Powell once again kept rates steady. No hike. Markets rallied and the inference is that the rate hiking cycle is over. Cuts must come sooner and later, and the billions of dollars parked in treasuries and money markets will flood into risk assets.

There has never been a better time to buy crypto, but not all projects are created equal. Now is the time to find the gems set to outperform in 2024. Algorand (ALGO) and Everlodge (ELDG) are very bullish rated, and today we are taking an in-depth look.

Algorand (ALGO): The Pinnacle of Layer One Technology

Algorand is the first layer one blockchain that genuinely overcomes the classic trillemma. Typically blockchains can only pick two of the following three attributes: decentralization, security, or scalability. Until Algorand, there was always a trade-off.

Implementing Pure Proof of Stake powers instant transaction finality and incredible throughput exceeding 10,000 transactions per second. Anybody staking 1 $ALGO can become a validator ensuring the network’s decentralization. Designed by Silvio Micali, a thought leader in the crypto space, the Algorand blockchain has the technical capacity to unlock practically any use case.

Analysts forecast a bull range for Algorand’s native token, $ALGO, stating it could trade between $0.52 and $0.62 in 2024. They expect the influx of institutional investors to bid Algorand, and as blockchain becomes more enmeshed in the traditional world of finance, it will likely become the de facto choice.

Everlodge (ELDG) Turning Vacation Rentals Into NFTs

The real estate market is valued at over $280 trillion and remains completely illiquid. Everlodge will change this by vacation rentals (hotels and luxury villas) on-chain as NFTs. This will allow anybody to buy and sell real estate on blockchain networks, but the stroke of genius is Everlodge’s fractionalization process.

Each property minted will be fractionalized, and Everlodge will remove the capital barriers to entering this market segment. Anybody from anywhere in the world will be able to buy and sell fractional real estate on-chain and unlock passive income.

When a property’s value increases, the NFT’s value increases. Minting NFTs also has several advantages outside of the huge liquidity increase. Users can leverage them as loan collateral on the protocol’s lending platform. 

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>We&#39;re thrilled to announce that our website just got a makeover! 💻<br><br>Check out the fresh look and discover the NEW features we&#39;ve added. It&#39;s all about making your experience even better!<br><br>Plus, remember that our Presale is still ON. <br><br>Explore now: <a href=”https://t.co/SIYWBylwQD”>https://t.co/SIYWBylwQD</a><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/RWA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#RWA</a> <a href=”https://t.co/aTuT8x7z36″>pic.twitter.com/aTuT8x7z36</a></p>&mdash; Everlodge (@EverlodgeHQ) <a href=”https://twitter.com/EverlodgeHQ/status/1716543605576241503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw“>October 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

Analysts remain hyper-bullish on $ELDG due to its unique use cases in the ecosystem. It will be required for all transactions on the Everlodge platform. This classic source of buy pressure will likely cause the token to skyrocket, and forecasts predict a 30X increase at launch. But holders unlock so much more. The ability to earn passive income via staking, discounts on property purchases, trading, and access to the launchpad. Property developers will raise capital on the Everldoge platform from community members, and users can participate in new developments.

Participate in this hot new presale today. And like developmental real estate, presales allow investors to be early and maximize their ROI potential!

Visit Everlodge

Earnipay, a fintech company that provides income earners with on-demand access to salaries, is excited to introduce Payroll by Earnipay—a product that caters to all financial needs in a unified platform. 

Just a few months after Nonso Onwuzulike and the peerless team at Earnipay rebranded to help more businesses access and improve payment solutions, the company is set to unveil a new product that promises to become Africa’s topmost fintech solution with integrated payments. 

Earnipay’s commitment to providing employees and businesses flexible access to their accrued salaries on any day of the month has just been made better with Payroll by Earnipay. With the launch of the Payroll solution, businesses can now seamlessly integrate with other suites of financial management solutions. This allows users to access and manage their financial needs from one platform. 

