Ciao,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- Kenya to set taxi fares for ride-hailing app
- From creative work to startup building
- Nigeria warns creators over filming strangers
Kenya to set taxi fares for ride-hailing app
Kenya’s government is planning a major shake-up in the ride-hailing market by introducing a national taxi pricing model that could force companies like Uber and Bolt to follow state-approved fares. The move is aimed at stabilising prices in the digital taxi sector, which has been marked by aggressive price wars and fluctuating fares for passengers.
If implemented, the policy would standardise how much riders pay and how much drivers earn per trip. Officials say the goal is to end the race to the bottom in fares that many drivers claim has made it difficult to cover fuel, maintenance, and loan costs.
In simpler terms, this means the Kenyan government wants to control how much ride-hailing taxis charge, instead of leaving prices entirely to apps like Uber and Bolt.
The plan could also push ride-hailing firms to adjust their algorithms to align with government-approved rates. In practice, that likely means passengers could start seeing higher fares while drivers get a more predictable income structure.
Why it matters is that the digital taxi industry in Kenya has grown rapidly but remains largely shaped by platform pricing and discounts rather than a unified regulatory framework. Drivers have staged protests in the past, arguing that the platforms’ pricing models squeeze their earnings even as the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance rises.
The policy is part of a broader push by authorities to bring order to the ride-hailing sector and reduce conflicts between drivers and app companies. With millions of urban commuters relying on services like Uber and Bolt, the outcome could reshape how digital taxis operate in one of Africa’s biggest ride-hailing markets.
Victoria Fakiya – Senior Writer
Techpoint Digest
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From creative work to startup building
Before she started learning backend development or building a startup, Mikail Ajibola was simply someone who liked to figure out how things worked. Her curiosity started early, sometime around 2012, when she enrolled in a basic computer training programme after secondary school. While learning how to type and use Microsoft Office, what caught her attention the most was the simple games on the computer, and the question that followed: how were they built?
Even though she later studied Computer Science, technology didn’t immediately become her career path. Instead, Ajibola found her footing in the creative industry, building a career in writing, copywriting, and brand strategy. Over the years, she worked across creative roles, including social media management, leaning into the storytelling and strategy skills that came naturally to her.
Her return to tech started unexpectedly. About three years ago, a friend shared an idea centred on helping local businesses and indigenous producers sell their products more easily. The problem resonated with Ajibola, who had seen similar challenges before. That conversation eventually led to the creation of Xilat Technologies, an e-commerce platform designed to connect Nigerian consumers with locally made products.
Ajibola joined the project at the ideation stage and now plays an operational role, similar to a COO, helping shape the company’s strategy as the team prepares its minimum viable product. Although Xilat has only recently been formally registered, the idea has been in development for about three years as the team gathers feedback and refines the platform before launch.
Now, Ajibola is returning to where it all started — technology. Despite her creative background, she says she’s naturally very logical, which has pushed her to start learning backend development so she can contribute more directly to building products. Read Delight’s latest on After Hours for more.
Nigeria warns creators over filming strangers
Nigeria’s data protection regulator is warning content creators to stop filming strangers in public and posting the footage online without permission.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says capturing videos or photos of unsuspecting people and sharing them on social media violates citizens’ privacy rights under Nigerian law. In a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, the agency’s head of legal, enforcement, and regulations, the commission said such practices breach provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
The warning follows growing concerns about content creators who film random members of the public for entertainment. According to the commission, individuals appearing in such videos typically have no idea they are being recorded or that their images could end up online, sometimes reaching millions of viewers. Under Nigerian law, processing someone’s image generally requires their consent unless there is a clear legal justification.
NDPC’s national commissioner, Vincent Olatunji, has also directed major social media platforms to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines to prevent misuse of personal data. The directive specifically mentions platforms such as TikTok, X, and Meta.
The issue comes as Nigeria’s creator economy continues to grow rapidly. Short-form videos, comedy skits, and lifestyle content have become a major part of online culture, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic pushed more people to digital platforms. Industry estimates suggest the Nigerian creator economy is now worth about ₦50 billion, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing entertainment sectors.
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Opportunities
- Tech Unite Africa returns on March 26, 2026, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, bringing founders, investors, and industry leaders together for panels, exhibitions, and networking. Selected startups will compete in Startup World Cup Nigeria for a chance to reach the global finals and compete for a $1 million investment prize. Register or explore sponsorship opportunities 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.
- Scrum Day Nigeria 2026 takes place on March 24 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, bringing together product leaders, Scrum Masters, engineers, and executives passionate about building better products. The one-day conference features practical keynotes, hands-on workshops, coaching clinics, and real-world case studies focused on product leadership, agile ways of working, and modern engineering practices. If your organisation is considering accelerating delivery whilst improving business outcomes at the same time, this is the room to be in. Apply here.
- Gates Foundation Africa is recruiting Senior Communications Officer at Abuja, Nigeria. Apply by March 25, 2026 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.
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- Interswitch is hiring a Strategic Partnerships Executive. Apply here.
- CANAL+ Group is looking for a CDI – Finance & Administrative Director GVA. Apply here.
- Tix Africa is hiring a finance operations specialist (Lagos, Nigeria). Apply here.
- Flutterwave is hiring for several marketing and finance roles. Apply here.
- Credit Direct is expanding and hiring across Product, Tech, Risk, Strategy & HR. Apply here.
- Spot & Tango is looking to hire a Customer Experience Specialist (Remote). Apply here.
- Infuse is looking to hire a Senior Product Manager (Contract, Remote). Apply here.
- LemFi is looking to hire a Customer Support Associate (Lagos, Hybrid). Apply 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.
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Have a productive week!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa
