-ups generated $9 million,  in the second quarter, they generated $57 million and recently in the third quarter, they generated $35 million.

    “This is only within 2018. This achievement is unprecedented in the history of ICT sector in Nigeria,” Pantami said, adding that local IT content patronage had significantly increased as a result of strict enforcement of policies in the sector.

    According to him, in 2013, over 82,000 ICT facilities of the local content were purchased, stressing that in 2014 and 2015, the purchase rose to 92,000, while in 2016,  the facilities purchased hit 150,000 mark.

    The NITDA chief said the purchase rose to 300,750 in 2017, noting that the quantum leap in the purchase of hardware  component was largely due to the strict enforcement and compliance policy of the present administration on local content.

    Dr Pantami said the event was organised to identify young innovators in Nigeria and encourage them on how to contribute their quota to the development of the nation’s economy, asserting that ICT and technological innovations are the way to go as far as modern economies are concerned.

    “We call this event Start- Up Friday, but we are moving from one geo-political zone to the other;  we did one in each of the northwest, southwest, northeast and southsouth and this is Abuja, Northcentral and from here we will be moving to the southeast.

    “The wisdom behind this is to identify our young innovators, who have potentials and see how they can be supported to achieve their dreams,“ he said.

  • Countdown to data-driven ecosystem

    The planet has made its trip around the sun and as this year ends, it is imperative to look ahead and think about the possibilities for next year. As the world closes in on the next decade of innovation that would move into 2030, Dell Technologies predicts the next era of human-machine partnerships, where the world would be immersed in smart living, intelligent work and frictionless economy, writes Lucas Ajanaku.

    Last year, Dell Technologies said it made bold predictions, with some coming to fruition a bit faster than others. but there’s still much to do in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies, and autonomous systems are continuing to take shape as organisations build the digital backbone to support them.

    Virtual assistants continue to be pervasive in consumer technology – smart home technologies, “things” and connected cars – learning your preferences and proactively serving up content and information based on previous interactions.  We’ll see this machine intelligence merge with augmented and virtual reality in the home to create truly immersive experiences – like a virtual sous chef that can help you whip up an easy meal for the family.  And you’ll be more connected to your personal health with even more intelligent wellness tracking devices that can capture more information about the body, like heart rate variability (HRV), sleep patterns and more that you can easily share with health care providers for better care.

    According to the technology firm, ‘immersive intelligence will also follow us to work’.  Our personal computers (PCs) and devices we use every day will continue to learn from our habits and proactively boot up with the right apps and services at the right time.  Advances in natural language processing and voice technologies will create a more productive dialogue with machines, while automation and robotics will create faster, more fluid collaboration with technology to get more done.  And, with augmented and virtual reality applications creating on- and off-site immersive experiences – people will have access to the data they need to work with whenever and wherever they are.

    “Organisations have been stockpiling big data for years. In fact, it’s predicted that by 2020, the data volume will reach 44 Trillion gigabytes, or 44 Zettabytes.  That’s a lot of data. Soon, they’ll finally put it to work as Digital transformation takes shape.

    “As they derive more value from that data – with insights driving innovations and more efficient business processes – more investments will be borne out of the technology sector.  New startups will emerge to tackle the bigger challenges that make AI a reality: data management and federated analytics where insights can be driven from virtually everywhere, and data compliance solutions for a safer, smarter way to deliver amazing outcomes,” the firm said.

    The first 5G devices are slated to hit the market sometime next year with the much-anticipated next-generation network that promises to completely change the data game in terms of speed and accessibility.  Low-latency, high-bandwidth networks mean more connected things, cars and systems – and a boat load of AI, machine learning and compute happening at the edge, because that’s where all the data will be generated.

    “It won’t be long before we begin to see micro-hubs lining our streets – mini data centers if you will – that will also give rise to new “smart” opportunities for real-time insights happening on the corner of your street.   Cities and towns will become more connected than ever, paving the way for smart cities and digital infrastructure that we predict will be thriving in 2030.  And it will be a game changer for industries like healthcare or manufacturing, where data and information being generated out in the field can be quickly processed and analysed in real time – versus having to travel back and forth to a  cloud – and then readily shared with those who need it.

    “Last year, we  predicted the arrival of the Mega Cloud – a variety of clouds that make up a powerhouse operating model as IT strategies require both public and private clouds.  So far, that’s holding true. The public vs. private cloud debate will continue to wane as organisations realise that they need to effectively manage all the different types of data they’ll be processing.  A recent IDC survey pointed to more than 80 per cent of respondents repatriating data back to on-premise private clouds – and we can expect that trend to continue, even with projections for public cloud growth.

