Top Story
10 Reasons Benin Republic Should Be on Your Travel Bucket ListBenin Republic is West Africa's most underrated travel destination from Ganvié's floating city and Ouidah's slave trade memorial to Pendjari's affordable safari and UNESCO royal palaces. Here's why it belongs on your bucket list before the crowds arrive.
By Zainab Bakare•1 day agoTravel
Watch
You’ve clicked “Accept All Cookies” without reading. #zealnewsafrica
Today
Get ZealNews Daily
Africa's top business & policy news, in just 5 minutes
Top Stories
News
100 Channels and a ₦1,500 Annual Fee: The Big Question Behind Nigeria's FreeTV Ambition
Nigeria's FreeTV offers 100+ channels for just ₦1,500 a year. Here is what the platform actually is, how it works, and whether the government can deliver on its promise.
Read More ( 4 min. read)→
ZAINAB BAKARE
The Ekiti State Governorship Election is slated for June 20, 2026, with over one million voters expected to cast their ballots amidst extensive security deployments. Key political parties and their candidates are vying for office, while INEC and the Nigeria Police Force assure a peaceful and credible process. Civil society organizations have also issued calls for electoral integrity and voter participation.
Business
JPMorgan Sounds Alarm: Bitcoin Mining Costs Surge, BTC Dips Below Production Price
Bitcoin miners are facing severe financial strain as the cryptocurrency trades below its estimated production cost for five months, leading to record coin sales by public operators in Q1 2026. JPMorgan analysts highlight worsening economics and structural changes in mining difficulty, yet offer a contrarian view, suggesting current weak sentiment could signal future price appreciation.
Read More ( 3 min. read)→
Kalshi Soars: Prediction Market Hits $2 Billion Revenue, Eyes Blockbuster IPO
Kalshi, the dominant U.S. prediction markets platform, is reportedly in early talks for an IPO following explosive revenue and trading volume growth. The company, recently valued at $22 billion after a $1 billion Series F round, commands over 90% of the market and plans significant institutional expansion. A 2027 or 2028 IPO could position it among the largest fintech listings.David Isong
Franklin Templeton Shakes Up Market with Double ETF Filing to Power Bitcoin Holdings!
Franklin Templeton is launching two new Bitcoin DRIP ETFs, which will reinvest corporate dividends into Bitcoin. This innovative approach integrates cryptocurrency into traditional investment structures, joining a growing wave of crypto-linked financial products in the market. The move positions Franklin Templeton as a key player in the evolving digital asset landscape amidst institutional adoption and market volatility.David Isong
BlackRock Roars: Executive Declares Bitcoin 'Too Big to Ignore' Amidst New ETF Buzz!
BlackRock has launched the iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF (BITA) to provide monthly income through a covered-call strategy on its existing Bitcoin trust. Aimed at traditional investors, BITA seeks to monetize Bitcoin's volatility to generate yield, offering a new approach to cryptocurrency exposure. This hybrid product provides upside potential in Bitcoin alongside regular cash flow, addressing the concerns of income-oriented and institutional investors.David Isong
The IMF Wants VAT on Fuel in Nigeria. What Would It Mean for Citizens and the Economy?
The IMF wants Nigeria to add VAT on fuel products. Here's what it actually means for petrol prices, food costs, and millions of Nigerians already stretched thin.Zainab Bakare
Technology
MTN Nigeria CFO Modupe Kadri Makes Billion-Naira Stock Acquisition
MTN Nigeria's CFO, Modupe Kadri, recently acquired over 1.58 million ordinary shares valued at approximately ₦1.25 billion, signalling strong confidence in the company's robust financial outlook. These significant insider transactions, fully compliant with NGX regulations, occurred amidst MTN Nigeria's record-breaking Q1 2026 financial performance and a notable surge in its share price.
Read More ( 3 min. read)→
Twitter Fights Fake News with Groundbreaking Live News Streaming Initiative
Twitter is launching a new live streaming feature for news content, aiming to combat the spread of fake news by providing curated, credible information. This service will appear on user timelines during major events, leveraging partnerships with regional news stations to deliver timely updates and counter misinformation.Uche Emeka
How Google Workspace Challenged Microsoft Office and Won Millions of Users
Google Workspace turned Word into a "final copy" app. Here is how Docs, Sheets, and Slides won millions of users away from Microsoft Office.Zainab Bakare
SpaceX's First Big Test After the IPO: Why a $60 Billion Cursor Deal Could Make or Break the Hype
SpaceX's $60bn Cursor acquisition, just days after its record IPO, raises real questions about Musk's AI ambitions and what it means for investors.Zainab Bakare
Tech Giants SAP and Google Cloud Unveil Revolutionary AI Commerce Architecture
SAP and Google Cloud have partnered to launch an agentic commerce architecture that integrates data, AI, and commerce operations. This system utilizes the Universal Commerce Protocol and Google Gemini to automate marketing and retail processes, enhancing customer experience and addressing data fragmentation challenges.Uche Emeka
Discovery
The Ground That Remembers Gunfire: Ojota's Forgotten Military History
Before the BRT, before the danfo, before the overhead bridge, Ojota was a firing range. This is what the name actually means
Read More ( 7 min. read)→
OWOBU MAUREEN
London’s Flood-Fighting Beavers: Five Beavers Succeeded Where Decades of Engineering Failed
For decades, West London tried to stop the floods with engineering. Then five beavers arrived, and changed everything.Owobu Maureen
Can Money Truly Buy Happiness?
