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✈️ FAAN, MTN Launch Free Airport WiFi

✈️ FAAN, MTN Launch Free Airport WiFi

Plus: 🤖Unilever Partners with Google Cloud

Innovation Village
February 20, 2026

In partnership with

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TGIF👋

Unilever has announced a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to accelerate its digital transformation and enhance operational efficiency across its global supply chain. The collaboration aims to leverage cloud computing, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions to optimise production, improve sustainability initiatives, and deliver more personalised consumer experiences.

The partnership reflects a growing trend among multinational companies to adopt advanced cloud technologies as a core part of business strategy, enabling faster decision-making, greater agility, and improved responsiveness to changing market demands. For Unilever, the move underscores a commitment to innovation and digital resilience in an increasingly competitive consumer goods landscape.

Let’s dive in👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

✈️ FAAN, MTN Launch Free Airport WiFi
🔐 NITDA Warns of Microsoft Office CVE-2026-21509
🏢Risevest Resolves Regulatory Issues with SEC Approval
💵Points Africa Raises $2M to Launch Pan-African Loyalty Network
🤖Unilever Partners with Google Cloud
🌐Starlink Kenya Users Must Verify Identity by May

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✈️TRAVEL

FAAN, MTN Launch Free Airport WiFi

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in partnership with MTN Nigeria, has launched free WiFi services at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2 and Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The service is fully free for passengers and will be expanded to additional terminals and other international airports within three months.

The initiative addresses long-standing connectivity challenges at Nigerian airports, where unreliable mobile data and expensive roaming fees have frustrated travellers. The new network is designed to support common passenger needs such as checking flight updates, accessing ride-hailing services, and handling work communications............continue reading

🔐CYBERSECURITY

NITDA Warns of Microsoft Office CVE-2026-21509

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued an urgent warning about a critical Microsoft Office vulnerability (CVE-2026-21509) that is actively being exploited. Affecting Office 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365 Apps, the flaw allows attackers to bypass Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) security protections, potentially executing malicious code when users open compromised documents.

Exploitation can lead to malware execution, credential theft, and network infiltration. NITDA emphasizes rapid patching, user education, and robust email and endpoint security to mitigate the risk..............….continue reading

🏢FINTECH

Risevest Resolves Regulatory Issues with SEC Approval

Nigerian investment platform Risevest has officially secured a Fund and Portfolio Manager licence from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ending months of regulatory uncertainty. The approval covers its subsidiary, RV Fund Management Limited, and comes after the SEC previously flagged the company for operating without proper registration.

Risevest addressed the issues by realigning its investment products under a licensed entity, submitting required documentation, and paying regulatory fees. The licence strengthens Risevest’s regulatory framework, ensures compliance with Nigerian capital market laws, and allows it to expand offerings to a broader range of investors............….continue reading

💵FUNDING

Points Africa Raises $2M to Launch Pan-African Loyalty Network

Ghana-based fintech Points Africa has raised $2 million from VestedWorld to create Sub-Saharan Africa’s first unified loyalty network. The platform allows consumers to earn and redeem rewards across multiple merchants, breaking the isolation of traditional loyalty programs.

Initially focusing on Ghana, Points Africa plans to expand to Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya over the next 18 months. Its technology tracks transactions, manages a shared loyalty currency, and uses AI analytics to help businesses retain customers and optimize engagement.

Strategic partnerships with MTN, Jumia, Uber, Melcom, Star Oil, and Access Bank ensure immediate utility for consumers. The startup charges fees on points issuance and redemption, aiming to become Africa’s leading loyalty wallet and a standard tool for cross-sector rewards..........….continue reading

🤖ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Unilever Partners with Google Cloud

Unilever has entered a five-year partnership with Google Cloud to integrate AI across its global operations. Iconic brands like Dove, Vaseline, and Hellmann’s will leverage AI for product discovery, marketing, and customer interactions.

The deal involves migrating Unilever’s data and cloud infrastructure to Google Cloud, creating an AI-first backbone and using Vertex AI for predictive analytics, real-time demand forecasting, and supply chain automation. Key focus areas include AI-driven marketing, unified cloud infrastructure, and advanced AI adoption, including Google’s Gemini models..........….continue reading

🌐INTERNET

Starlink Kenya Users Must Verify Identity by May

Starlink has warned Kenyan subscribers that they must complete mandatory identity verification by April 30, 2026, or risk service disconnection. The process, mandated by Kenyan authorities, requires users to provide a government-issued ID, postal address, phone number, and account details at authorized Starlink retailers, with the Starlink mobile app installed.

This aligns Starlink with Kenya’s telecom KYC regulations, ensuring satellite internet services meet the same accountability standards as traditional operators. Since launching in Kenya in 2023, Starlink has grown rapidly, particularly in underserved areas, but regulators are pushing for compliance to address cybersecurity, surveillance, and oversight concerns.............….continue reading