This Week in Techstoriex: Starlink on New Users, AI & Tomatoes

This week in Techstoriex, key developments span satellite broadband, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Starlink has halted new sign-ups in Lagos and Abuja after reaching capacity, raising questions about Nigeria’s internet future. The World Trade Organization projects that AI could boost global trade by 40 per cent by 2040, while Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission warns of critical flaws in Google Chrome. At the same time, Government-backed researchers are deploying AI to combat pests threatening the country’s tomato farms.

Starlink Pauses New Users in Lagos, Abuja

Starlink has frozen new subscriptions in Lagos and Abuja after its satellite network reached maximum capacity. Users trying to register are placed on a waitlist with deposits required to reserve spots.

The suspension follows June 2025’s nationwide relaunch after an eight-month ban tied to tariff disputes with the NCC. Engineers say expansion requires new satellites or local ground stations.Rising costs and NCC sanctions have slowed adoption, with user numbers falling from 65,564 in late 2024 to 59,509 in early 2025. Competition from YahClick, Tizeti, and Eutelsat adds further pressure.

AI Set to Transform Global Trade by 2040 – WTO

The WTO’s 2025 World Trade Report forecasts that AI adoption could boost global trade by nearly 40% and expand GDP by 13% by 2040.

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warns that unequal access threatens to deepen divides, as advanced economies control infrastructure, chips, and raw materials.To realise benefits, the WTO urges inclusive adoption, lower tariffs on AI-enabling goods, and heavy investment in education and digital trade agreements.

Nigerians Warned as Chrome Faces Security Flaws – NDPC

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned Chrome users to update immediately after critical flaws were discovered that allow attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Hackers could install unauthorised software, alter files, or even create new admin accounts, leaving users exposed to data theft and system takeovers.The NDPC advises urgent updates, cautious browsing, and avoiding suspicious links. With Chrome holding over 60% of browser market share, the stakes are high for Nigerian users.

Nigeria Bets on AI to Save Tomato Farms

Nigeria is deploying AI to tackle Tuta Absoluta (“tomato ebola”), a pest ravaging farms nationwide. Minister Bosun Tijani announced the push at the NAIRS public lecture.

The Tomato Ebola Research Consortium, funded by Nigeria’s AI grant scheme, unveiled a system using AI for early detection and management of tomato diseases.The initiative is part of a wider plan to build a domestic AI ecosystem that can strengthen food security, improve productivity, and place Nigeria at the forefront of African AI innovation.