    “Multi-cloud environments will drive automation, AI and ML processing into high gear because they give organisations the ability to manage, move and process data where and when they need to.   In fact, we’ll see more clouds pop up as data becomes increasingly distributed – at the edge in autonomous car environments or in smart factories, in cloud-native apps, in protected on-prem centres to meet a host of new compliance and privacy standards and of course, the public cloud for a variety of apps and services that we use every day,” Dell added.

    Millennials are going to have to make room for the next generation with Gen Z (born after 1995), badging into the workplace over the next year – creating an increasingly diverse workforce spanning five generations.   This will create a rich range of experiences in life and technology.  Ninety-eight per cent of Gen Z would have used technology as part of their formal education, many already understood the basics of software coding and expect the only the best technology to be a part of their work experience.

    Gen Z will spark a new evolution in technology innovation for the workplace and create more opportunities for technology literacy and on-site learning for new skills with older generations of workers.  AR and VR will become increasingly commonplace and close the skills gap across an aging workforce – while giving Gen Z the speed and productivity they demand.

    “Believing in the many advantages to running a sustainable business, organisations will follow our lead and begin to accelerate ways to design waste out of their business models through innovation in recycling and closed loop practices.  To help, we, at Dell, are sharing our blueprint for turning ocean bound plastics into recycled packaging and turning soot from diesel generator exhaust fumes into ink for printing on boxes.

    “We’ll see advances in supply chain traceability, by scrutinising and harnessing emerging technologies to identify precise opportunities to course correct.  Blockchain will likely play a role as well, to ensure trust and safety in sourcing, while also securing information and data about goods and services along the way.

    “There’s never been a better time for technology – with innovation in 5G, AI and Machine Learning, cloud and blockchain throttling full steam ahead. I’m willing to bet that we’ll make great use of those 44 zettabytes of data in 2020.   We’ll unlock the power of data in ways never before imagined, transforming everyday business and everyday life.  So, buckle up – we’re riding full speed into the Data Era – and 2019 is going to be one heck of a year,” the tech giant added.

     

  • MTN delivers solutions to NNPC

    MTN Nigeria has deployed Corporate Wide Area Network Service (CWAN) across 139 locations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    The telco said the deployment of the solution has resulted in improved efficiency and unhindered communication for NNPC locations across the country.

    The two organisations in Abuja had an exhibition to highlight the success of the CWAN service deployment, as well as NNPC’s incredible feats in the past 12 months.

    MTN over the years has been a reliable provider of connectivity solutions, enabling business operations and improving efficiencies for both small and large organisations. The deployment of the CWAN service to NNPC key locations is part of MTN’s continued effort to improve business efficiency and support economic growth in the country.

    Speaking on the collaboration between MTN and NNPC, General Manager, Enterprise Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said: “MTN is a brand that is committed to the growth of businesses, both large and small. With our capabilities, we feel we have what it takes to move businesses from where they are to where they want to be.

    “We are truly excited to have provided this innovative connectivity solution to NNPC and we look forward to working together in the coming months to deliver greater quality services to Nigerians.”

  • NCC: Nigeria’s ICT industry mid-way in global evolution

    THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the nation’s information communications technology (ICT) industry is in the middle of a global evolution.

    It, therefore, urged operators to sail with the wind lest they be left behind in the scheme of things.

    Its Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr Sunday Dare , who spoke in Lagos during Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) Quarter’ 5 Open Forum, said  global evolution continuously challenges old ways of doing things.

    He said: “Hitherto disruptive innovations are now being brought into the mainstream. The emerging digital  age hardly respects geographical barriers or regulatory jurisdictions the global players leveraging on the telecoms networks to help people communicate are not even licencees of the NCC! (I refer to the so-called OTT players such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and others).

    “From trying to deploy basic 2G services throughout Nigeria just a few years ago, we are now talking about achieving the penetration of superfast 4G/LTE networks nationwide.

    “From getting basic voice telephony into the hinterlands just a few years ago, we are now talking about using artificial intelligence and machine learning to design and deploy services.

    “We are now talking about data harvesting, cloud processing, and exploitation of data across borders. We are talking of borderless connectivity, which is changing the method of service delivery across all sectors of human endeavour.”

