Hello,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what’s on the radar today:
- IHS Towers completes $274.5M exit from Rwanda
- The ophthalmologist harnessing AI to protect vision
- ChatGPT users in Nigeria face increased fees
IHS Towers Sells Rwandan Operations for $274.5 Million
Industry insiders confirm that IHS Towers is officially withdrawing from Rwanda 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 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 strategic divestment signals IHS’s full retreat from the East African region as it refocuses on maximizing shareholder returns.
Initially revealed in May 2025, the agreement has now been completed, positioning Paradigm as Rwanda’s foremost independent tower operator. Through its investment vehicle, Paradigm Infrastructure Holdings (PIH), the company aims to broaden network reach and enhance connectivity for millions of Rwandans.
Stephen Harris, Paradigm’s co-founder and chairman, emphasized their commitment to upgrading Rwanda’s telecom infrastructure with sustainability in mind. “Our priority is to optimize existing assets for greater efficiency and environmental responsibility, while boosting mobile network coverage and reliability,” 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 gradually scaling down its East African footprint. Its Rwandan operations, which include towers serving Airtel and MTN, were among its most established after acquiring MTN’s towers in 2013 and Airtel’s in 2014. Over the years, IHS expanded its tower count by roughly 10% annually.
For Paradigm, this acquisition represents more than just infrastructure ownership; it’s a step toward bridging Rwanda’s digital divide. Although 95% of the population has 4G coverage, internet access remains limited to about half the country. The government’s efforts to extend connectivity to rural communities and densify urban networks could be significantly supported by Paradigm’s new assets.
Valued at approximately 8.3 times adjusted EBITDA, the $274.5 million deal reflects a premium over IHS’s overall group valuation. This marks a profitable and clean exit for IHS, while Rwanda welcomes a fresh player poised to advance its digital transformation ambitions. Only time will reveal how Paradigm delivers on its promises.
Meet the Doctor Revolutionizing Eye Care with AI
In the realm of AI-driven healthcare innovation, Dr. Stephen Odaibo stands out as a pioneering Nigerian-American physician. He is the visionary behind Retina AI Health, a company leveraging artificial intelligence to transform eye disease diagnosis. Yet, before his groundbreaking work, Stephen’s journey began humbly in Ilorin, Nigeria.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared with Techpoint Africa, “My childhood was wonderful. I attended University Primary School and Federal Government College Ilorin before moving to the US at 17.” These formative experiences instilled a unique blend of Nigerian and American perspectives that continue to influence his work.
Stephen’s academic path is unconventional. Instead of pursuing biology initially, he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics through an accelerated program, completing his master’s by age 21. He then transitioned to computer science and ultimately medicine, showcasing exceptional intellect and determination.
Currently, Retina AI Health uses AI algorithms to detect conditions such as diabetic retinopathy by analyzing eye images. “A simple photo of the eye can reveal risks for diseases like Alzheimer’s or cardiovascular events,” he explained. Their mission is to provide rapid, precise, and affordable diagnostics, especially in regions lacking retina specialists.
Beyond this, Dr. Odaibo is developing Deep EigenMatics, an AI-powered drug discovery startup, signaling his ongoing commitment to medical innovation. For a deeper dive into his inspiring story, check out Asukwo’s feature on Techpoint Africa.
ChatGPT Users in Nigeria to Face Higher Charges
Effective November 1, 2025, OpenAI will implement a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all its services used in Nigeria. This means subscribers of ChatGPT Plus and other paid OpenAI products will see an increase in their monthly fees. The company states 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 (FIRS) Circular 2021/19, which requires foreign digital firms to collect VAT from Nigerian customers.
OpenAI has advised users to update their accounts with their Tax Identification Number (TIN) to ensure proper tax documentation. This move follows a broader trend of Nigeria enforcing tax compliance among international digital service providers. Giants like Google, Netflix, Amazon, and Meta have already introduced similar VAT charges, contributing approximately ₦600 billion in tax revenue last year.
For consumers, the price of ChatGPT Plus will rise from ₦31,500 ($20) to ₦33,862.50 ($22.43) after VAT. While the increase is modest, it adds to the growing list of rising costs in 2025. Startups leveraging OpenAI’s platform, such as Decide and ChatATP, may also feel the pressure on their operating margins.
To ease the impact, OpenAI recently launched a more affordable ₦7,000/month subscription tier for Nigerian users. Nonetheless, this development highlights the expanding scope 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 aimed at streamlining existing levies. Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms, remarked, “I challenge anyone to identify a newly introduced tax.” Regardless, for everyday users, the reality is paying slightly more for essential digital tools.
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Wishing you a productive week ahead!