UMAR Danbatta, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, is leading the Nigerian delegation currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to explore further investment opportunities to improve both the quantity and quality of connectivity to telecommunications and ICTs. This is taking place under the auspices of the Commonwealth Investment Forum 2017.

The ongoing forum is convened to address major investment needs in the next generation networks, technologies and innovative services. A growing number of governments, international organizations and ICT stakeholders are presenting and advocating initiatives, strategies and programmes in relation to connecting the next 1.5 billion people but funding challenges continued to stymie efforts of governments and other stakeholders in this regard.

This forum is a multi-stakeholder partnership for synergy that brings together ICT and finance ministers, finance regulators, telecom operators, investment bankers, lawyers, consultants, infrastructure and technology providers, international bodies and Investment promotion agencies to explore opportunities for investments to unleash the potential of ICTs in the Commonwealth and beyond.

Convened under the thematic focus of ‘connecting the next 1.5 billion people,’ participants are reflecting on many issues including: ICTs for socio-economic development; National development plans and the role of ICTs; Financing by multilateral donors and development banks; Role of commercial lenders in financing ICTs; Leveraging investment funds to finance ICTs; Role of venture capital; and Creating innovative financing packages.

—  Apr 17, 2017 @ 17:00 GMT