Energy security must be prioritised if Nigeria and other African countries are to achieve meaningful digital inclusion, Okwuosa has said, highlighting the importance of reliable electricity in expanding access to digital services and technology.
As governments and businesses accelerate efforts to improve digital connectivity, the availability of stable and affordable power remains a major concern. Telecommunications infrastructure, data centres, internet services and other digital systems depend on consistent electricity to operate efficiently.
Without reliable power, investments in digital infrastructure may struggle to deliver their intended benefits, particularly in communities where electricity supply remains inconsistent.
Okwuosa’s position draws attention to the relationship between energy infrastructure and digital development. While expanding broadband access and improving digital literacy are important goals, these efforts require a dependable energy supply to support the infrastructure that makes connectivity possible.
For businesses, unreliable electricity can increase operating costs as companies rely on generators, inverters and other alternative power sources. These additional expenses can affect service delivery, limit expansion and make digital solutions more expensive for consumers.
The challenge is particularly significant for telecommunications operators and technology companies that must maintain uninterrupted services. Data centres, network equipment and digital payment systems require dependable power to minimise disruptions and maintain operational efficiency.
Reliable electricity is also important for small businesses and individuals who depend on digital platforms for their livelihoods. Online merchants, remote workers, students and entrepreneurs need affordable access to power to participate effectively in the digital economy.
In rural and underserved communities, the combination of limited electricity access and inadequate digital infrastructure can deepen existing inequalities. Expanding internet coverage without addressing power shortages may leave many people unable to take full advantage of available services.
Addressing the challenge will require coordinated investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, alongside renewable energy solutions and improved digital infrastructure. Solar power, battery storage and decentralised energy systems could also help extend reliable electricity access to locations that are poorly served by the national grid.
For Nigeria, improving energy security could support broader economic objectives, including financial inclusion, digital entrepreneurship, education and the growth of technology-driven businesses. A more dependable power supply would also help reduce the cost of operating digital infrastructure.
However, prioritising energy security does not mean abandoning digital inclusion. Rather, it highlights the need to develop both sectors in a coordinated manner, ensuring that investments in connectivity are supported by the electricity required to sustain them.
As Africa pursues greater participation in the global digital economy, the ability to provide reliable and affordable energy will remain an important factor in determining how widely the benefits of digital transformation can be shared.
