02 February 2026

Nigeria is fast-tracking its digital infrastructure development through a dual approach: expanding a nationwide fibre-optic network and acquiring two new communication satellites. The federal government announced these initiatives during a press briefing in Abuja, led by Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, in commemoration of Global Privacy Day 2026.

The fibre-optic backbone, expected to span 90,000 kilometres, is nearly 60% complete. This extensive network aims to boost high-capacity broadband access across Nigeria, reduce internet costs, and enhance service quality for businesses, government agencies, and households. Tijani highlighted that the fibre rollout is central to Nigeria’s broader digital economy strategy, providing the critical physical infrastructure needed to support e-government services, digital financial inclusion, innovation hubs, and private sector growth.

26 January 2026

The Zimbabwean government has announced a plan to equip its primary and secondary schools with 8,000 Starlink internet kits, aiming to ensure nationwide connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas.

The equipment was officially handed over on January 21 by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera stated that the initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide, providing students with affordable and reliable internet access to enhance digital learning and prepare them for participation in the global digital economy.