Bank apps crash, OPay, PalmPay cash in: Inside ₦20.7 trillion mobile money rush
This is Follow the Money, our weekly series that unpacks the earnings, business, and scaling strategies of African fintechs and financial institutions. A new edition drops every Monday. The first time Adepeju Adenuga, an English PhD student, heard about Opay was during Nigeria’s cash crunch in 2023. “I was trying to make a transfer with my banking app, but it wasn’t even opening because of the cashless chaos at the time. It was the vendor I was trying to buy something from that told me to download Opay,” she said. Since then, Opay has become her go-to banking app for micro-transactions. For Bolu Omotayo, a journalist, it was a bank glitch in 2024 that made her switch to OPay. “I couldn’t access my salary for about a week, but someone told me about a feature on the app,” she recalled. “You can link another bank’s card to your OPay account and transfer money between third-party banks using the OPay app. That is what saved me.” Adenuga and Omotayo are not isolated cases. Each banking failure has pushed more Nigerians toward OPay or PalmPay. That steady shift helped drive mobile money (MMO) transactions to ₦20.71 trillion ($13.49 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, according to data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). This is a 1,518.64% increase from the ₦1.28 trillion ($833.43 million) recorded in Q1, 2021. Given that Q1 had 90 days, this works out to ₦230.09 billion ($149.89 million) daily, ₦9.59 billion ($6.25 million) per hour, ₦159.78 million ($104,091) every minute, and ₦2.66 million ($1,734) per second in Q1 2025. Despite this growth, MMO transactions still pale in comparison to the ₦284.99 trillion ($185.66 billion) conducted through instant transfers via traditional banking channels in the same period. 17 companies are licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate as mobile money operators, but OPay and PalmPay dominate. “OPay and PalmPay are the most prominent non-MNO-led mobile money providers and have gained significant market share in Nigeria since receiving their MMO licence,” stated GSMA, the global telecom industry body. How they won OPay and Palmpay rode a mix of timing, strategy, and luck. They tapped into Nigeria’s mobile boom, offering free and fast transfers in their early years, then heavily discounted rates as they matured. They gained credibility during moments when banks broke down, like the CBN’s failed naira redesign and withdrawal policy in 2022, and repeated bank glitches in 2024. Their growth also mirrors a global trend. In 2024, mobile money transaction values rose by 15% to $227 billion, with Sub-Saharan Africa still the epicentre of growth. More than a third of new active accounts in 2023 came from West Africa, driven by Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. Unlike East Africa, where telcos like Safaricom’s M-Pesa led growth, West Africa’s fintech boom has largely been driven by non-MNO players like OPay and PalmPay. The beginning OPay began operations in 2010 as PayCom Nigeria Limited, a mobile money platform incubated by Telnet (Nigeria) Limited. But it wasn’t until 2018, after Opera — owned by Chinese billionaire Yahui Zhou—acquired it, that it became a household name. Opera currently owns 9.4% of the company, with its stake valued at $258.3 million in 2024, placing OPay’s valuation at $2.75 billion. PalmPay launched in 2019 with a $40 million seed round led by Chinese mobile phone maker Transsion. This partnership gave the company a powerful distribution advantage, with its app preinstalled on Tecno, Infinix, and Itel smartphones, the dominant brands in Nigeria. OPay won the hearts of many Nigerians with its super app approach, offering numerous services. Its bike-hailing arm was particularly popular. However, a 2020 ban on bike rides in Lagos forced the company to focus exclusively on fintech, leveraging its vast agent network. PalmPay’s Transsion partnership gave it a ready-made user base, helping it grow to over 35 million. By 2023, Transsion and Xiaomi accounted for 85% of smartphone shipments into Nigeria, according to Canalys. Agents, trust, and scale Both companies grew aggressively by investing in agents. By 2023, OPay had over 500,000 agents, and PalmPay claims to have over one million. Mobile money agents serve as retail outlets and trust bridges. In areas with low smartphone penetration, they process deposits, withdrawals, airtime purchases, bill payments, and help with transfers. They are also the face of these companies in places where they do not have physical locations. These agents were able to help OPay and PalmPay expand aggressively by onboarding unbanked users with lower know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, in line with the CBN’s goal of increasing financial inclusion. Free transfers work OPay offered free transfers until June 2023, after which it charged ₦10 after the third transfer daily. PalmPay implemented the same strategy, introducing the ₦10 fee after years of offering free transfers. Having deep-pocketed investors made this sustainable. Opay has raised $570 million so far, while PalmPay has raised $140 million. CBN’s fumble, fintechs gain The CBN’s naira redesign in 2022 was meant to push Nigerians toward cashless payments. Instead, it exposed the fragility of banks’ systems as transaction failures spiked, ATMs ran dry, and banking apps crashed. OPay and PalmPay benefited heavily from these glitches. By March 2023, they were Nigeria’s most downloaded finance apps. By October 2023, OPay was the country’s most-downloaded app. Having agile IT infrastructures due to their fintech-first approach enabled them to rapidly scale capacity. This also translated to revenue boosts. PalmPay’s revenue rose to $63.90 million in 2023, a 31,850% increase from $0.20 million in 2020. OPay’s revenue numbers remain undisclosed, but it reported 10 million daily active users and 100 million daily transaction volumes in 2024. In 2025, Chika Nwosu, the managing director at Palmpay, recently disclosed that the firm now processes 15 million daily transactions with a 99.5% success rate. “Mobile money wasn’t always perceived as viable, but we identified a core problem: system reliability, especially for simple things like free and seamless transfers,” he said in May. “So we invested in technology that’s efficient and reliable.” Betting on cards
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Cardtonic is building a super app for everything gift cards, gadgets, and payments
