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2025

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07
2025

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Home Blog Page 108

The MultiChoice Evolution in Nigeria with Weekly Plan, Cheaper Decoders, etc

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Poor MultiChoice on what a court cannot do, market is doing: “Multichoice Nigeria has slashed the price of its DStv decoder by 50%, from N20,000 to N10,000, in a renewed bid to boost its subscriber base. The aggressive pricing strategy comes as part of the company’s broader effort to address plummeting subscriptions in Africa’s largest PayTV market.”

Simply, I hope the Nigerian court is reading. The best way to make markets fair and balanced is by providing choices. In Nigeria now, even though people do not have direct substitutes for European football, there is an indirect choice now: forget the games*. Many are picking the “forget the games option” as the economy cracks!

When the company recorded a loss of 1.4 million users, MultiChoice got the message: unless the Nigerian economy recovers quickly, your product is imperiled. Indeed, even a deaf person knows when a war has broken. The recent MultiChoice weekly plan will move over time to daily plan, and one day people will get pay per view. These changes are not driven by any court ruling but by the market! That explains everything.

(*not something to celebrate though)

Mastercard and Chainlink Partnership To Unlock 3 Billion Mastercard Crypto Users

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Mastercard and Chainlink announced a partnership to enable over 3 billion Mastercard cardholders to purchase cryptocurrency directly on blockchain networks through a secure fiat-to-crypto conversion service. This collaboration integrates Mastercard’s global payments network with Chainlink’s interoperability infrastructure, leveraging zerohash for compliance and liquidity, Shift4 Payments for card processing, and Swapper Finance and XSwap for a user-friendly experience powered by the Uniswap protocol.

The Swapper Finance platform, which facilitates these transactions, is live at swapper.finance. This move bridges traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi), aiming to simplify crypto access and drive mainstream adoption. The Mastercard-Chainlink partnership to enable billions of cardholders to buy crypto directly onchain has significant implications for the financial ecosystem and highlights a growing divide between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Allowing over 3 billion Mastercard users to purchase crypto seamlessly bridges a major gap between fiat and blockchain economies, lowering entry barriers for non-crypto-native users. Increased accessibility could drive higher crypto trading volumes, potentially boosting market liquidity and asset prices, particularly for supported tokens like those on Uniswap-integrated platforms. Simplified crypto purchases may normalize digital assets as a payment or investment, accelerating their integration into everyday financial activities.

TradFi-DeFi Convergence

The use of Chainlink’s interoperability, Zerohash for compliance, and Uniswap’s protocol demonstrates how DeFi protocols can integrate with TradFi’s payment rails, creating hybrid financial systems. Mastercard’s involvement lends credibility to blockchain technology, encouraging other financial giants to explore similar partnerships.

This collaboration could spur further development of DeFi applications that leverage traditional payment networks, fostering new financial products. The inclusion of Zerohash for regulatory adherence suggests a model for scaling crypto services within regulatory frameworks, potentially reducing risks of future regulatory friction. Operating across jurisdictions with varied crypto regulations may require nuanced compliance strategies, influencing how similar services are rolled out regionally.

Increased crypto access could prompt regulators to update or clarify regulations around on-chain transactions and fiat gateways. Mastercard gains a competitive edge over rivals like Visa by pioneering this crypto on-ramp, potentially capturing market share in the crypto payments space. Direct on-chain purchases via wallets like Swapper Finance could challenge centralized exchanges by offering lower fees or faster transactions.

Partnerships with Shift4, Zerohash, and Uniswap may elevate these players’ profiles, fostering further DeFi ecosystem growth. Chainlink’s decentralized oracles and Mastercard’s secure payment infrastructure aim to ensure safe transactions, but any vulnerabilities could undermine consumer trust. New crypto users may lack knowledge of wallet security or DeFi risks, necessitating robust education to prevent scams or losses.

The service’s reliance on user-friendly platforms raises questions about whether it will favor custodial solutions, potentially limiting true decentralization. TradFi purists may criticize the partnership for relying on centralized entities like Mastercard and Shift4, which could conflict with DeFi’s ethos of trustlessness.

TradFi prioritizes user-friendly, regulated systems, often custodial, while DeFi emphasizes user sovereignty, creating tension over how crypto is accessed and stored. While TradFi aims to make crypto accessible, DeFi’s permissionless nature appeals to those valuing financial autonomy over institutional oversight.

TradFi brings scale and compliance but may impose limits (e.g., KYC/AML checks), while DeFi offers flexibility but struggles with scalability and regulatory alignment. TradFi systems are polished and familiar, whereas DeFi platforms often have steeper learning curves, affecting adoption rates. DeFi transactions can be faster and cheaper, but TradFi’s payment processing may introduce fees or delays, impacting user preference.

TradFi’s entry could concentrate crypto activity among large players, potentially marginalizing smaller DeFi projects unable to compete with Mastercard’s reach. Easier crypto access may benefit wealthier users in developed markets, while unbanked populations may remain underserved due to regulatory or infrastructural barriers. TradFi’s cautious approach may slow DeFi’s rapid experimentation, creating a lag between institutional and grassroots innovation.

TradFi relies on brand trust (e.g., Mastercard), while DeFi appeals to trust in code, appealing to different user mindsets. DeFi’s community-driven ethos contrasts with TradFi’s corporate-driven model, potentially alienating crypto-native users wary of institutional co-option. TradFi frames crypto as an investment, while DeFi sees it as a tool for systemic change, shaping divergent visions for blockchain’s role.

The partnership is a pragmatic step toward bridging TradFi and DeFi by combining their strengths—Mastercard’s global reach and compliance with Chainlink’s interoperability and Uniswap’s decentralized liquidity. However, it also highlights trade-offs. Future systems may blend centralized and decentralized elements, but striking a balance that satisfies both camps remains challenging. Bridging the divide requires educating TradFi users about DeFi principles and ensuring underserved regions benefit from crypto access.

Collaborative frameworks between regulators, TradFi, and DeFi could harmonize innovation and compliance, reducing friction. The Mastercard-Chainlink partnership is a pivotal step toward crypto mainstreaming, with the potential to reshape financial systems. Yet, it amplifies the TradFi-DeFi divide, requiring careful navigation to align their divergent goals and values.

Cardone Capital’s 1000 Bitcoin Acquisition Is A Pioneering Step That Could Redefine Real Estate

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Cardone Capital, a U.S.-based real estate firm managing over $5.1 billion in assets, acquired 1,000 Bitcoin (BTC) valued at approximately $102 million, as announced by CEO Grant Cardone on June 21, 2025. This move marks the firm as the first real estate company to fully integrate a Bitcoin strategy, combining its portfolio of 14,200 rental units and 500,000 square feet of office space with cryptocurrency. The firm plans to purchase an additional 3,000 BTC by year-end, potentially exceeding $400 million in holdings, using rental income through hybrid funds like the 10X Miami River Bitcoin Fund.

This strategy blends real estate’s stable cash flow with Bitcoin’s growth potential, positioning Cardone Capital alongside institutional Bitcoin adopters like MicroStrategy and Metaplanet. Cardone Capital’s acquisition of 1,000 BTC, with plans for 3,000 more, signals a bold shift in real estate investment strategy, merging traditional assets with cryptocurrency.

Cardone’s move legitimizes Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset beyond tech firms like MicroStrategy. Real estate, a traditionally conservative sector, adopting BTC could encourage other firms to diversify into crypto, accelerating institutional adoption. The use of rental income to fund Bitcoin purchases via hybrid funds like the 10X Miami River Bitcoin Fund creates a new model for blending stable cash flows with high-growth assets, potentially attracting more investors to crypto-backed real estate funds.

Portfolio Diversification

Bitcoin’s high volatility (30-day annualized volatility ~40% as of June 2025) contrasts with real estate’s stability, offering Cardone Capital a hedge against inflation and fiat currency devaluation. BTC’s historical 10-year annualized return of ~60% could boost fund performance if the bull market continues. However, Bitcoin’s price swings pose risks. A sharp correction (e.g., 2022’s ~65% drop) could strain fund liquidity or investor confidence, especially if rental income is heavily allocated to BTC.

Cardone’s $102 million purchase (1,000 BTC) and planned $400 million+ investment (3,000 BTC) represent a small but notable fraction of Bitcoin’s $1.9 trillion market cap (as of June 2025). Large buys like this could contribute to price momentum, especially in a supply-constrained market post-2024 halving. Increased demand from institutional players may tighten Bitcoin’s circulating supply (current total supply ~19.7 million BTC, with ~15% illiquid), potentially driving prices higher but also amplifying volatility.

Integrating Bitcoin into real estate funds may attract scrutiny from U.S. regulators (e.g., SEC, IRS). Unclear crypto regulations could complicate fund structures or tax treatments, especially if BTC is treated as property rather than currency. Cardone’s high-profile move might push regulators to clarify crypto’s role in traditional finance, impacting future adopters.

Cardone’s strategy targets accredited investors seeking exposure to both real estate and crypto. This could expand its investor base, particularly among younger, crypto-savvy demographics. However, combining Bitcoin’s risk profile with real estate’s illiquidity could deter conservative investors, requiring clear communication of risks and returns.

