Category: Digital

Why This Decade of Technological Advancement Matter for Nigerian Small Businesses

For many small business owners in Nigeria, growth often feels slow and uncertain. Rising operating costs, intense competition, poor infrastructure, and limited access to funding make scaling difficult. For years, technology felt like something only large companies could afford.

That is changing real fast today.

As we close 2025 and moving to 2026, technology and artificial intelligence are becoming more accessible to Nigerian businesses of all sizes. Tools that once required large budgets are now available through mobile phones, cloud platforms, and simple software subscriptions. This shift means small businesses now have the opportunity to grow faster, operate smarter, and compete more effectively.

The businesses that succeed will not necessarily be the biggest. They will be the ones that understand how to use technology and AI as practical tools, not abstract ideas.

What Scaling Really Looks Like in Nigeria

Scaling is often misunderstood as simply increasing sales. In reality, scaling means growing in a way that does not break your operations. For Nigerian businesses, this means improving efficiency, reducing manual work, and creating systems that can handle more customers without increasing stress.

Technology and AI help small businesses do more with less. They allow business owners to automate repetitive tasks, understand customer behaviour, and make better decisions based on data instead of guesswork.

Using AI to Simplify Daily Business Operations

Many Nigerian entrepreneurs spend a large part of their day responding to messages, writing captions, tracking orders, and managing records manually. These tasks are important, but they slow growth when done without support.

AI tools help simplify these daily operations. Businesses can now use AI to respond to customer inquiries automatically, generate marketing content in minutes, and organize business information more efficiently. This does not replace human effort; it supports it. By reducing time spent on routine tasks, business owners can focus on strategy, sales, and expansion.

In 2026, automation will no longer be a luxury. It will be a basic requirement for any business that wants to scale sustainably.

Understanding Customers Better With Data and AI

One of the biggest advantages technology offers is clarity. Many small businesses struggle because they do not fully understand their customers. AI-powered tools help change this by analyzing sales patterns, customer behaviour, and engagement trends.

With these insights, businesses can see which products perform best, identify peak buying periods, and understand why customers return or stop buying. This leads to smarter pricing, better inventory planning, and more effective marketing.

When decisions are based on data rather than assumptions, growth becomes more predictable and less risky.

Building a Strong Digital Presence That Drives Growth

By 2026, customers expect businesses to be visible and accessible online. A strong digital presence is no longer optional. Whether through a website, an online store, or social media platforms, businesses must meet customers where they already spend their time.

AI plays a quiet but powerful role here. It helps businesses improve search visibility, recommend better content ideas, and optimize marketing campaigns. This means small businesses can reach more people without spending excessively on advertising.

A well-structured online presence allows a business to attract customers consistently, even outside normal working hours.

Improving Customer Experience With Smart Technology

Customer experience has become one of the strongest competitive advantages in modern business. Nigerian customers value fast responses, clear communication, and smooth service delivery.

AI-powered tools help businesses meet these expectations by supporting faster replies, automated order updates, and personalized follow-ups. When customers feel heard and valued, they are more likely to return and recommend the business to others.

As competition increases in 2026, businesses that invest in customer experience will stand out more than those that focus only on pricing.

Reducing Costs and Scaling Sustainably With Cloud Technology

Scaling does not always require heavy spending. One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is investing in expensive systems too early. Cloud-based technology offers a more flexible alternative.

With cloud and AI software, businesses can pay only for what they use. They can upgrade tools as they grow and avoid the burden of maintaining expensive hardware. This approach reduces financial pressure while supporting long-term expansion.

For Nigerian businesses facing fluctuating costs and currency challenges, this flexibility is especially valuable.

Expanding Beyond Your Immediate Market

Technology has removed many of the traditional limits on business growth. Nigerian small businesses can now reach customers beyond their local environment, and even outside the country.

AI helps with market research, audience targeting, and content adaptation, making it easier to explore new markets without losing focus. At the same time, businesses that understand local culture and customer behavior can use technology to strengthen their local advantage.

Scaling in 2026 will be about balancing local relevance with wider reach.

