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Owerri, the Imo State capital, is wearing regal looks, as the state prepared to receive President Bola Tinubu to commission legacy projects executive by the Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration.

BusinessDay gathered that the state is hosting a mini convention of the All Progressive Congress (APC), as all the 24 APC Governors, will be present, with party delegates coming in from across the 36 states.

It was also gathered that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is also expected to be at the event.

Aside from the Governors, Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, traditional rulers and all the local government, are also mobilised for the event.

The state capital is wearing a new look, following massive clean up mobilisation by the state government to clear up the streets, weeding grasses along the road sides and preparing the venues where the President will have the events.

One of the projects lined up for commissioning include the flyover built by the government at the over the area known as ‘ Control’

The state government has cordoned off traffic along the newly constructed fly over at the Control, as the President is expected to commission the bridge

Some of the residents who spoke to BusinessDay around the flyover commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for making the project a reality.

Faith Osuji who sells her wares along the Bank Road noted that ‘ Do you know how long we have suffered because of this project? We are happy that the government has finally completed it’

‘ Our advice to the Governor is that they should not allow miscreants hide under the overhead bridge so that they will not use their as their hideouts.

A bus driver, who simply identified himself as Chidi, also hailed the Uzodinma’s administration for giving infrastructure in the state a face lift.

‘ Governor Hope has tried, but the only challenge is insecurity,’ he said.

Chidi who declared that Owerri, the state capital has enjoyed relative peace in recent times, said the reverse is however the case in the rural areas

‘ Let him work with the Federal government to address the insecurity in the local governments.

‘ We still find it difficult to travel to our villages, especially on market days’

Declan Emelumba, the Imo State Commissioner for Information who spoke with BusinessDay, said the state is fully prepared to receive the President

‘As you can see, we are fully ready to host Mr. President and his team in Owerri, today,’ the commissioner said.

The whole town is agog, the President will be unveiling the legacy projects of this administration

These include the Owerri to Mbaise road project, the over head flyover bridge at control, which had lingered on for several years

The Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Center, is a 10,000 capacity edifice.

Speaking on security, the Commissioner noted that the state has overcome the ‘ Seat at home’ threats adding ‘ This does not apply in Imo’.

‘The Governor has done a lot to make Imo comfortable for our people, therefore, no one in his right senses will work against his or her own people,’ Emelumba said.

David Umahi, the minister of works, has given a seven-day ultimatum to Winhomes Global Services Limited to provide the necessary documents for an alleged $250 million real estate investment along the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, threatening to petition security agencies and international authorities to investigate the matter.

The minister dismissed claims by the company that it invested $250 million in a land acquisition affected by the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, insisting that there is no evidence to support the company’s allegations of government encroachment and demolition.

Speaking during an inspection of the project site in Lagos on Monday, Umahi accused the firm of misleading Nigerians and attempting to discredit the federal government’s infrastructure drive. He said the matter had already been resolved in court in favour of the government and that the Lagos State government had legally revoked the land in question.

‘I have a document from Winhomes that says they bought 12 hectares of land in 2022 for the sum of N50 million. In this area, with all the development around, I don’t know if the villagers were terribly cheated or if due process was followed. Nigerians should ask questions,’ Umahi told journalists at the site.

The minister alleged that the company exaggerated its claims, pointing to what he described as substandard fencing, a poorly constructed drainage of ‘not more than 10 meters,’ and no visible infrastructure of the value claimed.

‘The only thing we destroyed was the gatehouse, for which the enumerator graciously gave her N19 million.

‘The woman claimed she has invested $250 million. Not ?250 million, but dollars. We cannot trace the money, the approvals, or the investors. If she really brought that amount, where is it? Show us through the CBN, show us who paid, and how much they paid. Otherwise, it is a fraud to me,’ Umahi said.

He announced plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the matter, and warned that unless Winhomes provided verifiable evidence within seven days, the ministry would escalate the case to diplomatic channels.

‘I need an apology from the woman, and I’ll be writing to the Embassy of America to demand that they send the woman back to us so that she will come and tell us where the money is and how it left America to come to Nigeria,’ Umahi said.

Civil society representatives who joined the inspection also questioned the company’s claims. Declan Hekare, one of the activists who had earlier led protests in Abuja, said his findings on site contradicted the narrative of large-scale demolitions.

‘What I am seeing here is below my expectations. I expected to see structures that were erected and pulled down. That is not the case. If by the end of two weeks, more evidence is not provided, we will address a world press conference. Nigerians cannot be misled,’ Hekare declared.

On the broader project, Umahi assured that the coastal highway, one of the federal government’s four legacy infrastructure projects, would be delivered under a funding arrangement that combines 30 percent government financing and 70 percent private capital. He added that concessionaires with proof of funds were already lined up to participate.

When people talk about the ‘AI race,’ Africa often feels like a spectator watching from the stands. America, China, and Europe are sprinting ahead, backed by billions of dollars and huge machines powering their innovations. Meanwhile, on our side, the questions are louder than the answers: Where does Africa stand? Are we already left behind?

The truth is complicated. Africa is not short of talent. Walk into any tech hub in Lagos, Nairobi, or Cape Town and you’ll meet brilliant young people writing code, building apps, and dreaming of global impact. Yet when it comes to competing in the heavyweight category of artificial intelligence where giant models are trained, and billions are invested. Africa is far behind.

Let’s break it down.

Why the Track Feels Slippery

Artificial intelligence may look like rocket science, but its foundation rests on three things: electricity, data, and people. These three ingredients are where Africa’s challenges lie.

1. The Electricity and Internet Struggle

Anyone in Nigeria knows the frustration of power cuts. Now imagine running a data center (one of those facilities packed with computers that process massive amounts of information) while dealing with daily blackouts. AI requires nonstop, stable electricity. Without it, hardware gets damaged, costs skyrocket, and investors run away.

So, what do startups do? They rely on diesel generators. Apart from being expensive, these generators pollute the air and eat up funds that could have been used for research or hiring more staff.

Then comes the internet issue. AI depends on fast and affordable connectivity. But here, internet speed is often slow, and data prices are among the highest in the world. For young innovators, this creates a frustrating bottleneck.

And when we talk about servers (those powerful machines that train AI models) Africa owns less than 1% of global data center capacity. That means most of our AI work is ‘outsourced’ to servers in Europe or America. The result? Higher costs, slower speed, and lost opportunities.

2. The Data Deficit and Language Barrier

AI learns from data the way students learn from textbooks. If the textbooks don’t cover your culture, your history, or your language, the lessons will always feel foreign.

For Africa, the challenge is clear: most global AI systems are trained on Western data. They don’t understand African accents, local slang, or our 1,000+ languages. Imagine asking an AI health tool to analyse a Yoruba patient’s symptoms when most of its training data comes from London or New York hospitals. The results will likely be off-target.

Even more worrying is that much of Africa’s medical, agricultural, and financial data is not digitised at all. Hospitals still keep patient records on paper. Farmers often lack structured records of their harvest. Without this data, building effective AI systems becomes harder.

3. The Money and Talent Drain

To play at the global level, AI requires a lot of money. Training a large AI model can cost millions of dollars. African investors, however, often prefer safer bets like e-commerce or fintech rather than risky, long-term AI research.

And then there is the issue of brain drain. Africa produces talented engineers and scientists every year, but many get recruited by big tech companies abroad. The continent becomes a training ground for talent that eventually leaves. We celebrate the success of Africans working at OpenAI, Google or Microsoft, but deep down we know their expertise is not strengthening our local ecosystem.

Rays of Hope: What’s Changing

Despite these challenges, Africa is not standing still. Across the continent, people are rolling up their sleeves to build AI systems that speak to local problems.

Local Movements

Groups like Deep Learning Indaba and Masakhane are training researchers and developing open-source language models that actually understand African languages. These communities are saying, ‘If Silicon Valley won’t build for us, we will build for ourselves.’

Government Strategies

Countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Egypt are drafting national AI strategies. These blueprints focus on areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, with the aim of applying AI to problems that truly matter locally.

It’s a shift from just consuming foreign technology to actively creating homegrown solutions.

Startups Finding a Way

African startups are also thinking creatively. Instead of waiting for perfect infrastructure, some are using edge computing putting processing power closer to the user to reduce reliance on fast internet. Others are designing AI tools for low-cost smartphones, knowing that’s the device most Africans can afford.

The Road Ahead: From Consumers to Creators

If Africa is going to catch up, we need a mindset shift. The question should not only be, ‘How do we join the global AI race?’ It should also be, ‘How do we design AI that solves African problems?’

Take agriculture as an example. Imagine a farmer in Benue uploading a picture of diseased crops on a simple phone app. The AI diagnoses the problem instantly, suggesting solutions without requiring 5G internet or an expensive device. That kind of tool could transform food security.

Or consider healthcare. An AI system trained on local patient data could help rural doctors detect illnesses earlier, saving lives in places where specialist doctors are scarce.

These are not futuristic dreams. They are possibilities within reach if governments, investors, and innovators commit to building AI for Africa, not just importing it.

So, Are We Left Behind?

Yes and no. Africa is behind when it comes to global investment, computing power, and data infrastructure. But the race is not only about who builds the biggest models or who gets the most patents. For Africa, the real prize is building AI that addresses hunger, unemployment, poor healthcare, and weak education systems.

In that sense, Africa is not out of the game. We are simply running a different kind of race, a marathon where endurance, creativity, and community will matter more than raw speed.

If we get it right, AI could become one of the most powerful tools for solving Africa’s toughest problems. And when that happens, the question won’t be whether we were left behind, but whether the rest of the world can keep up with Africa’s unique path

In Nigeria, it is a legal requirement for employers to deduct and remit both Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax and pension contributions on behalf of their employees. However, a disturbing trend is emerging where some employers deduct these amounts from employees’ salaries but fail to forward them to the relevant authorities. This unethical and illegal practice not only violates the law but also jeopardises employees’ financial security and tarnishes the integrity of businesses.

By law, employers must deduct 8 percent of an employee’s salary as a pension contribution and add their own 10 percent, remitting a total of 18 percent to the Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) within seven working days of salary payment. Similarly, PAYE tax deductions must be remitted to the State Internal Revenue Service (SIRS) by the 10th day of the following month. These statutory obligations are clear and non-negotiable.

Yet, some employers either divert these funds for other purposes or simply neglect to remit them altogether. This malpractice is not only unethical but also criminal, with serious consequences for both employees and employers.

For employees, the failure to remit pension contributions can have devastating effects. Pension funds are meant to provide financial security after years of dedicated service. Discovering, often years later, that these contributions were never actually paid into their pension accounts can lead to severe financial hardship and emotional distress. It is a betrayal of trust that no worker should have to endure. Similarly, unremitted PAYE taxes prevent employees from obtaining their Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC), documents essential for loan applications, securing contracts, accessing grants, and even some travel visa processes. The ripple effects of this breach extend far beyond the pay cheque.

Employers who fail to remit these statutory deductions expose themselves to harsh penalties. For PAYE, they face a 10 percent penalty plus commercial interest rates on the amounts not remitted. The Pension Commission (PenCom) imposes a 2 percent monthly interest on outstanding pension contributions. Beyond the financial penalties, such practices damage an employer’s reputation and can trigger legal action, audits, and loss of business confidence.

To safeguard both employees and the company, transparency and accountability must be prioritised. Employers should ensure timely and complete remittance of all statutory deductions. Meanwhile, employees should be proactive by regularly checking their pension statements and requesting confirmation of tax remittance from their employers. Providing your employer with your correct PAYER ID and pension number is essential to facilitate accurate processing.

Accountants and HR professionals play a pivotal role in addressing this issue. It is their duty to advise management on the legal and ethical implications of non-remittance. They must ensure that the company complies fully with its obligations to avoid penalties and protect employee interests.

Finally, employers owe more than just salaries; they owe integrity and a commitment to their employees’ financial futures. When employers deduct but fail to remit, it is a breach of trust with far-reaching consequences. Employees must remain vigilant, and professionals must advocate for compliance. Only through collective responsibility can we uphold fairness, transparency, and financial security within Nigeria’s workforce.

The Innovation and Startup Festival (ISF), formerly called Ibadan StartUp Fest, Southwest Nigeria’s largest gathering of innovators, founders, investors, policymakers, and future-forward talent, returns on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre.

Building on the remarkable success of the past edition, which hosted 3,000+ participants, 50+ speakers, and notable public and private partners, including Google, SeedFi, KPMG, Unified Payments, Capital Sage, Alternative Bank, and a long list of others, ISF 2025 is set to welcome 5,000+ attendees, 50+ global speakers, and 50+ exhibitors.

This year’s edition, themed ‘Tech Excellence and Regional Innovation,’ will spotlight:

Tech Excellence Awards Gala honouring achievements across 13+ sectors, including fintech, healthtech, agritech, cybersecurity, hardware, and renewable energy.

