Naspers’ subsidiary Prosus to acquire Just Eat Takeaway for $4.3 Billion in all-cash deal
Naspers’ European-listed subsidiary Prosus has agreed to acquire Amsterdam-based Just Eat Takeaway.com for $4.3 billion, a move that strengthens its position in the global food delivery industry. The all-cash offer of $22.02 per share represents a 49% premium to Just Eat’s three-month volume-weighted average price, Prosus said in a statement Monday. The stock closed at $13.48 on Friday. The deal is part of Prosus CEO Fabricio Bloisi’s broader strategy to diversify growth beyond the company’s early investment in Chinese gaming giant Tencent Holdings Ltd. “Prosus sees an opportunity to accelerate growth at Just Eat Takeaway, leveraging its strong industry experience to innovate and drive efficiencies,” the company said. If approved by regulators, the acquisition would create the world’s fourth-largest food delivery group. “We believe that combining Prosus’s strong technical and investment capabilities with Just Eat Takeaway’s leading brand position in key European markets will create significant value for our customers, drivers, partners, and shareholders,” Bloisi said in the statement. Prosus has built a formidable global portfolio in food delivery, particularly outside Europe. It fully owns iFood, Latin America’s largest food delivery platform, and holds a 28% stake in Delivery Hero, a global delivery company. It also owns 4% of Meituan, the world’s largest food delivery business, and 25% of Swiggy, an Indian food and grocery delivery platform that recently went public. Just Eat Takeaway operates in 17 countries. In 2024, the company reported a gross transaction value of $28.5 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of $498 million . Just Eat acquired U.S.-based Grubhub for $7.3 billion in 2020 but offloaded it last month for just $650 million.
Read MoreKenyan CEOs say rising business costs and tax burden threaten economic growth
Kenyan businesses are struggling with rising taxes, high energy costs, and expensive credit—challenges that CEOs say could stall investment and slow economic recovery in 2025. A Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) survey of over 1,000 CEOs found that unpredictable taxation and regulatory instability make long-term planning difficult despite optimism about growth. While CEOs expressed confidence in Kenya’s economic prospects, they warned that the cost of doing business is increasing at an unsustainable rate. Tax hikes, import duties, and fluctuating government policies have left companies struggling to stay competitive. Even though the CBK has cut interest rates three times, businesses say accessing affordable credit remains difficult, raising concerns that economic expansion could slow. According to the CBK, 63% of the surveyed CEOs represent privately owned domestic firms, with 52% overseeing companies with a turnover of over $11.5 million (KES 1 billion). The majority of the CEOs said frequent and abrupt tax changes make it difficult to plan and invest for the future. “There’s no certainty around taxation. The government introduces new levies without consultation, and businesses are forced to react in real time,” said Peter Mwaura, CEO of a Nairobi-based manufacturing firm. “Last year, VAT on fuel increased from 8% to 16%, which doubled our logistics costs overnight. How do you make long-term investment decisions in this kind of environment?” Over the past two years, Kenya’s government has increased VAT on essential goods, raised import duties, and introduced new levies on mobile money transactions to boost revenue. While these measures are meant to reduce Kenya’s public debt, the private sector argues they are weakening growth, stifling expansion, and eroding consumer spending power. “Stimulating growth requires a mix of tax incentives, better access to credit, and policies that support a developing economy like Kenya,” said Steve Okoth, tax director at BDO East Africa. “Countries like India and Malaysia offer tax holidays or reduced tax rates for new businesses to encourage investment. Kenya should consider similar incentives.” Another key concern for businesses is access to affordable credit. The CBK has cut interest rates three times in the past year to spur lending, but many firms report that borrowing remains difficult due to banks’ cautious lending practices. “The CBK rate cuts haven’t fully trickled down to businesses,” said Susan Wanjiru, an economist at a Nairobi-based investment firm. “Banks are still reluctant to lend to SMEs because of perceived risks, and those that qualify for loans are paying high interest rates despite the policy adjustments.” Under pressure from regulators, Kenya’s top banks—including KCB Group, Equity Group, Cooperative Bank, I&M, and DTB—have lowered interest rates by one to four percentage points. However, many businesses say these reductions are not enough to make borrowing affordable, especially for SMEs that form the backbone of Kenya’s economy. Despite these challenges, most CEOs expect their companies to increase production in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024. To sustain growth, many are focusing on cost-cutting, diversifying operations, and exploring new markets. “We are optimistic about Kenya’s long-term potential, but optimism alone won’t fix the real problems businesses face,” said Wanjiru. “Unless the government provides tax certainty and ensures easier access to credit, economic recovery could be slower than expected.” While Kenyan businesses remain resilient, CEOs warn that without clear, supportive policies, growth will be driven more by survival tactics than by genuine expansion. Kenyan business leaders have warned that rising operations costs and unpredictable taxation could weaken the country’s economic growth and erode investors’ confidence. A Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) survey of over 1,000 CEOs revealed that while they expressed optimism about Kenya’s economy, persistent problems like high energy costs, taxation uncertainties, and supply chain disruptions could derail the progress. “The January 2025 CEOs Survey showed higher growth prospects for the Kenyan economy over the next 12 months, driven by favourable weather conditions and macroeconomic stability expectations,” the report said. “However, firms reported the cost of doing business as a key concern.” The surveyed CEOS were drawn from various sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, ICT, and logistics. According to the CBK, 63% of the participants were CEOs in privately owned domestic companies, with 52% having a turnover of over $11.5 million (KES1 billion in 2024). The CEOs want the government to “create certainty around taxation as there are abrupt changes in the regulatory framework and tax structure,” making it difficult to plan and invest for the future. In the past two years, businesses have faced tax adjustments, including increased VAT and import duty on essential goods and new levies on money transfers. While the government has defended these measures as necessary to generate revenue for development, the private sector has maintained that they weaken growth, hinder expansion, and eat into consumer’s disposable income. The CEOs also called for increased lending to businesses. Despite three consecutive CBK rate cuts, access to credit remains a significant challenge for most Kenyan companies. After months of pressure from the regulator, commercial banks have started cutting lending rates, which business leaders hope will unlock access to credit. Leading banks, including KCB Group, Equity Group, Cooperative Bank, I&M, and DTB, have cut interest rates by one to four percentage points, with more expected in the coming weeks. “Stimulating growth requires a mix of tax incentives, funding mechanisms in the form of better access to credit, and supportive policies tailored to the needs of a developing economy like Kenya,” said Steve Okoth, Tax Director at BDO East Africa. “Offering tax holidays or reduced tax rates for innovative businesses during their first five years like in India and Malaysia can encourage growth and reinvestment.” The CEOs expect production volumes in 2025 Q1 to be higher than 2024 Q4. The report said Kenyan companies prioritize diversification and cost optimization to sustain growth over the next three years.
Read MoreMultichoice hikes DStv and GOtv for the second time in a year as part of “inflationary pricing”
MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, is increasing subscription prices by at least 20%, marking the second price hike in a year. The increase, effective March 1, comes as the company faces a shrinking subscriber base and economic challenges in its key African markets. According to documents seen by TechCabal and an email sent to customers, the new pricing structure is as follows: DStv Premium: ₦45,000 (up from ₦37,000) DStv Compact Plus: ₦35,000 (up from ₦30,000) DStv Compact: ₦19,000 (up from ₦15,700) The latest increase follows a turbulent 2024 for MultiChoice, which saw a 9% decline in total active subscribers across Africa. The company’s fiscal year 2024 report shows that subscriber numbers fell by 13% in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Zambia, driven by currency depreciation and economic downturns. The Nigerian naira’s sharp decline alone had a 32% impact on MultiChoice’s USD revenue, according to the company. MultiChoice has attributed the new price adjustments to inflation and foreign exchange pressures. To counter these challenges, MultiChoice is implementing a cost-cutting strategy aimed at saving $113 million while introducing “inflationary pricing” to sustain revenue. The consecutive price hikes raise concerns for consumers already dealing with rising costs of living. Notably, Netflix also raised its prices in 2024, further shifting consumer preferences in Africa’s evolving entertainment market. So far, there has been no official response from Nigeria’s Consumer Protection Commission or broadcasting regulators. However, past price hikes by MultiChoice have faced backlash from both consumers and lawmakers. The company’s dominant position in pay-TV means its pricing decisions have a widespread impact. With economic conditions still volatile and consumer spending under pressure, MultiChoice’s ability to retain subscribers amid higher costs remains uncertain.
