Feature/OPED
Battling Hyperinflation: How Savecoins Technologies Can Empower Low-Income Nigerians to Hedge Against Inflation with USDT

By Godstime Joseph Asukwo
Abstract
This paper examines the devastating impact of hyperinflation on low-income earners in Nigeria, where the Nigerian Naira has plummeted to a record low of 1,600 Naira to 1 US dollar. By analyzing Savecoins Technologies Inc.’s efforts to offer a platform for hedging savings in USDT, a stablecoin, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of such a product for this vulnerable demographic. It offers a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the challenges and opportunities, along with actionable recommendations for how we, at Savecoins, can build sustainable, long-term solutions to help Nigerians secure their financial future amidst economic instability.
Introduction
The Nigerian economy has been ensnared in a relentless cycle of hyperinflation for several years, pushing the country into a state of unprecedented economic crisis. The official exchange rate of the Naira against the US dollar, once a manageable 300 Naira to 1 USD in 2021, has skyrocketed to a staggering 1,600 Naira to 1 USD in 2024. This hyperinflationary crisis has disproportionately impacted low-income earners, severely eroding their purchasing power and making it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities.
The impact on low-income Nigerians is far more than just a matter of numbers. It’s about families struggling to feed their children, facing agonizing choices between healthcare and rent, and losing hope for a brighter future. In 2021, a family with an income of 50,000 Naira could live comfortably. Today, that same family faces a stark reality – they might only be able to purchase 1/3rd of what they could back then. This is a crisis of purchasing power, and it’s impacting millions of Nigerians.
Here is a concrete example of how prices have skyrocketed in recent years, based on real-time data:
Table 1: Inflation Impact on Essential Goods (2021 vs. 2024)
ITEM | 2021 PRICE (NGN) | 2024 PRICE (NGN) | INCREASE (%) |
50kg Bag of Rice | 20,000 | 75,000 | 275% |
1 Liter of Petrol | 165 | 1,300 | 685% |
Transportation (Bus Fare) | 100 | 500 | 400% |
Basic Healthcare Consultation | 2,000 | 4,500 | 125% |
Monthly Rent (1 Room Apartment) | 5,000 | 12,000 | 140% |
1 Crate of Eggs | 500 | 8,000 | 1500% |
Monthly Electricity Bill | 3,000 | 7,000 | 133% |
1kg of Beef | 1,500 | 3,800 | 153% |
These numbers paint a stark picture of the financial hardship faced by low-income Nigerians. A family that could afford a decent basket of food, transportation, and basic healthcare in 2021 is now struggling to meet even those essential needs.
The Impact on Low-Income Households
Consider a family with a monthly income of 100,000 Naira, a common income level for many low-income households in Nigeria. In 2021, this family could have allocated their income as follows:
Table 2: Hypothetical Family Budget (2021)
EXPENSE CATEGORY | 2021 BUDGET (NGN) | PERCENTAGE OF INCOME |
Food | 30,000 | 30% |
Rent | 15,000 | 15% |
Transportation | 10,000 | 10% |
Education | 10,000 | 10% |
Healthcare | 5,000 | 5% |
Utilities | 10,000 | 10% |
Savings | 20,000 | 20% |
Now, in 2024, due to hyperinflation, this same family faces a drastically different reality:
Table 3: Hypothetical Family Budget (2024)
EXPENSE CATEGORY | 2024 BUDGET (NGN) | PERCENTAGE OF INCOME |
Food | 50,000 | 50% |
Rent | 25,000 | 25% |
Transportation | 10,000 | 10% |
Education | 15,000 | 15% |
Healthcare | 10,000 | 10% |
Utilities | 15,000 | 15% |
Savings | -25,000 (Deficit) | -25% |
This hypothetical family is now forced to allocate almost all of their income to basic necessities, leaving them with a substantial deficit and no room for savings. This scenario is a stark reality for millions of low-income earners in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to combat hyperinflation and protect their financial well-being.
Understanding the Target Audience
Low-income earners in Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to the effects of hyperinflation. They often lack access to traditional financial instruments, including bank accounts, which can help to mitigate the effects of inflation. They rely heavily on cash and informal savings mechanisms, making them highly susceptible to the rapid erosion of purchasing power.
USDT: A Potential Hedge Against Inflation
USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, offers a potential solution to this problem. By pegging its value to the US dollar, USDT provides a stable store of value, shielding its holders from the volatility of local currencies. This makes it an attractive alternative for those looking to preserve their savings in a hyperinflationary environment.
