Yet one critical question has remained difficult to answer: How much is digital technology truly contributing to the nation’s economy?

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is now taking a major step to provide that answer.

The agency has convened policymakers, regulators, researchers, academics, development partners and private sector leaders to build what could become Nigeria’s most comprehensive framework for measuring the economic impact of digital technologies.

The initiative aims to provide government with credible data and evidence that can shape smarter policies, guide investments and strengthen the country’s digital economy.

The process began with the Stakeholder Engagement and Validation Workshop on the Indicators and Measurement Framework for the National Research Study on the Impact of Digital Technologies on Nigeria’s Economy: Key Growth Indicators, Gaps and Future Outlook, held at the e-Government Training Centre of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) in Abuja.

Rather than another policy dialogue, the workshop focused on agreeing on the indicators and methodology that will underpin a nationwide assessment of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Participants examined the metrics needed to accurately evaluate how digital technologies are driving economic growth, identify existing gaps and forecast future opportunities.

The framework, once validated, is expected to serve as a reference point for evidence-based policymaking, enabling government to better understand where digital investments are delivering results and where additional interventions are required.

Welcoming participants, Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA director general, represented by Mr. Olawumi Oladejo, director of the Special Duties Unit, said Nigeria’s ambition of building a globally competitive digital economy cannot rely solely on deploying technology.

According to him, sustainable digital transformation depends on credible evidence, trusted data and strong institutional collaboration that enable policymakers to make informed decisions.

He observed that Nigeria has recorded remarkable progress in digital payments, broadband expansion, digital public services, innovation ecosystems and digital entrepreneurship. However, he noted that without a harmonised national measurement system, it remains difficult to accurately assess the impact of these investments, identify existing gaps and prioritise future interventions.

Inuwa explained that the National Research Study is designed to establish a credible evidence base for understanding how digital technologies contribute to economic growth, employment, innovation, financial inclusion, improved public service delivery and national competitiveness. He added that the study would also establish a common national framework for measuring digital transformation across sectors and institutions.

He further noted that the initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s technology research ecosystem through data driven policymaking. He called on stakeholders to actively contribute their expertise to ensure that the framework is technically sound, practically applicable, the best global accepted and aligned with global best practices.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr. Saidu Mohammed Kumo, Cchairman of the Technical Steering Committee and Director of Research and Development at NITDA, added that while the nation’s digital economy is expanding at an unprecedented pace, the capacity to systematically track its impact on productivity and social inclusion has lagged behind.

To bridge this gap, a multidisciplinary network of researchers hailing from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones collaborated with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to design a rigorous, statistically sound framework.

Dr. Kumo revealed that the framework evaluates three core analytical dimensions, which include digital infrastructure and access, digital capabilities and skills, and digital adoption and the enabling environment.

These dimensions are being configurationally applied across five strategic sectors: financial services, government services, e-commerce and digital trade, telecommunications, and e-health.

To turn these concepts into actionable data, the committee proposed 81 core indicators to evaluate how digital tools are changing Nigerian society and business.

The workshop served as a vital crucible for stakeholders to stress-test these metrics, ensure they fit sector-specific realities, and eliminate any outstanding data gaps before launching the nationwide data collection phase.

In her goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Statistician General of the Federation,  Mrs. Saadatu Hayatuddeen Auwal of the National Bureau of Statistics described digital technology as the engine driving today’s economy, stressing that accurate measurement remains essential to understanding and improving its contribution to national development. She reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to supporting the initiative through technical collaboration and the production of timely, reliable and policy driven statistics.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ezedozie Adaora Ifeyinwa, commended NITDA for recognising the health sector as one of the five pilot sectors in the study. She highlighted the growing role of digital technologies including electronic health records, telemedicine and data driven disease surveillance in transforming healthcare delivery, while emphasising the need for consistent measurement of their impact on health outcomes and economic development.

She also stressed the importance of addressing challenges such as fragmented health data, varying levels of digital maturity across healthcare institutions and data sensitivity, while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with NITDA and other stakeholders to strengthen data sharing and support a more integrated digital health ecosystem.

The workshop featured technical presentations on the draft Indicators and Measurement Framework across the five pilot sectors, E-Health and Digital Health, Financial Services, E-Commerce and Digital Trade, Telecommunications, and Government Services.