In Nigeria, the vibrant holiday season often comes with an unusual problem: wasted gift cards. A cousin in London might buy an Apple Store voucher and send it to a loved one in Lagos, but with no official Apple store, that card becomes little more than a shiny piece of plastic that sits unused until it expires. This gap has quietly spawned a parallel economy. As of 2024, Nigeria’s gifting industry is worth $2.1 billion and is projected to grow to $3 billion in the next three years. Across the country, gift cards have taken on another function entirely as a form of currency. A growing number of people prefer to sell gift cards for cash, and middlemen—gift card brokers—have stepped in to bridge the divide between foreign retailers and local realities. Cardtonic, a Nigerian fintech startup, built its business on that simple proposition: turning unused or inaccessible gift cards into liquid money. “The major issue was, people would get Nike or Adidas gift cards from their siblings abroad, and by the time it got to them in Nigeria, they didn’t know what to use it for. It just went to waste,” said Oluwatomisin Oduyemi, Cardtonic’s growth lead. “Our founders realised this was a problem that needed a solution.” Get the best African tech newsletters in your inbox Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Antarctic Territory British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Canton and Enderbury Islands Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos [Keeling] Islands Colombia Comoros Congo – Brazzaville Congo – Kinshasa Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Côte d’Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Dronning Maud Land East Germany Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories French Southern and Antarctic Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Honduras Hong Kong SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Johnston Island Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau SAR China Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Metropolitan France Mexico Micronesia Midway Islands Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar [Burma] Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles Neutral Zone New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Korea North Vietnam Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pacific Islands Trust Territory Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Panama Canal Zone Papua New Guinea Paraguay People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen Peru Philippines Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria São Tomé and Príncipe Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu U.S. Minor Outlying Islands U.S. Miscellaneous Pacific Islands U.S. Virgin Islands Uganda Ukraine Union of Soviet Socialist Republics United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Unknown or Invalid Region Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Wake Island Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands ?> Gender Male Female Others TC Daily Events TC Scoop <!– Next Wave –> <!– Entering Tech –> Subscribe Building a business out of waste Founded in 2019 by Balogun Usman and Kayode Faturoti, Cardtonic—operating under its legal setup, The Tonic Technologies—started as a cryptocurrency trading app before pivoting to gift card trading. Seeing the lack of utility around gift cards in Nigeria, the startup set out to provide a solution to curb wastage. Cardtonic positioned itself as a reliable broker, where users could send in their gift cards, the startup validates them, and then offloads them to vetted partners who pay cash in return to take the cards. That efficiency is central to its appeal. Some cards, known internally as “fast cards,” can be validated and cashed out within 10 minutes. Others, such as store-specific vouchers that require manual checks, take longer. In January 2025, Cardtonic appointed Emmanuel Sohe as CEO, claiming it now serves more than one million users. Yet only around 500,000 to 600,000 of those users are considered “active”—customers who trade gift cards or use its other payment features at least once a month. The startup also claims it processes 400,000 gift cards monthly, emphasising that quick turnaround is its moat. “Over time, we’ve been able to optimise the transaction time from when you submit your cards to when you get paid, to about 10 minutes for the fast cards,” Oduyemi said. The business comes with plenty of risks. Some cards simply don’t work. Customers send in codes that turn out to have been used already, others submit numbers that don’t exist, and with physical cards, the digits sometimes get damaged when the surface is scratched off. These problems are so common that Cardtonic keeps a team focused only on quality checks before any payment is released. Fraud is another part of daily life in this market. Scammers pose as company staff, try to hack into user accounts, or trick people into handing over their codes. And once a gift card code is stolen or redeemed elsewhere, the value is gone for good. “Whenever you’re dealing with digital assets, there will always be an issue of authenticity,” said Oduyemi. To
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“I started out of circumstance not ambition”: Day 1-1000 of Microware Solutions
When you ask Michael Ekeagbara, CEO of Microware Solutions Limited, about the origins of his company, he describes it as nothing less than “a journey of hope.” Ekeagbara, the subject of today’s edition of the Day 1–1000 column, began humbly, repairing computers in Kaduna. From that modest start, he pieced together a career that would carry him through fire, rejection, false starts, and finally into building a Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing (SAP) Gold Partner company. Along the way, he tells of hunger as motivation, lessons paid for in failure, and the stubborn refusal to give up when the odds seemed impossible. This is the story of Microware Solutions as told to TechCabal. Day 1: I didn’t choose entrepreneurship, it chose me I didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to be an entrepreneur. Truth is, I wanted a job. I graduated in 1998 with an Higher National Degree (HND) in Computer Science, a degree widely discriminated against and thought to be lower than the Bachelor’s degree in Nigeria’s job market. I went for NYSC in Kaduna, and thought I’d land in a bank. I sent applications, sat for interviews, but they always said the same thing: “We don’t take HND holders.” There was no uncle to call, no godfather, no family nearby. Hunger was staring me in the face. So I picked up what I knew. I repaired computers. I took a part-time lecturing job, teaching programming. One day, a student working at NNPC asked if I could build a software for their internal audit. I wrote the code, and it worked. They adopted it across subsidiaries. I was surviving, but not earning much. My motivation was simple: food on the table. On February 22, 2000, Kaduna went up in crisis. It was one of those conflicts between Fulani herders and indigenous communities. By nightfall, my little office had been burned. My home too. I lost everything. I ran to the Nigerian Defence Academy, stayed there two nights, and then fled south with nothing but the software I had written. That software became my bargaining chip. By June 2000, I landed a job at Magic Software in Victoria Island after demonstrating it. My boss asked, “How many people built this?” I told him it was all me—analysis, coding, database. That impressed him. At Magic Software, I built finance and payroll systems for oil companies and banks. It gave me confidence that I could hold my own. Get the best African tech newsletters in your inbox Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Antarctic Territory