In case you missed some of the key happenings this week, here’s a quick rundown of the major news that caught our attention.
1. The World Mourns Pope Francis; Furthermore, Tinubu Praises His Impact
President Tinubu, along with other global leaders, mourned Pope Francis’s death. Specifically, he called the late Pope a “humble servant of God.” Moreover, Tinubu described him as a steadfast voice for justice and compassion in our time.
In a statement released by the State House, President Tinubu praised the Pope’s enduring commitment to the poor. Additionally, he noted his ceaseless advocacy for peace. Furthermore, the President highlighted the Pope’s efforts to unite people. This was across various faiths and social boundaries.
Subsequently, Tinubu remarked on the symbolic timing of the Pope’s passing. It occurred just one day after Easter Sunday. For Christians, this is, of course, a time of renewed faith and hope. “It is, therefore, a sacred return to his Maker,” Tinubu stated. This happened during a moment of spiritual reflection and celebration.
Having been elected in 2013, Pope Francis became the first Pontiff from the Global South. Consequently, his papacy consistently emphasized mercy. Moreover, he deeply focused on serving the vulnerable. In particular, President Tinubu reflected on the Pope’s constant emphasis. This was on recognizing “the face of Christ in refugees, migrants, and the forgotten.” Furthermore, he relentlessly called for world leaders to uphold justice. Caring for the planet was, additionally, a key message.
Reflecting on the Pope’s final Easter Sunday appearance, Tinubu expressed gratitude. He had witnessed the Pope’s blessing despite his declining health. “Alas, the Lord called him home a day later,” he said. “Consequently, the world lost one of its strongest voices.” This was for justice and environmental stewardship.
On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Furthermore, he called for honoring the late Pope’s legacy through tangible actions. This includes, notably, uplifting the vulnerable and healing divided communities. Upholding the dignity of every human life is also crucial.
“Finally, may the good Lord, whom he served faithfully and selflessly, welcome him into His eternal embrace,” the statement concluded.
2. Data Centers Expand; Consequently, Internet Use Increases
As internet usage continues to rise across Nigeria, data center operators are, therefore, stepping up with over $630 million in new investments. This new investment will, in turn, expand capacity. Moreover, it will meet the country’s escalating demand for cloud services.
Between 2019 and January 2025, Nigeria’s average monthly internet consumption skyrocketed by over 699%. Eventually, it reached 1,000,930.6 terabytes. This growth has been fueled by increased adoption of streaming services. Additionally, social media platforms and cloud-based applications have contributed.
In response to this growth, telecom giants MTN Nigeria and Airtel are jointly launching major infrastructure projects. They, notably, account for 85.9% of the nation’s mobile subscribers. In March 2024, Airtel initiated construction on a hyperscale data center in Lagos. Similarly, MTN Nigeria announced plans to build a Tier 4, 1,500-rack data facility. This will accommodate rising digital needs.
“Our facility will, consequently, provide the space and services needed,” said Mohammed Rufai of MTN. Moreover, he added it will enable companies to digitalize their operations and improve efficiency.
Beyond telecoms, key industry players like Equinix and RackCentre are also investing heavily. Open Access Data Centres (OADC), furthermore, is too. These facilities are, indeed, vital in hosting and processing both local and international data. This helps, crucially, to prevent service disruptions. The subsea cable outages that impacted West Africa earlier in 2024 clearly showed this need.
Equinix, formerly known as MainOne, is investing $140 million to expand its footprint in southern Nigeria. Specifically, the company is preparing to launch two new data centers: Equinix LG3 in Lagos and Equinix PR1 in Port Harcourt. Wole Abu of Equinix West Africa stated that data centers play a pivotal role in driving economic development in Nigeria.
OADC, meanwhile, has earmarked $240 million to expand its Lagos operations by 2027. Consequently, its facility serves as the landing point for Google’s Equiano subsea cable. RackCentre, another major player, recently unveiled a 12-megawatt data center optimized for AI workloads. This complements its existing capacity of 1.5MW.
Other projects currently in the pipeline include a $250 million hyperscale facility in Lekki by Kasi Cloud. Additionally, global payments leader Visa has a forthcoming data center. These developments are, therefore, crucial. They will help close Nigeria’s estimated $600 million data infrastructure gap. While the country currently hosts 16 data centers, it still lags behind regional leaders like South Africa and Kenya.
Ayotunde Coker of OADC stated that Nigeria does not have enough data centers. Consequently, he stressed that expanding infrastructure is essential. It brings data processing closer to Africa. This, in turn, drives adoption and transforms economies.
The rise of artificial intelligence and low-latency applications is also pushing demand. This is particularly for faster, more robust data infrastructure. Ezekiel Egboye of RackCentre added that AI requires significantly more processing power.
Finally, Johannisson of RackCentre concluded that the demand for data centers is growing. He believes Nigeria is, therefore, moving in the right direction.
3. Breakthrough Technologies Making Waves; Consequently, 2025 is Significant
Indeed, 2025 is poised to be a landmark year for technological progress. This includes, notably, groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence. Furthermore, innovative solutions for global health are emerging. A curated list by MIT highlights ten breakthrough innovations. These are expected to transform industries and improve lives globally.
