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🚗 LASTMA Deploys Drones to Ease Lagos Traffic

🚗 LASTMA Deploys Drones to Ease Lagos Traffic

Plus: 🪙 Blockchain.com Expands to Nigeria Amid Crypto Boom

Innovation Village
September 19, 2025

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TGIF☀️

It’s Friday and the finish line is in sight. Whether your week flew by or dragged its feet, today’s your cue to exhale a little. Before the weekend officially kicks in, we’ve pulled together the stories worth knowing so you head into the break informed.

Take a breath, grab your coffee, and let’s wrap up the week strong.

Let’s dive in.👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

🚗 LASTMA Launches Drone Technology to Monitor Traffic Congestion in Lagos
🪙 Crypto Giant Blockchain.com Establishes Physical Presence in Nigeria Amid Growing Adoption
🌐 Google to Build Four New Subsea Cable Hubs to Boost Africa’s Digital Connectivity
🧔‍♂️ Wasoko Co-Founder Daniel Yu Steps Down as CEO, Belal El-Megharbel Takes Over
📲 MTN Nigeria Secures Spectrum Lease from T2 Mobile, Ends Ntel Agreement
🤖 Google Launches AI Agent Payment Protocol with Coinbase, Mastercard, and PayPal

If you haven't subscribed, join over 7,000 people curious about Innovation, New Products, New Technologies in Africa.

🚗 TRANSPORTATION

LASTMA Launches Drone Technology to Monitor Traffic Congestion in Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has begun using drones to monitor congestion, track accidents, and speed up emergency responses across the city. Officials say the aerial view will help cut travel times, reduce accidents, and improve driving discipline.

The drones will also double as surveillance tools to boost security, aligning with Lagos’ broader push for tech-driven transport systems that include Intelligent Transport System (ITS) sites and ANPR cameras. However, privacy concerns remain, as residents weigh the benefits against fears of overreach......…continue reading

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🪙 CRYPTOCURRENCY

Crypto Giant Blockchain.com Establishes Physical Presence in Nigeria Amid Growing Adoption

Blockchain.com has officially launched its first African office in Lagos, marking Nigeria as the centerpiece of its continental strategy. The move follows the country’s new Investment and Securities Act (2025), which placed virtual assets under SEC oversight, giving crypto firms long-sought regulatory clarity. General Manager Owenize Odia said user activity in Nigeria has doubled since February, prompting the company to hire local teams in compliance, business development, and customer success.

The Lagos office signals a shift from remote operations to on-the-ground engagement, positioning Blockchain.com to expand across Africa while aligning closely with regulators........…continue reading

🌐 DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Google to Build Four New Subsea Cable Hubs to Boost Africa’s Digital Connectivity

Google is expanding its Africa Connect program with four new subsea cable hubs in the north, south, east, and west of the continent. The investment aims to boost internet resilience, deepen global connectivity, and fuel economic growth. Building on over $1B already spent on infrastructure like the Equiano cable and Umoja fiber route, Google projects billions in GDP gains for African economies.

Alongside connectivity, the tech giant is offering students in eight countries free access to Gemini AI Pro, expanding AI training, and adding support for more African languages. The initiative positions Africa’s youth at the center of the global digital and AI economy......…continue reading

🧔‍♂️ BUSINESS

Wasoko Co-Founder Daniel Yu Steps Down as CEO, Belal El-Megharbel Takes Over

Daniel Yu, co-founder and longtime CEO of Wasoko, is stepping back from daily operations following the company’s merger with Egypt’s MaxAB. Belal El-Megharbel will assume full leadership, while Yu remains a strategic advisor. The combined company now serves 450,000 informal retailers across five African countries and has achieved e-commerce profitability in three markets.

With over $20M in merchant credit disbursed and strong fintech ambitions, Wasoko-MaxAB is entering a new phase of operational maturity and expansion. Yu, relocating to India, will also chair Malengo, a nonprofit tackling extreme poverty through education.........…continue reading

🤖 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Google Launches AI Agent Payment Protocol with Coinbase, Mastercard, and PayPal

Google has introduced the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open-source standard for secure, auditable AI-driven transactions. Backed by Mastercard, PayPal, American Express, Coinbase, and 60+ partners, AP2 uses cryptographically signed “Mandates” to verify user authorization and create audit trails. The protocol supports cards, bank transfers, stablecoins, and crypto payments through an extension developed with Coinbase and the Ethereum Foundation.

By providing a common framework, AP2 aims to prevent fragmentation, improve trust, and bridge traditional finance with Web3. Its success will depend on adoption by developers, payment networks, and regulators.......…continue reading