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Category: Science and Technology

  • Mass Disconnection of MTN SIM Cards Due to NIN Registration Issues

    Mass Disconnection of MTN SIM Cards Due to NIN Registration Issues

    By Milcah Tanimu

    On Sunday, MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecommunications company, disconnected thousands of subscribers’ lines for failing to link their National Identification Number (NIN) before the July 31, 2024, deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    MTN began blocking non-compliant SIM cards in December 2023, according to insiders. However, many MTN users reported that their SIMs were blocked on Sunday despite having linked their NINs.

    “I submitted my NIN twice, but my SIM was blocked without prior notice. I’ve used this number for over ten years. Where do I start?” one person told TechCabal. A source familiar with the issue cited incomplete NIN registration or mismatched SIM registration details as potential reasons for the disconnections.

    “The name on the SIM registration is different from the one on the NIN. So I need to go and update it,” one MTN customer said, acknowledging that the telecom company had sent multiple notifications before blocking her number.

    MTN has not yet commented on the situation.

    The disconnections occur amid regulatory pressure on telecom companies to enforce the NIN-linkage policy introduced in December 2020. In February 2024, the NCC mandated that telecom providers block subscribers who failed to link their phone numbers to their NIN by February 28, 2024. This deadline was extended first to April 15, 2024, and then to July 31, 2024.

    Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), denied claims that the SIM bans were linked to protests, asserting that the issue stemmed from mismatched NIN-SIM registrations and urging affected customers to complete their registration process.

    In March 2024, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola stated that the company had barred 8.6 million subscribers in compliance with the NCC directive. Although many lines were reactivated, the total number of subscribers decreased by 2 million in Q1 2024.

    “We have 8.9 million subscribers undergoing the verification process, and these subscribers fall within the cohort of less than five SIMs linked to an unverified NIN,” Toriola said.

  • Risevest in Negotiations to Acquire Kenya’s Hisa, Eyeing Market Expansion

    Risevest in Negotiations to Acquire Kenya’s Hisa, Eyeing Market Expansion

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Nigerian fintech startup Risevest, known for offering users access to global and Nigerian investments, is in discussions to acquire Hisa, a Kenyan startup providing access to US stocks. If successful, this acquisition will mark Risevest’s second expansion move following its acquisition of digital trading startup Chaka in September 2023.

    Sources indicate that conversations about the deal began in late 2023 and are ongoing. While specific terms remain undisclosed, Hisa, which secured $250,000 in pre-seed funding in 2022, was valued at $5 million post-money.

    Eke Urum, Risevest’s founder and CEO, commented, “We’re always discussing with other companies to see where potential alignments can be created, but for now, nothing is concrete with Hisa yet.”

    Hisa, founded in 2020 by Eric Asuma, is licensed by the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA) and the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The acquisition would allow Risevest to penetrate the Kenyan market without the need for new entity registration and licenses. Hisa and Ndovu are notable players in the relatively new fintech space in Kenya, traditionally dominated by commercial banks.

    A Risevest executive, speaking anonymously, highlighted the potential market opportunities, stating, “The market is there based on the numbers and I believe working with a local team might be the best chance of cracking it.”

  • Samsung Pauses Galaxy Buds3 Pro Sales Over Quality Concerns

    Samsung Pauses Galaxy Buds3 Pro Sales Over Quality Concerns

    By   Milcah   Tanimu

    Samsung has temporarily halted sales of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro due to quality control issues, according to recent reports. Launched at the latest Unpacked event alongside the Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Z Fold6, the Buds3 Pro quickly faced complaints about earbud joints, blue dye marks, loose case hinges, and other defects.

    Reports of these issues surfaced soon after the Galaxy Buds3 Pro went on sale in South Korea. Samsung has since acknowledged the problems, with many customers sharing their experiences on Reddit and the Korean Samsung community forum. The company has apologized for the inconveniences and promised that affected customers can receive exchanges or refunds at service centers.

    Originally expected to resolve the issues and resume sales on July 24, Samsung has now delayed the relaunch to August 28. In the meantime, the regular Galaxy Buds3 remains available for pre-order, with its launch date still set for July 24.

