TechPression

Tag: 2025

  • Kenya moves to regulate cryptocurrency with new virtual assets bill

    Kenya moves to regulate cryptocurrency with new virtual assets bill

    Kenya has introduced the Virtual Assets Service Providers Bill 2025 as part of efforts to regulate its fast-growing cryptocurrency sector

    The proposed legislation, which was received on April 4, now before Parliament, seeks to bring oversight to digital assets by requiring licensing for crypto exchanges, wallet providers, and stablecoin issuers.

    Read also: Ripple launches blockchain-based drought relief program in Kenya

    Focus on identity disclosure and financial integrity

    Under the bill, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) will share regulatory responsibilities. The CBK will oversee stablecoin issuers and payment processors, while the CMA will license exchanges, investment advisors, and tokenisation platforms.

    A notable provision is the requirement for service providers to reveal the identities of individuals conducting crypto transactions. The legislation aims to end the anonymity often associated with digital assets and curb financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

    “A virtual asset service provider shall conduct its business with integrity at all times and shall not undertake mixer or tumbler services,” states Section 22 of the bill. The move aligns with global anti-money laundering (AML) standards after Kenya was placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list in 2024 over weak AML controls.

    The bill also introduces strict rules for initial coin offerings (ICOs), requiring CMA approval and disclosures similar to traditional IPOs. Tokenisation platforms must register and provide details on asset valuation and storage.

    While the regulations aim to curb fraud and illicit flows, they also acknowledge Kenya’s high crypto adoption. A 2023 FSD Africa report found that 47 percent of Kenyans own digital assets, with stablecoins gaining traction for cross-border payments.

    “The government will develop a comprehensive law drawing from international standards,” the draft policy noted. Noncompliance penalties include fines of up to KES 20 million ($155,000) and potential jail terms.

    Read also: Ripple partners with Chipper Cash to drive crypto payments in Africa

    Benefits to Kenya and Africa

    If passed, the bill could position Kenya as a regional leader in crypto regulation, offering clarity for fintech firms while addressing financial risks.

    Furthermore, the bill will attract notable benefits, including enhanced investor confidence, reduced fraud, and stronger anti-money laundering controls. Regulating stablecoins and exchanges could boost remittance efficiency and financial inclusion.

    For Africa at large, the country regulatory framework will set a precedent for balanced crypto regulation, encouraging regional harmonisation. However, its success will depend on enforcement and adaptability to the evolving digital finance system.

  • South Africa Crypto Regulations: Travel rule compliance to begin in April 2025

    South Africa Crypto Regulations: Travel rule compliance to begin in April 2025

    South Africa is set to enforce its Crypto Travel Rule regulations starting April 30, 2025, as part of its efforts to align with global anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) standards.

    The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) issued Directive 9, which will mandate the Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) to implement the Travel Rule. This rule requires sharing transaction information to enhance transparency and combat illicit activities in the crypto space.

    Read also: African women in crypto: Binance champions financial inclusion

    A phased regulatory approach

    The move follows recommendations by the Crypto Assets Regulatory (CAR) Working Group under the Intergovernmental Fintech Working Group (IFWG). Since the release of its 2020 Position Paper on Crypto Assets, South Africa has made notable strides in regulating the crypto industry.

    In October 2022, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) declared crypto assets as financial products under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS), bringing CASPs under formal regulatory oversight.

    CASPs are now classified as accountable institutions under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), requiring them to register with the FIC to implement customer due diligence measures and file reports on suspicious transactions.

    Before now, CASPs have been granted a grace period from November 15, 2024, to prepare for full compliance with the Travel Rule. Under the new regulations, all crypto transactions, regardless of value, will be subject to Travel Rule obligations. However, transactions exceeding R5000 will require additional personally identifiable information (PII) to be shared between CASPs.

    The FIC has also provided guidelines for handling transactions involving self-hosted wallets. CASPs must develop risk-based policies and procedures to manage potential risks associated with these wallets and ensure compliance with the FIC Act.

