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🔒NDPC Probes 1,369 Nigerian Firms’ Privacy Practices

🔒NDPC Probes 1,369 Nigerian Firms’ Privacy Practices

Plus: 🗼Huawei, Ethio Telecom Deploy First Solar-on-Tower in Africa

Innovation Village
August 26, 2025

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Today’s Menu ☕️

🏫 Yabatech Secures €117,000 EU Grant to Pioneer Solar-Powered Aquaponics
🔒 NDPC Launches Probe into 1,369 Nigerian Companies Over Data Privacy Violations
🌐 Nigeria Launches Unified Data Exchange to Streamline Public Services
🗼Huawei, Ethio Telecom Deploy First Solar-on-Tower in Africa
💵 Sahel Capital Secures $10 Million Mastercard Investment to Boost African Agriculture
🎰 India Bans Online Gambling

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🏫 EDUCATION

Yabatech Secures €117,000 EU Grant to Pioneer Solar-Powered Aquaponics

Yaba College of Technology has secured a €117,000 (₦200 million) grant from the European Union to develop AQUACLEC, a solar-powered aquaponics system that combines catfish farming with vegetable and maize cultivation. Led by Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, in collaboration with researchers from Lagos, Turku, and Lapland, the project aims to provide a replicable model for climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria.

With the EU backing, Yabatech will establish a local innovation hub in Lagos to refine and scale the system, positioning the college as both a center of research and a driver of national development.……continue reading

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🔒DATA PROTECTION

NDPC Launches Probe into 1,369 Nigerian Companies Over Data Privacy Violations

Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission has launched a probe into 1,369 organizations across banking, insurance, pensions, gaming, and brokerage for suspected breaches of the 2023 Data Protection Act. The watchdog is demanding compliance audits, appointment of Data Protection Officers, and proof of safeguards, warning that non-compliance could attract fines and reputational damage.

The move follows recent penalties, including a ₦766.2 million fine against MultiChoice, and signals Nigeria’s push to align with global privacy standards while strengthening trust in its digital economy...…continue reading

🌐 TECHNOLOGY

Nigeria Launches Unified Data Exchange to Streamline Public Services

Nigeria has launched the Nigeria Data Exchange Platform (NGDX), a digital system designed to eliminate the repetitive paperwork citizens face when dealing with government agencies. The platform will allow ministries and departments to share verified data in real time, cutting delays and improving efficiency. Officials say it could transform governance much like nationwide fibre rollout, while also benefiting banks, fintechs, and startups by enabling faster KYC checks and access to anonymized datasets for innovation. Built with EU support and lessons from Estonia’s X-Road, NGDX promises secure, standardized data sharing, though its success will depend on overcoming bureaucratic resistance and earning public trust in data protection........continue reading

Fairmoney — Growth Marketing Manager — Hybrid (Lagos, Nigeria)
Moniepoint — CRM Manager — Lagos, Nigeria
Airtel Nigeria - Provisioning and Billing Executive - Lagos, NIgeria
Palmpay — Lead, User Growth — Lagos, Nigeria
Kuda - Business Intelligence Engineer - Lagos, Nigeria

🗼 INFRASTRUCTURE

Huawei, Ethio Telecom Deploy First Solar-on-Tower in Africa

Huawei and Ethio Telecom have introduced Africa’s first Solar-on-Tower solutions in Ethiopia, marking a shift toward greener telecom infrastructure. By installing solar panels directly on towers, the initiative reduces reliance on diesel generators and unstable grids while cutting carbon emissions from network operations, which account for nearly 80% of the industry’s footprint. Ethiopia, already a leader in renewable energy, provides a strong testing ground for this model.

Though upfront costs may challenge operators with slim margins, the long-term benefits—lower expenses, energy independence, and sustainability—are clear. If successful, this project could inspire telcos across Africa and beyond to adopt renewable-powered connectivity, positioning the continent not just as a fast-growing mobile market but as a leader in sustainable telecom innovation.....…continue reading

💵 INVESTMENT

Sahel Capital Secures $10 Million Mastercard Investment to Boost African Agriculture

Sahel Capital’s Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA) has secured a $10 million investment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, channelled through MEDA Mauritius. Launched in 2021 with anchor funding from KfW Development Bank, SEFAA addresses financing gaps faced by agricultural SMEs—too large for microfinance but often excluded by commercial banks. These enterprises are critical to Africa’s food systems yet struggle to scale and support smallholder farmers.

With Mastercard’s backing, SEFAA aims to expand across 13 African countries, creating more than 10,000 jobs for women and youth. Since inception, the fund has provided 33 facilities to 18 companies in seven countries. Beyond financing, SEFAA blends capital with technical assistance to boost sustainability, productivity, and market access......…continue reading