The new passport (Part 1): Who gets access to intelligence?

    Hani Okoroafor | Insights | Jun 23, 2026    
Get Unlimited Access
Subscribe to unlock this article

Complete digital access to quality journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

Once registered, you can:

  • Read this article and many more, including access to epapers and research
  • Enjoy customize article feed/recommendation based on your profile
  • Enjoy access to Businessday exclusive events
  • One-Access accross Businessday platforms

Share this article
Shared
5889
times

A few years ago, the idea would have sounded absurd. A software engineer in Lagos opens his laptop one morning and discovers that one of the world's most powerful artificial intelligence systems is no longer available to him. Not because he lacks the money to pay for it. Not because the technology itself has failed. But because of where he lives and the passport he carries.

Continue reading your article with a
BusinessDay subscription





Already a subscriber?
Sign In
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Technology
The new passport (Part 1): Who gets access to intelligence?
A few years ago, the idea would have sounded absurd. A software engineer in Lagos opens his laptop one morning and discovers that one of the world's most powerful artificial intelligence systems is no longer available to him.
Hani Okoroafor | Jun 23, 2026
Technology
Why bank payment spin-offs could trigger Africa's next fintech deal wave
For years, Africa's fintech boom has been defined by startups such as Flutterwave, Moniepoint and Wave, which built large payments businesses from scratch before attracting billion-dollar valuations
Royal Ibeh and Chinwe Michael | Jun 23, 2026
Energy
How the US-Iran deal reshapes oil markets, inflation, and global energy strategy.
In the sweltering heat of Hormuz, a tanker captain recalls the tense weeks when every voyage felt like a gamble. Insurance premiums had tripled, oil prices surged past $100 per barrel, and global inflation ticked upward as shipping lanes narrowed under th
Muhammed Akanji | Jun 23, 2026
Technology
Why Africa’s next tech advantage will be human infrastructure, not just capital 
The numbers that once defined Africa's technology story were optimistic. Between 2019 and 2022, venture capital into African startups surged past the $3 billion mark for the first time in recorded history.
Simbiat Odeniyi | Jun 22, 2026
support_agent
phone
mail_outline
language
help_outline
Conference Ad Conference Ad