Savecoins: Bridging the Gap
We, at Savecoins, recognize the urgent need for accessible and secure financial solutions for low-income earners. Our platform is designed to empower this vulnerable demographic by offering a simple and user-friendly way to convert part of their Naira savings into USDT, effectively hedging against the devastating effects of inflation.
The Savecoins Advantage
Savecoins utilizes a decentralized and secure blockchain-based system, offering a secure and transparent platform for managing digital assets. We are constantly working to improve user experience and provide the following features:
Ease of Use: We have designed our platform to be intuitive and user-friendly, even for those with limited digital literacy.
Accessibility: Users can access our platform on their mobile devices or through a web browser, making it easily accessible to a wider audience.
Security: We prioritize the security of user funds, implementing robust security measures to protect against fraud and cyberattacks.
Transparency: We are committed to transparency in all our operations, providing users with clear information about their transactions and account activity.
Case Study: The Adegoke Family
Let’s consider the Adegoke family, living in Lagos with a monthly income of 100,000 Naira. In 2021, they were able to save 20,000 Naira per month, as seen in Table 2. However, in 2025, as shown in Table 3, their savings have been completely wiped out due to hyperinflation, leaving them with a deficit of 25,000 Naira.
If the Adegoke family had used Savecoins to save a portion of their savings in USDT since 2021, their situation would be drastically different.
Let’s assume they saved 10,000 Naira into USDT every month starting in 2021.
Due to a significant increase in the USD to NGN exchange rate of 347.37% from 2021 to 2025, those 10,000 Naira saved each month in USDT would be worth about 44,737 Naira each by 2024.
By 2024, the Adegoke family would have accumulated about 2,147,712 Naira worth of USDT. At the 2024 market value, this is approximately 2,147,712 Naira more than their current savings situation, representing a substantial increase in purchasing power due to the dramatic change in exchange rates.
This example illustrates how Savecoins could have helped the Adegoke family preserve their purchasing power and avoid a substantial financial deficit.
The Impact of Hyperinflation: A Predictive Analysis
The hyperinflationary environment is projected to continue, further eroding the value of the Naira. This trend has far-reaching implications for low-income Nigerians, potentially exacerbating existing financial vulnerabilities and pushing many into deeper poverty.
By utilizing predictive analysis, we can model the potential impact of Savecoins on low-income earners over the next few years:
Scenario 1: No Action Taken
Without adopting solutions like Savecoins, the purchasing power of low-income earners will continue to decline at an alarming rate.
The gap between income and expenses will widen, forcing families to make increasingly difficult choices and further restricting their ability to save.
This scenario could lead to a significant increase in poverty and social unrest, as individuals struggle to meet basic needs.
Scenario 2: Savecoins Adoption
With increased adoption of Savecoins, a substantial portion of low-income earners will have access to a stable store of value, enabling them to protect their savings from inflation.
This could lead to greater financial security, improved access to essential goods and services, and a reduction in poverty.
The long-term economic impact could be significant, fostering a more resilient and equitable economy.
Building a Sustainable Future
For Savecoins to make a lasting impact on the lives of low-income Nigerians, we are building a sustainable model that addresses the unique challenges they face. Here’s how we are doing that:
Bridging the Digital Divide: We invest in initiatives to enhance digital literacy and access to smartphones in low-income communities. This includes partnering with local NGOs and educational institutions to offer training programs, providing subsidized access to mobile devices, and creating user-friendly mobile applications that simplify the user experience. We are exploring partnerships with mobile operators to offer affordable data plans and smartphone subsidies to target users.
Building Trust and Partnerships: We will strengthen our relationships with local banks, mobile operators, and government agencies. These partnerships will help us reach a wider audience, build trust among potential users, and integrate our services into existing financial ecosystems. We are also actively engaging with community leaders and local influencers to build awareness and encourage adoption.
Continuous Improvement: We will continually evolve our platform, introducing features and functionalities that meet the specific needs of low-income users. This includes:
Simplified User Interfaces: We will focus on developing intuitive and user-friendly mobile applications that cater to the needs of users with limited digital literacy.
Educational Content: We will create educational resources and campaigns that demystify financial concepts and help users understand the benefits of using stablecoins like USDT.
