12 tech gadgets to gift your loved ones this Christmas
As the holidays approach, finding a gift that balances utility with thoughtfulness can be a challenge. We’ve curated a mix of tech essentials for every type of person in your life, from music lovers and gamers to frequent travelers and productivity enthusiasts. With this list, we’ve kept your spirits of gift selection high and the stress levels sourcing low. So, here are 12 tech gadgets gifts you can buy for your loved ones that can make the Christmas season one to remember. 1. Apple AirPods Pro 3 The AirPods Pro 3 are the gold standard for Apple users. With powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved adaptive audio, and richer bass, they make commutes and workouts immersive. The new IP57 rating means they are dust and water-resistant, while the built-in heart-rate sensor adds a wellness dimension to the audio experience. Best for: iPhone users, fitness enthusiasts, and commuters. Price: ₦582,660 ($400) Where to buy: Apple Store, Jumia, authorised retailers. Image Source: Apple. 2. Anker PowerCore Slim power bank (26,800mAh) This is the ultimate utility gift, with enough capacity to charge most smartphones 5 to 6 times. The Anker PowerCore ensures your recipient is never stranded with a dead battery. It supports fast charging and features multiple USB ports to handle a phone, tablet, and earbuds simultaneously, all while remaining compact enough for a backpack. Best for: Travelers, heavy phone users, and students. Price: ₦182,750 ($124) Where to buy: Jumia, Amazon, and Anker store. Image Source: Jumia. 3. JBL Go 4 Bluetooth speaker Small but punchy, the JBL Go 4 is the ideal “grab-and-go” speaker. It fits easily in a pocket but delivers surprisingly clear vocals and bass. With an IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating and a 7-hour battery life (extendable with Playtime Boost), it is built for outdoor adventures, beach days, or casual listening at home. Best for: Students, beach-goers, and outdoor lovers. Price: ₦71,000 ($48) Where to buy: JBL Store and Jumia. Image Source: JBL 4. Sony SRS‑XB100 wireless speaker For those who want a richer sound in a small package, the SRS-XB100 uses a Sound Diffusion Processor to spread audio further. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and includes a built-in mic for hands-free calling. It’s a versatile upgrade for a dorm room, home office, or small outdoor gathering. Best for: Remote workers and students who need a mic/speaker combo. Price: ₦75,000 ($51) Where to buy: Sony, Jumia, and Amazon. Image Source: SONY 5. 3-in-1 Wireless charging dock Get rid of cable clutter with a station that powers a smartphone, earbuds, and smartwatch simultaneously. This dock brings order to a nightstand or desk, allowing the user to simply drop their devices and go. It is a simple luxury that saves time and reduces the hassle of finding multiple adapters. Best for: Organised professionals and tech minimalists. Price: ₦30,449 ($21) Where to buy: Jumia, Temu, and gadget retailers. Image Source: Jumia 6. Ergonomic wireless mouse An ergonomic mouse is a health investment for anyone glued to a computer. Designed to reduce wrist strain and improve precision, it makes long hours of writing, designing, or gaming significantly more comfortable. The wireless functionality allows for a cleaner desk setup or the flexibility to work from a couch. Best for: Remote workers, writers, and designers. Price: ₦15,000 ($10) – ₦55,000 ($37) Where to buy: Jumia and Ikeja Computer Village, Lagos. Image Source: Temu 7. Oraimo BoomPop 2 over‑ear headphones The BoomPop 2 balances affordability with performance. Featuring 40mm drivers and “HavyBass” tuning, these headphones deliver a dynamic audio profile. Practical features like Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) for clear calls and a massive 60-hour battery life make them a reliable daily driver for work and play. Best for: Commuters, students, and bass lovers on a budget. Price: ₦29,215 ($20) – ₦42,500 ($28) Where to buy: Oraimo website, Konga, and Jumia. Image Source: Oraimo 8. Xiaomi Watch 5 Active This smartwatch offers a massive feature set without the premium price tag. It sports a bright 2.0-inch LCD, Bluetooth calling, and over 140 sport modes. With 5 ATM water resistance and a battery that lasts up to 18 days on a single charge, it’s perfect for users who want fitness tracking without the anxiety of daily charging. Best for: First-time smartwatch users and fitness beginners. Price: ₦39,000 ($26) – ₦44,000 ($29) Where to buy: Jumia and Xiaomi retailers. Image Source: Xiaomi 9. A compact desk gadget (Novelty tech) Sometimes the best gift is one that adds personality to a space. Whether it’s a retro digital clock, a floating bulb, or a pixel art display, these compact gadgets upgrade the vibe of a workspace or bedroom. They are affordable stocking stuffers that bring a touch of creativity to a desk setup. Best for: Creatives, streamers, and students. Price: ₦30,499 ($20) Where to buy: Konga and Jumia. Image Source: Jumia 10. Rechargeable fan In areas with unpredictable power supply, a rechargeable fan is a genuine lifesaver. Modern units now feature LED lights, timers, and digital displays. Available in sizes ranging from handhelds to standing units, this is a practical gift that ensures comfort during the hot, dry holiday season. Best for: Families and anyone living in areas with erratic power. Price: ₦10,200 ($7) – ₦231,000 ($157) Where to buy: Konga, Jumia, and electronics stores. Image Source: Konga 11. Smart glasses Smart glasses are the futuristic pick for 2025. They double as fashion accessories and audio devices, allowing users to listen to music or take calls without blocking their ears. Budget-friendly options like the Xiaomi MIJIA or Amazon Echo Frames offer these features starting around $150, while premium models like the Meta × Ray-Ban offer AI integration and cameras. Best for: Early adopters and fashion-forward techies. Price: ₦16,990($11) – 60,525 ($41) (varies by brand) Where to buy: Amazon, Jumia, and Konga. Image Source: Jumia 12. Redmi 15C The Redmi 15C is a powerhouse budget phone from Chinese phone maker Xiaomi. With a large 6.71-inch display, an octa-core processor, and a massive 6,000mAh battery, it handles daily tasks with ease. The 50MP AI