Many real estate investors prioritize predictable cash flows and tangible assets, viewing Bitcoin as speculative. They may avoid firms like Cardone that embrace crypto, fearing volatility or regulatory risks. Younger or risk-tolerant investors see Bitcoin as a store of value or growth engine. Cardone’s model appeals to this group, bridging old and new asset classes. This divide could reshape investor demographics in real estate.

Most real estate companies stick to conventional assets (property, REITs). Cardone’s BTC move sets it apart, but competitors may hesitate to follow due to crypto’s complexity and risks. Firms adopting Bitcoin (e.g., Cardone, MicroStrategy) position themselves as forward-thinking, potentially gaining a first-mover advantage if crypto adoption accelerates. This creates a strategic split between risk-averse and risk-embracing corporations.

Bitcoin’s high entry barriers (current price ~$102,000/BTC) and Cardone’s focus on accredited investors limit access to this hybrid strategy. Wealthier investors can capitalize on potential BTC gains, while retail investors are sidelined, deepening the wealth gap. Conversely, Cardone’s funds could democratize crypto exposure for some accredited investors, but the divide persists between those with access to such opportunities and those without.

In developed markets (e.g., U.S.), Bitcoin adoption by firms like Cardone is feasible due to mature financial systems and crypto infrastructure. In emerging markets, regulatory hostility or economic instability may hinder similar strategies, widening the gap between global investment landscapes. Countries with pro-crypto policies (e.g., El Salvador, UAE) may see local firms emulate Cardone, while others lag, creating a geopolitical divide in crypto integration.

Cardone Capital’s Bitcoin acquisition is a pioneering step that could redefine real estate investment, blending stability with crypto’s growth potential. It strengthens Bitcoin’s institutional credibility but introduces risks tied to volatility and regulation. The move deepens divides between traditional and hybrid investors, conservative and innovative firms, and those with or without access to such strategies. As Cardone plans to scale its BTC holdings, its success or failure will likely influence whether other firms bridge this divide or remain on the sidelines.

Multichoice Slashes Decoder Price by 50% Amid Massive Subscriber Loss in Nigeria

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Multichoice Nigeria has slashed the price of its DStv decoder by 50%, from N20,000 to N10,000, in a renewed bid to boost its subscriber base. The aggressive pricing strategy comes as part of the company’s broader effort to address plummeting subscriptions in Africa’s largest PayTV market.

As part of the offer, Multichoice also launched a free tier upgrade campaign for both active and returning subscribers. From June 16 to July 31, 2025, customers who pay for their current DStv subscription package in full will be upgraded automatically to the next higher tier, granting access to more channels and content at no additional cost.

“By repositioning itself as a platform for daily value, DStv aims to encourage content discovery across a wider array of genres, including movies, drama, kids’ programming, and news,” the company stated.

Multichoice Nigeria’s CEO, John Ugbe, described the promotion—branded the “We Got You” campaign—as a way of rewarding loyalty and making premium content more accessible, especially for non-sports viewers.

“We want to ensure our customers feel appreciated and have access to the best entertainment every day. The ‘We Got You’ campaign is about making premium content more accessible and showing that DStv offers something for everyone, not just football fans,” Ugbe said.

Subscriber Loss and Public Backlash

The announcement follows Multichoice’s stunning loss of 1.4 million subscribers in Nigeria between March 2023 and March 2025, according to financial disclosures from its parent company, Multichoice Group. The Nigerian market alone accounted for 77% of the total 1.8 million subscriber losses across its “Rest of Africa” (RoA) business segment during the period.

The group blamed a combination of economic headwinds for the mass exit, including soaring inflation, repeated power grid collapses, fuel scarcity, and a sharp fall in disposable income that left many unable to afford television subscriptions.

But industry analysts point to repeated price hikes as a key driver of customer dissatisfaction. Between April 2023 and May 2024, Multichoice Nigeria implemented three separate price increases on its DStv and GOtv bouquets—twice in 2023 and once in 2024—stirring public anger and sparking calls for regulation.

Inflation and the Case for Flexible Subscription Plans

At the heart of the issue is Nigeria’s unrelenting inflation, which in May 2025 stood at 22.97%, making consistent PayTV subscriptions increasingly unaffordable for a large portion of the population. As household incomes shrink and purchasing power erodes, many Nigerians are choosing to forgo traditional entertainment packages in favor of mobile streaming options that offer cheaper, on-demand content.

In response to this, Multichoice recently began trialing weekly subscription packages in Uganda, offering users the flexibility to pay in smaller amounts instead of committing to a full month. The company is reportedly considering expanding the initiative to Nigeria—a move analysts say could provide a much-needed cushion for low-income subscribers and reduce churn.

