Author: Akin Naphtal

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the business landscape, small businesses are leading the charge with remarkable speed and resilience. According to Bluehost Group CEO Sachin Puri, these enterprises — which make up 99.9% of U.S. businesses and contribute nearly half of the nation’s GDP — are not only adopting AI at record rates but are fundamentally rethinking their digital strategies to thrive amid economic and technological disruption. “Small businesses are the earliest responders to economic and technological change. They feel disruption first and they adapt the fastest,” said Puri. “AI adoption among small businesses has officially exploded.” Citing a…

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, has declared that truly unlimited data plans are unrealistic on mobile networks, warning that no operator can sustainably deliver quality service if every customer enjoys unrestricted access at low prices. Toriola made the remarks on Saturday during a press conference titled “Data on Trial” held in Lagos, where he addressed growing consumer demand for affordable unlimited internet packages amid concerns over data pricing. “The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever,” Toriola said. “There are high…

China is set to expand its support for Zambia’s digital transformation following high-level discussions between officials from both nations on deepening cooperation in digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, and skills development. The talks, held between Nkula Mwanza, Director of Digital Communications at Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science, and Han Jing, China’s Ambassador to Zambia, signal a potential broadening of Beijing’s already significant footprint in the country’s technology and infrastructure sectors. China has long been a key partner for Zambia in telecommunications and digital connectivity. Chinese firms such as Huawei and ZTE have played major roles in expanding telecom networks, advancing…

In the fiercely competitive telecommunications industry, where customer experience has become the ultimate differentiator, few professionals command the depth of expertise and institutional impact that Dr. Lawrence Akosen brings to the table. With over 23 years of distinguished service at MTN Ghana, Akosen has risen through the ranks to become one of the most influential voices in customer experience strategy across West Africa. As Senior Manager for Customer Experience Planning and Enablement, he stands at the forefront of shaping how millions of Ghanaian customers interact with one of Africa’s largest telecom brands. His career is a masterclass in the evolution…

Safaricom, Kenya’s dominant telecom operator, is intensifying its push into the affordable broadband market, introducing entry-level internet packages starting at KES 800 ($6) per month to challenge smaller providers that have long dominated price-sensitive neighbourhoods. The company is currently piloting a pay-as-you-go wireless internet service called Wi-Fi Bamba in densely populated, low-income areas including Kawangware, Kangemi, and Kiambu Bus Park. According to Safaricom, the pilot has already attracted more than 800 active users. The service targets budget-conscious customers in high-footfall locations such as markets and bus parks. “Wi-Fi Bamba is currently in the pilot phase within densely populated areas of…

MTN Group has announced the appointment of two new Chief Executive Officers for its operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia as part of its ongoing leadership refresh across key markets. Abbad Reda has been appointed CEO of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, while Larry Annetts will assume the role of CEO of MTN Zambia. Reda brings a wealth of experience within the MTN Group, having held several leadership positions across Africa and Asia. He most recently served as CEO of MTN Zambia. Prior to that, he was CEO of MTN Afghanistan and served as CIO of MTN Ghana for nearly eight years.…

Nigerian business banking startup Brass has announced plans to cease operating as an independent company, with its customers set to be migrated to Paystack Microfinance Bank (Paystack MFB) as part of a broader integration into Paystack’s banking infrastructure. The company disclosed on Monday that interested customers would be transitioned to Paystack MFB before July 31, 2026, marking the final phase of a rescue and restructuring process that began two years ago. According to Brass, the move will see its business banking operations fully absorbed into Paystack MFB’s regulated banking framework. “Brass will move its business banking into Paystack MFB. As…

OPay has announced that it has exceeded 45 million users and now supports more than one million merchants and businesses across Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem. The fintech company, which launched operations in Nigeria in 2018, said its growth underscores the increasing adoption of digital financial services and agency banking solutions among millions of Nigerians. Over the years, OPay has emerged as a key player in advancing financial inclusion and supporting Nigeria’s transition toward a cashless economy. Its distinctive green Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals have become a common sight across markets, transport hubs,…

The African Union Commission and the Government of Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Africa’s digital future following a high-level bilateral meeting between Lerato D. Mataboge and Bosun Tijani at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The strategic engagement focused on deepening cooperation to accelerate the implementation of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa and strengthen alignment around key continental frameworks designed to drive economic growth through technology and innovation. During the discussions, both leaders emphasized the need to scale up investments in digital public infrastructure, harmonize data governance policies, and foster cross-border innovation ecosystems that support Africa’s…

Tolaram, one of Nigeria’s leading multinational conglomerates, has promoted Kavinkumar Murukanathan to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Murukanathan, a seasoned technology and operations leader with nearly 15 years of experience within the group, will now oversee the company’s entire enterprise technology landscape. His mandate includes driving digital transformation, ERP systems, data analytics, cybersecurity, infrastructure management, enterprise architecture, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. In his new role, he is expected to work closely with business leaders across the group to strengthen operational excellence, enhance decision-making capabilities, and build future-ready platforms that support sustainable long-term growth. ALSO READ: LINX KENYA…