These technologies were specifically selected for their potential impact. Commercial viability was also a key consideration. They reflect the evolution of science and tech across various sectors. This includes space exploration and AI. Additionally, agriculture, climate solutions, and medicine are included.
Niall Firth of MIT Technology Review stated that they focus on technologies with significant global impact. Moreover, they also consider commercial viability. The broader implications of their adoption are, furthermore, important.
Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2025:
- Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Set to begin operations in Chile, this observatory will conduct a ten-year survey of the southern sky. It uses the most advanced digital camera for astronomy. Its vast data output will, consequently, aid in the study of dark matter. It will also provide new insights into the Milky Way.
- Generative AI Search: Unlike traditional search engines, these tools deliver contextual, conversational answers. They achieve this by pulling insights from text, audio, and visuals across the web. This technology is, therefore, reshaping information discovery. Moreover, it changes how businesses operate online.
- Small Language Models (SLMs): SLMs are emerging as cost-effective alternatives to LLMs. They require less computing power. Consequently, they are more adaptable for smaller businesses. They maintain high performance across a variety of tasks.
- Cattle Burping Solutions: New dietary supplements are now being deployed globally. They have shown promise in significantly reducing methane emissions from livestock. This marks a critical step in sustainable farming.
- Robotaxis: Autonomous ride-hailing vehicles are now available in multiple cities worldwide. As adoption grows, companies are navigating regulatory landscapes. They are also preparing to scale operations.
- Cleaner Jet Fuel: Alternative jet fuels derived from waste and captured carbon are entering mainstream production. These sustainable fuels offer a viable path to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. This is achieved without compromising performance.
- Robots That Learn Quickly: Advancements in AI have led to robots that can rapidly learn new tasks. They can also adapt to changing environments. These capabilities are, therefore, expanding automation to new sectors.
- Long-Acting HIV Prevention Medication: New clinical trials reveal that a semi-annual injection can provide complete protection against HIV. If scaled, this innovation could significantly reduce global HIV transmission rates.
- Green Steel: A Swedish startup is leading efforts to decarbonize the steel industry. They are doing so with the first industrial plant producing steel using renewable hydrogen. Given steel’s massive carbon footprint, this innovation could be critical for climate goals.
- Effective Stem-Cell Therapies: Stem-cell therapy is entering a new phase. AI-assisted data analysis is accelerating the development of treatments. Early trials have shown success for conditions like epilepsy and type 1 diabetes. Consequently, this opens the door to broader applications.
These ten innovations emphasize how science and technology are evolving. They aim to meet some of the world’s most urgent challenges. This includes clean energy and climate resilience. Additionally, public health and digital transformation are key areas.
4. Nigeria Set To Become Full Petroleum Exporter; Consequently, By 2026
Nigeria is, indeed, positioning itself to become a full-fledged petroleum-exporting nation within the next two years. This is primarily driven by an expanding network of locally licensed refineries. Furthermore, a strategic shift in its energy sector policies is contributing.
This projection comes on the heels of a major milestone announced by the NMDPRA. They have now licensed a total of 83 refineries. Their combined refining capacity is an impressive 1,124,500 barrels per day.
Specifically, the licensing breakdown includes 8 refineries with Licenses to Operate (LTO). Additionally, 30 have Licenses to Construct (LTC). Furthermore, 45 have Licenses to Establish (LTE).
Billy Gillis-Harry of PETROAN emphasized the critical need to ensure consistent crude oil supply. This is, of course, for local refineries to remain operational and competitive.
Furthermore, Gillis-Harry outlined two key benefits of supporting local refining operations. Firstly, enhanced domestic production of petroleum products will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports. Consequently, this will help conserve foreign exchange. Secondly, job creation and economic growth will result. Operational refineries will, in turn, boost GDP and stimulate industrial activity.
PETROAN also praised the leadership of Farouk Ahmed of the NMDPRA. They commended him for fostering transparency. This, in turn, boosted investor confidence within the downstream sector. The influx of refinery licenses, PETROAN noted, reflects growing private sector interest.
One of the most notable indicators of progress is the sharp decline in petrol imports. They dropped significantly from August 2024 to April 2025.
“This transformation, therefore, underscores the tangible impact of government support,” PETROAN stated. This support is for local refining initiatives. Moreover, it shows the broader drive toward energy self-sufficiency.
5. Promising African Ventures You Probably Haven’t Heard About; Consequently, They Are Impactful
Indeed, some of the continent’s most impactful startups aren’t necessarily the most visible. While others chase headlines, these emerging ventures are quietly solving real problems. Moreover, they are building the foundational infrastructure for Africa’s digital future. Financial and industrial advancements are also occurring.
This spotlight, consequently, highlights startups across the continent. They have minimal media coverage but immense potential. From redefining cross-border remittances to transforming logistics, these companies are carving out novel paths. They deliver real value through local context and deep problem-solving. Unconventional approaches are, furthermore, key.
The startups making bold moves across the world include:
- Vaulfi (Fintech, Algeria): Founded in 2023, Vaulfi enables international money transfers for Algerians. It does so via a compliant multicurrency wallet. Users can, therefore, send and receive funds globally. They can also access both physical and virtual debit cards.