  • Apple Warns iPhone Users of Potential Spyware Attacks in 98 Countries

    Apple Warns iPhone Users of Potential Spyware Attacks in 98 Countries

    By   Milcah   Tanimu

    Apple, the American multinational technology company, has issued a warning to iPhone users about potential spyware attacks targeting devices in 98 countries. The identity of the attackers and the specific nations affected were not disclosed in the official notice released by the company on Wednesday.

    “Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack attempting to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-,” read the warning sent to affected customers. “This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although it’s never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning — please take it seriously,” the company added.

    This marks Apple’s second alert campaign of the year; in April, a similar notification was sent to users in 92 countries. According to a support page on the company’s website, Apple has been issuing these warnings regularly since 2021, reaching users in over 150 countries.

     

  • Surge in Africa’s Smartphone Market: 17.9% Growth in Q1 2024 Amid Economic Challenges

    Surge in Africa’s Smartphone Market: 17.9% Growth in Q1 2024 Amid Economic Challenges

    Despite economic hurdles, Africa’s smartphone market experienced a notable 17.9% year-on-year (YoY) growth in the first quarter of 2024, according to a report from the International Data Corporation (IDC). Smartphone shipments reached 20.2 million units, surpassing feature phone shipments, which declined by 15.9% to 18.8 million units. This trend highlights a significant shift towards smartphone adoption across the continent.

    South Africa saw healthy YoY growth driven by the popularity of competitively priced Chinese brands with advanced features. Nigeria also experienced robust growth, particularly in the entry-level segment, thanks to the success of Transsion brands (Tecno, Itel, and Infinix) and Xiaomi, significantly boosting shipments. Kenya, maintaining its position as the third-largest smartphone market in Africa, benefitted from innovative financing models like Mkopa, which fueled sales growth.

    Transsion brands dominated the market share in Q1 2024 due to their appealing entry-level devices tailored for the African market. However, Samsung and Xiaomi gained ground with their mid-range models priced between $200 and $400. This reflects a growing consumer preference for feature-rich smartphones, as shipments of devices priced below $100 declined.

    In Q1 2023, Africa’s smartphone market saw a 3.4% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) decline to 17 million units, the lowest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising inflation and local currency depreciations against the U.S. dollar negatively impacted demand, causing a decline in both smartphone and feature phone shipments. However, by Q4 2023, the market rebounded with a 12.5% YoY growth to 19.8 million units, and Q1 2024 saw an even more substantial increase.

    Looking ahead, IDC forecasts a 5.7% YoY increase in smartphone shipments across Africa for the remainder of 2024, with sustained growth projected over the next five years. While the region still has a significant proportion of feature phones, a gradual decline is anticipated as smartphone adoption increases. Despite potential short-term fluctuations due to inflationary pressures and macroeconomic uncertainties, the long-term shift towards smartphones is expected to continue.

    Globally, smartphone shipments also showed impressive growth, with 289.4 million units shipped in Q1 2024, marking a 7.8% YoY increase and the third consecutive quarterly growth. Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, the global smartphone market appears to be on a recovery trajectory.

  • EdTech Funding Struggles Highlighted at Mastercard Foundation Conference

    At the Mastercard Foundation’s EdTech Conference in Abuja, the alarming decline in funding for EdTech startups took center stage. In 2023, these startups secured just 1.4% of the continent’s Venture Capital (VC) funding, a stark drop from the peak in 2021. This decline has led to smaller deal sizes and fewer exits, creating a challenging environment for founders.

    The broader venture capital landscape has seen investors becoming more cautious, with fewer large deals being made. Data from Disrupt Africa shows no EdTech company secured a $100 million or more venture round in 2023, a significant change from 2021.

    “Securing exits for EdTech startups is practically non-existent,” said Isaac Nyangolo, Co-Founder and CEO of Zeraki. He emphasized that funding from angel networks often comes at lower valuations compared to more mature sectors.

    Despite the presence of over 200 startups, Africa’s EdTech sector remains underdeveloped, with funding being a major hurdle. The sector has seen only one exit so far, with the acquisition of Egyptian EdTech Orcas by Baim, a Middle Eastern EdTech startup, for an undisclosed amount. With VC funding dwindling, many startups now depend on grants.

