Spacecoin, US-based, has announced the signing of recent agreements with local authorities and operators to launch satellite connectivity pilot projects in Africa.

The initiatives, focused on Kenya and Nigeria, aim to serve areas where terrestrial networks remain limited or unavailable.

n Kenya, Spacecoin has obtained a transmission license from the Communications Authority, allowing it to test satellite-based solutions for connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas with limited internet access.

According to the Kenyan regulator, internet penetration remains below 50% of the population, despite mobile penetration exceeding 130%.

In parallel, the company is continuing operations in Nigeria under an existing license issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

This authorization supports initiatives aimed at delivering affordable broadband connectivity to isolated and underserved communities.

Spacecoin’s approach is based on a decentralized satellite network using nanosatellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Combined with blockchain-based protocols, this architecture is intended to offer more flexible and cost-effective connectivity services than traditional networks, while also enabling the integration of IoT solutions for a range of uses, from smart agriculture to infrastructure monitoring.

These projects are part of a broader strategy to help narrow Africa’s digital divide, where a significant share of the population still lacks access to reliable internet services.

Satellite technology is increasingly viewed as a complement to terrestrial infrastructure, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where deployment costs and geographic constraints remain high.

Beyond Africa, Spacecoin is also running pilot projects in Asia, working with local partners to test the viability of its model across different regulatory and geographic environments.

According to the company’s management, growing interest from regulators reflects a shift toward solutions capable of reaching populations that have long been excluded from internet access.

Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province has called on the Federal Government to implement the ongoing tax reforms with equity, openness and empathy, cautioning that policies devoid of human consideration could further compound the suffering of millions of Nigerians.

The appeal was contained in a communiqué released after the bishops’ first provincial meeting for 2026, which took place at the Jubilee Conference Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The document was jointly signed by Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, chairman of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, and Most Rev. John Oyejola, secretary.

Recall that the tax reforms were introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu and assented to on June 26, 2025.

They officially came into effect on January 1, 2026, and have continued to attract diverse reactions across the country.

In the communiqué, titled “Sustaining Hope and Strengthening Our Good Efforts,” the bishops acknowledged the government’s desire to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system but expressed concern that its implementation had sparked widespread unease and debate, especially among the poor and vulnerable.

“The reforms should be anchored on fairness, transparency and accountability, urging the government to apply them with compassion.

“The bishops also advised that vulnerable citizens should be given sufficient time to adapt to the new tax regime before strict enforcement measures are introduced.”

The clerics warned that economic policies pursued without sensitivity could widen inequality and heighten social unrest, noting that taxation should not become an added burden for Nigerians already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and rising costs of living.

The bishops encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful while backing prayers with responsible citizenship, diligence and respect for justice and the rule of law.

“As shepherds of God’s people, we urge Nigerians to reject cynicism and despair. Prayer must be accompanied by good works. This is the only country we have,” the communiqué concluded.

Debt Management Office (DMO) has moved to raise N900 billion from the domestic debt market with the offer of three Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bonds carrying interest rates of up to 22.6 per cent.

The bond offer, which will be sold by auction on January 26, 2026, comprises N300 billion worth of 18.50 per cent FGN February 2031 (7-year) bonds, N400 billion of 19.00 per cent FGN February 2034 (10-year) bonds and N200 billion of 22.60 per cent FGN January 2035 (10-year) bonds.

Settlement is scheduled for January 28, 2026.

According to a notice issued by DMO, the bonds are re-openings of previously issued instruments and are being offered on behalf of the Federal Government in line with the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act 2003 and the Local Loans (Registered Stock and Securities) Act.

The bonds are priced based on the yield-to-maturity bids submitted by successful investors at the auction, in addition to accrued interest, with interest payments made semi-annually.

The bonds will be redeemed through bullet repayment at maturity.

Units of sale are priced at N1,000 per unit, with a minimum subscription of N50.001 million and multiples of N1,000thereafter, making the offer largely targeted at institutional investors.

The DMO said the bonds qualify as approved securities for trustees under the Trustee Investment Act and are recognised as government securities under the Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act, making them tax-exempt for pension funds and other eligible investors.

They are also listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, and qualify as liquid assets for banks’ liquidity ratio calculations.

“FGN Bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government of Nigeria and are charged upon the general assets of Nigeria,” the notice stated.

Interested investors are advised to channel their applications through authorised Primary Dealer Market Makers, including major commercial and merchant banks across the country.

Market analysts say the high yields attached to the offer reflect current tight liquidity conditions and elevated interest rates, while providing investors with an opportunity to lock in attractive long-term returns from government-backed securities.

The January bond auction forms part of the Federal Government’s domestic borrowing plan to fund budget needs, while offering investors safe, long-term returns and deepening the local debt market.