Technology news around the ecosystem!

From Lagos to Nairobi

We give you summaries of happenings around tech, from developer stand-ups to the boardrooms.

  • “Farewell Ayoba: MTN Pulls the Plug on Its Messaging Platform”.

    When Ayoba launched, it promised a uniquely African alternative to global messaging apps—a place for communities, content, and local creativity. Backed by MTN Group, it seemed poised for scale. But now, MTN is shutting it down, and the news hits harder than most expected. This isn’t just the end of an app. It’s a reminder…

  • Showmax Sets Official End Date for Its Operations.

    When Showmax launched, it promised a homegrown alternative to global streaming giants—a space for African stories, local content, and pan-African audiences. Backed by MultiChoice, it felt like a platform built to stay. But now, the service has announced its final shutdown date, and the news lands with both inevitability and a twinge of nostalgia. This…

  • Chowdeck and the Twitter Origin Debate: Lessons to Learn in African Tech Culture.

    In Africa’s fast-moving tech ecosystem, the story behind an idea can be just as compelling as the product itself. A recent Twitter argument over the “true origin” of Chowdeck—a rising food delivery platform—illustrates this perfectly. One user claimed they conceived the concept years before Chowdeck officially launched in 2021, sparking debate about authorship, credit, and…

  • CBN’s New Device Rule: What It Means for Your Banking App.

    Big news for Nigerian mobile banking users: starting July 26, 2026, your bank or fintech app will only work on one device. Yes, that phone you love? It’s basically your bank key now. Lose it, or get a new one? Your app will still work, but your transaction limit drops to ₦20,000 for 24 hours…

  • Why African Super Apps Struggle to Stick Around.

    At first glance, the idea of a “super app” in Africa is irresistible. One app that handles everything — payments, food delivery, shopping, transport, even messaging — all in one place. Inspired by giants like WeChat and Grab, African founders have poured time, money, and imagination into making it work. But reality has been a…

  • OPay’s Shrinking Agent Network: Why Customers Are Following Moniepoint.

    OPay was once everywhere in Nigerian markets and retail shops. Its mobile wallet, PoS terminals, and money agents made it easy for everyday Nigerians to send money, pay bills, and withdraw cash. For many users, OPay wasn’t just an app — it was a physical presence at the stalls and counters they frequented. But things…