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Global App Downloads Reached 218bn in 2020

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After a year that saw more app downloads than ever before, demand for new apps and games is expected to accelerate in 2021.

This is according to the App Annie State of Mobile Report 2021, which states consumers downloaded 218 billion apps in 2020 across iOS and Google Play, up 7% year-on-year (YOY).

The report provides an analysis of the performance of the mobile and app marketplace, and insights into mobile’s expansive impact across industries and the global economy.

According to the App Annie research, mobile adoption boomed in 2020 − advancing the equivalent of two to three years in 12 months. Consumers migrated more of their physical needs onto mobile last year, partly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in mobile spend reaching new heights at $143 billion, indicating a 20% growth YOY.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, the normal time spent every day on cellphones expanded across the globe. Mobile took mindshare of 3.5 trillion hours on Android phones annually, shows the report. Mobile is the only channel with this reach and depth of engagement, it notes.

Other findings in the App Annie State of Mobile Report 2021 include:

E-commerce app boom: The report notes the pandemic led to a quick expansion in the e-commerce sector, making 2020 the biggest mobile shopping year yet. Global e-commerce spend between 1 November and 11 November 2020 reached $115 billion, with mobile driving the lion’s share. This trend is forecast to continue this upward spiral, as more people become more habitual with online shopping.

More time spent online: In the US, Gen Z, millennials and Gen X / baby boomers spent 16%, 18% and 30% more time YOY, respectively, in their most-used apps. In the UK, this was 18%, 17% and 27%, respectively. In the US and UK, Gen Z had the highest affinity for Snapchat and Twitch, respectively.

App popularity: TikTok was the most used app of 2020 and was more popular among Generation Z, as it heads towards 1.2 billion active users in 2021. This was followed by WhatsApp at 600 million installs, followed by Facebook with 540 million installs, Instagram with 503 million, and Messenger with 404 million. This was followed by video-conferencing apps Zoom and Google Meet.

More advertising spend: Given the increasing amount of time spent indoors and in homes, mobile’s growth means a shift in spending on advertising for corporate clients. Many countries saw the continuing demise of print, the shift to streaming entertainment, and the ongoing failure by news media to succeed with paywalls, leaving apps, games and social media platforms to pick up the marketing budget.

Mobile held up the global advertising industry in 2020 and saw placements grow 95% YOY, growing to $240 billion in mobile advertising spend and forecast to top $290 billion in 2021.

Surge in online food delivery services: Mobile orders of fast food and food delivery surged 105% YOY. For most markets analysed, food delivery services for the year ramped up in Q2 and Q3, reaching record highs in Q4 2020 as consumers stayed home amid COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing policies.

Commenting on these research findings, Karam Malhotra, partner and global VP at SHAREit, says. “The last 10 months saw the seismic and radical shift to work from home, thus translating into a dramatic surge in time spent online and on mobile, as users sought tools to facilitate business, content discovery and games to entertain and escape, and social media to connect with the outside world.

“This resulted in the meteoric rise in app downloads, time spent on mobile and consumer spending. A significant 25% jump from 2019 to top 3.5 trillion hours on Android, and key ‘at-home’ categories are expected to top 1.3 trillion hours on Android phones alone in 2021.”


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MTN Nigeria Rewards 1,500+ Winners with ₦290m in Mega Billion Promo

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L-R: Deji Roberts, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria; Femi Yusuf, 10 Million MTN Mega Billion Promo Jackpot Winner; Efe Kwado, MTN Mega Billion Promo Winner; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Samuel Rowland, Chief Operations Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority at the MTN Mega Billion Promo Media Parley held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the MTN Rooftop Events Centre Plaza, Ikoyi.
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Telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria, has announced the disbursement of over ₦290 million to more than 1,500 winners in its ongoing Mega Billion Promo.

L-R: Deji Roberts, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria; Femi Yusuf, 10 Million MTN Mega Billion Promo Jackpot Winner; Efe Kwado, MTN Mega Billion Promo Winner; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Samuel Rowland, Chief Operations Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority at the MTN Mega Billion Promo Media Parley held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the MTN Rooftop Events Centre Plaza, Ikoyi.