Payroll by Earnipay was built for the CEO who is fed up with the inconvenience of using different platforms for his financial needs, the employee who can now withdraw, save, and initiate other payment needs from the same place, and for the entrepreneur who desires seamless services, ease and accessibility to her company finances. 

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Earnipay integrated finances into a unified platform 

Using this new service built by the passionate and talented Earnipay team means a lasting solution to the challenges of managing finances from several platforms. This was after a study of the market insight and direct customer feedback revealed the inconvenience faced by stakeholders, which led to the creation of the  Payroll solution.

Business owners and decision-makers can now relax and launch Payroll by Earnipay, the ultimate comprehensive financial management solution. 

Payroll by Earnipay was built for your convenience. Your company’s finances can now be consolidated in one place. You can now simplify your payroll services, initiate on-demand pay, transfers, and bulk payments through Payroll by Earnipay. 

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With Payroll by Earnipay, you can: 

● Enjoy a seamless solution for payroll services that go beyond traditional offerings: Your employees can now enjoy a seamless payroll service that goes beyond their access to salaries. 

● Operate a business with a unified platform that caters to all financial requirements: Your business finances can now be operated  through a single platform. 

● Enjoy the convenience of consolidating financial processes in one place: With Earnipay, say goodbye to inconvenience. Your businesses now enjoy simplifying payroll services, on-demand pay, transfers, and bulk payments with ease.

● Access a platform that processes and manages payroll, taxes, remittances, and employee payments cohesively: Payroll by Earnipay is real and here, you now have the accessibility of a secure and cohesive payment system. 

Earnipay is set in its commitment to provide its users with seamless and reliable services as evident in all of its products; on-demand pay, transfers, savings and more over the years. Also, with Payroll by Earnipay, users will enjoy a variety of interesting features all in one place. From an error-free automatic salary computation to tax deductions, remittance, effortless customisation and reporting, dedicated support, and a robust security measure to safeguard sensitive payroll information. Now, more than ever, business owners are assured of an easy and secure financial experience. 

Payroll by Earnipay hopes to be an indispensable product in the fintech market and assures users of Earnipay’s objective and commitment to ease financial services for business owners and to integrate these services into a unified platform for accessibility. 

With Payroll by Earnipay, the team offers its market a unified solution for all financial needs of salary payers and earners. Its platform serves all money needs; from flexible savings options, to on-demand pay, single and bulk payment features, transfers, rewards, and a range of other perks. 

Embark on a transformative journey with Amdari, the groundbreaking platform set to launch on December 16. More than just a platform, Amdari represents a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with real-life projects tailored to their industry needs. Unlike other platforms, Amdari is dedicated to hands-on, practical learning, emphasizing experiential knowledge acquisition in a dynamic environment.

Co-founded by visionary minds Efemena Ikpro and Adeiza Suleman, alongside the dynamic leadership of Project Lead Iyesome Akiokpo, Amdari promises a transformative learning experience. Pre-register now for the grand launch event on December 16 and be at the forefront of this revolutionary journey.

Mark your calendars as Amdari, a groundbreaking platform, is set to redefine the landscape of tech education.  Guest speakers for the event include renowned industry leaders such as Jennifer Stirrup, CEO and Founder of Data Relish; Olamide Jolaoso, Head of Data Analytics at Wema Bank; Samuel Iheagwam, Database Administrator at Qore; Adora Nwodo, Senior Software Engineer, and Founder at Nexascale; and Olalekan Akinsande, Data Scientist, and AI Engineer. These experts will share insights and experiences, making the Amdari Launch Event a must-attend occasion.

Amdari facilitates meaningful connections between individuals and real-life projects across sectors such as finance, health, and transportation. Stand out by actively engaging in dynamic, real-world projects, applying and refining your skills in a live environment.

Event Highlights:

– Theme: “Bridging the Skills Gap: Navigating the Future of Tech Careers”

– Date & Time: December 16th, 5pm WAT

– Platform: Zoom

This immersive learning experience accelerates skill development and fosters confidence and competence among participants. The dynamic environment at Amdari serves as a catalyst for acquiring tech skills, ensuring relevance and adaptability in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and industry practices.