Participants critically reviewed the proposed indicators, examined sector specific methodologies and offered recommendations to strengthen the framework ahead of the nationwide data collection phase.

The workshop concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to supporting the development of an institutionalised national e-governance and digital economy measurement system that will provide credible evidence for policymaking, strengthen strategic planning, attract investment and position Nigeria as a globally competitive digital economy.

The post How NITDA Plans to Put Numbers Behind Nigeria’s Digital Economy appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

These issues took centre stage at the 2026 E-Commerce and Payments Forum organised by the Africa Retail Academy of Lagos Business School (LBS), where senior operators, regulators, innovators, and decision-makers gathered to discuss practical strategies for accelerating commercial growth across Africa.

Held under the theme “Minimising Friction, Maximising Commercial Impact,” the forum was convened by Olu Akanmu, CEO Board Advisor and Executive-in-Residence at Lagos Business School, and Elo Umeh, CEO of Terragon and Executive-in-Residence at LBS; and featured insightful contributions from leading industry experts, including Melvin Onochie, Vice President, Omni-Channel Sales and Commercial Planning at Konga Group; Damilare Ogunnaike, Vice President at Moniepoint Group, Kenny Isichie, Head of Business Operation at Bumpa; Professor Uchenna Uzo; Seun Alley; Charles Ejekam; and a few other senior managers.

Delivering the keynote address, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, chief executive officer of Konga Group, challenged African businesses to rethink their approach to technology adoption, particularly in payments and cross-border commerce.

According to Prince, Nigeria has already made remarkable progress in digital payments and fintech innovation, earning global recognition as one of the world’s leading markets for cryptocurrency adoption.

However, he argued that widespread adoption by businesses in Nigeria remains significantly behind consumer usage.

“Nigeria has gone very far in online transactions and fintech innovation. The progress made by institutions such as NIBSS and the broader fintech ecosystem deserves commendation. However, there is still substantial work to be done if we are to unlock seamless international trade and scale commerce across Africa,” he noted.

One of the key themes of his presentation was the growing relevance of stablecoins in modern commerce.

While cryptocurrencies often generate mixed reactions due to concerns around volatility and regulation, Prince emphasized that stablecoins represent one of the most practical and valuable innovations emerging from the broader crypto ecosystem.

“People often become nervous when they hear the word crypto,” he said. “But every technology has two sides. Artificial Intelligence, for example, is creating enormous value, yet it can also be misused. The same principle applies to crypto. The focus should be on how we leverage the positive side of technology to create productivity, improve efficiency, and solve real business problems.”

Drawing from Konga’s experience, Prince explained how the company has successfully leveraged stablecoin infrastructure to improve business operations, access liquidity more efficiently, and overcome some of the payment challenges associated with cross-border transactions.

“Konga invested heavily in building its own infrastructure because we recognised a problem that needed solving. By tapping into available liquidity and embracing emerging technologies responsibly, we have been able to improve business processes and unlock new opportunities for growth,” he stated.

A recurring issue during the forum was trust. Participants examined how regulators, businesses, and technology providers can work together to increase confidence in digital assets and emerging payment technologies.

Addressing this concern, Prince acknowledged that trust remains a legitimate challenge but expressed optimism about ongoing regulatory developments.

“There are already guardrails being established. Both the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission are working collaboratively to create a more structured and transparent regulatory framework. That is an important step toward building confidence and encouraging responsible innovation,” he said.

He also highlighted the need for a broader mindset shift among businesses and consumers. Using a personal example, Prince recounted how he recently completed a transaction with a roadside vendor through a digital transfer, illustrating how rapidly consumer behaviour is evolving.

“The reality is that Nigerians are already embracing digital payments in everyday life. Businesses must evolve at the same pace. We need to move beyond old assumptions about cash and fully embrace the efficiencies that digital transactions offer,” he remarked.

On logistics and delivery, Onochie stressed that reducing friction across the entire customer journey, from payment to fulfilment and pricing, remains essential for sustainable growth in e-commerce.

He noted that businesses that successfully align convenience, speed, trust, and competitive pricing will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The forum concluded with a consensus that Africa’s commerce future will be shaped not only by technology itself but by how effectively organisations deploy innovation to solve practical challenges.

