Fourteen years after acquiring Skype, Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue the video-calling platform in May. The company is shifting its focus to Microsoft Teams, its in-house platform that has grown from just 2 million users to an impressive 320 million daily active users since its launch in 2017. The 2020 lockdown was a turning point for video-conferencing platforms like Teams and Zoom, as Skype faded into the background, becoming a relic of a bygone internet age.

The rise of Microsoft Teams can be attributed to the growing demand for video-conferencing solutions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As more people worked remotely, the need for reliable and efficient communication tools increased, and Microsoft Teams was well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. With its integration with other Microsoft tools, such as Outlook and SharePoint, Teams has become a go-to platform for businesses and individuals alike.

In other news, Nigeria's food delivery industry is experiencing a surge in new players, with startups focusing on hyperlocal delivery. This trend is expected to continue, with more startups entering the market to capitalize on the growing demand for food delivery services.

In a separate development, MTN Nigeria has recovered ₦32 billion ($21.2 million) from banks, a partial recovery of the ₦74 billion ($49.3 million) owed in USSD service charges. The intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) appears to be paying off—at least partially. However, MTN Nigeria still classifies the unpaid sum as "receivables" pending settlement in 2025.

The recovered funds offer a much-needed cash flow boost, but they do little to offset MTN Nigeria's deeper financial troubles. In 2024, the company reported an after-tax loss of ₦400.44 billion ($266.5 million)—nearly three times its ₦137.02 billion ($91.2 million) loss in 2023. The sharp decline stems from the naira's depreciation, soaring tower lease costs, and mounting foreign currency obligations.

Meanwhile, in Kenya, internet service providers (ISPs) are counting losses running into millions of Kenyan Shillings after Nairobi County officials and Kenya Power clashed, resulting in severed fibre optic cables carrying internet for thousands of Kenyan homes, businesses, and schools. The Technology Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK) has slammed the county's actions, warning of the disruption's ripple effects across hospitals, financial institutions, and essential services.

Kenya's inflation has also risen to a five-month high of 3.5% in February, driven by rising food and energy prices. Despite the increase, inflation remains below the Central Bank of Kenya's (CBK) 5% midpoint target for the ninth consecutive month. However, policymakers may need to monitor how fiscal measures impact price stability, especially if supply chain disruptions or external shocks further strain the economy.

In the world of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin's current value stands at $93,009, with a 8.46% increase in the past day and a 9.13% decrease in the past month. Ether's current value is $2,451, with a 10.14% increase in the past day and a 25.73% decrease in the past month. Ripple's current value is $2.82, with a 25.63% increase in the past day and a 7.54% decrease in the past month. Solana's current value is $170.06, with an 18.63% increase in the past day and a 25.70% decrease in the past month.

Finally, GITEX AFRICA 3rd edition is now open for registration, with the event set to take place from 14-16 April 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco. The event promises to bring together leading brands in tech, innovative startups, and tech leaders, investors, speakers, and government delegations from across Africa and the globe.