Truecaller, the app known for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted calls, has hit a major milestone. As of August 2025, it boasts 100 million monthly active users across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), with Nigeria ranking as one of its biggest markets. This number marks a 19% increase from last year and includes users on both Android and iOS devices. In Nigeria and other leading countries like Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Ghana, and Jordan, Truecaller is installed on 20% to 45% of connected smartphones. Truecaller’s global user base surpassed 450 million earlier this year. The company credits this growth mainly to more people getting smartphones and easier access to mobile data in these regions. The app plays a vital role in solving communication issues by helping users avoid spam calls and verify caller identities. CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala said, “With Middle East and Africa growing fast in smartphone use, we’re proud to help individuals and businesses connect safely. Our strong focus on mobile-first markets like MEA is driving this growth.” He also promised ongoing investments to expand the company’s reach and partnerships in the region. Globally, Truecaller has been downloaded over one billion times since launching in 2009. The platform blocked nearly 56 billion unwanted calls in 2024 alone, showing the scale of its impact. However, in Nigeria, Truecaller faced scrutiny earlier this year when the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) started investigating claims of data breaches and whether the app complies with Nigeria’s data privacy laws. This investigation is part of Nigeria’s efforts to enforce the Nigeria Data Protection Act and related rules, which set clear data processing and grievance procedures. The full implementation of these rules is expected by September 2025.
Meta and I.N Official Unveil Africa’s First AI-Powered Fashion Collection at London Fashion Week
Meta and Nigerian fashion brand I.N Official are set to launch the first-ever AI-powered fashion collection at Africa Fashion Week London on Saturday, August 9, 2025. The collection, titled Transcendence, was crafted using Meta AI technology throughout every step of the design process—from fabric and colour choices to storytelling and visualization. Nigerian designer Ifeanyi Nwune, Creative Director of I.N Official, led this innovative project. Using Meta AI’s ‘Imagine’ feature, he generated design inspirations such as a unique silhouette that blends traditional Nigerian Agbada with Japanese Hakama styles. Meta AI also suggested creative accessories for both men’s and women’s fashion, showing how AI can be more than just a tool—it acts as a creative partner in fashion design. Balkissa Idé Siddo, Public Policy Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Meta, said the collaboration reflects African creativity on the global stage and shows how Meta AI, integrated into everyday apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, helps creators dream bigger and build faster. Africa Fashion Week London, celebrating its 15th year, will run from August 9 to 10 at Space House in London. The event features runway shows, exhibitions, cultural showcases, and shopping halls, spotlighting African heritage and innovation in fashion. This partnership between Meta and I.N Official not only pushes the boundaries of fashion and technology but also reflects Meta’s dedication to empowering African creatives with accessible tools to express themselves and reach global audiences.
OpenAI launches GPT-5 as ChatGPT hits 700 million weekly users
OpenAI has released GPT-5, its most advanced AI model to date, just as ChatGPT usage worldwide surpasses 700 million weekly users. GPT-5 is being hailed as OpenAI’s smartest, fastest, and most useful model so far. It delivers big improvements in reasoning, accuracy, speed, and structured problem-solving. Businesses from several industries are already adopting tools powered by GPT-5 to transform how they operate and innovate. Major companies like BNY Mellon, California State University, Morgan Stanley, SoftBank, and T-Mobile have begun integrating GPT-5 into various departments. Over 5 million users currently subscribe to ChatGPT’s business offerings, showing growing adoption in the corporate world. Sean Bruich, Senior Vice President of AI & Data at Amgen, praised GPT-5 for its accuracy and reliability, saying it better handles complex contexts where quality matters most. OpenAI states that GPT-5 responds faster and more precisely, understands context better, and offers stronger API support for building intelligent applications. These features make it ideal for tasks such as coding, customer service, research, and major business decisions. The model is available now to ChatGPT Team customers, with enterprise and educational users set to get access soon. Developers can also start using GPT-5 through OpenAI’s API, and a premium GPT-5 Pro version with enhanced capabilities will arrive shortly. This launch comes as the AI industry sees massive investment from tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Alphabet, with nearly $400 billion expected to be spent this year on AI infrastructure and innovation. OpenAI itself is discussing a valuation increase to $500 billion, reflecting its role in advancing AI technology.
