✈️ Terra Industries raises additional $22M

Good Morning Valued Subscribers👋

Nigeria has launched a probe into Chinese e-commerce platform Temu over concerns related to data privacy and consumer protection, signaling heightened regulatory scrutiny of global digital platforms operating within the country. The investigation comes amid growing global debates around how international tech companies collect, store, and process user data, particularly in emerging markets with rapidly expanding online consumer bases.

For Nigeria — Africa’s largest digital economy by population — the move underscores increasing attention to data governance, platform accountability, and compliance with local regulations. As cross-border e-commerce continues to grow, regulators appear keen to ensure that foreign platforms adhere to national data protection standards and safeguard the personal information of Nigerian users.

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Today’s Menu ☕️

📶 Nigeria Enforces 48-Hour Breach Rule for Telcos
✈️ Terra Industries Raises additional $22M
🛒Temu Probed in Nigeria Over Data Privacy Violations
💰IFC Invests $8M in Aruwa Capital
🌐Starlink Requires ID Verification in Kenya
🏍️ Spiro secures $7 million from Nithio to expand electric mobility operations

 📶TELECOMS

Nigeria Enforces 48-Hour Breach Rule for Telcos

Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator has introduced stricter data protection rules requiring telecom operators to notify customers of any data breach within 48 hours of detection. The directive, issued under the revised 2026 Internet Code of Practice, applies to mobile network operators and internet service providers handling sensitive subscriber data.

Providers must inform both affected customers and the regulator within the same 48-hour window. If full details are not immediately available, companies may issue a preliminary notice, followed by a comprehensive report within 14 days or an approved extension period...........continue reading

💵 FUNDING

Terra Industries Raises $22M

African defense technology startup Terra Industries has raised an additional $22 million, bringing its total funding to $34 million just weeks after closing an earlier $11.75 million round. The latest raise was led by Lux Capital, with participation from multiple venture firms and angel investors.

Founded in 2024, Terra is building autonomous security systems to protect critical infrastructure across Africa. Its product suite includes drones, sentry towers, unmanned ground vehicles, and multi-domain surveillance systems powered by its proprietary ArtemisOS platform. The company currently protects infrastructure valued at about $11 billion, has secured its first federal contract, and generated over $2.5 million in revenue............….continue reading

  🛒E-COMMERCE

Temu Probed in Nigeria Over Data Privacy Violations

Nigeria’s data protection regulator has launched an investigation into Temu over alleged violations of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023. Authorities claim that the personal data of up to 12.7 million Nigerians may be at risk.

The probe centers on concerns including excessive data collection, potential online surveillance, and cross-border data transfers without proper compliance safeguards. Regulators are examining whether Temu accessed sensitive information—such as contacts, location data, or microphone access—beyond what is necessary for e-commerce operations..........….continue reading

 💰INVESTMENTS

IFC Invests $8M in Aruwa Capital

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed up to $8 million in equity to Aruwa Capital Fund II, supporting the Lagos-based private equity firm’s push to raise $50 million for growth-stage SMEs in West Africa. The package also includes a $3 million concessional subordinated co-investment designed to de-risk the fund and attract additional institutional investors.

Aruwa Capital focuses on the “missing middle” — businesses seeking $1–3 million in growth capital that are often overlooked by both seed investors and large private equity firms. The fund targets sectors including healthcare, consumer goods, financial services, and renewable energy.........….continue reading

🏍️ ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Spiro Raises $7M from Nithio

Spiro has secured a $7 million debt facility from U.S.-based climate fintech Nithio to accelerate the expansion of its electric motorcycle fleet and battery-swapping infrastructure across Africa. The funding supports Spiro’s Battery-as-a-Service model, which allows riders to quickly swap depleted batteries, reducing downtime and lowering entry costs.

This marks Nithio’s first investment in Africa’s e-mobility sector, expanding its climate finance portfolio beyond solar energy into sustainable transport. The capital will be used to grow swap station networks, expand fleet capacity, and strengthen supply chains in high-demand urban markets.........….continue reading

 🌐INTERNET

Starlink Requires ID Verification in Kenya

Starlink has introduced mandatory in-person identity verification for all users in Kenya, with a compliance deadline of April 30, 2026. Subscribers who fail to complete the process risk service interruption.

Customers must visit an authorized Starlink retailer with a valid government-issued ID and their account details. The move follows directives from local authorities and aligns Starlink with Kenya’s existing Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements that already apply to traditional telecom operators...........….continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• Capitec Bank Names Former AWS Executive Andrew Baker as CIO………continue reading

• How Nigeria’s 24-Hour Data Breach Notification Rule Protects Mobile Users………continue reading

• AfricInvest moves to acquire joint control of Vantage Payment Systems…continue reading

• Telkom breaks 25 million subscriber mark as data usage soars…..continue reading

• Jonas Bogoshi retiring as BCX CEO following seven-year tenure…..continue reading

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