Risk Management Tools: We will offer tools and resources to help users mitigate potential risks associated with volatility in the cryptocurrency market.
Conclusion
Hyperinflation in Nigeria presents a grave threat to the financial well-being of low-income earners. We, at Savecoins, are committed to empowering this vulnerable demographic with the tools they need to navigate this challenging economic environment. By providing a stable and accessible way to hedge against inflation, we aim to contribute to greater financial security, enabling individuals to save for their futures and build a more resilient economy.
Success depends on addressing the remaining challenges, building robust partnerships, and continually improving our platform and services. As Nigeria continues to grapple with hyperinflation, Savecoins has the potential to become a vital tool for financial inclusion and empowerment, transforming the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Feature/OPED
Leveraging Kendrick Lamar Blueprint: How African Artists & Brands Can Maximize Global PR Impact

By Philip Odiakose
If you followed, watched, or were live at the Super Bowl you will agree with me that Kendrick Lamar’s presence at the Super Bowl was not just another high-profile performance; it was a masterclass in media influence, narrative control, and cultural imprinting. His ability to spark conversations, drive digital engagement, and shape public discourse proves the power of deliberate strategic media positioning. Through the lens of media intelligence and PR measurement, we can dissect how African artists and brands can replicate this effect to elevate their global presence. Beyond the entertainment factor, Lamar’s performance provided key lessons in media reach, sentiment shifts, and strategic PR execution—areas that African PR professionals and communicators must internalize to maximize value from major events.
PR measurement data from the event shows a surge in Lamar-related conversations across digital and traditional media. His name dominated print, web, and social trends, appearing in over 1.2 million posts within 24 hours, with a sentiment distribution leaning 67% positive, 21% neutral, and 12% negative. The performance’s impact was amplified by major media outlets covering the event in North America and Europe, as well as select African countries, particularly Nigeria and South Africa. This media traction is a testament to the significance of strategic placements, showing how a single moment can redefine public perception and commercial value. For African artists and brands, the ability to secure a presence at major global events must be seen as more than a mere appearance—it is a PR opportunity that must be measured, optimized, and aligned with long-term communication objectives.
One of the biggest takeaways from Lamar’s Super Bowl presence is the deliberate storytelling approach. He was not just performing; he was communicating a narrative. African artists and brands must be intentional about their messaging when engaging global platforms. Media intelligence specialists can help track how narratives evolve, what themes resonate with audiences, and how to pivot when necessary. Sentiment analysis also plays a crucial role, revealing how different audience segments react and allowing for swift reputation management. Many African brands struggle with post-event PR impact analysis, often focusing solely on momentary buzz without extracting long-term insights from media data.
The concept of “The Kendrick Lamar Effect” speaks to leveraging credibility, cultural influence, and performance metrics to sustain media momentum beyond a single event. African PR professionals must learn from this by ensuring that every global engagement translates into measurable brand equity. This means that artists, influencers, and corporate brands must work with media intelligence teams to quantify their impact, benchmark against industry standards, and ensure PR campaigns are not just reactive but proactive. The challenge many African entities face is the lack of structured measurement frameworks that tie media exposure to business or career objectives. This knowledge gap is where PR measurement must step in to bridge the disconnect.
A vital lesson from Lamar’s Super Bowl impact is the role of multi-channel amplification. The performance itself was one layer, but the true media influence was built through post-event interviews, media engagement, and collaborative content syndication. African PR teams must adopt an omnichannel approach to PR execution, ensuring that media exposure is not short-lived. This requires a strategic mix of traditional media placements, influencer partnerships, and digital storytelling. In PR measurement, it is crucial to analyze which media channels drive the highest engagement and conversion rates, ensuring that communication strategies are data-driven rather than intuition-based.
Looking at case studies from both African and global perspectives, we have seen how the absence of media intelligence has led to missed opportunities. Burna Boy’s Coachella moment, for instance, was a landmark global exposure, yet the post-event PR lacked the necessary follow-through in structured PR measurement. In contrast, brands like Nike and Pepsi have perfected the art of extending media relevance beyond an event moment by employing predictive analytics, sentiment tracking, and engagement mapping. This difference in execution is a key area where African PR professionals must evolve—ensuring that global opportunities do not just end with event visibility but translate into long-term influence and business value.