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7 African startups redefining travel, training, transportation, and treatment
Startups On Our Radar spotlights African startups solving African challenges with innovation. In our previous edition, we featured seven game-changing startups pioneering aquaculture, financing, funding, and healthcare. Expect the next dispatch on December 19, 2025. This week, we explore seven African startups in the health, education, travel, and automotive sectors and why they should be on your watchlist. Let’s dive into it: Zof AI wants to automate the entire software-testing lifecycle with specialised AI agents (AI, USA) Founded by Kevin Kissi, a former engineer at Microsoft and the US Bank, Zof AI addresses the inefficiencies of manual software testing, which is often slow and limited in scope. At Microsoft, he saw how manual testers and separate units handling security, compliance, privacy, and accessibility, all needing to validate a product before release. These workflows made testing slow, fragmented, and expensive. Kissi left Microsoft with the insight that AI agents could fully automate every layer of software testing, from generating test cases to executing them at scale. Zof AI’s platform runs software tests using 40 specialised AI agents, with each one dedicated to a specific testing category such as unit testing, integration testing, accessibility, security, device emulation, localisation, or SQL-injection detection. Users upload a requirements document or let the system generate one if none exists, which will allow Zof AI to automatically crawl the application, learn its behaviour, generate test scenarios, and assign them to its agent network. Inside the platform’s dashboard, users can start tests, target individual agents, or schedule automated runs that execute in the cloud, even when the user is offline. Results of tests may include bug reports and analysis, and improvement suggestions. The system scores every developer based on bug frequency in their code, the speed at which they fix it, and historical quality. Zof AI integrates with GitHub, Slack, Asana, and a suite of enterprise tools. The startup operates a tiered subscription model that includes an entry plan of $99 monthly for 120 credits and access to three agents, a higher tier at $599 monthly for 8,000 credits and full access to all 40 agents, and enterprise pricing, which is handled through corporate licensing deals. Zof AI is transitioning to a new pricing system that will price each agent individually and introduce team and business billing tiers. Zof AI uses a mix of internally fine-tuned models and external large models, like Llama 70B and Mistral, and assigns different underlying models to each agent type depending on which performs best for its task. These models are trained on data that combines synthetic datasets, scraped public-domain materials, and open datasets. Since launching in Q4 2025, Kissi claims that Zof AI has raised $250,000 from angel investors, onboarded 50 startups, 10 medium-sized companies, and one major enterprise client in France, and is currently raising its seed round. Why we’re watching: Competing platforms, like Katalon, applitools, testsigma, and Tricentis, still require recordings, pre-written test cases, or human-in-the-loop inputs. Zof AI’s differentiator lies in its ability to crawl applications, interpret requirements, autonomously generate hundreds of test cases, and deploy 40 specialised agents to those tests. The company is also preparing to launch an always-on feature that continuously tests software by monitoring codebases and documentation without requiring a user to manually trigger a test. My Oga Mechanic wants to save Nigerian car owners from unreliable mechanics and expired papers (Autotech, Nigeria) Founded by Kefas Longshak, My Oga Mechanic was born from personal frustration. In 2016, Longshak bought a Volkswagen Passat, then spent over a year being exploited by mechanics when the car got faulty. Recognising that many vehicle owners lack technical knowledge and struggle with trust, he built My Oga Mechanic as a single mobile application to handle all vehicle needs, from documentation to diagnostics and repairs. Users can renew and register all vehicle documents, including change of ownership, vehicle licenses, tint permits, and driver’s licenses. They can also book vetted mechanics for two types of repairs: on-site fixes (with a flat ₦10,000 [$6.90] logistics fee) or in-shop repairs at a mechanic’s workshop. Longshak claims that My Oga Mechanic operates a growing marketplace of over 2,000 mechanics, spare-parts vendors, and service centres across Lagos. Each vendor goes through a multi-step verification process that includes identity checks with the national identification number (NIN), on-site visits, skills assessments, and provides dedicated agents to support mechanics who don’t own smartphones. Users get full cost visibility with mechanics providing estimates for necessary autoparts and workmanship before a job begins. Payments are split into two. Mechanics receive an upfront amount to buy parts and then get the balance only after the user confirms completion. Every repair comes with repair protection insurance (charged at an extra 1% of the repair cost) to cover unexpected damage during vehicle repair. My Oga Mechanic also supports accident repair claims for users with third-party or comprehensive insurance, by handling the entire claims workflow between service centres and insurers. Its flagship feature is MechaAI, an automotive diagnostic AI agent that lets users describe car symptoms and chat about issues that come up with their vehicles. It can also make suggestions for simple fixes or recommend verified mechanics. MechaAI pulls from a large internal database of repair manuals and technical data, and is built on a custom AI model that sits on top of Google Gemini to handle natural-language conversations. Additionally, the platform handles document renewals, delivering updated papers directly to the user’s doorstep. The platform runs on a subscription model. Users pay ₦6,000 ($4.14) per month for a primary vehicle and ₦3,500 ($2.41) for each additional vehicle. Subscribers get unlimited MechaAI access, free and timely document renewals, and no booking fees, meaning that subscribers pay only for actual repair parts and workmanship. Non-subscribers pay ₦1,000 ($0.69) per MechaAI session and ₦2,000 ($1.38) booking fees. My Oga Mechanic earns a 10% commission on mechanic workmanship and commissions on spare parts sales, and claims to have a network of 306 spare parts suppliers offering warranties on all purchases. The startup is currently bootstrapped and preparing