    Read also: Microsoft alerts crypto users about StilachiRAT malware stealing wallet data

    South Africa’s vision for crypto regulation

    The country’s progressive regulatory framework majorly aims to balance innovation with risk management, positioning it as a potential crypto hub in Africa.

    The government’s commitment to fostering a secure and transparent crypto ecosystem is evident in its alignment with international standards, such as the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Recommendation 16.

    As the April 2025 deadline approaches, CASPs are urged to prioritise compliance to avoid penalties and contribute to South Africa’s growing reputation as a leader in crypto regulation.

  • Forbes names 2025 Fintech 50: MENA’s fastest-growing digital financial companies recognised

    Forbes names 2025 Fintech 50: MENA’s fastest-growing digital financial companies recognised

    Forbes Middle East on Friday released its annual Fintech 50 list for 2025, honouring the top innovators in the digital financial services industry in the area as they manage changing customer demands in a world that is becoming more and more digital.

    Fawry, an Egyptian fintech, claimed the second spot, making it the highest-ranked company in Africa. Tabby from Saudi Arabia secured first place, while Rasan, also based in Saudi Arabia, took third.

    Collectively, the firms featured on the list have raised over $3.8 billion in investments and processed more than $240 billion in transactions.

    Read also: 38 African startups raise over $119 million in February, fintech and logistics record largest investments

    Consideration for ranking 

    The rankings were based on several factors, including app downloads, active users, consumer impact, geographic footprint, external investments, total transaction volume, and achievements in innovation, growth, and expansion over the past 12 months.

    Companies affiliated with traditional banks, exchange houses, or government organisations were excluded from consideration.

    Notably, buy-now, pay-later services and payment solutions dominate the list of fintechs.

    Valuations of the top three 

    The Saudi-based fintech behemoth Tabby saw its valuation soar to $3.3 billion after raising $160 million in a Series E investment round in February 2025. This made it the highest-valued fintech in the region and the top-ranked company on the 2025 Fintech 50 list.

    Fawry, an Egyptian e-payments startup, ranks second thanks to its 53.1 million customers.

    Having gone public on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) in 2024, the Saudi Arabian insurtech and banking solutions company Rasan comes in third place with a market valuation of around $1.9 billion as of February 20, 2025.

    The 2025 Fintech 50 includes companies from 11 nations, with 12 newcomers—including Sahl (Egypt), Ziina (UAE), and CoinMENA (digital asset platform).

    The United Arab Emirates tops the list with 13 fintech companies, followed by Saudi Arabia (10), Egypt (12), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which together account for 70 percent of the list.

    Solo entrepreneurs formed 14 of the 50 listees, accounting for 28 percent of the ranking.

    According to Wamda, 119 fintech firms raised $700 million in 2024, continuing the upward trajectory of fintech companies in the MENA region over the past year.

    Strong investor interest in the booming area was demonstrated by the fact that this sizable investment made up 30 percent of the overall funding for MENA startups during the year.

    Read also: Ghana to host 2025 Africa Fintech Summit

    Forbes 2025 Fintech 50 (Full list)

    1. Tabby (Saudi Arabia)

    2. Fawry (Egypt)

    3. Rasan (Saudi Arabia)

    4. Wio Bank (U.A.E.)

    5. MyFatoorah (Kuwait)

    6. MadfoatCom (Jordan)

    7. MNT-Halan (Egypt)

    8. Thndr (Egypt)

    9. e& money (U.A.E.)

