On May 5, 2025, Microsoft officially retired Skype, concluding over two decades of pioneering service in internet-based voice and video communication. Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized digital communication by enabling free computer-to-computer calls and later introducing video conferencing features. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, integrating it into its suite of communication tools.
The decision to discontinue Skype stems from a significant decline in its user base, which dropped from a peak of 300 million monthly users in 2016 to 36 million daily users by 2023. This decline was attributed to the emergence of competitors like Zoom, WhatsApp, and Microsoft’s own Teams platform.
Transition to Microsoft Teams
Microsoft is directing users to transition to Microsoft Teams, which offers similar functionalities and allows users to sign in with their existing Skype credentials. Contacts and chat histories will be automatically migrated to Teams, remaining accessible until January 2026. Users who prefer not to switch to Teams have the option to manually export their Skype data through a dedicated link provided by Microsoft.
Legacy and Impact
Skype’s retirement marks the end of an era in digital communication. From its inception, Skype played a crucial role in connecting people globally, especially during the early 2000s and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its decline, Skype’s influence on modern communication platforms is undeniable, laying the groundwork for the development of current video conferencing tools.
About the author
Ibrahim Traoré accueille le président de l’UA Évariste Ndayishimiye à Ouagadougou
Le Président du Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, a accueilli ce lundi 20 avril 2026 au matin, à l’aéroport international de Ouagadougou, le Président en exercice de l’Union africaine, Évariste Ndayishimiye. Cette visite officielle s’inscrit dans le cadre des relations diplomatiques entre les États africains et les institutions continentales. Des échanges avec la Confédération AES Au cours de son séjour, le chef de l’État burundais, également président en exercice de l’UA, aura des échanges avec Ibrahim Traoré en sa qualité de Président de la Confédération des États du Sahel (AES). Ces discussions devraient porter sur des enjeux politiques, sécuritaires et de coopération régionale. Visites d’infrastructures à Ouagadougou Le programme de la visite prévoit également des déplacements sur plusieurs infrastructures socio-économiques dans la capitale, Ouagadougou. Ces visites visent à mettre en lumière les initiatives de développement en cours dans le pays. Une visite […]
LOOMIC : ABSTERGO lance une nouvelle marque d’accessoires tech au Burkina Faso
Dans un contexte où les accessoires numériques occupent une place centrale dans la vie quotidienne, ABSTERGO TECHNOLOGY franchit une nouvelle étape. Le 18 avril 2026, l’entreprise a officiellement lancé LOOMIC, une marque dédiée aux essentiels technologiques, avec une ambition claire : allier performance, design et accessibilité. Une vision : rendre la technologie utile et accessible Avec LOOMIC, ABSTERGO TECHNOLOGY veut combler le fossé entre le haut de gamme et l’accessibilité. Selon son fondateur, Marthial Oubda, les accessoires du quotidien ont longtemps été sous-estimés. « La technologie doit faire plus que fonctionner. Elle doit simplifier et améliorer l’expérience », a-t-il expliqué. LOOMIC se positionne ainsi comme une marque centrée sur l’essentiel, avec une approche axée sur l’innovation utile et un design minimaliste. Voltis : un écosystème de charge performant La marque inaugure sa gamme Voltis, dédiée à l’énergie et à la […]
Audit Exposes GHS427m Payroll Scandal at Defence Ministry
A shocking audit report has uncovered a massive payroll scandal involving a senior government official who allegedly received over GHS427 million in unearned salaries over 29 months. The individual at the center of the controversy, Frank Oliver Kpodo, served as Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Defence Ghana during the period under review. Millions Paid for No Work Done According to findings by the Auditor-General of Ghana, the payments were made between January 2023 and June 2025. On average, this amounts to more than GHS14 million per month—funds reportedly paid without corresponding work. The audit, which examined government payroll systems, aimed to ensure that only legitimate employees receive salaries. Instead, it exposed what appears to be a deeply flawed system. Part of a Larger Payroll Leak The report found that over 6,000 government employees collectively received more than GHS800 […]
Old Tafo MP Questions NPRA Sole Sourcing, Raises Transparency Concerns
The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has raised fresh concerns about procurement practices at the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA). He warned that the growing use of sole sourcing could undermine transparency and value for money. Questions Over High-Value Contracts Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Assafuah pointed to several major contracts awarded through sole sourcing. These include: A consultancy deal worth GH¢4.2 million A vehicle procurement arrangement exceeding GH¢17 million and $160,000 According to him, the repeated reliance on sole sourcing for such high-value transactions raises serious concerns about due process. “Sole sourcing is meant for urgency and necessity, not convenience and favouritism,” he stated. Concerns Over Costly Consultancy Engagements The MP also questioned the need for certain consultancy services. He noted that a reported monthly cost of about GH¢175,000 could suggest duplication […]
Kaya : 190 jeunes et femmes reçoivent des kits pour lancer leurs activités
À Kaya, 190 personnes, majoritairement des jeunes et des femmes, disposent désormais des moyens nécessaires pour lancer leurs propres activités génératrices de revenus. Le 25 mars 2026, SOS Villages d’Enfants a procédé à la remise officielle de kits d’installation complets, marquant une nouvelle étape dans son programme d’autonomisation. Un investissement de près de 40 millions FCFA L’opération représente un investissement global de 39 751 400 FCFA. Ce montant se répartit comme suit : 27 361 650 FCFA pour l’acquisition du matériel 12 389 750 FCFA consacrés à la formation technique des bénéficiaires L’objectif est clair : permettre un démarrage immédiat des activités avec des compétences solides. Des équipements pour plusieurs métiers Les kits distribués couvrent différents secteurs d’activité : Production d’attiéké : 32 femmes Coupe et couture : 42 bénéficiaires Transformation de produits ligneux : 56 personnes Teinture de pagnes […]