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Value laptops for Nigerian students and budget users in 2025
In Nigeria, students and budget users need durable, reliable laptops without breaking the bank or spending money they don’t have on high-end models. While flagship laptops get all the hype and attention, modern entry-level and mid-range budget-friendly laptops are now built to offer features such as SSD storage, efficient processors, and good battery life. This guide will focus on the best laptops for students and budget users that deliver the highest value under ₦700,000.00 ($482.53). These utility laptops are suitable for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and students who need a budget-friendly device for everyday use. The top 5 budget-friendly laptops for Nigerian students and every user. Here are the top five budget-friendly laptops for Nigerian students. The laptops are a good choice for students and everyday users on a budget. HP 250 G10 (13th Gen core i3) Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1315U RAM/Storage: 8GB DDR4 RAM / 512GB NVMe SSD Price: ₦575,000.00-₦596,000.00 ($396.37-$410.84) Display: 15.6-inch Battery: 3-Cell, 41 Wh Battery Life: Expect around 5-6 hours of real-world web browsing and document editing. The HP 250 G10 is built for durability. It passed the MIL-STD 810H military-grade tests, meaning it can withstand the bumps, drops, and other rough handling of daily student life better than most. It features a single USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone/mic port. Its RAM is accessible and upgradable, and it weighs 1.2 kg. Acer Aspire 3 (AMD Ryzen 3 7320U) Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U RAM/Storage: 8GB LPDDR5 RAM / 256GB or 512GB NVMe SSD Price: ₦550,000.00-₦650,000.00 ($379.13-$448.07) Display: 15.6-inch Battery: 3-Cell, 40 Wh Battery Life: Expect 9-12 hours of continuous web browsing or video playback. With its AMD Ryzen Mendocino processor, the Acer Aspire 3 delivers outstanding battery life, rivalling many high-end laptops. The base version weighs 1.6kg and features a single USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, and an HDMI port. The RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded; instead, buy the 8GB version for efficiency. For peak performance, avoid the 4GB version. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (AMD Ryzen 5 7520U) Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U (or similar 7000 series) RAM/Storage: 8GB LPDDR5 RAM / 512GB NVMe SSD Price: ₦600,000.00-₦700,000.00 ($413.60-$482.53) Display: 15.6-inch Battery: 3-Cell, 47 Wh Battery Life: Expect 7-9 hours of real-world web browsing. The IdeaPad Slim 3 is an all-rounder and ideal for multitasking, light coding, data analysis, and running complex software. It features one USB Type-C (Gen 2) port, two USB Type-A ports, and one HDMI port. Like the ACER, its RAM is soldered to the motherboard and can’t be upgraded. The design is slim and weighs 1.62kg. Dell Vostro 3530 (Core i3) Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1305U RAM/Storage: 8GB DDR4 RAM / 512GB NVMe SSD Price: ₦535,000.00-₦595,000.00 ($368.79-410.15) Display: 15.6-inch Battery: 3-Cell, 41 Wh (Note: A larger 54 Wh battery exists but is more expensive) Battery Life: Similar to the HP, expect 5-6 hours of typical web browsing. This is a mini workstation for students or users who prefer a heavy-duty build and want to self-upgrade the RAM, which comes in two standard SODIMM slots, making it easy to upgrade to 16GB. The laptop also features a USB Type-C port, a USB Type-A port, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. It weighs 1.9kg and passes the MIL-STD durability test. ASUS Vivobook 15 (12/13th Gen Intel/AMD) Processor: 12th/13th Gen Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 RAM/Storage: 8GB DDR4 RAM / 256GB or 512GB SSD Price: ₦550,000.00-₦650,000.00 ($379.13-$448.07) Display: 15.6-inch Battery: 3-Cell, 42 Wh Battery Life: Expect around 5-7 hours of real-world web browsing. ASUS is popular for consistently delivering style and value. The Vivobook 15 does not disappoint. It features vibrant displays, a slim design, and, like HP and DELL, it passes the durability test. The laptop also features a USB Type-C port, USB Type-A ports, and an HDMI port. The base version weighs 1.7kg, and it has upgradable RAM. Most 8GB models have 4GB or 8GB soldered plus one open SODIMM slot, making it easy to upgrade to 12GB or 16GB. Visual aid: guide to choosing the best value laptops for students and users on a budget This visual aid focuses on the key differences between these laptops. Essential checklists before buying value laptops There’s no justification for buying a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Always go for a Solid State drive (SSD) 4GB RAM is not enough to operate Windows 11. Buying a laptop with at least 8GB RAM is more prudent. Ask if the RAM is soldered or SODIMM. Soldered RAM means it can’t be upgraded, while SODIMM RAM can be upgraded later. A large watt-hour (Wh) capacity isn’t the only determinant for a solid battery life. Research the processor and how it saves battery. Look for an Intel Core i3 (12th Gen or newer) or an AMD Ryzen 3/5 (5000-series or 7020-series). These modern CPUs are far more powerful and power-efficient. Finding a reliable and efficient laptop in Nigeria for under ₦700,000 is entirely achievable, as the models highlighted demonstrate. The best value laptop is ultimately the one that meets your specific priorities. Before you make your final decision, remember the crucial checklist: prioritise a Solid State Drive (SSD), insist on at least 8GB of RAM (and know if it’s upgradable), and select a modern Intel Core i3 (12th Gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen (7020 series or newer) processor. By following this guide, you can confidently invest in a powerful budget laptop that will serve you well through your studies and beyond.