    10. Valu (Egypt)

    11. ZainCash Iraq (Iraq)

    12. Sarwa (U.A.E.)

    13. Optasia (U.A.E.)

    14. Tamara (Saudi Arabia)

    15. AMAN Holding (Egypt)

    16. HyperPay (Saudi Arabia)

    17. PayTabs Group ()

    18. Tap Payments (Saudi Arabia)

    19. MDP (Egypt)

    20. Telr (U.A.E.)

    21. HPS (Morocco)

    22. ONE Cash (Yemen)

    23. Lean Technologies (Saudi Arabia)

    24. UPayments (Kuwait)

    25. Tarabut (U.A.E.)

    26. Eazypay.com (Bahrain)

    27. Paysky (Egypt)

    28. Lendo (Saudi Arabia)

    29. CoinMENA (Bahrain, U.A.E.)

    30. Paymob (Egypt)

    31. Mercury (U.A.E.)

    32. Rain (Bahrain, U.A.E.)

    33. Beehive (U.A.E.)

    34. PayOne (Jordan)

    35. Hesabe (Kuwait)

    36. Thawani Pay (Oman)

    37. Ziina (U.A.E.)

    38. Sahl (Egypt)

    39. NEO Pay Iraq (Iraq)

    40. Zenda (U.A.E.)

    41. NASS e-Payment (Iraq)

    42. Lamaa for Information Technology (Lamaa Tech) (Saudi Arabia)

    43. Contact Financial Holding (Egypt)

    44. Pemo (U.A.E.)

    45. Khazna (Egypt)

    46. Klivvr (Egypt)

    47. Zbooni (U.A.E.)

    48. Mamo (U.A.E.)

    49. Wadaie (Saudi Arabia)

    50. Flouci (by Kaoun) (Tunisia, Netherlands)

  • InnovateHer2025: NIWIIT National Conference to empower women in AI and leadership

    InnovateHer2025: NIWIIT National Conference to empower women in AI and leadership

    The Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT) is set to host its 2025 National Conference on June 18 and 19, 2025. Themed “InnovateHer2025: Women & AI – Unlocking Resilience, Fostering Innovation, and Leadership,” the conference aims to spotlight the pivotal role of women in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology sectors.

    The two-day event is designed to provide attendees with opportunities to learn from industry experts, share experiences, and connect with like-minded professionals. The conference agenda includes keynote speeches from renowned speakers, interactive workshops, and panel discussions focusing on AI, innovation, and leadership. Participants can also look forward to mentorship and empowerment sessions, paper presentations by tech innovators, and an induction ceremony for new NIWIIT members.

    Read also: Ghana to host 2025 Africa Fintech Summit

    Registration details and payment categories

    Registration for the 2025 conference offers several options. Early bird registration for physical participation runs from January 1 to May 31, 2025, and costs N45,000. 

    Late registration, from June 1 to June 19, 2025, is priced at N50,000. Virtual participation is available for N25,000, while students can attend for N15,000. 

    Interested participants can make payments through First Bank using the account name “NCS-NIWIIT” and account number 2023085189. Further details and updates can be found on the official NIWIIT website.

    Preparing for impactful connections

    To maximise the conference experience, participants are advised to plan ahead by booking flights early, saving the event dates, and preparing for meaningful networking opportunities. The conference aims to foster an environment where attendees can engage in insightful discussions, establish professional connections, and explore collaborative opportunities in the tech industry.

    The NIWIIT National Conference 2025 promises to be a landmark event, celebrating and empowering women in technology, and highlighting their contributions to AI, innovation, and leadership.

    Read also: International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit: Nigeria, ITU seek global efforts against submarine cable cut

    About NIWIIT

    The Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT) is a professional, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing, empowering, and supporting women in the information technology (IT) sector. Established to bridge the gender gap in technology, NIWIIT promotes capacity building, mentorship, and advocacy for women across various tech fields. 

    The organisation provides a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and leadership development through conferences, workshops, and training programs. NIWIIT actively collaborates with industry stakeholders and government agencies to foster inclusion and drive innovation. 

    By encouraging more women to pursue and thrive in technology careers, NIWIIT plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital economy and advancing gender equity in tech spaces.

  • JAMB 2025 UTME registration ends with over 2 million applicants, enhanced anti-cheating measures

    JAMB 2025 UTME registration ends with over 2 million applicants, enhanced anti-cheating measures

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has successfully concluded the online registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with over 2 million candidates registering for the exam.

    This marks a notable milestone in the exam body’s efforts to streamline registration while enhancing security measures to prevent cheating.

    On Monday, JAMB released a statistic on X, that excludes overseas applicants, indicating a strong domestic CBT turnout.