Breakout panels, masterclasses, and workshopshosted across all five halls of the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre.

The ISF Deal Room, designed for investor-founder connections and corporate matchmaking.

Ecosystem activation week, featuring tech hub conversations and a Cocktail Friday for tech professionals.

High-level participation is expected from government leaders, private sector executives, and development partners. Dignitaries already expected include the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), with invitations extended to Southwest State Governors and international ecosystem leaders.

A key highlight is the launch of the Southwest Innovation and Startup Grant (SISG), powered by ISF and the DAWN Commission. The grant will provide ?1m-?2m Idea Grants and ?2m-?5m Go-to-Market Grants, reinforcing ISF’s commitment to supporting early-stage founders and driving regional growth.

‘ISF 2025 will not just be another conference; it will be a defining convergence for regional innovation, where ideas meet execution, and where the Southwest shows its capacity to lead Africa’s technology renaissance,’ said Tosin Kolawole, Team Lead of ISF.

With sponsorship and partnership opportunities now open (?1m-?25m packages), ISF 2025 offers brands, governments, and development organisations an unparalleled platform for visibility, engagement, and impact.

Save A Life Mission Hospital’s cutting-edge digital tools could improve Nigeria’s health outcomes by over 60 percent, according to Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group and a leading tech entrepreneur.

Ekeh, during a visit to the Port Harcourt-based facility, praised the hospital’s innovative technology, which he believes can curb inefficiencies and reduce the need for Nigerians to seek medical care abroad, marking a significant step toward transforming the nation’s healthcare landscape.

The hospital, led by Richard Okoye, stands as Nigeria’s most digitally advanced healthcare institution, operating a fully integrated database system that streamlines patient records and diagnostics with precision rivalling top global hospitals.

Ekeh, a serial digital entrepreneur, described the facility as no ordinary hospital, emphasising its ecosystem driven by innovation and a commitment to saving lives. ‘The digital tools here are a game-changer. They are culturally sensitive, accessible even in rural areas, and can revolutionise healthcare delivery,’ he told journalists.

Among the hospital’s innovations is a digital sugar level monitoring system that tracks glucose levels and sends real-time alerts to consultants for timely interventions. Other tools replicate the expertise of healthcare professionals, like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, radiologists, and physiotherapists, allowing them to focus on critical cases and research. These technologies are designed to function in areas with unreliable power and no resident doctors, operating in local languages like Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa to ensure inclusivity.

Ekeh’s visit reinforced his belief in Nigeria’s potential. ‘With common sense and technology, Nigerians can lead anywhere in the world,’ he said, urging corporate organisations and government bodies to partner with Save A Life to expand access to its cost-efficient, high-quality healthcare solutions.

Okoye, dubbed a miracle doctor by Ekeh, stated, ‘Building hospitals is not enough. We need digital solutions to deliver quality care efficiently.’

Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the judiciary as the state commenced the 2025/2026 Legal Year with a thanksgiving service at the Assemblies of God Church, Akim, Calabar.

Represented by Elvert Ayambem, speaker of the State House of Assembly, Otu described the thanksgiving as ‘sublime’ and praised the tradition of placing God at the center of judicial duties. He congratulated members of the Bar and Bench on the successful completion of the 2024/2025 legal year, commending their dedication, courage, and patriotism.

The governor, however, urged renewed focus on persistent challenges in justice delivery, particularly delayed trials, the over-reliance on punitive justice, and the need for continuous training of judicial officers. ‘Justice delayed is justice denied,’ he warned, stressing that prolonged detentions without speedy trials remain a grave disservice to humanity.

Otu advocated broader use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to ease prison congestion and promote restorative justice through community service, which he said would better rehabilitate offenders and reduce the burden on correctional facilities.

Announcing new reforms, the Governor disclosed that his administration had approved the construction of nine new courts across the state to decongest existing ones. He revealed that reconstruction of the fire-ravaged High Court in Ogoja is underway, SUVs have been distributed to judges to ease mobility, and a long-standing dispute with 30 magistrates has been amicably resolved with payment of their salaries and arrears.

He further outlined plans to renovate all court facilities in the state, adding that the government is considering either a full-scale renovation of the Judiciary Complex or the construction of a new multi-purpose hall. ‘The judiciary, as one arm of the tripod of governance, will continue to enjoy deserved attention under my watch,’ Otu assured.