    The challenges hindering EdTech funding in Africa include inadequate infrastructure, low internet speeds, high data costs, and limited smartphone penetration, as noted in a 2023 UNESCO report.

    “Broadband, mobile penetration, and power are major challenges to increasing EdTech funding,” said Tochukwu Ezeukwu, Regional Director of African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA). He highlighted the disparity in power access between countries, citing Nigeria’s 53% compared to Ghana’s 72%.

    EdTech startups also face smaller deal sizes compared to FinTech peers, who attract more investments. Ezeukwu and other panelists agreed that EdTech requires “patient capital,” with investors focusing on long-term impact rather than immediate returns.

    The Mastercard Foundation is addressing the funding issue by providing equity-free funding to growth-stage startups in Africa. So far, 144 EdTech startups have benefited from this initiative.

    “Sustainable business models are crucial,” said Ruth Wairimu, Investment Manager at Acumen Fund. She noted that B2B models offer better scalability compared to B2C, particularly given the limited disposable income across much of Africa.

    The panelists concluded that foundations, family offices, and grants will play a vital role in bridging the funding gap. While EdTech has the potential to transform education in Africa, significant funding increases are necessary to realize this potential fully.

  • Niger Telecoms Expands Connectivity to Rural Areas with 16 New Sites

    Niger Telecoms Expands Connectivity to Rural Areas with 16 New Sites

    Below is a delayed version of our flagship newsletter, Techpoint Digest. Every weekday, 30,000 subscribers get a fun 5-minute roundup of happenings in African and global tech, directly in their inbox, hours before everyone else.

    – Niger Telecoms expands connectivity to rural areas with 16 new sites
    – What Nigerian digital lenders can learn from the informal sector
    – Nigeria to launch Nigerium, its blockchain

    **Niger Telecoms Expands Connectivity to Rural Areas with 16 New Sites**

    Niger Telecoms, the country’s main telecom provider, has launched a significant project to boost connectivity nationwide, especially in rural areas that lack access. They just finished setting up 16 new sites in the Maradi region on July 1, 2024, as part of their expansion plans.

    The project will roll out in phases, starting with installing advanced equipment and ensuring everything works smoothly for local communities to get mobile services.

    They’ve already set up pylons, built solar fields, completed civil engineering, and put up fencing for security around each site. This ensures the network stays stable and reliable in the long run.

    Created in 2016 from a merger, Niger Telecoms aims to cover more of the country under its national program for better telecom coverage.

    Currently, they cover about half of Niger’s area and serve around 60% of the population. With mobile and internet penetration at 65% and 32% respectively, they plan to connect even more people, focusing on expanding mobile services. Their goal is to reach all corners of Niger, including the most remote areas, as part of their mission to improve national connectivity.

    **Nigeria to Launch Nigerium, its Blockchain**

    Blockchain technology – latest tech trends in Africa. Nigeria loves announcing plans left and right, but seeing them happen? That’s another story, right?

    Remember last week when I told you about the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) planning to set up blockchain research centers across Nigeria?

    Well, now they’ve unveiled another plan: they’re looking into creating their own blockchain called Nigerium. Why? To boost data security and make Nigeria more independent.

    The University of Hertfordshire Law School group, led by Chanu Kuppuswamy, believes it’s vital for Nigeria to develop its own blockchain. They argue this would prevent foreign developers from controlling Nigeria’s data and interests, unlike platforms like Ethereum, which are managed abroad.

    They also stress the need for a “data embassy” outside Nigeria to safeguard data in case of emergencies, regulated by Nigerian laws in partnership with other countries for security.

    But you remember eNaira? Nigeria launched the digital currency in 2021 using Hyperledger Fabric, but getting people to use it has been a real challenge.

    Besides, Nigeria has clamped down hard on crypto rules, causing issues for service providers. There’s been legal trouble with Binance, blaming them for currency problems. Now, KuCoin’s slapping a 7.5% VAT on crypto trades due to new Nigerian regulations.

    Anyways, as usual, I’ll just keep watching out for the new blockchain technology in Nigeria.

    **What Nigerian Digital Lenders Can Learn from the Informal Sector**

    There are over 41 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, powering 60% of the country’s jobs. Despite their crucial role, accessing credit to grow remains a huge challenge.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria has tried to boost MSME lending, but structural hurdles persist. A survey found less than 6% of MSMEs get financing, despite 40% having bank relationships, mainly due to poor data.