    Read also: UTME 2025: Why JAMB suspended two CBT centres

    JAMB 2025 UTME: registration process and requirements

    Registration for the 2025 UTME began on Monday, February 3, 2025, and ended on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Candidates were required to have a valid email address, an active phone number, and a National Identification Number (NIN), mandatory for all applicants.

    The registration process involved obtaining a JAMB profile code, purchasing an e-PIN, and completing the registration at an accredited CBT centre.

    The total cost for the 2025 UTME registration varied depending on whether the candidate opted for the mock examination. The fees included the UTME/DE application fee of ₦3,500, a reading text for ₦1,000, and various service charges.

    JAMB implements strong measures to combat exam cheating

    JAMB has implemented stringent anti-cheating measures to ensure the integrity of the examination process. These measures include advanced biometric verification and monitoring systems to detect and prevent any form of malpractice during the exams. The board’s efforts aim to maintain fairness and transparency in the admission process.

    Read also: 2024 WASSCE Results: Over 34,000 students score credits in 5 subjects, with malpractice cases under review

    On the day of the registration closure, JAMB officials emphasised their commitment to conducting a seamless and fraud-free examination.

    The board’s spokesperson noted, “We are committed to ensuring that the UTME is conducted in a manner that reflects the highest standards of integrity and fairness.” The 2025 UTME is scheduled from Friday, 25th April 2025, to Monday, 5th May 2025.

    JAMB has also streamlined the result-checking process as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the examination experience. Candidates can check their results via SMS by sending “UTMERESULT” to 55019 or online through the JAMB portal. This accessibility ensures that candidates can easily access their results without unnecessary delays.

  • U.S. excludes UK, African countries, from 2025 visa-free entry list (See full list)

    U.S. excludes UK, African countries, from 2025 visa-free entry list (See full list)

    On Monday, the United States announced the list of nations eligible for its 2025 Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

    The United Kingdom was excluded from the 2025 list but remains eligible under certain conditions. Additionally, no African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, were included.

    The addition of Romania represents a major upgrade, even though the majority of the VWP list was not altered.

    Along with strengthening security inspections, the U.S has prioritised nations with high border security standards and diplomatic ties.

    Read also: U.S. Embassy removes drop box option for Nigerian visa renewal applicants

    Visa Waiver Program – only for 90 days 

    The majority of citizens or nationals of listed countries are permitted to enter the United States for up to 90 days for business or tourism without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, according to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

    The agency stated, “Travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa.”

    The 2025 Visa Waiver Program brings new travel regulations, changes to the list of participating nations, and policy amendments on visa eligibility.

    This upgrade makes it easier for millions of people throughout the world to enter the United States without a visa, increasing accessibility for transit, commerce, and travel.

    Under the 2025 Visa Waiver Program, individuals of 40 nations can gain entrance to the US without a visa.

    Read also: TikTok bypasses U.S. App Store restrictions, offers direct Android downloads

    Full list of countries under the USA’s Visa Waiver Program 

    1. Andorra

    2. Australia

    3. Austria

    4. Belgium

    5. Chile

    6. Czech Republic

    7. Croatia

    8. Denmark

    9. Estonia

    10. Finland

    11. France

    12. Germany

    13. Greece

    14. Hungary

    15. Iceland

    16. Ireland

    17. Italy

    18. Israel

    19. Norway

    20. Poland

    21. Portugal

    22. San Marino

    23. Singapore

    24. Slovakia

    25. Japan

    26. Slovenia

    27. Latvia

    28. South Korea

    29. Liechtenstein

    30. Spain

    31. Lithuania

    32. Sweden

    33. Luxembourg

    34. Switzerland

    35. Malta

    36. Netherlands

    37. New Zealand

    38. Qatar

    39. Romania

    40. Monaco

  • Dream VC opens applications for 2025 venture capital training programs

    Dream VC opens applications for 2025 venture capital training programs

    Dream VC, a leading African venture capital education institute, announced the opening of applications for its 2025 venture capital training programs on Monday. The applications will close on March 31, 2025. 

