The U.S. government has awarded a grant of $2,095,000 aimed at deploying 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic backbone across the country. This funding, provided by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), was announced during the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue held in Washington, D.C., on January 10, 2025. The grant aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan for 2020-2025, which seeks to increase broadband penetration from the current 42.27% to a target of 70%. The plan also aims to ensure that at least 90% of Nigerians have access to affordable and reliable internet services. During the dialogue, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the importance of this partnership in addressing the challenges and opportunities in digital transformation. Campbell emphasized that improving digital infrastructure is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development of digital skills. The discussions also covered a range of topics relevant to both nations’ digital economies, including e-commerce, infrastructure development, and artificial intelligence (AI). Delegates from over 25 U.S. and Nigerian companies participated in roundtable discussions focused on fostering innovation and collaboration between the public and private sectors. One notable outcome of the dialogue was an agreement to hold a virtual expert exchange on AI-enabled biotechnology, which will explore how the intersection of AI and biotechnology can contribute to advancements in global health and food security, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa In addition to this grant, the Nigerian government recently launched the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk, aimed at increasing annual funding for local startups from $1 billion to $5 billion. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost Nigeria’s tech sector and enhance its contribution to the national economy Dr. Tijani expressed optimism about these developments, stating that they reflect President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a $1 trillion Nigerian economy driven by innovation and international trade.
TikTok Denies Elon Musk Acquisition Rumors Amid Looming U.S. Ban
TikTok, one of the popular social media platform has firmly denied reports suggesting that Elon Musk is in talks to buy its U.S. operations. This speculation arose after Bloomberg reported that Chinese officials were considering Musk as a potential buyer, especially with a looming deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. stake by January 19 to avoid a ban. A TikTok representative dismissed the claims as “pure fiction,” emphasizing that the company cannot be expected to comment on baseless rumors. This denial comes at a critical time, as TikTok is grappling with significant legal challenges in the U.S. The Supreme Court recently heard arguments regarding TikTok’s emergency appeal against a law that could effectively ban the app if ByteDance does not sell its U.S. operations. The backdrop of this situation is complex. Analysts estimate that TikTok’s U.S. business could be valued between $40 billion and $50 billion. The discussions about a potential sale reportedly stem from concerns among Chinese officials about the future of TikTok under a new Trump administration, which has previously expressed strong opposition to the app. Musk, who has extensive business ties in China through his electric vehicle company Tesla, has publicly opposed banning TikTok, arguing that such actions would infringe on freedom of speech and expression. If a deal were to happen, it could potentially involve merging TikTok with Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter), creating new opportunities for advertising revenue. However, any potential acquisition would face numerous hurdles, including complicated technological separation requirements and approvals from both U.S. and Chinese governments. As the clock ticks down to the January 19 deadline, the future of TikTok remains uncertain, leaving millions of users in the U.S. anxious about what lies ahead.
Sam Altman’s Worldcoin reaches 10 nillion users despite global regulatory scrutiny
The controversial biometric identity project, World, formerly known as Worldcoin, has announced that it has verified 10 million users on its digital identity network. This achievement comes as the company continues to navigate a complex landscape of regulatory scrutiny and privacy concerns. Launched in March 2023, World aims to provide a “proof of personhood” system that allows individuals to verify their identity through biometric data, specifically, iris scans. The project is designed to combat the potential risks associated with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), which raises questions about the reliability of information and intellectual property rights. According to World’s team, establishing proof of human identity is crucial in ensuring that humans remain at the center of creative processes in an increasingly automated world. The service is accessed via The World App, which facilitates obtaining a World ID and WLD tokens through biometric verification using a device known as The Orb. This device scans users’ irises while promising complete privacy. Despite this impressive user base, World has faced significant legal challenges since its inception. Kenya was the first country to ban the project in August 2023, citing national security and privacy risks linked to the collection and storage of biometric data. Other countries followed suit; Spain ordered a temporary halt to data collection in March 2024 amid allegations of improper consent practices, while Portugal imposed a similar ban. In South Korea, World was fined approximately $829,000 for allegedly violating personal data protection laws. These actions reflect growing concerns about how biometric data is collected and used, particularly regarding user consent and privacy. Amid these challenges, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and co-creator of the World Network, has been vocal about the future of AI agents, autonomous systems capable of performing complex tasks independently. At a recent summit, Altman discussed how these agents could revolutionize various industries by taking on intricate tasks that typically require human intervention As companies like Meta plan to integrate AI agents into their platforms, the conversation around ethical AI and user privacy becomes even more critical. Altman emphasized that as AI technology evolves, ensuring that humans remain empowered creators will be essential While World celebrates its achievement of reaching 10 million verified users, it must also confront the reality of regulatory scrutiny and public skepticism surrounding biometric data collection. As the debate over privacy rights continues, the future of projects like the world remains uncertain but undeniably impactful in shaping our digital identities in an AI-driven world.
