مرحبا,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today,
- 4 new eyes in the sky for Nigeria
- Shutdown threat: MTN Nigeria’s last resort
- tappi’s $11 digital transformation kit
4 new eyes in the sky for Nigeria
Recently, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu approved the launch of four new satellites, a move that’s supposed to boost Nigeria’s space technology capabilities.
Three of the satellites will have optical payloads, which means they’ll be able to capture images from space, while the fourth will replace the old Cintetic Reader satellite with a new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system. This radar will help with better imaging and monitoring from space.
Now, while this sounds great on paper, it’s important to look at what it really means for Nigeria. Sure, launching new satellites can help with things like telecommunications and environmental monitoring, but the country has faced serious challenges in its space programme over the years.
According to reports, several Nigerian satellites have already deorbited or are nearing the end of their missions, which raises questions about the country’s ability to sustain its position in the global space race. In fact, some critics argue that the Nigerian government has been slow to develop a robust space infrastructure, relying too heavily on outdated technology .
Moreover, the ambitious plans don’t come without skepticism. The new satellite launches are essential, but they also highlight the need for a more strategic approach to space technology development in Nigeria. Reports showthat without proper funding, support, and a clear vision, these satellites might end up being another case of ambition outpacing reality .
In a global context, countries are racing to improve their space capabilities, and Nigeria must ensure it doesn’t fall behind. It’s not just about launching satellites; it’s about having the infrastructure, skills, and commitment to maintain and operate them effectively.
Let the best of tech news come to you
Join 30,000 subscribers who receive Techpoint Digest, a fun week-daily 5-minute roundup of happenings in African and global tech, directly in your inbox, hours before everyone else.
So, while this announcement is certainly a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether Nigeria can turn this potential into tangible progress. In other words, time will tell.
But before then, why not munch on this deep dive? After 23 years, Nigeria’s space ambitions still look like a pipe dream
Shutdown threat: MTN Nigeria’s last resort
Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO, is sounding the alarm, saying that if tariffs don’t go up soon, MTN could be forced to shut down.
The telecommunications industry has been pushing for these hikes to keep up with rising costs and inflation, but so far, there hasn’t been much movement on that front.
This is a serious issue because MTN has been a key player in Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to corporate income tax until recently, when their gains dried up completely.
In the first half of 2024, MTN Group recorded its first loss since 2016. MTN Nigeria reported a jaw-dropping ₦575 billion pre-tax loss, a huge jump from the ₦162.9 billion gain they made in the same period last year. The primary culprit? The naira’s brutal devaluation.
Things have gotten even trickier with the debts owed to mobile network operators for services like USSD.
Although a repayment plan was established in late 2023, banks have been slow to settle their debts, prolonging the situation. As of June 2024, they started making payments of around ₦200 billion ($132 million).
Toriola hinted that if this keeps up, telcos might have no choice but to block banks from using USSD for transactions.
The challenges are so serious that telecom operators are even considering a load-shedding strategy, like the one used in the power sector, to manage their services.
This would mean limiting operations across facilities, which could lead to service disruptions — something that would be a significant blow to Nigeria’s economy.
However, it doesn’t look like MTN Nigeria is going anywhere soon! With over 77 million subscribers and a 41% market share, it’s a big player in the telecom industry. Shutting down would not only hurt the company but also everyone who relies on its services.
They’ve also invested a lot in upgrading their infrastructure with 4G and 5G networks, which helps them stay competitive.
Plus, they’ve built a loyal customer base, making them the top choice for many Nigerians. With so many people depending on them for communication, MTN is crucial to daily life in Nigeria.
tappi’s $11 digital transformation kit
tappi, a digital commerce SaaS startup, has joined forces with Safaricom to give a boost to M-PESA’s network of 650,000 Kenyan micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This partnership is all about helping these businesses improve their online presence and credibility. By featuring tappi’s services on the M-PESA For Business Super App, they aim to provide essential tools for MSMEs to thrive.
Why does it matter? With over 60 million active users and connections to 900,000 businesses, M-PESA plays a pivotal role in Africa’s digital payment landscape. MSMEs contribute up to 40% of the continent’s GDP yet face a staggering 80% failure rate within their first five years.
Consequently, this collaboration offers solutions that can help tackle these challenges head-on. tappi’s package includes a free webpage, SMS/WhatsApp review integration, and bulk SMS marketing credits for a subsidised cost of KSh 1,350 (around $11), all aimed at enhancing customer engagement and streamlining operations.
Additionally, the partnership rolls out M-PESA Ratiba, an automated payment solution that makes managing recurring payments a breeze for business owners, reducing the risk of service disruptions.
This collaboration is a step toward equipping Kenyan MSMEs with the tools they need to scale their businesses and connect better with customers. tappi’s journey doesn’t stop here. The startup is on a mission to bridge the digital divide for Africa’s MSMEs and tap into the continent’s $20 billion market.
They expanded into Côte d’Ivoire in March 2024, and just last year, they raised $1.5 million in preseed funding. Since launching in 2019, Tappi has achieved a 90% customer retention rate and facilitated $3.4 million in consumer transactions, proving their commitment to digital inclusion across Africa.
In case you missed them
What I’m watching
Opportunities
- Spiralyse is hiring a frontend developer. Apply here.
- An organisation is hiring a virtual assistant. Apply here.
- Interswitch is looking for a Data Scientist and Business Developer Manager in Lagos. Apply here.
- Flutterwave is hiring for several roles in Nigeria, Malawi, Egypt, and South Africa. Apply here.
- Paystack is hiring for several roles in Nigeria and Ghana. Apply here.
- Moniepoint is recruiting for several roles in Lagos and remotely. Apply here.
- Briter Bridges is hiring for several roles in Nigeria, Kenya, and London. Apply here.
- Follow Techpoint Africa’s WhatsApp channel to stay on top of the latest trends and news in the African tech space here.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
