Senator Ali Ndume has unveiled a project to boost digital connectivity in Borno South by providing 5,000 free SIM cards and 1,000 Point of Sale (POS) machines to local residents, aimed towards reconnecting communities with financial and communication services.The announcement came during a meeting with MTN Nigeria’s management in Maiduguri, to rebuild digital infrastructure in a region long disrupted by Boko Haram insurgency. For years, frequent attacks on telecom masts left many communities disconnected and struggling to reclaim lost communication tools. Senator Ndume, who in 2024 successfully trained 800 youths in POS operations and equipped them with starter packs worth 100,000 naira each, is expanding the program to reach more people affected by displacement. Registration for free SIM cards has already commenced, focusing on those who lost access during the crisis. The goal is to help Borno South residents regain their place in the digital world. Connectivity is not just about phones; it’s about empowerment and economic inclusion – Ndume MTN Nigeria has confirmed network restorations in Gwoza, Damboa, Uba, and Chibok, pledging to improve the reliability of its services needed by residents. The company also endorsed plans to establish computer-based test centers, facilitating local access to educational exams without long-distance travel.
Nigerian Box Office hits ₦573 million in October with “Gingerrr” and “The Herd” topping the chart
The Nigerian Box Office recorded one of its best months in 2025, generating ₦573.2 million from late September through October. “Gingerrr” topped the box office charts with ₦435.5 million, followed by “The Herd”, which grossed ₦137.7 million. These figures outperformed several international blockbusters.Directed by Yemi Morafa and produced by Bolaji Ogunmola, Kiekie, and Bisola Aiyeola, “Gingerrr” earned ₦82.8 million during its opening weekend. Its six-week success is attributed to fast-paced humour, an energetic cast, and vibrant storytelling that resonated widely.Other notable films contributing to October’s success include “Blackphone 2” (₦23.8 million), “Trons: Ares” (₦107.7 million), “Idia” (₦18 million), and “Regretting You” (₦4.4 million). These movies show the growing diversity and richness of Nollywood movies. Notably, “Gingerrr” outperformed “Deadpool and Wolverine” and “The Equalizer 3” on Cinema Day, due to the power of social media engagement.”The Herd”, produced by Etim-Effiong, exemplifies the evolving storytelling of Nollywood, focusing on themes of love, family, and transformation with strong production values.Nollywood’s momentum shows no sign of slowing, with local films continuing to dominate box office charts despite economic pressures. Despite rising ticket prices amid inflation, the strong turnout for local films continues, reflecting the efforts of Nollywood towards digital innovation, audience insight, and creative confidence.
MultiChoice slashes decoder prices in Nigeria
MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of the popular pay-TV services DStv and GOtv, has announced a further reduction in the cost of its decoders, effective November 1. The price of a DStv decoder package has been cut from ₦10,000 to ₦7,900, while a GOtv decoder is now priced at ₦6,500.This is the second time MultiChoice is reducing its decoder price in recent months in order to increase accessibility to its services and reverse the decline in its active subscriber base.MultiChoice, is currently facing a challenging market environment, particularly in Nigeria, which is one of its largest markets. The company reported a loss of $1.2 million active subscribers across its African operations in the financial year ended March 31, 2025, bringing its total base down to $14.5 million. The company attributes this downturn to macroeconomic pressures, specifically the depreciation of African currencies against the US dollar, and intense competition from global streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.This latest price cut, coinciding with the launch of the company’s Festive Campaign, after an earlier, substantial price adjustment in June, where the DStv decoder price was slashed by 50%.The Executive Head of Marketing of MultiChoice Nigeria, Tope Oshunkeye, stated that the decision to slash decoder prices is aimed to keep entertainment within reach for all Nigerians and is an attempt to win back its lost customers.The strategy is focused on attracting new users and retaining existing ones by emphasizing affordable access to premium content, including popular live sports like the Premier League and AFCON.