    According to Mr Dare, in the new era, customer service level agrrments (SLAs) mean little if the attitudinal and behavioural loyalty, which ensure that consumers are confident to embrace technology to tap into the life-changing opportunities are absent.

    “These are opportunities, which will guarantee that our country develops and that our youth are able to compete with their peers throughout the world. So, we must ensure that the service delivery framework encourage their use, rather than pursue reactive policies.

    “In other words, the challenge before us now, that is, “the challenge of consumer experience”, is to ensure that we proactively remove all impediments to technology adoption, that we identify lCT pain points even before they occur, and that  we address them before they become an issue,” he said, adding that all  these  must be done so that the citizens can enjoy faster, safer and more productive use of new technologies and service delivery models. This is the totality of consumer experience.

    “I know this is a big challenge, even for an advisory body like lCAF, but I am confident in the capacity of the lCAF membership to deliver,” he said.

    He expressed delight that “Progressing from Customer Service to Customer Experience the Consumer’s Point of View’ was chosen as theme for the forum.

    Dare said over the years,  the industry has focused efforts on improving customer service. To achieve this objective, he said the Commission had rolled out several customer-centric initiatives such as setting QoS KPls for all consumer interactions and particularly for the resolution of consumer complaints and escalations; and imposing obligations to eliminate unsolicited SMS our “2442/DND” platform is a reference point.

    Others are frontally tackling issues of call masking, “forced” VAS and data subscriptions; mandating operators to establish customer services centers in all state capitals and major towns  so that  customers can have easy access to their network providers; mandating licencees to issue “trouble tickets” which enable the tracking of all complaints to determine whether they are resolved within SLAs.

    Setting up second-level fault resolution mechanisms such that consumers, who do not get satisfactory redress can escalate to NCC by just dialing 622 or using our other free channels, was also one of the steps taken by the regulator.

    “While l am pleased to note that these efforts have continued to achieve high levels of success, it is clear that the Nigerian communications industry has reached a level of maturity both in terms of adoption, competitiveness and technology deployments. This means that our focus must change to accommodate new realities.

    “At our industry’s current level of growth, our focus must change from merely providing good customer service to assuring superior customer experience. Some may wonder, what is the difference between “customer service” and “Customer Experience”.

    “Indeed, smart service providers do not need to be told that sound “customer experience” has a differentiating factor, which guarantees them competitive advantage, so why is this an issue for the NCC?”

     

     

     

  • 2018: iSON Emerges Best Company for Work Place Practices

    Business Process Outsourcing firm, iSON Xperiences, has been awarded ‘Best Work Place Practice” under the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAs) 2018.

    The firm formerly known as iSON BPO, competed and defeated 55 companies in Africa to clinch the award. The prestigious award ceremony was held in Lagos.

    The award was in recognition of iSON Xperiences’ outstanding and innovative approaches inemployee engagement and alignment such that they feel passionate about their jobs, are committed to the organization, and put discretionary effort into their work while ensuring that all its employees enjoy peace and prosperity through its strong management commitment and a participatory approach to workplace safety and health; and by way driving sustainable development across the communities beyond the reach of its operation.

    Commenting on the award, Founder & Chairman of iSON Group, Ramesh Awtaney said, “We are deeply honoured to receive this award. This year was highly competitive as we had to battle 55 other great companies across Africa to win the award.To be recognised by the SERAs is a fulfilling achievement for us.

    This award is about defining our role towards humanity while at the same time creating value for our employees, customers, shareholders, communities and the society at large. We are not resting on our oars as adding value to our stakeholders and the lives of Nigerians, especially in communities where we operate remains a focal point in iSON Xperiences’ CSR activities”.

    At iSON Xperiences, we stay committed to ensuring that we place priority on not just being a profitable enterprise but also one that is genuinely concerned about the planet and its people and this award is a proof to how well we have come.

    This win is one that accentuates our passionate pursuit of our long-term vision of inclusive growth of all our stakeholders, especially our employees who have been committed to providing only the highest standard of services in line with international best practice to our customers”, Ramesh added.

    The SERAs – CSR Awards is an annual project which aims to promote as well as raise awareness about the roles organizations play with emphasis on their responsibility towards stakeholders and the social development of Africa.

    This edition was themed ‘Poverty Eradication Through Sustainability: Turning Challenges into Opportunities’ and focussed on uncovering those organisations whom through their CSR and sustainability activities have committed themselves to reduction of poverty and helping the continent to meet up with its aspirations in all areas of sustainable development goals.