- Revwit (SaaS, Nigeria): Built by veterans of major tech companies, Revwit is a CRM and revenue management platform for African sales teams. The tool automates lead capture and deal tracking. It also supports local workflows and currencies.
- Apexloads (Logistics, Kenya): Founded in 2019, Apexloads tackles empty return trips in logistics. It does so by matching truckers with cargo in real time. It also offers transport management and invoice factoring.
- Zimi (EV, South Africa): Launched in 2021, Zimi is developing vehicle-to-grid infrastructure. This allows EVs to double as energy storage units.
- Caantin (AI, Zambia): Caantin is deploying AI-powered voice agents for African businesses. This caters to regions where voice is more accessible than chat.
- Stylebitt (SaaS, Nigeria): Co-founded in 2021, Stylebitt digitizes Nigeria’s informal tailoring industry. The platform manages orders and tracks performance.
- SpitchAI (AI, Nigeria): Founded in 2023, SpitchAI creates voice AI models for African languages and accents. It helps businesses automate multilingual support.
- Wayak (Healthtech, Egypt): Launched in 2019, Wayak provides affordable medications and virtual healthcare for chronic illness patients.
- Vendy (Social Commerce, Nigeria): Vendy enables Nigerian merchants to run shops entirely on WhatsApp. This streamlines inventory and payments.
- Inalipa (E-commerce, Tanzania): Founded in 2020, Inalipa bridges the gap between B2B and B2C commerce. It connects micro-retailers and suppliers.
6. Americans Lose Confidence In Trump’s Economy Strategy; Consequently, Concerns Mount
As Donald Trump approaches his 100th day in office, a new poll reveals reducing public confidence in his handling of the U.S. economy. Indeed, only 37% of Americans approve of the president’s economic performance. This is down from 42% immediately following his inauguration.
The poll, which surveyed over 4,300 U.S. adults, highlights widespread concerns among voters. Nearly three-quarters of respondents expressed anxiety about a potential economic recession. They cited, in particular, volatile market conditions. Furthermore, trade tensions and uncertainty over monetary policy were concerns.
Criticism of Trump’s approach to economic management is, consequently, mounting. Fifty-six percent of those surveyed described his policies as “too erratic.” More than half agreed with the statement that Trump’s actions could make retirement harder. In contrast, only 31% disagreed.
The president has publicly pressured the Federal Reserve to slash interest rates. He asserts that inflation risks are minimal. However, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and several Wall Street economists caution against aggressive tariff increases. They suggest these could spark inflation, at least in the short term.
Trump’s economic agenda, which includes confrontational trade policies, has already had tangible effects. Major stock indices have, consequently, lost significant value recently. JP Morgan has forecasted a recession this year. They attribute it largely to retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries.
Despite the economic skepticism, Trump’s overall approval rating stands at 42%. Support for his immigration stance is higher at 45%. His base remains largely intact. Indeed, 81% of self-identified Republicans back his economic direction.
James Pethokoukis of the American Enterprise Institute captured the sentiment among critics. He noted that things that should be up are down, and vice versa, under Trump’s economic promises.
7. Africa’s Largest Telco, MTN, Suffers Cyberattack; Consequently, Security is Key
MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications provider, has confirmed a cybersecurity breach. This, unfortunately, resulted in unauthorized access to customer data in certain markets.
However, the company emphasized that its core systems remain fully secure. This includes its network infrastructure and billing operations. Financial services platforms are, furthermore, functional.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MTN revealed that an unidentified third party claimed access to specific data. While investigations are ongoing, MTN assured customers that individual accounts or mobile wallets don’t appear directly compromised.
Following the discovery, MTN promptly activated its internal cybersecurity response protocols. This included, notably, notifying the South African Police Service and the Hawks. Relevant authorities in affected countries were also alerted. MTN is, moreover, working closely with regulators and law enforcement.
The company said it is complying with local regulations. Consequently, it is in the process of notifying affected customers as required by data protection laws. Notably, MTN Nigeria was reportedly not impacted by the breach.
In light of the incident, MTN advised customers to maintain strong digital hygiene. The company encouraged users to update apps regularly. They also stressed the importance of using complex and unique passwords. Activating multifactor authentication is, furthermore, crucial. Users should also remain vigilant against suspicious messages.
This breach comes amid a broader rise in cyber threats targeting African businesses. Indeed, Africa recorded the highest average number of cyberattacks globally in Q1 2025. The telecom industry has, consequently, emerged as one of the most targeted sectors. Analysts attribute this trend to the critical infrastructure telecoms manage. They also process vast amounts of sensitive data.
Lionel Dartnall of Check Point Software Technologies underscored the importance of cybersecurity resilience. He stated that the continued rise in cyber-attacks emphasizes the need for more robust security measures. Consequently, organizations must prioritize strengthening their cybersecurity postures.
So, there you have it – a quick look at some of the top stories from the week. Lots happening in the economy and the tech space, with some interesting developments in sustainable living and digital finance. Stay tuned for more updates!
