Broadcasting
RCS: Empowering MNOs to Compete Against OTT Players in Lucrative A2P Messaging Space

By Filip Filković, Regional OP Manager, West Africa at Infobip
As Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms such as WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram continue to gain popularity, SMS messaging still has its purpose and works well for certain types of messaging as a Person-To Person (P2P) communication channel. But with the growing demand for an upgrade in SMS experiences to accommodate Rich Conversational Messaging (RCS) capabilities, branding, security and trust, RCS is gradually taking root, leaving Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) with few means to fight back in this segment. At the same time, OTT channels are also becoming dominant in the enterprise communication space, given their prevalence and rich media capabilities, as well as largescale P2P adoption.

Filip Filković
However, Rich Communication Services (RCS) may provide a solution for MNOs to compete with OTT players and claw back some of the revenue they have been missing out on in both the P2P and the lucrative Application-To-Person (A2P) messaging space. RCS is a rich media capable communication protocol that is an evolution of SMS as a native messaging channel, provided by Google in collaboration with MNOs.
With RCS, mobile operators are able to provide their subscribers, as well as enterprises, with a messaging system that has the capability of sharing and receiving content such as images or videos without the need to download a separate messaging app. With many enterprise-focused features such as chatbots or carousels (content slideshows), brands are able to provide a convenient customer engagement channel for various use cases, ranging from tech support to purchases, as part of the conversational commerce paradigm.
Engaging communication experience
Since its launch in 2018, it took a while for telcos to adopt RCS and for enterprises to embrace it as a means of creating a more engaging customer communication experience. However, it is safe to say that RCS is now an established business communication channel.
At the same time, while OTT messaging apps have become the norm in P2P communication, RCS’s rich media capabilities can provide a foothold for MNOs not only in the business communication space, but also in the P2P market where OTT players currently dominate. Therefore, RCS is fast becoming an important part of telcos’ enterprise digital portfolio.
With that said, RCS still lacks wide P2P acceptance, as it is far from being the top choice for P2P communication. Yet, promoting RCS as a channel for P2P communication can add to the efficiency of A2P campaigns by the mere fact that more people would be using the channel and are more likely to respond, further growing already robust engagement stats.
A good first step for MNOs would be to start using RCS as a communication channel for their subscribers, providing tech support, sending statements and invoices, responding to purchase enquiries and other use cases to familiarise users with the channel and its features, while also allowing them to get hands-on experience with it.
No installation needed
A distinct advantage for MNOs is that their customers do not need to install any additional apps, as the messaging app that is native to most Android platforms just needs to be enabled for RCS. The adoption of smartphones and greater internet penetration in recent years means that RCS is likely to gain greater traction among P2P users. This means that the sooner MNOs start using the channel to communicate with their subscribers, the sooner it is likely to see widespread adoption.
Establishing partnerships with Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) providers can go a long way to driving RCS adoption, as CPaaS providers have been at the forefront of bringing RCS to enterprises in conjunction with MNOs, and have a range of tools for crafting customer journeys and managing channels. As such, telcos can avoid the complexities of developing CPaaS-level tools and services by partnering with CPaaS players, and instead focus on their core strengths – that of building an RCS element into their networks.
The future of business messaging lies with RCS messaging – it is what consumers want, it is
what enterprises will need to provide, and will ultimately benefit from it as the engagement it offers is superior to that of any other digital channel.
Broadcasting
History as TVC News Unveils Nigeria’s First AI-Powered News Anchors

