RansomHouse leaks stolen data from Cell C cyberattack

Manao ahoana,

Victoria from Techpoint here,

Here’s what I’ve got for you:

RansomHouse leaks stolen data from Cell C cyberattack
Prepaid users to reclaim unused airtime with new NCC rule
Steal the spotlight at Lagos Startup Expo
Umba bags $5M in debt facility

RansomHouse leaks stolen data from Cell C cyberattack

Cell C building — Image Source: Mybroadband

Cell C has confirmed that a hacking group called RansomHouse has leaked private data stolen during a recent cyberattack. The company said in a statement today that it’s aware of the leak and that the stolen data came from parts of its IT system that were previously compromised.

In January, Cell C revealed it had suffered a cybersecurity incident, which it believed at the time had only affected a limited number of people. But now, it looks like things were worse than initially thought, with hackers getting access to more data than they first realised.

RansomHouse, the group behind the attack, is known for stealing data and threatening to sell it unless the victim pays up. If no one purchases the data, they simply publish it online. What makes them different is that they present themselves more like ethical hackers. They even offer a report on how they broke in after the damage is done.

This isn’t their first high-profile attack either. They’ve targeted companies like Shoprite in 2022 and even a French university in 2024, where they threatened to release a whole terabyte of sensitive documents. So they’ve been making waves for a while now.

In response, Cell C says it’s sorry for the stress this may cause and has launched an online Information Hub to help affected customers, staff, and partners. It includes advice on avoiding scams, fraud, and answers to common questions about the breach.

The company says it’s working with top cybersecurity experts to lock down its systems and reduce the damage. They’re also in touch with authorities and the Information Regulator, and have promised to keep those affected in the loop as they monitor for any misuse of the stolen data. For now, they’re urging everyone to stay alert for signs of fraud or identity theft.

Prepaid users to reclaim unused airtime with new NCC rule

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) wants to give mobile users a 12-month window to reclaim unused airtime from deactivated lines. This would only apply to prepaid users, people who load airtime in advance for calls, texts, or data. The idea was shared by NCC’s boss, Dr Aminu Maida, during a virtual meeting with telecom stakeholders.

Basically, if you haven’t used your SIM for six months, it’ll be deactivated, and if you’re still inactive after another six months, the number will be recycled. Normally, you’d lose any airtime left on that SIM, but under this new proposal, you’d be able to claim it back within a year, if you can prove the line was yours.

The NCC says it wants to strike a balance between protecting consumers and keeping the telecoms industry running smoothly. But telcos aren’t happy. Some, like Airtel, think this goes against the usual “use it or lose it” rule followed in countries like India, Ghana, and Mexico. They say refunds should only happen if the customer had network issues that stopped them from using the airtime.

MTN raised more questions about how the whole refund process would even work. Would the airtime go back to the old number or a new one? Who’s creating the claims process: each telco or the NCC? They suggest the NCC sets a standard process for everyone, with ID checks (like using NIN) to verify who’s claiming the refund.

Smile Communications also thinks keeping tiny balances like ₦1 for a whole year is just not practical. They’re asking for a minimum balance threshold so telcos aren’t forced to hold on to really small amounts of leftover airtime that most people probably won’t claim anyway.

The NCC says they’re taking all the feedback seriously and will work through the details with their technical review team. For now, the goal is simple: make sure consumers don’t lose their money unfairly while still keeping the system fair and efficient for everyone.

Steal the spotlight at Lagos Startup Expo

A workshop session at the Lagos Startup Expo

The Lagos Startup Expo 2.0 (happening June 18–19) is a golden chance for your startup to meet investors, partners, mentors, and potential customers, all in one place. But here’s the thing: everyone’s busy and distracted, so you only have a few seconds to make an impression. That’s why your pitch has to be short, sharp, and straight to the point.

Start by nailing your 30-second elevator pitch. Talk about the problem you’re solving, how your product or service fixes it, what traction you’ve gained so far (numbers help), and what exactly you’re looking for — whether it’s funding, advice, or partnerships. Something like: “We use AI to fix Lagos’ delivery mess, cutting costs for small businesses by 30%. We’ve got 5,000 users, ₦10 million in revenue, and we’re looking for ₦100 million to scale nationwide.”