Read MoreAfter ditching last-mile delivery, Sendstack is projecting $1 million in revenue selling these GPS trackers
Sendstack, the Norrsken-backed startup that pivoted from last-mile logistics to fleet management, is betting on a new hardware play—GPS tracking devices—to hit $1 million in revenue by the end of 2025. That would be four times what it made from its now-defunct delivery platform, DLVR, which it shelved in 2024 after struggling to scale. To reach this milestone, Sendstack plans to sell 10,000 trackers by July—each device costs ₦100,000, turning hardware sales into a reliable revenue stream while driving the adoption of its fleet management software, CTRL. The compact trackers, which resemble AirTags and run on 2G networks, integrate with Sendstack’s platform and third-party systems via API—giving the company multiple entry points to upsell software services. This shift is a significant departure from Sendstack’s initial vision of creating an aggregator platform for last-mile delivery companies. In 2024, the company pivoted from last-mile delivery to fleet management and launched CTRL, a software product it plans to replicate across emerging markets. However, as we predicted in our report on the pivot, the company has had to adapt to a market where businesses still rely heavily on manual processes and are hesitant to adopt standalone fleet management software. While the trackers are a distribution play for its existing software business, the trackers also address a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s logistics sector: cargo visibility. Many apps promise real-time tracking, but long-haul shipments often go dark due to unreliable mobile connectivity and truck drivers who rely on feature phones. The company offers both a one-time purchase option and a managed service subscription that includes the device, SIM card, insurance, and support. The device costs ₦100,000 but a managed service attracts additional monthly fees. This dual revenue model is designed to cater to different business needs and budgets. Hardware is more intuitive for Nigerian users CEO Mba-Kalu believes that introducing hardware isn’t just about adaptation—it’s an opportunity to replicate the success fintech companies have had with card and POS device distribution. “Like POS terminals for payments, hardware trackers are more intuitive for Nigerian users, and businesses are more receptive to the idea of investing in trackers for their vehicles,” said Mba-Kalu. “It’s easier to then upsell them on additional software features.” In the last decade, fintech startups have distributed low-cost debit cards and POS devices to acquire customers and boost transaction volumes. Sendstack is applying the same thinking and believes that trackers will serve as an entry point for businesses to adopt its software at scale. The company already claims notable customers, including electronics manufacturer Panasonic and logistics firm NG Logistics. “App-based trackers work well for intra-city trips but not for long-distance haulage,” Mba-Kalu noted. Many truck drivers are often unreachable during transit, leading to communication breakdowns and inefficiencies. Sendstack is optimising GPS trackers for cargo GPS trackers are not a new concept, and Sendstack faces stiff competition from existing players in the informal tracking market. Mba-Kalu acknowledges this but argues that most trackers today are “basic and primarily designed for tracking between locations,” whereas Sendstack’s product is optimised for cargo tracking. Unlike software, hardware comes with higher upfront costs. If production expenses exceed projections or if Sendstack fails to hit its 10,000-unit sales target, the financial strain could be significant. The company has only raised $350,000 since its founding and has so far resisted raising additional funding. “We’re not in a rush to raise extra capital,” Mba-Kalu asserted, adding that the company is confident in the margin potential of the tracker. However, scaling hardware in Nigeria comes with logistical challenges—managing inventory, ensuring reliable production, and handling distribution across multiple states. With a lean team of about five people, Sendstack will also need to expand its workforce, especially its technical sales team, to support its ambitious growth plans. If Sendstack’s hardware gamble pays off, it could reshape fleet management in Nigeria. The flip side of that gamble could leave Sendstack in a tough spot—neither a software nor logistics leader.