You Do Not Need to Be a Tech Expert to Scale

A common fear among business owners is that AI is too complex. In reality, most modern tools are designed for everyday users. You do not need to know how to code or build software.

What matters is understanding your business problems and choosing tools that solve them. Learning gradually, testing solutions, and training staff in small steps makes tech adoption manageable and effective.

The goal is not to become a tech company, but to run a smarter business.

Technology and AI are reshaping how small businesses grow in Nigeria. In 2026, success will depend less on working harder and more on working intelligently.

Small businesses that adopt tech early, focus on efficiency, and prioritize customer experience will be better positioned to grow sustainably. The opportunity is not in using every tool available, but in using the right ones at the right time.

Scaling is no longer about size. It is about systems, strategy, and smart use of technology. Take the right step to grow your business today!

Agentic AI is one of the most important tech trend of 2025. This new generation of artificial intelligence doesn’t just respond to prompts, it plans, takes action, and completes tasks independently. For creators, entrepreneurs, and young professionals, this shift is unlocking new levels of productivity and opportunity.

WHAT EXACTLY IS AGENTIC AI?

Agentic AI is a smarter and more capable form of AI that can break goals into steps, execute tasks, and improve performance over time. Instead of giving instructions one by one, you set a goal, and the AI figures out the rest.

Examples:

• “Grow my TikTok to 20k.”
• “Create a weekly trend report.”
• “Organize my brand’s content calendar.”

HOW AGENTIC AI BENEFITS CREATORS AND BUSINESSES

Faster Workflows

Agentic AI automates repetitive tasks like scheduling posts, drafting emails, responding to customers, and generating analytics saving hours every week.

Better Decision Making

It analyzes trends, performance, and competition, making it easier to refine strategies and avoid errors.

Stronger Content Creation

Agentic AI generates ideas, drafts captions, tracks engagement, and supports consistency across platforms.

A Boost for Small Businesses

It handles customer interactions, admin tasks, marketing basics, and competitor updates, acting like an affordable digital team member.

Accessible to Everyone

Anyone with a phone or laptop can tap into this technology, making it especially valuable for young African creators and entrepreneurs.

Agentic AI is transforming how individuals work, create, and scale. As these tools become more integrated into daily life, they will continue empowering creators, professionals, and small businesses to achieve more with less effort.

It’s not just enough to know about this tools, you have to take the next step of knowing how to use them. Follow Streamdorm to stay updated on topics relating to tech and AI.

TikTok has revealed a new policy that limits late-night live streaming for users in Nigeria, blocking access to the LIVE feature from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily. The sudden restriction has sparked concern among creators who depend on night time engagement for stronger audience reach and monetization.

According to a system notification sent to Nigerian accounts, TikTok described the move as a temporary safety measure, noting that the platform is “investigating to ensure our community remains protected.” Only creators who meet TikTok’s eligibility for LIVE; typically those with at least 1,000 followers are affected by the nighttime lockdown.

Why TikTok Is Enforcing the Restriction

Though it’s not yet clear why TikTok has enforced this policy, the company says the restriction is part of an ongoing safety investigation targeted at keeping the Nigerian creator community secure. The platform has intensified content moderation in the country this year, removing millions of videos and banning thousands of LIVE sessions for guideline violations.

In earlier reports, TikTok revealed that over 49,000 LIVE sessions from Nigeria were taken down in 2025 for issues related to adult content, harmful behaviour, and violations of LIVE monetization rules. The new nighttime restriction appears to be an extension of this broader safety according to them.

Impact on Nigerian Creators

For many Nigerian creators, the 11 p.m.– 5 a.m. window is a high traffic period, especially for entertainment, lifestyle updates, gaming streams, and casual community chats. With LIVE now blocked during those hours, creators may experience:

• Reduced engagement and reach
• Lower gifting earnings during peak hours
• A shift in content scheduling and audience behaviour

However, TikTok confirmed that creators’ previous gift earnings and account balances remain untouched, meaning no financial losses on past live sessions.

About a month ago, Hollywood was shaken when the announcement was made that the Ellison family backed Paramount Skydance’s plans to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery. If the deals go through, Paramount ($18.6B) and David Ellison will become the kings of Hollywood, sitting on Warner Bros.’ ($42.3B) valuable IP.

