One Charger to Rule Them All? The EU’s Common Charger Directive
Have you ever dug through a drawer full of chargers? I have. That moment when your phone is about to die, your tablet is blinking red, and you’re rummaging through a tangle of old chargers that somehow don’t match any of your current devices. It’s frustrating, wasteful, and let’s be honest, completely unnecessary in 2025. […]
Understanding Nigeria’s Identity Ecosystem
Nigeria has repeatedly attempted to build a robust and unified national identification system for over four decades. What began as a simple administrative function of issuing identity cards has become a complex and strategic national priority. This journey, marked by policy shifts, technological experiments, and institutional reforms, reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to establishing a comprehensive […]
Nigeria’s Data Protection Act is Not a Catch-All Tool
On March 18, 2025, the Nigerian Senate received a bill sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, titled: A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms (SB.648). This bill proposes […]
The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Data Protection Compliance
Imagine waking up to a flood of frantic emails and calls, your company has suffered a data breach. Customer information has been exposed, and now regulators, clients, and the media are knocking at your door. What started as a minor oversight in your organisation’s data protection compliance has spiraled into a full-blown crisis. Many businesses […]
Overview: What is the Nigeria Digital Public Infrastructure Framework?
On March 4, 2024, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of Nigeria announced the release of the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Framework. Below is a simplified and clear breakdown of the Nigeria Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Framework as detailed in the released document document. You can access the complete document here. […]
How Do You Secure Funding When Investors Demand Proof of Regulatory Compliance? Part 1
Securing funding for a startup in Africa’s booming digital economy often comes down to one word: Compliance. Picture a Lagos-based fintech founder pitching to investors – the product is innovative, the market potential is huge, but one question from the investors could make or break the deal: “Are you fully compliant with all regulations?” In […]
Why Engaging in Technology Standards Conversations Matters.
In an era where technology permeates every facet of life—from smartphones in our pockets to automated systems in industries—standards have become the unsung linchpin holding this vast network together. These technical specifications, a language developed and understood by engineers, designers, manufacturers, and end-users worldwide, ensure that technology is interoperable, high-quality, and safe for global use. While the influence and benefits of technology standards are globally acknowledged, their significance is under-recognized and under-participated in regions like Nigeria and Africa at large. This lack of active involvement in the dialogue and development of technology standards can have far-reaching implications for the continent’s technological advancement, economic growth, and national security.