Aviation minister bars Fuji star Kwam 1 from flying after Abuja airport standoff
The Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has ordered Fuji music legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, placed on a no-fly list. This follows an incident at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where the musician blocked a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing. The trouble happened on August 5, 2025, during boarding for a Lagos-bound ValueJet flight. Kwam 1 reportedly tried to carry an undisclosed liquid onto the plane, which aviation rules forbid unless declared and special permission is given. When security officers asked him to comply, he refused and allegedly spilled what was later confirmed as alcohol on one of the officers. The situation escalated when the flight captain closed the aircraft doors after boarding. Kwam 1 then stood in front of the plane on the tarmac, stopping it from moving. Airport security eventually removed him, and he was released after an initial inquiry. Following the incident, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended the flight’s pilot and captain for taxiing before the tarmac was fully clear. But Minister Keyamo criticized this selective punishment, stressing that Kwam 1’s actions were equally against international safety standards. He directed NCAA to inform all airlines—domestic and international—of the no-fly order on Kwam 1. Airlines ignoring this could face license withdrawal. The aviation authorities are still investigating. This case highlights the strict measures Nigeria is enforcing to protect airport safety and ensure order on its runways. Young professionals and travelers are reminded to follow airport rules closely, as disruptions have serious consequences for flight safety and operations. The aviation sector’s firm stance reinforces its commitment to safe skies across Nigeria and beyond.
Tizel cybersecurity honoured as Digital Transformation Company of the Year at Technology Africa Awards
Tizel Cybersecurity, a leading Nigerian firm in cybersecurity and digital transformation, has been named “Digital Transformation Company of the Year” at the Technology Africa Awards, held in partnership with TechTV. This award recognises Tizel’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s digital future through innovative and secure technology solutions. The company provides a wide range of services including software development, data protection compliance (NDPR and GDPR), network and cloud security, and cybersecurity training. Tizel partners with global technology leaders like Microsoft, Cisco, and ForcePoint to bring top-tier solutions to the Nigerian market. The company also works closely with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to ensure its services meet national security and regulatory standards. Receiving the award, Tizel’s CEO, Happiness Obioha, said, “This honour reflects our mission to provide cybersecurity that drives real transformation. We believe that secure digital progress is key to national development. Our solutions help businesses, governments, and the economy stay protected and ready for the future.” Adding to the celebrations, Ms. Obioha was also recognised as Outstanding Woman in Tech at the Titans of Tech Conference & Expo 2025 for her leadership and contributions to cybersecurity in Africa. This award highlights her role as an inspiration to young women in technology. With its strong local knowledge and global partnerships, Tizel Cybersecurity continues to play a vital role in securing Nigeria’s digital economy by offering technology solutions that are safe, scalable, and sustainable.
Trump opens $9 trillion US retirement market to cryptocurrencies
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order allowing Americans to hold cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in their retirement portfolios for the first time. This move unlocks the $9 trillion 401(k) market to digital assets, private equity, and real estate investments. The order instructs regulators to revise rules under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which governs 401(k) and similar plans, making it easier for plan sponsors to offer alternative assets as options. Traditionally, 401(k) plans focused on stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, excluding crypto due to regulatory and liquidity concerns. Experts say this shift is a major milestone for crypto, opening the door to hundreds of billions of dollars in new investment. Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, described it as a “defining moment” that signals institutional acceptance and could spark global changes. Big asset managers like BlackRock and Apollo are preparing to offer retirement funds that include private equity and crypto, seeing this as a new growth area. The change means more options and the potential for higher returns, though risks like volatility and fees remain.This order follows earlier Trump administration steps easing crypto in retirement accounts and comes amid rising Bitcoin prices and growing corporate interest.