In the early hours of October 12, it was reported that Warner Bros. had rejected Paramount Skydance’s acquisition price, stating it was too low per share.

According to Bloomberg, Paramount’s initial bid of $20 per share was not attractive to Warner Bros. Discovery despite its stock price being around $17 on Friday’s market close.

David Ellison will allegedly re-evaluate his bid, looking for additional funds and backing while taking his bid directly to WBD shareholders.

This will be Ellison’s second big move in Hollywood this year. Earlier this year, David Ellison’s Skydance completed its merger with Paramount at $8 billion. Skdance Media is now the parent company to Nickelodeon, MTV, CBS and more, including properties like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Star Trek.

Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to split into two companies (Warner Bros. the Studio and Discovery Global for all the TV properties); companies like Paramount, Skydance, and Netflix are in a bidding war to acquire all of its properties, with more expected to announce their interest in the coming months.

Nigeria is preparing for one of its biggest tax reforms in decades. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Federal Government will enforce the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025, a law that makes the Tax Identification Number (TIN) mandatory for all taxable persons in Nigeria.

The reform according to the Government, is designed to modernize how taxes are tracked and collected, reduce loopholes in the system, and improve government revenue. For individuals and businesses, this means adjusting to a stricter identification process and ensuring compliance well before the 2026 deadline.

What the Nigeria Taxpayer Law Requires

1. Mandatory TIN for Taxable Persons

Every person or business considered a taxable person must have a TIN. This includes salary earners above the tax-free threshold, self-employed professionals, freelancers, and registered businesses. Without a TIN, access to critical financial services such as banking, insurance, pensions, and investment accounts will be restricted.

2. Integration with Existing Identification Systems

To reduce duplication, the government has said it will be linking the TIN with existing IDs. For individuals, the National Identification Number (NIN) will serve as their TIN, while for companies, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will double as the company’s TIN. This integration means fewer new registrations and a simplified identification process, but it also puts pressure on Nigerians to ensure their NIN or CAC records are up-to-date.

3. Recognition of Existing TINs

Nigerians who already have a TIN do not need to apply again. The law makes it clear that all existing TINs will remain valid. However, you are encouraged to verify your details on the official Joint Tax Board (JTB) portal to avoid issues with mismatched records once enforcement begins.

4. Enforcement Date: January 1, 2026

The Federal Government has provided a transition period that runs through the end of 2025. After this period, taxable persons without a TIN risk being locked out of financial services.

Who Needs a TIN by 2026?

The new law applies to:

• Individuals with taxable income: Employees whose earnings are above the taxable threshold, professionals like lawyers, doctors, engineers, as well as freelancers and traders.
• Registered businesses: All companies incorporated with the CAC, as well as partnerships and cooperatives, must comply.
• Exempt individuals: Nigerians who earn below the tax-free threshold or have no taxable income are not mandated to obtain a TIN. This safeguard is meant to prevent financial exclusion, especially for low-income citizens.

What to Do Before the 2026 Deadline

1. Confirm Your Tax Status

Before anything else, determine whether you fall into the taxable category. If you are employed with a taxable salary, run a business, or provide professional services, you are expected to comply. Knowing your status helps you avoid last-minute surprises and prepares you for proper registration.

2. Register for a TIN Early

For those who don’t already have a TIN, registration is straightforward. Applications can be made online via the JTB TIN Registration Portal or through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Registration is free of charge, and taxpayers are strongly advised to avoid unofficial agents or middlemen who may try to exploit the process by charging unnecessary fees.

3. Link and Use Your NIN or CAC Number

Individuals must ensure their National Identification Number (NIN) is valid and properly linked, as it will automatically serve as their TIN. Businesses, on the other hand, must confirm that their CAC registration number is active and updated with accurate details. Any discrepancies could cause delays in using these numbers as official TINs.

4. Prepare and Update Your Documentation

Proper documentation will be necessary to avoid delays. Individuals should have their NIN slip, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of address handy. Businesses should prepare their CAC incorporation certificate, details of directors, and official business address. Ensuring these documents are accurate and consistent with government records will speed up compliance.

