Author: ITPulse

Interswitch, a leading African payments and digital commerce company, has partnered with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to enhance payment efficiency and reliability in Nigeria. This collaboration aligns with a recent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive mandating that all Point of Sale (POS) transactions be routed through a Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA). As Interswitch’s primary PTSA, NIBSS will play a crucial role in improving transaction efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance. This partnership also opens doors for collaboration in other areas, fostering innovation and advancing Nigeria’s payment infrastructure. Akeem Lawal, Managing Director of Payment Processing and Switching at…

Nigeria’s potential is undeniable, but its power woes are a constant thorn in the side of progress. Flickering lights, endless fuel queues, and the roar of generators are a daily reality for many Nigerians. Dr. Patrick, a lecturer recently relocated to Nigeria, experienced this struggle firsthand. “Generators are a necessity, but fuel costs are skyrocketing,” he lamented during a class discussion. Frustrated with unreliable options, Dr. Patrick tried two different inverter brands, but both failed him within months. Litigation only added to his disillusionment. When hope seemed lost, a student introduced Dr. Patrick to iPower inverters. Skeptical at first, he…

Jesujoba Ojelabi, marketing lead at fast-rising Nigerian fintech startup, FlashChange, is gaining recognition within Africa’s digital finance ecosystem for his role in driving trust-led growth at the digital assets startup. Operating in one of the continent’s most competitive fintech markets, Ojelabi leads brand strategy, growth marketing, and external communications for the digital asset exchange platform. His work focuses on building sustainable user growth in an industry increasingly defined by regulatory scrutiny, consumer skepticism, and the need for transparent communication. As Nigeria’s fintech sector matures, user behavior has shifted from rapid experimentation to cautious adoption. Ojelabi’s approach reflects this transition, prioritizing…

100Pay, a crypto payments platform, has announced a significant investment in fostering cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria. The company has launched a $200,000 startup fund to support businesses integrating crypto payments into their operations and opened a new 4,000-square-meter headquarters in Port Harcourt. The startup fund aims to empower businesses using 100Pay’s PAY Checkout platform to access resources and support for implementing crypto transactions. Several startups, including Everest Mobility, Cloudnotte, and Meedleman, have already benefited from the fund. 100Pay’s PAY token plays a crucial role in the program, offering businesses a seamless way to accept and convert digital currencies into local…

The UK government’s West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH) has launched a new initiative, Sankore, aimed at fostering economic growth through technology and innovation in Nigeria and Ghana. Announced by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, at a press conference in Accra, Sankore will provide up to £1.9 million in funding to non-profit organizations, including UN agencies, to support collaborative projects in science, technology, and innovation. The initiative seeks to strengthen partnerships between governments, businesses, and innovators in both countries, facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions, and enhance government digital service delivery. “Sankore is about working together to create…

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to equip 5,000 young Nigerians with data privacy and protection skills. The initiative, announced by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, is part of the government’s broader plan to create jobs and foster economic growth. “This training will provide our youth with the technical expertise needed to thrive in the burgeoning data protection sector,” the Minister stated. Also, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, emphasized the significance of data protection in attracting foreign investment. “By…

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, it’s easy to fall behind. With each passing moment, industries worldwide are transformed, and at the heart of this transformation lies Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has become a game-changer, reshaping business operations from automation and predictive analytics to cybersecurity. Data centres, the critical infrastructure behind digital operations, are undergoing a similar evolution, evolving from traditional mechanical hubs to sophisticated, AI-ready ecosystems. In Nigeria, the data centre industry plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation. Sectors like finance, technology, education, and healthcare are harnessing the power of digital infrastructure to innovate and thrive. Among…

US Representative James Hill (R-AR) has expressed concern that the continued detention of Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria could jeopardize bilateral relations between the two countries. In a statement on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Hill said: “I’m surprised Nigeria, a country considered a friend to America, is holding a US citizen in detention over a matter he’s not directly involved in. I urge President Biden to push harder for his release.” Hill, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and Chairman of the subcommittee overseeing digital assets and financial technology, highlighted Gambaryan’s contributions…

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has introduced a new feature designed to provide a safer and more positive experience for teenage users. Instagram Teen Accounts, which will automatically be activated for users under 18, come with built-in protections that limit who can contact teens and the content they see. “We want parents to feel confident that their teens can use social media to connect with friends and explore their interests without worrying about unsafe or inappropriate experiences,” said [Meta Executive]. “Teen Accounts are designed to better support parents and give them peace of mind that their teens are safe…

By Martin Ekpeke The Nigerian government has announced a significant investment of $2 billion to expand its existing fiber optic network from 35,000 kilometers to a massive 125,000 kilometers. The ambitious project, backed by the USTDA, European Union, and other partners, aims to boost economic growth and empower Nigerians to participate more fully in the global digital economy. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, unveiled the plans at the G20 Digital Economy Group (DEWG) meeting in Maceio, Brazil. He emphasized the critical role of universal and equitable access to connectivity in driving economic development, social inclusion…