Добар ден,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- Home Affairs taps TymeBank for digital rollout
- How Nollywood keeps Nigerians glued to their phones
- Paratus launches Namibia’s first Private mobile network
Home Affairs taps TymeBank for digital rollout
South Africa’s Home Affairs is teaming up with TymeBank to drag its services into the digital age. The partnership, announced by Minister Leon Schreiber, will see the country’s fastest-growing digital bank provide the tech muscle to modernise systems that millions of citizens rely on daily.
In plain terms, this could mean fewer queues, less paperwork, and a smoother experience when applying for IDs, passports, or other vital documents. For years, inefficiency and trust issues have dogged Home Affairs, but bringing TymeBank on board signals a shift toward secure, tech-first public services.
TymeBank isn’t exactly new to breaking old models. Since its launch, it has grown by making banking simpler and more accessible, relying on digital innovation rather than heavy infrastructure. CEO Karl Westvig says the move fits the bank’s mission: “We are proud to bring our secure, citizen-focused digital capability to Home Affairs.”
The fintech is riding high on momentum. Just last December, Tyme hit a $1.5 billion valuation after Nubank led a $250 million investment round. This came only months after raising $9.5 million in September. The numbers show investors are betting big on Tyme’s ability to scale beyond banking.
For South Africa, the deal points to a bigger story: fintech isn’t just about money anymore, it’s about building the digital infrastructure that makes everyday life easier. TymeBank’s leap into government services is a bold example of how startups can shift from challenger brands to national utilities.
If all goes to plan, South Africans could soon see a Home Affairs experience that feels less like a nightmare and more like the kind of seamless service today’s citizens expect. And for TymeBank, it’s one more step in proving it’s not just a bank, but a digital powerhouse reshaping how institutions connect with people.
How Nollywood keeps Nigerians glued to their phones
Broda Shaggi has quietly built one of the most star-studded skit catalogues in Nigeria. In just three years, the comedian has featured over 30 Nollywood actors in his short-form content, from veterans like Kanayo O. Kanayo, Shaffy Bello, and Kate Henshaw to younger screen favourites like Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and Tobi Bakare.
He’s not the only one playing this game. A wave of Nigerian skit makers — think Mr Macaroni, Sabinus, Shanks Comics, and Layi Wasabi — are increasingly tapping Nollywood star power to spice up their digital content. The formula? Blending the big-screen magic of film icons with the everyday humour of short, snackable skits.
It’s no surprise. Nollywood might be the world’s second-largest film industry by output, but in terms of scale and revenue, it still lags behind Hollywood and Bollywood. The industry is valued at ₦56.4 billion and contributes just about 1–2% to Nigeria’s GDP, often lumped in with music and entertainment.
Meanwhile, the skit industry has exploded into a billion-dollar ecosystem, employing millions and growing even faster. With roots in traditional storytelling and comedy, today’s modern skit scene really took off around 2015 with pioneers like Mark Angel, whose YouTube comedy series became the first in Africa to hit one million subscribers. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, smartphones, cheap data, and apps like CapCut — suddenly, anyone with a phone could become a creator.
This is why Nollywood’s old guard is finding a second stage online. As Broda Shaggi told Techpoint Africa, “People rented CDs to watch movies in the past, but now it’s all digital. People spend more time on their phones than TV. And a lot of these people already love Nollywood actors, so seeing them on their phones makes it easy to connect.”
The Nigerian skit industry is now valued at about ₦50 billion ($31 million), the third-largest entertainment sector in the country. At the heart of it is this growing dance between Nollywood and skit makers, shaping the future of entertainment on our screens. Want the full gist? Unpack all the deets in Delight’s latest for Techpoint Africa.
Paratus launches Namibia’s first Private mobile network
Paratus Group, already a major infrastructure player across Africa, just turned Namibia’s telecom world upside-down by launching the country’s first privately-run mobile network. Up until today, mobile connectivity was ruled by state-owned giants — MTC and Telecom Namibia — but with Paratus rolling out a full-scale 4G LTE and future-ready 5G mobile service, that monopoly is now getting a serious shake-up.
The network isn’t just an add-on; it’s built on a completely digital backbone, ditching legacy platforms entirely. Paratus invested roughly N$1.417 billion (around $81 million) since 2018 in Namibia’s infrastructure and threw in another N$600 million (about $33.9 million) this year to build a unified digital stack. They partnered with Cerillion for the digital platform and Nokia for the mobile tech.
Per CEO Schalk Erasmus, the network is much more than a new service, it’s a statement. “Connectivity is the backbone of economic growth… by offering transparent, affordable services, we’re removing barriers and empowering people in the digital economy,” he said, emphasising how this move is part of Paratus’s long-term commitment to transforming Africa’s digital landscape.
Paratus didn’t just add mobile; it integrated that new service into its broader ecosystem — fiber, satellite, Sky-Fi, and enterprise solutions. Features like VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, and lightning-fast digital activations make the experience seamless. It’s squarely targeting Namibia’s tech-savvy crowd that wants quick, reliable, budget-friendly service.
This launch comes amid a wave of modernisation across the region. South Africa, for instance, plans to ditch 2G and 3G by 2027 to clear the path for advanced networks. While some worry about widening the digital divide, the signal here is clear: competition is returning to markets long dominated by state players.
Paratus has a large footprint, spanning 15 African countries and counting. Namibia has always served as a regional hub, supporting fibre routes, satellite systems, Equiano subsea cable landings, and Tier 3 data centres. Now, with mobile services added to the mix, it’s pushing hard to become Africa’s most contiguous and trusted digital network.
In case you missed it
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What I’m watching
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Opportunities
- Kuda Technologies is hiring a Legal Counsel. Apply here.
- FairMoney is looking for a Head of Business Banking Product. Apply here.
- Moove is recruiting a Customer Success Executive. Apply here.
- Ecobank Nigeria is hiring a Chief Information security officer. Apply here.
- The Institute of African and Diaspora Studies at the University of Lagos is looking for a Junior Research Fellow. Apply here.
- MTN Nigeria is hiring an Operational Risk Specialist. Apply here.
- Co-Creation HUB (CcHUB) Nigeria is looking for a Head of Communications. Apply here.
- Group Vivendi Africa is hiring an IT Manager. Apply here.
- Sun King is hiring across different states in Nigeria. Apply here.
- Businessfront, the parent company of Techpoint Africa, is looking for a Managing Editor (FMCG). Apply here.
- Africa’s venture scene takes the spotlight at the Lagos Venture Finance Summit on September 5th, 2025. Hosted by Vencapital, the Summit gathers top LPs, GPs, policymakers and ecosystem leaders for high-level conversations, networking and dealmaking. A must-attend for those shaping Africa’s next wave of venture capital. Register here.
- Paystack is hiring for several roles in Nigeria and South Africa. Apply here.
- Paga is recruiting for several positions. Apply here.
- Moniepoint is hiring for several positions. Apply here.
- Businessfront, the parent company of Techpoint Africa, is looking for a Researcher and Scriptwriter Intern for Businessfront TV. Apply here.
- Are you 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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Have a superb Thursday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa
