Airtel Nigeria launches a new Smartphone Financing Programme to aggressively bridge the digital divide. The innovation provides existing Airtel customers with a flexible and convenient payment plan to own 4G smartphones and drive wider digital inclusion.

Through this innovation, Airtel will finance new smartphones via its exclusive retail network, helping customers currently using 2G and 3G devices upgrade seamlessly to 4G connectivity. The programme will kick off with the Itel A50 smartphone, a reliable, high-performing device designed to deliver a superior mobile experience for customers across Nigeria.

Speaking on the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, said the initiative reflects Airtel’s deep commitment to empowering Nigerians with all they need to thrive in a connected world.

He said, “Connectivity is opportunity, and smartphones are the key that unlocks it. Through the Airtel Smartphone Financing Programme, we are enabling more Nigerians to access 4G technologies, experience the full benefits of digital inclusion without financial strain, and transform the way they learn, work, and live. This initiative goes beyond providing devices; it is about empowerment, progress, and building a truly connected future.”

To be eligible, customers must be Airtel subscribers and are advised to check their financing status by dialling *492# USSD code. Once approved, the final onboarding is completed at any Airtel-owned shop. Upon making the initial down payment of ₦19,000 or ₦21,000, customers will receive their smartphone and immediately gain access to fast 4G internet.

All payments, including the down payment and subsequent weekly instalments, will be made exclusively through SmartCash, Airtel’s secure mobile money subsidiary.

Also speaking on the innovation, Ismail Adeshina, Director of Marketing, emphasised the role of partnerships and technology in driving the initiative.

“Our mission is to democratise access to technology by removing financial barriers. With this programme, customers can now afford quality smartphones without the burden of full upfront payment. By leveraging SmartCash and intelligent scoring systems, we are creating a sustainable model for inclusive digital growth,” Adeshina added.

To qualify, customers must be active on the Airtel network for at least three months, have a registered SmartCash account, a valid form of identification such as NIN, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s Licence, and provide consent for data processing by Intelligra for eligibility verification.

The Airtel Smartphone Financing Programme aligns with Airtel Nigeria’s broader goal of advancing financial inclusion, digital empowerment, and innovation across the country.

Kaspersky’s new platform, ‘Cyber Pathways’, offers a comprehensive look into the essential cybersecurity roles, skills, and tools, to empower professionals to chart their career paths with confidence.

Featuring an interactive guidance test and personalised learning recommendations, the resource helps users to discover their ideal cybersecurity role. This platform is equally useful for newcomers to cybersecurity, IT generalists, seasoned experts and corporate organisations.

According to a global Kaspersky study, a staggering 41% of companies report that their cybersecurity teams are significantly understaffed, primarily due to a shortage of qualified professionals capable of handling complex challenges.

This talent gap is further echoed by the fact that 49% of cybersecurity experts see a pressing need for more practical training opportunities to enhance their skills and venture into new, more demanding areas.

Recognising the crucial role of expertise in closing this gap, Kaspersky introduces its new digital project ‘Cyber Pathways’, a comprehensive interactive platform designed to empower cybersecurity professionals at all levels.

‘Cyber Pathways’ is a digital platform that offers an in-depth overview of key cybersecurity spheres and spotlights the vital hard and soft skills essential for success in each area.

It highlights core responsibilities and introduces key tools and solutions utilised in these roles. It also offers practically oriented educational courses tailored to expand knowledge and sharpen skills in a chosen cybersecurity field.

Key cybersecurity spheres are reviewed in the ‘Kaspersky Cyber Heroes’ part, each embodying a vital area of cybersecurity: threat intelligence, malware analysis, security operations, security assessment, network security, and information security research.

These heroes are designed to help professionals understand the unique characteristics of each role and identify the key competencies required to succeed in them.

Career guidance test in an engaging and interactive form enables professionals to assess their current expertise level and identify the cybersecurity role that best matches their strengths and aspirations.

The platform offers three tailored test options, catering to different levels of expertise: for beginners in cybersecurity, for advanced professionals, and for organisations.

Building on nearly three decades of unmatched experience and extensive historical data, Kaspersky has developed a unique expertise that not only protects against the most dangerous cyber threats and guarantees top-tier product quality, but also empowers cybersecurity professionals worldwide to enhance their knowledge and stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Rooted in this expertise, the educational recommendations provided on this platform combine highly practical, hands-on programmes from Kaspersky Cybersecurity Training and Kaspersky Academy.

Designed to equip professionals with the critical skills needed to combat sophisticated threats, these initiatives ensure that their skills remain sharp, current, and ready for any challenge.

Additionally, these recommendations include valuable resources for corporate organisations, featuring online tools from Kaspersky Security Awareness that promote cybersecurity-conscious behaviours within teams and foster a resilient security culture.

Nigerian payments company, Paystack, has suspended its Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate.

The company, in a statement issued on Wednesday night, said the suspension was effective immediately and that a formal investigation had commenced.

“Paystack is aware of the allegations involving our co-founder, Ezra Olubi. We take matters of this nature extremely seriously. Effective immediately, Ezra has been suspended from all duties and responsibilities pending the outcome of a formal investigation,” the statement read.

The development followed widespread circulation of the allegation on social media on Nov. 12, alongside resurfaced tweets from Olubi’s account dating back to 2009–2013.

The tweets, which contained sexually explicit remarks about colleagues, minors, and anime characters, triggered public outrage and calls for accountability.

Olubi has not issued a public response and deactivated his X (formerly Twitter) account shortly after the controversy escalated.

Paystack said it would refrain from further comment until the investigation is concluded, citing respect for those involved and the need to preserve the integrity of the review process.

The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of misconduct in Africa’s tech sector. In October, a Kenyan court fined Oscar Limoke, CEO of Pawa IT Solutions, for sexual harassment and assault in a case that led to a staff resignation.

Founded in 2015, Paystack is one of Africa’s most prominent startups, known for its landmark $200 million acquisition by Stripe in 2020. The company’s reputation and global ties have drawn significant attention to the ongoing investigation.

Paystack reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace, stating that the review would follow a transparent process aligned with its internal policies and values.

Stripe, Paystack’s parent company, has yet to respond to requests for comment.