Welcome to this week’s edition of “This Week in Techstoriex” where we bring to you 5 top and exciting news covered in Techstoriex this week
Trump’s New Tariffs Reshape Africa’s Trade Outlook
US President Donald Trump has rolled out a dramatic tariff overhaul that could redefine America’s trade ties with Africa. Announced on April 2, the policy reduces import tariffs for select countries while raising them sharply for others. Nations like Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia benefit with just 10% duties, while others—Lesotho (50%), Madagascar (47%), and South Africa (30%)—face steep penalty.
For Nigeria, the shake-up is mixed. Its exports to the US will now attract a 14% tariff from April 9—down from the 28% it currently charges US imports. While not exactly favourable, this balance shift could influence local policy as Nigeria reassesses its trade strategy. The policy announcement coincides with uncertainty around the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is up for renewal in September 2025.
Trump is framing the move as an economic reset, declaring: “April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn.” But as winners and losers emerge from this tariff reshuffle, African economies may need to recalibrate quickly to avoid long-term disadvantages in US trade relations.
PalmPay Rolls Out Debit Card, Eyes 35 Million Users
PalmPay is stepping into the card payment space with the launch of its new debit card in partnership with Verve. The rollout adds a physical touchpoint to its growing digital ecosystem, allowing users to sign up easily through the app and receive the card nationwide. Features like contactless payments and merchant rewards aim to enhance user engagement and loyalty.
With over 35 million users, PalmPay sees a major opportunity to turn a large chunk of them into cardholders. The company’s decision to waive maintenance fees positions the card as accessible and cost-effective, particularly in a cash-light economy. A new “PalmPay Premium” tier has also been introduced for heavy users, offering perks like priority support and advanced banking tools.
PalmPay’s move reflects its ambition to dominate Nigeria’s fintech landscape. With 15 million daily transactions and operations across four African countries, the brand is now expanding its reach into business tools—offering APIs and smart POS systems to further embed itself in digital commerce
Sterling Bank Goes Fee-Free, Sparks Banking Shift
Sterling Bank has shaken up Nigeria’s financial sector by scrapping charges on all local digital transfers. The new zero-fee policy, effective immediately for mobile app users, positions the bank as a customer-first institution at a time when economic pressures are squeezing personal finances.
Obinna Ukachukwu, the bank’s Executive Director of Growth, said the move is part of a broader mission to “redefine banking” for everyday Nigerians. Rather than frame it as a marketing gimmick, Sterling is positioning the change as a direct response to inflation and the high costs of digital transactions, which often come with hidden fees and stamp duties.
Rival banks currently charge between ₦10 and ₦50 per transfer, plus taxes. Sterling’s bold step could force others to follow suit or risk losing customers seeking more affordable options. If the trend catches on, the industry may be looking at a significant shift in how banks generate revenue from everyday users.
Nigeria Approves ₦20B to Regulate Space Activities
After more than 20 years without formal regulation, Nigeria is finally enforcing rules in its space sector. President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦20 billion for the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to begin overseeing space activities across three layers: deep space, satellite operations, and ground services.
A digital licensing platform is already live, targeting satellite image providers, telecom operators, GIS firms, and broadcasters. This marks the first concrete step toward structured oversight in an industry with growing importance for security, communications, and commerce. Unregulated satellite use has long posed risks, and NASRDA is now equipped to limit potential misuse by rogue actors.
The agency says proper oversight could generate revenue from key sectors like oil, telecoms, and maritime—industries that increasingly rely on space-based infrastructure. The move signals Nigeria’s intent to not only catch up in global space governance but also to monetise it effectively.
NITDA Partners with Doballi to Take Nigerian Developers Global
Nigeria’s tech talent is getting a global lift thanks to a new partnership between NITDA and AI-driven hiring platform Doballi. The deal is designed to connect Nigerian developers with international remote jobs, positioning them for success in highly competitive global markets.
Under the partnership, NITDA will supply trained, job-ready candidates who meet global standards. Doballi, in turn, has waived its usual $150 onboarding fee for Nigerian applicants, lowering the barrier to entry. Participants will also get access to certification support, cross-cultural training, and performance dashboards.
This collaboration reinforces Nigeria’s growing reputation as a tech talent hub. It also offers policymakers real-time workforce data that could shape national education and innovation strategies. As more developers land international gigs, the ripple effect could be felt in both remittance flows and skill development at home.