Some consumers believe that if the weekly payment option is extended to Nigeria, it could boost retention and slow subscriber loss, as It’s a model that better aligns with the income cycles of many African households.

Multichoice’s challenges come amid rising competition from low-cost streaming platforms and a general shift in consumer behavior, especially among younger viewers who prefer on-demand content over traditional linear TV. Platforms like Netflix, Showmax (also owned by Multichoice), and YouTube are attracting growing audiences, especially in urban centers, due to their flexibility and data-friendly features.

To compete, Multichoice says it is broadening its content offering beyond sports to include more movies, kids’ programming, documentaries, and local drama series. The decoder price slash and free tier upgrade are part of that repositioning effort.

However, observers caution that unless Multichoice significantly revises its pricing model and payment flexibility, particularly in Nigeria, any gains from promos or hardware discounts may be short-lived.

While Multichoice works to stabilize its subscriber base, all eyes will be on whether it can roll out weekly packages quickly enough and balance profitability with affordability in an increasingly strained economy.

Coin Price Prediction: PEPE Is Not The Only Frog Coin Bulls Are Buying

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As the crypto market waits for another bull run that can bring in some excitement, Pepe Coin ($PEPE) remains on the buying list of those looking for big returns. With its price remaining around micro-cent levels and its tendency to give shocks to the market, PEPE’s potential cannot be doubted.

However, a new frog token has announced itself that might just be the next big thing in the crypto market. It promises to engage genuine earning opportunities along with meme coin virality to make a perfect balance. The coin in conversation is Angry Pepe Fork, the new age frog coin set to shake things up in the year 2025.

What Is PEPE’s Price Forecast?

PEPE is currently traded at $0.000009946 and has gained over 12% in the past day. This data alone speaks volumes about the coin’s nature. It is known to generate sharp price leaps and also dips pretty regularly. So, even a 60% price growth prediction looks achievable for the frog-inspired coin, but the fall can be drastic at the same time.

However, $PEPE’s real success story is based more on hype than just pure fundamentals. Its massive supply and reliance on viral movement mean any rally may be sharp but short-lived. Bulls wanting longer arcs of growth are now scouting tokens that offer both meme appeal and real utility.

But, change is the only constant, and in 2025, meme coins are maturing. Newer projects like Angry Pepe Fork integrate CommunityFi and GambleFi models that reward investors beyond just price moves.

Earn Over 10,000% APY, The earlier you get in the higher the APY – Buy $APORK

Why Is Angry Pepe Fork the New Frog Alternative

Angry Pepe Fork is pretty well prepared to be the next meme coin king. Its presale has already raised over $244k in just a few weeks. The token is currently available for $0.0269 each.

Here’s what makes the altcoin special:

CommunityFi Missions: Every tweet, meme creation, and referral will help you earn tokens. So, effectively, growth is promoted through rewarding its own community.

10,000% Staking APY: Investors who stake $APORK during the presale will be getting about 10,000% APY. This will make them massive gains, even before the token gets launched on major exchanges.

Deflationary Token Burn Mechanism: Once the GambleFi gaming platform goes live, every win will incinerate a portion of tokens. This is done to make sure scarcity remains intact to push price growth.

Multi-Chain Expansion: After the presale, Angry Pepe Fork will list on Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Solana. The team is focused on increasing access and liquidity for the investors.

We have seen several presale successes in the recent past. Angry Pepe Fork aims to replicate that success with even stronger mechanics in place. By rewarding community action and embedding deflationary economics, $APORK will cater to both meme coin traders and DeFi enthusiasts who seek sustainable growth.

Earn Over 10,000% APY, The earlier you get in the higher the APY – Buy $APORK

PEPE or Angry Pepe Fork?

We suggest a balance between both coins will be a better option in an uncertain yet forward-looking market. Here’s how:

Balanced Upside: While $PEPE bulls chase quick gains, $APORK presale participants will benefit from presale bonuses, staking rewards, and GambleFi utility.

Diversified Portfolio: Adding $APORK to a portfolio alongside $PEPE offers exposure to both legacy meme coin gains and next-gen utility-based growth.

Which Frog Coin Should You Choose for 2025

So, by now, you know that PEPE is not the only frog-based coin in the investors’ minds. The newcomer Angry Pepe Fork is working hard to cement its place in the meme coin industry. However, both coins offer something unique and the right thing to do will be to include a percentage of both in the portfolio.

 

Website: https://angrypepefork.com

X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AngryPorkCoin

Telegram: https://t.me/AngryPepeFork

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angrypepefork/