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Africa’s PR costs are soaring; ex-CNN anchor Zain Verjee has an AI fix
The Rundown Studio, a communications technology company co-founded by former CNN anchor Zain Verjee, has launched an AI-powered prompt library designed to help communications teams in emerging markets cut the cost of traditional public relations services. The platform gives users direct access to newsroom-tested frameworks without relying on expensive agency retainers. It includes 12 specialised tools for corporate communications teams, newsrooms, and investors. These tools cover Tier 1 media pitches, newsroom standard press releases, full 30-minute television scripts, and best practice frameworks for communications teams working across Africa. The platform launched with free and paid tiers. The launch comes at a time when traditional PR services remain costly and out of reach for many organisations across Africa. In several African markets, small businesses spend up to $1,500 monthly on basic media retainers, while more established firms pay between $5,000 and $15,000 monthly. Larger international campaigns can cost upwards of $20,000 monthly. These high costs, combined with staffing and structural challenges within many agencies, mean startups, nonprofits, and growing companies are often unable to access professional communications support. The Rundown Studio says its system is designed to close this gap by offering cheaper, structured alternatives powered by AI. Image Source: The Rundown Studio. “This addresses a fundamental market failure,” Verjee said. “Communications teams in Nairobi, Lagos, and Accra have the same deadline pressures as teams in New York or London, but they do not have the same access to world-class expertise. Traditional agencies charge enterprise rates for work that can now be systematised through frameworks that keep humans in control.” She added that the tools are not designed to replace professionals but to support them. “These are not generic AI prompts. They are workflows built from 20 years of combined newsroom and corporate communications experience, designed specifically for the resource constraints and cultural contexts of emerging markets,” Verjee said. Cofounder and product strategist, Thomas Brasington, said the product challenges the traditional billable-hours model used by many PR agencies. “We are testing whether you can deliver the strategic thinking of a senior communications consultant through structured frameworks, with the professional still making every final decision,” he said. The tools were developed by former journalists from organisations including CNN, BBC, and Sky News. The company said the system analyses source material against current news cycles and generates newsroom-calibrated outputs. The launch follows The Rundown Studio’s earlier release of The Newsroom Blueprint, an AI verification handbook developed with security and intelligence researcher Candyce Kelshall and the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies, as well as its Embedded podcast series featuring LinkedIn executive Aneesh Raman and Mastercard AI counsel Rashida Richardson.