    This year, Dream VC is introducing updated editions of its flagship programs, the Investor Accelerator (IA) and Launch Into Venture Capital (LIVC), alongside new tools designed to enhance investment education and market transparency.

    Read also: OceanHub Africa Accelerator Program now accepting applications for startups focused on ocean health

    Dream VC’s enhanced training programs 

    Dream VC’s 2025 programs feature expanded curricula, with the IA program extended to 22 weeks, incorporating more hands-on training and case studies.

    LIVC will see enhanced modules on financial modelling, while IA will add dedicated training on board governance and non-executive directorships. 

    The institute is also introducing new resources for the African investment community, including the Founders Personality Test, a tool designed to categorise founder archetypes and assess their suitability for venture-backed businesses. 

    Additionally, Dream VC is preparing to release the first Comprehensive African Investment Salary Report, aiming to benchmark remuneration across venture capital, private equity, and impact investment firms.

    Read also: Apply Now: AfricaTech Awards by VivaTech offers funding, mentorship to African startups

    Career support and industry access

    The 2025 training cycle brings substantial upgrades to career support. The Launch Into Venture Capital program introduces a structured off-ramp into venture roles, giving top-performing fellows direct exposure to investment firms. 

    Participants will also gain exclusive access to industry job lists, investment resources, and simulated VC job interviews to prepare them for real-world roles better. 

    As Cindy Ai, Co-CEO at Dream VC, noted, “We have spent years refining our approach, and this year’s updates reflect what the ecosystem truly needs: practical, job-ready VC training that goes beyond theory.”

    Devika Bade, Head of Platform at Dream VC, emphasised that the initiative is “a movement” driving real change in venture capital with a growing network of alumni, mentors, and partners.

    Dream VC’s programs have trained over 250 individuals, with alumni now employed at more than 70 venture capital and private equity firms. The organisation claims its network extends to professionals managing or working within investment firms with a combined $7 billion in assets under management. 

    The application launch comes when venture capital activity in Africa shows signs of renewed vigour, with the emergence of new African unicorns like Moniepoint and Tyme.

  • InnovateAI Conference Lagos 2025: Scaling AI Adoption IN NIGERIA

    InnovateAI Conference Lagos 2025: Scaling AI Adoption IN NIGERIA

    AI in Nigeria is a growing community of forward-thinking leaders and tech enthusiasts striving to place Nigeria at the forefront of the global AI revolution. On February 21, 2025, they hosted InnovateAI Lagos 2025 at the Landmark Event Centre, marking the highly anticipated second edition of their flagship AI conference.

    The theme “Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria” sparked engaging conversations about the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI across industries, bringing together innovators, experts, and changemakers eager to shape the future.

    Read also: Lagos to host premiere of Makemation, Africa’s first AI feature film

    The InnovateAI Conference Lagos fostered the exchange of knowledge, insights, and groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence.

    This annual event brings together over 4,000 AI enthusiasts, industry experts, scholars, and innovators from the public and private sectors and academia from around the world.

    “Inclusion is not just about giving everybody a place. It’s about ensuring that they never have to fight for one.” – Stephanie Egharevba, Mastercard Foundation

    Exclusion isn’t always loud—it’s in spaces designed without certain people in mind. A student with a disability struggles with accessibility. A woman in tech working twice as hard yet overlooked. Exclusion is our problem. Progress depends on building doors wide enough for everyone, amplifying voices, and ensuring no one has to fight for a seat at the table. Inclusion isn’t optional—it’s the future, and it starts with us.  Is this a quote? No

    Panel discussions & key takeaways

    Throughout the day, engaging panel discussions covered topics such as:

    Panel Discussion 1: Policymaker – The state of AI across Nigeria

    This session featured notable panellists, including Sade Dada (Head of Public Policy, Meta, Anglophone West Africa), Temi Kolawole (Managing Director, Ilorin Innovation Hub), Olatundun Adekunte (Director, Ogun State Bureau for Information Technology), Prof Goselle Obed Nanjul (Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Digital Economy), Chinwe Okoli (SA to the Governor of Anambra State on Innovation & Business Incubation), and Dr. Babatunde Obrimah (COO, FintechNGR). Their discussions centered on how policymakers can help shape the landscape of AI adoption in Nigeria.