In summary, Amdari is set to revolutionize the way individuals connect with and learn from real-life projects tailored to their industry or business situations. Through its commitment to hands-on, practical learning in a dynamic environment, Amdari empowers participants to acquire tech skills grounded in both theory and practical challenges. The platform heralds a new era of experiential learning and professional development.

As Amdari prepares for its launch, it invites you to be part of this transformative journey. The platform aims to bridge the skills gap and navigate the future of tech careers. Join us on December 16 to unlock the full potential of experiential learning and professional development.

Secure your spot at the Amdari Launch Event by pre-registering now and stay connected with us on social media for updates and insights. Don’t miss the opportunity to revolutionize your tech education with Amdari!

To make the most of the Amdari Launch Event and connect with us on social media, follow our accounts:

– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amdari_io/

– Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amdari_IO

– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQTc6WEeu6sHvRxd5e3XMOg

– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amdari/about/

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this groundbreaking event. Pre-register now through our Google Form and secure your spot:
http://tinyurl.com/AmdariLaunch

Cryptocurrency was originally created to transform how we make payments. Now, innovative new projects like Ethereum, Everlodge, and Toncoin are taking things one step further. Each project offers an innovative new solution, and as a result could be extremely profitable for early investors. Here’s why investors should consider each for their portfolios. 

Ethereum Continues To Pioneer DeFi Developments

Ethereum is the largest blockchain in the world. Over 1,500 active decentralized apps have been built on the network, with a total value locked (TVL) of over $1 billion. Many analysts believe that Ethereum is now more important than Bitcoin, and could play a more important role in the future of decentralized finance. 

Ethereum recently experienced its largest price increase of 2023, rising to over $2,350. It has since declined to $2,232, though Ethereum’s value has still increased by 8.65% in the last month. With huge plans for 2024, including a potential spot ETF, experts believe that Ethereum’s value could surge over the next year. Predictions range from $3,000 to $4,000+, though most experts agree that Ethereum’s value will rise. 

Toncoin Blockchain Slows Following New Protocol Release  

Toncoin was created to provide seamless DeFi transactions, offering speeds of over 100,000 transactions per second. However, a recent issue with Toncoins transaction processing has cast a shadow of doubt around the project. 

Last Tuesday, a new protocol inspired by Bitcoin Ordinals caused a spike in activity on the Toncoin network. This caused the blockchain’s speed to crash to less than 1 transaction per second on Thursday, during which over 2.5 million transactions were pending. 

Due to congestion Tonkeeper, a popular Toncoin wallet, had to suspend its services. Later reports suggest that network usage increased by 61 times in just 30 minutes, causing issues for Toncoin. Since this setback, Toncoin’s value has fallen by 8% to $2.17, and Toncoin’s daily trading volume has fallen to $50 million. 

Could Everlodge Revolutionize A Trillion Dollar Market? 

While most crypto projects focus on finance or the blockchain, Everlodge applies DeFi technology to an entirely new market– travel properties. As a pioneer in this industry, Everlodge is expected to gain significant traction throughout 2024 as thousands of investors discover a new way to build their property portfolios.

Everlodge looks to disrupt the travel property market by minting properties as NFTs. This is designed to streamline the buying and selling process. Once minted, NFTs are fractionalized so investors can buy a percentage of the property instead of the entire property outright. For example, a holiday home in the U.K. worth $1 million could be split into 5 fractions, after which 5 individuals can own a 20% share in the property. 

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>We&#39;re thrilled to announce that our website just got a makeover! 💻<br><br>Check out the fresh look and discover the NEW features we&#39;ve added. It&#39;s all about making your experience even better!<br><br>Plus, remember that our Presale is still ON. <br><br>Explore now: <a href=”https://t.co/SIYWBylwQD”>https://t.co/SIYWBylwQD</a><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/RWA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#RWA</a> <a href=”https://t.co/aTuT8x7z36″>pic.twitter.com/aTuT8x7z36</a></p>&mdash; Everlodge (@EverlodgeHQ) <a href=”https://twitter.com/EverlodgeHQ/status/1716543605576241503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw“>October 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

This unique application reduces how much an investor needs to get started, and removes traditional barriers to entry, such as location. Properties available on Everlodge will include luxury villas, hotels, and holiday homes, with plans to add more property types in the future. 

