TechCrunch, a prominent US-based media outlet, has announced that it has been sold to private equity firm Regent. This marks the fourth ownership change for the publication in its 20-year history. The sale was announced on Friday, with Yahoo, TechCrunch's parent company, completing the deal.

This development comes as a significant shift in the media landscape, with TechCrunch being a leading voice in the technology and startup industries. The publication has built a reputation for its in-depth coverage of tech news, trends, and innovations, making it a go-to source for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals.

In other news, Nigeria's Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated the country's ambition to become a cryptocurrency hub. In an opinion piece published on Cointelegraph, Idris stated that the government is seeking to balance innovation with "robust" regulation. This move is seen as a significant shift in the country's stance on cryptocurrency, which has historically been met with skepticism.

Idris also revealed that the government is engaging with industry stakeholders to explore the use of blockchain technology in improving manual systems in land registries, identity management, and supply chain. This development is seen as a positive step towards creating a conducive environment for cryptocurrency businesses to thrive in Nigeria.

In related news, MTN, a leading telecommunications company, has announced that it will be cutting back on network investments in South Africa. The company plans to reduce its core network investments by R4.1 billion ($225 million) in 2025, bringing its budget to between R5.7 billion ($313 million) and R6.7 billion ($367 million). This move is seen as a surprise, given MTN's dominance in the South African market.

Meanwhile, Google has launched a new internet service, Taara, which uses lasers to provide high-speed internet to Africa's 860 million population without reliable internet service. Unlike Elon Musk's Starlink, which relies on satellites to provide internet services, Taara uses Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) technology to send narrow beams of light through the air, achieving speeds up to 20 gigabytes per second (Gbps) over distances of up to 20 kilometers.

The service is currently in its testing phase and is operational across 12 countries globally, with plans to scale its operation across Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. Taara is designed to support the existing infrastructure of other ISPs and telcos, bridging gaps where laying fiber is difficult or impossible.

In conclusion, the sale of TechCrunch to Regent marks a significant shift in the media landscape, while Nigeria's efforts to become a cryptocurrency hub and Google's launch of Taara are positive developments for the tech industry in Africa. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these developments shape the future of technology and innovation in the region.