⚖️ FCCPC Delists Loan Apps

Plus: ✈️ Zipline Raises $600m

Innovation Village
January 22, 2026

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Good Morning Valued Subscribers👋

Nigeria’s internet landscape is quietly expanding, and the latest move by the NCC is a clear signal that more options and potentially better connectivity are on the horizon. Granting licenses to seven new Internet Service Providers isn’t just a regulatory update; it’s a nudge toward more competition, broader coverage, and perhaps even improved service for users who have been waiting for faster, more reliable connections.

For everyday internet users, this could mean fewer frustrations with slow speeds, better pricing, and more choices when deciding how to get online. For businesses, startups, and tech operators, new ISPs could unlock opportunities for more resilient networks and innovative digital services. While change may not happen overnight, each new license represents a building block toward a more connected, accessible, and competitive Nigerian internet ecosystem.

Let’s dive in.👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

⚖️ FCCPC Delists Loan Apps for Missing Registration Deadline
🌐 NCC grants license to 7 new ISPs
📶 MTN and Airtel Resume Mobile Money Services in Uganda
🩺 Gates Foundation, OpenAI Launch $50M AI Health Project in Africa
✈️ Zipline Raises $600m, Hits $7.6b Valuation in Latest Funding Round
💰Mirova invests $19 million in Cold Solutions Kiambu

⚖️REGULATION

FCCPC Delists Loan Apps for Missing Registration Deadline

Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has removed digital loan apps that missed the January 5 registration deadline under new lending regulations. Delisted platforms lose conditional approvals and can no longer legally offer loans.

FCCPC CEO Tunji Bello said the action aims to restore consumer trust and promote transparency, not shut down legitimate businesses. Borrowers are advised to rely on the updated public register when choosing apps.

The commission is also collaborating with app stores and payment providers to prevent unregistered apps from operating through alternative channels. Affected platforms have until April 2026 to complete registration and comply with regulatory requirements.....….continue reading

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🌐INTERNET

NCC grants license to 7 new ISPs

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has licensed six new internet service providers, including Amazon Kuiper, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s satellite internet hub. This move ends Starlink’s monopoly and introduces strong competition in the market.

Amazon Kuiper will leverage its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and Ka-band frequencies to deliver speeds up to 400 Mbps, with direct integration into AWS cloud services—a significant advantage for businesses. Other new ISPs, such as Granet and Fiber Sonic, will expand fiber and satellite options for homes and businesses.

With data usage in Nigeria surging 35% in 2025, satellite internet promises faster speeds, wider coverage—especially in rural areas—and more competitive pricing, signaling a major boost for the country’s digital economy......….continue reading

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📶 TELECOMS

MTN and Airtel Resume Mobile Money Services in Uganda

MTN and Airtel have restored mobile money services in Uganda, a week after authorities restricted digital financial services ahead of the general elections. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) had reinstated general internet access earlier, but mobile money and social media remained blocked, causing financial strain for individuals and businesses.

The Bank of Uganda later clarified it had ordered the mobile money restrictions, not the UCC. MTN Uganda also announced it will compensate subscribers whose data expired during the outage.

While mobile money is back online, major social media platforms remain restricted. The restoration is a key step in resuming normal economic activity amid ongoing digital limitations....….continue reading

Tony Elumelu Foundation - $5,000 seed capital plus training
She Leads Africa Accelerator - Business support for women-led startups
Cherie Blair Foundation Tech Programme
SEED Awards - Sustainable development enterprises

🩺HEALTHTECH

Gates Foundation, OpenAI Launch $50M AI Health Project in Africa

The Gates Foundation and OpenAI have committed $50 million to Horizon1000, an AI-driven healthcare project in Africa, starting in Rwanda. The initiative aims to improve primary care by supporting 1,000 clinics and surrounding communities across multiple countries by 2028.

Horizon1000 will leverage AI to address healthcare worker shortages, optimize clinic operations, and strengthen data-driven decision-making. The project complements ongoing challenges in African health systems, including underfunding, infrastructure gaps, and a shortage of skilled personnel.

This effort builds on the Gates Foundation’s 25-year presence in Africa and reflects a broader commitment to enhancing health outcomes, reducing preventable deaths, and creating resilient healthcare systems through technology and targeted investment................…continue reading

✈️ DRONE DELIVERY

Zipline Raises $600m, Hits $7.6b Valuation in Latest Funding Round

Zipline, the U.S.-based autonomous drone delivery company, has raised $600 million in fresh funding, boosting its valuation to $7.6 billion. Founded in 2014 and commercially launched in 2016, Zipline has built the world’s most advanced autonomous delivery system. The company designs and manufactures its own drones, logistics software, and launch systems—creating an end-to-end delivery ecosystem that now operates on four continents.

Zipline initially gained recognition through its work in Rwanda, where it delivered blood to rural health centers using autonomous aircraft. Since then, its mission has expanded dramatically. Today, Zipline provides food, healthcare, agriculture, and retail deliveries across five African countries, Japan, and a growing number of U.S. cities.....…continue reading