Kenya’s leading telecom operator, Safaricom, is embroiled in a legal dispute with Goodweek Inter-Services Limited, a long-time dealer of its M-PESA services, SIM cards, and merchandise. The case, filed in Kenya’s High Court, accuses Safaricom of abusing its dominant market position to impose unfair contract terms. Goodweek, which has been a Safaricom dealer since 2002, lost access to the telecom’s dealer portal in April 2024 after failing to renew its dealership agreement. Safaricom argues that the suspension was procedural and automatic, as the contract had expired. The company claims over 400 other dealers renewed their agreements without issue and insists Goodweek had ample notice to do the same. However, Goodweek contends the termination was deliberate and unfair. The dealer alleges that Safaricom used its market dominance to coerce smaller partners into accepting non-negotiable contracts. These agreements reportedly included clauses allowing unilateral termination by Safaricom and imposing high sales targets—such as registering 20,700 new subscribers in 2023, a goal Goodweek claims was unrealistic. Goodweek has also named Vodafone Plc, Vodafone Kenya Limited, and Mobitelea Ventures Limited as respondents, suggesting the issue extends beyond Safaricom. The telecom giant’s legal team has questioned this move, arguing that the dispute is contractual and should have been resolved through arbitration as stipulated in the agreement. The case raises broader questions about power dynamics in Kenya’s telecom sector. If Goodweek prevails, it could set a precedent for how dominant firms engage with smaller partners. Safaricom maintains its stance that the contract lapsed naturally and denies any wrongdoing.
FAAN temporarily closes Murtala Muhammed Airport runway for rehabilitation
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The closure, which began at 3:00 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, is scheduled to last until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. This is part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the runway’s asphalt and ensure its operational safety and efficiency. In a statement issued on Sunday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, explained that the rehabilitation work is focused on the A2 Taxiway link of the runway. She reassured travelers that flight operations would not be disrupted during this period, as all flights have been redirected to the alternative Runway 18L/36R. “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that there will be a temporary closure of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos from 03:00 hours on March 3, 2025, to 23:59 hours on March 4, 2025. The closure is due to ongoing rehabilitation work (asphalt phase) at the A2 Taxiway link of the runway,” the statement read. This maintenance project is part of FAAN’s continuous efforts to enhance aviation safety and maintain compliance with international standards. Over the years, FAAN has periodically closed runways at Murtala Muhammed Airport for upgrades and repairs aimed at improving infrastructure and ensuring optimal conditions for both domestic and international flight operations. For instance, in March 2023, FAAN shut down both Runway 18L (domestic) and Runway 18R (international) for eight weeks to carry out critical maintenance. Similarly, in July 2022, extensive repairs were conducted on Runway 18L/36R over a four-month period, during which navigational aids such as approach lights and runway lighting systems were installed to support night operations. Passengers traveling through Murtala Muhammed Airport during this period are advised to remain calm as flight schedules will proceed without interruption. Airlines will utilize the alternative runway to ensure smooth operations.
Bitcoin Soars to $95K as Trump Unveils U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve
Bitcoin experienced a dramatic rally over the weekend, climbing nearly 20% from its recent lows to hit $95,000, following a major announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump. The president revealed plans to establish a “Crypto Strategic Reserve” in the United States, signaling a significant shift in federal policy toward digital assets. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump outlined the initiative, which will include leading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum (Ether), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). The move is part of an executive order aimed at bolstering the U.S.’s position as a global leader in the cryptocurrency industry. “The initiative aims to support the crypto industry and strengthen America’s position in the global digital asset market,” Trump stated. He emphasized that this effort would counteract what he described as “corrupt attacks” on the sector by the previous administration. Trump also highlighted his broader vision to ensure the U.S. stays ahead of other nations, particularly China, in embracing cryptocurrency innovation. The announcement has sparked optimism among investors, who had been growing frustrated with regulatory uncertainty under Trump’s administration. Bitcoin, which had been trading below $80,000 just days earlier due to concerns over new trade tariffs and inflation fears, surged as high as $95,000 before cooling slightly to $93,000. Trump’s position on cryptocurrencies has evolved significantly over time. Once skeptical of digital assets, the president has now embraced them as part of his broader economic strategy. His executive order on digital assets directs federal agencies to develop frameworks for integrating and regulating cryptocurrencies. This marks a departure from previous policies and underscores his commitment to making the U.S. a hub for crypto innovation. David Sacks, the White House’s AI and cryptocurrency czar, confirmed the administration’s plans and praised Trump’s leadership in this area. “President Trump is making the U.S. the ‘World’s Crypto Capital,’” Sacks wrote on social media. He also announced that Trump will host a White House Crypto Summit on March 7, bringing together industry leaders to discuss strategies for advancing America’s role in the global crypto market. Bitcoin’s recent rally reflects renewed investor confidence but also highlights ongoing volatility in the market. Technical analysts suggest that if Bitcoin sustains its momentum, it could retest resistance levels at $100,000. However, if it falls below its current support level of $90,000, it may drop further to $85,000. Despite these fluctuations, Trump’s pro-crypto stance has injected fresh energy into the market. His plans for a strategic reserve and industry collaboration are seen as steps toward creating a more stable regulatory environment for digital assets