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TechCabal Daily – Flutterwave eyes NGX listing
In partnership with Lire en Français اقرأ هذا باللغة العربية Happy new week! Starlink, Elon Musk-owned satellite internet service provider (ISP), became Nigeria’s second-largest ISP in Q3 2024, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This milestone comes just two years after the company expanded its services into the country. It grew its active user base to 65,564 in Nigeria, despite its high hardware costs. In the country’s core ISP market, only Spectranet surpasses Starlink with 105,441 active users, while FibreOne, in third place with 27,000 users, is less than half the size of Starlink’s user base. However, Starlink doubled its monthly subscription costs for Nigerian customers in January 2025, a move that could potentially dampen its appeal to Nigerian customers. While the full impact won’t be clear until the NCC releases Q1 2025 figures, telecom operators remain a strong alternative for data services—with millions of active users—due to their wider broadband reach and dual utility as mobile network operators. Kenyan boda boda riders threaten strike over regulation Flutterwave eyes NGX listing Court orders the forfeiture properties linked to former CBN governor World Wide Web 3 Events Regulation Kenyan boda boda riders threaten strike over regulation Image source: Safeboda What is the most effective way to oppose an unfavourable government decision? A lobby? A protest? A strike? In Kenya, the latter two are often the strongest tools to prevent the government from overreaching. Kenyan boda boda riders—commercial motorcycle operators—have pushed back against a government effort to regulate their sector. Last Wednesday, the Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023, proposed by Senator Bonny Khalwale, reached the National Assembly. The bill contains guidelines for boda boda riders to become legally required to register their vehicles and show ownership, put trackers on their motorcycles, and have motorcycle owners and riders in hire-purchase contracts enter formal contracts. For instance, formal contracts between owners and riders can help address common disputes, such as daily driver remittances. Tragically, on February 7, Jackson Mukundi, a Kenyan boda boda rider, was murdered. During the ongoing investigations, his employer has been identified as the alleged killer. The bill is an attempt to curb reckless riding, protect riders, and improve public safety. However, the Boda Boda Association of Kenya has threatened to go on strike. They claim that some provisions in the bill are impractical and could put them out of business. Specifically, they view the government surveillance, passenger limits (boda boda riders must carry only one passenger per trip), heavy fines for violations, and jail terms for non-compliance as an impasse. While the regulations may seem harsh, boda boda riders have long been linked to public safety issues. Police efforts to collaborate with riders to reduce motorcycle-related crimes have had limited success. Boda bodas are heavily linked to various crimes, including robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and even murder. 79.5% of fatal motorcycle incidents are also caused by reckless driving, such as hit-and-runs after robberies. The proposed regulations could impact three million riders, many of whom rely on this work for their daily income. Additional documentation means extra costs, but the surveillance also targets rogue drivers, who fear the crackdown. Motorcycles often face scrutiny across Africa. Rwanda, for example, has successfully regulated its motorcycle sector, reducing crime. Other African cities have banned motorcycles from plying major roads altogether. Kenya’s motorcycle regulation will help it achieve two goals: to monitor a sector that has been a public safety headache for years, as well as add an unassuming, yet unpredictable income source for the government. A regulation is practical here, and it will have an impact on Kenya’s tech sector where food delivery startups often employ boda boda riders to deliver customer orders. Kenyan law-makers and boda boda riders will need to reach a compromise. Are you an Afincran? If you’re building solutions for Africa, you already are. Join Fincra’s mission to empower Africa through collaborative innovation. Together, we’re building the rails for an integrated Africa. Join the Afincran movement—let’s drive change! Startups Flutterwave eyes NGX listing Flutterwave’s Olugbenga”GB” Agboola/Image Source: CNN When Flutterwave’s CEO, Olugbenga Agboola shared in early February that the company will only pursue IPO ambitions after it hit profitability, it took many by surprise that the fintech giant was not yet profitable. Well, for a company in a growth phase, that was expected. The company had rapidly been expanding and acquiring licences across Africa. Flutterwave was again in the news yesterday, after Agboola met with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to discuss a potential listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President. The fintech giant, last valued at $3 billion, would become one of the most valuable companies on the NGX—surpassing any financial institution listed on the exchange. However, questions remain about whether the NGX can provide the type of exit that dollar-based investors seek. Typically, high-growth African startups favour dual listings or IPOs on foreign exchanges like the NYSE, though Jumia’s listing experience may