💰TaxStreem Launches Automated Tax Platform

Good Morning Valued Subscribers 👋

MTN Group has officially shut down its messaging app Ayoba, ending its push to compete with global instant messaging platforms. The closure reflects the challenges telecom-led apps face in gaining traction against entrenched services like WhatsApp and Telegram, despite MTN’s significant user base across Africa.

The move signals a strategic pivot for MTN as it refocuses resources on core telecom services and other digital offerings. For users, the shutdown underscores the difficulty of sustaining homegrown messaging platforms in highly competitive markets dominated by global tech giants.

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Today’s Menu ☕️

💰TaxStreem Launches Automated Tax Platform
🚘 Moove May Allow Drivers to Join Other Ride-Hailing Apps
📶MTN Group Shuts Down Ayoba
🌐Legend Internet Plc and Spectranet Limited Plan Broadband Merger
🪙Circle and Cassava to Expand USDC Payments Across Africa
🤝Nigeria, Finland Sign Cybersecurity MoU

💰TAXES

TaxStreem Launches Automated Tax Platform

TaxStreem has launched a digital platform designed to automate tax management for Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs. The platform consolidates transaction data from sources like bank accounts, invoicing tools, email, and WhatsApp Business, then automatically calculates taxes, files returns, and organizes records for audits.

Co-founders Kelechi Ibe, a tax law expert, and Sam Ayo, an AI and machine learning engineer, combine regulatory knowledge with technical expertise to ensure accurate, compliant automation. By integrating with tools businesses already use, TaxStreem reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, and helps companies stay compliant.

The platform targets Nigeria’s market gap where digital payments are common but tax compliance remains largely manual......….continue reading

🚘 RIDE-HAILING SERVICE

Moove May Allow Drivers to Join Other Ride-Hailing Apps

Moove is considering relaxing its exclusivity arrangement with Uber to allow drivers to work on additional ride-hailing platforms. Since 2020, Moove’s vehicle financing model required drivers to operate solely on Uber, a condition tied to Uber’s early investment and strategic partnership.

The potential shift comes amid driver pressure and market realities in Africa, where platforms like Bolt and inDrive offer higher demand and earning opportunities. Moove has also introduced ancillary revenue streams, such as vehicle branding programs, to boost driver income.

A more open model could increase driver earnings, satisfaction, and retention, while reducing dependency on a single platform..........….continue reading

📶TELECOMS

MTN Group Shuts Down Ayoba

MTN Group is phasing out its Ayoba super app in several African markets—including South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Mali, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, and Botswana—as part of a strategic shift toward a single, unified digital platform. Launched in 2019, Ayoba combined messaging, mobile money, media, and social networking but struggled to compete with global giants like WhatsApp, despite peaking at 35 million users.

The shutdown aims to reduce fragmentation across MTN’s digital services and deliver a seamless experience integrating payments, communication, and content. Users in affected markets were given a 30-day window to download the app before permanent removal.

The move highlights challenges for African telecoms in launching super apps, emphasizing that consolidation and ecosystem integration may offer more sustainable long-term value than standalone apps........….continue reading

🌐INTERNET

Legend Internet Plc and Spectranet Limited Plan Broadband Merger

Legend Internet Plc and Spectranet Limited have announced plans to merge, aiming to strengthen broadband infrastructure and competitiveness in Nigeria’s internet market. The deal, expected to close by Q2 2026 pending regulatory approvals, combines fibre and wireless assets to improve coverage, operational efficiency, and service delivery.

The merger addresses challenges both companies face: Legend recently reported a net loss of ₦14.8 million for Q3 2025, while Spectranet has seen a declining subscriber base amid rising competition. By pooling resources, the combined entity hopes to achieve economies of scale, enhance earnings potential, and better compete with larger telecom operators and emerging technologies like 5G and satellite internet.......….continue reading

🪙 PAYMENTS

Circle and Cassava to Expand USDC Payments Across Africa

Circle Internet Group has partnered with Cassava Technologies to integrate the USDC stablecoin into Cassava’s Sasai Fintech payment ecosystem, enabling faster, lower-cost transactions across roughly 30 African countries.

The collaboration aims to tackle inefficiencies in cross-border payments, including high fees, slow settlement, and limited interoperability, while supporting mobile wallets, remittances, and enterprise transactions. By leveraging blockchain, USDC provides near-instant settlement and a stable dollar peg, helping users hedge against local currency volatility.

Cassava contributes infrastructure such as fibre networks, data centres, cloud services, and fintech platforms, positioning the partnership as a foundational layer for scalable digital finance. Potential benefits include reduced remittance costs, faster payments for SMEs, improved trade liquidity, and broader financial inclusion.......….continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• Why Namibia Denied Starlink’s Telecoms Licence: What We Know So Far…….continue reading

• Nigeria, Finland Sign Cybersecurity MoU……continue reading

• Balancer Labs Shuts Down, Shifts to Lean DAO After $116M Hack…continue reading

• Kenya Tightens Phone Rules to Block Low-Quality Devices……..continue reading

• Sweden Doubles EU Blue Card to 4 Years.…continue reading

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