Everlodge is currently in stage 8 of its presale, having sold out at record rates during its previous seven rounds. Its native token, ELDG, is currently available for just $0.027, and will offer numerous benefits to holders once Everlodge officially launches. 

Investors who buy ELDG tokens during the Everlodge presale will automatically be granted access to the Everlodge private members club, which will offer lucrative rewards such as free stays at properties within the Everlodge ecosystem. 

Visit Everlodge

The blockchain cryptocurrency industry has evolved substantially since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009. Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) are two top altcoins that have contributed to the industry’s growth. 

While Ethereum was the first to implement smart contracts, Solana expanded the possibilities by increasing scalability. Both have contributed to the emergence of Pullix (PLX), the new trifecta of crypto success. Let’s find out why Pullix is now referred to as one of the best cryptocurrencies to invest in right now.

Ethereum Introduces a New Phase in Crypto

Ethereum (ETH) is widely considered as the blockchain industry’s backbone. This is because the Ethereum network was the first to provide smart contracts and decentralized apps. The infrastructure has extended throughout the bitcoin industry. 

The Ethereum network’s popularity has propelled it to the top altcoins in the market today. Ethereum (ETH) is the project that led to the idea of a decentralized future since it created the framework for the launch of many projects.

Solana’s Scalability Increased the Possibilities

While Ethereum introduced smart contracts, scalability remained a long-standing issue. In 2017, the Solana network was launched as a game changer. While Ethereum can only handle 8-18 transactions per second (TPS), the Solana network has the potential to handle 65,000 TPS. 

This scalability caused the Solana coin to gain traction. It also led to a massive expansion of the network. The growth of the network has established the Solana coin as one of the top altcoins in the cryptocurrency market today.

The Emergence of Pullix (PLX)

Pullix is now being referred to as a trifecta of crypto success as it combines both concepts introduced by Ethereum and Solana. As an exchange, it combines the decentralization of Ethereum with the great scalability of Solana. 

Pullix has thus unveiled an exchange platform that exceeds the competitors. As a result, the exchange functions in a safe and decentralized environment. Furthermore, it promotes a transparent trading system that eliminates intermediaries and lowers transaction fees.

The exchange’s great scalability has enabled it to enter new markets. Users will be able to trade more than just cryptos on Pullix. Users will be able to trade assets from the stock, FX, commodities, and exchange-traded fund (ETF) markets. 

Pullix has linked its DeFi cryptocurrency, PLX, to the trading platform in order to bring additional incentives to customers. PLX token holders will receive regular passive income transfers via providing liquidity.

Due to these amazing features, there has been great interest in the platform’s DeFi cryptocurrency, PLX. Over the last few days, almost a million PLX tokens have been snapped up. Fortunately, PLX is still available at a great price of $0.042 per token before its projected rally.

Final Thoughts

The combination of successful two models has made Pullix one of the best cryptocurrencies to invest in at the moment. This is the reason why it is referred to as a trifecta of crypto success. Now is a great time to join the project before its projected rally of 100x.

For more information regarding the Pullix Presale see links below:

Visit Pullix 

Join The Pullix Communities

Keywords: top altcoins, best cryptocurrencies to invest in, DeFi cryptocurrency, altcoins, Ethereum, Ethereum (ETH), Ethereum network, Solana, Solana network, Solana coin

Meta Title: Crypto Trifecta: Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) Forge the Path for Pullix (PLX) Success

Meta Description: Find out how Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) have paved the way for the success of Pullix (PLX). 