In her address, Akon Ikpeme, chief judge of Cross River State, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his sustained support, particularly the provision of 20 vehicles to judges, including seven new ones distributed this September. She also acknowledged his commitment to improving court infrastructure and judicial welfare.

Justice Ikpeme highlighted milestones achieved under her tenure, including the appointment of 15 new judges since May 2021 and a remarkable 45% revenue increase above the 2024 target at the judiciary headquarters, an accomplishment she credited to staff dedication. She, however, appealed for further infrastructural upgrades, especially the renovation of magistrate courts and the construction of a larger ceremonial hall for official judicial sessions.

The thanksgiving service featured scripture readings, Choir ministrations, and intercessory prayers for a fruitful legal year. Delivering his exhortation titled ‘Gratitude to Jesus Christ Our Advocate’ (1 John 2:1; 1 John 3:8-9), the Calabar District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Orok Nkebem, reminded the congregation that the law was not made for the righteous but for sinners, affirming Jesus as the ultimate advocate interceding for humanity.

Dignitaries at the service included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, Esq.; Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam; Special Adviser on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba; members of the Diplomatic Corps; Service Commanders; members of the Silk; senior lawyers; and other distinguished guests.

The thanksgiving precedes the formal court session at the Judiciary Headquarters, which will officially mark the beginning of the 2025/2026 Legal Year in Cross River State.

Intelligence agencies from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have announced plans to unveil the identities of senior Nigerian politicians allegedly linked to bandit groups wreaking havoc across Nigeria’s North-West.

Officials of the agencies confirmed that they are already in possession of names of some politicians believed to be providing support and resources to the criminal gangs.

According to Zagazola Makama, a Counter-terrorism expert on the lake Chad, several individuals suspected of supplying arms to the bandits have been arrested, with investigations currently underway to establish the extent of the networks’ reach.

Makama reported that the disclosures are part of regional initiative aimed at dismantling cross-border criminal operations that sustain insecurity in West Africa.

The report also noted that the move underscores growing concern over how political influence and illicit arms trafficking intersect to fuel violence across the region.

‘This latest development comes at a time of deepening collaboration among Sahelian states in addressing insecurity.

‘Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, countries that have experienced their own struggles with insurgencies and armed groups are increasingly coordinating intelligence, border patrols, and security operations to stem the flow of weapons and fighters’, the report said.

The analyst suggest that the revelation of Nigerian political figures allegedly tied to banditry could intensify pressure on Abuja to strengthen internal oversight, tighten border controls, and work more closely with neighboring governments.

Banditry in Nigeria’s North-West has escalated in recent years, with armed groups responsible for mass kidnappings, deadly raids on rural communities, and attacks on security personnel.

Authorities in Abuja have long accused foreign arms dealers and cross-border smuggling networks of fueling the crisis.

China has announced plans to establish Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria, a project expected to end the country’s reliance on imported insulin and position it as a hub for medical biotechnology on the continent.

The move, announced by Yu Dunhai, China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, comes as both nations deepen economic cooperation through major infrastructure, health, and education partnerships.

Dunhai also reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, describing bilateral ties as a growing ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ that is expanding across political, economic, and cultural spheres.

Dunhai made the remarks on Wednesday night at a reception in Abuja to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

He said the year 2025 was a ‘pivotal moment’ for China’s development, China-Africa relations, and global diplomacy.

The envoy highlighted China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI) as a framework for shared progress, noting that Nigeria’s recent endorsement of the policy underscores Abuja’s growing influence on the world stage.

‘Days ago, the Nigerian government issued a statement to endorse the Initiative. China deeply appreciates this support and backs Nigeria’s greater role internationally,’ he said.

Dunhai also reflected on China’s domestic achievements, praising its transformation over seven decades as ‘miraculous.’

He pointed out that China had lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, achieved a GDP of more than $18 trillion in 2024, and consistently contributed over 30 percent to global economic growth.

The ambassador said China’s modernization drive would emphasize peace, development, and mutual benefit, adding: ‘We are eager to share development opportunities with African countries, including Nigeria.’

Underscoring outcomes of China-Nigeria cooperation, Dunhai cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Abuja Water Supply Project.

He described Lekki Port as a new ‘national gateway’ projected to generate $360 billion in economic benefits and create 170,000 jobs over the next 45 years.

On water infrastructure, he noted that the Abuja Water Supply Project, completed in June 2025, now provides clean water for nearly 3 million residents of the capital city.

