The Anambra State ICT Agency is focused on advancing the state’s digital transformation by developing local artificial intelligence infrastructure, expanding internet access, promoting a paperless government, and enhancing digital systems within public institutions.
This announcement was made during an ICTA Media Connect virtual engagement with media partners, where officials discussed ongoing digital projects, connectivity challenges, and plans.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, who has been recently reappointed as the Managing Director of the agency, emphasised that Anambra’s digital transformation journey continues to progress. The state anticipates greater digital inclusion and technology-driven improvements as it strives towards its vision for 2030.
Anambra’s next digital push
One of the key topics discussed was artificial intelligence. Agbata mentioned that the agency aims to develop its own local AI infrastructure, although specific details were not shared during the meeting. This initiative aligns with the growing interest from governments and businesses in using AI for tasks such as automating processes and analysing large datasets.
For a state agency, establishing local capabilities could help create AI-driven public services and reduce reliance on external systems.
Additionally, the agency is focused on encouraging more government institutions to adopt digital operations. Officials noted that they are working to help ministries, departments, and agencies transition to paperless processes. Instead of transferring physical files for signatures and approvals, digital workflows could enable government employees to submit, review, approve, and track documents electronically.
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However, this shift depends on whether the various agencies have the necessary computers, software, internet connectivity, and skills to implement these systems. The agency is collaborating with those that still lack adequate digital tools and ICT infrastructure. Zenox, according to officials present at the meeting, provided most of the computers currently in use by the agency.
The ultimate goal is to integrate technology throughout public administration, rather than treating it as a separate government program. This also raises concerns about data security, as more government records go online and services become digital. Protecting citizens’ information is now as crucial as the implementation of these digital services.
Agbata also indicated that the agency’s Vision 2030 will look quite different from its current state, although specific targets under this vision were not detailed during the meeting.
Beyond the free WiFi initiative
The ICT agency faced questions about Solution WiFi, a public internet initiative in Anambra, with journalists inquiring if the service was still up and running. They confirmed it was active, including at the state secretariat, but noted there had been some downtimes due to weather. There are currently no plans for new WiFi locations.
Officials emphasised that Solution WiFi was not just a campaign project; it began before the campaign and was adapted to align with the state government’s agenda. A key challenge remains connecting those without internet access, especially in rural areas where operators hesitate to invest due to low commercial returns. The agency is looking into improving access in underserved communities, including ensuring that people have affordable devices.
Journalists suggested seeking funding from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to help expand services. Issues along major transport routes were also raised, particularly regarding MTN’s work on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, and the agency said it would contact them about it.
Security concerns were highlighted, with calls for partnerships to enhance the safety of public WiFi networks. The ICT agency plans to continue expanding digital inclusion and automating government processes as part of its transformation programme.
Discussions also included the need for better collaboration among technology stakeholders in Anambra and the Southeast region to create a more unified tech ecosystem. The immediate challenge for Anambra is to establish a solid foundation for digital transformation, ensuring reliable connectivity in rural areas, adequate tools for government employees, secure data handling, and easier access to government services.
Ultimately, the success of Anambra’s ICT Vision 2030 will depend on how these plans improve residents’ interactions with government services, rather than just the number of projects announced.
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