Stacks and Chiliz have pumped more than 20% this week as a bull rally takes over the market. However, the question remains — can this upward trend be sustained? As we examine this uncertainty, a new altcoin emerges as a potential hedge. Meme Moguls, currently in its presale phase, is predicted to surge by 100x when it launches. Read on to explore its promising potential and how it could be the strategic move your portfolio needs.

>>Buy Meme Moguls Today<<

Stacks (STX) Recent Price Surge and Market Ties

Stacks is an innovative project that brings smart contract functionality to the Bitcoin network via Proof of Transfer. The great thing about Stacks is that it’s an open-source project that has contributors from individuals from around the world. 

With Bitcoin soaring by more than 140% to a recent peak of $44,800 throughout 2023, Stacks has been on the rise as well. The last eleven months have seen Stacks jump from $0.2050 to a peak of $1.25 on December 7th. Stacks’ price has now corrected to $0.93, and holders wonder if the 2023 gains can be sustained. 

Analysts note that Stacks is tied to the Bitcoin market, and the recent pullback in Bitcoin has affected its price. However, with the potential of a Bitcoin ETF coming in January, Stacks could enjoy the same rally as Bitcoin. 

Stacks has a fully diluted market cap of $1.7 billion, 74.18% down from the $3.60 billion all-time high in December 2021. Chart technicians note that the most significant resistance is $1.20, so Stacks must break this level to continue its rally toward the $10 level. 

Analyzing Chiliz (CHZ)’s Market Performance

Chiliz is a Web3 infrastructure project building a blockchain-powered fan engagement platform for sports and entertainment. The goal of Chiliz is to provide fans with a more immersive experience while helping clubs to create new revenue streams. 

The price of Chiliz peaked at $0.89 in April 2021 after rallying more than 4,500% in just four months.  Chiliz would then dip to a low of $0.054 in October 2023 before rallying hard in the last few months to a peak of $0.094 this week. Can this recent Chiliz rally be sustained?

The Chiliz chart shows that the $0.10 mark is the clear line in the sand. Chiliz could go on a much bigger rally if it can break and hold above the $0.10 level, opening the door to levels of $0.30 and higher. The nearest support sits at roughly $0.06.

However, Chiliz must improve its fundamentals to maintain this rally long-term. While Chiliz has partnered with a few soccer teams, there is a glaringly low number of sports clubs actively using the platform. What if these teams suddenly choose to stop using the platform? A hedge may be necessary for investors to protect their capital.

Meme Moguls (MGLS): Opportunities for Mining, Staking, and Rewards

Meme Moguls is a P2E game that combines the fun of meme culture with the financial rewards of stock trading. Players can buy, sell, and trade virtual stocks of memes in the game’s marketplace. The goal is to become a meme mogul by making strategic investments, finishing on the Wealth Leaderboard, and cashing real-world profits.

Meme Moguls is also a hub for community and competition. Users can set up investment tournaments with friends, partake in head-to-head battles, and even try to outperform major market indices in the “Beat the Market” mode. These features not only add an element of fun but also sharpen investment skills.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>MOGULS!! 🔥<br><br>Are you ready to change the landscape? 🧑‍🌾 With one of the biggest airdrops of 2024 👀 Get ready!! <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%24MGLS&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>$MGLS</a> Farming. Coming soon… <a href=”https://t.co/9UPUeV5klt”>pic.twitter.com/9UPUeV5klt</a></p>&mdash; Meme Moguls (@meme_moguls) <a href=”https://twitter.com/meme_moguls/status/1733077444930703567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>December 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

Adding to its appeal is an in-game marketplace where users can trade items and rare NFT characters. These NFTs aren’t just collectibles; they enhance trading capabilities through upgrades like increased leverage and improved spreads.

Expanding beyond the game is “Moguls World,” a metaverse where users can mine tokens, join liquidity pools, and stake their MGLS tokens. Staking is particularly lucrative as it offers rewards based on the amount and duration of the stake.

While the Meme Moguls platform has yet to launch, MGLS tokens can be bought in the presale for the introductory price of $0.0021. This is a chance to get in on the ground floor of an ecosystem predicted to surge by 100x in the first year of launch.