5. Verify Your TIN

Once registered, it is not enough to assume your TIN is valid. Use the JTB TIN Verification Portal to confirm your status. This step ensures your TIN is recognized in the national system and linked to your financial and business transactions.

The African tech landscape is preparing for a landmark moment as the Africa Blockchain Festival (ABF) 2025 comes to Kigali, Rwanda, from November 7 to 9, 2025. Billed as the continent’s first major festival merging artificial intelligence (AI innovation in Africa) and blockchain startups and innovation, the event is designed to shift Africa’s role in global technology from consumer to innovator.

Africa’s Tech Future

Hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre, the festival carries the theme: “Africa’s AI innovation in Africa & Blockchain Renaissance: From Tech Consumers to Global Innovators.” With Rwanda championing digital transformation, the government’s endorsement of ABF underscores its vision of positioning the country as a leading African hub for innovation and fintech development.

High-Profile Speakers and Global Voices

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond. Confirmed speakers include:

• Paula Ingabire – Rwanda’s Minister of ICT
• Dr. Emomotimi Agama – Director General, Nigeria’s SEC
• Alex Ntale – CEO of Rwanda ICT Chamber
• Michelle Chivunga – Founder of Global Policy House
• Fisayo Fosudo – Nigerian tech creator
• Delppy – Ghanaian digital voice
• Shameera Akbar & Ayesha Bayat – Co-founders of DigiYouth Africa, South Africa

Africa Blockchain Festival 2025

• Conference & Exhibition: Over 5,000 developers, investors, policymakers, and innovators will gather for panels, demos, and product showcases.
• Startup Pitch Competitions: Emerging African blockchain startups and innovation and AI innovation in Africa startups will compete for visibility and funding.
• Hackathons & Workshops: Developers and students will engage in hands-on sessions exploring practical applications of AI innovation in Africa and blockchain startups and innovation.
• Creative Industry Track: Dedicated panels on how blockchain startups and innovation can revolutionize music, film, art, and intellectual property.
• Networking & Cultural Events: Deal rooms, VIP lounges, innovation tours, and a closing gala to connect innovators across borders.

RwandAir is partnering with the festival to offer flight discounts of 20% on business class and 15% on economy for attendees across Africa.

The Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 (Kigali blockchain startups and innovation event) represents more than a gathering, it is a defining moment for Africa’s digital economy. By merging blockchain startups and innovation and AI innovation in Africa discussions under one roof, it sets the stage for policies, partnerships, and innovations that could shape the continent’s future in fintech, governance, and creative industries.

The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA) returned this year with an electrifying showcase of futuristic gadgets, breakthrough AI solutions, and cutting-edge consumer technology. From transparent TVs to AI-powered robots, IFA 2025 reaffirmed its role as the world’s leading tech trade show, bringing together innovators, manufacturers, and enthusiasts from across the globe.

Standout Winners at the IFA 2025 Innovation Awards

The inaugural IFA Innovation Awards spotlighted the companies pushing the boundaries of design and function.

• LG Electronics stole the spotlight with 17 awards, including Best of IFA for the LG SIGNATURE OLED T, the world’s first wireless transparent TV. LG also earned recognition for its Comfort Kit and Spielraum AI mobility platform.
• TECNO scored big with three awards for the Slim smartphone (billed as the world’s slimmest 3D-curved device), the MEGABOOK S14 AI laptop, and the AI Glasses Series.
• Other global brands like Samsung, TCL, Hisense, Miele, and Anker also took home awards in categories ranging from AI innovation to smart home integration.

Smartphones & Wearables

IFA 2025 reinforced how smartphones and wearables remain central to connected living.

• Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy Tab S11 Series, strengthening its IFA portfolio with sleek designs and AI-powered features.
• TCL showcased the NXTPAPER 60 Ultra, an eye-comfort smartphone with triple-camera AI functionality (€499), alongside the NXTPAPER 5G Junior, a youth-focused device (€249) with Digital Detox Mode. They also introduced an educational smartwatch for kids.
• Withings and Garmin revealed AI-enabled wearables like the ScanWatch 2 and Fenix 8 Pro, highlighting health-focused data tracking.