For Prince the opportunity is clear. Africa already possesses the entrepreneurial talent, consumer demand, and technological foundation required for transformation.

The next step is creating the infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and business confidence needed to scale those advantages across borders.

As digital commerce continues to evolve, his message resonated strongly with attendees: the future belongs to organisations that embrace innovation responsibly, reduce friction relentlessly, and build systems that enable trade without boundaries.

The post Prince Nnamdi Ekeh Says Stablecoins Can Catalyze Africa’s Commerce Revolution appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The company revealed the plans at its Delivering the Future event in Dartford, England, where it also introduced an upgraded version of Proteus, its autonomous warehouse robot.

The new Proteus can move across warehouse floors rather than being limited to loading and dock areas. Amazon said employees can now give the robot instructions using everyday language instead of technical commands.

“You tell it what needs to be done. It figures out the priority, the route, the timing,” said Scott Dresser, vice president of Amazon Robotics.

Like the current version, Proteus is designed to handle physically demanding work, including moving heavy carts over long distances. Amazon explained that the upgraded robot is being tested in its laboratories and is expected to begin operating in Europe during the first half of 2027.

Alongside Proteus, Amazon also highlighted other robotics technologies that it plans to expand across its European network. These include Vulcan, the company’s first robot with a sense of touch, and STARK, a robotic tote-handling system that works alongside employees by picking full totes from conveyors and placing them onto carts.

STARK was first tested in Barcelona and Amazon plans to deploy it at 15 sites across Europe by 2027.

The warehouse robots rollout is part of an investment programme worth more than €10 billion, Amazon said the funding will be used to expand and modernise fulfilment centres across Europe while supporting long-term growth in the region.

The company expects the expansion to create 25,000 additional jobs across its European fulfilment network over the coming years.

Amazon also announced a fresh commitment to workforce development, pledging $1 billion to its Career Choice programme by 2030. The initiative funds education and training for employees seeking careers in areas such as cyber security, software development, logistics, renewable energy and mechatronics.

More than 300,000 employees have participated in the programme globally, including 30,000 in the United Kingdom.

On the delivery side, Amazon said it will open more than 25 Sub Same-Day Delivery sites across Europe this year. The facilities bring storage, fulfilment and final delivery operations together in one location, allowing customers to place orders later in the day and still receive them within hours.

The company said the network will expand to locations including Coventry in the UK and Nürnberg in Germany.

Amazon Now, the retailer’s ultra-fast delivery service for groceries and household essentials, is also set for further growth. The service, which promises delivery in 30 minutes or less, is already available in parts of London and will expand to Manchester and Birmingham later this year.

In another update for European customers, Amazon said its Add to Delivery feature will launch in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy and France later this year. The service allows Prime members to add items to an existing order without completing a separate checkout process or paying extra delivery charges.

The company is also strengthening its grocery offering. Customers in parts of central and east London can now combine fresh food items, including fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products, with other Amazon purchases for same-day delivery.

Amazon said the investment drive follows a record year in Europe. The company invested more than €60 billion across the region in 2025, its largest annual investment in Europe to date.

The retailer also provided an update on its sustainability efforts, revealing that more than 50,000 electric delivery vans are now operating across the United States, Europe and India. That figure represents half of Amazon’s target to deploy 100,000 electric vans globally by 2030.

In Europe, Amazon and its delivery partners have now completed more than 100 million deliveries using electric cargo bikes, electric mopeds and on-foot delivery methods. These deliveries have helped avoid more than 17,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions.

The post Amazon Unveils AI-Powered Warehouse Robots, Expands Fast Delivery, Creates 25,000 Jobs Across Europe appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In response to this economic reality, e-commerce powerhouse Konga has officially announced its upcoming flagship campaign for June: the Konga Mid-Year Shopping Festival.

The campaign, which runs throughout June, will feature exclusive deals across major product categories including electronics, computing, home appliances, fashion, beauty products, groceries, office equipment, and mobile devices.

Customers are expected to enjoy significant price reductions on products from leading global brands such as Samsung, HP, Lenovo, iTEC, L’Oréal, and Unilever.

In addition to the extensive discounts, the festival will feature Flash Sales, Treasure Hunts, Live Auctions, bundle offers, and free delivery on selected products within major cities nationwide.