    Panel Discussion 2: Computer & Data focuses on Strengthening the digital infrastructure for AI scalability in Nigeria. Panellists were Industry leaders in computing, cloud infrastructure, and AI deployment, including Yen Choi Co-Founder | Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Netcom Africa,

    Engr Ikechukwu Nnamani, founder of Medallion Data Centre, Dr Krishnan Ranganath, West Africa & Morocco regional executive, Africa Data Centre, and many more.

    Panel Discussion 3: Al & The Future of Work in Nigeria focuses on Accelerating Al’s education and workforce readiness to meet sectoral demands (Al & the Future of Work).

    Panellists include Al/Computer Science Academics, HR leaders, and IT Leaders, including Olayinka David-West Dean, Lagos Business School, Lara Yeku HR Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC, Franklin Ali Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch and many more.

    Read also: EGYPES 2025: Global energy leaders converge for critical dialogue on decarbonisation and innovation

    Additionally, Al Town Hall discussion titled ‘ Al Startup Panel with Rodger Werkhoven’ highlighted Conversations by selected startups showcasing transformative Al solutions and products in Nigeria, which include speakers like Oladipo Aina Vice President – Technology, Kuda, Omonigho Aito-Imönah is the CEO and creative Lead of Naijafashionista, Shamsudeen Jibril is the Co-Founder of VORA, Aisha Tofa is the ED and Executive Board Member of Kano Startup and many more.

    The co-founders of AI in Nigeria highlighted the country’s AI evolution over the past year and their vision for wider adoption.

    “We’ve helped businesses across finance, insurance, and beyond not just understand AI but integrate it strategically.”

    Their focus is on AI readiness—ensuring companies assess their preparedness before adoption. “The real question isn’t just ‘Should you adopt AI?’ but ‘Are you ready for it?’”

    By guiding businesses through this journey, AI in Nigeria is driving sustainable adoption.

  • Flutterwave, Zuri Health shine at the 2025 Africa Tech Summit Awards in Kenya (Full List of Winners)

    Flutterwave, Zuri Health shine at the 2025 Africa Tech Summit Awards in Kenya (Full List of Winners)

    Organisers of the 2025 Africa Tech Summit Awards on Tuesday announced a list of winners. The summit, which took place in Nairobi on February 12 and 13, 2025, honoured innovators and businesses influencing the continent’s tech sector.

    The event, powered by Raenest, brought together more than 1,600 tech leaders from over 65 countries to promote investment and business in the African tech ecosystem.

    Lauren Adair, Director of Africa Tech Summit, said: “The Awards were created to celebrate tech companies driving business and growth across a range of sectors and it was fantastic to host so many finalists doing this, all in one room.”

    Read also: EGYPES 2025: Global energy leaders converge for critical dialogue on decarbonisation and innovation

    2025 Africa Tech Summit Award winners and categories 

    The Africa Tech Summit Awards honour accomplishments in two individual categories and eleven sector categories. Here is the list of the winners, featuring their originating countries, the services they offer and categories they won.

    Africa Tech Summit 2025 individual winners

    Chinwe Udo-Davis (Nigeria): Chinwe wins the Female Tech Innovator award. She is the CEO and co-founder of Instollar, a green energy marketplace that aims to solve Africa’s lack of access to dependable, clean energy, especially in underserved and rural areas. By teaching women how to install solar panels, InstallHer gives them the skills they need to succeed in the green economy.

    Maxwell Opondo (Kenya): Maxwell wins the Young Tech Innovator award. Students with hearing impairments can now connect and communicate in real time thanks to Maxwell Opondo’s creation of Zerobionic, a robotic arm that can respond to sign language.

