🤖TerraHex Gets 18MW Power Deal in Nigeria

Good Morning Valued Subscribers👋

Energy, regulation, infrastructure, and global policy tensions are converging across today’s key technology and business developments. In Nigeria, TerraHex has secured an 18MW deal to power Bitcoin mining and AI operations, signaling growing demand for high-capacity digital infrastructure. At the same time, the Nigeria Road Safety Corps has debunked viral claims of a new vehicle tax, while Lagos State Traffic Management Authority prepares to launch a free short code for real-time traffic reporting to improve urban mobility.

In the global financial and policy space, Western Union is set to launch a Solana-based USDPT stablecoin, reflecting deeper integration between traditional remittance systems and blockchain infrastructure. Meanwhile, geopolitical and regulatory friction continues to shape the AI landscape, as Meta’s attempted acquisition of AI startup Manus is blocked by China, and South Africa withdraws its draft AI policy following a fake sources scandal.

Together, these developments highlight a rapidly shifting environment where energy demand, digital finance, urban systems, and AI governance are increasingly intersecting across markets.

Let’s dive in👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

🤖TerraHex Secures 18MW Deal to Power Bitcoin & AI in Nigeria
💵NRS Debunks Viral Claims of New Vehicle Tax
🚘LASTMA to Launch Free Short Code for Real-Time Traffic Reporting
🪙 Western Union to Launch Solana-Based USDPT Stablecoin
🤖China Blocks Meta’s Acquisition of AI Startup Manus
🤖South Africa Withdraws Draft AI Policy After Fake Sources Scandal

 🤖ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

TerraHex Secures 18MW Deal to Power Bitcoin & AI in Nigeria

What happened:
TerraHex (formerly Terrahash) secured an 18MW power deal to deploy energy-backed infrastructure for Bitcoin mining and AI workloads in Nigeria.

Key details:

• Rebrand signals shift from crypto mining to broader compute infrastructure

• “Power-for-Equity” model partners with energy providers

• Initial deployment in Delta State (OML 30, Afisiere) with Shoreline Power

• Combines Bitcoin mining with AI/HPC workloads

• Uses modular, containerised data centres with gas-powered energy

Why it matters:
The model turns underutilised energy into revenue-generating digital infrastructure, linking energy, crypto, and AI in a single ecosystem.

What to watch:
Execution of the first site and whether the model can scale profitably across Nigeria and other energy-rich, infrastructure-constrained markets............….continue reading

💵TAX

NRS Debunks Viral Claims of New Vehicle Tax

What happened:
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) denied reports of a new vehicle tax, calling the viral message false and misleading.

Key details:

• Fake infographic claimed a July 1, 2026 rollout

• Fraudulent link mimicked official government website

• Users were urged to make payments via fake channels

• NRS confirmed no such policy exists

Why it matters:
The scam highlights rising tax-related phishing attempts exploiting public trust and government branding.

What to watch:
Rollout of NRS’s Rev360 platform and whether improved digital systems reduce fraud and misinformation risks.........….continue reading

🚘TRANSPORTATION

LASTMA to Launch Free Short Code for Real-Time Traffic Reporting

What happened:
Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is set to launch a free short code for motorists to report traffic incidents in real time.

Key details:

• Replaces existing long-digit contact system

• Free to use across mobile networks

• Awaiting final telecom approvals

• Expected rollout within weeks

• Aims to improve response time and accessibility

Why it matters:
The initiative lowers the barrier for reporting traffic issues, enabling faster, citizen-driven data flow in one of Africa’s most congested cities.

What to watch:
Whether telecom integration is completed on time and how effectively LASTMA can process and act on real-time, crowdsourced traffic data at scale.......….continue reading

🪙CRYPTOCURRENCY

Western Union to Launch Solana-Based USDPT Stablecoin

What happened:
Western Union plans to launch USDPT, a Solana-based, dollar-pegged stablecoin, in May as part of its digital asset strategy.

Key details:

• Built on Solana, issued by Anchorage Digital Bank

• Integrated into Western Union’s global payment network

• Supports crypto-to-cash conversion at 360,000+ agent locations

• Will power transfers, settlements, and treasury operations

• “Stable Card” planned for everyday spending

Why it matters:
The move bridges blockchain finance with real-world cash access, potentially reducing costs and speeding up cross-border payments.

What to watch:
User and partner adoption, regulatory response, and whether the Digital Asset Network can scale effectively across global markets.............….continue reading

🤖ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

China Blocks Meta’s Acquisition of AI Startup Manus

What happened:
China has blocked Meta’s attempted acquisition of AI startup Manus, ordering the deal to be cancelled and all parties to withdraw.

Key details:

• Decision issued by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)

• Manus reportedly viewed as strategically sensitive AI asset

• Authorities also restricted movement of company founders

• Part of broader tightening on foreign tech acquisitions

Why it matters:
The move reinforces China’s strategy of treating AI as a national security asset, limiting foreign access to domestic innovation.

What to watch:
How Meta adapts its AI expansion strategy amid rising geopolitical restrictions and whether similar blocks extend to other cross-border AI deals.........….continue reading

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