Sawubona,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- Tanzania bans X over pornographic content
- Importa levels the playing field
- Netflix hikes prices in Nigeria again
Tanzania bans X over pornography
Tanzania has officially blocked access to X (formerly Twitter), citing the platform’s allowance of pornographic and LGBTQ+ content as a violation of national laws and cultural norms, per The East African. Information Minister Jerry Silaa confirmed the move, stating that X’s updated content policies permit explicit sexual material, which contradicts Tanzanian legislation and values.
This isn’t the first time X has faced restrictions in Tanzania. In May 2025, the government blocked the platform following cyberattacks on several official accounts, including the police and Airtel Tanzania. Hackers posted pornographic images and falsely announced the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Authorities labelled the incident a minor breach and assured citizens that cyberspace remains secure, while investigations to identify the perpetrators are ongoing.
Access to X remains restricted within Tanzania, and users attempting to bypass the ban using VPNs without authorisation risk legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. This crackdown has raised concerns among opposition figures and civil society groups, who view it as part of a broader effort to suppress online dissent ahead of the upcoming elections in October.
The government’s actions have sparked debates about digital rights and freedom of expression in Tanzania. Some argue that such measures stifle democratic participation and limit the public’s ability to hold authorities accountable.
As the country approaches its elections, the tension between maintaining cultural norms and upholding digital freedoms continues to be a contentious issue.
Importa levels the playing field
For many Nigerian retailers, the dream of importing goods from China or the United States is often crushed by high costs, tricky payment systems, and unreliable shipping. Buying just a few electronics or fashion items shouldn’t be this hard, but it often is. That’s the frustration Divinegift Soetan turned into an opportunity.
In 2024, Soetan and a business partner took a trip to China that ended up being more than just business. As friends and fellow retailers kept asking them to help buy goods, they found themselves hauling back ₦3 million worth of items for others. That unexpected demand sparked an idea, and by December, Importa General Merchant Limited was born.
Soetan realised that what small retailers needed wasn’t magic, just a reliable way to purchase from global suppliers without being forced to meet high minimum order quantities or navigate messy international payment hurdles. Importa was designed to solve all that: one platform to handle procurement, shipping, and delivery from start to finish.
The goal? To break down the walls that have kept African merchants locked out of global trade. Instead of needing to buy in bulk, Importa lets small retailers make smaller, more manageable purchases, while still enjoying the same access and convenience as big players.
For more on how Soetan is helping Nigerian retailers tap into the global market without the usual headaches, read Sarah’s full story here.
Netflix hikes prices in Nigeria again
Netflix is hiking prices in Nigeria again. Yeah, for the third time since 2024. Starting July 4, if you’re on the Premium plan, you’ll now be paying ₦8,500 per month instead of ₦7,000. That’s a 21% jump. The Standard plan is now ₦6,500, while the Basic and Mobile plans are ₦4,000 and ₦2,500, respectively.
The company says the price bump is part of a global strategy to support better content and platform upgrades. In Netflix’s words, they’re “investing in improvements,” and so users need to “pay a little extra.” Whether that “little” feels reasonable in this economy is a whole other story.
Because here’s the thing: these increases are landing right when Nigerians are feeling the pinch from soaring inflation and a weak naira. Add to that the recent 50% hike in data prices by telecom providers, and streaming your favourite shows is now more expensive than ever.
Unlike cable TV providers, Netflix doesn’t need approval from any Nigerian regulatory body before changing its prices. That’s raising eyebrows, especially since digital services are becoming essential. Shouldn’t there be some level of oversight?
Just last month, Netflix also quietly raised its prices in South Africa, even though their economy isn’t under nearly as much strain. That’s making people wonder: are these hikes just business decisions or signs of deeper inequality in how global services treat African markets?
With digital services like Netflix becoming a key part of daily life, many are now calling for fairer pricing and proper consumer protection. Until then, Nigerian users might have to make tough choices, renew their subs or cut back.
In case you missed it
- Semicolon alumni can now get a Computer Science degree in two years from Tech-U
What I’m watching
- the Truth About Polyamory & Modern Marriage: You Won’t Believe the Stats | Dr. Phil Primetime
- Why On Earth Did We Think Urine Was Sterile?
Opportunities
- Want to exhibit or attend the Lagos Startup Expo in June? Visit this website here.
- Marvin Records is looking for a Senior/Lead Business Development Manager. Apply here.
- PalmPay has several openings. Apply here.
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- Moniepoint is hiring for several positions. Apply here.
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Have a superb Thursday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