Beyond just media coverage, there is also the crucial aspect of audience behavior analysis. Lamar’s performance was not just about numbers; it was about how his audience engaged, shared, and created conversations. African PR professionals must shift from vanity metrics to behavioral metrics, focusing on how audience perception changes post-event. Did the media narrative drive new brand partnerships? Was there an uptick in music streaming or product purchases? These are the questions that media intelligence must answer, ensuring that PR efforts are aligned with tangible outcomes.
The overarching lesson for Africa’s PR and communications industry is that major events are PR goldmines—but only if approached with precision, backed by intelligence, and measured effectively. Lamar’s Super Bowl presence serves as a playbook for how media influence can be engineered through strategic PR planning, near real-time sentiment tracking, and multi-platform amplification. African artists and brands have the talent and potential; what remains is the intentional use of media intelligence to ensure that every opportunity is maximized to its fullest potential. PR measurement is not an afterthought—it is the foundation for sustainable media success.
Philip Odiakose is a leader and advocate of PR measurement, evaluation, and media monitoring in Nigeria. He is also the Chief Media Analyst at P+ Measurement Services, a member of AMEC, NIPR, AMEC Lab Initiative, AMCRON and ACIOM
Feature/OPED
The Future of Product Management: Key Industry Trends to Watch in 2025

By Princess Akari
If you had told me five years ago, when I was just transitioning into product management, that the role would look like this today, I might not have believed you. But after five years working as a Product Manager (PM), I’ve seen how fast the industry moves, and 2025 is set to bring even bigger changes. Product managers who stay ahead of these changes will build better products and grow their careers. Those who don’t may struggle to keep up.
Here are some key trends to watch and how to adapt.
1. AI, AI, AI!
AI has rapidly gained popularity and continues to grow in influence. For product managers, understanding and using AI tools is now becoming essential, as AI is transforming how we work. Understanding what we can achieve with AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), is essential. Some of the top use cases include content generation, customer support automation (e.g. chatbots), code assistance, research summarization, personalized learning, virtual assistants, data analysis, creative brainstorming, language translation, and much more. Also, as a PM, AI can be introduced into your product to improve user experience and in turn business outcomes.
You might be asking yourself, what can I do to stay in touch with this AI trend? You can start by learning how AI tools can improve your daily workflow, do your own research on the numerous AI tools available and their capabilities. Experiment with AI-driven analytics, user feedback tools, etc. Be very curious and get your hands on as many AI resources as possible.
I recently got an AI micro-certification from Product School. If you’re interested, You can take the course here. Recently as well, I hosted a podcast episode on building AI products, transitioning into AI, and using AI in product development. For Apple podcasts, you can listen here, and for Spotify, you can listen here. These are great resources to give you a good head start.
Other resources; deeplearning.ai, Hugging face, Alpha signal, The Neuron.
2. The definition of “Product Manager” is changing
A few years ago, we had a fairly standard definition of who a PM was and what a PM does. The role of a PM was more standardized, with a clear set of expectations and responsibilities. But as the years have come by, the world has changed and so has the role.
Today, we’re seeing an increased number of specialized PM roles. Some PMs focus on emerging technologies like AI, while others work deeply within data, design, growth, engineering, or operations. Beyond skill-based specializations, some PMs are industry-specialized, such as Fintech PMs, Healthtech PMs, or E-commerce PMs. No two PM roles look the same anymore.
Companies are increasingly hiring specialized PMs to tackle specific challenges, prioritizing specific skill sets and industry experience over conventional backgrounds. Instead of looking for a PM generalist who can adapt to anything, they create detailed role descriptions with targeted skill requirements, tailoring the role to solve specific business challenges. As a result, we’re seeing more unconventional hires stepping into PM positions because they have the exact expertise needed to tackle a company’s unique problems. This highlights an important reality for generalist PMs, specialization is becoming more valuable.
If you’re currently a generalist PM, it’s worth considering how you can narrow your focus, whether by choosing a particular industry or developing expertise in areas like AI, data, growth, design, or technical product management. The demand for specialized skills is growing, and upskilling in these areas will make you more competitive in the job market.
3. PMs are now taking ownership beyond product development
Product managers used to mainly focus on the tech team (engineers, designers, QAs, etc) to build and launch products. But these days (and even in recent years), the role has grown much bigger. PMs are now more involved in the business side of things, leading and guiding business verticals. The role now extends into profit and loss (P&L) considerations and the overall commercial success of a product. They work closely with marketing, sales, finance, and customer support to make sure the product succeeds, not just in how it’s built but also in how it’s launched, sold, and maintained.
