After years of delays, Ghana is finally set to roll out its much-anticipated central bank digital currency (CBDC), the e-Cedi, in 2025. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that the digital currency is ready for launch, pending approval from lawmakers. This move positions Ghana as a key player in the race for CBDC adoption in Africa, following Nigeria’s introduction of the eNaira in 2021. While Nigeria’s eNaira has struggled to gain traction, accounting for just 0.36% of the country’s money supply by March 2024, Ghana is taking a different approach to ensure broader adoption. One standout feature of the e-Cedi is its offline functionality, which allows users to transact without internet connectivity. This innovation could be a game-changer for rural communities where internet access remains limited. Kwame Oppong, head of fintech and innovation at the BoG, emphasized that the goal is to make digital cash as accessible and easy to use as physical cash, particularly for the unbanked population. “We want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location or internet access, can benefit from this technology,” Oppong said. Unlike some countries experimenting with blockchain-based CBDCs, Ghana plans to start with a centralized system for simplicity. However, there’s potential for future integration with blockchain technologies as the system evolves. Despite these advancements, debates around the necessity of CBDCs persist globally. Critics argue that existing payment systems are sufficient, while others point out challenges like low trust in government and financial crime concerns. Still, Ghana insists that an offline-capable CBDC offers unique advantages over traditional instant payment systems by eliminating reliance on internet connectivity. Broader Implications for AfricaGhana’s move comes at a time when digital currencies are reshaping financial ecosystems across Africa. While Nigeria’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, it also provides valuable lessons. Ghana’s focus on offline usability and gradual technological scaling could set a new standard for CBDC implementation on the continent.
Safaricom faces legal battle over alleged unfair treatment of M-PESA dealer
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.
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
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.
African airlines see 14.9% surge in passenger demand in January 2025 – IATA
African airlines recorded a significant 14.9% increase in passenger demand in January 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to a new report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This growth highlights the continent’s expanding role in global aviation and its strong recovery from pandemic-era disruptions. The report, part of IATA’s Global Passenger Demand data for January 2025, also revealed that capacity among African carriers grew by 11.2% year-on-year. The load factor, a measure of how full planes are, rose to 75.9%, up to 2.4 percentage points from January 2024. This indicates that not only were more seats made available, but a higher percentage of them were occupied by passengers. While all international passenger markets showed robust growth, Africa stood out as one of the best-performing regions. This reflects an increasing appetite for air travel across the continent and the ability of African airlines to meet rising demand by expanding capacity. Globally, total passenger demand increased by 10% compared to January 2024, with international travel seeing a stronger rise of 12.4%. The overall global load factor reached an all-time high for January at 82.1%, underscoring the continued recovery and growing confidence in air travel. Among other regions, Asia-Pacific airlines led the way with a remarkable 21.8% year-on-year growth in passenger demand. Capacity in the region grew by 16.5%, and the load factor reached an industry-leading 86.7%. Latin American airlines saw a 12.9% rise in demand, but their capacity growth of 15.5% slightly outpaced demand, causing a dip in their load factor to 84.3%. Middle Eastern carriers posted a solid 9.6% increase in demand with a notable load factor improvement to 83.8%. In contrast, North American airlines reported the slowest growth at just 3.8%, with capacity inching up by only 0.6%. Despite this modest performance, their load factor remained strong at 81.8%. The strong performance of African airlines underscores their growing importance in global aviation markets and their ability to adapt to rising demand. According to Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, the record-high load factors globally reflect both supply chain challenges and airlines’ effective management of fleet and infrastructure constraints. IATA’s November 2024 passenger survey suggested that most travelers plan to maintain or increase their travel frequency over the next year, a promising sign for continued growth across all regions, including Africa