FABS 2025: A landmark success in Cotonou as Francophone Africa embraces the blockchain revolution
The Francophone Africa Blockchain Summit (FABS 2025), the first of its kind in the region, was successfully held in Cotonou, Benin, marking a historic milestone in the journey toward digital innovation and blockchain adoption across Francophone Africa.The inaugural summit held on October 8-9, at the Benin Royal Hotel, brought together policymakers, innovators, blockchain experts, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders from across French-speaking Africa and beyond for two electrifying days of insightful conversations, networking, and forward-looking collaboration. The inaugural summit held on October 8-9, at the Benin Royal Hotel, brought together policymakers, innovators, blockchain experts, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders from across French-speaking Africa and beyond for two electrifying days of insightful conversations, networking, and forward-looking collaboration. From thought-provoking keynote sessions to interactive panels and showcases of emerging blockchain solutions, FABS 2025 became a vibrant hub for discussing how decentralized technologies can drive transparency, inclusion, and economic growth in Francophone Africa. FABS 2025 was more than an event, it was a movement. We saw young people, industry leaders, and policymakers align around a shared vision for a digitally empowered Africa where innovation thrives beyond language and borders – one of the panelists said Participants described the summit as inspiring, transformative, and unifying, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in building a sustainable blockchain ecosystem. The atmosphere throughout the summit was electrifying, a fusion of ideas, culture, and creativity that reflected the growing enthusiasm for blockchain innovation in the region. Beyond the sessions, FABS 2025 created lasting networks among stakeholders determined to explore blockchain’s role in governance, finance, education, and social impact.The success of this inaugural edition has drawn widespread praise from attendees and media alike, positioning Cotonou as a new epicenter for blockchain dialogue in Francophone Africa. As reports of the event’s impact continue to spread, organizers have expressed commitment to making FABS an annual convening that will deepen regional engagement, amplify youth participation, and accelerate blockchain adoption across Francophone nations. The success of this inaugural edition has drawn widespread praise from attendees and media alike, positioning Cotonou as a new epicenter for blockchain dialogue in Francophone Africa. As reports of the event’s impact continue to spread, organizers have expressed commitment to making FABS an annual convening that will deepen regional engagement, amplify youth participation, and accelerate blockchain adoption across Francophone nations. FABS 2025 is just the beginning. We look forward to building on this momentum to ensure that Francophone Africa not only participates in the global blockchain revolution, but leads it – Makongue Tobbo Gilles Camille, ABI Francophone Representative affirmed With its powerful debut, FABS 2025 has set a new standard for innovation-centered gatherings in Africa, and laid the foundation for a connected, collaborative, and blockchain-powered future.
African web3 platform Storipod launches on-chain monetisation via Coinbase ‘Base’
Storipod, an African-founded web3 platform for writers and creators, has announced a shift, moving its payment infrastructure entirely on-chain using Base, the Ethereum Layer 2 network incubated by the US crypto exchange Coinbase. This upgrade earlier announced by Storipod founder James Nelson, allows creators to earn directly in cryptocurrency, effectively eliminating geographical barriers and traditional payment friction.In the traditional Web2 creator economy, writers, particularly those in emerging markets like Africa, face numerous challenges, including high international transaction fees, payment processor restrictions, and lengthy settlement times. Storipod in order to bridge these existing gaps intends to leverage on a blockchain solution like Base to provide instant, borderless, and permissionless payments. This aims to democratise monetization by providing creators with greater control over their earnings and audience engagement, enabling them to earn “like influencers and YouTubers.”Critics point out the risk inherent in relying solely on decentralized technology. But for proponents it is a game-changer for digital economic freedom, particularly for creators in regions underserved by the traditional US-centric financial system.
Nigeria’s open banking rollout delayed as CBN finalises governance and API standards
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed that Nigeria’s much-anticipated open banking framework has not yet been launched, despite earlier expectations of a rollout by August 2025. The regulator assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to finalise the governance framework and API standardisation necessary for a secure and effective open banking ecosystem. Open banking, a system that allows secure data sharing between banks and third-party providers through application programming interfaces (APIs), promises to revolutionise financial services by enabling innovation, improving customer experiences, and expanding access to credit and payments across Nigeria. In a recent statement, the CBN emphasised that while the timeline for launch has shifted, work remains focused on building a robust governance structure to protect consumers and financial institutions alike. “We are committed to ensuring that the open banking environment is safe, functional, and beneficial for all stakeholders,” a CBN spokesperson explained. The regulator is collaborating with key industry players, fintech firms, and technology experts to develop standard API protocols, a critical component for interoperability across diverse financial platforms. The delay reflects the complexity of aligning multiple banks, fintechs, and regulators under common technical and legal frameworks, a challenge seen globally in open banking initiatives. Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from open banking, particularly in expanding financial inclusion. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 36% of adult Nigerians remain unbanked or underbanked, a gap that open banking could help close by enabling alternative credit scoring and payment solutions. Experts, such as fintech analyst Adaobi Umeh, note, “Open banking will unlock new opportunities for startups and traditional banks to collaborate, creating tailored financial products that serve millions of Nigerians currently underserved by the system.” However, Umeh warns that careful regulation and technology standardisation are critical to safeguard data privacy and prevent fraud.