Can money really buy happiness, or is true happiness found in the things money can't buy? From financial security to meaningful relationships, discover the surprising connection between wealth and well-being in this thought-provoking discussion.Ogochukwu Magdalene Obia
Are Mosquitoes Actually Useful? The Truth Most People Don't Know
Mosquitoes spread disease but science says eliminating them could break ecosystems. Discover their surprising roles as pollinators, food sources, and nutrient cyclers.Zainab Bakare
One City, 150,000 Nigerians: Why a Million Nigerians Chose the Same American City
It wasn't random, and It wasn't just the oil money. One city in the American South became the unofficial capital of the Nigerian diaspora, and the story of how it happened is more fascinating than any census data can capture.Owobu Maureen
Opinion
Nigeria's 2027 Presidential Election: Tinubu, Obi, or Atiku – Who Will Nigerians Choose?
As Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections, three heavyweights—Tinubu, Obi, and Atiku—are set to battle for the nation’s future. Between incumbency, change, and experience, the real question is: who will Nigerians trust with their next chapter?
Read More ( 6 min. read)→
OGOCHUKWU MAGDALENE OBIA
The War on Poverty is on Pause: What Tinubu’s Reforms Really Mean for the Average Nigerian
President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms promised long-term growth, but for many Nigerians, they’ve brought deeper poverty and hardship. Here’s what the reforms really mean for the average citizenzainab bakare
OPINION: Should Education Be Free To All?
This in-depth analysis examines the promise and pitfalls of tuition-free learning, from breaking cycles of poverty to fears of declining quality. With examples from Finland to sub-Saharan Africa, it explores how nations can balance equity, funding, and excellence in an age where knowledge is the key to progress.Eric Namso
Opinion: The Dangerous Binary of Modern Narcissist Theory
Can Empaths Be Narcissists and what type of narcissistic behaviors exists?Ibukun Oluwa
How Remembering Ancestors Shapes Moral Philosophy
By reflecting on the lives of those who came before us—their virtues, mistakes, and choices—we uncover a deeper, more personal foundation for understanding right and wrong.Ibukun Oluwa
Lifestyle
10 Reasons Benin Republic Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Benin Republic is West Africa's most underrated travel destination from Ganvié's floating city and Ouidah's slave trade memorial to Pendjari's affordable safari and UNESCO royal palaces. Here's why it belongs on your bucket list before the crowds arrive.
Read More ( 4 min. read)→ZAINAB BAKARE
Dear Nigerians, Because You are Obsessed With Neatness Doesn't Mean You Have OCD
People joke about being “so OCD,” but real OCD is not a personality trait. It is a painful mental health condition that deserves truth. So if you are part of those who claim to have undiagnosed OCD, please read this.Owobu Maureen
The Hidden Truths About Lymph Nodes That Could Save You Unnecessary Worry
Swollen lymph nodes don't always mean cancer. Here's what they actually do, why they swell, and the real signs that warrant a doctor's visit.Zainab Bakare
Visa Revolution! Rwanda & South Africa Unblock Travel Barriers in Landmark Diplomatic Shift
Rwanda and South Africa have agreed to ease travel restrictions and work towards visa normalisation, marking a significant diplomatic reset. This move, announced by their foreign ministers, promises to boost African mobility, tourism, and trade between the two influential nations, benefiting both leisure and business travel sectors.Precious Eseaye
Angola Hooks Hilton: Major Hotel Chain Plots Ambitious Expansion, Fueling Tourism Boom
Angola is poised for significant hospitality growth as high-level talks between the Angolan Minister of Tourism and Hilton's President for the Middle East and Africa pave the way for a major hotel portfolio expansion. These discussions, linked to the "Angola Investment Summit 2026," aim to solidify a long-term partnership, positioning Angola as a competitive international tourist destination and leveraging Hilton's extensive African expansion strategy.Precious Eseaye
Entertainment
Super Eagles' World Cup Dream Crushed: Rohr Reveals Shocking Reasons for 2026 Miss!
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr blames Nigeria's poor start and lack of teamwork for their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite a talented squad, Nigeria drew five matches and lost one, missing out on the tournament for the second consecutive time.
Read More ( 2 min. read)→
Toy Story 5 Buzz: Randy Newman Scores, All-Star Cast Revealed!
Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters on June 19, presenting a new challenge for Woody, Buzz, and the gang: technology, embodied by a smart tablet named Lilypad. The film features a star-studded cast, blending returning beloved voices like Tom Hanks and Tim Allen with newcomers such as Conan O’Brien, Greta Lee, and Bad Bunny, all fighting to keep toys relevant in a tech-driven world.Precious Eseaye
Emotional Farewell: Tay Keith Remembered as a Cultural Force
Chart-topping hip-hop producer Tay Keith, known for hits like "Sicko Mode," has passed away at 29. His family released a statement honoring his legacy as a visionary producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who shaped a generation's sound, and noting his commitment to mental health and cancer causes.Precious Eseaye
Anticipation Builds: Ken Carson Unveils New Album 'xperiment' Release Date
Ken Carson has announced his new album "xperiment," set for release on July 3, following a series of significant career milestones. This includes a Billboard 200 No. 1 album, major festival performances, and an expanding global footprint, solidifying his status as a rising force in music.Precious Eseaye
Creator of 'The Lincoln Lawyer' Finally Breaks Silence on Series Finale
Streaming services are dominated by crime dramas, with "The Lincoln Lawyer" on Netflix securing its final season and promising a satisfying conclusion, while "Bosch" continues to expand its universe. Simultaneously, Collider offers an interactive quiz, allowing fans to discover their ideal action hero partner from iconic figures like Rambo, James Bond, and Indiana Jones. This diverse content highlights the varied and engaging offerings available to modern audiences.Precious Eseaye