PMs are now more involved with how the product will reach customers and profitability. They work closely with marketing and sales teams to ensure a strong product positioning and a seamless launch. It’s no longer just about building a great product, it’s about making sure it reaches the right customers, at the right time, with the right messaging. Ensuring people understand what the product does and why they should use it. This requires PMs to understand their competition, pricing strategies, and customer acquisition channels.
I am well aware that in some companies PMs are now responsible (fully or partially) for pricing and revenue strategies, just as much as the product features. They work with finance and business teams to figure out pricing options and ideas on how that business unit can make a profit. As these companies look for sustainable growth, PMs are also expected to collaborate with customer success teams to improve retention and customer lifetime value.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, product management is constantly changing and so are we as PMs. If there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s to stay curious and adaptable. We should be open to continuous learning and new ways of thinking. The more we adapt, learn, and refine our skills, the more valuable we become. There’s always something new to explore, and that’s what makes the role so dynamic.
And if you’re looking for the best place to put your product management skills to practice, join me at Moniepoint – https://www.moniepoint.com/careers
Princess Akari is a product manager at Africa’s fastest-growing financial institution, Moniepoint
Feature/OPED
Content Piracy: A Global Initiative Against a Global Enemy

By Temiloluwa Olajide
It’s no longer news that piracy is a global enemy, one that has destroyed and continues to destroy the work and livelihoods of countless creatives. From film and music to sports broadcasts and television series, piracy robs rightful owners of their earnings and threatens the sustainability of entire industries.
As a global scourge, it requires a global response and fortunately, powerful partnerships are being forged across the planet and across sectors to protect content creators and the industry they work in. These partnerships involved digital content platforms, law enforcement bodies, cybersecurity firms and tech companies, all working together to ensure the viability of the industries that inform, educate and entertain audiences.
At first glance, piracy might seem like an easy way to access free entertainment, but its consequences run deep, affecting both individuals and society as a whole. On a personal level, streaming a sports event or show from an illegal site can expose users to serious risks, such as malware infections, identity theft, or financial fraud. Hackers can gain access to sensitive information, including bank details, potentially wiping out accounts. The damage caused by such crimes far outweighs the satisfaction of watching a football match for free.
Beyond personal risks, piracy also cripples the creative sector by siphoning revenue away from legitimate rightsholders. When movies, music, and sports events are illegally distributed, producers and creatives do not receive their due earnings. This lack of compensation disrupts the industry, leading to fewer productions, job losses, and weakened investment in new content.
Nigeria has one of the most vibrant entertainment industries in the world, with Nollywood ranking as one of the biggest film industries globally and Afrobeats taking center stage in international music charts. The potential for even greater success is huge, but piracy poses an obstacle.
MultiChoice, a key investor in local content, has spent years bringing high-quality productions to audiences, yet piracy continues to threaten the industry.
Illegal streaming of sports events, reality TV shows, and locally produced series remains a major concern. This is particularly critical as the platform regularly broadcasts live feeds of many of the most popular sporting events on earth—F1, the Olympic Games, Euro, World Cup, and Champions League football, as well as popular local leagues.
Beyond sports, Africa Magic and Showmax Originals have become home to some of Africa’s most beloved entertainment shows, including hits like The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOLagos), Big Brother Naija, and Nigerian Idol.
With content available in 40 languages and a growing library exceeding 84,000 hours, these platforms play a vital role in African storytelling. However, the rise of illegal streaming not only impacts revenue but also threatens the sustainability and growth of the creative industry.
To counter this, MultiChoice has joined forces with Partners Against Piracy (PAP) and cybersecurity firm Irdeto, actively tracking and shutting down illegal operations in multiple African nations.
With piracy tactics evolving, the fight against content theft must also advance. Strong collaborations, advanced technology, and public awareness are key to protecting the creative industry. By shutting down illegal operations and promoting legal alternatives, organizations like MultiChoice, PAP, and Irdeto are ensuring that content creators receive their rightful earnings and that audiences can continue to enjoy high-quality entertainment.
Ultimately, safeguarding creative content is not just about protecting businesses—it’s about securing the future of storytelling, preserving jobs, and ensuring that Africa’s thriving entertainment industry continues to grow. The fight against piracy is a shared responsibility, and by supporting legal content, we all contribute to a stronger, more sustainable creative economy.
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