serve as a cautionary tale. For a company yet to reach profitability, the NGX listing might be far off. The exchange favours dividend-paying stocks, and Flutterwave will need to turn a profit before it can meet that expectation. The NGX, which launched its tech board in 2022, has been actively courting tech companies with favourable listing conditions, possibly offering Flutterwave incentives to list locally. If Flutterwave proceeds with an NGX IPO, it will join Tizeti, another Nigerian tech company which plans to list on the bourse, marking a significant win for Nigeria’s stock market. A Flutterwave listing can also encourage other tech companies to list on the stock exchange. News of Flutterwave’s potential listing comes amid renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy. A rally in banking stocks and increased capital inflow have strengthened the country’s financial markets, with Bloomberg reporting that Nigeria’s sovereign risk spread has dropped to its lowest level since January 2020. For Flutterwave, an IPO is a logical next step. With few alternatives left, the company’s
Read MoreNigerians face network blackouts as diesel truckers strike over government dispute
Millions of Nigerians could soon face widespread mobile network disruptions as telecom towers in Lagos and Ogun States run dangerously low on diesel. A standoff between fuel truckers and the Lagos State government has halted diesel deliveries, cutting off the primary power source for telecom sites in Nigeria’s largest commercial hub. The crisis stems from an ongoing dispute between the Lagos government and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). In protest against alleged harassment by state officials, fuel truckers have suspended operations, leaving tower companies—including American Tower Corporation (ATC) and IHS Towers—scrambling for fuel to keep their towers running. With over 60% of Nigeria’s national data traffic flowing through Lagos, the potential impact is severe. Mobile users already report slower browsing speeds, dropped calls, and intermittent service failures. If fuel supplies aren’t restored soon, telecom operators fear an impending blackout that could disrupt banking services, e-commerce, and essential communication in one of Africa’s most connected markets. NUPENG Secretary General Wale Afolabi told TechCabal the strike was triggered by Lagos officials allegedly deflating truck tires and arresting drivers over parking violations. The truckers, he explained, typically make early morning diesel deliveries to avoid accidents on Lagos’ poorly maintained roads. “We decided to withhold our services until the government acknowledges that these truckers are human beings too,” Afolabi stated. “We don’t know how long this will last, but we demand that the Lagos government repair the damaged trucks, release the arrested drivers, and fix the union’s vehicle.” The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has also raised urgent concerns over the fuel shortage. In a letter seen by TechCabal, ATCON President Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere warned that many telecom sites in Lagos and Ogun State are running critically low on diesel. “We respectfully request the urgent intervention of the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to facilitate diesel from the depot, ensuring uninterrupted operation of our affected telecom sites,” Emoekpere said. The diesel crisis exposes the fragility of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, which remains heavily reliant on generators due to the country’s unreliable power grid. With Lagos at the center of Nigeria’s digital economy, prolonged network outages could stall businesses, financial transactions, and emergency services across the region.
Read MoreCourt orders forfeiture of $4.7m, properties linked to ex-CBN governor Emefiele
A federal high court in Lagos has ordered the forfeiture of $4.7 million, ₦830.9 million, and multiple properties linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The judgment marks the latest in the legal troubles of Emefiele who has faced increasing scrutiny over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office during his tenure. Justice Yellim Bogoro issued the order on Friday, following a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the anti-graft agency said in a statement. The EFCC, through by its counsel Bilikisu Buhari, argued that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities, citing Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The forfeited funds are domiciled across three major Nigerian banks: First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank. The accounts, operated by various companies and individuals allegedly linked to Emefiele, include Omoile Anita Joy; Deep Blue Energy Service Limited; Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd; Lipam Investment Services Limited; Tatler Services Limited; Rosajul Global Resources Ltd; and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.. The court also ordered the forfeiture of €20,000, £1,999.50, and investments worth $5.3 million linked to the said companies and individuals. Emefiele, who served as CBN governor from 2014 to 2023, was removed in June 2023. He faces allegations of fraud, corruption and other illegal practices, which he denies. Under his leadership, the CBN pursued controversial pro-agricultural policies and questionable monetary policy and an inability to exert the CBN’s independence, leading to record borrowing levels to the federal governmet.