SERAP urges President Tinubu to suspend ATM fee hike amid legal challenge
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt the recent increase in automated teller machine (ATM) withdrawal charges. The group is urging a suspension of the fee hike pending the outcome of an ongoing court case challenging the policy. In a statement shared on Sunday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, SERAP emphasized that suspending the fee increase aligns with constitutional principles, including the president’s oath of office to uphold the rule of law. The organization described the new charges as an additional financial burden on Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship. On February 11, 2025, the CBN announced a revision of ATM transaction fees, effective March 1, 2025. Under the new policy: Withdrawals from ATMs within customers’ own banks (“on-us transactions”) remain free. A fee of ₦100 per ₦20,000 withdrawal applies at ATMs located within bank branches. For withdrawals at ATMs operated by other banks (“not-on-us transactions”), customers face a ₦100 fee plus a surcharge of up to ₦450 per ₦20,000 withdrawal. The CBN justified the increase by citing rising operational costs and a need to enhance service efficiency. This marks the first adjustment since 2019 when withdrawal fees were reduced from ₦65 to ₦35. Public Backlash and Legal ActionThe revised charges have sparked widespread criticism from consumer advocacy groups and financial analysts. Critics argue that higher transaction fees undermine efforts to promote financial inclusion and cashless banking in Nigeria. Many warn that such policies could push citizens toward informal financial systems, weakening monetary policy implementation. SERAP has taken legal action against the CBN, filing a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos to stop the implementation of the new fees. The group contends that the policy violates Nigerians’ economic rights and exacerbates financial hardship amid rising inflation and living costs. SERAP’s Appeal to President TinubuBy urging President Tinubu to intervene, SERAP highlights his constitutional responsibility to protect citizens’ interests. The organization argues that suspending the fee hike demonstrates a commitment to public welfare and respect for judicial processes. “At a time when Nigerians are already struggling with economic instability, this fee hike is unjustified,” SERAP stated. It added that pausing implementation until a court ruling is delivered would provide relief for citizens while ensuring fairness in governance. The controversy over ATM fees comes as Nigeria faces significant economic challenges. Inflation remains high, and many households are struggling with increased living costs. Meanwhile, President Tinubu recently signed a ₦54.99 trillion budget for 2025 aimed at stabilizing the economy and reducing inflationary pressures.
Microsoft to shut down Skype in May 2025, focus shifts to Teams
Microsoft has announced that it will officially discontinue Skype on May 5, 2025, marking the end of an era for the once-dominant video calling platform. The company is urging users to transition to Microsoft Teams, which has become its primary communication tool in recent years. Skype, launched in 2003, revolutionized online communication by offering free voice and video calls globally. Acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, it was integrated into the company’s ecosystem, including Windows and Xbox devices. At its peak, Skype was a household name with hundreds of millions of users worldwide. However, the platform’s popularity has waned over the years due to competition from services like Zoom, WhatsApp, and Google Meet. Microsoft’s decision to prioritize Teams, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when virtual collaboration tools became essential, further signaled Skype’s decline. In 2021, Skype was notably absent from Windows 11’s default applications as Teams took center stage. In a blog post, Jeff Teper, Microsoft’s president of collaborative apps and platforms, explained the rationale behind the move. “With Teams, users have access to many of the same core features they use in Skype, such as one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing,” he wrote. “Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free.” Skype users can log into Teams using their existing credentials and are advised to export their chat history, contacts, and call logs before the shutdown date. The announcement has sparked nostalgia among long-time users who shared their memories online. One user reflected on how Skype played a pivotal role in maintaining long-distance relationships before smartphones became mainstream. Another described it as a “game-changer” during its heyday. Despite its decline in recent years, Skype remains a significant part of internet history. Its closure marks the end of a chapter for one of the most iconic communication tools of the modern era.
Mark Zuckerberg channels his inner pop star in a viral birthday surprise for wife Priscilla Chan
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, traded his usual tech-world persona for a show-stopping pop-star moment to celebrate his wife, Priscilla Chan, on her 40th birthday. The surprise performance, which has since gone viral, revealed a playful and unexpected side of the tech billionaire. In a video shared online, Zuckerberg took to the stage wearing a shimmering blue sequined jumpsuit reminiscent of Benson Boone’s iconic Grammys outfit. The performance was part of a private celebration for Chan’s milestone birthday, and it certainly left an impression. With microphone in hand and boundless energy, Zuckerberg delivered an enthusiastic routine that included dramatic gestures and even jumping onto a piano. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Chan’s reaction. She appeared both surprised and delighted as she watched her husband fully embrace his pop-star alter ego. “Your wife only turns 40 once!” Zuckerberg reportedly declared before stepping into the spotlight. The unexpected performance has sparked widespread attention online, with fans praising Zuckerberg’s effort to make the occasion unforgettable. It’s not every day you see one of the world’s most influential tech leaders donning sequins and channeling their inner entertainer. This lively display of affection adds a personal touch to the public image of Zuckerberg, who is more often associated with boardrooms and innovation than stage performances. For Priscilla Chan, it was surely a birthday to remember, complete with laughter, love, and a little bit of rock-and-roll flair.