Spotify launches ‘listening stats’ feature for weekly music recaps

Global music streaming platform Spotify has introduced a new interactive feature called “Listening Stats”, designed to give users a dynamic and shareable recap of their weekly music activity.

Phiona Okumu, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa at Spotify, announced the feature in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, describing it as a “game-changer for music conversation.”

According to Okumu, the new feature offers listeners a continuously updated view of their musical preferences. “This new data view is designed to be living and breathing — it updates every 24 hours, giving you a real-time look at your current musical direction and ensuring the freshest personalised recommendations,” she said.

Read Also: Oando CEO Wale Tinubu to champion African Energy leadership at G20 investment forum

Each week, users will receive an in-depth summary of their top artists and songs from the past month, along with curated playlists that reflect their listening habits. The feature also includes a weekly highlight, showcasing key moments such as new discoveries, milestones, or standout tracks that define a listener’s unique sound.

Okumu added that the Listening Stats feature is built for social engagement, allowing users to share snapshots, compare playlists, and explore what friends or colleagues are currently enjoying.

“Like its popular personalised siblings — Daylist, Release Radar, and Discover Weekly — Listening Stats is about exploring and defining your unique sound, making it the perfect prelude to Spotify Wrapped, our year-end celebration of music discovery,” she said.

Oando CEO Wale Tinubu to champion African Energy leadership at G20 investment forum

Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando PLC, has been announced as one of the key speakers at the forthcoming G20 African Energy Investment Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event, organized by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), will bring together global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance Africa’s energy development agenda.

Tinubu’s participation underscores the growing influence of African energy firms in shaping investment and sustainability conversations across the continent. Under his leadership, Oando has transformed from a downstream trading company into one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most integrated energy groups.

In 2024, the company completed its acquisition of Eni’s Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), cementing its status as Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil producer. Oando reported a 164% surge in profit after tax to ₦210 billion for the nine months ending September 2025, supported by a 59% increase in crude oil and gas production—figures that reflect its strong operational performance and expanding footprint in Africa’s energy market.

Read Also: AWIEF 2025 honours Africa’s top women innovators in Cape Town

Beyond oil and gas, Oando is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition through its new subsidiary, Oando Mining, which focuses on the exploration of lithium and other critical minerals vital for clean-energy technologies. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to build a strong presence in the global supply chain for battery materials.

The G20 African Energy Investment Forum aims to mobilize private capital, accelerate energy infrastructure, and strengthen Africa’s role in global investment flows. According to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, “Oando’s participation highlights the strength and maturity of African companies that are not only driving production but also positioning themselves in the global energy transition.”

Tinubu is expected to share insights on Oando’s growth strategy and its broader role in deepening Africa’s energy value chain. His session will focus on how indigenous companies can anchor investments, boost local participation, and build international partnerships to unlock new opportunities across the continent.

As the G20 African Energy Investment Forum and the G20 Summit approach, the inclusion of business leaders like Tinubu reflects Africa’s growing prominence in global energy discussions. The forum will serve as a key platform for collaboration and innovation, setting the stage for Africa’s next chapter of energy-driven prosperity.

Angola opens new FIFA-standard stadium to boost youth, talent, growth

The Government of Angola has inaugurated the new Uíge Stadium, a world-class sports and community complex delivered by Mitrelli. Built to FIFA, UEFA, and CAF standards, the 10,000-seat facility marks a major milestone in Angola’s strategy to empower youth, elevate sports performance, and drive regional development.

The inauguration was led by H.E. Rui Falcão Pinto de Andrade, Minister of Youth and Sports, alongside H.E. José Carvalho da Rocha, Governor of Uíge Province, and other senior officials. Held in the context of the commemorations of Angola’s 50th Independence, it reinforced the country’s investment in youth empowerment, and international athletic stature.

Just one month after the launch of the José Armando Sayovo Olympic and Paralympic Sports Complex in Bengo—completed six months ahead of schedule—the Uíge Stadium forms part of Angola’s broader pre-Olympic infrastructure development. These efforts aim to prepare athletes for global competition while fostering education, inclusion, and civic engagement through sport.

“What we inaugurate today is more than a stadium. It is a symbol, a commitment, and a firm step toward building a future where sports, youth, and Angolan talent walk hand in hand. These facilities were built to create dignified conditions for sports practice, fostering the promotion of talent and strengthening social cohesion,” said Minister of Youth and Sports, Rui Falcão Pinto de Andrade.”