Analysts get this prediction from the game’s unique value proposition and the low market cap of just $6.3 million. The upside potential is clear, with the memecoin market valued at over $21 billion and growing each week. 

For more information about the Meme Moguls (MGLS) presale:

Website: https://mememoguls.com/

Buy presale: https://app.mememoguls.com/sign-up Twitter: https://twitter.com/meme_moguls

Meta title: Google Bard: Ethereum, Cardano, & Meme Moguls – Crypto Whales Top Picks

Meta Description: Google Bard shares exclusive insights into the latest cryptocurrency trends, including the attraction of Ethereum, Cardano, and Meme Moguls for crypto whales.

Ethereum keywords: Ethereum, Ethereum price, Ethereum price prediction

Cardano keywords: Cardano, Cardano news, Cardano price, Cardano price prediction

Regarding cryptocurrencies, some tokens attract traders more than others. Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), and the emerging Meme Moguls (MGLS) have become major hotspots for cryptocurrency whales, drawing significant attention. Google Bard, the AI chatbot, will let you know why. 

Ethereum (ETH): Vitalik Buterin Makes New Announcements

Ethereum (ETH) has long been the flagship of smart contracts and decentralized applications. Recently, Vitalik Buterin made new announcements at Devconnect in Turkey. Buterin disclosed his plans to revamp Ethereum staking protocols, addressing performance-related concerns. 

He aims to enhance Ethereum’s efficiency by embracing the UTXO payment model and integrating innovations like ZK-EVMs and liquid staking. Google Bard mentioned this forward-looking approach in its analysis.

Over the past month, the Ethereum price surged from $1,788 on October 28 to $2,011 on November 27. Analysts are optimistic with Ethereum now trading above its 100 and 200-day EMAs. Their Ethereum price predictions forecast a potential surge to $2,200 before 2023 ends. According to Google Bard, this is why whales are gravitating to Ethereum.

Cardano (ADA): Massive Surge

According to Google Bard, Cardano (ADA), often dubbed Ethereum’s competitor, has been catching the eyes of whales. 

In recent Cardano news, Charles Hoskinson discussed a potential collaboration with Javier Milei during an AMA session. He also mentioned the possibility of presenting Cardano’s solutions to Milei. Hoskinson emphasized their shared economic views centered around reducing government intervention and sparked optimism.

Over the last month, the Cardano price surged from $0.29 to $0.37 – a 27% increase. With Cardano exhibiting 18 out of 30 green days and a 9.33% price volatility during that time, analysts have made a bullish Cardano price prediction. They estimate the Cardano price to reach $0.39 in December 2023. 

Meme Moguls (MGLS): The Newcomer with a Twist

Google Bard believes that the newest contender, Meme Moguls (MGLS), represents the evolving nature of the crypto space. As the world’s first meme-backed stock market, Meme Moguls is bringing something new by allowing users to trade their favorite memes and earn rewards through MGLS tokens.

You will soon be able to make connections, share tips, and collaborate on strategies with countless traders from around the globe. Traders will have one objective: reaching the top spot on the Meme Moguls Wealth Leaderboard. 

Although this exchange is the central aspect of Meme Moguls, the team behind its project has also announced three major ecosystem components: 

• Mogul Land: A unique metaverse experience that will provide you with financial activities, be it joining liquidity pools or token mining. 
• Meme Moguls Fantasy Trader: The place where you experiment and learn new strategies by challenging other traders. 
• Moguls Casino: A game where you can engage in various casino activities using meme-based assets.

Engaging in this ecosystem will bring you many rewards, such as extra MGLS tokens and even unique NFTs, which can be sold on on-chain platforms. Meanwhile, the MGLS token holders will also receive staking rewards or governance voting rights. It is now worth just $0.021 in Stage 1 of its presale. 

However, whales gravitate to it as some analysts forecast a 100x value rise before its presale finishes. This fact, plus a $10,000 giveaway at the end of each presale stage, has caused a frenzy among traders. According to The Crypto Basic, Shiba Inu produced a 1.6M% ROI in the past three years. Meme Moguls has the same potential, and whales have taken notice.

