Hello,
Victoria from Techpoint here, bringing you today’s key developments in the tech world.
- IHS Towers completes $274.5 million exit from Rwanda
- Meet the Nigerian-American doctor innovating AI to protect vision
- ChatGPT subscription prices increase for Nigerian users
IHS Towers Sells Rwanda Operations for $274.5 Million
Industry insiders have confirmed that IHS Towers is officially exiting the Rwandan market after more than ten years of operation. On October 9, the US-based telecom infrastructure leader announced the sale of its entire portfolio of approximately 1,467 tower sites in Rwanda to Paradigm Tower Ventures, a newcomer dedicated to expanding wireless infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa. The transaction is valued at around $274.5 million.
This divestment signals a strategic retreat by IHS from East Africa as it reallocates resources to boost shareholder returns in other regions.
Initially revealed in May 2025, the deal has now been finalized, positioning Paradigm as Rwanda’s foremost independent tower operator. Through its investment vehicle, Paradigm Infrastructure Holdings (PIH), the company aims to enhance network reach and improve connectivity quality for millions of Rwandans.
Stephen Harris, Paradigm’s co-founder and chairman, emphasized their commitment to sustainable telecom growth in Rwanda. “We intend to optimize existing infrastructure efficiency while championing environmental responsibility and expanding mobile access,” he stated on October 13, 2025.
Globally, IHS manages over 37,000 towers across seven countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. However, it has been steadily scaling back its East African footprint. Its Rwandan assets, which support major operators like Airtel and MTN, were among its earliest acquisitions following the purchase of MTN’s towers in 2013 and Airtel’s in 2014. Over the years, IHS more than doubled its tower count in Rwanda, maintaining an annual growth rate close to 10%.
For Paradigm, this acquisition is a pivotal move to bridge Rwanda’s digital divide. Despite 4G coverage reaching 95% of the population, only about half have internet access. The government’s initiatives to boost rural connectivity and densify urban networks stand to gain from Paradigm’s investment.
Priced at roughly 8.3 times adjusted EBITDA, the $274.5 million deal offers IHS a profitable and clean exit, while Rwanda secures a dedicated partner to advance its digital infrastructure ambitions. The benefits of Paradigm’s stewardship will become evident in the years ahead.
Nigerian-American Doctor Harnesses AI to Transform Eye Care
At the forefront of AI-driven healthcare innovation, Dr. Stephen Odaibo is revolutionizing eye care through his pioneering startup, Retina AI Health. Born and raised in Ilorin, Nigeria, before relocating to the United States at 17, his multicultural background informs his unique approach.
Reflecting on his early years, he shared with Techpoint Africa, “My education at University Primary School and Federal Government College Ilorin laid a strong foundation before I moved to the US.” These experiences have shaped his distinctive perspective.
Dr. Odaibo’s academic path is unconventional. Instead of beginning with biology, he pursued mathematics, completing an accelerated program that awarded him both bachelor’s and master’s degrees by age 21. He later transitioned to computer science and then medicine, showcasing remarkable intellectual agility.
Currently, Odaibo leads Retina AI Health, which utilizes artificial intelligence to identify diseases through retinal scans. “A simple eye examination can reveal risks for conditions like Alzheimer’s and heart disease,” he explained. The startup’s primary focus is combating diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of blindness globally. Their goal is to deliver rapid, precise, and affordable diagnostics, especially in regions lacking retina specialists.
Beyond this, Odaibo is developing Deep EigenMatics, an AI-powered platform for drug discovery. His ongoing innovations promise a bright future for AI applications in medicine. For an in-depth profile, check out Asukwo’s feature on Techpoint Africa.
ChatGPT Subscription Prices Rise for Nigerian Customers
Effective November 1, 2025, OpenAI will implement a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all its services in Nigeria. As a result, subscribers to ChatGPT Plus and other paid OpenAI products will see an increase in their monthly fees. This adjustment aligns with Nigeria’s VAT regulations, specifically Section 10 of the Value Added Tax Act (2004, as amended) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s Circular 2021/19, which requires foreign digital companies to collect VAT from Nigerian consumers.
OpenAI has encouraged users to update their accounts with their Tax Identification Number (TIN) to ensure proper tax compliance. This initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to enforce VAT collection on international digital service providers. Major tech companies like Google, Netflix, Amazon, and Meta have already adopted similar measures, collectively generating around ₦600 billion in tax revenue last year.
For users, the ChatGPT Plus subscription will rise from ₦31,500 ($20) to ₦33,862.50 ($22.43) inclusive of VAT. While the increase is modest, it contributes to the overall rise in digital service costs in 2025. Startups relying on OpenAI’s platform, such as Decide and ChatATP, may experience tighter profit margins as a consequence.
To ease the impact, OpenAI recently launched a more affordable ₦7,000/month subscription tier for Nigerian customers, aiming to lower the financial barrier. Nonetheless, this development highlights the growing influence of digital taxation in Nigeria and its implications for both consumers and businesses.
Government officials emphasize that this is not a new tax but part of ongoing fiscal reforms to streamline existing levies. Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms, remarked, “I challenge anyone to identify a newly introduced tax.” Still, for many Nigerians, this means slightly higher costs for essential digital tools.
In Case You Missed It
What I’m Watching
Opportunities
- SeamlessHR is hiring a Brand Specialist. Apply here.
- PalmPay seeks a Talent Development Manager. Submit your application here.
- Andela is recruiting an Advocacy and Event Community Manager. Apply here.
- TLP Advisory invites Nigerian venture-backed companies to participate in a survey on NGX listing potential. Share your input here.
- Bolt is looking for a Senior General Manager for Nigeria and Ghana. Apply here.
- Standard Bank Group is hiring a Virtual Banker for Africa China Banking. Apply here.
- Kuda Technologies is recruiting a Fraud Analyst. Submit your application here.
- Stay updated on African tech trends by joining Techpoint Africa’s WhatsApp channel here.
- Register for AWFS 2025, Africa’s premier summit for female founders, investors, and innovators, here.
- Businessfront, Techpoint Africa’s parent company, is hiring a Sales Associate. Apply here.
- Businessfront is also seeking a Managing Editor (FMCG). Submit your application here.
- Flutterwave has multiple job openings. Apply here.
- Paystack is hiring a Performance Marketing Specialist in Nigeria. Apply here.
- Paga is recruiting for various roles. Submit your application here.
- Moniepoint is hiring across several positions. Apply here.
- Founders seeking community and resources can join Equity Merchants CommunityConnect to network with peers, experts, and investors. Join here.
- Help improve Techpoint by completing a quick 30-second survey here.
- Pitch your startup or product live by submitting through this link.
- Suggest new products for Techpoint’s marketplace via this form.
- Stay informed on African tech news by subscribing to Techpoint Africa’s WhatsApp channel here.
Wishing you a productive and inspiring week ahead!