British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Canton and Enderbury Islands Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos [Keeling] Islands Colombia Comoros Congo – Brazzaville Congo – Kinshasa Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Côte d’Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Dronning Maud Land East Germany Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories French Southern and Antarctic Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Honduras Hong Kong SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Johnston Island Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau SAR China Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Metropolitan France Mexico Micronesia Midway Islands Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar [Burma] Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles Neutral Zone New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Korea North Vietnam Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pacific Islands Trust Territory Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Panama Canal Zone Papua New Guinea Paraguay People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen Peru Philippines Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria São Tomé and Príncipe Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu U.S. Minor Outlying Islands U.S. Miscellaneous Pacific Islands U.S. Virgin Islands Uganda Ukraine Union of Soviet Socialist Republics United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Unknown or Invalid Region Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Wake Island Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands ?> Gender Male Female Others TC Daily Events TC Scoop <!– Next Wave –> <!– Entering Tech –> Subscribe After Magic, I joined MTS First Wireless, building billing and data systems. Then came the big one: IT Manager at a major oil and gas firm. Out of over 1,000 applicants, I came out on top. The MD and GMs wanted me. But the chairman said no. His verdict: “No HND in any of my companies.” That cut deep. I told myself, never again. That was the last job application I ever wrote. I vowed I would prove that with this same HND, I would hire BScs, Masters, and PhDs. And that’s what pushed me back to my own company. The desert years I rebranded my company as Microware Solutions in 2008. And then I walked straight into what I call my desert years. Six years of drought. I tried everything to survive. I sold carpets and imported red wine from Italy. I lost
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The problem with the African tech ecosystem is its storytelling
By 2050, nearly one in four people on Earth will be African. Whether this demographic shift becomes a source of global prosperity or instability may depend on something seemingly intangible: the stories being told about the continent today. These narratives will determine whether Africa will sit at the table where decisions are made or find itself on the menu. “Stories are trust bridges that let people suspend disbelief and emotionally invest in a future they want to see,” Eche Emole tells me. The CEO of the digital nation, Afropolitan, is flying above 37,000 feet when he replies. His storytelling worldview is perhaps best captured by two words: “Africa’s Rising”—the 2011-coined narrative that drew global belief in the continent’s promise. Jumia became the poster child of this era, achieving unicorn status after an unprecedented $400 million Series C raise in 2016. The next five years would open the taps of global capital and the birth of six more unicorns. Yet, for all the attention that followed, the continent has largely fumbled the narrative. This storytelling deficit became painfully apparent during the post-COVID capital retraction, which nearly crippled the ecosystem—and forced the continent’s founders to either focus on “fundamentals” or die. Post-COVID capital retraction in the African venture landscape. [Data obtained from the average values reported by SOTIA and Partech] Storytelling is dealflow As Norrsken’s Abraham Augustine argues in this piece, a narrative deficit in African tech could hamper its collective ability to attract capital flow from both local and global sources. This is despite a rebound in VC deals tracked in the first half of 2025. This story burden is both collective and individual. Promises like “banking the unbanked” no longer appeal to VCs allocating capital to hot AI startups in San Francisco. And what’s the promise of an exploding, digital-savvy population that cannot afford the pricing of technology-powered businesses? What then is our compelling story? And, more importantly, how do we tell it? Blessing Abeng, Founder at Onbrand, an outfit that amplifies narratives for VCs and governments, believes the highest-level operators have a unique responsibility to present our nuance to the world, but only if they can get past their siloed empires and actually work together. “VCs have all this data about what’s going on with the startups they talk to, they see all sorts, but hardly talk to each other, leading to a closed feedback ecosystem that’s ultimately net negative,” she said. Abeng believes the stories that will ring Africa’s bells to the world must be told in chorus—collective events, honest conversations, and data spotlights aggregated from the secret ledgers of the big funds and the WhatsApp chats of angel investors. Founders lose when they tell the full story Anyone with faint ears on the African tech ecosystem would have picked up the noise around the latest failures in African tech: Okra’s shutdown and Lidya’s messy founder exits amid customers’ cries for funds. Both companies had raised similar amounts—around $16 million each—and were once touted as sector-disrupting before cracks began to show. Attendees of the US-NG Startup Investment summit would later learn that harsh local regulations contributed significantly to Okra’s failure—a narrative still underdeveloped, story-wise. Ayobami Olajide, Partner at VC firm Escape’s Velocity, ascribes this trend to the secretive, low-trust economy that African startups operate in. “There’s no incentive for founders to go beyond shiny stories. It could backfire, and they have to worry about red-eyed regulators.” But the real issue runs deeper: many startups simply don’t know how to use storytelling strategically. Incubators, MBAs, and coding expertise don’t automatically translate into the creativity—and frankly, ingenuity—needed to genuinely connect with audiences on a deeper level. When founders fail on this individual level, the accumulated result is a dry appetite for the continent. Global investors see Africa like an early-stage startup: high on potential, uncertain on execution. In this context, storytelling that strikes hearts, moves people, and amplifies narratives isn’t optional. It’s the ecosystem’s best shot at survival. Storytelling is MOAT for VCs too “Beyond your capital, why should a founder contact you?” Nnamdi Oranye, founder of early-stage VC firm Disruptive Ventures, poses this question to highlight why storytelling has become essential in an increasingly competitive venture landscape. Oranye believes compelling long-form content