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🏢Bankit Launches Free Payment Cards in Nigeria

🏢Bankit Launches Free Payment Cards in Nigeria

Plus: 🏫aptLearn Shuts Down, Plans AI Relaunch

Innovation Village
April 15, 2026

In partnership with

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Good Morning Valued Subscribers👋

Shifts in fintech, legal battles, and strategic pivots are shaping the current wave of developments across Africa’s digital ecosystem. From Bankit launching free payment cards in Nigeria to aptLearn shutting down with plans for an AI-focused relaunch, companies are rethinking how they deliver value in an increasingly competitive market.

At the same time, regulatory and legal tensions are coming into focus. Meta is challenging a $25,000 ruling linked to Femi Falana, while Elon Musk has alleged bribery in an ongoing dispute involving Starlink in South Africa. Meanwhile, growth and expansion remain a priority, with VivaJets securing a $15 million facility to scale operations across West Africa.

Together, these stories reflect a dynamic environment where innovation, controversy, and expansion are unfolding simultaneously, shaping the trajectory of technology and business across the region.

Let’s dive in👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

🏢Bankit Launches Free Payment Cards in Nigeria
🏫aptLearn Shuts Down, Plans AI Relaunch
⚖️Meta Challenges $25K Falana Ruling in Jurisdiction Dispute
🌐Elon Musk Alleges Bribery in Starlink South Africa Dispute
💵VivaJets Secures $15M Facility for West Africa Expansion

🏢FINTECH

Bankit Launches Free Payment Cards in Nigeria

Bankit has introduced free physical and virtual payment cards for customers in Nigeria, removing issuance and delivery fees to expand access to digital financial services. The move aims to reduce barriers to financial inclusion, particularly for underserved users deterred by upfront costs.

The cards integrate seamlessly with Bankit’s mobile app, enabling ATM withdrawals, POS payments, online transactions, and real-time expense tracking. This enhances everyday usability while promoting financial awareness and control.

By offering core banking tools at no cost, Bankit differentiates itself in a competitive fintech market, prioritising accessibility and customer trust. The initiative also supports Nigeria’s broader shift toward a cashless, digitally driven economy.........….continue reading

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🏫EDTECH

aptLearn Shuts Down, Plans AI Relaunch

Nigerian edtech startup aptLearn has announced the shutdown of its current platform after four years, with access remaining available until July 15, 2026, for users to complete courses and retrieve certificates.

The platform trained over 200,000 learners, helping expand access to digital and tech education across Africa. Despite the shutdown, the company describes the move as a strategic reset rather than an exit.

aptLearn is exploring a potential relaunch with an AI-driven model focused on personalised, adaptive learning—aligning with broader shifts in the global edtech industry toward more intelligent and dynamic education platforms........….continue reading

⚖️LEGAL

Meta Challenges $25K Falana Ruling in Jurisdiction Dispute

Meta Platforms Inc. is appealing a Lagos High Court ruling that awarded $25,000 in damages to Femi Falana over a Facebook video deemed to have violated his privacy and reputation.

Meta’s core argument centers on jurisdiction, claiming the case was wrongly treated as a fundamental rights issue instead of a defamation claim, which allowed the court to hear it improperly. The company also maintains it should not be held liable for user-generated content, warning that such a precedent could significantly impact how social media platforms are regulated in Nigeria.

Additionally, Meta disputes the evidence presented and considers the damages excessive. The case now moves to the Court of Appeal, where its outcome could shape platform liability, digital rights, and jurisdictional boundaries for tech companies operating in Nigeria..........….continue reading

🌐INTERNET

Elon Musk Alleges Bribery in Starlink South Africa Dispute

Elon Musk has sparked controversy after alleging that South African authorities hinted at bribery during efforts to secure approval for Starlink. He claims he was advised to bypass local telecom regulations by creating the appearance of compliance without meeting actual requirements—an offer he says he rejected.

The dispute is tied to South Africa’s B-BBEE policy, which mandates local ownership or partnerships for foreign companies. Musk has criticised the policy as restrictive and a barrier to innovation, while authorities deny any wrongdoing and insist all firms must comply with established laws.

The situation highlights broader tensions between global tech expansion and national regulation, particularly as Starlink’s rollout faces delays in a key African market. The outcome could influence both internet access expansion and how international tech firms navigate local policy frameworks.......….continue reading

💵FUNDING

VivaJets Secures $15M Facility for West Africa Expansion

Isha Doshi, Co-founder of TLG Capital

Falcon Aerospace, operating as VivaJets, has secured a $15 million credit facility backed by TLG Capital, Premium Trust Bank, and Access Bank UK to support its expansion across Francophone West Africa.

The funding will be used to establish a new operations hub in Côte d’Ivoire, build local maintenance infrastructure, and enhance corporate and executive aviation services in the region. This strategy aims to improve service reliability while reducing reliance on offshore maintenance.

The deal also reflects growing investor confidence in Africa’s aviation sector and highlights a broader push to develop regional connectivity and infrastructure, positioning VivaJets for scalable growth across West Africa...........….continue reading