Read MoreMTN South Africa to increase subscription and voice charges next year
MTN South Africa will increase its consumer contract prices from February 1, 2026, by an average of 5.4% across monthly bills. The adjustments will primarily affect subscription and voice costs. Subscription fees will rise by an average of 9.7%, while voice rates will increase by about 8%. The company said the decision is necessary to maintain investment in network capacity, protect infrastructure, and continue delivering high-performance connectivity as the country’s demand for data accelerates. The increase reflects the growing cost pressures facing telecom operators in South Africa, where mobile networks underpin everything from fintech to online retail. For MTN, these price adjustments are positioned as a response to rising operational costs, even in a period where general inflation has eased. “Although general consumer inflation has eased, MTN and the telecommunications sector in South Africa continue to face steeper increases in operational costs, including electricity and measures to protect and restore network infrastructure from vandalism,” MTN said. Device repayments, insurance fees, value-added services, out-of-bundle data rates, and top-up bundles will remain unchanged. Although consumers will feel the higher charges, MTN is also introducing new benefits to select plans to offset the impact. MegaFlex customers will receive up to 17% additional airtime, Yellow Plans will include 20% more voice minutes, and MTN’s Home Internet 5G and LTE customers will see speed upgrades of up to 50%. In October, MTN held talks with the country’s communications regulator, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), as part of efforts to tackle persistent challenges in the telecoms sector, from high data costs to uneven digital access. But the subscription includes data plans. Read: MTN South Africa, ICASA hold talks to make data cheaper and expand digital access The timing of the increase will vary depending on each customer’s billing cycle. Out-of-bundle charges will change on February 1, 2026, but the updated subscription fees will appear only when a customer’s monthly bill resets. Most billing cycles fall on the 1st, 5th, 11th, 12th, 17th, or 27th of the month. Customers can confirm their specific billing date by checking their latest invoice in the MTN app. MTN’s price adjustments highlight a broader challenge of balancing affordability with the high cost of keeping networks modern, resilient, and fast. As data consumption continues to grow, infrastructure pressures intensify, and customers require affordable networks, the industry will increasingly need to navigate this tension. Read: MTN South Africa to invest $17 million in Gauteng network upgrade
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Cypherock wants more Africans to use cold storage crypto wallets
Storing digital assets (read: cryptocurrencies) demands the same level of security-consciousness as traditional finance. Yet crypto’s promise of “sovereignty” places the burden of protection squarely on users, turning them into sole guardians of their own purses. The digital asset industry began with non-custodial wallets, which gave users total control over their holdings without third-party interference. They simply had to hold onto their “private keys,” a string of 12–24 random words that only the user is privy to. Once they lose access to, forget, or if those keys get into the wrong hands, their crypto assets could get lost forever or wiped out. According to CoinLedger, a global crypto tax reporting and asset tracking platform, an estimated 3–4 million Bitcoins (up to 20% of total supply) are permanently lost; that’s about $367.8 billion in value—using Bitcoin’s price as of 3:03 p.m. UTC on December 10, 2025—lost to human error, forever putting a strain on market liquidity. It is this fragility of human memory that birthed the custodial wallet industry—where crypto exchanges hold the keys on users’ behalf—and subsequently, the hardware wallet market. Trezor Model One, created in 2014, is widely credited as the first crypto hardware wallet. Now, Cypherock, a Singapore-headquartered company registered as “HODL Tech PTE Limited” with Indian operations, is attempting to disrupt the incumbents, Ledger and Trezor, by eliminating the single point of failure that has plagued crypto self-custody. Founded in 2019 by Rohan Agarwal and Vipul Saini, Cypherock has sold over 15,000 crypto hardware wallets globally. Most of its customers are in the US, where the company plans to open a warehouse to ease distribution bottlenecks, as well as in Germany. Its next frontier is Africa, one of the world’s fastest-growing crypto regions, but also one of the toughest hardware markets to penetrate. How Cypherock’s sharded wallet works Most mainstream hardware wallets secure assets by generating a seed phrase—a private key—stored on a single chip within the device. If that device is compromised or the backup of the seed phrase is found, funds can be lost or stolen. Cypherock’s pitch is that its “sharded,” seedless design removes that conventional single‑seed failure point. The Cypherock team provided me with the “Standard” X1 wallet at no cost. The standard retail price for this model is $179, excluding delivery. Cypherock’s X1 hardware wallet replaces that single point with five independent pieces. The wallet comes with a vault (that resembles a flash drive) and four near-field communication (NFC)-enabled smart cards. Using a cryptographic technique known as Shamir’s Secret Sharing (SSS), the private key is split into five shards, preventing a single point of failure in case a component is lost: One is stored in the X1 Vault itself, and the remaining four are embedded in the NFC-enabled cards that accompany the device. This cryptographic algorithm allows a “secret” (the private key) to be divided into unique parts, or “shards,” where some of the parts, but not all of it, are needed to access the key. To authorise a transaction, the user would need the X1 Vault plus any one of the four cards; the full key is never stored or exposed in a single place. A closer look at the Cypherock X1 “Vault”; it resembles a flash drive and contains a four-way joystick for navigation. It