Sveiki,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here's what I've got for you today:
- Say goodbye to smuggled phones in Egypt
- Kenyan regulators warn rogue ISPs to step back
- NDPC to start slapping heavy fines in 2025
Say goodbye to smuggled phones in Egypt
Egypt has rolled out a new plan to tackle mobile phone smuggling and give a boost to its local phone industry. The Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology teamed up to launch an electronic system that makes it easier to track imported phones while protecting consumers from fake and smuggled devices.
The key part of this new system is an app called “Telephony” (My Phone). Think of it as your go-to tool for registering any mobile phone you bring into the country.
The app is designed to keep the market fair by ensuring that taxes and customs duties on imported phones are properly accounted for. This is especially important now that big international brands have started manufacturing their phones locally in Egypt.
Here’s how it works: If you’re coming into Egypt from abroad, you’re allowed to bring one mobile phone for personal use without paying any fees, but only once every three months. To make this happen smoothly, you’ll need to use the “Telephony” app to register the phone online. The app will also handle any electronic payments for fees if they’re due.
The system officially kicked off on January 1, 2025, and won’t affect any phones already activated before that date. So if you’ve been worried about your current phone being caught up in this, no need — it’s not retroactive.
By introducing this mechanism, the government aims to curb smuggling, encourage local manufacturing, and ensure fair competition in Egypt’s mobile phone market. Plus, it’s a win for consumers who’ll be better protected from fake or illegally imported devices.
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
Kenyan regulators warn rogue ISPs to Step back
Kenya’s Internet scene is dealing with a big issue — too many unlicensed ISPs are jumping into the game. These rogue operators are taking advantage of the skyrocketing demand for the Internet, thanks to remote work and eCommerce.
Here’s how they do it: they use licence-free frequency bands, which are technically meant for stuff like medical devices or factories, not for Internet services. This sneaky move helps them dodge the usual rules and regulations.
Per Techweez, these unlicensed providers mostly stick to smaller areas like neighbourhoods and towns where big-name ISPs don’t always have a strong presence. While they’re offering cheaper options, their networks aren’t built to handle wide coverage, and reliability is a big issue.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is worried. They’ve noticed more of these unlicensed ISPs popping up, and while they may be filling gaps, their questionable quality raises concerns.
Meanwhile, the heavy hitters — Safaricom, Jamii Telecommunications, and Zuku — still dominate Kenya’s Internet market. But newcomers like Vilcom, Poa Internet, and Vijiji Connect are shaking things up with budget-friendly plans. The catch? They’re not always consistent with service.
Then there’s Starlink, SpacX’s satellite Internet service, which is already turning heads in Kenya. Since its launch in 2023, it’s gained thousands of users and stirred up competition with its satellite-based tech.
As demand for the Internet keeps growing, competition is getting tougher. The CA says they’re keeping tabs on the situation to ensure things stay stable, but with all these changes, the Internet market in Kenya is shifting fast.
NDPC to start slapping heavy fines in 2025
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has made it clear that it’s done being lenient with businesses handling Nigerians’ personal data. From now on, companies that don’t take data protection seriously are going to face some heavy fines.
These businesses, known as data controllers and processors, are being warned: 2025 is the year for strict enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
Vincent Olatunji, the head of the NDPC, says they’ve never fined anyone before, but that’s about to change. He said that the Commission will be cracking down hard this year.
It’s not all about penalties, though. The NDPC is also looking to create jobs by rolling out the professionals it trained last year. These experts are ready to help companies get their data protection game in order.
With more businesses needing skilled people to manage data properly, this could open up a lot of opportunities. At the same time, the NDPC plans to keep educating Nigerians about their data privacy rights.
On top of that, the NDPC gave a deadline: any organisation dealing with people’s data — like banks, schools, telecom companies, and insurers — needs to register with the Commission by December 31, 2024. Starting January 2025, they’ll also have to submit audit reports showing how they’re safeguarding the data they handle. It’s all about keeping things transparent and ensuring compliance.
Olatunji explained that registration is key for the NDPC to track and monitor these businesses. Without a proper list of who’s handling Nigerians’ data, regulation becomes impossible.
This push for stricter data protection comes after President Bola Tinubu signed the Data Protection Bill into law in June 2023. The NDPC, which replaced the old National Data Protection Bureau, now has the power to enforce these laws.
So, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for data privacy in Nigeria. Companies will either step up and follow the rules or face the consequences.
In case you missed them
- Nigeria unveils credit guarantee firm to boost financial inclusion
- Techpoint Africa is 10: A decade of shaping Africa's tech narrative
What I'm watching
- Most of Human History Is Unknown
- 15 Assets That Are Making People Rich
Opportunities
- Celebrate the New Year with delightful stories like Smart Couples. Call 421 on your Airtel line now here — you won't be charged! Alternatively, call 07080601391 at your network's regular rate.
- Follow Techpoint Africa's WhatsApp channel to stay on top of the latest trends and news in the African tech space here.
Have a fun weekend!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
