Kevin Nyango
Africa is expected to evolve naturally as maturity increases, and subsequently, the ecosystem will follow the same trend. African innovation levels are expected to increase that is why the Internet of Things (IoT) is gaining grounds in Africa. Although it is still a new startup gaining momentum, it is providing solutions which are significant especially in relation to digital health, public safety, smart cities and automotive.
According to Mohamed Kante, Head of Solutions and Business Development for North and West Africa at Nokia, the innovative IoT applications are useful in building an ecosystem that performs well. Since Africa faces vertical challenges, IoT solutions are viewed to be important in solving these problems. Nokia is willing to support communication service providers (CSPs) in Africa to join hands with IoT, and it operates and supports the provision of central helpdesk for all its connected devices on the IoT network grid. Kante further added that Nokia is working with various African states to avail distinguished markets.
Applications such as smart parking are useful in time management and provision of more employment opportunities. The app also helps in reducing pollution and fuel wastage. Nokia desires that they enable Africans to improve their lives and live in safe environment
Nokia also provides CSPs with services aimed at assessing IoT opportunities making the startup to generate revenues efficiently. The Nokia worldwide IoT network grid (WING) allows operators to give services to their clients under their desired brand names. Moreover, IMPACT IoT platform is considered part of The Nokia WING business model. IMPACt allows its operators to host IoT applications from other agencies besides their applications.
The recent smart lighting and fleet management applications from Nokia are useful in the advancement of business and city resources hence promoting sustainability. Moreover, the video analytics application from Nokia uses advanced machine learning algorithms by Nokia Bell Labs, therefore, helping in public safety.