Read Also: AWIEF 2025 honours Africa’s top women innovators in Cape Town

The project was delivered by Mitrelli’s multidisciplinary teams in Angola, working closely with local architects, engineers, and skilled workers. The project created over 800 direct and indirect jobs.

“This stadium embodies our belief that sport is a catalyst for empowerment, renewal, and sustainable development, in Angola and across Africa. It also reflects Mitrelli’s capacity to deliver not only world-class sports infrastructure, but integrated ecosystems that support community growth, including housing, water, and energy projects already implemented in the region. Delivering two major sports complexes within one month, including one completed six months ahead of schedule, underscores that commitment, said Rodrigo Manso, CEO, Mitrelli.”

Strategically located in Uíge, the stadium is designed as a multi-purpose hub for football, athletics, and cultural events. Facilities include a 105x68m natural grass pitch, six-lane athletics track, locker rooms, warm-up zones, a medical unit, and full accessibility features. Media are supported with a dedicated press center, TV/radio studios, and a 50-seat conference room. Commercial spaces built under the stands promote year-round activity and local entrepreneurship.

“The Angolan Government has been firmly investing in the development of sports infrastructure, both in the Province of Uíge and across the country,” said Alberto Biamonti, Country General Manager, Mitrelli Angola. “We are proud to be part of this national effort, contributing to the implementation of facilities that promote sports not only as a pathway to well-being, but also as a powerful driver of growth, inclusion, and opportunities for the new generations.”

In line with Mitrelli’s design values, the project prioritizes sustainability through efficient systems and locally sourced materials, ensuring that its value endures far beyond sport, supporting broader economic and social development.

OMEGA unveils countdown clock for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Excitement is building across Africa as OMEGA, the Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, unveiled the official countdown clock marking one year to go until the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) — the first Olympic event ever to be held on African soil.

The unveiling ceremony, held at Dakar Gare in the heart of the city, marked a historic milestone for Senegal and the continent. The event brought together key figures including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann, Mamadou Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 Youth Organising Committee (YOGOC), and Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of YOGOC.

IOC President Coventry hailed the occasion as a defining moment for both the Olympic Movement and Africa’s sporting future.

“Dakar 2026 was created from the vision of bringing the Youth Olympic Games to every corner of the world, placing them at the heart of Africa’s transformation,” she said. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to OMEGA for their unwavering partnership and commitment to Olympic values.”

OMEGA CEO Aeschlimann reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and its pride in supporting the first-ever Youth Olympic Games on African soil.

“It’s an honour for OMEGA to be involved in this historic IOC event,” he said. “At the Youth Olympic Games, we often see the start of remarkable athletic careers, and Dakar 2026 will be no exception.”

Read Also: Senegal’s Energy Minister to spotlight investment prospects at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025

YOGOC President Mamadou Ndiaye described the unveiling as a powerful symbol of progress and anticipation.

“With hosting taking place in Africa, this edition of the Youth Olympic Games will be unlike any other. The culture and spirit of Senegal will make this event truly special,” he said.

The countdown clock continues OMEGA’s longstanding tradition of marking milestones toward each Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the Official Timekeeper for Dakar 2026, OMEGA will provide state-of-the-art timing systems — including photofinish cameras, electronic starting pistols, and quantum timers — to ensure precise and fair competition.

Set to run from October 31 to November 13, 2026, Dakar 2026 will feature around 2,700 young athletes competing in 153 events across three venues: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. The Games are expected to inspire a new generation of African athletes and celebrate the continent’s growing role in global sport.

AfDB, Congo strengthen partnership for economic growth, integration

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Republic of Congo have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in economic diversification, infrastructure, energy, and regional integration, ahead of the Bank’s 2026 Annual Meetings to be held in Brazzaville.

A high-level AfDB delegation, led by Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, visited Congo from October 26 to 28, 2025, to discuss strategic development priorities and review progress on key joint projects. The delegation met with President Denis Sassou Nguesso and senior government officials, emphasizing the strong partnership between the Bank and the Congolese government.