is the future of storytelling on the continent. “We need more encyclopedia-style references, long-form essays, and books that stay in public consciousness beyond a week or two,” he explained. Emole terms this “narrative capital” as the new attraction for strategic founders. Jubril Oguntade, COO, FirstFounders Ventures Studio, agrees: “We’ve seen that the careful documentation of a fund’s experiences through reports and data sharing drives attention from LPs, family offices, and institutional investors.” VCs that do this effectively are solving two problems: showcasing Africa’s talents as investable while capturing mindshare among early-stage founders seeking first-check investors. This creates a powerful flywheel effect, particularly valuable on a continent where early-stage investors typically see the highest returns and clearest exit paths. Africa, rise with stories Africa may be the world’s poorest continent by GDP, but its wealth in stories and culture remains unmatched. If the continent’s tech ecosystem hopes to command the kind of capital rush that the AI mania has proven possible, then compelling narratives must drown out the schadenfreude that erupts whenever a startup fails. ______ Caleb Nnamani is a former TechCabal reporter who covered startups, venture capital, and blockchain. He is now Chief Storyteller at Blacktrigger. Mark your calendars! Moonshot by TechCabal is back in Lagos on October 15–16! Join Africa’s top founders, creatives & tech leaders for 2 days of keynotes, mixers & future-forward ideas. Early bird tickets now 20% off—don’t snooze! moonshot.techcabal.com
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NIMC must enroll 3.3 million Nigerians monthly to hit 2026 target
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) must register at least 3.3 million Nigerians every month until December 2026 to meet the World Bank’s new target of 180 million National Identification Numbers (NINs), marking the biggest test in its 15-year history. NIN is Nigeria’s version of the US Social Security Number, linking demographic data with fingerprints, facial images, signatures, and eventually credit history. The goal is for every Nigerian, regardless of income or location, to access essential services using this single ID. As of June 30, 2025, NIN registrations stood at 121 million, leaving a gap of 59 million to be filled in only 18 months.. NIMC’s peak registration rate was in 2021, when the average monthly enrolment was 2.19 million, and registration for the year stood at 26.3 million. NIMC is betting on an upgraded biometric server, additional enrolment centres, and collaborations with telecom companies and microfinance banks to boost mass registrations in 2025 and 2026. Digital identity forms the foundation for access, inclusion, and opportunity in the digital economy. With a population of about 210 million, nearly half of Nigerians—mostly women, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged groups—still lack digital identification, according to the World Bank. This exclusion cuts them off from accessing government aid, financial services, and participating in digital transactions. It led to the enactment of the NIMC Act in 2007 and the establishment of the commission in 2010, which replaced the Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR). However, ongoing underfunding, weak infrastructure, and a lack of political will have hampered progress. By June 2020, only 41.5 million Nigerians had NINs. Fewer than 8 million of these were under the age of 25, despite that age group comprising nearly half the population. In 2020, Nigeria secured up to $430 million from the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD), and European Investment Bank (EIB) under the Identification for Development (ID4D). The agreement became effective in December 2021, with the ambitious aim of reaching 148 million NINs by June 2024. Nigeria did not meet this target due to longstanding capacity and funding issues in NIMC. Despite a six-month extension, registrations stagnated at 114.5 million by January 2025. Delays in approval by the National Assembly, data protection law hurdles, and recruitment challenges slowed the disbursement of funds during the first 22 months of the programme. Most of these issues have now been resolved. So far, the biggest boost to registrations has been a December 2020 government mandate requiring NIN for SIM registration. Numbers increased from 46.4 million in January 2021 to 94.03 million by December 2022. New targets, familiar challenges Convinced of Nigeria’s commitment, the World Bank extended the deadline to December 2026 in 2024 and increased the target to 180 million NINs. This commitment was reflected in policy measures such as the enactment of a data protection law in June 2023 and improvements to the national identity management system (NIMS). Disbursement stood at 53% ($228 million) as of November 2024, with the World Bank noting it has directly facilitated the enrolment of 74 million NINs. To achieve the 2026 deadline, the World Bank expects Nigeria to maintain monthly enrolments of three million, starting January 2025. “Starting January 2025, the project will be enrolling three million people with NIN a month,” it stated. So far, 2025 enrollment stands at 1.08 million monthly, with 6.5 million new registrations as of June’s end. At this rate, only 13 million Nigerians would be registered by year’s end, leaving the commission with a tough task in 2026. However, the commission insists the rest of 2025 will be different. Kayode Adegoke, head of corporate communications, told TechCabal that the agency’s new server, expanded centres at home and abroad, and stronger institutional partnerships will make the difference. “NIMC is confident it can meet this goal,” he said. Betting on technology and collaboration The core of NIMC’s confidence lies in the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), the backend infrastructure supporting Nigeria’s digital identity. For years, it has struggled with outages, including a 2022 blackout that disrupted banking, immigration, and telecom services. Originally designed to hold 100 million NINs, the system had reached its limit. In 2024, NIMC’s technical partner, IDEMIA Smart Identity, revealed that the server was being upgraded to a future-proof platform capable of managing hundreds of millions of identities. “The new powerful system will ensure that all Nigerians have access to a secure, trusted identity,” said Olivier Charlanes, IDEMIA’s senior vice president for Middle East and Africa. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, then CEO of NIMC, said, “We wanted to ensure that we deliver the best-in-class solution to our fellow Nigerians, and the pure power of the biometric matching we will receive ensures that the solution is future-proof for our growing population.” According to Adegoke, NIMC is now more resilient due to its server upgrade, which has recently been completed. “It is a smarter, faster, and more secure infrastructure that enhances biometric processing, speeds up authentication, and improves the overall user experience. For millions of Nigerians, this means quicker services, fewer bottlenecks, and a more seamless identity management system,” he said. NIMC has also enhanced and upgraded the National Identity Management System (NIMS) to improve privacy, performance, monitoring, assurance, and risk management, key areas for which it has been criticised. “The Commission has also put in place an automated customer service, which ensures that Nigeria’s identity ecosystem remains efficient, reliable and future-ready,” he added. Beyond software, expanding access involves establishing more physical centres that individuals can visit to register easily. To facilitate this, it has licenced at least 134 front-end partners using the developed licensing and assurance framework, including mobile network operators and microfinance banks, to broaden registration access. The commission is also intensifying efforts to increase diaspora registration. According to the World Bank, over 1.7 million Nigerians live abroad. NIMC launched diaspora registration in 2019, and without NINs, Nigerians in the diaspora cannot renew their passports. Since the end of 2023, NIMC has registered nearly one million Nigerians in the diaspora, bringing total enrolments to 1.5 million
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How to identify authentic tech gadgets in Nigeria
Table of contents How to check if a tech gadget is authentic What people are saying about fake tech gadgets How brands and experts help you verify devices Device verification methods by manufacturer If you buy a phone or laptop in Nigeria, there’s always the risk of ending up with a fake. Counterfeit tech gadgets are everywhere, from outright clones to refurbished items sold as brand new, or gadgets with fake software and swapped-out parts. Counterfeits aren’t just frustrating, they’re costly. Nigerians lose billions annually to fake gadgets, with some reports saying up to 40% of tech gadgets in the market are counterfeit. Imagine spending over ₦300,000($190) on a laptop that stops working in a few months. Beyond the financial implications, fake gadgets can even put lives at risk, like faulty chargers causing house fires. This guide is here to help you avoid falling victim. How to check if a tech gadget is authentic in Nigeria Step 1: Check the packaging and build Start with the basics. Original devices always come in sealed, branded boxes with clear printing. Watch out for: Unsealed or plain packaging Blurry logos or spelling errors Cheap stickers instead of engraved or printed branding Look at the device itself. A genuine laptop or phone should feel solid, not flimsy. The screen should be bright and clear, not dim or blurry. For phones, the screen should feel like glass, not plastic. Accessories like chargers and cables should also feel sturdy and fit properly. Step 2: Verify with IMEI and software checks Every phone has a unique IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Dial *#06# or check the box/settings to find it. Then, confirm it on the official brand website or trusted sites like IMEI.info. Scammers sometimes fake software details, making a device look like it has more storage or RAM than it does. Don’t trust only the “About Phone” screen; always cross-check the IMEI to be sure. Step 3: Pay attention to the seller The way a seller behaves tells you a lot. Be cautious if they: Rush you to make a payment Get angry when you test the gadget Refuse to issue a receipt or warranty “Trusted retailers like SLOT usually give at least a 1-year warranty and a return policy,” said Desmond, who owns and runs DesonTechHub, a small phone shop tucked between two busy stalls at Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos. “That’s a good sign of accountability. But you also need to be sharp because there are also market tricks. Once you’ve tested a device, always hold onto it; don’t let the seller take it back to repackage it out of sight. And once you’ve paid, leave the market immediately with your item.” What people are saying about fake tech gadgets in Nigeria When we visited Computer Village in Ikeja, shop owners and customers were quick to share practical rules for avoiding counterfeit or stolen devices. Desmond, who runs DesonTechHub, put it simply: “Don’t buy from random street sellers. If the seller can’t give you a receipt or warranty, walk away. Always check the IMEI number before you pay, and test the phone thoroughly right in front of them.” A nearby trader, who asked not to be named, warned about the risks of unknowingly buying stolen phones. “I’ve seen people get into serious trouble after buying stolen phones without knowing. Imagine police tracing the device back to you. That’s why referrals and known shops are safer. Test every feature on the spot, camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, don’t just check the body.” Chioma, a sales rep at BrightTech Hub, a small laptop repair stall, emphasised vigilance. “Never let the seller take the phone or laptop away to repackage after you’ve tested it. Once it leaves your sight, you can’t be sure it’s the same device. Hold it yourself, and carry it home yourself.” How brands and experts help you verify devices Beyond market wisdom, sellers in Computer Village stressed that big tech brands already provide tools to verify authenticity. “HP laptops, for example, come with a hologram or QR code on the box,” Desmond of DesonTechHub explained. You can scan it or enter the serial number on HP’s website. Same with Apple and Samsung, they have online portals where you can check the IMEI or serial number. If it doesn’t show up, don’t buy it.” Chioma of BrightTech Hub offered a simpler trick for budget smartphone brands: “For TECNO or Infinix, just dial *#06# to display the IMEI, then compare it with the number on the box. If they don’t match, it’s fake. Simple.” Trusted retailers also matter. Tunde of Zit Gadgets, an authorised reseller, said: “Shops like SLOT, Technocrat, or my own store issue receipts, warranties, and return policies. That accountability is what separates us from the boys on the street. Online, the official Jumia stores are also safe because they give you proof of purchase.” Government and private efforts are also in play. Desmond pointed to initiatives from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and NAFDAC, and to apps like Chekkit that let buyers scan QR codes to confirm originality. From roadside stalls to brand websites and mobile apps, the message was consistent: buyers don’t have to rely on a seller’s word alone; they already have the tools to protect themselves. Device verification methods by manufacturer These official tools are designed to empower consumers and bypass the need to trust a seller’s word. The existence of these resources is a direct acknowledgement from manufacturers of the global counterfeiting problem and their commitment to providing a solution. However, it is ultimately up to the consumer to use them. Final thoughts Fake gadgets are everywhere in Nigeria, but you don’t have to fall for them. Safe buying comes down to caution: knowing who you’re buying from, checking what you’re paying for, and verifying before you hand over cash. The more consumers take these steps, the harder it becomes for fake tech gadgets to thrive in the market.
