African Tech Digest Naira Cards Return and Regulator Fines

Nigerian Banks Reopen Global Payments on Naira Cards

After a restrictive period of nearly three years, Nigerian banks are beginning to re-enter the global financial stage. Several major institutions, including Access Bank, FirstBank, GTBank, UBA, and Wema Bank, have confirmed that customers can once again use their Naira debit cards for international transactions. This change marks a significant relief for consumers who have struggled to pay for global services.

For the average user, this means direct payments for subscriptions like Spotify, Netflix, Amazon, and ChatGPT are possible again, potentially ending the reliance on virtual dollar cards or asking for help from friends abroad. However, this renewed access comes with a catch: banks are imposing spending limits, and these are not consistent across the board.

GTBank, for example, has reportedly set a new quarterly limit of $1,000 for all international spending, including online purchases and ATM withdrawals. Yet, some reports indicate that certain customers have been granted higher limits of up to $4,000, a discrepancy the bank has not yet clarified but likely relates to account type or customer history.

Other banks are taking different approaches. UBA is currently limiting international access to its Premium Naira Card holders (Gold, Platinum, World), while Wema Bank is actively promoting its Naira Mastercard as “global-ready” for platforms like eBay, AliExpress, and YouTube. This varied approach highlights a strategic, cautious, and competitive banking landscape.

The policy shift aligns with the Central Bank's efforts to manage Nigeria's foreign exchange challenges more flexibly. The initial suspension of dollar-linked Naira card usage between 2022 and 2023 was a response to severe FX pressure and high dollar demand. Now, as restrictions ease, there is a mix of excitement and caution among customers. This development signals a reopening of Nigeria's fintech space, and banks that fail to adapt may quickly be left behind.

MultiChoice Faces ₦766M Fine for Data Protection Violations

MultiChoice Nigeria is facing significant regulatory action after the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) fined the company ₦766 million (approximately $515,000) for violating the country's data protection laws. A statement confirmed that MultiChoice was found guilty of transferring users' personal data across borders without the necessary authorization, a breach of the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

This penalty follows MultiChoice's recent price reductions for its DStv and GOtv packages, a move widely seen as an effort to retain customers in a competitive market. However, the NDPC's investigation, which began in mid-2024 following complaints, uncovered serious issues. The commission's findings revealed that MultiChoice not only mishandled subscriber data but also accessed and transferred information belonging to individuals who were not customers. The NDPC labeled the data collection practices as “intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate.”

The commission mandated that MultiChoice overhaul its data processes, but described the company's response so far as “unsatisfactory,” which contributed to the substantial fine. NDPC head Dr. Vincent Olatunji issued a broader warning, stating that any platform handling Nigerian data must comply with the law or face similar consequences.

This case unfolds as other tech giants, including Meta and services like TikTok and Truecaller, are also under the NDPC's scrutiny, highlighting Nigeria's increasing focus on digital rights and data security.

South Africa's Tax Agency Deploys AI to Recover Billions

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is embarking on an ambitious plan to collect R2 trillion (~$110 billion) in tax revenue by leveraging artificial intelligence and a new high-tech command centre. According to News24, the agency is using advanced technology to track late payments and analyze third-party data to address the country's significant budget deficit.

Central to this initiative is a powerful AI system that monitors taxpayer compliance—currently at 68%—and identifies which outstanding debt cases have the highest likelihood of successful payment. This allows a dedicated team of 1,500 agents to strategically pursue R35 billion (~$1.9 billion) in overdue payments. The national command centre provides SARS with real-time data, tracking revenue collection every 15 minutes by region, taxpayer type, and case status.

Despite exceeding its revenue target in April by R645 million ($36 million), the agency fell short by over R2 billion ($110 million) in May. Nonetheless, with a newly approved budget increase of R7.5 billion (~$414 million), SARS is optimistic it can generate an additional R20 billion to R50 billion in the current financial year.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter attributed past struggles to underinvestment, particularly during the state capture era, which left the institution with outdated systems. He emphasized that the agency is now embracing technology, data science, and AI to modernize its operations. “Digitalisation isn’t a project, it’s a way of life,” Kieswetter noted, highlighting the need to stay ahead of tax evasion in an increasingly digital world.

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