One of the major highlights of this year’s campaign is the expansion of KongaNow, Konga’s premium same-day delivery service.

Through this infrastructure, verified orders placed before the daily cut-off time qualify for swift delivery, helping customers and businesses receive critical purchases within hours.

The campaign is strategically positioned as a value-driven intervention for households, SMEs, and corporate organisations facing rising procurement and operational costs.

By leveraging direct partnerships with manufacturers and authorised distributors, Konga is able to offer authentic products at highly competitive prices while eliminating many intermediary costs associated with traditional retail channels.

For businesses and corporate organisations planning Q2 and Q3 procurement cycles, the Mid-Year Shopping Festival presents an opportunity to acquire essential technology infrastructure, office equipment, and operational tools at discounted rates.

Enterprise hardware, laptops, computing accessories, smart office devices, and other business solutions will feature prominently during the campaign.

Consumers will also benefit from deep discounts on smartphones, televisions, kitchen appliances, home electronics, and lifestyle products from respected global brands.

In addition, bulk purchase offers on fast-moving consumer goods are expected to provide relief for families seeking more affordable access to everyday essentials.

Speaking on the campaign, the Group Head of Marketing at Konga, Victor Oluwaleye, described the Mid-Year Shopping Festival as a strategic initiative designed to provide value, affordability, and convenience for Nigerians despite prevailing economic pressures.

“In today’s economy, consumers are more intentional about value, affordability, and trust. The Konga Mid-Year Shopping Festival was created to bridge that gap by giving Nigerians access to premium products at exceptional prices while ensuring convenience and reliability throughout the shopping process,” he said.

According to him, the campaign reflects Konga’s continued commitment to supporting businesses and consumers through a robust commerce ecosystem powered by technology, logistics infrastructure, retail outlets, strategic partnerships, and efficient fulfilment systems.

Industry observers believe Konga’s integrated commerce structure continues to distinguish the company within Nigeria’s retail and e-commerce landscape.

Beyond its digital platform, the company operates a broad ecosystem that includes seamless payment, physical retail stores, warehousing infrastructure, customer support systems, logistics operations, and technology-driven fulfilment capabilities.

This omni-channel approach allows customers to browse products online, complete purchases digitally, or walk into Konga retail outlets nationwide for personalized support and immediate transactions.

Analysts say this blend of physical and digital infrastructure has become increasingly important in building trust and improving customer confidence in the Nigerian e-commerce sector.

As inflationary pressures continue to shape consumer behaviour across Africa, experts believe campaigns such as the Konga Mid-Year Shopping Festival will play a significant role in helping consumers and businesses access quality products more affordably while supporting broader economic activity.

With strategic global partnerships, expanding logistics capabilities, and customer-focused pricing initiatives, Konga continues to reinforce its position as one of Nigeria’s leading technology-driven commerce platforms.

The post Konga Unveils Mid-Year Shopping Festival to Drive Value amid Economic Pressures appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This was highlighted on Tuesday, during a visit hosted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to the MTN head office by Angola’s INAPEM, the National Institute of Support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

The delegation was led by its Chairman, Mr. Bráulio Augusto.

The delegation was focused on studying the success of the MTN and SMEDAN mySMEville partnership. The initiative targets four core areas: information, funding, infrastructure, and markets, to support a sector that contributes 48% of Nigeria’s GDP but remains largely underserved.

mySMEville moved quickly from a strategic idea (the MOU was signed in November 2025) to a continental success.

After a pilot in Lagos onboarded 200 businesses in December, the platform rapidly grew to include over 2,600 businesses nationwide by May 2026.

This rapid expansion is essential given that 80% of Nigerian SMEs are currently informal and only 3.9% access formal credit, leaving a staggering $158 billion annual financing gap.

Emphasising the strategic necessity of this collaboration, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, stated:

“At MTN Business, our ambition is clear: to serve as the leading technology partner enabling Africa’s enterprises to scale, compete, and create sustainable impact. We are intentionally building platforms that matter, solutions that scale, and ecosystems that accelerate inclusive economic growth across the continent.

“This is why initiatives such as mySMEVille are strategically important to us. SMEs remain the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening national competitiveness. Through our partnership with SMEDAN, we are focused on unlocking the full potential of these businesses by providing access to guidance, digital tools, market opportunities, financing ecosystems, and workforce support.”

Supporting this view, Dr Charles Odii, director-general of SMEDAN, said that the initiative represents the future of business on the continent, asserting that “What we are witnessing here is a formidable force for economic progress. Through this deliberate Public-Private Partnership, Nigeria is aligning its public and private sectors to lead the way for Africa.”

Olatunbosun Agosu, Senior Specialist, ICT Segment Management, MTN Business demonstrated with a live demo, how the mySMEville platform, a joint effort by MTN and SMEDAN, is the “one-stop orchestrator” for Nigeria’s 40 million small businesses.

The platform is an intuitive, centralised platform that bridges the $158 billion funding gap and digital divide. By aggregating diverse partners, it gives entrepreneurs direct access to funding, infrastructure (like solar power), e-commerce tools, and essential growth information.

INAPEM’s Chairman, Mr. Bráulio Augusto, confirmed that Angola intends to adapt the framework to its own economic reality.

Reflecting on the visit, the Chairman stated during his remarks, “The key thing I learned here is the strength of the public and private sector partnership. mySMEville clearly shows what’s possible, and we will absolutely use these insights as we adapt this model back home in Angola.”

Looking ahead, the partnership aims to reach a monumental target of 5 million MSMEs through the mySMEville Academy, e-commerce integrations, and national policy advocacy.

As the platform continues to grow into a “one-stop shop” for resources, it’s clear that Africa’s future depends not on luck, but on the smart, collaborative work of partners like MTN and SMEDAN.

The post mySMEville: How MTN and SMEDAN are Closing Nigeria’s $158 Billion Funding Gap for 40 Million MSMBs appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The European Commission confirmed the penalty on Thursday, saying the Chinese e-commerce company did not properly identify and manage risks linked to products sold to EU consumers.

The case sits under the Digital Services Act, a law that governs large online platforms.

The Commission opened its investigation in 2024, shortly after Temu expanded further across Europe. It followed complaints from the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and 17 of its national members.

Regulators said those complaints pointed to unsafe goods circulating widely on the platform.

Officials also carried out mystery shopping tests. A high number of phone chargers failed basic safety checks, while several baby toys also contained chemicals above legal limits or created choking risks.

The EU said Temu did not go far enough in assessing how its systems might increase those risks. It pointed to product recommendation tools and influencer-linked promotions that could push more unsafe goods into view.

Henna Virkkunen, a European Commission official responsible for technology, criticised the company’s approach.

She said “the company’s assessment of its risks leaves regulators, users, and the public in the dark about the true scale of potential harm posed by illegal products sold on Temu,”

“Now it is time for Temu to comply with the law,” she added.

The Commission said the platform must now submit a compliance plan by August 28, 2026. Officials will review the plan two months after submission to decide if Temu has met its obligations.

Temu responded to the decision and rejected parts of the findings. A spokesperson said: “Temu respects the objectives of the Digital Services Act and the need for clear, consistent rules across the digital economy. However, we disagree with the European Commission’s decision and consider the fine to be disproportionate,”

The company added: “The decision relates to our first DSA assessment in 2024 and does not reflect the current state of our systems. Temu engaged constructively with the Commission throughout the process and has since taken further steps to strengthen risk assessment, platform governance, and user protection,”

Temu also said it would continue to work with regulators and consider its options.

The penalty is the second enforcement action under the Digital Services Act. It is also the largest fine issued so far under the law. The first was against X, which faced a penalty over transparency issues.

The law requires large platforms to identify and reduce systemic risks. It also demands stronger oversight of illegal or harmful products, along with clearer information on how recommendation systems operate.

Beyond Temu, the EU investigation also revealed issues about low-cost imports from China. Officials have been placing focus on large online marketplaces as part of trade and consumer protection efforts.

Other platforms are also under review. Shein and AliExpress are both facing separate investigations linked to unsafe or counterfeit goods.

Meanwhile, JD.com is under examination over its planned purchase of German retailer Ceconomy, with regulators questioning whether foreign subsidies may distort competition.

There is also a policy debate inside the EU, with officials discussing new trade and industrial measures aimed at balancing competition with Chinese e-commerce firms and protecting local businesses.

The issue has also reached the global level. In the United States, Temu stopped shipping directly from China after a policy change closed a duty exemption on low-value imports.

The post Temu Fined $232 Million by EU Over Illegal and Unsafe Product Sales Under Digital Services Act appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Shein accused Temu of using thousands of its product photographs to sell copied versions of Shein-branded clothing on Temu’s platform. 

The company told the court that Temu tried to benefit from Shein’s market position by reproducing images created by Shein employees.

“This was an attempt to steal a march on an existing participant in the market, and Temu has sought to obtain, we say, an unfair advantage,” Shein’s lawyer Benet Brandreth said in court.

The trial is expected to run for two weeks and is part of a case between both companies across several countries, including the United States.

During proceedings, Shein’s legal team said Temu had withdrawn part of its defence covering almost 2,300 disputed photographs. Brandreth compared the decision to “the defendant waiting to see if the witnesses will turn up, only to plead guilty”.

Temu denied the allegations and argued that Shein’s lawsuit was not simply about protecting copyright. Its lawyers said the case was aimed at slowing down a rival that has grown rapidly in global online retail.

Temu, owned by PDD Holdings, has also filed a counterclaim against Shein. The company is seeking damages after Shein secured a court injunction that forced thousands of Temu product listings offline.

At the centre of the counter-claim is Temu’s accusation that Shein tied suppliers into exclusive agreements, making it harder for competitors to access manufacturers. That competition law dispute is expected to go to trial next year.

The court case is happening at the same time that both companies are facing pressure from regulators in Europe and the United States. Authorities have increased investigation over supplier treatment, product safety, labour standards and the flood of low-cost parcels entering Western markets.

Temu is currently under investigation in the European Union over possible breaches of product safety regulations. Shein, meanwhile, is still being questioned about labour practices within its supply chain as it works towards a possible London stock market listing.

The companies have built huge international businesses by selling ultra-cheap fashion, accessories and household goods directly to shoppers online. Their rapid growth relied heavily on customs exemptions for low-value imports, which helped keep prices low.

That advantage has started to get weaker. The United States removed its de minimis customs exemption for low-value e-commerce parcels in 2025, increasing costs for retailers shipping directly from China. 

The European Union is also preparing to end similar exemptions in July 2026, a move that could affect the expansion plans of both companies.

The issue has already spread beyond Britain. Shein sued Temu in the United States last year over alleged copyright infringement, while Temu later filed its own case accusing Shein of disrupting its marketplace through what it described as “unwarranted notices”.

Although the London case focuses on copyrighted photographs and copied designs, the result could stretch further. 

The post Shein and Temu Clash in London Court Over Copyright, Competition Issues appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

FedEx dropped as much as 7.4% during trading, its steepest fall in over a year, while UPS followed, sliding up to 8.9%. 

Forward Air and GXO Logistics both recorded double-digit declines, while Old Dominion Freight Line fell more than 5%.

The reaction came within hours after Amazon announced that it would open its logistics network to businesses beyond its marketplace.

With such a wide scope, the company plans to offer freight, warehousing, fulfilment and parcel delivery as a single service to external clients.

Amazon has spent years building warehouses, delivery stations and air capacity to speed up its own orders. Now, it wants to use spare capacity to move goods for other companies, even when those goods have nothing to do with its retail platform.

In practical terms, this puts Amazon in direct competition with long-established carriers. It also stretches into areas handled by freight brokers, warehouse operators and trucking firms. 

The market reaction shows how seriously investors are taking that risk.

Amazon said customers could range from industrial groups like 3M to retailers such as Lands’ End, showing it is not targeting a niche. Rather, it is going after the expansive logistics market.

Morgan Stanley analyst Ravi Shanker wrote, “The announcement could be a watershed moment for North American freight transportation companies.”

Others see a longer build-up behind this move. Nate Skiver, founder of LPF Spend Management, said, “Amazon has been heading in this direction for several years, offering portions of its supply chain capabilities as services to non-Amazon sellers.” 

He added, “Bringing its end-to-end capabilities to market in a unified service offering stands to disrupt the US logistics market.”

The issue is not just about parcel delivery, as air freight firms, trucking companies and even rail and ocean shipping operators could feel the pressure if Amazon scales quickly. 

Its advantage lies in adequate management, as it owns large parts of the network, from storage to last-mile delivery.

Competitors are facing a company with deep pockets, existing infrastructure and a track record of cutting delivery times. Investors responded fast, and the sell-off reveals that.

However, Amazon still needs to prove it can run this as a standalone service at scale.

The post Amazon Logistics Expansion Wipes Billions Off FedEx, UPS Stocks appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The company said businesses will now be able to move, store, and deliver goods using its existing supply chain systems, including ocean freight, air transport, ground haulage, warehousing, and parcel delivery. The service is available to firms across sectors, such as retail, healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing.

Amazon described the rollout as an expansion of tools it has already been using internally and with third-party sellers for years. It pointed to its Fulfilment by Amazon system, which has supported independent sellers since 2006. Those sellers have shipped more than 80 billion units through Amazon’s network.

Over time, Amazon added more logistics functions beyond fulfilment centres. That includes cross-border shipping, customs handling, and bulk storage. The company said it now moves billions of items annually for selling partners.

Peter Larsen, vice president of Amazon Supply Chain Services, said the system builds on long-term infrastructure investment.

“Amazon is bringing the infrastructure, intelligence, and scale of its supply chain services, proven over decades, to businesses everywhere, much like Amazon Web Services did for cloud computing,” he said.

“Supply chain wasn’t just a function at Amazon, it was core to providing an exceptional shopping experience. Our differentiator. The reason we could offer fast, dependable delivery that nobody else could. 

“And with the launch of ASCS, we’re confident we can give any other business access to the same cost efficiency, reliability, and speed that we’ve built for Amazon customers.”

Several large companies are already testing the service, including Procter & Gamble, using Amazon’s freight network to move raw materials and finished goods across its operations.

3M is also using the system to transport products from factories to distribution centres worldwide, while Lands’ End said it is using Amazon’s unified inventory system to manage orders across multiple sales channels.

Again, American Eagle Outfitters is using Amazon’s parcel delivery network for online orders across its brands.

Andrew McLean, chief executive of Lands’ End, said the system improves delivery timing for customers.

“Amazon is one of our key ecommerce partners, and we’re excited to leverage Amazon Supply Chain Services to position inventory closer to customers so we can reach them even faster,” he said. 

“This consistency is central to our solutions-based approach, enabling us to serve customers with confidence and agility, especially during peak seasons.”

Amazon said the system is built around three main services, which are freight transport, inventory distribution, and parcel delivery.

Freight covers movement by air, sea, road, and rail, with tracking and customs support included. Distribution allows companies to store stock closer to demand and fulfil orders across different sales channels. 

Parcel delivery provides nationwide shipping with two to five-day delivery windows, including weekend operations.

The company further noted that businesses will also get access to a central platform to manage services and shipments.

Amazon also highlighted early results from sellers already using its logistics tools, saying some businesses recorded higher sales after integrating supply chain services, alongside lower operating costs.

Independent sellers are a big part of Amazon’s logistics network. They now move billions of products each year through its system, supported by fulfilment centres and transport operations across regions.

Some sellers said the expansion reduces operational pressure. One business founder said:

“Amazon has added value at every stage of our supply chain from cross-border logistics to warehouse storage and parcel shipping,” said Todd Bairstow, founder of Finer Form. 

“We’ve been able to save money, eliminate operational complexity, and it’s given us more time to focus on what matters: building our brand. Honestly, there wouldn’t be a Finer Form without Amazon.”

Amazon said the new service builds on the same infrastructure it developed for its own retail operations, adding that it now wants to make that system available to any business, not just those selling on its marketplace.

The post Amazon Launches Supply Chain Services, Opens Logistics Network to Global Businesses appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the NCC, announced the initiative during the formal inauguration of the council in Lagos on Thursday, describing it as a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

According to Maida, the establishment of the council signals Nigeria’s intention to play a stronger leadership role in the next evolution of the internet, where speed, scalability, security, and smart connectivity will define economic success.

Nigeria Trails Global IPv6 Adoption

Maida disclosed that Nigeria’s current IPv6 adoption rate stands at approximately five per cent, significantly below the global average, which is above 40 per cent according to industry measurements from global internet analytics platforms such as Google and APNIC.

