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Nigeria plans nationwide AI and blockchain research centers

Nigeria has recently launched dedicated research centers focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology, marking a significant step towards technological advancement and innovation in the country.

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Nigeria has recently launched dedicated research centers focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology, marking a significant step towards technological advancement and innovation in the country.

These research centers are designed to foster collaboration between academia, industry experts, and government bodies to explore the potential applications and benefits of AI and blockchain. The initiative aims to position Nigeria as a hub for technological innovation and digital transformation in the region.

The establishment of AI and blockchain research centers underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to address societal challenges and drive economic growth. By investing in research and development, the country seeks to harness the transformative power of AI and blockchain to enhance efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity across various sectors.

The AI research center will focus on advancing machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, among other AI-related fields. Simultaneously, the blockchain research center will explore distributed ledger technology (DLT) applications, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi), aiming to unlock new opportunities for financial inclusion and transparency.

Nigeria’s strategic investment in AI and blockchain research reflects a forward-thinking approach to technology adoption and innovation. By supporting these research centers, the government aims to empower local talents, attract global partnerships, and foster a conducive ecosystem for tech-driven entrepreneurship and innovation.

Moving forward, stakeholders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem anticipate that these research centers will play a pivotal role in shaping national policies, driving industry collaboration, and advancing Nigeria’s position as a leader in AI and blockchain technology within the African continent and globally.

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7-Eleven South Korea to accept CBDC payments in national pilot program

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7-Eleven is set to participate in the testing phase of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative, running from April to June. The retail giant’s involvement highlights the growing push for digital currency integration in everyday transactions.

The pilot program will assess the feasibility of CBDC payments at 7-Eleven stores, allowing customers to make purchases using the digital currency. The initiative is part of a broader effort to explore the real-world application of CBDCs in retail environments, potentially shaping future payment systems.

As central banks worldwide accelerate their digital currency research, private sector collaboration is seen as crucial for widespread adoption. If successful, 7-Eleven’s participation could pave the way for broader CBDC usage across retail and commercial sectors.

The outcome of the testing phase will provide valuable insights into consumer adoption, transaction efficiency, and potential regulatory considerations, influencing how CBDCs are integrated into mainstream financial systems.

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SEC and Gemini ask to pause lawsuit to explore ‘potential resolution’

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and crypto exchange Gemini have agreed to pause legal proceedings as both sides explore a potential resolution to their ongoing lawsuit. The move signals a possible settlement in the high-profile case, which centers around Gemini’s now-defunct Earn program.

The SEC initially sued Gemini, alleging that the Earn program—designed to offer users yield on crypto deposits—operated as an unregistered securities offering. Gemini has pushed back against the claims, arguing that its operations complied with regulatory standards.

By pausing litigation, both parties may be looking for a compromise that could set a precedent for crypto lending products in the U.S. A settlement could also provide regulatory clarity for similar platforms navigating SEC scrutiny.

While the outcome remains uncertain, the crypto industry is closely watching the case, as its resolution could impact future enforcement actions and the broader regulatory approach toward digital asset lending services.

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GameStop finishes $1.5B raise to add Bitcoin to its balance sheet

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GameStop has successfully completed a debt offering, raising capital that may be used to acquire Bitcoin, signaling the company’s deeper foray into digital assets. The move aligns with its broader strategy to diversify beyond traditional retail operations and into emerging financial technologies.

While GameStop has not confirmed the exact allocation of the funds, market speculation suggests that a portion could be used to buy Bitcoin, following in the footsteps of companies like MicroStrategy. The potential investment would reinforce GameStop’s ongoing pivot toward blockchain and digital assets, an effort that began with its NFT marketplace and crypto-related initiatives.

Analysts see this development as part of a growing trend of corporations exploring Bitcoin as a reserve asset amid concerns over inflation and monetary policy. If GameStop proceeds with the acquisition, it could further validate Bitcoin’s role as a strategic investment for publicly traded companies.

The company’s board will ultimately decide how the newly raised capital is deployed. Investors and the broader crypto market are watching closely for any official announcements regarding GameStop’s Bitcoin strategy.

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