- NCC reports drop in Nigeria’s active telephony subscriptions to 169.3m amid SIM–NIN enforcement.
- MEA smartphone sales grow, while Nigeria struggles with forex barriers slowing 5G rollout.
- Zamfara North residents demand restoration of telecom services after 3-month blackout.
- MTN Group Fintech to host first “Take-Off” Summit in Johannesburg, showcasing Africa’s digital finance growth.
NCC Reports Decline in Telephony Subscriptions Amid SIM-NIN Regulations
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has published new industry statistics for July 2025, in line with its mandate under Section 89 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. The report covers subscriber numbers, technology adoption, data usage, and the sector’s economic contributions.
Key figures show that active telephony subscriptions fell to 169.3 million in July, down from 171.7 million in June. This pushed Nigeria’s tele-density to 78.11%, compared to 79.22% the previous month.
The drop is linked to the enforcement of SIM–National Identification Number (NIN) regulations, which have led to the removal of unverified SIM cards, as well as corrections made by one mobile network operator. Since September 2023, NCC has been recalculating teledensity to reflect these adjustments, giving a clearer picture of the market.
While the decline highlights the impact of stricter compliance measures, the NCC stresses that these steps are critical for securing the industry and fostering long-term growth.
MEA Smartphone Market Thrives, Nigeria Faces 5G Rollout Challenges
Across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), smartphone sales are booming, thanks to 5G adoption, festive sales, and stronger local currencies. According to Counterpoint’s Market Monitor, shipments grew 3% year-on-year in Q2 2025, with South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya leading the surge.
Nigeria, however, is struggling to expand its 5G network. NCC data shows 5G market share inching up to 3.17% in July, from 3.07% in June. Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida admitted that operators’ initial promises of nationwide coverage within a year were unrealistic. He pointed to forex scarcity as a major barrier, hampering the import of equipment needed for rollout.
While regional peers ride the 5G wave, Nigeria’s situation underscores the urgent need for innovative financing and infrastructure strategies to unlock the full benefits of next-generation connectivity.
Zamfara North Residents Demand Restoration of Telecom Services
In Zamfara North, residents are pleading with the NCC to restore telecommunications services that have been shut down for over three months. The outage affects Birnin Magaji, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, and Zurmi LGAs, home to more than 1.78 million people.
According to Abdulrazak Bello of the Kaura Namoda Focus Forum, major operators—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—suspended services without formal explanation. The blackout has disrupted schools, businesses, and digital livelihoods in the region, which hosts key institutions like Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda.
Community leaders say the prolonged disruption is crippling economic and social life, urging the NCC to urgently restore connectivity to support education, commerce, and youth innovation.
MTN Group Fintech Prepares for First-Ever “Take-Off” Summit
MTN Group Fintech, Africa’s largest fintech platform, will host its inaugural Fintech Summit 2025 in Johannesburg from September 9–11. Themed “Take-Off”, the event will bring together about 300 delegates, including regulators, policymakers, innovators, and business leaders.
The summit aims to drive collaboration, spark new opportunities, and showcase Africa’s growing digital financial services ecosystem. CEO Serigne Dioum said the theme reflects MTN Fintech’s ambition to expand financial inclusion and build accessible, tech-driven solutions for underserved communities.
Highlights will include keynote speeches, expert panels on mobile payments, blockchain, and digital banking, as well as networking opportunities for stakeholders across markets.
With Africa’s demand for fintech services rapidly growing, the Summit is expected to be a milestone event shaping the continent’s digital finance future.