IPv6, or Internet Protocol version 6, is the latest version of the internet protocol that enables devices to communicate online. It was developed to replace IPv4, whose limited address capacity has become increasingly inadequate in a world driven by smartphones, connected devices, smart cities, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

While IPv4 supports about 4.3 billion unique addresses, IPv6 provides an almost unlimited pool of addresses, roughly 340 undecillion addresses, making it critical for the future digital economy.

Maida warned that Nigeria must urgently close the adoption gap.

“IPv6 is no longer optional. It is a strategic necessity for national competitiveness, security, innovation, and economic sovereignty,” he said.

Why IPv6 Matters Now

The NCC boss explained that the rapid growth of 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), data centres, fintech platforms, AI-driven applications, and digital public services is placing increasing pressure on legacy IPv4 systems.

Globally, billions of connected devices are expected to come online over the next few years. Industry forecasts estimate that IoT devices alone could exceed 30 billion worldwide before the end of the decade.

Experts say IPv6 enables more efficient routing, lower network complexity, better end-to-end connectivity, and improved security integration compared with older IPv4 systems.

For Nigeria, Africa’s largest digital market by population and one of the continent’s fastest-growing internet economies, the transition is seen as critical to sustaining long-term digital growth.

Council to Drive National Deployment Strategy

Maida said the newly inaugurated council would coordinate implementation of a National IPv6 Deployment Strategy with clear, measurable timelines.

Its mandate includes positioning Nigeria among Africa’s leading IPv6-enabled countries within the next three years.

The council’s immediate priorities include:

• Establishing a national monitoring and reporting framework with quarterly progress reviews and annual reports
• Promoting professional training and certification for IPv6 engineers
• Driving migration of public sector digital platforms to IPv6-ready systems
• Removing deployment barriers for telecom operators, internet service providers, data centres, banks, and enterprise networks
• Recommending incentives and regulatory measures to accelerate adoption

He stressed that successful migration would require collaboration across regulators, telecom companies, academia, technology communities, and government institutions.

“No single stakeholder can achieve this transition alone,” Maida stated.

NCC Partners AFRINIC, Industry Stakeholders

The NCC also revealed that it has already laid groundwork for migration through strategic partnerships, including collaboration with the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC), Africa’s regional internet registry responsible for IP address resources.

These partnerships, according to Maida, have supported technical capacity-building programmes across both the public and private sectors.

Operators Yet to Fully Deploy IPv6

Speaking at the event, Muhammed Rudman, chief executive officer of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), noted that one of the biggest barriers to migration is the continued usability of IPv4.

He explained that many operators still rely on legacy infrastructure and therefore do not feel immediate pressure to migrate.

According to Rudman, Nigeria has more than 200 Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) and over 100 networks with IPv6 allocations, yet only a limited number are actively deploying IPv6 services to customers.

“Many operators have IPv6 capability, but it has not been deployed in a meaningful way,” he said.

He added that widespread dependence on Network Address Translation (NAT), a workaround that allows multiple users to share scarce IPv4 addresses, has created issues around performance, traceability, and security.

Targets for 2030

Rudman said the council’s national roadmap sets ambitious but realistic targets, including:

• At least 20% IPv6 compliance across government networks by 2027
• 25% active IPv6 deployment among telecom operators
• Approximately 30% nationwide adoption by 2030

The council also plans to train at least 50 professionals in IPv6 engineering by October through partnerships with universities, training institutions, and regional technical bodies.

He acknowledged that skills shortages remain a challenge, particularly due to migration of trained professionals abroad, making continuous talent development essential.

Digital Sovereignty at Stake

Technology policy expert Chris Uwaje said Nigeria must move beyond dependence on outdated digital systems if it intends to compete in the emerging global technology order.

According to him, IPv6 adoption is not merely a technical upgrade but a national strategic imperative tied to sovereignty, innovation, and domestic capability building.

“This is about building the future internet on Nigeria’s own terms,” Uwaje said.

A Strategic Turning Point

The launch of the Nigeria IPv6 Council comes at a time when nations are increasingly investing in resilient digital infrastructure to support innovation, e-commerce, fintech, smart governance, and cybersecurity.

For Nigeria, analysts say accelerating IPv6 adoption could unlock new efficiencies, strengthen national networks, and better position the country for the next wave of technological advancement.

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