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Introduction
This edition provides a comprehensive overview of significant policy advancements across Nigeria and parts of Africa, highlighting strides in digital infrastructure, financial regulation, and innovation frameworks. Additionally, strategic collaborations and investments underscore efforts to boost digital skills, broadband access, trade relations, and technological adoption, setting a robust foundation for sustainable economic growth.
A quick summary...
New Regulation/Framework
NCC Publishes Draft Guidelines for Licence-Exempt Use of 6GHz Band
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released Draft Regulatory Guidelines on the use of the lower 6GHz (5925–6425 MHz) band in Nigeria for licence-exempt applications. The 6 GHz band supports high-speed wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi 6, and is used by Wireless Access Systems (WAS) and Radio Local Area Networks (RLAN), enabling faster, low-latency data transmission for applications such as internet connectivity, augmented reality.
The draft Guideline, published on the Commission’s website, was open for stakeholder review and input until September 3, 2025.
NAICOM Publishes Guideline for Insurtech Operators in Nigeria
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) guideline establishes a regulatory framework for insurtech operators in Nigeria, requiring all firms to be licensed and comply with standards for innovation, consumer protection, and market integrity. It outlines eligibility, operational, and capital requirements for both standalone and partnering insurtechs, emphasising secure technology use, transparent lead management, and fair customer treatment. The Guideline came into operation August 1, 2025. To understand how to comply with the Guideline as an insurtech, see our publication here.
CBN Releases Bill of Rights for Bank Customers
The CBN recently released the Bank Customers’ Bill of Rights which outlines key protections and obligations to strengthen consumer confidence in the financial system. The framework emphasises, amongst other principles, transparency, disclosure, privacy, confidentiality, security, fairness, and accountability in bank–customer relationships.
In turn, customers are obligated to meet financial commitments, safeguard instruments and information, provide accurate disclosures, and promptly report fraud or errors. These provisions are mandatory across the sector and form the baseline for consumer protection and responsible banking conduct in Nigeria.
CBN Issues New Directives on ISO 20022 Migration and Geo-Tagging of Terminals
The CBN has issued new directives on the migration to the ISO 20022 payment messaging standard in alignment with SWIFT global migration timelines. The circular requires all financial and payment service providers to switch their payment messaging systems to ISO 20022 by October 31, 2025, a global standard for clearer and richer payment data.
In addition, all payment terminals must be geo-tagged with precise GPS coordinates, with a strict rule that transactions occur within a 10-meter radius of these registered locations. This is to enhance transaction transparency, reduce fraud, and align Nigeria’s payments system with international standards, ensuring safer and more reliable electronic payments for all stakeholders. Existing terminals must be geo-tagged within 60 days of this directive, while new ones must be tagged before approval. Compliance will be monitored starting October 20, 2025.
FMCIDE Publishes Safeguards for Project BRIDGE
The Ministry has released the Environmental & Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) for the $2B Project BRIDGE. Project BRIDGE is a public-private partnership initiative to deploy 90,000 km of fibre optic cables as a national digital backbone, with the aim to improve Nigeria's broadband infrastructure, increase internet penetration, and enhance universal access to ICT, thereby promoting digital inclusion. With a 21-day public consultation window now open, the frameworks could shape how Nigeria balances digital infrastructure growth with environmental and social impact. The outcome will depend on how actively stakeholders engage.
FMCIDE Secures Microsoft Support for 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT)
The FMCIDE expanded its flagship 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme with new commitments from Microsoft. The partnership includes AI learning, LinkedIn Premium access, training sessions, and career fairs. The initiative aims to reach one million Nigerians by 2026, reinforcing FMCIDE’s role in building a sustainable digital workforce. The expansion reflects growing global interest in Nigeria’s tech workforce and raises questions about whether local ecosystems can retain this talent.
NITDA Partners ATBU to Boost Students’ Digital Skills
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), has launched Upskill for Employability and Self Reliance, a programme aimed at strengthening digital literacy and advancing technological talent in Bauchi State. The initiative will provide students with both foundational and advanced digital skills, alongside practical guidance to foster innovation, job creation, and wealth generation as they transition into post-graduation life.
NCC, NGF Partner to Expand Broadband Access
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have entered into a strategic alliance to harmonise Right of Way (RoW) policies, expand broadband connectivity, and drive inclusive digital transformation across the states. The partnership aims to ease deployment of fibre optic infrastructure, protect critical information assets, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.
The partnership will focus on four key areas which includes: aligning states through broadband councils, harmonising RoW policies, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and enhancing information sharing for capacity building.
FMITI Announces Bilateral Investor Protection Agreement with Qatar
Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, through its minister, has announced that a bilateral investor protection agreement with Qatar is nearing completion. The deal is expected to strengthen economic cooperation between both countries, with opportunities identified in oil and gas, agriculture, digital trade, and infrastructure. She also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning the country as a key gateway for Qatari investment.
FMITI Launches $50M Initiative for Women-Led Businesses
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has announced the launch of Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Nigeria, a $50 million initiative designed to expand digital opportunities for women-led businesses. The 18-month programme will support 142 Nigerian businesses, selected from 67,000 global applicants, with training, funding, and international partnerships to boost women’s role in the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
FMITI Unveils Strategic Trade Framework, Begins with Benin
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has introduced a new Framework for Enhanced Economic Cooperation as a strategic plan to boost trade, attract investments, and support growth across key sectors. Nigeria will first apply this framework with the Republic of Benin to strengthen regional integration.The framework is expected to open borders, reduce smuggling, and create real economic benefits. Formal MoU negotiations with Benin are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development
Aviation Ministry Signs New Air Services Agreement with Brazil
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has announced the signing of a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Brazil. The agreement aims to restore direct flights between both countries on more liberal terms. This milestone is expected to boost trade, tourism, agriculture, education, and commerce between the two largest economies in Africa and South America.
Aviation Ministry to Renovate Lagos International Airport with Smart Features
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has announced plans for a full renovation of the old international terminal (Terminal One) at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. The terminal will be redesigned and rebuilt to meet modern international standards, including smart features aimed at transforming it into a world-class “smart airport.”
Botswana Passes its Cybersecurity Bill and Digital Service Bill into law
Botswana's Parliament has officially passed the Cybersecurity bill and the Digital Service Bills 2025 into law. The Digital Service Act aims to provide a framework for regulating digital services, enhance the management and promotion of digital services, and establish the Digital Transformation Coordination Office, which will formulate digital service standards. The Cybersecurity Act aims to provide a framework for the effective implementation of the national cybersecurity strategies and policies in Botswana. It also seeks to prevent, mitigate, and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents and strengthen Botswana’s cybersecurity institutional framework while protecting critical national information infrastructure
Namibia Launches its National AI Strategy
Namibia officially launched its national AI strategy. The strategy seeks to promote ethical and inclusive AI development, innovation, economic growth, and inclusive development through AI. The country's AI Technical Advisory Committee was launched and held its inaugural meeting, outlining key priorities, including education, capacity building, and job creation.
The regulatory activities witness in August 2025 highlights the measures driving Nigeria's digital economy and regional cooperation. From advancing broadband infrastructure and improving customer protections to fostering innovation through partnerships and strategic trade frameworks, these regulatory milestones reflect concerted efforts toward inclusive development and global competitiveness. The proactive governance approaches and continental initiatives signal a resilient trajectory toward harnessing technology and investment for broader economic and social benefits across Africa. Continued engagement and implementation will be critical to actualising these promising reforms.
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