Broadcasting
Jeff Bezos, Amazon and e-commerce Wealth: Can Konga Defend Africa’s Position?

By Kingsley ‘Bobby’ Collins
On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, the world awoke to the news that Jeff Bezos, founder of e-commerce giant, Amazon, had further left the rest of the world behind in the wealth accumulation race.
The Amazon boss and world’s richest man is now worth a record $211 billion.
In the process, he became the richest ever person in history and the first to gross $211bn. Reports in the media indicate that the last time anyone neared this amount was in January when Tesla boss, Elon Musk briefly hit $210 billion.
Bezos’ latest jump came after Amazon shares rose 4.7% after the Pentagon announced it was cancelling a cloud-computing contract with Microsoft Corp, which it had rivalled for the juicy contract. The development raised Bezos’s fortune by $8.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Interestingly, Bezos’ rise to the record books of stupendous wealth through his e-commerce money-spinner has also had a direct impact on his ex-wife.
Mackenzie Scott, who parted ways with the Amazon boss in 2019, also saw her wealth jump by $2.9bn on Tuesday, making her the 19th-richest person in the world, according to Forbes. Scott ended up with 4% of Amazon’s shares after she split from Bezos, having helped him start the e-commerce company in 1994 as the first employee.Despite publicly announcing that she has given away over $6bn since she divorced Bezos, the philanthropist ex-wife of the Amazon boss is still worth a massive $59bn. Meanwhile, Scott had recently re-married after falling in love with a science teacher, Dan Jewett, whom she met at her son’s school in Seattle.
Indeed, the rise of Jeff Bezos brings into glaring highlight the unmitigated power of e-commerce.
For many financial experts and other industry watchers, the potential is there for Bezos to eventually smash through the billionaire mark and become the world’s first trillionaire. This is hardly surprising when you consider the sheer potential of the industry and the way it has catapulted Bezos – whom many hardly gave a chance when he started out – to the zenith of the global rich list.
Global spend on e-commerce is at an all-time high and one can hardly bet against any seasoned player in this industry.
Empirical data from Statista, a German-headquartered company focused on market and consumer-based insights reveals that in 2020, retail e-commerce sales worldwide amounted to 4.28 trillion US dollars. Further, it projects that e-retail revenues are projected to grow to 5.4 trillion US dollars in 2022. With such huge figures swirling around the industry, it would hardly come as a surprise to see Amazon and its record-breaking former CEO, Bezos re-defining the definition and frontiers of wealth in the 21st Century.
Evidence from advanced economies the world over has shown that e-commerce and, by extension, technology remains arguably the most prominently positioned industry capable of determining the wealth of nations.
If you take a look at the top five list of the most valuable countries in the world, or better still, focus on how countries like the United States of America, the UK and China, have leveraged the power of local enterprise in creating thousands of jobs and ushering in prosperity for generations yet unborn, the pre-eminence of Big Tech and e-commerce behemoths in the mix, cannot be wished away. Undoubtedly, the example of Jeff Bezos, who is currently sprinting away from the rest of the world in the art and science of amassing sustainable wealth, is one that has shown that e-commerce is the future.
Gone are the days when crude oil or fossil fuel was considered the bastion of wealth generation; or when the strength of nations was illustrated in the amassing of arms and warheads.
The 21st Century is slap-bang in the middle of a global e-commerce race, one in which the second half of this century may well usher in a period where nations and entire continents will rely on mega-players as key partners to governments and other sub-national entities in the task of sustainable development and wealth creation.
But where does this leave Africa in the scheme of things?
In 2017, e-commerce in Africa was valued at $16.5 billion, with the sector expected to cross the $75 billion mark by 2025.
However, the reality is that the global e-commerce race is one in which Africa is currently punching lightly in. The continent is in need of a standard-bearer, a reliable leader which it can count on to hold its own in the global scheme of things.
Of all the current players in the African e-commerce space, Konga, a Nigerian-owned platform remains, in my estimation, the most equipped and best placed to deliver the goods.
The reasons are hardly far-fetched.
I have followed e-commerce globally for over 10 years and while Africa is still considered an outlier in the global e-commerce race, the massive strides recorded by Konga over the past three years make the company a powerful candidate that can rival the likes of Amazon and Alibaba, among others.
On a recent trip to Nigeria, I had confirmed the huge excitement that Konga was generating among investors in the international market over a potential listing on world renowned stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the London Stock Exchange. Konga is – to put it in the words of one of my acquaintances, a business partner and one of the UK’s most active angel investors – a pot of gold that he is waiting to put his last dollar in.
According to this acquaintance (who I cannot name owing to privacy concerns), Konga is a business out of Africa that himself and many others, who hold huge investment interest in e-commerce, are following closely. In his opinion, there is currently a waiting game for Konga to go public, even as he disclosed that he had recently reached out to the management of the company on this.
While in Nigeria, my research uncovered quite some interesting facts and opened my eyes to the buzz about Konga.
