By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-24 03:12:41
The Anambra State government is considering the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) in the state in an effort to improve interconnectivity, reduce the cost of Internet access and deepen penetration of the Internet in the state. The initiative is part of the government’s focus on driving the state through technology, with various ICT initiatives aimed at achieving this goal.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, revealed that the Chukwuma Soludo-led administration is committed to driving the state’s development through technology. He also mentioned that ISPs in the state are excited about the possibilities that will arise from these initiatives, such as the pilot phase of the Public Wi-Fi (Solution Wi-Fi) which has been activated at various locations in the state.
Agbata also highlighted the implementation of the Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy in the state, which has motivated InfraCos to improve tech infrastructure by laying off fibre ducts, resulting in better quality of service across the state. He emphasized that Anambra is one of the few states implementing this policy, a significant step towards deepening broadband penetration.
In addition, the ICT agency has conducted a baseline study of e-government infrastructure in the state, paving the way for the digital revolution in the civil service. This has led to Governor Soludo’s approval of the procurement and distribution of state-of-the-art PCs and laptops to various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in order to advance the objectives of digitization and professionalism across the public sector. There are plans to distribute more digital tools to more civil and public servants in 2024 to modernize the State’s workforce.
Furthermore, the state government has entered into a strategic alliance with leading U.S. high-tech companies. Governor Soludo and other executives from the state held a strategic discussion with the U.S. Consul-General and influential leaders from 26 renowned US high-tech companies in order to explore avenues for collaboration, forge corporate alliances, and foster technological partnerships to accelerate Anambra State’s growth. This meeting aimed to enhance strategic partnerships for economic development and the exchange of technologies, fostering shared prosperity between Anambra State and its tech companies, and their counterparts in the United States.
Read the original article on The Guardian
