• Inside the spam call machine behind Nigeria’s digital lending boom
    Image source: Wunmi Eunice/ TechCabal

    Inside the spam call machine behind Nigeria’s digital lending boom

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    In early 2025, Peace*, a research assistant at Covenant University, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria, had a health emergency and was short on cash. So, she did the first thing that came to mind: open the OPay app to take a loan. 

    She navigated to EaseMoni, a loan product offered through OPay’s lending arm, reviewed the repayment terms, and took some loans. It was ₦6,000 ($4.21) the first time. Then subsequently, ₦24,000 ($16.85).

    Peace told TechCabal she repaid the loan before the one-month deadline, closed the app, and moved on. The app, however, did not.

    Image source: Chima David/TechCabal
    Image source: Chima David/TechCabal

    A few days later, the calls began: an automated and relentless stream of reminders about loan discounts and improved offers. 

    Click below to answer or decline the call.

    INCOMING CALL
    Spam Risk

    Suspected Spam

    (+234) 9051234567

    Marketing call

    00:00

    Mute
    TechCabal

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