Next up: your booth. Make it pop. Work with the organisers (us) to create a setup that draws people in. Think bold branding, an interactive demo (like a video loop or touchscreen), and something to take away like a QR code that links to your site or a cool one-pager with key info.

Be ready for rapid-fire questions. Investors might hit you with stuff like “How are you different from competitors?” or “How will you scale?” or even “What’s your burn rate?” Practice your responses so you’re not caught off guard.

Also, tell your story. People love stories more than stats. Share how your idea was born, or how it’s already helped real users. And if you’ve got testimonials, press features (like from Techpoint Africa), or big-name partners, make sure everyone sees them.

Finally, don’t just smile and wave; follow up. Collect contacts through LinkedIn, QR codes, or even email forms at your booth. And make sure you send out those thank-yous and next steps within a day. Booth slots are limited, and demand is already high. If you’ve got a standout idea, this is your moment: lock in your booth and show the world what you’re building.

What are you waiting for? Visit this link to showcase your brand.

Umba bags $5M in debt facility

Umba, a digital bank that started off focusing on credit, just bagged a $5 million debt facility from Star Strong Capital to grow its lending business in Kenya. The fintech, launched officially in Kenya in 2022 after acquiring Daraja Microfinance Bank, has seen its revenue shoot up 6x in the past year, mainly because more people are taking loans to buy cars and support their small businesses.

Since opening in April 2023, Umba has expanded beyond just offering loans. They now provide fixed deposits, savings, and business accounts, aiming to become a full-service digital bank. Per CEO Tiernan Kennedy, their Kenyan launch has gone better than expected, thanks to fast, accessible banking services tailored to the local market.

What sets Umba apart is its microfinance license (through Daraja), which gives it a major advantage in a market where getting new banking licenses is nearly impossible. Plus, they’ve got a strong agent network — over 5,000 people — helping them onboard new users, especially in car dealerships where agents double as customers after earning commissions paid directly into Umba accounts.

Despite Africa’s tough lending environment, where many fintechs struggle with loan defaults, Umba says it’s figured out how to manage the risk. Most of their loans go into things like vehicle and SME financing, and they co-own the financed cars. So if a customer defaults, they can recover the vehicle.

Although they once planned to expand to other African countries, Umba is now doubling down on Kenya and Nigeria. And with the backing of Star Strong Capital, they’re aiming to scale even faster and cement their place in Kenya’s fintech scene.

What I’m watching

Love on a Timeline with Esther Perel | What Now? with Trevor Noah Podcast
Why Working Harder Isn’t Working | Danielle Roberts | TEDxEustis

Opportunities

Pitch Friday is tomorrow, Friday, April 11, 2025. Register here to attend.
Want to exhibit or attend the Lagos Startup Expo in June? Visit this website here.
Want to connect with professionals in tech sales and partnerships to exchange ideas and explore how revenue growth can scale Africa’s tech ecosystem? Join Tech Sales Connect 2025 on April 19th at Gomycode, Lagos. Register here.
Want to exhibit or attend the Lagos Startup Expo in June? Visit this website here.
Jumia is hiring a Logistics Operations Manager. Apply here.
Airtel Africa is looking for a Home BroadBand Manager. Apply here.
Coca Cola is hiring a Senior Director, Human Insights Africa. Apply here.
Kuda is hiring IS-Administrator. Apply here.
OPEC is recruiting a Production Manager in Abuja. Apply here.

Want to connect with professionals in tech sales and partnerships to exchange ideas and explore how revenue growth can scale Africa’s tech ecosystem? Join Tech Sales Connect 2025 on April 19th at Gomycode, Lagos. Register here.

Building a startup can feel isolating, but with Equity Merchants CommunityConnect, you can network with fellow founders, experts, and investors, gaining valuable insights and exclusive resources to help you grow your business. Click here to join.
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