📡 Amazon to challenge Starlink in Nigeria

TGIF☀️

If you’ve ever been frustrated by slow internet or patchy connections, you might want to pay attention to what’s happening in Nigeria’s satellite internet space. Amazon’s LEO network has officially landed, promising faster speeds and more reliable service that could finally shake up the market. For years, Starlink has dominated the scene, but the new player isn’t just here to compete, it’s here to push the entire industry forward.

The real story isn’t just about one company vs. another. It’s about what this means for everyday users, businesses, and the tech ecosystem. More choices could drive better service, lower prices, and innovative offerings that make satellite internet less of a luxury and more of a norm. For anyone who has ever suffered through buffering videos or slow uploads, this could mark the start of a long-awaited change.

It’s the kind of week where you realize the tech world isn’t waiting for anyone. Big moves like this remind us that disruption isn’t coming, it’s already here, and it’s ready to change how we connect.

Let’s dive in.👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

📡 Amazon LEO Eyes Starlink’s Throne in Nigeria
🏦 16 Banks Hit CBN’s New Target
🤝Tyme & Visa Team Up Globally
📶 Cell C completes JSE listing
💰 FSD Africa Unveils $30m Insurtech Fund
🚆 Proparco Backs BasiGo’s E-Bus Push
🤖 Meta Sets Sights on Electricity Trading to Power Its AI Future

📡 SATELLITE

Amazon LEO Eyes Starlink’s Throne in Nigeria

Amazon has rebranded its satellite internet project as Amazon LEO and opened a waitlist for Nigeria, positioning itself as a competitor to Starlink, which currently dominates high-speed satellite internet but struggles with capacity limits in major cities.

Amazon LEO introduces a range of terminals, including the compact Nano aimed at mass adoption, the Pro for higher speeds, and the Ultra for enterprise users. While Starlink leads in satellite numbers (8,600+ vs. Amazon’s 153), Amazon leverages its AWS infrastructure to potentially offer faster, more integrated connections for businesses and tech hubs.

Regulatory compliance is central to Amazon’s Nigerian strategy, as the company engages with authorities before full launch. Analysts see Amazon LEO as a long-term disruptor that could force Starlink to improve pricing and service, giving Nigerian consumers their first real choice in satellite internet..….continue reading

 🏦 BANKING

16 Banks Hit CBN’s New Target

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed that 16 banks have met its revised minimum capital requirements, marking a major milestone in the ongoing recapitalization of the financial sector. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced that 27 additional banks are still raising funds ahead of the March 2026 deadline. The reforms—alongside tighter rules on dud checks and a push for improved liquidity—are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s banking system, boosting investor confidence, and positioning the sector for long-term growth..............…continue reading

🤝PARTNERSHIP

Tyme & Visa Team Up Globally

Tyme Group, owners of South Africa’s TymeBank, has signed a major multi-year partnership with Visa to accelerate financial inclusion and digital payments across South Africa, Southeast Asia, and other emerging markets. The deal will support Tyme’s expansion through enhanced card issuance, product development, value-added services, and data-driven financial solutions.

Tyme now serves 20 million customers across South Africa, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and will rebrand TymeBank to GoTyme in early 2026. The partnership aims to deliver secure, affordable, and innovative digital banking experiences for millions of underserved consumers and small businesses.............…continue reading

📶TELECOMS

Cell C completes JSE listing

Cell C has officially listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange under the ticker CCD, debuting at R26.50 and securing a R9 billion market valuation. The listing follows years of restructuring that shifted the company to an asset-light model, slashed debt, and expanded its network access through partnerships with Vodacom and MTN.

A recent secondary share sale raised R2.7 billion for major shareholder TPC, while the inclusion of Sisonke Growth Partners helped Cell C exceed South Africa’s 30% empowerment requirement. With revenue of R13.7 billion and EBITDA of R3.7 billion, Cell C says the streamlined structure positions it to compete on price and service—and potentially return 30–50% of free cash flow to shareholders in the future...…...continue reading

💰INVESTMENTS

FSD Africa Unveils $30m Insurtech Fund

FSD Africa has launched the Inclusive Insurtech Investment Fund (3iF), a $25–30 million pan-African venture fund designed to support early-stage insurtech startups. The fund targets solutions that improve insurance access, affordability, and climate resilience—key issues in a continent where penetration remains below 3%.

Anchored by FSD Africa Investments and supported by Zep Re, the blended-finance fund will back startups offering innovative products for informal workers, smallholder farmers, and underserved households. With uninsured losses from natural disasters rising sharply, 3iF aims to help millions of Africans build financial resilience through modern, technology-driven insurance solutions..…...continue reading

 🚆 TRANSPORTATION

Proparco Backs BasiGo’s E-Bus Push

Proparco has invested in BasiGo, the Nairobi-based e-mobility startup pioneering electric public transport in Kenya and Rwanda. BasiGo already operates 100 electric buses and builds both the vehicles and charging infrastructure locally. The funding supports the company’s mission to replace diesel buses with cleaner, cost-efficient electric alternatives.

The investment aligns with the AFD Group’s drive for low-carbon mobility, and both organizations say the partnership will help scale electric bus adoption across more African cities....…...continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• AI Music Is Taking Over, but Is It the Future or a Threat?……continue reading

• Meta Sets Sights on Electricity Trading to Power Its AI Future….continue reading

• Laptops Developers Love and What They Mean for Innovation………continue reading

• Vodacom Acquires 30% of Maziv to Expand Fibre….continue reading

• VLC Media Player remains free in a monetized world….continue reading

• Uber Debuts Fully Driverless Robotaxi Service in Abu Dhabi….continue reading

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