    This award follows successive recognitions of iSON Xperiences for its sustainability initiatives including, the “Best Company in Poverty Eradication” and “Best New Entrant in Corporate Social Responsibility” awards in 2017.

    The company was also shortlisted in the categories of; ‘Best Company in Promotion of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment’ as well as ‘The SERAs Innovation Prize’, and ‘Best Corporate Communications Team’ at the SERA Awards this year.

  • Race for 5G revolution

    TO promote investments in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, availability of spectrum in a timely manner is a  major task for telecoms sector regulators.

    This will enable innovation and competition, as well as ensure  fifth generation (5G) services benefit consumers, businesses and industries.

    A report jointly published by Ericsson and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), titled: “Making 5G a Reality for Africa,” underscored the importance of timely availability of spectrum.

    The report said: “Regulators will have to determine the process they’ll follow to ensure mobile data growth and early 5G deployment is not hampered by spectrum requirements.”

    The fifth-generation technology is expected to set new standards for high-speed, wide bandwidth, low latency wireless connections. Mobile operators in South Africa are preparing for the rollout of 5G, but have for some time been saying 5G will not be possible without additional spectrum being allocated.

    Ericsson sees massive mobile growth in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years, with mobile subscriptions likely to exceed 900 million, total mobile data traffic growing by 11 times compared to today, and 75 million cellular Internet of things (IoT) devices being connected by 2023. This will be aided by the growth of 4G/long term evolution (LTE) and 5G deployments if more spectrum is allocated.

    “Decisions on where, when and how operators deploy 5G are not only driven by commercial considerations but also on the availability of spectrum, network equipment and devices,” the report said.

    The authors said modern mobile networks need a variety of spectrum, with different frequencies providing different key components.

    Low frequency spectrum tends to offer better coverage, travelling distances and giving in-building coverage, at the expense of data rates (that is, speed). High frequency spectrum offers shorter coverage distances but substantially higher data rates.

    The report expected that 5G will need a mix of low, medium and high frequency spectrum, some of which will be ‘new’ spectrum and some ‘re-farmed’ spectrum, previously used by other services or even shared with existing services.

    As the use of spectrum is a global phenomenon, the spectrum bands available in Africa should not be different from that of other administrations, the report says, “as it would be expensive to use without the economies of scale for network equipment and device manufacturers that come from harmonised bands”.

    Ericsson believes governments in Africa should support 700megahertz (MHz), 800MHz, 2.6gigahertz (GHz), 3.5GHz, 26GHz and 40GHz as 5G pioneer bands.

    “The spectrum available for 5G will vary from market to market, according to whether it is already in use and the timing of auctions and licensing processes. Each spectrum band has different physical characteristics, which means there are trade-offs between capacity, coverage and latency, as well as reliability and spectral efficiency.”

    Ericsson said these trade-offs needed to be taken into consideration when planning 5G deployments, especially with regard to the mobile network operators’ (MNOs’) service focus, whether this is enhanced mobile broadband, massive IoT, critical IoT or fixed wireless access.

    Last month, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) confirmed plans to license high-demand radio frequency spectrum by the end of March 2019, which will likely be used first for 4G, and it’s still unclear as to when higher bands will be released with 5G in mind.

    Although the report said 5G will need the release of new spectrum, it highlighted that it will also require the re-farming and/or re-use of current spectrum.

    The report urged regulators to issue licences that are technology-neutral or unified licences, where MNOs can move one technology from a spectrum band and deploy a different technology, in that same band.

    But the Vice President/Head of Networks for Ericsson Middle East and Africa (MEA), Chafic Traboulsi, said spectrum should not be linked to specific technology.

    “In some countries, unfortunately, they link the frequencies to a specific technology. We believe it’s very important not to do this because it puts a barrier up right in the beginning,” Traboulsi said.

    The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Garb Dambatta, said spectrum licences in Nigeria are technology-neutral. This explains why telcos have been able to re-farm their previous spectrum for newer technologies such as LTE.

    While the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, has advised the regulator to revisit its technology-neutral licensing, the regulator appears not in a hurry to do so. Dambatta believes other African countries should adopt  the model that makes spectrum not to be tied to a particular technology.

    “With the adoption of 5G, MNOs will require an increased amount of spectrum and therefore it is important that a country develops spectrum policies that will enable the fast adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable development of the mobile industry. This will help to realise maximum benefit for its citizens, particularly those that are unconnected,” it added.