    Read also: Morocco’s role in sustainable mobility: Insights from the Green Impact Expo 2025

    Africa Tech Summit 2025 sector winners

    Mazao AgClimate Limited (Tanzania): Mazao wins the Agritech Award. In order to maintain ecological balance and food security, MazaoHub seeks to improve soil health, lessen reliance on fertilisers, and stop environmental degradation, as over 50 million smallholder farmers face the loss of arable land as a result of excessive use of synthetic fertilisers and deforestation.

    Cassava Technologies (South Africa): Cassava Technologies wins the AI Award for leading the way in AI-powered infrastructure to improve cloud services, cybersecurity, and connectivity. Their inventions support Africa’s digital economy by guaranteeing that people and companies can obtain safe, scalable, and reasonably priced digital solutions.

    Sabi (Nigeria) – Climate Tech Award: With the help of blockchain technology, Sabi’s Technology Rails for African Commodity Exchange (TRACE) platform provides real-time traceability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance, and carbon tracking for commodities like as copper, lithium, and cocoa.

    Flutterwave (Nigeria) – Cross Border Payments Award: With the help of Flutterwave’s Send App, people and companies can send money quickly and easily across more than 35 nations, including the US, UK, Canada, Nigeria, and Kenya.

    OmniRetail (Nigeria): OmniRetail wins the Digital Commerce Award for digitising the retail sector by streamlining distribution and enabling improved access to vital items. Retail commerce in Africa is severely fragmented, with approximately 90 per cent of shops dependent on the conventional distribution system.

    Ikusasa Technology Solutions (South Africa): Ikusasa wins the EdTech Award for promoting inclusive education and digitising vocational training through its SMART Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project.

    Smile ID (Nigeria) – Enterprise Award: With more than 400 million people in Africa lacking valid identification, identity verification is extremely difficult. Smile ID fills this gap by offering cutting-edge technologies that enable safe transactions, lower the risk of fraud, and instantly verify identities.

    My Pregnancy Journey (South Africa) – FemTech Award: The first maternal digital health app with an African focus, My Pregnancy Journey wins this award for providing culturally appropriate pregnancy tracking, connections to local health professionals, and a digital ecosystem that helps women from conception to the postpartum period.

    HUB2 (Mauritius) – FinTech Award: In Francophone Africa, cross-border payments are still complicated because there are more than 100 independent banks and mobile money providers. It is difficult for firms to integrate and navigate payment systems because of this fragmentation. By offering a single API that combines bitcoin, bank transfers, card payments, and mobile money, HUB2 solves this problem and streamlines the transaction process.

    Zuri Health (Kenya) – Health Tech Award: Zuri Health is a cutting-edge digital healthcare platform that guarantees accessible and reasonably priced healthcare throughout Africa. Through websites, WhatsApp, SMS, and mobile apps, Zuri Health provides patients with chronic care management, pharmacy delivery, AI-powered diagnostics, and virtual consultations.

    MiniPay (Nigeria) – Web3 Award: In emerging nations, millions of individuals lack access to basic financial services, and many people are intimidated by blockchain technology and cryptocurrency products. MiniPay is an Opera Mini integration that facilitates quick and inexpensive peer-to-peer transactions with USD Coin (USDC), Tether (USDT), and Celo Dollar (cUSD).

  • Telecom Infrastructure Vandalism: Nigerian operator faces seven fibre cuts per hour, slowing digital growth

    Telecom Infrastructure Vandalism: Nigerian operator faces seven fibre cuts per hour, slowing digital growth

    The Nigeria Telecoms Forum 2025, held at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigeria’s telecom industry.

    Techpression, as a media partner, captured key insights from the discussions on infrastructure, investment, regulation, and emerging technologies.

    One of the key issues raised was the ongoing challenge of telecom infrastructure vandalism, with one operator reporting a staggering seven fibre cuts per hour across its operations. 

    These disruptions not only increase operational costs but also hinder the growth of digital services, making it difficult to expand broadband access to underserved areas.

    Read also: Martech Africa 2.0 to explore tech-driven marketing solutions for Africa

    A growing industry with significant challenges

    The event started with a keynote address from Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, who explained that despite notable progress in broadband expansion, over 40 million Nigerians still lack access to digital services. The issue of Right of Way (RoW) charges remains a significant obstacle, with some states supporting broadband rollout while others impose heavy costs. 