The update was shared during a live event held on July 19 at the company’s Rooftop Events Centre in Lagos. Representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, MTN executives, journalists and selected promo winners were in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the initiative was launched to support loyal customers during difficult times. “In the last couple of years, it’s been a tough time for the average Nigerian. This promo is one of our ways of making life better for our customers,” she said.

Ikenna-Emeka revealed that the promo has produced over 1,500 winners, including three jackpot winners, 20 winners of ₦5 million each, and more than 100 winners of ₦100,000. She added that the company remains committed to rewarding customers transparently.

One of the jackpot winners, Femi Yusuf, who won ₦10 million, shared his excitement. “I thought it was one of those promos where nothing comes out of it. My wife was the one who spotted my number during the live draw,” he said. When asked about the delivery of his prize, he replied, “Fast and fast. MTN, no scam.”

The event also featured live calls to new winners, including a woman identified as Motunrayo, who won ₦2 million. She expressed joy over the unexpected win, saying, “I’m so grateful. Thanks so much.”

Debo Agun, Senior Manager, Consumer Segment (Mass Market), explained the mechanics of the promo. He said participation is free and open to MTN subscribers who dial *900# to opt in. Airtime purchases serve as entries—₦100 worth of airtime equals one entry, and customers can win multiple times.

Agun stated that 63 winners are selected daily from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays feature 104 winners, including a ₦10 million jackpot. Other prizes range from ₦25,000 to ₦2 million and are paid into customers’ MoMo wallets. Those without wallets can create one by dialing *671#.

Promo draws are conducted and streamed live on MTN’s Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels. Independent partners oversee the process to maintain credibility and fairness.

The promo began on June 23 and runs for 90 days.


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MTN, MTV Base Launch “Room of Safety” Series to Promote Online Child Safety

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Telecoms giant MTN Group has partnered with MTV Base to launch the Room of Safety campaign, a youth-led movement aimed at raising awareness on internet safety and digital wellbeing for children and young people across Africa.

The initiative, a major part of MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign, seeks to address growing concerns around cyberbullying, grooming, misinformation, and other forms of online harm. Through this collaboration, MTN will leverage MTV Base’s extensive reach across youth audiences to drive impactful change.

Central to the campaign is the premiere of a 10-part short-form docu-series titled Room of Safety, which kicks off on July 20, 2025, at 16:00 on MTV Base (DStv channel 322). Episodes will also stream on MTV Base South’s digital platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Each episode will feature real-life stories, expert interviews, and practical resources to help young viewers identify digital threats and take proactive steps. The series also encourages youth to speak up about negative experiences online and shows them how to report abuse.

A statement from MTN Group emphasized the importance of equipping young Africans with the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces safely, adding that the campaign aims to normalize conversations around digital ethics and mental health within families, schools and peer groups.

The launch is backed by social media engagement and outreach activities targeted at schools, creators, and community organizations across multiple African countries.


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MENXTT Tech NG Debuts USA-Spec Devices and Redefines IT Retail in Nigeria

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MENXTT Technology NG has introduced a fresh lineup of USA-specification smartphones alongside its existing range of laptops, accessories, and software tools in a major move to redefine tech quality and customer satisfaction in Nigeria.

The firm, which operates as a fully online IT service provider, is focused on bridging the gap between businesses and customers by offering seamless tech procurement, deployment, and after-sales support.

According to Anthony Emeka Nwosu, Director of Communication and Customer Retention, the company is committed to restoring consumer trust in tech purchases through guaranteed quality, extended warranties, and structured support.

Nwosu stated that the decision to supply USA-grade devices was borne out of frustration with substandard options in the market and zero accountability.

He said MENXTT was built to be responsive, dependable, and quality-driven, assuring customers that they would not be left alone after purchase.

With services covering laptops, accessories, website development, software deployment, and IT support, MENXTT promises to take technology directly to the client with less stress.

The company, located at 8a Oje Imeviani Street, Julie Estate, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, is also noted for its tech-enabled structure that allows users to access solutions from anywhere in Nigeria through its online platform.

Customers can reach MENXTT Technology NG via email: info@menxtt.com.ng or website: menxtt.ng.


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