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  • Africa's Tech Ecosystem Digest | Issue #6 | May 14, 2025

Africa's Tech Ecosystem Digest | Issue #6 | May 14, 2025

This Week: From Microsoft’s massive layoffs, to a hike in fees from NIMC, and exciting funding updates and can’t-miss events.

Author

Thalo Group
May 14, 2025

Hi Thalo Fam,

Welcome back to Thalo, your go-to pulse on Africa’s tech ecosystem! If you’re new here, you’ve just joined a vibrant community of innovators, dreamers, and doers shaping the continent’s future.

Last week, Meta’s Nigeria drama, Airtel’s Starlink partnership, and AI ethics debates had us buzzing.

This week, we’re diving into Microsoft’s plan to lay off around 6,000 staff globally, a hike in data modification fees from Nigeria’s NIMC, and a slew of exciting funding updates and can’t-miss events.

Let’s jump in! 🚀

This edition is sponsored by:

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In Today’s Edition

• Microsoft’s plan to lay off around 6,000 staff globally
• Nigeria’s NIMC hike in data modification fees
• New funding opportunities you should check out
• Events happening this week that you won’t want to miss

🌍 Microsoft’s plan to lay off around 6,000 staff globally

Microsoft is trimming about 3% of its global workforce, roughly 6,000 employees in its biggest round of layoffs since 2023. The move is part of a broader restructuring aimed at cutting management layers, boosting agility, and positioning the company for long-term growth.

Despite posting a strong $25.8 billion net income last quarter, Microsoft says the cuts are about staying lean while doubling down on artificial intelligence, with plans to pour up to $80 billion into AI initiatives in the 2025 fiscal year.

Here’s what people had to say;

🚀 Nigeria’s NIMC hike in data modification fees

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has raised the fee for modifying the Date of Birth (DOB) on its portal to N28,750, up from N16,340, reflecting a 75% increase.

This move has raised a lot of outrage…

💰 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Antler Nigeria launchpad

Antler is backing founders who’ve lived the problem, know their space and are ready to take the leap, even if they’re still at day one.

  • Prize pool: $100K initial investment (for 10% equity)

  • Deadline: Not Specified

  •  Apply Here →

VivaTech 2025 Showcase

Showcase your innovative startup at VivaTech 2025!

Join the official delegation for a fully sponsored trip to Europe’s largest tech and startup event.

UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund

The British High Commission Nairobi has announced the second round of the UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund, targeting early-stage AI innovations that tackle Kenya’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

  • Prize pool: up to KES 2 million per project

  • Deadline: 18 May 2025

  •  Apply Here →

📅 UPCOMING EVENTS

LAGOS SLUSH'D

Lagos Slush’D is Nigeria’s first official Slush event, a celebration of the grit and ambition of Nigerian founders, inspired by the Finnish spirit of sisu (grit and determination).

World Product Day Lagos 2025

​This event is dedicated to advancing the culture and craft of product thinking across Africa, and will bring together builders committed to building world-class solutions in local markets.

Founders Connect Live Lagos

This is the 3rd edition of the Founders Connect Live in Lagos. The theme for this year’s edition is “Momentum“.

🤝 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

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That's a wrap for this issue! We're just getting started, and we've got tons of exciting stuff planned. See you next week!

Cheers,

The Thalo Team