    Additionally, Emoekpere highlighted how foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria’s telecom sector has dropped significantly, with an 87 percent decline in Q3 2024. 

    Infrastructure expansion and Broadband penetration

    The first-panel session, which Techpression’s Ibukun Bankole anchored, involved prominent figures like Tunji Alabi, Oluwakemi Young-Esumeh, Reuben Oshomah, and Bruce Ayonote. They discussed Broadband penetration, collaboration, infrastructure sharing and regulatory challenges. 

    Broadband remains the backbone of digital growth, but misconceptions persist. Many Nigerians equate basic connectivity with broadband, whereas true broadband requires minimum speed levels. The forum highlighted the need to distinguish between these terms and ensure policies focus on delivering accurate broadband services. While 5G services have been launched, adoption remains low due to the high cost of 5G-compatible devices. With 5G phones in the hundreds of thousands of naira, many middle-class Nigerians are priced out of the market, limiting widespread adoption.

    Collaboration and infrastructure sharing

    Industry experts emphasised the need for shared infrastructure to reduce duplication of fibre deployments. Instead of multiple companies digging the same routes for fibre installations, a shared network approach would reduce costs, prevent unnecessary disruptions, and improve efficiency. States like Ekiti, Edo, and Kaduna have successfully waived or reduced Right of Way charges, leading to over 300 percent growth in fibre deployment. Encouraging similar policies nationwide would significantly accelerate broadband penetration.

    Investment and regulatory challenges

    Regulation, economic policies, and market conditions heavily influence Nigeria’s telecom sector investment. Industry leaders stressed that capital flows to attractive environments, and if regulations are too rigid or unpredictable, investors will look elsewhere. Declining FDI due to policy uncertainties has become a pressing issue. Tariff regulations restricting price adjustments for telecom services further complicate investment strategies. The high cost of capital continues to burden telecom operators who rely on imported equipment.

    Furthermore, limited local manufacturing of telecom hardware presents additional hurdles. The industry advocates for tax breaks on imported telecom equipment and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to address these issues and enhance investment. It has compared the U.K. and the U.S., where governments subsidise 5G rollouts and support infrastructure projects.

    Emerging technologies and innovation

    Nigeria has a reputation for technological innovation, but industry leaders noted that more investment is needed in AI, cloud computing, IoT, and satellite internet. The rapid rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, cloud-based services, and AI-driven telecom solutions is reshaping the global telecom landscape. 

    However, concerns exist that AI training data lack African representation, leading to biases in AI-generated content. Industry players stressed the importance of developing local datasets to ensure AI solutions reflect Nigerian realities. Leveraging these emerging technologies will be crucial for Nigeria’s digital transformation and maintaining a competitive edge in the global telecom space.

    Read also: WTO Chief Okonjo-Iweala champions AI as key to Nigeria’s development across healthcare, other sectors

    Call for greater collaboration

    A key message from the forum was the need for industry-wide collaboration. Nigeria’s telecom sector is fragmented, with many small players operating independently. Experts highlighted the necessity for more partnerships to drive broadband expansion. Strengthening industry associations can help advocate for better policies and ensure regulatory frameworks support rather than hinder progress. Encouraging shared infrastructure models would cut costs and improve efficiency, making it easier for all players to expand their networks and enhance digital inclusion.

    The Nigeria Telecoms Forum 2025 highlighted the critical role of the telecom sector in Nigeria’s economic growth. While challenges remain—from regulatory hurdles to infrastructure issues—the discussions at the forum provided a clear roadmap for the industry’s future. Techpression was proud to be a media partner for this event, bringing firsthand insights from industry leaders. As Nigeria moves towards a more connected future, collaboration, investment, and regulatory support will be key drivers of digital transformation. The integration of emerging technologies, AI, 5G, and cloud computing will define the next chapter of Nigeria’s telecom evolution, ensuring sustainable growth and increased connectivity nationwide.