Indeed, there is hardly any other e-commerce player in Africa that can account for the leverage which Konga is currently enjoying as a result of its composite nature. Brick and mortar stores were a recent addition to the sphere of e-commerce which centred, from inception, on online shopping. But the management of Konga had the insight of being the first to fuse these two channels, thereby opening up a new frontier in the world of e-commerce. It is hardly surprising to see the likes of Amazon following suit.
But this is hardly what has made Konga the ideal candidate to defend Africa’s position in the global e-commerce race.
In Konga, Nigeria and Africa have a brand that has defied the pitfalls that have long been adduced as the downfall of most players on the continent. These include payments, logistics, technology, customer service, warehousing/inventory management, quality of products offered, ethics/corporate governance, strategy/tact and trust.
In all the aforementioned areas, Konga is winning.
Through KongaPay, a mobile wallet licensed by Nigeria’s Central Bank, Konga remains arguably the only e-commerce player in Africa with a certified payment system. Furthermore, Konga has resolved the challenge of logistics which it even aids other external parties troubleshoot through Kxpress, its in-house delivery company. No other company better understands the terrain in Africa’s biggest economy than Konga – a factor that testifies to the edge that the company holds even when pitted against global giants like Amazon and Alibaba on this turf. My findings also reveal that the company owns either directly or indirectly about 14 massive regional warehouses across Nigeria, including the biggest in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve-centre.
In the area of technology, Konga is believed to be home to a well-fortified arsenal of tech talents building and maintaining the many apps driving its operations and keeping many fintech platforms alive in Nigeria. This is in addition to its ongoing investment in cloud computing and AI.
There are reports that the company has also recently diversified into the healthcare sector, with feelers predicting that another major disruption is in the offing.
And in the area of products quality, ethics and trust, Konga has further put a big gap between itself and others. There is a general consensus among thousands of Nigerians who participated in a survey I carried out that Konga remains the most reliable and trusted player in Nigeria’s e-commerce market, which research shows, currently accounts for nearly 35% of the African whole.
Equally worth hailing is the fact that Konga, till date, is yet to raise any form of external investment. This is a big testimony to the belief of the management of the company in its strategies and long-term vision for the business.
There is no disputing the fact that the management of Konga has mined from the experience of its current owners – the Zinox Group – whom I understand, operate arguably Africa’s biggest technology group and who have been in business for many successful years. One can only advise the management of Konga to stay true to their tact and continue to interpret and align with the DNA of their business ideals.
In Konga, Africa has a battle-ready war-horse that the continent can ride on in unlocking the undoubted potential of e-commerce as the new gold.
The earlier the Nigerian Federal Government and its counterparts across the states wake up and embrace this powerful platform, the better for the future fortunes of the country.
Kingsley ‘Bobby’ Collins is a visiting researcher to Nigeria and a global e-commerce enthusiast
Broadcasting
NCC, Wikimedia Nigeria Discuss Responsible Access to Creative Works in Digital Space

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible, responsive and sustainable access to creative works in the digital environment, in a manner that balances the interests of all stakeholders within the copyright and knowledge ecosystem.
Dr. John Asein, Director-General, NCC, made this known while receiving a delegation from the Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, led by its President, Mr. Olushola Olaniyan, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters. The visit was aimed at exploring potential areas of collaboration between the two organisations.
Dr. Asein acknowledged the significant role Wikimedia plays in making knowledge and information widely accessible, while stressing the need for responsible use of copyright-protected works in the digital space.
He noted that although the Commission may not endorse unrestricted open access to all creative works, it supports responsible access that ensures a fair balance between public interest and the rights of creators.
He encouraged Wikimedia, other digital platform operators, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to promote the responsible use of the copyright system to safeguard the interests of rights holders and strengthen the knowledge economy.
Dr. Asein cautioned the public that freely available doesn’t mean that creative works online are all free. “We want to see more people buy into the responsible use of copyright system in the digital space, in a manner that will further edify right owners and keep the knowledge cycles running for the good of all stakeholders” he stressed.
The DG also highlighted the importance of the public domain and assured that the Commission will continue to draw attention to its value, as part of a broader effort to help all parties benefit from the copyright framework. He further briefed the Wikimedia delegation on key provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022, including updates on the NCC’s e-Registration System, copyright duration, compulsory licensing, and the protection of folklore and cultural heritage.
In response, Mr. Olaniyan expressed appreciation to the NCC management and staff for their ongoing work in strengthening Nigeria’s copyright landscape. He reaffirmed Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation’s commitment to supporting the Commission’s efforts to advance and protect the nation’s creative and knowledge economy.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on potential areas of collaboration, including joint copyright awareness campaigns, digital space engagement, and enlightenment training sessions.
The Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, an affiliate of the Wikimedia Foundation Inc., is dedicated to promoting free knowledge and open access to information by encouraging the creation and dissemination of locally relevant content under open licenses such as Creative Commons.
Broadcasting
LASAA reaffirms commitment to fairness, safety and industry growth

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has responded to recent apprehensions suggesting a resurgence of heavy-handed regulation and arbitrary enforcement in the State’s outdoor advertising sector. While acknowledging the concerns, LASAA sought to reaffirm its commitment to regulatory fairness, industry professionalism and the sustainable growth of outdoor advertising in Lagos.