Smart Home & Lifestyle Tech

IFA 2025 was packed with innovations designed to simplify everyday living.

• Roborock launched its 4-in-1 AI Cleaning System, combining a washer, dryer, robot vacuum, and mop into one compact, eco-friendly solution.
• Philips Hue expanded its Matter-compatible lineup, introducing a video doorbell and smarter lighting controls.
• SwitchBot presented an AI Art Frame and a quirky AI Pet, signaling how smart home devices are becoming more emotional and expressive.
• Lepro’s AI table lamp and other connected home gadgets reinforced the theme of energy efficiency and personalization.

Laptops, Gadgets & AI-Powered Tools

• Lenovo unveiled the ThinkBook VertiFlex, featuring a swivel portrait display perfect for reading or coding, plus a Smart Motion Concept adjustable stand.
• Acer impressed with the Swift 16 Air laptop and the Predator Helios 18P AI gaming rig.
• Acemate’s AI Tennis Robot turned heads with its ability to coach and retrieve balls, bringing automation to sports training.
• Anker’s Soundcore recorder debuted with GPT-4.1 transcription, blending productivity with AI-driven accuracy.

Entertainment & Visual Experiences

From projectors to drones, IFA 2025 highlighted immersive entertainment and bold design.

• Xgimi Horizon 20 Max projector delivered stunning 4K visuals with Dolby Vision support.
• Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro projector upped the game with Dolby Vision + Atmos.
• Technics SL-40CBT turntable catered to audiophiles, while Earfun Air Pro 4+ earbuds won praise for affordability and clarity.
• Antigravity A1 drone and Reolink TrackFlex Floodlight Cam also earned “Best of IFA” nods for functionality and innovation.

Design Meets Technology: Furniture & Lifestyle Crossovers

TCL introduced its NXTHOME™ concept, blending premium furniture and technology in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen and Roche Bobois. The company also revealed AiMe, the world’s first modular AI companion robot designed for homes.

Key Notes from IFA 2025

1. AI Everywhere: From phones and glasses to vacuums and tennis robots, AI integration is on the high rise.
2. Design-Driven Tech: Transparent TVs, ultra-slim curved phones, and AI-infused furniture show how aesthetics and functionality are merging.
3. Smart Living Simplified: Compact, multi-functional, and eco-friendly solutions dominated the show.
4. Global Stage: Asian tech giants (TCL, TECNO, Lenovo) shined alongside European leaders, proving IFA is a truly international showcase.

IFA 2025 wasn’t just about new gadgets; it was about reshaping how technology fits into everyday life. From the living room to the tennis court, and from luxury furniture to budget smartphones, the message was clear: the future is AI-powered, beautifully designed, and globally connected.

In today’s fast-paced world, no one likes waiting hours for their phone to power back up. Whether you are heading out for work, about to catch a flight, or simply impatient, faster charging is always welcome. One common tip many smartphone users swear by is switching on Airplane Mode while charging. But does it actually work?

What Happens When You Turn On Airplane Mode?

Airplane Mode is designed to disable all wireless communications on your phone, including:

• Cellular network signals (calls and mobile data)
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• GPS and location services

By shutting these features down, your phone drastically reduces background power consumption. For example, without mobile signals or Wi-Fi constantly searching for connections, the device uses less energy. This means more of the incoming charge is directed straight into your battery.

How Much Faster Does It Charge?

The difference isn’t dramatic, but it is noticeable. On average, phones may charge 4–8% faster in Airplane Mode compared to normal charging. While this won’t cut your charging time in half, it can make a real difference if you only have 20–30 minutes to top up before heading out.

For instance:

• A phone that takes 2 hours to fully charge might save 5–10 minutes on Airplane Mode.
• A quick 30-minute top-up could give you a few extra percentage points of battery.

