Nigeria is planning to manufacture smartphones domestically rather than relying solely on imports, as discussed in a recent episode of Techpoint Digest. The episode also covers a new court ruling in Kenya that complicates layoffs, a ruling against a website blocking law, and a legal examination of WhatsApp delivery receipts in Kenya.

According to Vanguard Business, stakeholders in Nigeria's automobile and maritime sectors have identified delays and high clearing costs as significant factors driving car importers to use neighboring countries' ports and engage in smuggling. The Nigeria Customs Service reported the seizure of 870 smuggled vehicles valued at N3.88 billion over a 15-month period.

Importers and clearing agents in Nigeria are expressing concerns over high demurrage costs at seaports, which they attribute to delays caused by the National Single Window (NSW) platform affecting cargo clearance. According to Lucky Amiwero, the National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, importers are incurring daily demurrage fees of N100,000 due to these prolonged processes.

Rising fuel prices and increasing transport costs are severely affecting businesses and trade in border communities between Zamfara State in Nigeria and the Niger Republic, according to Punch. The report highlights the economic strain on commercial activities in these areas, where cross-border trade plays a significant role in local livelihoods.

MTN Nigeria has highlighted the ongoing issue of SIM-swap fraud in Nigeria's digital economy, despite various efforts to tackle the problem through discussions and conferences. The telecom company claims to have a lasting solution and is advocating for banks to contribute to the costs of telecom-powered security checks to combat this fraud.

Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blamed Chinese dealers for the country's growing counterfeit goods crisis, according to Punch. The agency alleges the dealers are involved in local production and distribution of fake products. The claims have sparked backlash, with the agency's statements drawing criticism amid the ongoing counterfeiting surge.