Amazon expands payment options: Nigerian naira now accepted for AWS transactions
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced that it will now accept the Nigerian naira as a payment option. This change is part of a broader initiative to include eight new local currencies in its payment catalog, making it easier for customers to transact without the burden of foreign exchange costs. For many Nigerian businesses, the fluctuating value of the naira has made it increasingly expensive to use cloud services. By allowing payments in local currency, AWS aims to alleviate some of these financial pressures. This means that companies can avoid the extra costs associated with converting naira to foreign currencies, which can be particularly challenging given the current economic climate. In a recent press statement, AWS emphasized the importance of local currencies for enhancing the payment experience. “Local currencies are important in localizing the payment experience for customers,” the company stated. “With payments in their local currencies, customers can avoid foreign exchange costs associated with making foreign currency payments.” This update not only benefits Nigerian customers but also positions AWS more favorably against local cloud providers. As competition heats up in the cloud services market, offering payment options that cater specifically to local needs can be a game-changer. AWS’s decision reflects a growing trend among tech giants to tailor their services to meet regional demands. The addition of the naira comes alongside AWS’s recent efforts to support sellers and channel partners globally, including options for contract pricing in multiple currencies and disbursements without requiring US bank accounts. These features are designed to simplify international transactions and make it easier for businesses to thrive in a global marketplace. As part of its commitment to expanding its cloud computing services, Amazon has also announced plans to invest over $5 billion in new data centers in Mexico. This investment aims to enhance data storage capabilities, particularly as demand surges due to advancements in artificial intelligence. With these developments, AWS is not just enhancing its service offerings but also reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses in Nigeria and beyond. As more companies look for reliable cloud solutions, AWS’s localized approach could play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital commerce in Nigeria. By accepting the naira and other local currencies, AWS is paving the way for a more accessible and cost-effective cloud service experience for Nigerian businesses, an exciting development that could have lasting impacts on the tech landscape in the region.
Global internet access reaches 68%, but low-income countries lag behind
An estimated 5.5 billion people, or 68% of the world’s population, were online in 2024, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). However, internet access remained a significant challenge in low-income countries, where only 27% of the population had connectivity. The ITU’s “Facts and Figures 2024” report highlighted major disparities in access. Least developed countries (LDCs) reported internet access rates of 35%, while landlocked developing countries fared slightly better at 39%. The ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said, “Facts and Figures 2024 is a tale of two digital realities between high-income and low-income countries. Stark gaps in critical connectivity indicators are cutting off the most vulnerable people from online access to information, education and employment opportunities.” “This report is a reminder that true progress in our interconnected world isn’t just about how fast we move forward but about making sure everyone moves forward together.” Globally, the number of people offline fell from an estimated 2.8 billion in 2023 to 2.6 billion in 2024, accounting for 32% of the world’s population. In Nigeria, internet penetration reached 42.24% in October 2024, an increase from 41.56% in September, according to a report by the Nigerian Communications Commission. Despite this growth, Nigeria’s connectivity rate remains below the global average, underscoring challenges faced by low-income nations. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU’s Telecommunications Development Bureau, said, “The world is inching towards universal access at a time that it should be sprinting. “While we continue to make progress on connectivity, our advances mask significant gaps in the world’s most vulnerable communities, where digital exclusion makes life even more challenging. “We must intensify our efforts to remove the barriers that keep people offline and close the usage gap and renew our commitment to achieving universal and meaningful connectivity so that everyone can access the internet.” The ITU’s report stresses the need for collective global action to bridge the digital divide and ensure internet access for the most disadvantaged communities.
UK prime minister, Keir Starmer announces plan to lead global AI innovation
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a plan to position Britain as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), promising a flexible regulatory framework to boost the country’s economy. Speaking on Monday, Starmer said AI has the potential to transform public services and drive significant economic growth. His government’s “AI Opportunities Action Plan” outlines 50 recommendations for integrating AI into public services, including education and infrastructure maintenance. “AI is the greatest force for change in the world right now. I am determined to harness it to usher in a golden age of public service reform,” Starmer wrote in an article published in the Financial Times. The plan includes the creation of dedicated “AI growth zones” to expedite planning for data centres and infrastructure projects. It also proposes increasing the UK’s server capacity twentyfold by 2030, with the government pledging to build a new supercomputer. Starmer’s administration estimates AI could contribute £47 billion annually to the UK economy over the next decade. The government announced that three companies—Vantage Data Centres, Nscale, and Kyndryl—have already committed £14 billion in AI investments, expected to create over 13,000 jobs. Starmer has proposed a regulatory path that diverges from both the European Union’s stringent data protection laws and the United States’ largely deregulated approach. He said the UK’s approach would test AI long before we regulate, so that everything we do will be proportionate and grounded in the science. The Labour government’s strategy reflects a bid to attract global investment while addressing concerns about the unchecked use of AI. Opposition members have criticised the plan, with Shadow Science Secretary Alan Mak accusing the government of underfunding its ambitions. “AI does have the potential to transform public services, but Labour’s economic mismanagement and uninspiring plan will mean Britain is left behind,” Mak said. There are also concerns about the impact of AI on jobs, with some fearing automation could lead to significant job losses. However, senior cabinet minister Pat McFadden said, “It’s too pessimistic to simply talk about job losses. Like previous technological waves, AI will disrupt but also create new opportunities.” Starmer has made economic recovery a key focus since taking office in July, but his government faces significant hurdles. Slower-than-expected growth, rising borrowing costs, and a weakening pound have limited his fiscal options, raising the prospect of spending cuts or tax increases. The government plans to conclude consultations on AI-related copyright laws next month, aiming to clarify how intellectual property rules apply to AI-generated content. Starmer said this effort seeks to balance innovation with protections for the creative industries. While the Prime Minister’s plan aims to harness the potential of AI for economic growth and public service reform, its success will depend on how the government navigates regulatory, financial, and societal challenges in the coming years.