comes on when connected to a desktop device and needs to sync with Cypherock’s cySync app/Image Source: TechCabal Cypherock X1 NFC-enabled smart cards come in four/Image Source: TechCabal “The architecture is designed so that the private key never exists in a single location effectively until the moment of transaction signing, which happens offline,” said Aditya Rawat, growth manager at Cypherock. This “1-of-5” storage but “2-of-5” authentication model shifts the security paradigm. It mitigates the risk of a “wrench attack“—a situation where a user is physically coerced into giving up their private keys—because stealing just the Vault or just a card yields nothing. These stickers came with the Standard X1 wallet/Image Source: TechCabal From a cybersecurity perspective, this hardware isolation is critical. The Vault contains dual chips: an STM32L4 microcontroller and an ATECC608A secure element. Both chips generate a unique pairing key; if an unauthorised person attempts to replace or tamper with one of the chips, the device bricks itself, a feature Keylabs, a blockchain security firm, validated as a robust defence against supply chain attacks in a 2022 audit. The private key never exists in memory in full until a user deliberately initiates a transaction. Transactions are signed offline. The moment the user taps a card on the Vault, the device reconstructs the key just long enough to authorise the action, and then dissolves it again. Cypherock X1 Vault comes on when connected to a power source/Image Source: TechCabal Cypherock’s wallet has a built-in “1-of-4” redundancy, which means that if a user loses one card, it is inconsequential, and even the Vault on its own is useless, as access relies on the Vault and at least one of the four smart cards. The company argues that in a world where keys can be lost, stolen, compromised, or forgotten, security redundancy becomes a necessity. Preparing for worst-case scenarios For crypto users in emerging markets, especially those who have been burned by crypto exchanges going bankrupt, the “bus factor” matters. If a hardware wallet company disappears, users need assurance that the device does not become an unusable brick. Cypherock has built several layers for that scenario. The X1 is compatible with BIP39, the industry standard for seed-phrase generation. The device allows users to view the full seed phrase by connecting the Vault to a power source (even a simple power bank) and tapping one card. This allows the user to transfer their crypto holdings to any external wallet of their choice. The company has also open-sourced its codebase, allowing developers to build recovery tools independent of the company’s servers, said Rawat. Interface of the cySync app. Its wallet can hold over 9,000 cryptocurrencies/Image Source: TechCabal “We are preparing to release an open-source mobile application that will
Read MoreGlobal web host Hostinger enters Nigeria with AI tools and Naira payments
Hostinger, a global web hosting and website-building company, has launched in Nigeria, offering AI-powered website and business tools alongside Naira-based payments as it seeks to attract small businesses and entrepreneurs building an online presence. The Lithuania-headquartered company will offer website building, hosting, and an AI assistant capable of automating content creation, domain registration, and e-commerce management. Hostinger’s launch comes as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, contributing about ₦7 trillion to GDP in Q1 2025 and supported by over 39 million micro, small, and medium enterprises. Many of these businesses still face hurdles such as limited digital skills, unreliable infrastructure, and high operational costs, which have slowed the adoption of dedicated websites. Hostinger says it will lower these barriers by offering automated tools, clearer pricing, and localised support. “Nigeria is an important milestone for us,” said Eiviltas Paraščiakas, Head of communications at Hostinger. “Our goal is simple – give people fast, reliable, and fair tools so they can build and grow online with confidence. Our integrated suite of AI-powered products makes it easier for small business owners and creators to get online in minutes and stay focused on what matters: building their business.” Nigerian users will have access to Hostinger’s website builder, WordPress, and VPS hosting, and AI tools, including Hostinger Reach, an automated email marketing platform, and Hostinger Horizons, an AI-powered website and web app builder. Its AI agent, Kodee, can automate technical tasks such as website migration, content generation, and managing the products of a customisable, open-source e-commerce platform called WooCommerce, reducing the need for developer expertise. Hostinger said Kodee handled about 855,000 customer conversations in September 2025, resolving 76% of them automatically and saving the company more than €750,000 ($873,000) that month. Hostinger now joins a growing market of web‑hosting companies serving Nigerian businesses and freelancers. Existing players in the space include telaHosting, GO54QServers, HostAfrica, and Truehost Nigeria, many of which offer local‑currency payments, domain registration, and hosting plans tailored to Nigerian SMEs.
Read MoreHow this fintech moves money where freelancers live
Exact numbers are hard to come by, but estimates suggest around 80 million Africans work for global companies. A correspondent in Nigeria files stories for a European newsroom, while a policy analyst in Kenya delivers research to several consulting and legal firms across London and Berlin. These freelancers earn in multiple foreign currencies but spend locally. The work often moves smoothly, depending on employment terms, but the pay rarely follows. Traditional banks rely on correspondent networks that delay transfers, charge high foreign-exchange fees, or treat irregular income as risky. For gig workers in emerging markets, getting paid can be frustrating. Payd, founded in 2023, has been building a financial platform to address that gap. The company’s CEO, Benaiah Wepundi, who spoke to me on Monday, frames the app as an aggregator for fragmented payment rails. If a client in Europe sends USDC, Payd’s treasury receives it and instantly releases