TVC News has broken new ground in Nigeria’s media space with the launch of the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) news presenters.
Rolled out in May 2025, the AI anchors will deliver news bulletins in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Pidgin, reflecting the broadcaster’s commitment to technological advancement and linguistic inclusion.
The initiative is designed to enhance news delivery by supporting human journalists, not replacing them.
TVC Communications, the parent company of TVC News, described the development as a milestone in its efforts to integrate cutting-edge technology into broadcast journalism.
“We are thrilled to pioneer this innovation in Nigeria’s media industry,” said Victoria Ajayi, chief executive officer, TVC Communications.
“Our AI news anchors represent a new era in news reporting, and this move underscores our dedication to using technology as a tool for growth and progress.”
Ajayi clarified that the AI-generated content will undergo thorough editorial review.
“Trained journalists and editors will assess every output to ensure it meets our standards of accuracy, balance, and credibility,” she noted.
In response to concerns about the potential misuse of AI, the organisation said it had established rigorous editorial safeguards, including watermarking and verification protocols. It also reaffirmed its adherence to the Nigerian Broadcasting Code and journalistic ethics.
With this launch, TVC News has become a trailblazer in AI-assisted journalism in Africa, setting a bold example for future media innovation across the continent.
Broadcasting
FXTM Academy Hosts Charity Cycling Event, Pedal for Progress

FXTM Academy recently hosted the Pedal for Progress charity cycling event, bringing together 200 participants from cities across Nigeria, including Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
Held on Saturday, April 19, the competition featured six race categories—Professional Male, Professional Female, Junior Male, Junior Female, Veteran Male, and Veteran Female—allowing cyclists of all skill levels to compete.
The race began at 8:00 a.m., with Juniors completing 10 laps, Veterans tackling 14 laps, and Professionals racing 20 laps, each lap spanning 2.8 kilometers.
Participants competed for significant cash prizes, with winners in the Professional categories receiving ₦800,000, ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000, while those finishing 5th to 15th place earned ₦50,000 each. Junior and Veteran winners also received substantial rewards.
Spectators and participants praised FXTM Academy for fostering unity, sportsmanship, and talent development, with many eagerly anticipating future events.
The academy emphasized its commitment to empowering communities and promoting values such as perseverance, discipline, endurance, and continuous improvement.
FXTM Academy’s Country Representative, Kelechi Ehibudu, highlighted the academy’s dedication to blending sport, charity, and empowerment, setting a new benchmark for community-focused initiatives in Nigeria.
Broadcasting
Davido Unites Superfans in Lagos for Exclusive 5IVE Album Experience, Powered by Spotify

To celebrate the release of his fifth studio album, 5IVE Davido hosted a select group of superfans and media at Ona Restaurant in Lagos for an exclusive meet-and-greet, presented by Spotify.
The event offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Afrobeats superstar, with 50 lucky fans and 5 media partners given the chance to connect with the artist in an intimate setting.
Rather than handing out invitations, Spotify put fans to the test, requiring them to pass a five-question quiz on Davido’s music to earn a spot at the roundtable. Once inside, attendees were treated to an afternoon of music, conversation, and surprises. The event was hosted by Ireculture, who set the tone with her infectious energy, while SmallztheDJ kept the vibe going with smooth, Afrobeats-driven selections.
In true Davido fashion, a playful twist took centre stage: after teasing his absence, the artist made a dramatic, surprise entrance, sending fans into a frenzy. The moment was a perfect reflection of Davido’s personality – engaging, unpredictable, and larger-than-life.
Victor Okapala, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships lead for West Africa, noted, “This event is a testament to the power of music to bring fans and artists closer together. Working with Davido on the release of 5IVE highlights the energy surrounding Afrobeats globally, and the deep connection we see between the artist and his fans.”
The event’s highlight was a close-knit roundtable conversation, where fans shared their love for 5IVE, with “10 Kilo” emerging as an early favourite. Each guest left with a gift box featuring five fashion items from Nigerian streetwear brand Severe Nature, who also designed the official 5IVE merch.
Reflecting on his journey, Davido shared, “When you see artists like Beyoncé, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Rihanna, you realise the work it takes to get there. This time, I wanted to go all out, and I’m seeing the results.”
Spotify data underscores Davido’s growing global influence. In the past 12 months, his music has been added to over 12 million playlists worldwide.
The artist’s reach spans key markets including Nigeria, the U.S., U.K., South Africa, and France, with 34% of his listeners aged 18-24 and 41% aged 25-34.
As 5IVE continues to captivate listeners, this intimate event further solidified Davido’s position as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices, fostering a deeper connection between him and his dedicated fanbase.
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