Telecom
Silicon Valley-based Founder Institute Launches Newest Chapter in Abuja

The Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed accelerator, has announced that it is officially launching its newest chapter in Abuja, Nigeria. With plans to run two semesters annually, the Founder Institute aims to launch over 20 meaningful and enduring technology companies per year in Abuja.
Applications to the program are open now, and anyone interested in working with Abuja’s top startup mentors to launch a technology company is welcome to apply to the Abuja Founder Institute.
In order to celebrate the launch, the Abuja Founder Institute will host a series of free startup events for the general public, where attendees can learn how to build a company and learn more about the program.
For aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs up to the challenge, the Founder Institute’s step-by-step program provides the structure, mentor support, and global network of entrepreneurs needed to start an enduring company.
The Founder Institute is the only program of its kind that focuses on people versus ideas, accepts founders with day jobs, and shares equity with all participants.
Founder Institute Graduate companies include fast-rising startups across 6 continents like Udemy, Realty Mogul, Zowasel, Limestart, Rentit, Athlst and many more.
In addition, the Abuja 2020 program will include the Founder Institute’s newest company-building curriculum suitable to address the needs of advanced founders (MVP stage) as well as aspiring new entrepreneurs at the idea-stage – a project just released this year in collaboration with hundreds of startup leaders across the globe.
The Abuja Chapter will once again be led by local startup leaders Abdulrazaq Ahmed (Founder, Work and connect Hub), Christian Ndubisi. (Co-founder, 42 NG), Fisayo Olabisi (CEO, TukioKonsults), Mohammed Ibrahim Jega,(Founder, StartupArewa).
According to Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. Regional Director, Founder Institute, “Startups in Abuja now have the unique opportunity of joining other startups in various other cities across the globe to benefit from FI’s hard-core, time tested curriculum and global network.”
Mentors who have expressed interest in helping Abuja Founder Institute participants include:
● Abdul Hakeem Ajijola: Chairman, Consultancy Support Services (CS2) Ltd
● Afolabi Imoukhede: CEO, MCS Consulting Limited
● Aituaz Kola Oladejo: Executive Director, Financial Services Innovators (FSI)
● AkindayoAkindolani: Founder, McAnderson Institute of Technology
● Anna Ekeledo: Executive Director , AfriLabs
● Ayodeji Abitogun: Lead Consultant, Management Edge
● Bankole Oloruntoba: CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center
● Basil Udotai Esq.: Managing Partner , Technology Advisors
● ChiomaAgwuegbo: Founder, TechHer
● Collins Nwosu: Executive Director, P.R.I. global ventures limited
● DoyinAdewola: CEO, Box Office Hub
● Ife Adebayo: Special Assistant on Innovation & Entrepreneurship to the Nigerian Vice President, Vice President Office, Federal Republic of Nigeria
● Ifeoma Malo: CEO, Clean Technology Hub
● Kadir Salami: CEO, Techspecialist Consulting, Procurease
● Kola Aina: Founder, Ventures Platform
● Lanre Philips: CEO, Elpee Consults
● Lawrence Olawale Roberts: CEO , MicroBoss Technologies
● Louisa Ogwuru: Co-founder, Insiteful Solutions, Alfret.Ng
● Mercy Olorunfemi: Program Manager, Work and Connect
● Michael Oluwagbemi, Executive Partner, LoftyInc Allied Partners Limited
● Mohammed B. Hussaini: CEO, Cupious Energy
● Musa Ali Baba: CEO, Teasy Mobile
● Nkechi Oguchi: CEO, Ventures Park
● NkoyoEfretei: CEO, Insiteful Solutions and Talented Space
● Noel Akpata: CEO, Stratex Pro
● OsasenagaEnogieru: National Program Manager, Wennovation Hub
● OyajeIdoko: CEO, Layer3 Tech
● Philip Agbese Jnr.: Founder, CAVIC.
● Raji Mohammed: Co-Founder, MyLearningAcademy
● Saidu Abdullahi: Head of Partnerships, Next Billion Users, Google
● Simiola Olusola: Founder, Aspilos Foundation
● And many more to be announced.
Abuja being the capital city isn’t just a civil servants’ city anymore. The city is characterized by a constant influx of fresh young entrepreneurs looking to launch new businesses and to collaborate with the government and its parastatals.
With the launch of government-funded projects like StartUp Fridays (A platform that enables young entrepreneurs to pitch their startups, receive feedback and network with potential investors), it is obvious that the government is always ready to provide support for tech entrepreneurs and established businesses in Abuja.
Startups need more than just money in Abuja. They need a framework and a community to support their ideas and to help them build a valuable network.
The city’s unique combination of entrepreneurial energy, quality of life and a supportive government makes it a perfect place for entrepreneurs trying to build a more liveable future.
Anybody who is interested can apply to the Abuja Founder Institute. Anyone who applies by the Early Application Deadline (2020-03-29) is eligible for a variety of scholarships – including the Female Founder Fellowship, which is offered to the best overall female applicant.
Telecom
MTN Nigeria Unveils CPaaS Platform to Transform Business Communication

At the recently concluded NextNow Business Forum in Victoria Island, MTN Nigeria electrified the business community with a live demonstration of its forthcoming Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS), a solution engineered to redefine how Nigerian enterprises connect with their customers.
Unlike traditional communication systems, MTN’s CPaaS is built for the realities of a mobile-first market. The platform unifies SMS, voice, WhatsApp, email, and more into a single, intuitive interface. This approach is especially significant in Nigeria, with over 107 million internet users, 45.4% of the total population, according to Data Report. This figure underscores the necessity for businesses to meet customers where they are.
During the demo, attendees witnessed how CPaaS enables two-way, real-time conversations between brands and customers. The platform’s support for rich media, instant analytics, and seamless integration with business workflows drew particular attention. These features are designed to empower businesses with data-driven insights and the agility to personalise every interaction, whether it’s a service notification, marketing campaign, or customer support exchange.
Akinbulejo Onabolu, Head of Enterprise Segment at MTN Nigeria, articulated the vision: “CPaaS gives enterprises the flexibility to interact with their customers on their preferred platforms; whether it’s chat, voice, or messaging, in a way that feels personal and immediate. We’re looking forward to the value this will unlock for businesses across industries once it launches.”
The fireside chat added depth to the conversation, with Omowunmi Olatunbosun, Head of SME Segment at MTN Nigeria, and Stephen Agbi of Bayobab, highlighting how digital engagement bridges the gap between businesses and audiences.
They emphasised that today’s consumers demand immediacy, relevance, and ease, qualities that CPaaS is built to deliver.
The stakes for digital transformation in Nigeria are high. In a report by Punch, the country’s enterprise tech market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2027, reflecting a surge in demand for scalable, cloud-based solutions that drive efficiency and customer loyalty.
The CPAAS Acceleration Alliance have estimated that globally, the CPaaS market is expected to grow from $14.7 billion in 2025 to $72.4 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 18.4%, a testament to the platform’s transformative potential.
The event’s closing keynote from META’s Korhan Yunak reinforced the strategic value of digital channels like WhatsApp, which are now indispensable for business communication and engagement at scale.
As MTN Nigeria prepares for the Q3 2025 launch, the anticipation is unmistakable. With its promise of flexibility, intelligence, and seamless integration, MTN’s CPaaS platform is set to become the backbone of next-generation business-customer engagement in Nigeria, enabling enterprises to not just communicate but to connect, adapt, and grow in a digital-first era.
Telecom
MTN Mulls Establishment of Fintech Firm in Nigeria, Others

MTN Uganda is seeking input from stakeholders on a plan to structurally separate its mobile money service, MoMo, from its core telecoms business.
According to the company, the proposed change will be discussed at the upcoming extraordinary general meeting on July 2.
If approved, the telco’s fintech business will be run by a new company controlled by MTN Group Fintech Holdings B.V. and a trust benefiting minority shareholders following a merger.
Additionally, the restructuring also aligns with MTN Group’s ambition 2025 strategy which aims to unlock value, attract new investors, and strengthen regulatory compliance by creating standalone fintech entities in Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The company’s fintech division has over 13 million customers, with an 18.4% revenue increase in the first quarter of 2025, driven by 19.0% growth in mobile money services, 19.8% growth in transaction volumes, and a 31.4% increase in transaction value.
Reports say the decision is part of the telco’s compliance with the National Payment Systems Act 2020, which mandates mobile money businesses to operate as standalone entities, and to align with MTN Group’s regional fintech strategy.
MTN Uganda, which is led by CEO Sylvia Mulinge, highlighted that the implementation of the proposed transaction will be subjected to a number of conditions and regulatory procedures.
“The implementation of the proposed transaction shall be subject to a number of conditions, including the company and MTN MoMo receiving all required regulatory approvals and no-objections and complying with any regulatory conditions,” said MTN Uganda in notice.
Telecom
Netflix Expands European Presence with €1 Billion Investment in Spain

Netflix has announced plans to invest more than €1 billion in Spanish film and television productions over the next four years, reinforcing its commitment to Spain as a key creative hub in Europe.
The announcement was made by co-chief executive Ted Sarandos at an event held at Netflix’s production studios near Madrid, celebrating the company’s 10-year presence in the country.
Sarandos emphasized that the investment would contribute significantly to Spain’s economy, create jobs, and enable the streaming platform to produce more local content. He was joined by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in unveiling the initiative.
Netflix first established its international production studios in Madrid in 2019, following the success of the Spanish-language hit series Money Heist.
Since then, its 22,000-square-meter facility has become one of Netflix’s major production centers within the European Union.
The company currently supports over 20,000 jobs in Spain, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in global entertainment.
The investment reflects Netflix’s ongoing strategy to expand its presence in European markets through original content and local talent.
- General News2 days ago
AfDB to Provide $184.1mfor Africa’s Largest Solar Energy, Battery Storage Project
- News2 days ago
Report Reveals New Malware Posing as an AI Assistant Steals User Data
- Telecom3 days ago
ngCERT Issues High Alert to Nigerians Using Android Phones
- Telecom3 days ago
MTN and Ecobank Launch Chess Championship to Empower Nigeria’s Youth
- General News2 days ago
Court Declines Access Bank’s Request to Freeze MTNN Account over N180Bn Claims
- General News3 days ago
OSGOF, NASRDA Partner to Boost Geospatial Data, Others
- Telecom2 days ago
MTN Mulls Establishment of Fintech Firm in Nigeria, Others
- E-Business3 days ago
African Startups Raised $345m in Funding in May