📱NCC approves 50% tariff increase for Nigerian telecom operators

Today’s Menu ☕️

📱NCC approves 50% tariff increase for Nigerian telecom operators
💰SeamlessHR Raises $9 Million Series-A Extension to Drive African Expansion
🪙 Melania Trump unveils her own cryptocurrency
💰 Ilara Health secures $1 million loan from DFC to enhance healthcare in Kenya
📱X Introduces Dedicated Video Tab to Enhance User Engagement 

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📱TELECOMS

NCC approves 50% tariff increase for Nigerian telecom operators

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a landmark 50% tariff adjustment for telecommunications companies, the first such increase in nearly eleven years. This decision comes amidst rising operational costs, economic pressures, and the need to sustain the telecommunications sector, which has been grappling with significant challenges, including a naira devaluation and inflation.

The adjustment was announced in a statement by the NCC, which emphasized its role in balancing the needs of consumers with the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector. While telecom operators had requested a 100% increase in voice and data tariffs, the NCC limited the hike to a maximum of 50% after extensive consultations with stakeholders in the public and private sectors.

According to the NCC, “The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.”

The regulator noted that the new tariffs would adhere to the 2013 NCC Cost Study tariff bands and be implemented transparently under the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024...….…continue reading

💰 INVESTMENTS

SeamlessHR Raises $9 Million Series-A Extension to Drive African Expansion

SeamlessHR, a Nigerian company specializing in HR management solutions, has successfully raised a $9 million Series-A extension round. This information comes from three individuals familiar with the matter. The new funding round saw contributions from the Gates Foundation and Helios Digital Ventures. This follows SeamlessHR’s previous $10 million Series A round raised in 2022.

SeamlessHR reportedly plans to utilize the new funds to fuel its expansion across Africa, which may include potential acquisitions. Last year, the company was reportedly in discussions to acquire an HR tech startup in Nigeria...…continue reading

TRAININGS FROM TENTH CODE MEDIA

Join Francis Ebuehi, in any of the sessions to be a more effective and efficient Product Manager or Leader. He comes with over 30 years experience launching innovative products globally.

Register for any of the training courses:
👉🏽 Click here to register for New Product Development and Management Fundamentals training - (5 - 6 February, 2025)
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Venue: Canton Concourse, Oniru, Lagos. It is a physical (classroom) session.

🪙 CRYPTOCURRENCY

Melania Trump unveils her own cryptocurrency

On the eve of her husband’s inauguration as the President of the United States, incoming First Lady Melania Trump has announced the launch of her own cryptocurrency. This follows the recent introduction of the $Trump cryptocurrency by President-elect Donald Trump. Both digital coins have experienced significant interest and volatile trading since their respective launches.

Melania Trump took to the social platform X on Sunday to announce, “The Official Melania Meme is live! You can buy $Melania now.” It is important to note that disclaimers on the websites for both the $Trump and $Melania coins state that these cryptocurrencies are “not intended to be, or the subject of” an investment opportunity or a security....…continue reading

💰 INVESTMENTS

Ilara Health secures $1 million loan from DFC to enhance healthcare in Kenya

Ilara Health has recently secured a $1 million loan from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to enhance private outpatient clinics in Kenya. This financial boost will enable Ilara Health to significantly improve healthcare services in underserved communities by investing in advanced diagnostic devices, health technology, and pharmaceuticals.

This development comes on the heels of Ilara Health’s successful debt-equity pre-Series A funding round in 2024, where the company raised $4.2 million to expand its operations within Kenya......…..continue reading

📱SOCIAL MEDIA

X Introduces Dedicated Video Tab to Enhance User Engagement

X (formerly Twitter) has rolled out a new video tab feature for users in the United States, marking a significant pivot towards prioritizing video content. This update aims to enhance discoverability and drive user engagement, reflecting a broader industry shift toward video-first platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Positioned alongside existing features, the video tab offers users a more immersive way to explore and interact with diverse video content...…..continue reading

 OTHER STORIES

• How to Watch the Samsung Galaxy S25 Unpacked Event on Wednesday…….read more

• Nigeria sees sharp rise in cyberattacks, climbs to 13th on Global Threat Index………read more

• Instagram Ditches Square Grid, Embraces Vertical Format in TikTok-Style Shift…….read more

• Accra AMA Introduces Convenient Mobile Payment Platform for Businesses……read more

OPPORTUNITIES

• Applications are now open for the Women Techsters Fellowship Programme, a free, one-year initiative designed to equip young girls and women with high-demand technology skills. Deadline = 31st January 2025……..continue reading

• The Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) calls on bold thinkers and trailblazers to apply for funding and support under its 2024 Innovation Initiative. Deadline = 31st January 2025…..continue reading

• Global payment card network Visa has announced the opening of applications for the fourth edition of its biannual Africa Fintech Accelerator. Deadline = 15th March 2025…….continue reading

• Applications are now open for the Timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator programme, a groundbreaking initiative by the Timbuktoo MineTech Hub aimed at driving innovation in mining technology, empowering startups, and scaling transformative technologies within the African mining sector. Deadline = 13th February 2025…..continue reading

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