Refuting claims that LASAA intends to “wield the big stick,” the Agency drew attention to its longstanding practice of fostering dialogue and partnership with industry stakeholders.
Prince Fatiu Akiolu, Managing Director of the Agency stated, “The era of mutual suspicion is firmly behind us,” adding that the Agency “regularly convenes stakeholder fora, maintains cordial relationships with industry players, offers concessions such as discounts on vacant billboard charges and seeks stakeholders input before making major policy decisions.”
Prince Akiolu clarified that LASAA does not compete with private operators commercially. Instead, it manages a limited number of state-approved advertising structures primarily reserved to amplify government programmes, public awareness initiatives and regulatory oversight. These, with the Agency’s core mandate focusing on orderliness, public safety, and environmental aesthetics.
He said these efforts aim to serve the broader interests of Lagos residents and reiterated that the Agency’s core mandate remains the enforcement of orderliness, public safety and environmental aesthetics within the state.
On licensing, the Managing Director explained that stringent criteria ensure only qualified practitioners operate in the market. Addressing concerns about billboard oversupply, particularly around military and police formations where illegal structures are common, he noted that LASAA has imposed a moratorium on new registrations and permits since early 2025. “This moratorium intends to uphold industry integrity and elevate professional standards.”
Prince Fatiu explained that, “the Agency’s Health and Safety team actively verifies that outdoor installations meet engineering and safety benchmarks to mitigate risks to life and property.”
He noted that LASAA’s regulatory approach is primarily preventive rather than punitive and relies on monitoring, early warnings and corrective interventions, with enforcement used only when absolutely necessary.
Acknowledging ongoing challenges such as violations of spacing, setback and structural regulations, the MD attributed these mainly to lapses in operator compliance rather than regulatory overreach. He urged stakeholders, including the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and licensed professionals, to strengthen self-regulation and collaborate in reporting infractions to enhance Lagos’s safety, visual appeal and economic vibrancy.
To prevent a relapse into disorder, LASAA has launched a comprehensive enforcement and cleanup operation targeting unlawful advertising installations to restore urban order and protect public interests. Prince Fatiu stressed the essential role outdoor advertising plays in defining Lagos’s visual identity and called for responsible industry stewardship.
He reiterated LASAA’s commitment to maintaining a balanced regulatory framework that ensures oversight while supporting industry sustainability. This approach aims to create a transparent environment that safeguards investments and enhances the city’s aesthetics.
The Managing Director reassured the public and outdoor advertising professionals that LASAA’s mandate is not to stifle growth or punish legitimate operators but to ensure a fair, regulated and sustainable outdoor advertising sector in Lagos. He reaffirmed his dedication to nurturing an environment that protects investments, safeguards the public and enhances the beauty of Lagos.
Broadcasting
BBNaija Housemates Pick Tinsel, Princess on a Hill, and My Flatmates as Must-Watch Shows on Showmax

Big Brother Naija Season 10 is now in its fourth week, and it’s already been a rollercoaster, packed with unexpected twists, bold new strategies, and all-round entertainment that has kept us glued to our screens.
The season kicked off with 29 housemates, with KayiKunmi, Danboskid, Ibifubara and Otega now evicted and Sabrina making a voluntary exit. Ships have sailed, sunk, and more are on the way. In short, it has been an exciting season of 10/10 drama.
Before stepping into the house, the housemates curated a list of their top shows to watch on Showmax, placing popular Nigerian shows like Tinsel, Princess on a Hill and My Flatmates at the top of their watch list.
Leading the pack is Tinsel. Considered Nigeria’s longest-running drama, the soap opera weaves a story of drama, romance, betrayal, and triumph, all set against the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Nigeria’s film industry. With standout performances from Nollywood veterans like Ireti Doyle, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, the late Victor Olaotan, and breakout stars like Gideon Okeke and Linda Ejiofor, its spot on the list is incontestable.
Joining Tinsel is the Showmax Original, Princess on a Hill (POAH), a Showmax original that delivers high-stakes drama in a corporate setting. The story follows Zara Osara (Onyinye Odokoro), an underdog who wins a reality show only to find herself thrust into the most powerful boardroom in the country. Tasked with salvaging the very company that gave her fame, Zara must navigate ruthless corporate politics and stand her ground against the merciless CEO, Moyosore Lawson (Bimbo Manuel). It’s thrilling and reminiscent of the drama many Nigerians face in the corporate world.
For a perfect balance between reality and comedy, My Flatmates brings the laughs with a tale centred around four friends navigating adulting, relationships, and rent money in Lagos. Featuring comic heavyweights like Basketmouth, Okey Bakassi, and Buchi, it’s equal parts witty and ridiculous.
While the housemates love their fair share of homegrown dramas, acclaimed international series also made their lists. Sci-fi epics like Dune, with its surreal visuals, and fantasy period dramas like Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon dominated the list as well. Meanwhile, for lovers of unscripted drama, the housemates recommended shows like Nelly & Ashanti, Love Island USA and The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Even though the housemates are cut off from the world, their taste is reflective of what Nigerians love to watch. From nostalgic classics to hilarious comedy dramas, Showmax has it all and more.
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