ආයු්බෝවන්,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- Nigerian banks gain access to telecom data to stop fraud
- Why global tech is rethinking how it enters Africa
- ICASA targets easier entry for Starlink, others
Nigerian banks gain access to telecom data to stop fraud
Nigeria is tightening the screws on digital fraud, and this time, banks can check your SIM history before your transaction goes through. On April 20, 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission signed a new agreement to share telecom data through a platform called the Telecom Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), giving financial institutions real-time insight into whether a phone number has been swapped, recycled, flagged, or reassigned.
For everyday users, this will mostly happen in the background. But it changes a lot. Banks and fintechs will now be able to see if a number linked to a transaction has recently changed hands or shows signs of suspicious activity, the kind of checks that could stop fraud before money leaves an account. The deal also covers more routine issues, like resolving complaints around failed airtime or data purchases that often fall between banks and telcos.
The urgency is clear when you look at the numbers. Nigeria has lost an estimated ₦320 billion to financial fraud in just over two years, much of it tied to digital transactions. SIM swap fraud alone has been a major loophole, with criminals exploiting recycled numbers and one-time passwords to drain accounts. TIRMS is designed to close that gap by making SIM history visible at the point of transaction.
This kind of cooperation didn’t always come easy. Both regulators have spent years at odds, most notably over USSD debt disputes between banks and telecom operators. That standoff dragged on for years before it was finally resolved, setting the stage for the kind of collaboration now driving this new system.
What’s more, this is part of a bigger push to secure Nigeria’s fast-growing digital finance ecosystem. Alongside TIRMS, the CBN is rolling out measures like device binding and stricter controls around identity changes. Put together, it’s a move toward a more tightly verified system, one where fraud becomes harder to pull off, even as digital payments keep expanding.
Why global tech is rethinking how it enters Africa
Africa has long been pitched as the next big growth market for global tech, with a young population, rising Internet adoption, and over a billion potential users. On paper, it’s a no-brainer. But in reality, companies often hit friction fast: unclear regulations, currency volatility, and the kind of bureaucracy that can stall expansion before it even starts.
Victoria Fakiya – Senior Writer
Techpoint Digest
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That’s where a new idea, Digital Special Economic Zones (DSEZs), is starting to gain traction. Delight recently spoke with Mayowa Olugbile, co-founder of Itana, about how these zones are changing the expansion playbook. Through its report with Intelpoint, Itana is pitching a simpler way for global companies to enter African markets without getting stuck in the usual red tape.
The idea is pretty straightforward. Traditional special economic zones offer tax breaks and infrastructure in a physical location. DSEZs take that concept online. Instead of needing to be on the ground from day one, companies can set up legally, hire talent, and start operating remotely within a digital-first regulatory environment. It’s essentially a “business in the cloud” model, one that lets companies test a market before making heavy, expensive commitments.
There’s still a physical layer to it, though. Projects like Alaro City are being built to support companies when they’re ready to scale, with stable power, strong internet, and workspaces. But the real shift is flexibility, giving companies a softer landing into Africa instead of an all-or-nothing bet. For more on this and why Africa needs a different expansion playbook, check out Delight’s latest for Techpoint Africa.
ICASA targets easier entry for Starlink, others
South Africa is finally putting together the rules for satellite Internet, something operators have been waiting on for years. The country’s regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), has outlined a new licensing framework that introduces fresh categories for satellite 3operators, from ground stations to customer terminals, and even a simpler registration path for international providers.
At its core, this is about fixing a system that’s out of date. The current rules were built for older satellite models and haven’t kept up with newer low-Earth orbit players like Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Amazon Project Kuiper. ICASA is trying to make the framework technology-neutral, so companies are licensed based on what they offer, not how they deliver it, which should make it easier for modern satellite services to enter the market.
There’s also a financial angle. The regulator is proposing steep cuts to spectrum fees for satellite gateway stations, as much as 70 to 90%. That’s a big deal for operators building large-scale infrastructure and could make South Africa a more viable market than it’s been in the past.
Why this matters is simple: millions of South Africans still don’t have reliable internet, especially in rural areas where fibre and mobile networks don’t reach. Meanwhile, neighbouring countries already have satellite internet services up and running, which has made South Africa’s delay harder to justify.