equivalent local currency to the freelancer’s bank account. The last-mile problem Cross-border payments aren’t hard until you reach the final destination. Most global systems stop at a traditional bank account, but in Africa, where mobile money dominates and informal economies are large, banking connectivity alone is insufficient. According to Wepundi, Payd integrates directly with mobile money ledgers, cash-in/cash-out networks and local banking corridors across 35 markets. Freelancers can convert US dollars to M-PESA instantly or withdraw cash at agents without delay. “Competitors offer faster, cheaper payments,” Wepundi said, adding that Payd offers local compliance and customer support. Wepundi’s statement is important because I wanted to understand what Payd is doing differently from others. Payd relies on this local integration to differentiate itself, as anyone can copy a digital wallet, but few can replicate a network of compliant payout corridors and treasury operations across multiple countries. A stablecoins play Around 60% of Payd’s transaction volume is now processed using stablecoins on blockchain networks (on-chain), which allows payments to settle instantly and without relying on traditional banks. Wepundi claims that payments from the US, Europe, and global platforms can reach wallets in Africa and Latin America in seconds, replacing the days-long delays typical of traditional banking rails. Stablecoins cut intermediary fees and reduce foreign exchange costs by bypassing correspondent banks. Behind the scenes, Payd combines on-chain settlement with local treasury operations and partnerships with providers such as Yellow Card and Bridge. This hybrid structure ensures funds are always available and mitigates the risk of downtime or crypto volatility. Payd aims to ensure consistent payouts without forcing users to interact with crypto directly by linking global liquidity with local payment corridors. How does Payd work around unstructured income? Freelancers rarely fit the risk models banks use because their irregular income can trigger frozen accounts or outright application rejections, so Payd built its onboarding to account for this. Its verification system goes beyond basic ID checks. It scans global blacklists (sanctions screening) and analyses device locations to filter out bad actors in real time. This precision allows Payd to approve legitimate freelancers with irregular income rather than flagging them as high-risk. The platform pairs this with tools that align with how freelancers work, like multi-currency accounts, invoicing, reverse billing, and stablecoin receipts. Wepundi adds that the fintech’s compliance approach meets global standards but adapts to local market realities. This compliance-first approach allows Payd to approve accounts that traditional banks often flag as high-risk. How does Payd handle liquidity? Payd’s liquidity engine blends local payment rails and stablecoin settlement to manage the flow of funds across multiple markets. According to Wepundi, each corridor has several providers that allow the system to reroute payments automatically if one fails. To prevent money from getting stuck in limbo, a common headache with cross-border transfers, Payd has an auto-reversal feature. If a local network is down or a transaction fails, the system immediately returns the funds to the user’s wallet rather than freezing them while the technical issue is resolved. The system also monitors banking and mobile money networks to spot outages early and automatically reroute payments to other providers to avoid delays. Currently, Payd operates largely as a payroll engine for companies rather than just a wallet for individuals. About 70% of its transaction volume comes directly from US and European remote-work agencies and talent networks paying their African teams in bulk. Payd allows freelancers to access international income instantly, while businesses cut costs and gain transparency on FX. The platform also enables internal transfers between users, which adds a collaboration layer for cross-border teams. The largest receiving markets, including Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, reflect where digital talent is concentrated, but the model also shows how fragmented global payroll still is, and how much operational complexity Payd handles for platforms and freelancers alike. Get The Best African Tech Newsletters In Your Inbox Select your country Nigeria Ghana Kenya South Africa Egypt Morocco Tunisia Algeria Libya Sudan Ethiopia Somalia Djibouti Eritrea Uganda Tanzania Rwanda Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Central African Republic Chad Cameroon Gabon Equatorial Guinea São Tomé and Príncipe Angola Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia Lesotho Eswatini Mozambique Madagascar Mauritius Seychelles Comoros Cape Verde Guinea-Bissau Senegal The Gambia Guinea Sierra Leone Liberia Côte d’Ivoire Burkina Faso Mali Niger Benin Togo Other Select your gender Male Female Others TC Daily TC Events TC Scoop Subscribe How does Payd earn revenue? Payd operates on a three-part revenue model: a 1.5% fee on transactions, a 1% margin on foreign exchange (FX) conversions, and a 4% yield generated from liquidity held within the system. Beyond these core fees, the company plans to introduce lending products, including credit lines and equipment financing, to diversify its income. While external payouts generate revenue, Payd keeps internal transfers between users free. This incentivises teams to keep capital circulating within the Payd ecosystem rather than cashing out immediately. “Over time, Payd intends to internalise even more of the last-mile infrastructure, including treasury management and regulated local payment capabilities to further reduce costs and dependency on external providers,” Wepundi added. The team
Read MoreHere are the 82 CBN-licenced Bureaux De Change operators in Nigeria