    “There’s not enough data to properly assess them for a loan,” says Adedapo Sobayo, CTO at Moni.

    “You need alternative data sources to understand their economics for accurate loans.”

    Collateral is rare, with only 10% earning above ₦500,000 monthly. Recovering loans is tough too, with defaulters facing few penalties.

    Fintechs charge high rates due to risks, while banks often avoid lending altogether. But to boost economic activity, loans must become easier and safer. The informal sector, where lending thrives through social networks, offers clues.

    Explore how Nigerian digital lenders can learn from the informal sector in Chimgozirim’s latest story.

    **In Case You Missed It**

    – My boss was comfortable paying us salaries for doing nothing
    – Niger Telecoms expands connectivity to rural areas with 16 new sites
    – 700,000 South Africans remain without valid IDs as government defy court order
    – CREI gets $20 million to solarize telecoms towers in South Sudan
    – MTN Nigeria records ₦137 billion losses in 2023
    – South African digital bank, TymeBank, names Karl Westvig as new CEO

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    Opportunities

    – Pitch Friday is next Friday, July 12, 2024. Register here to attend and apply here to pitch.
    – EarlyNode is looking for a Technical Writer. Apply here.
    – Ventures Platform has over 100 job openings across its portfolio companies. Apply here.
    – Moniepoint is hiring for 70 positions in the United Kingdom and several Nigerian states, including Lagos, Abia, and Anambra. Check them out here to apply.

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  • Czech Republic Seeks Tech Talent from Nigeria and Beyond

    Czech Republic Seeks Tech Talent from Nigeria and Beyond

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    To address labor shortages, the Czech Republic has launched a portal called ‘Work in Czechia’ to attract technology experts from countries with thriving tech ecosystems like Nigeria.

    The portal aims to simplify the relocation process for foreign workers. “When you know the date from which your visa is valid, you can choose how to travel to the Czech Republic. Whether by plane or other means, everything will be taken care of, and you won’t spend a penny,” states the website, workinczechia.tech.

    Czechia has been dealing with labor shortages for a long time. A survey from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealed that these shortages have driven Czech employers to seek foreign workers.

    In related news, Czechia’s new work portal aims to attract Nigerian and other tech experts. The number of foreign workers in the country increased by nearly 30,700 in 2023, reaching over 823,900 by December. About 409,800 of these workers were from EU countries, according to the Labour Office statistics.

    The visa sponsorship portal is part of Czechia’s strategy to attract professionals in technological fields, joining other European countries in this effort. The European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT) launched the Deep Tech Talent Initiative in 2022, aiming to upskill one million people in deep tech fields by 2025.

    “The website Workinczechia.EU provides foreign talents with a comprehensive overview of life and employment in our country, from visa and immigration details to cultural activities,” said Jan Michal, CEO of the CzechInvest agency.

  • Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Sees Improvements Amid Challenges

    Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Sees Improvements Amid Challenges

    By   Milcah  Tanimu

    Nigerian airspace once had a dire reputation, ranking among the worst in Africa between 1999 and 2005. During this period, frequent air crashes made air travel in the country a harrowing experience. The issues were not solely due to insufficient radar coverage but were part of a broader infrastructure decay within the country’s aviation sector.

    For many years, outdated and inadequate navigational facilities posed significant risks to air travellers. Pilots expressed frustration over poor navigational aids at most airports, while aerodromes suffered from neglect, poor planning, and corruption.

    While not all navigational issues have been resolved, significant progress has been made, notably with a recent N40 billion intervention fund introduced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN). This fund aims to address some of the persistent problems inherited by the current administration.

    The safety of Nigeria’s airspace remains a crucial topic, with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) continually assuring the public of ongoing improvements. One notable achievement was the installation of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) in 2011, a major step in modernizing Nigeria’s air traffic management infrastructure.

    TRACON includes advanced systems like Primary Surveillance Radar STAR 2000 and Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar RSM 970S, covering key airports in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and Port-Harcourt, and additional locations such as Maiduguri, Ilorin, Numan, Obubra, and Talata Mafar. This system ensures comprehensive monitoring of Nigerian airspace, making it nearly impossible for any aircraft to go undetected.