That said, this framework doesn’t solve everything. The bigger hurdle, ownership rules tied to local empowerment requirements, is still unresolved and sits alongside this process. So while South Africa is clearly moving toward opening up its satellite internet market, it’s doing so slowly, with regulatory and political questions still very much in play.
In case you missed it
- ‘Africa is not an afterthought’ – Why Speedinvest is doubling
What I’m watching
- The Reasoning Test Psychologists Still Can’t Explain
- The strange science of your ever-changing identity
Opportunities
- Qore is hiring for several roles, including Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, Lead Product Manager, Full Stack Software Engineer (.NET framework & React), and Software Engineer (.NET framework), in Nigeria and Ethiopia. Apply here.
- Rayda is recruiting People & Culture Manager, Legal & Compliance Officer, and Technical Product Manager. Apply here.
- Source Bank is looking for a Product Analyst. Apply here.
- Flutterwave is hiring for several roles in Nigeria, the UK, and the US. Apply here.
- LemFi is looking for a Head of Financial Crime Operations in the UK. Apply here.
- Cognition is hiring a Developer Community Manager. Apply here.
- Chess dot com is looking to hire a Product Designer. Apply here.
- Bujeti is currently expanding operations and hiring across several roles. Apply here.
- Prenetics is hiring a remote Email Marketing Specialist. Apply here.
- InterviewReady is looking for a Software Developer, a Product Associate, and a Marketing Associate. Apply here.
- Flutterwave is recruiting for several roles. Apply here.
- Briter is hiring a Commercial Director, a Senior Research Associate, and an Insights and Market Intelligence Associate. Apply here.
- Opay is currently recruiting for these roles: Partnership Manager (Fintech Experience), Junior Accountant, Junior Product Manager (Research), and IT Manager.
- Oyster is looking to hire a Risk Analyst. Apply here.
- Circle is looking to hire a Lead Product Designer (Remote). Apply here.
- SafetyWing (YC W18) is hiring a Product Manager Intern (fully remote). Apply here.
- Paystack is hiring a Performance Marketing Specialist. Apply here.
- VOYA (visa travel tech startup) is hiring an Operations and Admin Director (fully remote). Apply here.
- MTN MoMo TechSpark Graduate Programme is open. Apply here.
- MAX is looking for interns. Apply here.
- McKinsey is hiring for several roles, including Junior and Senior roles. Apply here.
- Paystack is hiring a Business Development Partner. Apply here.
- Zenith Bank is recruiting a Junior Software Tester Quality Control. Apply here.
- UNICEF Abuja is looking for a National Consultant (Immunization Programme Monitoring and Evaluation). Apply here.
- Standard Chartered Bank is hiring an Executive Research Partner. Apply here.
- e-Tranzact is looking to hire a product marketing officer. Apply here.
- Bumpa is hiring for several roles, including Bumpa Expert Lead (Account Management) – Customer Success; Product Designer; and Mid-level Motion/Graphic Designer, Mid-level Full-stack Engineer (Commerce), and Senior Fullstack Engineer (Commerce). Apply here.
- ABDS 2026 will take place April 29–30, 2026, in Lagos, gathering founders, investors, developers, and policymakers shaping Africa’s blockchain and Web3 ecosystem. The summit focuses on industry insights, partnerships, and investment opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing crypto markets. Secure your pass or sponsorship here.
- Paga is hiring a Sales Manager. Apply here.
- Paga is hiring senior sales executives. Apply here.
- Paga is looking for sales executives. Apply here.
- Paga is recruiting Senior Key Account Managers. Apply here.
- Paga is hiring Account Managers. Apply here.
- As one of Techpoint Africa’s most engaged readers, you have a direct hand in shaping what we publish next. Take our quick, 3-minute survey to tell us the stories and features you value most. Your responses are anonymous, and your feedback will help guide our editorial focus in the months ahead. Fill the survey here.
- Moniepoint is hiring for over 100 roles. Apply 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.
- To pitch your startup or product to a live audience, check out this link.
- Follow Techpoint Africa’s WhatsApp channel to stay on top of the latest trends and news in the African tech space here.
Have a superb Thursday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa
