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🚘 SA to Uber, Bolt: Comply or Face Ban

🚘 SA to Uber, Bolt: Comply or Face Ban

Plus:📱Gabon Indefinite Social Media Shutdown

Innovation Village
February 19, 2026

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Good Morning Valued Subscribers👋

Gabon has imposed an indefinite shutdown of social media platforms, escalating concerns over digital rights and state control of online communication in Africa. The decision, reportedly enforced by national authorities amid rising political tensions, effectively cuts off millions of citizens from major platforms used for news, civic engagement, and real-time information sharing.

The move positions Gabon among a growing list of African nations that have turned to internet restrictions during periods of unrest or political uncertainty. Beyond immediate disruptions to communication, the shutdown raises broader questions about economic impact, investor confidence, and the long-term implications of weaponising digital infrastructure in an increasingly connected continent.

Let’s dive in👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

🚘 SA Gives Uber, Bolt March 2026 Deadline to Comply or Face Ban
📱Gabon Enforces Indefinite Social Media Shutdown
👤 NIMC Goes Paperless in 30 Days
💵 Payaza Secures Canada PSP License
🤖xAI Secures $3B Saudi-Linked Investment
🏢Haier Launches in South Africa

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🚘 RIDE-HAILING SERVICES

SA Gives Uber, Bolt March 2026 Deadline to Comply or Face Ban

South Africa has given ride-hailing platforms Uber and Bolt until 11 March 2026 to comply with updated National Land Transport Amendment Act (NLTA) regulations or risk being declared illegal. The new rules require platforms to register with the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR), ensure vehicles carry visible branding and panic buttons, and have drivers obtain official e-hailing operating licenses.

Although applications have been submitted, none have been fully approved, raising uncertainty about whether the companies can meet the deadline. Failure to comply could force ride-hailing services to suspend operations in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town...........….continue reading

👤IDENTITY MANAGEMENT

NIMC Goes Paperless in 30 Days

Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will transition to a fully paperless system within 30 days, ending all paper-based submissions and moving correspondence to its new digital platform, WorkflowPro. After the deadline, all communications with government agencies, businesses, and the public must be submitted and tracked exclusively online.

The reform aligns with the Federal Government’s broader public sector digitalisation agenda and supports the expanding National Identification Number (NIN) system, which now covers over 120 million Nigerians. WorkflowPro will enable secure document tracking, automated routing, and improved record management, aiming to reduce delays, prevent document loss, and enhance transparency............….continue reading

📱SOCIAL MEDIA

Gabon Enforces Indefinite Social Media Shutdown

Gabon has imposed an indefinite suspension of social media platforms amid escalating domestic unrest, citing concerns over misinformation, cyberbullying, data protection, and national security. The announcement was made by the High Authority for Communication (HAC), though authorities have not clarified which platforms are affected or whether the disruption is total.

The move comes less than a year into President Brice Oligui Nguema’s tenure, as the country faces growing labor strikes, rising living costs, and expanding protests across public sectors. Social media had become a key channel for organizing and expressing dissent, raising concerns that the shutdown is politically motivated.........….continue reading

💵 PAYMENTS

Payaza Secures Canada PSP License

Payaza has obtained a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license in Canada, strengthening its push to build a regulated cross-border payments network linking Africa and North America. The license allows the fintech to operate directly in Canada’s digital payments market, processing online, in-app, and point-of-sale transactions while complying with local data protection and anti-money laundering regulations.

Founded in Nigeria in 2021, Payaza now operates in over 20 countries and holds multiple African licenses, including in Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda. It also integrates with Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and Apple Pay to support global transactions...........….continue reading

🤖ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

xAI Secures $3B Saudi-Linked Investment

Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI has received a $3 billion investment from Humain, a Saudi government-linked AI firm backed by the Public Investment Fund, as part of its broader $20 billion Series E funding round. The deal gives Humain a significant minority stake, with its shares later converted into SpaceX equity following SpaceX’s acquisition of xAI earlier this month.

The funding strengthens xAI’s position in the intensifying global AI race, where massive capital is required to build advanced GPU clusters, large-scale data centres, and next-generation AI models. The company has already announced plans with Humain to develop 500 megawatts of AI data centre capacity, expanding computing infrastructure beyond the United States.........….continue reading

🏢BRANDS

Haier Launches in South Africa

Chinese home appliance giant Haier has officially launched operations in South Africa, expanding its global footprint after 17 consecutive years as the world’s top appliance brand, according to Euromonitor. The company aims to combine its global technology capabilities with products tailored to local consumer needs, targeting rising demand for smart, energy-efficient, and reliable home appliances.

Haier’s initial product lineup includes smart inverter refrigerators, high-efficiency washing machines, air conditioners, AI-powered TVs, and small household appliances. The company also plans to roll out a nationwide after-sales network with authorized installers, spare parts availability, extended warranties, and a 48-hour service response target.............….continue reading