The ambassador also disclosed ongoing talks with Nigerian authorities to establish Africa’s first local insulin production facility.

‘This project could end Nigeria’s reliance on imported insulin and position the country as a hub for African medical biotechnology,’ he said.

Dunhai emphasized cultural and educational exchanges, citing the recognition of Nigeria’s first female train driver, Issah Abiola, known in China as Bai Yang, who was recently honoured with China’s prestigious Friendship Envoy Award.

He also welcomed the Federal Government’s move to include Mandarin Chinese in the national senior secondary school curriculum, saying the initiative would foster deeper understanding between both peoples.

‘China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors,’ he stressed.

He further pledged to align Beijing’s policies with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President represented by Babangida Hussaini (Senator) echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, noting that Nigeria and China share a symbolic bond in celebrating their national days on October 1st.

He said the relationship has matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflected in Chinese-backed projects in roads, railways, power plants, and industrial parks across Nigeria.

‘Chinese enterprises and investments are visible in every corner of Nigeria, contributing to the modernization of our infrastructure,’ he said.

Jibrin also praised President Tinubu’s 2024 state visit to Beijing as a turning point in bilateral relations.

He expressed optimism about future collaborations under Nigeria’s 10-Year Development Plan and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, describing them as ‘opening new opportunities for growth, connectivity, and shared prosperity.’

On people-to-people relations, Jibrin highlighted the thousands of young Nigerians currently studying in China, alongside the growing visibility of Nigerian culture in Chinese society.

He assured that the National Assembly would continue to promote parliamentary diplomacy as part of efforts to strengthen ties.

Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, has introduced its flagship MasterPacT MTZ Active circuit breaker to the West African market, marking a significant step forward in industrial safety, efficiency, and digital energy management.

The launch comes at a time when businesses across the region are grappling with unreliable power supply and the growing need to integrate alternative energy sources into their operations. From small-scale manufacturers to large industrial plants, consistent electricity remains a challenge, often disrupting production and limiting growth.

‘Power availability and reliability remain a pressing issue across many sectors in West Africa,’ said Opeyemi Olaniyan, Offer Manager, Power Products at Schneider Electric West Africa. ‘The MasterPacT MTZ Active is purpose-built for today’s electrified and digitised environment, where uptime is essential and energy management has become increasingly complex.’

At the heart of the MTZ Active is the MicroLogic control unit, which provides real-time data on energy performance, allowing facilities to manage load fluctuations and restore power quickly after outages. By combining traditional circuit breaker functionality with advanced digital intelligence, the product is designed to help industries minimise downtime, optimise power use, and extend equipment life.

One of its standout features is wireless connectivity. Unlike traditional systems that rely on wired infrastructure, the MTZ Active supports Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee, and cloud gateways. This capability not only reduces installation costs but also allows seamless integration into decentralised environments or legacy systems undergoing upgrades. Through Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure architecture, users can remotely monitor and analyse performance, enabling predictive maintenance and improved operational efficiency.

Safety is another key focus of the MTZ Active. The breaker is equipped with an Energy Reduction Maintenance Setting (ERMS), which reduces the risk of arc flash hazards during live maintenance. In addition, an industry-first QR code on the LCD display enables maintenance staff to scan and immediately access diagnostics, shortening fault response times and enhancing worker confidence.

For businesses already invested in Schneider Electric’s older MasterPacT NT/NW systems, the MTZ Active offers a cost-efficient upgrade path. Facilities can retrofit by replacing only the trip unit with the MicroLogic Active, without altering the existing switchboard or footprint. This compatibility extends asset life, reduces waste, and avoids the downtime typically associated with system replacement.

Sustainability is also embedded in the product’s design. Its modular build allows for firmware upgrades and digital module enhancements, while components are certified for refurbishment and reuse. With rated current up to 6,300 A and compliance with UL 489, ANSI C37, and IEC standards, the MTZ Active is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications in the region.

Olaniyan summed up the product’s value by highlighting its blend of innovation and practicality: ‘This circuit breaker combines connectivity, safety, and retrofit capability in a way that directly addresses the challenges faced by industries in West Africa.’

By setting a new standard in circuit protection, Schneider Electric’s MasterPacT MTZ Active could play a crucial role in helping businesses across West Africa secure reliable power, reduce operational risks, and prepare for a more sustainable, digitised future.