Read MoreJumia’s share price falls 28% after tepid 2024 performance
Shares of African e-commerce firm Jumia plunged 28% on Friday as investors reacted to its continued losses in 2024 despite improved cost efficiency. Jumia’s share price declined from $3.88 to $2.82, slashing its market capitalisation to $285.2 million—down from $1.3 billion in Q3 2024. The company’s revenue declined by 10% to $167.5 million in reported currency in 2024, and in the fourth quarter of 2024, it made $45.7 million, a 23% reduction year over year. While Jumia’s constant currency metrics show resilience, its decline in USD terms highlights its exposure to macroeconomic instability. Although analysts predict softer currency devaluation in Nigeria and Egypt in 2025, investors typically discount growth that relies on favourable FX movement. The company’s widening losses also suggest that Jumia’s infrastructure is still inefficient as its logistics costs increased by 11% year-on-year. Global investors favour cash-generating businesses as interest rates rise and the appetite for unprofitable businesses reduces. In 2024, a Goldman Sachs basket of unprofitable tech companies lost 20% of its value as the S&P gained, and Jumia’s inability to turn a profit is placing downward pressure on the stock. As it exited countries, the company’s active customers fell to 8.3 million compared to 10 million in the previous year. However, its customers’ repurchase rate improved to 40%, signifying a stickier customer base. The company’s orders also grew by 11% to 7.4 million in the fourth quarter. Per its SEC filing, Jumia has 2.4 million quarterly active users, a slight increase from 2.3 million in December 2023. Jumia projects that its gross merchandise value (GMV), the value of goods ordered on its platform, will reach $795–830 million in 2025 (+10–15% year-on-year), but this assumes stable FX rates, which investors might consider unrealistic given Africa’s macroeconomic headwinds and the company’s 2024 misses. The company’s GMV fell by 4% to $720 million in 2024 and 12% in the fourth quarter. Currency devaluations in Egypt and Nigeria, its two largest markets, led to a contraction in dollar-denominated GMV. Jumia’s expansion into second cities in 2024, which now accounts for 56% of its orders, also caused a shift towards lower-value orders. This expansion, combined with a decline in high-margin corporate sales in Egypt, contributed to GMV declines in reported terms. Until Jumia stabilises its USD-denominated growth, reduces its losses, and shows a viable path to profitability, investor scepticism might persist and today’s 28% drop only reflects a sign of things to come.
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Best Data Plans in Nigeria (2025): Compare prices & value across networks
Nigerian telecom users have seen data prices surge by up to 50% in 2025, forcing many to rethink their internet budgets. With MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile adjusting their prices—some increasing by as much as ₦70,000 for large data plans—finding the best deal has become crucial. This guide compares the cheapest and best-value data plans across Nigeria’s major telecom providers, helping you find the most cost-effective option based on your budget and internet needs. Budget Monthly Data Plans in Nigeria (Best for light users) If you’re looking for affordable, entry-level data plans, here’s how MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile compare: Best Budget Pick: Glo (3.9GB for ₦1,000) offers the lowest price per GB, but network quality varies. MTN and Airtel remain the most reliable in major cities. User Insight: “I use MTN’s 75GB plan for ₦20,000. It used to be ₦16,000, but I’m stuck with them because alternatives like Glo and Airtel don’t work well in my area.” – David, a growth marketer in Lagos. Best Data Plans for Heavy Users (Streaming, Remote Work, Business) If you stream videos, work remotely, or run a business that relies on high-speed internet, these are the best options: Best Heavy-User Pick: Airtel (200GB for ₦20,000) provides the cheapest per GB cost, but check for network quality in your area before committing. User Insight: “I use MTN’s 112.5GB plan for ₦20,000. It used to be 150GB for ₦16,000 before the price hike. I tried Airtel, but it doesn’t work well in my area. MTN is the most consistent network, but their app is terrible.” – Daniel. Best Weekly Data Plans for Short-Term Users If you don’t need a full month of data, weekly plans offer a flexible and often cheaper alternative. Best Weekly Pick: 9mobile (7GB + 100MB for ₦1,500) gives the best value per GB but has limited coverage in some locations. User Insight: “I use Glo’s weekly 15GB plan for ₦2,500 because it’s better value for a heavy user like me.” – Joseph Best Unlimited Home WiFi Plans (No Fair Use Policy) For households or small businesses that need non-stop internet, some providers offer truly unlimited plans. But watch out for hidden fair use policies (FUPs) that can throttle speeds after a certain usage. Best Home WiFi Pick: FibreOne (25Mbps for ₦13,807, No Fair Use Policy) offers the best speed without limits. User Insight: “I’ve noticed that ‘unlimited’ plans often have a fair use policy, meaning after a certain limit, speeds drop drastically.” – Miriam. For Office & Business Use Businesses need reliable, high-capacity internet to handle daily operations, video conferencing, and cloud-based services. Here are some of the best plans for small, medium, and large businesses: Final Verdict: Best Data Plans in Nigeria (2025)
Read MoreFrom red tape to rocket fuel: Why Africa’s policies must catch up with potential