Talks centered on implementing Congo’s 2022–2026 National Development Plan, which focuses on economic transformation through diversification, energy expansion, and regional trade integration. The discussions also reviewed preparations for the AfDB Annual Meetings scheduled for May 2026 in Brazzaville.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings with Jean Jacques Bouya, Minister of State for Land Use Planning and Public Works, and Ludovic Ngatsé, Minister of Planning, Statistics, and Regional Integration. The team also toured the national data centre project in Brazzaville, financed by the AfDB, accompanied by Minister Ngatsé and Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Post, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy.

Read Also: AfDB, Angola launch $125m project to boost youth entrepreneurship

Minister Ngatsé, who serves as the AfDB Governor for the Republic of Congo, described the visit as “a new stage in the exemplary partnership between the Republic of Congo and the African Development Bank.”

“We welcome the Bank’s continued support for our vision of economic diversification, agricultural transformation, and regional integration, which are central to Congo’s future prosperity,” he said.

AfDB Senior Vice President Akin-Olugbade praised Congo’s progress and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting transformative projects.

“Our discussions focused on flagship initiatives in transport, energy, and agriculture, as well as regional programs that will strengthen economic integration and support the African Continental Free Trade Area, starting in Central Africa,” she stated.

Preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings are being coordinated by a National Preparatory Committee led by Minister Bouya. A memorandum of understanding for hosting the meetings was signed in September 2025, a milestone that underscores Congo’s dedication to the event’s success.

The Annual Meetings are expected to spotlight Congo’s economic potential, infrastructure progress, and reform agenda, while positioning Brazzaville as a key destination for regional investment dialogue.

With an active portfolio of $223 million—focused on sovereign operations—the AfDB continues to support infrastructure and integration projects such as the Ndendé-Dolisie and Ketta-Djoum road corridors and the rollout of fibre-optic networks linking Congo with Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

The Bank is also advancing agricultural diversification through initiatives like the Integrated Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (PRODIVAC) and the expansion of Protected Agricultural Zones (ZAPs) to enhance food security, create jobs, and empower women and youth.

Senegal’s Energy Minister to spotlight investment prospects at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025

Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop, will lead discussions on investment opportunities and energy transformation at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Dakar from December 8–10, 2025.

Minister Diop is expected to highlight Senegal’s latest oil and gas milestones and outline how current developments are reshaping regional energy dynamics. His presentation will also explore strategies to attract new investments that will strengthen Senegal’s role as a hub for industrialization and sustainable energy growth.

Following the successful launch of the Sangomar oilfield project in 2024 and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project earlier this year, Senegal is entering a new phase of energy expansion. Plans are underway to bring GTA to full operational capacity and advance its second phase, expected to boost production to five million tons annually. The government is also seeking partners to develop the deep-water offshore Yakaar-Teranga gas field, which holds an estimated 25 trillion cubic feet of gas.

In alignment with Senegal Vision 2050, the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines is modernizing the nation’s regulatory and fiscal frameworks to attract long-term investors. A comprehensive review of investment, gas, oil, mining, and electricity codes is currently underway to create a stable and investor-friendly environment that also safeguards local interests.

Read Also: Ghana to host West Africa energy cooperation summit 2025

Infrastructure development remains central to Senegal’s energy agenda. The state-owned Réseau Gazier du Sénégal is constructing a $1 billion, 400-kilometre national gas pipeline network connecting key offshore fields like GTA and Yakaar-Teranga to industrial and power hubs across the country. Once completed, the network—capable of transporting up to 2.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually—will enable the transition of power plants from fuel oil and coal to natural gas, cutting both energy costs and carbon emissions.

On the downstream front, Senegal is pursuing the SAR 2.0 refinery expansion project, which aims to boost refining capacity from 1.5 million to 5.5 million tons per year by 2029. The $2–$5 billion investment will help meet domestic fuel demand and position Senegal as a major exporter of refined petroleum products within West Africa.

“Ongoing developments underscore Senegal’s growing role as a hub for energy investment within the MSGBC region,” said Sandra Jeque, Project Director at Energy Capital & Power. “Minister Diop’s participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference will be pivotal in linking high-impact projects with strategic investors and driving the next phase of the country’s energy evolution.”

For participation and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com
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Africa Data Centres, Wingu Africa partner to boost Pan-African connectivity

Africa Data Centres, the continent’s largest network of interconnected data facilities, has entered into a strategic partnership with Wingu Africa, East Africa’s leading provider of carrier-neutral, Tier III-standard data centres.

The collaboration marks a major milestone in Africa’s digital transformation journey, linking key East African markets — Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania — with Africa Data Centres’ extensive operations across South, West, and Central Africa.

The partnership establishes a unified digital platform that enables enterprises and service providers to expand securely and efficiently across multiple African regions. By connecting their respective networks, both companies aim to deliver a seamless experience for businesses seeking scalable, reliable, and interconnected data infrastructure.

For Wingu Africa, the alliance represents a significant leap from being a regional leader to a continental player, giving its customers streamlined access to new territories through Africa Data Centres’ footprint in seven additional markets. In turn, Africa Data Centres gains a stronger presence in East Africa, tapping into three of the region’s most dynamic and strategically important economies.

Read Also: Nigeria to host United Nations digital governance conference for first time

“This partnership marks an important milestone for Wingu Africa and East Africa’s digital ecosystem,” said Demos Kyriacou, Deputy CEO, COO and Co-Founder of Wingu Africa. “By connecting our infrastructure with Africa Data Centres’ extensive network, we enable enterprises to operate across borders with the reliability and resilience they expect. It’s about making Africa’s digital economy easier to access, more predictable, and globally competitive.”

Africa Data Centres’ customers will benefit from Djibouti’s submarine cable gateway, Ethiopia’s expanding digital economy, and Tanzania’s growing cloud and mobile services sector — all critical to advancing Africa’s digital connectivity.

“Africa’s digital transformation depends on collaboration and scale,” added Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. “Partnering with Wingu Africa allows us to extend our reach into rapidly growing East African markets, while giving Wingu customers access to our pan-African platform. Together, we’re building an interconnected ecosystem that supports innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.”

Beyond commercial benefits, the partnership supports national digital transformation agendas across Africa by promoting cloud adoption, fintech growth, and data localisation initiatives. It also aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), which calls for inclusive, secure, and scalable digital platforms as the foundation for long-term economic development.

The collaboration positions East Africa as a central gateway for global digital investment and reinforces Africa’s collective capacity to compete in the global digital economy.

Nigeria to host United Nations digital governance conference for first time

For the first time, Nigeria will host the United Nations’ flagship Digital Governance Conference, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of technology governance.

The 18th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025) will hold in Abuja from November 4 to 7, 2025, marking a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa’s growing digital ecosystem.

Organised by the United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the conference will gather more than 400 delegates from over 50 countries, including experts from government, academia, and the private sector.

Themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion,” ICEGOV 2025 underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in advancing technology-driven governance across the continent.

Since its inception in 2007, ICEGOV has been hosted in major cities such as Albany, Athens, Galway, Beijing, and Bogotá. Abuja’s selection makes it the first West African city and only the second in Africa to host the UN-backed event.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, described ICEGOV 2025 as a testament to Nigeria’s rising credibility in global technology governance.

“This moment affirms Nigeria’s place at the table of digital policy and innovation,” Abdullahi said. “Our guiding principle has always been to build digital systems that reflect our context, empower our people, and contribute to global progress. Hosting ICEGOV 2025 allows us to exchange knowledge, celebrate innovation, and work toward a more inclusive and digitally sovereign future.”

Read Also: Africa Tech Festival 2025 set to unite global innovators in Cape Town

Under Abdullahi’s leadership, NITDA has developed one of Africa’s most dynamic digital governance ecosystems, advancing data-driven policymaking, nurturing digital talent, and strengthening international partnerships. Earlier this year, Nigeria co-hosted GITEX Nigeria, reinforcing its ambition to become Africa’s leading technology hub.

ICEGOV 2025 will further that momentum, positioning Abuja as a key venue for dialogue on digital sovereignty, collaboration, and public-sector innovation.

The four-day event will feature keynote speeches, workshops, roundtable discussions, paper presentations, a doctoral colloquium, and exhibitions showcasing innovations in artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.

Two major sideline events will complement the main programme:

  • The West African Digital Governance Forum (WADGoV), scheduled for November 3–4, 2025, will convene representatives from West African countries to deepen collaboration and explore regional opportunities in digital governance.
  • The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) session will focus on refining the E-Governance White Paper, conceptual framework, and governance indicators guiding digital transformation across African Union member states.

