On the 31st of October, 2019, TechCabal will join over 60 companies that are holding sessions at the Startup South conference in Uyo. TechCabal will host a fireside chat with Funke Opeke, CEO, Main One. During the fireside chat, Ms Opeke will share her thoughts about deepening broadband penetration within Nigeria’s South-South/South-East region and beyond.
Broadband is the backbone of the digital economy. Improving broadband penetration typically expands the size of the digital economy. It provides the infrastructure upon which innovators and entrepreneurs can build products and services. Also, it will increase the customer base that they build these products for. Entirely new companies and a new crop of entrepreneurs will emerge whenever broadband enters a city.
While the number of internet subscribers in Nigeria continues to increase, network quality is still generally poor. More than half of the population still have no access. Of the top 10 states in Nigeria with regards to internet subscribers, only 3 are in the South-South region, none in the South-East. There are none in the top 5. Broadband penetration currently stands at about 31%. Today, internet penetration in the country generally relies on mobile wireless networks.
MainOne is a leading broadband infrastructure provider in the West Africa region. The company was launched in 2010 by Funke Opeke and she has led the company to grow its footprint with major network interconnection facilities, extensive terrestrial fiber build-out, regional points of presence, and delivery of services into 10 countries in West Africa. Ms Opeke possesses a wealth of knowledge that is crucial to understanding the state of West Africa’s digital economy and how to grow it.
Started in 2015, #StartupSouth Conference brings together founders, innovators and investors from across Nigeria and beyond to a city within the South-South and South-East Nigeria annually, to discuss technology, startup trends and challenges facing the growth of startups in the region.
This 5th edition themed: “Unlocking the Next 60 Million” will explore the accessibility and affordability of broadband in Nigeria. The key focus will be on deepening broadband penetration and access for the over 60 million residents of the region to boost its economy, which is estimated at over $70 billion.
As one of the leading tech publications in Africa, TechCabal speaks in-depth to African innovation and technology. In addition to well researched and written articles, reports and expert opinions on the main website, we publish the TC Daily newsletter, the most comprehensive roundup of technology around Africa. TechCabal also hosts a number of events including its flagship TC Townhalls series.
Register here to attend TechCabal’s fireside chat with Funke Opeke.