  • How Nigeria can achieve digital economy, by GSMA

    Modernising regulation and policy reform will be crucial to boosting Nigeria’s digital economy and accelerating internet access for millions through increased mobile broadband penetration, the Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA) has said.

    In its latest report titled: Spotlight on Nigeria: Delivering a Digital Future, it said research had shown that the mobile market in Nigeria made an important contribution to the economy.

    According to it, the mobile industry contributed $21 billion to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017, representing 5.5 per cent of total GDP. It also said that the growth of the country’s digital economy created nearly 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    The report, which was launched in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), brought together leaders from across the mobile industry with policymakers to discuss future regulation and how to enable the next-generation of 5G connectivity.

    According GSMA, growth in the adoption of digital services by government, businesses and consumers is having a positive impact on daily life in the country. It stressed that for majority of Nigerians, mobile broadband is the first and only technology for accessing the internet, enabling better access to health, education and commercial opportunities, amongst other public services. Smartphone adoption has already risen to over 53 million connections, and 49 per cent of the population are currently connected by mobile technology, compared to less than one per cent who have a fixed-line connection.

    However, the report concluded that there is still broad scope for the country to increase its mobile penetration. Although more Nigerians are getting access to mobile broadband, the country lags regional peers in 4G adoption. Helping to accelerate adoption would enable more advanced services and create bigger societal impacts, it said.

    With increased spectrum harmonisation and licensing reform, the country’s mobile penetration is forecast to rise to 55 per cent of the population by 2025, with 70 per cent having 3G connectivity and 17 per cent having access to 4G networks. Currently, only 44 per cent of mobile subscribers in Nigeria are using 3G technology and 4 per cent are using 4G technology, compared to over 18 per cent 4G penetration in South Africa and 16 per cent in Angola.

    Speaking on the report, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Prof Garba Dmabatta said: “In the world we live in today, mobile communication is a cardinal tool of economic development, growth and integration, and the mobile industry is a key enabler of productivity across economies and societies. The mobile industry is not only a significant contributor to the economic activities of Nigeria, but also towards the growth of other sectors of the economy. The Nigerian Communications Commission has been, and continues to play a key role in the development of mobile communication in Nigeria, and I am delighted to be part of this event today. This provides an avenue for regulators, operators, investors, and other relevant stakeholders to examine, share and constructively exchange ideas.”

    Also commenting on the report, Head of sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA, Akinwale Goodluck, said mobile connectivity has already improved the welfare of millions of Nigerians, opening the door to new digital possibilities and powering the country’s economic development.

    He said:  “For Nigeria to take full advantage of the next phase of its digital transformation, it’s vital that collaboration between industry and government enables the right policy environment for millions more to benefit from ultra-fast mobile broadband. If policies don’t keep pace with the needs of society and technological innovation, there is a risk that citizens will be left behind and productivity and competitiveness will suffer.”

    The GSMA has identified support for and release of harmonised spectrum and a modernised licensing framework as fundamental build

  • Google under fire over GDPR violation

    Google has come under fire over allegations of contravening Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when it tracks its users’ locations.

    A group of seven European consumer organisations in the Netherlands, Poland, Greece, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and Czech Republic have filed complaints against the internet giant with their national data protection authorities, accusing it of forcing users to use its location tracking.

    The complaints are based on new research published by Forbrukerradet, a member of European consumer organisation BEUC.

    In a statement, the coalition alleged Google employed “deceptive practices” to get users to turn on its various tracking systems, and that consent was not being given freely.

    It also claimed Google did not provide “straightforward information” about what surrendering the data really entailed, and “leaves consumers in the dark about the use of their personal data.

    “Location data can reveal a lot about people, including religious beliefs (going to places of worship), political leanings (going to demonstrations), health conditions (regular hospital visits) and sexual orientation (visiting certain bars),” the statement added.

    Gro Mette Moen, acting head of unit, digital services in the Norwegian Consumer Council, says Google is processing highly detailed and comprehensive personal data without proper legal grounds, and is acquiring that data through manipulation techniques.

    He added that Google records where users go, and how they move, and this data can be combined with other information, such as what users search for, and the Web sites they visit.

    “Such information can in turn be used for things such as targeted advertising meant to affect us when we are receptive or vulnerable.”

    Google tracks its users through “Location History” as well as “Web & App Activity”, settings that are integrated into all Google accounts. For those who use Android smartphones, including Samsung and Huawei phones, tracking is especially difficult to avoid.