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Inside the Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Lab at the University of Lagos
Every Thursday, Delve Into AI will provide nuanced insights on how the continent’s AI trajectory is shaping up. In this column, we examine how AI influences culture, policy, businesses, and vice versa. Read to get smarter about the people, projects, and questions shaping Africa’s AI future. Let us know your thoughts on the column through this form. Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo didn’t always dream of setting up an artificial intelligence and robotics research lab. But at the University of Lagos, she has, since 2018, overseen a research lab fostering research and development (R&D) in AI and Robotics. She earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from the Federal University of Technology, Imo State in 1999, and pursued a master’s in computer science at the University of Port Harcourt having found her first degree to be too theoretical. “You study computers without actually touching a computer, but I still loved computer science because that’s where my passion is,” she recalled. The graduate degree did not inspire any more excitement than her first degree did, so she secured a full scholarship at the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in South Africa for a second master’s program in mathematical sciences. After AIMS, she went for a Ph.D. in computer science at Stellenbosch University, one of South Africa’s top universities, graduating in 2015 and promptly returning to Nigeria. “I believe I have something to give to the younger generation.” Dr. Yinka-Banjo established Artificial Intelligence and Research Lab (AIRLAB) at the University of Lagos in 2018 to promote R&D in robotics and AIImage Source: Maryam Shittu/Big Cabal Media Returning and giving back With a grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada’s public institution focused on funding and empowering research in developing countries, Dr. Yinka-Banjo set up the Artificial Intelligence and Research Lab (AIRLAB). It began in a small office at the University of Lagos’ Computer Science Department and eventually became part of a workspace at the Central Research Laboratory. The vision is simple: to be a world-renowned institution that provides an environment for fostering R&D in AI and robotics. Since 2018, the lab has sponsored students to national and international robotics competitions, such as the First Tech Challenge, and won some awards. They organise free summer programs for teenagers to develop key skills needed to explore robotics and AI applications. This year, from July 21 to August 1, with funding from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the lab hosted the Lagos-based version of NaijaCoder, an intensive training program for secondary school students. “We are not just trying to train students to become software engineers,” said Victory Yinka-Banjo, one of the program organisers and a recent MIT graduate. “The skills they are getting here can be useful in the context of research, science, and computation. You can’t do AI without those right now.” Access to funding and research priorities Beyond holding training programs for younger children, Dr. Yinka Banjo would like to focus more on applied research work to build solutions for Nigeria and the broader African continent, but funding is scarce. The majority of the lab’s funders, she said, are more interested in extracurricular programs for teenagers and younger students. “I don’t know why, because with all the grant proposals we have written, it is the ones that have children in them that get funding.” But funding for more research-focused work is critical to the success of labs like AIRLAB, which ultimately want to build AI solutions that can be applied locally. This research-focused funding is also important for nationwide goals of global leadership “in harnessing the transformative power of AI.” “There’s no government helping us. If you ask them, there’s no money, and I can’t blame them because they have money marked up for different things,” she said. “The essence of this whole thing is that we go out to look for funds.” In Q2 2025, the lab received funding from the IDRC and UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to establish a new research initiative focused on AI for education. The main goal is to build AI-powered learning assistants for low-connectivity, underserved learning environments on the continent. Prior research projects in the lab, which focused on building AI applications in agriculture and healthcare, have largely been sponsored by foreign countries. This external funding helps the lab access the talent to support its broader goals, a challenge the lab has faced. “People who are good are getting funding to go out,” Dr. Yinka-Banjo mentioned. “So when we want to do research, we struggle.” Since 2021, Nigerian students have increasingly looked abroad for higher education, with the US and Canada emerging as top destinations. In Canada, applications from Nigerian students climbed to about 46,000 in 2023, a 260% increase from 2021. “The good thing is that people are aware that Nigerians are smart. Since funding is what makes the smart ones stay, we started writing for research grants,” she added. The talent choosing to stay Mariam Muhammed was recently chosen to join the AIRLAB as a Ph.D. candidate on the AI for Education project. After finishing her master’s in computer science in 2024 at the University of Lagos, she began thinking about her next steps. “I was considering external opportunities, I’d even started to prepare some applications,” she said. “Immediately I saw this opportunity, I stopped because it felt like this was just what I wanted to do.” Before joining, Muhammed received an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and a postgraduate diploma in education, seven years later. She spent most of her time after school in the industry, developing software for foreign startups building AI-supported personalised learning solutions in markets like the US. Now, she wants to pursue research and create truly contextual AI solutions for Nigerians and Africans. The external funding backing the project gives her the confidence that more stakeholders can hold the lab accountable on research outcomes, which is quite different from traditional Ph.D. programs in Nigeria. “For me, the funding is a signal around structure,” she said. “I would
Read MoreMTN, Airtel ARPU jumps 32% after tariff hike, but consumers bear cost
A 50% hike in telecom tariffs has propelled MTN and Airtel’s earnings in Nigeria, sending their combined average revenue per user (ARPU) up 31.6% in the second quarter of 2025. The gains are unlocking long-delayed network investments, but they are also squeezing consumers already battered by inflation and a collapsing currency. Airtel’s ARPU grew 23.53% to $2.1 in Q2 2025 from $1.7 a year earlier, helping increase revenue by 29.69% year-on-year to $332 million. MTN fared even better, with ARPU rising 37.89% to $3.02 from $2.19, with revenue surging 67.88% to ₦1.32 trillion ($859.83 million). ARPU measures how much telcos earn from each customer, indicating whether revenues are enough to cover operating costs and fund capital investments. For years, it has been under pressure. Despite subscriber growth, dollar revenues stalled as the naira collapsed from ₦471/$ in June 2023 to ₦1,534.93/$ by August 20, 2025. The tariff-driven recovery marks a turning point for Nigeria’s largest operators, who for years cut back on capital spending as naira devaluation made dollar-denominated investments unaffordable. MTN slashed core capex by 28% in the first nine months of 2024, while Airtel reduced spending by 37%, leaving customers with dropped calls and unreliable internet. “Mobile service providers need to generate sufficient