This Week in Techstoriex: Tech News Roundup

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

PayPal and TerraPay Partner to Accelerate Transfers Across MEA

A new partnership between PayPal and TerraPay is set to transform cross-border transactions in the Middle East and Africa. With digital payments rising in the region, the integration allows users to send funds directly from bank accounts and mobile wallets to PayPal with greater speed and convenience.

This move aims to bridge gaps in financial infrastructure and improve real-time international payments.As the MEA digital payments market heads towards a projected $422.56 billion valuation by 2030, this collaboration signals a significant stride towards inclusion. TerraPay’s network connects banks, wallets, and financial platforms to make fund transfers smoother, while PayPal brings its global payment strength to the table. Both companies aim to build a more connected and economically inclusive future for the region.

The partnership is not just about improved tech—it’s a financial empowerment initiative. According to PayPal’s Otto Williams, this alliance addresses systemic financial barriers. TerraPay’s Ani Sane echoed that sentiment, highlighting their mission to create secure, seamless global payments. This joint effort responds to the growing demand for accessible financial tools that foster entrepreneurship and personal finance mobility across MEA.

NITDA and SecDojo to Establish Nigeria’s First Cybersecurity Academy

In a major boost to digital resilience, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with French cybersecurity firm SecDojo to launch the country’s first Cybersecurity Academy. The signing took place at GITEX Africa in Morocco, with both parties pledging to build a local talent pipeline to address cyber threats and protect Nigeria’s digital economy.

The Academy will offer advanced training in cybersecurity defence, threat response, and digital forensics. NITDA Director-General Malam Kashifu Inuwa stressed the importance of integrating cyber skills into formal education and not just short-term courses. With a young and digitally inclined population, he said Nigeria has a golden opportunity to train globally competitive cyber professionals.SecDojo’s CEO Younes Benzagmout confirmed the firm’s commitment to providing top-tier digital learning tools and strategy development. The initiative will also involve research collaborations, expert exchange, and continuous professional development. This partnership positions Nigeria to take charge of its digital future by creating a skilled cybersecurity workforce ready to defend national interests.

WAEC Unveils Nigeria’s First Computer-Based School Exam

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is going digital. In a landmark move, it announced the first-ever computer-based WASSCE for school candidates in Nigeria, scheduled from April 24 to June 20, 2025. Head of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, said the shift will improve exam integrity and reduce cheating, as no two candidates will receive identical questions.

Close to two million students have registered for the digital exam—a rise of over 158,000 from last year. The exam will cover 74 subjects with the support of more than 26,000 teachers across the country. WAEC has assured that despite ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, it is working closely with the police and state governments to ensure smooth operations.To aid preparation, WAEC rolled out a range of digital tools including e-study portals and an e-learning hub, alongside physical resources like past question booklets. It also warned against rogue websites offering leaked papers and promised to release results 45 days post-exam, with digital certificates available within 90 days. This move marks a digital leap in Nigeria’s educational assessment landscape.

MTN Launches FibreX to Deepen Internet Access in Nigeria

MTN Nigeria has rebranded its fibre broadband service as FibreX, signalling a renewed commitment to the country’s digital future. The new identity supports Nigeria’s broadband penetration goals of 70% by 2025, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan. According to Chief Broadband Officer Egerton Idehen, FibreX reflects MTN’s modern outlook and its mission to deliver faster, more reliable internet access.The rebranding comes with aggressive expansion plans.

MTN aims to help extend the country’s national fibre optic network from 35,000 km to 125,000 km. FibreX continues to use the existing Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) infrastructure but now carries a name that is more relatable and emotionally engaging for modern users.FibreX also focuses on raising awareness in “home-passed” locations—areas already eligible for fibre connection. MTN hopes this rebrand will not only deepen customer engagement but also improve digital inclusivity across both urban and rural Nigeria. The company believes internet access is key to unlocking economic growth and innovation across all sectors.

House Orders Remita to Refund ₦182.77 Billion in TSA Shortfalls

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has ordered payment platform Remita to return ₦182.77 billion to the federal government. This follows findings from a forensic audit into leakages in the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system dating back to 2015. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) stated that SystemSpecs Ltd, which owns Remita, must refund the amount to the Central Bank’s Asset Recovery Account.Remita has served as the government’s primary TSA gateway since 2012.

According to PAC Chairman Bamidele Salam, the directive follows detailed documentation submitted by Remita and other stakeholders. The audit, conducted by Seyi Katola & Company, revealed under-refunded fees, unpaid acquirer charges, and unremitted collections totalling over ₦182 billion.The PAC praised the auditors for their diligence and highlighted the importance of fiscal transparency in government operations. This move underscores the government’s efforts to close financial loopholes and recover lost public funds. It also sends a message that accountability in public finance systems is now being taken seriously.

Join us again next week for another exciting of “This Week in Techstoriex.”