With Nigeria hosting ICEGOV 2025, the nation strengthens its position as a continental leader in digital innovation and governance reform, while advancing the UN’s vision of inclusive and sustainable digital development.

‘We’ll fight it out if US invades Nigeria’ — Fani-Kayode warns Trump

Former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode has warned Nigerians would resist any attempt by the United States to invade the country, following a post by U.S. President Donald Trump instructing the U.S. military to prepare for possible action over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
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In a post on X on Sunday, Fani-Kayode described Trump in scathing terms and accused the U.S. leader of threatening Nigeria with “violence, military action and invasion.”
Tribune Online

“Imagine a deranged & sociopathic meglomaniac & tyrant, a recalcitrant and unrepentant schoolyard and dockside bully and a cheap and shameless godless scumbag like @realDonaldTrump threatening our country with violence, military action and invasion. What a nerve!” he wrote.

Fani-Kayode said a friend had alerted him to Trump’s comments and argued that Nigeria must not accept being treated as subordinate by Western powers. He warned Nigerians would not flee the country if the U.S. carried out its threat but would “stand their ground and fight.”
Tribune Online

Read Also: Tinubu to meet Trump over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria – Presidency

“My response to her was as follows. ‘You are right. They are evil and, if he carries out his abominable threat, there will be a war. We shall not leave the country but we will fight it out with them. We behaved like cowards and allowed them to demonise us with no response. I do not know what is wrong with Nigerians but this will be the greatest challenge they have ever faced and maybe after it is all over they will appreciate the importance of having bold, articulate and courageous leaders & disavow themselves of their accursed cowardice, ignorance, pettiness, weakness, envy & complacency.’”

He also accused Trump of aligning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and of failing to condemn atrocities elsewhere while attempting to brand Nigeria with a “genocide” tag. “Trump, a fascist & an associate of the globally recognized Hitler of the 21st century, @netanyahu, has refused to call the Israeli Zionist Nazis and the UAE-backed RSF butchers of Darfur, Sudan mass murderers and genocidal maniacs but he is calling our people the ‘killers of Christians’ and is desperately trying to label our nation with the genocide tag and create a crisis in Nigeria,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
ripplesnigeria.com

Trump’s post on his social media platform said the U.S. would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” if attacks on Christians continued and that America “may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.” He added: “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”

40 Cities with poorest quality of life

A new Numbeo 2024 mid-year report has ranked cities around the world with the lowest quality of life, citing factors such as high pollution, poor healthcare, low safety, long commute times, weak purchasing power, unaffordable housing, and extreme weather conditions.

According to the report, Lagos, Nigeria tops the global list, followed by Tehran (Iran), Manila (Philippines), Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Colombo (Sri Lanka) rounding out the top five.

The ranking underscores the ongoing urban challenges faced by rapidly growing cities in developing economies, where infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental standards continue to lag behind population growth.

Below is the full list of the Top 40 cities with the poorest living conditions:

1.            Lagos, Nigeria

2.            Tehran, Iran

3.            Manila, Philippines

Read Also: FULL LIST: Six Nigerian scientists, engineers on Biden’s honours list

4.            Dhaka, Bangladesh

5.            Colombo, Sri Lanka

6.            Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

7.            Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8.            Beirut, Lebanon

9.            Cairo, Egypt

10.          Kathmandu, Nepal

11.          São Paulo, Brazil

12.          Lima, Peru

13.          Karachi, Pakistan

14.          Jakarta, Indonesia

15.          Bangkok, Thailand

16.          Mexico City, Mexico

17.          Bogotá, Colombia

18.          Mumbai, India

19.          Novosibirsk, Russia

20.          Almaty, Kazakhstan

21.          Tirana, Albania

22.          Yekaterinburg, Russia

23.          Nairobi, Kenya

24.          Lahore, Pakistan

25.          Hanoi, Vietnam

26.          Santiago, Chile

27.          Kyiv, Ukraine

28.          Buenos Aires, Argentina

29.          Kolkata, India

30.          Skopje, North Macedonia

31.          Odesa, Ukraine

32.          Istanbul, Turkey

33.          Baku, Azerbaijan

34.          Belo Horizonte, Brazil

35.          Belgrade, Serbia

36.          Shanghai, China

37.          Thessaloniki, Greece

38.          Saint Petersburg, Russia

39.          Delhi, India

40.          Quito, Ecuador