    However, investigative journalist David Hundeyin recently alleged that Nigeria has lacked primary radar coverage since 2021, citing a letter from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority dated April 16, 2024, which mentioned an unknown aircraft over the Presidential Villa. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, through its Managing Director Umar Farouk, refuted these claims, asserting that Nigeria’s airspace is fully covered by radar. Farouk emphasized that ongoing upgrades and modernization efforts are ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of air traffic management services.

    Farouk acknowledged challenges such as outdated equipment and the high cost of spare parts but highlighted that significant strides have been made, with 80% of necessary replacements completed. The Federal Executive Council has approved further modernization of the TRACON system, with funding and contractor work underway to restore optimal performance.

    In January, Keyamo met with Thales, a renowned global air surveillance provider, to discuss upgrading Nigeria’s radar system. The planned TRACON upgrade, estimated to cost N23 billion, along with other projects like the Safe Tower Project and the Wide Area Multilateration System for the Gulf of Guinea, reflect ongoing efforts to enhance air safety.

    Thales has a history of successful radar system installations worldwide, including at major airports like London Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle. The Vice President of Thales, Lionel DE Castellane, emphasized the urgency of upgrading Nigeria’s radar facilities, especially at major airports. The first phase of the TRACON project, 80% complete, is scheduled for completion by May 2024, with discussions on financing subsequent phases ongoing.

  • World’s Most Expensive Smartphones: Luxury Meets Technology

    By milcah tanimu

    In an age where smartphones are ubiquitous, some devices stand out not just for their advanced features but also for their staggering price tags. These high-end gadgets combine cutting-edge technology with luxurious design elements, appealing to those who desire both performance and prestige. From handcrafted cases encrusted with precious gems to limited editions boasting the latest innovations, the most expensive smartphones in the world represent the pinnacle of mobile luxury and sophistication.

    Here is a list of the top 5 most expensive smartphones today, per a report from relife tech uk. Highlighted is what makes each of these elite devices truly exceptional and worthy of their eye-popping prices.

    1. Falcon supernova iphone 6 pink diamond – $48.5 million
    The falcon supernova iphone 6 pink diamond, worth $48.5 million, is the world’s most expensive phone. Owned by nita ambani, it is crafted from 24-carat gold with a large pink diamond on the back. Designed by falcon luxury, it comes in pink gold and platinum variants, with pink gold being more sought after. Despite its luxurious design, it features an 8-megapixel main camera, a 1.2-megapixel front camera, a fingerprint scanner, and enhanced security options.

    2. Iphone 4s elite gold by stuart hughes – $9.4 million
    The iphone 4s elite gold, designed by stuart hughes, is the second most expensive phone globally at $9.4 million. It features a rosewood bezel with over 500 diamonds totaling more than 100 carats. The back and apple logo are made of 24-carat gold, with the logo encrusted with 53 diamonds. The home button has an 8.6-carat diamond, with a 7.4-carat diamond as a backup. The phone comes in a platinum chest containing t-rex bone fragments and rare gemstones.

    3. Iphone 4 diamond rose edition – $8 million
    The iphone 4 diamond rose edition, worth $8 million, is the third most expensive phone, with only two units made. It has 500 carats of diamonds and is crafted from solid rose gold. The apple logo features 53 diamonds, and the home button is a 7.4-carat pink diamond. It is presented in a solid granite box.

    4.Gold striker iphone 3gs supreme – $3.2 million
    The goldstriker iphone 3gs supreme by stuart hughes costs $3.2 million. Made from 22-carat gold and weighing 270 grams, it has 136 diamonds on the bezel and 53 diamonds on the apple logo. The home button is a 7.1-carat single-cut diamond. It comes in a solid granite box with top-grain leather and kashmir gold.

    5. Iphone 3g kings button – $2.5 million
    Designed by peter aloisson, the iphone 3g kings button is priced at $2.5 million. It features 18-carat yellow, white, and rose gold, with the white gold section adorned with 138 brilliant-cut diamonds. The home button is a 6.6-carat diamond, making it one of the most luxurious phones in the world.