This article was contributed to TechCabal by Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Africa Bureau Director Africa is on the cusp of major change – a transformation driven by its people’s ingenuity, resilience, and ambition. With the world’s fastest-growing youth population and a wellspring of untapped potential, the continent faces a pivotal choice: embrace a future where innovation fuels inclusive growth or allow bureaucratic inertia and outdated policies to stifle the momentum. Entrepreneurs across Africa are already rewriting the narrative. From fintech disruptors bringing financial services to the unbanked to agritech pioneers transforming food security, they prove that Africa’s challenges are best solved by those who know them intimately. African startups like Netagrow and Medtech Africa have demonstrated groundbreaking ingenuity, driving digital transformation across industries. Yet, despite their brilliance, these entrepreneurs face an uphill battle. Investment remains scarce, regulations are inconsistent, and markets are frustratingly fragmented. Africa accounts for 17% of the global population but attracts less than 1% of global venture capital investments. This is not just a gap; it is a chasm. If we fail to act decisively, we risk turning a generation of innovators into a generation of missed opportunities. Breaking Down Barriers The problem is not ambition. It is policy. Across the continent, entrepreneurs face a regulatory environment that feels more like a maze than a launchpad. Entrepreneurs struggle to navigate conflicting regulations that change from one border to the next. Growth is stunted not by lack of talent or ambition, but by the sheer weight of red tape. This is where initiatives like timbuktoo, championed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), come in. timbuktoo is not just another development project. It is a bold, audacious attempt to bridge the gap between Africa’s untapped talent and the global innovation economy, ensuring that our brightest minds are given the support they need to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges. With a goal of mobilising and investing $1 billion in catalytic and commercial capital to ignite Africa’s startup revolution, timbuktoo is building the ecosystem entrepreneurs need to thrive. Through thematic hubs and University Innovation Pods (Unipods) across the continent, young innovators are gaining access to the tools, networks, and investments that can propel their ideas to scale. However, initiatives like timbuktoo can only go so far with an enabling environment. The real game-changer lies in policy reform, driven by the timbuktoo Policy Impact Unit, which ignites Africa’s innovation engine through market-creating policies. And Africa’s policymakers must rise to the occasion. We must break down regulatory silos and design market-creating policies that allow businesses to operate seamlessly across borders. For instance, aligning digital payment regulations could accelerate the expansion of fintech solutions, making financial services more accessible to underserved populations. Similarly, standardising health regulations can streamline the deployment of healthtech innovations, improving healthcare access and quality across the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive this harmonization. However, it requires bold leadership and a willingness to prioritise innovation as the cornerstone of economic transformation. By integrating startup-friendly policies into its framework, we can transform Africa into a unified, thriving marketplace for innovation. Achieving these goals requires collective efforts. The private sector must shift its mindset, recognising Africa not as a place to extract value, but as a partner in building ecosystems that support entrepreneurship. Development organisations, too, must evolve. Grants alone are not enough. Blended financing models that attract commercial capital are essential to scaling innovation. Most importantly, we need mobilisation from the grassroots – young entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and activists – who can push for the policy changes necessary to unlock Africa’s full potential. Data is key. To advocate effectively for policy reform, we need robust, evidence-based research on how regulatory barriers affect African startups. This is why, with timbuktoo, we want to work closely with key stakeholders to ensure that Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem gets the support it needs. Perhaps the most critical voice in this conversation is Africa’s youth. We must amplify the voices of those directly impacted by these policies: young entrepreneurs. Their stories of struggle and triumph must be heard in boardrooms, legislative chambers, and international fora. Rallying policymakers, development partners, and business leaders around a shared vision will create a movement that transcends borders and drives real change. A Call to Action The stakes could not be higher. Africa is not a continent waiting to be saved; it is already leading in critical innovation sectors, such as fintech and mobile money or e-commerce. It is time to break down barriers, mobilise resources, and rewrite the rules. With bold leadership, strategic investments, and unwavering commitment, we can ensure that Africa’s brightest minds no longer have to seek opportunities elsewhere but instead build a thriving future right at home. The future we envision is within our grasp. ______ Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa is UNDP Assistant Administrator, Assistant Secretary-General, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa – the institution’s largest – with a staff corps of over 5000 working in 46 Sub–Saharan African countries with an annual $1.2 billion budget. Her passion for preserving the dignity of Africa defines her leadership approach which focuses on equality, inclusion, reshaping narratives on Africa, and mobilizing for young entrepreneurs.
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