    A detailed report said there are several ways Google tricks its users into sharing their location.

    Firstly, this is done through deceptive click-flow, which, when setting up an Android device, pushes users into enabling “Location History” without being aware of it. This contravenes the GDPR’s legal obligations to ask for informed and freely given consent.

    Next, default settings for “Web & App Activity” are hidden behind extra clicks and enabled by default.

    Google also gives misleading and unbalanced information, the group claims, as users are given insufficient information when presented with choices, and are misled about the data that is being collected and how it is used. For example, information on how location data is being used for advertising is obfuscated behind extra clicks.

  • Nigeria’s e-commerce potential untapped

    Though one of the incumbents says it is far from profitability, e-commerce continues to take a firm root in the country. The Managing Consultant, Wepay, Akin Kehinde, says the enormous potential of the industry remains largely untapped. He says internet penetration will help bolster e-commerce. LUCAS AJANAKU met him on the sideline of the launch of Wepay platform in Lagos.

    We have many e-commerce platforms in Nigeria, what new  product are you bringing into the market?

    Wepay as a platform offers a wide range of products, including the latest of the mobile devices available at cash or credit term payment option driven by a robust credit check technology. We are focused on driving the best customer experience, leveraging after-sales and support as our expertise in the industry.

     What measures have you put in place to retain customers, confidence?

    Wepay e-commerce platform was created to deliver to Nigerians the same world-class services their counterparts in the developed countries of the world enjoy in the area of online shopping. We have benchmarked our services in line with the likes of Amazon as a world class leader in the e-commerce space.

    Why Nigeria at this time incumbents are complaining?

    The recent upturn in e-commerce enterprises across Africa is revolutionising not just the retail market but also business in general. The growth potential of this niche, as demonstrated by several e-commerce firms showcases the enormous opportunity under tapped. As one of the continent’s leading IT market, Nigeria has seen a rapid surge in the development of ecommerce businesses. Wepay with our USP (unique selling proposition) will further drive these initiatives.

    What competitive advantages do you offer in products and services?

    We pride ourselves as a platform that offers a wide range of products including the latest of the mobile devices available at cash or credit term payment option driven by a robust credit check technology. It is our focus on driving the best customer experience that informed our leverage in the after sales end of the business

    There are device upgrade, and trade-in promises that are hardly kept by e-commerce platforms. What is your reaction to this?

    Wepay offer both brand new and certified pre-owned devices on the platform, this differentiates us from other existing ecommerce platform

    How is Wepay addressing logistics problems?

    The platform offers for various pickup locations or the option to and have these devices delivered to them at their various locations nationwide within the shortest time possible.

    One of the pain points of e-commerce is early resolution of complaints. How prepared are you for this?

    We have a robust customer care system driven majorly by the best technology ensuring timely resolutions and effective tracking of results and customer feedback. Wepay will be available nationwide.

    Because of hitches in the area of internet penetration, e-commerce still faces some challenges. How prepared are you to contend with the challenges?

    Well Nigeria still has a good internet penetration of more than 70 per cent, however wepay has ensured to overcome such hitches by offering services both via Web and  USSD.

    Customer can now shop on wepay via USSD at his/her own ease without any internet required, that’s why we called Wepay as “smarter way to shop”

    Cyber-crime is a big problem. How secure are transactions on your platform?

    Wepay operates international standards, therefore we have ensured several measures towards security and cybercrime issues. Apart from multilevel authentication, keeping data encrypted, secure and safe. We also insist our customers on long passwords.

    What new experience is your company bringing in?

    Our USP is driven by our slogan “Smarter way to Shop”. Wepay offers the customers extended warranties of three to six months beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, screen protection insurance, opportunities for device upgrade as well as trade- in programmes plus much more.

    What others are you bringing to the table?

    We have extended warranties and after care services that come with the Wepay e- commerce platform include repairs and maintenance of customers’ devices, free accessories like battery chargers, Bluetooth earpieces, hands-free cords, beautiful device casings, external speakers, pouches, table holders.

    The platform will offer the customers extended warranties of three to six months beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, screen protection insurance, opportunities for device upgrade as well as trade-in programmes.

    What is Wepay?

    Wepay is an initiative of BODC Trading and investment Company Limited, our focus is empowering digitalisation in Nigeria with special focus on financial inclusion through flexible payment solutions.