JEPPC 2026 : Émile Zerbo appelle à consommer local pour renforcer la souveraineté
Le Burkina Faso a officiellement lancé, ce 26 mars 2026, la première phase des Journées nationales d’engagement patriotique et de participation citoyenne (JEPPC). La cérémonie, organisée au ministère de la Justice, a été présidée par Émile Zerbo, ministre d’État chargé de l’Administration territoriale. Un thème centré sur la souveraineté alimentaire Pour cette troisième édition, le thème choisi est clair :« Produisons burkinabè, consommons burkinabè, notre assiette, notre fierté » À travers ce message, les autorités entendent promouvoir un changement profond des habitudes de consommation et renforcer le patriotisme économique. Un discours fort contre la dépendance aux importations Relayant le message du chef de l’État, Émile Zerbo a dénoncé une forme d’impérialisme ancrée dans le quotidien. Selon lui, la dépendance aux produits importés affaiblit l’économie nationale et marginalise les producteurs locaux. Il a notamment pointé du doigt la présence massive de […]
Related
Shank sparks debate with story of mum’s reaction to tattoo
Nigerian skit maker and comedian Adesokan Emmanuel, popularly known as Shank, has stirred debate on social media after sharing how his mother reacted when she discovered he has a tattoo. In a recent video, he narrated that the revelation immediately turned into a Bible quoting session at home. According to Shank, he had kept the tattoo hidden from his mother for some time. When she finally found out, she was visibly upset and began citing Bible verses and religious teachings to express her disapproval. His story quickly went viral, with many Nigerians relating it to broader arguments in Christian circles about whether tattoos are acceptable for believers. The conversation has revived earlier debates triggered by comments from Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, who previously said during a live broadcast that there is no specific Bible verse that outright forbids tattoos for Christians. […]
Funke Akindele explains why she stopped attending church services
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has revealed why she no longer attends physical church services on Sundays. She said she stopped going because her presence often turns into a distraction, with people and media teams focusing more on her than on the worship. In a video shared on her Snapchat story, Akindele explained that whenever she attends church, cameras and congregants tend to concentrate on recording or looking at her instead of paying attention to the sermon and the message. She said this made her uncomfortable and convinced her that staying away from the physical building was better for everyone. The actress stressed that her decision does not mean she has abandoned her faith. According to her, she still maintains a personal relationship with God, prays regularly and follows services online rather than in person. Akindele added that she […]
Lizzy Anjorin accepts Iyabo Ojo boxing match, sets conditions
Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin has announced that she has accepted a long standing celebrity boxing challenge to fight fellow actress Iyabo Ojo, but with fresh conditions for show promoter Paulo Okoye. The actress confirmed her decision in a social media post on Sunday, years after the bout was first proposed. Anjorin said she is now ready to step into the ring for the N10 million boxing showdown that Paulo put forward as a way to settle the bitter rift between her and Ojo. In her words, “As at today, 3rd May 2026, I accept your challenge,” signalling her agreement in principle to the contest. However, she introduced a major new condition: Paulo must first fight her husband, Chief Lawal, in a 10 round, non stop boxing contest. She said only after that bout is held will she enter the ring […]
Met Gala 2026: Fashion’s Biggest Night Returns
Preparations are complete in New York City as the fashion world gears up for the 2026 Met Gala, one of the most prestigious and exclusive events on the global style calendar. Around 450 high-profile guests are expected to attend the annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year’s event will be co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams. The 2026 theme, “Costume Art,” aligns with the museum’s new exhibition, which will showcase more than 400 pieces spanning 5,000 years of fashion history. Guests are expected to interpret the dress code, “Fashion Is Art,” by blending clothing with artistic expression, drawing inspiration from movements such as the Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionism. As with previous editions, the theme allows for broad creative interpretation, meaning the red carpet is likely to feature a wide range of […]
Seyi Vibez wins Audiomack top artiste at Mainland Block Party
During the show, Audiomack presented Seyi Vibez with three milestone plaques for hitting 500 million, 1 billion and 2 billion career streams on the platform. The recognition confirmed his status as one of the most listened to artistes from Africa on Audiomack. Posts shared by Audiomack partners and fan pages noted that Seyi Vibez has reclaimed the top spot as the platform’s most streamed artiste. He currently boasts over 1.57 billion streams, reflecting the strong performance of his projects and singles over the past few years. Videos from the Mainland Block Party showed Seyi Vibez receiving the plaques on stage to loud cheers from the crowd. The artist expressed appreciation to his fans for their constant support and to Audiomack for providing a platform that has helped his music reach a global audience. The Audiomack honour caps a period of […]
Judith Audu’s film Evi begins nationwide school tour
Nollywood actress, producer and director Judith Audu has kicked off a nationwide school tour with her award winning film Evi. The project aims to take the movie directly to campuses and secondary schools across Nigeria and use it as a tool for education, inspiration and social change. According to Audu, the tour will begin with screenings across the South East from May 1 before moving to other regions of the country. At each stop, students will watch the film and then take part in discussions about its themes, which focus on values, resilience and the choices young people make in difficult situations. She explained that Evi was created not just as entertainment but as a conversation starter for young Nigerians. By bringing the film directly to schools, she hopes to reach students where they are, encourage dialogue on real life […]