On Monday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued licences to 82 new Bureaux De Change (BDC) operators, allowing them to operate under the revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for BDC Operations (2024). The licences, effective from November 27, were granted across Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories, with the CBN stating that only BDCs listed on its website are authorised to operate going forward. The CBN advises the public to only initiate transactions with authorised BCDs, as more licenced operators are updated on its website. Here is a list of the newly approved BDCs: Tier 1 BCD operators Operators in this category can operate and set up branches in any state within the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Of the 82 newly licenced operators, only two have a Tier 1 licence, and they are: DULA GLOBAL BDC LTD TRURATE GLOBAL BDC LTD Get The Best African Tech Newsletters In Your Inbox Select your country Nigeria Ghana Kenya South Africa Egypt Morocco Tunisia Algeria Libya Sudan Ethiopia Somalia Djibouti Eritrea Uganda Tanzania Rwanda Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Central African Republic Chad Cameroon Gabon Equatorial Guinea São Tomé and Príncipe Angola Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia Lesotho Eswatini Mozambique Madagascar Mauritius Seychelles Comoros Cape Verde Guinea-Bissau Senegal The Gambia Guinea Sierra Leone Liberia Côte d’Ivoire Burkina Faso Mali Niger Benin Togo Other Select your gender Male Female Others TC Daily TC Events TC Scoop Subscribe Tier 2 BCD operators Operators in this category are permitted to operate only in one state within the country, but can establish up to five branches, subject to approval of the CBN. The newly approved Tier 2 BCD operators include: ABBUFX BDC LTD ACHA GLOBAL BDC LTD ARCTANGENT SWIFT BDC LTD ASCENDANT BDC LTD BARACAI BDC LTD BERGPOINT BDC LTD BRAVO MODEL BDC LTD BRIMESTONE BDC LTD BROWNSTON BDC LTD BUZZWALLET BDC LTD CASHCODE BDC LTD CHATTERED BDC LTD CHRONICLES BDC LTD COOL FOREX BDC LTD CORPORATE EXCHANGE BDC LTD COURTESY CURRENCY BDC LTD DANYARO BDC LTD DASHAD BDC LTD DEVAL BDC LTD DFS BDC LTD EASY CASH BDC LTD ELELEM BDC LTD E-LIOYDS BDC LTD ELOGOZ BDC LTD ENOUF BDC LTD EVER JOJ GOLD BDC LTD EXCEL RIJIYA FOREX BDC LTD FABFOREX BDC LTD FELLOM BDC LTD FINE BDC LTD FOMAT BDC LTD GENELO BDC LTD GENTLE BREEZE BDC LTD GRACEFUL GLORY AND HUMILITY BDC LTD GREENGATE BDC LTD GREENVAULT BDC LTD HAZON CAPITAL BDC LTD HIGH-POINT BDC LTD I & I EXCHANGE BDC LTD IBN MARYAM BDC LTD JOURNEY WELL BDC LTD KEEPERS BDC LTD KHADHOUSE SOLUTIONS BDC LTD KIMMELFX BDC LTD KINGSOFT ATLANTIC BDC LTD M.S. ALHERI BDC LTD MASTERS BDC LTD MCMENA BDC LTD MKOO BDC LTD MKS BDC LTD MR J GOLF BDC LTD MUSDIQ BDC LTD MZ FOREX BDC LTD NEJJ BDC LTD LTD NETVALUE BDC LTD NEW WAVE BDC LTD NOTABLE AND KINGSTON BDC LTD PILCROW BDC LTD RAPID BDC LTD RIGHTWAY BDC LTD RWANDA BDC LTD SABLES BDC LTD SAFETRANZ BDC LTD SAMFIK BDC LTD SEVENLOCKS BDC LTD SHAPEARL BDC LTD SIMTEX BDC LTD SOLID WHITE BDC LTD ST. NICHOLAS GLOBAL BDC LTD TOPFIRST UNIQUE MULTICHOICE BDC LTD TOPGATE BDC LTD TRAVELLER’S CHOICE BDC LTD TUCA GLOBAL BDC LTD TURBOVA BDC LTD TURN-UP BDC LTD UNIGO BDC LTD VICTORY AHEAD BDC LTD WHITEWAY WWW BDC LTD YUND GLOBAL LINK BDC LTD ZAMAD FOREX BDC LTD
Read MoreNigeria’s Central Bank licences 82 BDCs in sweeping FX market cleanup
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued the first batch of final licences to 82 Bureau De Change operators under its 2024 Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines, part of its move for a tighter FX market, aimed at shrinking the space for unregulated operators and restoring confidence after years of parallel-market distortions. It is also part of the CBN’s push for a tighter, compliance-heavy FX framework aimed at shrinking the space for street trading, sanitising the supply chain, and restoring confidence across the market. Under the revamped regime introduced in 2024, the CBN created two licence classes — Tier 1 and Tier 2 — with significantly higher entry thresholds. Tier 1 operators must maintain a minimum capital base of ₦2 billion ($1.38 million), while Tier 2 operators require ₦500 million ($344,385.82). The rules also shut out commercial banks, payment service banks, fintechs, IMTOs, and other regulated financial institutions from obtaining BDC licences. Of the newly licensed BCD operators, only two operate as Tier 1 BCDs, while the other 80 remain Tier 2 BCDs and must therefore be operational only in one state. This directive aims to clean up Nigeria’s informal foreign exchange (FX) market by reducing illegal operations and restoring confidence in retail FX transactions. In a statement signed by Hakama Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the CBN said the new licences became effective on November 27, 2025, issued pursuant to the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020. “By this notice, only Bureaux De Change listed on the Bank’s website are authorised to operate from the effective date,” Ali said. “While the CBN will continue to update the list of Bureaux De Change with valid operating licences for public verification on our website (www.cbn.gov.ng), the Bank advises the general public to avoid dealing with unlicensed Foreign Exchange Operators.” Operating a BDC without a valid licence now attracts sanctions under Section 57(1) of BOFIA 2020, meaning that they are liable to a fine of up to ₦10,000,000 ($6,887.72) and an additional ₦200,000 ($137.75) for each day the infraction continues. The cleanup follows a turbulent period for the FX market. In 2024, the CBN revoked the licences of over 4,000 BDCs for failures ranging from non-payment of regulatory fees to non-compliance with AML/CFT reporting obligations. It was also the year the regulator deployed the EFCC to clear FX street traders, a practice the new guidelines have now expressly prohibited. “What we’re hoping to accomplish by this, frankly, is to bring some sanity to an industry that arguably no longer serves the interests of those whom it was meant to protect,” CBN governor Olayemi Cardoso said in 2024. The reforms come as the naira’s official and parallel rates converge at a little less than ₦1,500, an outcome the CBN hopes to solidify by tightening control over one of the most porous segments of the FX market. As the regulator continues to update the list of valid BCD operators on its website, the public is urged to verify the status of any BDC before initiating a transaction to ensure compliance with the new financial order.
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