🛒Jumia to Exit Algeria

Plus: 📶 NCC & CBN to Halt Airtime/Data Sales During Outages

Innovation Village
February 11, 2026

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Good Morning Valued Subscribers👋

Jumia is planning to wind down operations in Algeria by Q1 2026, extending its retreat from non-core markets after earlier exits from South Africa and Tunisia. The move reflects a sharper focus on profitability, with Algeria contributing just 2% of 2025 GMV amid structural constraints like import controls and a cash-heavy economy.

At the same time, Nigeria’s digital economy is facing tighter oversight, as the NCC and CBN propose new rules requiring telcos, banks, and merchants to suspend airtime and data sales during extended network outages—signalling a broader push toward discipline, accountability, and sustainable growth across Africa’s tech ecosystem.

Let’s dive in👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

🛒Jumia to Exit Algerian Market
📶 NCC & CBN to Halt Airtime/Data Sales During Outages
🤖 Alphabet Raises $32B to Fuel AI Expansion
🗼 Equinix Builds South-South Internet Hub
🔋 SolarAfrica Secures $94M for 114MW Utility-Scale Solar Plant
🤖 ChatGPT Rolls Out Ads

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Jumia to Exit Algerian Market

Jumia Technologies AG plans to wind down operations in Algeria by Q1 2026, following prior exits from South Africa and Tunisia. The move is part of a strategic shift toward high-potential, profitable markets, allowing the company to concentrate on core operations like Nigeria and improve long-term efficiency.

While Algeria contributed only 2% of Jumia’s 2025 GMV, structural challenges such as import controls and a cash-heavy economy limited growth prospects. The company expects one-time exit costs but anticipates the decision will enhance profitability and support its target of Adjusted EBITDA breakeven by Q4 2026. This exit reflects Jumia’s focus on sustainable, disciplined growth over rapid expansion..........….continue reading

📶 TELECOMS

NCC & CBN to Halt Airtime/Data Sales During Outages

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are proposing a regulation requiring mobile networks, banks, and merchants to suspend airtime and data sales during network outages exceeding 10 minutes. Failed transactions must be reversed within 30 minutes, while subscribers receive immediate notifications.

A central monitoring dashboard will track outages and compliance, aiming to reduce failed recharge complaints, improve transparency, and restore consumer trust in Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem..........….continue reading

🤖ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Alphabet Raises $32B to Fuel AI Expansion

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has raised $32 billion in debt to finance its ambitious AI expansion, including a $20 billion US bond sale and a rare 100-year bond, with additional offerings in the UK and Switzerland. The funding will support capital-intensive investments in AI infrastructure, such as data centres, specialised AI chips, networking equipment, and energy systems, as the company ramps up spending to $185 billion in 2026, nearly double that of 2025.

Investor appetite was exceptionally strong, with US demand reportedly exceeding $100 billion, reflecting confidence in Alphabet’s long-term strategy. The 100-year bond, an unusual move in modern tech, signals Alphabet’s bet on sustained relevance over the next century.

This massive debt raise highlights a broader trend in hyperscaler AI investment, with Oracle, Microsoft, and Meta also committing billions to infrastructure.........….continue reading

🗼INFRASTRUCTURE

Equinix Builds South-South Internet Hub

Equinix, through its MainOne acquisition, is reshaping Nigeria’s internet infrastructure with a new South-South digital gateway in Akwa Ibom and Port Harcourt. The project, anchored by the Meta-backed 2Africa submarine cable, breaks Lagos’ historical monopoly on subsea cable landings, which previously created vulnerabilities and latency issues.

This infrastructure improves resilience by providing an independent traffic path, reduces latency for ~32 million residents, lowers backhaul costs, and strengthens disaster recovery options for businesses. It also benefits manufacturing, oil, remote work, telemedicine, and digital education by providing high-speed, reliable bandwidth outside Lagos..........….continue reading

🔋ENERGY

SolarAfrica Secures $94M for 114MW Utility-Scale Solar Plant

South African renewable energy company SolarAfrica has raised $94 million in debt financing to develop SunCentral 2, a 114MW utility-scale solar plant in the Northern Cape. The project aims to provide industrial and commercial customers with stable, renewable electricity via South Africa’s national grid, reducing dependence on the struggling state utility, Eskom.

Unlike its earlier rooftop-focused projects, SunCentral 2 will operate under a wheeling model, enabling businesses to access clean energy without upfront installation costs through long-term power purchase agreements. The plant will also be supported by expanded grid infrastructure, including a Main Transmission Substation capable of handling up to 2GW, addressing major transmission bottlenecks in the region........….continue reading