Federal Government has announced plans to tackle ongoing issues in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. This comes on the heels of an interim report submitted by KPMG, which outlines critical challenges facing the industry. Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, expressed his commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to reliable connectivity. After receiving the KPMG report, he stated, “We are working to find a balance between the sustainability of the telecom sector and ensuring meaningful connectivity for our people.” He emphasized that internet access is a fundamental human right and a vital component for economic growth. One of the key issues highlighted in the report is the urgent need for a review of tariffs. Telecom operators have been vocal about their concerns regarding rising operational costs, which they argue threaten the industry’s sustainability. The CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, recently pointed out that inflation and foreign exchange fluctuations have significantly increased expenses for telecom companies. For instance, he noted that diesel prices have skyrocketed from around N230 per liter before COVID-19 to over N1,000 now. Dr. Tijani mentioned in an interview that the government is considering medium to long-term solutions in response to operators’ requests for tariff increases. He acknowledged that while there may be a need for higher tariffs, there are numerous other factors that must be addressed to keep the telecom sector competitive. “We must also invest in digital infrastructure,” he added, indicating that government support will extend beyond just tariff adjustments. As discussions continue, it is clear that both the government and telecom operators recognize the importance of a sustainable industry for Nigeria’s economic well-being. With rising costs and increasing demands for connectivity, finding a viable path forward will be crucial for ensuring that all Nigerians can benefit from modern telecommunications services.
Nigeria rises as digital leader in Africa with over 231,000 .ng domains registered
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has announced a significant milestone in the growth of the country’s .ng internet domain. By November 2024, total registrations surged to 231,853, reflecting a steady increase in the adoption of local domains. This impressive growth can be attributed to a series of strategic initiatives launched by NiRA. Among these efforts were price reductions and targeted awareness campaigns designed to highlight the benefits of using .ng domains for Nigerian businesses. By promoting local domains, NiRA aims to encourage more businesses to establish an online presence that resonates with their local identity. The report emphasizes NiRA’s financial success as well, with the organization reporting revenues of ₦348 million for 2023. This financial boost not only reflects the growing popularity of .ng domains but also supports NiRA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the digital landscape in Nigeria. Despite facing competition from globally recognized domains like .com, the rise in .ng registrations signals a shift in preference among Nigerian businesses and individuals towards local internet solutions. This trend is positioning Nigeria as a leading player in Africa’s digital infrastructure, paving the way for further growth and innovation in the country’s tech sector.
Shutterstock and Getty Images join forces in $4B deal amid anti-trust concerns
Shutterstock has announced a $4 billion deal to merge with Getty Images, a move that could reshape the stock photography industry. The agreement, revealed early Wednesday, has sparked immediate concerns about competition in the market for licensed visual content, where both companies compete with Reuters, the Associated Press, and others. The merger is expected to face antitrust scrutiny as regulators examine its potential impact on the sector. A combined Shutterstock+Getty Images entity could hold significant market power, leading to questions about reduced choices for consumers and businesses. Investors reacted positively to the news. Shutterstock’s stock price surged 26.5% in premarket trading, while Getty Images saw a 50.2% increase. However, the rally comes against the backdrop of years of declining performance for both companies. Industry analysts attribute this decline to the widespread use of mobile cameras, which has lowered demand for traditional stock photography. As of this report’s writing, details on how the merger will affect photographers, media companies, and the broader market have not yet been disclosed. Regulatory reviews and further announcements are expected in the coming months.
4,000 women to showcase tech skills in Lagos demo day
Over 4,000 women are expected to participate in the Demo Day of the Transitioning to Tech for Women programme on January 15 at The Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos. The event marks the conclusion of a year-long programme aimed at equipping women with technology skills and industry expertise. According to Peter Dingba, Chief Executive Officer of asf.africa, the initiative was designed to address the gender gap in coding and the broader tech sector. “The programme was developed to address the gender gap in coding and, generally, the tech industry,” Dingba said in a statement. The women received training in Backend Development, Frontend Development, DevOps, and Data Science. They also completed a course titled *The Business of Tech* to build both technical skills and business knowledge. During the event, participants will present their projects, while the top 10 participants will pitch their startups for a chance to win a N1 million grant each. Other highlights of the event include panel discussions, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and the presentation of the Outstanding Women in Tech Awards (OWITA). Partners for the programme include the United Nations, European Union, GIZ, IFC, U.S. Consulate, Dutch Consulate, Mastercard Foundation, MainOne, Aruwa Capital Management, Jobberman, and AWS. Leading female tech founders and prominent media organizations are also involved. The event aims to provide a platform for women to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the tech industry.
Nigeria’s Customs Service unveils new technologies to boost border security
Nigeria’s Customs Service is rolling out innovative technologies designed to strengthen border surveillance and improve trade facilitation in order to enhance national security and combat transnational crime. At the forefront of this initiative is Geoportal, a cutting-edge web-based platform that allows for real-time monitoring of general aviation activities. This technology aims to tackle illicit activities such as arms and drug trafficking, providing authorities with the tools they need to respond swiftly to potential threats. Complementing Geoportal is n-Ceen, a sophisticated system that enhances data management and risk assessment. By facilitating intelligence-driven enforcement, n-Ceen empowers customs officials to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to more effective operations at the nation’s borders. These technological advancements are part of the Colibri Project, an initiative spearheaded by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and funded by the European Union. The project aims to bolster countries’ capacities in fighting transnational crime while also streamlining trade processes. The leadership of Nigeria’s Customs Service is optimistic about the impact of these new systems. They believe that by integrating advanced technology into their operations, they can significantly improve national security and contribute to record revenue generation for the country. Early results from the pilot program have shown promise, with plans for expansion beyond just aviation surveillance on the horizon. This proactive approach not only aims to safeguard Nigeria’s borders but also positions the country as a leader in adopting modern solutions for customs enforcement.
Ethiopia launches Fayda Digital ID for all banking transactions
Ethiopia has taken a significant step towards modernizing its banking system by implementing a new policy that requires all banking transactions to use the national digital ID known as Fayda. This initiative officially began in the capital city, Addis Ababa, on January 1, 2025, and is set to expand to other major cities by July 1, 2025, with a nationwide rollout planned for January 1, 2026. By December 31, 2026, all bank accounts must be linked to Fayda IDs. As of now, more than 11 million Ethiopians have already registered for the Fayda digital ID, showcasing the growing acceptance and success of this initiative. The introduction of Fayda is part of Ethiopia’s broader digital government strategy aimed at enhancing services and promoting economic growth from 2025 to 2030. The rollout of the Fayda digital ID is supported by organizations like DT Global, which is funded by the European Union. A key component of this initiative is the development of EthioConnect—a data exchange infrastructure designed to strengthen the digital ID program. With a budget of €100 million (approximately US$103 million), this strategy aims to improve digital skills, enhance cybersecurity, boost connectivity, and streamline government services. Ethiopian authorities view the Fayda digital ID as an essential tool for simplifying access to crucial services and fostering a stronger financial ecosystem. The Ethiopian ID authority has emphasized that this initiative aligns with international banking standards and is expected to drive innovation and economic development across the country. The government is optimistic about the positive impact that the Fayda digital ID will have on its citizens. By making banking more accessible and secure, Ethiopia aims to pave the way for a more inclusive financial future.