revenue to cover their operating costs… If this is not realised, they are likely to cut back on either capital or operating expenditure or both,” GSMA warned about Nigeria in 2024. With new tariffs introduced, MTN and Airtel have turned the corner, with revenue increases in both naira and dollar terms. Airtel Nigeria’s ARPU is now only second to Airtel’s francophone operations in Africa. MTN Nigeria remains one of the Group’s lower-earning markets, ranking 12th among its markets, well behind Ghana’s $5.60, MTN’s highest-earning market. However, Nigeria was a strong contributor to the Group’s 23.19% revenue growth to $5.94 billion in H1, 2025, from $4.82 billion in H1, 2024. “The approval of price adjustments in Nigeria, which were phased in during the period, largely benefiting Q2, boosted MTN Nigeria and the Group’s service revenue expansion,” said Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO of MTN. This rise in ARPU is encouraging long-overdue investments in telecom infrastructure, following years of underinvestment that limited network expansion and worsened service quality. Airtel’s capex spend rose to $39 million in Q2, 2025, from $38 million in Q2, 2024. MTN’s core capex spend is up 2679.0% to N363.25 billion ($236.66 million) in Q2, 2025. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said January’s approval restored cost-reflective pricing, unlocking over $1 billion in new telecom investments for this year alone. “The mere act of approving the increase has unlocked investment,” said Aminu Maida, NCC’s executive vice chairman. “Cumulatively, this year, we are already seeing over a billion dollars going into core infrastructure. This wasn’t happening in 2022, 2023, or 2024.” However, this ARPU recovery has come at great cost to subscribers. “The hike has imposed untold hardship on many Nigerians already grappling with double-digit inflation,” said Adeolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS). The average cost of 1GB of data has risen to ₦431.25 from ₦287.50. He argued that the only justification for this hardship must be better network services. According to Maida, this may take time, considering the process involved in turning capital into service improvements. Operators are also rolling out upgrades in phases, prioritising areas in dire need before expanding nationwide. Service delivery will improve, Maida assured, but subscribers must be patient as operators invest heavily in their networks. When the NCC approved tariff hikes, operators were well underwater as their core product—connectivity—struggled. Today, they are close to shore and no longer gasping for breath, but the service Nigerians are having to pay more for is yet to catch up. Mark your calendars! Moonshot by TechCabal is back in Lagos on October 15–16! Join Africa’s top founders, creatives & tech leaders for 2 days of keynotes, mixers & future-forward ideas. Early bird tickets now 20% off—don’t snooze! moonshot.techcabal.com
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Africa’s agricultural future depends on moving food, not just growing it
Africa’s agricultural potential is enormous. The continent is home to 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land and a growing youth population ready to work. In sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farmers produce up to 80% of the food consumed locally. The continent has the resources and traditional knowledge to transform from a net food importer into a global food supplier capable of feeding the world. Africa’s smallholder farming practices, such as crop diversification, soil enrichment, and agroforestry, build healthy soils that boost productivity and sustainability, which can lead to a food systems revolution that reverses the current global food dynamic and secures a sustainable future for all. Yet, Africa still imports over $50 billion in food annually, and 30–50% post-harvest losses cost more than $4 billion each year, enough to feed 1.6 billion people. These losses aren’t just about production or climate but result from how food is moved, stored, and managed after harvest. At the core is a system failure: fragmented, underdeveloped logistics overlooked by policy and investment. To improve food security, logistics must be reimagined as a data-driven system enabling better coordination, decision-making, and visibility across the supply chain. The first and middle miles are the weakest link My path to logistics began in the fields by trading commodities, chasing trucks, and watching entire harvests spoil due to poor storage or delayed pickups. One failed delivery, 100 metric tons of yellow sorghum, lost to rot, cost a farmer his income, cost me my client, and exposed the deeper issue: it wasn’t production holding us back; it was logistics. That moment led to the inception of Haul247. A farmer’s yield is only as valuable as their ability to move it to secure storage or market. In much of Africa, smallholder farmers depend on a patchwork of local hauliers, each covering just one leg of the journey. This fragmentation means frequent handovers, no single point of responsibility, and cumulative delays. A farmer in Kaduna, for example, might hire three different truckers to an aggregation point, then a storage facility, then the market, with each handover adding 6–12 hours, compounding spoilage, loss, and costs. Most operations still rely on disconnected providers for haulage and warehousing, especially in the “first and middle mile” where more than half of Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural losses occur. The result is a silent attrition of value: farmers lose income, traders absorb risk premiums, consumers pay higher prices, and nutrition outcomes suffer. In some countries, these logistical inefficiencies raise the cost of staple food by as much as 75%, undermining both food access and affordability. The data advantage To increase the share of food reaching markets, Africa must recognise logistics as a core development driver, not just physical infrastructure, but digital systems that enhance coordination, visibility, and flexibility. Roads become unreliable across much of the continent in rainy seasons, and over 90% of freight is handled by small-scale, informal truck operators who often lack digital tools. Logistics platforms must be more than high-tech; they need to be context-aware and designed for Africa’s unique challenges. Across African markets, logistics operations must contend with realities such as seasonal flooding, rural road conditions, varied vehicle types, and urban congestion. Route optimisation models that incorporate these variables are proving critical to ensuring reliability in supply chains. The larger shift, however, is occurring upstream, before a truck is dispatched. Predictive analytics enables logistics providers to anticipate demand by analysing order flows, harvest cycles, and weather forecasts. This foresight allows for more efficient allocation of transport and storage capacity, reducing waste, lowering costs, and improving reliability. Crucially, it also expands access to high-value markets for smallholder farmers who have traditionally been excluded from formal supply chains. Haul247 is applying these approaches to the Nigerian context, demonstrating how data-driven logistics can bridge longstanding gaps between production and demand. In one case, a tomato aggregator in Nigeria was contending with spoilage rates exceeding 25%. By improving dispatch coordination, route planning, and access to storage, supported by data visibility, real-time tracking, and digitised delivery records, losses fell to under 8% within three months. This result is not an outlier; it reflects a broader shift already underway. Where data flows, food moves. Where systems are visible, supply chains become investable. As digital logistics platforms like Haul247 become integrated into Africa’s