Tips to Maximize Charging Speed

If you’re looking for the fastest way to charge your phone, Airplane Mode is only part of the solution. Here are more tips that make a bigger difference:

1. Use the right charger – Always use the original or a certified fast charger that matches your phone’s wattage.
2. Keep your phone cool – Charging generates heat, and heat slows down the charging process. Keep the phone on a hard surface instead of a bed or couch.
3. Don’t use your phone while charging; Streaming, gaming, or browsing while plugged in increases power drain.
4. Turn the phone off completely; If you can, powering down your phone charges it slightly faster than even Airplane Mode.

Yes, Airplane Mode does make your phone charge faster, but only slightly. It works by reducing background activity and lowering battery drain, allowing more of the incoming power to go directly into charging. If you’re in a hurry, every minute counts, and this simple switch can give your phone a small but useful boost.

MultiChoice Ghana’s operations are under threat today, September 6, 2025, as the deadline set by the National Communications Authority (NCA) for the company to reduce subscription prices by 30 percent expires.

Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George had earlier warned that MultiChoice’s license would be suspended if the company failed to comply with the directive. The ultimatum followed a 30-day suspension notice issued in August, alongside a daily fine of GHC 10,000 imposed on the pay-TV operator for failing to submit required pricing data. By early September, the fines had accumulated to over GHC 150,000.

Despite the government’s position, MultiChoice has publicly denied that any agreement to cut prices has been reached. The company says discussions are still ongoing through a stakeholder committee established by the ministry.

“MultiChoice has not agreed to a price reduction. We remain committed to the ongoing engagement process and await the outcome of the working committee,” the company said in a statement.

The standoff could affect millions of subscribers in Ghana who rely on DSTV services for entertainment, sports, and news content. It also raises broader questions about regulatory intervention in subscription pricing and the balance between consumer protection and business sustainability.

For now, all eyes remain on the outcome of today’s deadline as the NCA decides whether to proceed with the suspension or allow negotiations to continue.

The Huawei Railway Summit 2025, held alongside the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Rail Conference & Exhibition in Johannesburg, gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts to chart a new course for the region’s rail sector through digital intelligence.

Themed “Digital Intelligence Empower African Railways: Safe, Efficient and Intelligent,” the summit brought together over 100 representatives from transport authorities, railway operators, and academic institutions. The discussions focused on how advanced digital solutions can address critical challenges in safety, efficiency, and modernization across Southern Africa’s aging railway infrastructure.

Huawei and SARA Commit to Collaboration

Opening the summit, Victor Guo, President of Huawei Enterprise Business in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted that digital intelligence will be the “key engine accelerating the development of railways in Southern Africa.” He underscored Huawei’s commitment to working with regional stakeholders by leveraging innovations in cloud computing, AI, big data, and video detection.

Raymond Zuo, CEO of Huawei Smart Rail Business Unit, emphasized that Africa’s rail sector stands at a turning point. He called for strengthened partnerships and open innovation, affirming Huawei’s support for SARA’s mission to create a safer, more efficient, and smarter railway network across the region.

Smart Railway Solutions Showcased

Participants at the summit explored Huawei’s portfolio of digital railway technologies, including:

• FRMCS train-ground wireless standard – enabling modernized communications across railway networks.
• Cloud and AI-powered platforms – supporting data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Perimeter security systems – designed to enhance safety along railway tracks.
• TFDS freight car fault detection – providing predictive maintenance to improve asset reliability.
• Intelligent Operation Centers (IOC) – centralizing railway operations for smarter management.

These solutions aim to help operators reduce risks, improve service delivery, and boost regional trade connectivity.

The summit builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023 between Huawei and SARA. The agreement outlined plans for unified ICT standards across Southern African rail corridors, with a strong focus on the adoption of FRMCS. This framework is expected to promote seamless cross-border railway operations and facilitate economic integration across the SADC region.

Rail transport remains a lifeline for Southern Africa’s economies, but inefficiencies, aging infrastructure, and safety gaps have limited its potential. The integration of digital technologies is now seen as essential to revitalizing the sector, improving competitiveness, and supporting long-term growth.

By combining Huawei’s expertise in ICT with SARA’s regional leadership, the Huawei Railway Summit 2025 signaled a shared commitment to unlocking the promise of a safer, smarter, and more efficient railway system that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.