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📶NCC Unveils 2025–2030 Spectrum Plan

📶NCC Unveils 2025–2030 Spectrum Plan

Plus: 🏦NBK Enhances Mobile Banking App

Innovation Village
January 06, 2026

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Good Morning Valued Subscribers👋

As the world grows ever more connected, the tools we carry in our pockets, our smartphones have become more than just communication devices. They’re maps, wallets, workstations, and, increasingly, evidence. In the UK, authorities are now seizing migrants’ phones to disrupt Channel smuggling networks, targeting the very devices that link people to these high-risk operations.

The move highlights the intersection of technology, law enforcement, and human mobility, showing how digital tools can both empower and expose. Beyond the immediate crackdown, it raises deeper questions about privacy, accountability, and the human stories that are often hidden behind such sweeping enforcement measures. This development is a reminder that in today’s world, technology doesn’t just shape opportunities, it can also reshape the rules we live by.

Let’s dive in.👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

📶NCC Unveils 2025–2030 Spectrum Roadmap for Nigeria
💰Flutterwave Acquires Mono in Landmark African Fintech Deal
💵Zimbabwe Imposes 15% Digital Services Tax on Global Platforms
🌐Starlink Goes Offline in Uganda Ahead of Elections
📺DSTV Subscriptions Rise in Ghana Amid Anti-Piracy Measures
🏦NBK Enhances Mobile Banking App

📶TELECOMS

NCC Unveils 2025–2030 Spectrum Roadmap for Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released a Draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2025–2030, outlining plans to manage and allocate radio frequency spectrum to drive Nigeria’s digital and economic growth.

The roadmap anticipates mobile subscriptions to rise from 171.6 million in 2025 to 220 million by 2030, with national data traffic nearly tripling. While 4G will remain dominant, 5G will expand in urban areas for data-intensive applications.

The NCC will oversee spectrum licensing, with the National Frequency Management Council providing advisory oversight..........….continue reading

💰ACQUISITIONS

Flutterwave Acquires Mono in Landmark African Fintech Deal

Flutterwave, Africa’s largest fintech, has acquired Nigerian open banking startup Mono in an all-stock deal valued between $25 million and $40 million. The acquisition combines Flutterwave’s expansive payment network with Mono’s APIs that enable bank data access, identity verification, and payment initiation, creating a fully integrated fintech infrastructure across Africa.

Mono, founded in 2020, powers services for major digital lenders and reports over 8 million linked bank accounts and delivery of 100 billion financial data points. The startup will continue operating independently under Flutterwave, while the acquisition strengthens Flutterwave’s offerings in bank account verification, onboarding, data-driven risk assessment, and payments.........….continue reading

💵TAX

Zimbabwe Imposes 15% Digital Services Tax on Global Platforms

Zimbabwe has introduced a 15% digital services withholding tax on payments to international platforms, including Netflix, Starlink, InDrive, and Bolt, under the 2026 Finance Act. The tax applies to the gross value of each transaction, with banks and payment processors responsible for collection at the point of payment.

The government aims to capture revenue from the growing digital economy, where offshore platforms earn significant income from Zimbabwean users without a local presence. The move comes amid economic hardship and rising unemployment, ensuring multinational digital providers contribute fairly to the domestic economy................….continue reading

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🌐INTERNET

Starlink Goes Offline in Uganda Ahead of Elections

Days before Uganda’s January 15 elections, Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, was shut down in the country by regulators for operating without a license. Starlink users had relied on the service—often imported via grey-market terminals—for faster, uncensored internet in rural and underserved areas.

The shutdown has sparked debates about digital access and political influence, as Uganda’s internet infrastructure remains dominated by MTN, Airtel, and other established providers. Government officials, including President Museveni, are reportedly in talks with Starlink to explore potential licensing and cost-effective deployment, but no approval has been granted...............….continue reading

📺MEDIA

DSTV Subscriptions Rise in Ghana Amid Anti-Piracy Measures

Ghana has seen a notable increase in DSTV subscriptions following the introduction of enhanced value packages on 1 October 2025. The revised tiers cater to different consumer needs, making legal content more accessible and attractive.

Authorities, including the National Communications Authority and the Cybersecurity Authority, are also intensifying efforts to curb illegal streaming, which threatens both tax revenue and the creative economy. Analysts note that reasonable pricing and targeted government interventions are driving consumers toward legal channels...............…continue reading

🏦BANKING

NBK Enhances Mobile Banking App

The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has updated its mobile banking app to strengthen security, usability, and customer control. The new features allow users to monitor all devices and digital wallets where their cards are stored, providing greater visibility and protection against unauthorized access. Notifications have been redesigned to show clearer transaction details, including card images and merchant names, while a searchable transaction history makes it easier to spot unusual activity. These improvements embed security into everyday banking and reflect NBK’s commitment to delivering a modern, trustworthy, and user-friendly digital banking experience................…continue reading