agricultural ecosystems, value chain actors will experience measurable improvements in inventory turnover, credit access, and long-term sustainability. Scaling logistics transformation across Africa requires building connected, tech-driven ecosystems supported by coordinated investment from governments, donors, and the private sector. Midstream infrastructure must integrate digital tools, and platforms like Haul247 should be seen as critical infrastructure. Closing the digital divide and expanding broadband in rural areas is essential. Given the capital intensity of logistics, covering trucks, cold storage units, and software, targeted financing is key. Regulatory harmonisation under AfCFTA is also key to unlocking regional trade and food security. The road ahead By 2050, Africa’s population will double and food demand will triple, making it vital to reduce postharvest losses. Even a 1% cut could yield $40 million annually, directly benefiting smallholder farmers by boosting incomes, lowering food prices, and opening trade opportunities. Sehinde Afolayan is the CEO and Co-founder of Haul247, a pioneering technology-driven logistics and warehousing platform transforming supply chain operations across Africa. With a deep passion for innovation and operational efficiency, he has leveraged cutting-edge technology to optimise asset utilisation, enhance supply chain transparency, and drive sustainable logistics solutions. Mark your calendars! Moonshot by TechCabal is back in Lagos on October 15–16! Join Africa’s top founders, creatives & tech leaders for 2 days of keynotes, mixers & future-forward ideas. Early bird tickets now 20% off—don’t snooze! moonshot.techcabal.com
Read MoreDaily cybersecurity tips to keep your devices safe
Table of contents cybersecurity myths you should stop believing 3 steps to build a strong cybersecurity checklist How to take care of your devices and data How to stay safe on social media and public Wi-Fi daily cybersecurity checklist These days, your phone, laptop, and online accounts are part of your daily life. But with that convenience comes risk. Many people feel “safe enough” online because they think hackers only target big companies or that their information isn’t worth stealing. This false sense of security is precisely what cybercriminals rely on. Strong cybersecurity doesn’t start with buying expensive software; it begins with how you think. If you stay alert and question every unexpected email, link, or pop-up, you’ve already taken the first step to protecting yourself. Common cybersecurity myths you should stop believing Before you follow any cybersecurity checklist, it’s essential to clear up some common myths: “Hackers only go after big companies.”Not true. Cybercriminals target anyone, from large corporations to small businesses and individuals. A recent example is the cyberattack that tried to cripple MTN Nigeria. In 2023 alone, social media scams caused over $1.4 billion in losses, according to the Federal Trade Commission. We also reported on how Flutterwave lost ₦11 billion in a security breach. “My data isn’t valuable.”Even your email and password can be worth a lot to hackers. If you reuse the same login across multiple sites, a breach on one account can give criminals access to everything, from your bank to your social media. The cost of data breaches in South Africa alone shows just how expensive these security failures can be. “Apple devices can’t be hacked.”While Apple products have strong security, they’re not bulletproof. Believing they are can make you careless about updates, strong passwords, and safe browsing habits. “I’d know right away if I were hacked.”Most cyberattacks are silent. Hackers often work in the background for weeks or months without you knowing, collecting as much data as possible. Slow devices or strange pop-ups can be signs, but often ignored. The cybercrime threat in South Africa is a reminder that constant vigilance is required. 3 steps to build a strong cybersecurity checklist A strong cybersecurity plan works best when you layer tools and habits together. Think of it like locking your front door, closing the windows, and installing a security camera; you’re much harder to target when you have multiple layers of protection. These are three core steps experts agree should be part of your daily cybersecurity checklist. 1. Use a password manager for all your accounts A password manager is one of the most essential tools you can have. It creates, stores, and remembers long, unique passwords for every account you own. This means you no longer have to remember dozens of different logins or, worse, use the same password everywhere. Using the same password on multiple sites is risky. If one account gets hacked, every other account with the same password is at risk. A password manager fixes this by generating strong passwords that hackers can’t guess. Most password managers are easy to use, with browser extensions or mobile apps that automatically fill in your login details on trusted sites. This keeps your accounts safer while also making your online life simpler. 2. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) Even with strong passwords, you should always add a second layer of protection. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) means you need more than just a password to log in, like a code from your phone, a fingerprint, or a security key. This extra step makes a stolen password useless. If a hacker somehow gets your password, they still can’t get in without your second verification method. Avoid using text messages (SMS) as your only form of MFA. Criminals can use SIM swapping to take over your phone number. Instead, use an authentication app like Google Authenticator, Authy, or a physical security key for better protection. 3. Start using passkeys Passwords have been around for decades, but passkeys are the next step in account security. A passkey lets you log in with your device’s built-in security, like your fingerprint, face scan, or phone PIN, without typing a password at all. Passkeys are harder to steal because they are linked directly to the website or app you’re logging into. They also protect you from phishing scams since they won’t work on fake login pages. Many big platforms now offer passkeys, and they can sync securely between your devices, making them both safe and convenient. How to take care of your devices and data Online safety isn’t just about spotting scams; it’s also about how you manage your devices and protect your information every day. Good habits here can differentiate between staying safe and losing important data. 1. Keep your devices updated One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself is to keep your devices and apps updated. Updates don’t just add new features; they fix security flaws that hackers can exploit. Skipping even one important update can leave you exposed. Turn on automatic updates whenever possible. This is often enabled by default on Windows, but it’s worth checking in your settings. On phones, make sure your apps update automatically from official sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid downloading pirated or “cracked” software; these are common ways for malware to spread. Stick to trusted sources only. 2. Control app permissions and protect your privacy Many apps ask for access to your location, contacts, camera, or microphone, but not all truly need it. This data can be collected, shared, or sold, risking your privacy. The safest approach is to give apps the least access possible. Regularly check which apps you have installed, remove ones you no longer use, and review permissions for the ones you keep. For example, you can set your phone only to share your location while an app is in use, instead of all the time. These small changes can significantly reduce the amount of your data
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