Visit Meme Moguls

Leading share registration and business support provider, Africa Prudential, has reaffirmed its commitment to grooming young tech talent with the graduation of 27 Software Engineers from its i-Academy tech-education initiative. 

The graduation ceremony, which took place on the 12th of December, marked the culmination of nine months of free intensive training in frontend and backend software development alongside other soft skills. The training ensures that this first cohort of graduates are well-equipped to work competitively within any global team while also securing the 27 software engineers with job placements.

During the ceremony, i-Academy’s Director of Programmes, Ivy Ikpeme-Mbakwem, emphasised the importance of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in the ever-evolving tech industry. 

“We are confident that they will make significant contributions to the tech industry and continue to innovate and shape the future of technology.” Speaking directly to the graduates, she congratulated them as she encouraged them to step out into the world with confidence and skills she knows they have. “We could not be any prouder of you young Tech Stars. Now it is up to you to leverage tech for good and provide solutions for us all.”

Founder and Group Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, congratulated the board members and management team of Africa Prudential for mitigating the effects of tech-talent emigration by providing an accessible learning platform for potential homegrown talent. 

“I believe that young Africans hold the key to the continent’s progress, and this initiative is a reminder that emphasises the importance of investing in our young ones for a sustainable future.”

Africa Prudential through the i-Academy remains committed to developing well-rounded software developers with the skills and knowledge they need to launch successful careers in the technology industry. The Technical Trainee Programme is designed to equip the next generation of tech leaders with the tools they need to succeed.

About i-Academy

i-Academy, powered by Africa Prudential Plc, is an impact initiative dedicated to addressing the shortage of skilled software developers in Nigeria and beyond. Through its rigorous nine-month free training program, i-Academy equips your tech enthusiasts with and immersive training experience to gain job placements and contribute to building solutions for Africa. 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Keren Otiono, i-Academy Communications

In the Holiday Edition Threats Report, Visa anticipates threat actors will use advanced schemes to exploit consumers’ information during the holiday season and shares tips and tricks for safe transactions.

Today, Visa Inc., a world leader in digital payments, revealed its Holiday Edition Threats Report, which anticipates heightened scam activity during the holiday season across both card-present (CP) and card-not-present (CNP) transactions. The new report identifies popular fraud tactics expected between November 2023 and January 2024 due to the rapid increase in eCommerce activities and in-person spending across retail and hospitality. Visa, today, also unveiled its list of top 10 habits consumers can follow to practice safe and secure shopping. 

Historical data and transactions show that threat actors prey on consumers during the holiday season. In fact, Visa’s data shows that for the top merchant categories targeted by fraudsters, 2022 holiday fraud rates increased 11% over their non-holiday fraud rate and saw an increase of 8% over the previous year during this time. The Holiday Edition Threats Report warns that threat actors will seek to exploit consumers’ increased interest and urgency in finding deals and one-of-a-kind gifts. Highlights of the report’s findings include: 

• Phishing and Social Engineering: The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) over the past year provides threat actors with the ability to create highly customized phishing campaigns, making it harder for consumers to spot fakes. Fraudsters also create phishing websites, often using malvertising (malicious advertising) and other illicit search engine optimization (SEO) tactics on retail or service websites to entice victims.  
• OTP Bypass and Provisioning Fraud: Visa identified many one-time-passcode (OTP) bypass schemes to gain access to cardholders’ accounts. In this scheme, OTP templates are sent to the consumers that appear to be associated with desired purchase.  
• Physical Theft: Threat actors may attempt to physically steal payment cards and/or phones from unsuspecting consumers in crowded retail stores, shopping malls, or parking lots. 

“Crooks prepare all year for the holiday shopping season, taking advantage of increased activity and consumers who let their guard down searching for the perfect gift,” said Paul Fabara, Chief Risk Officer, Visa. “At Visa, we are committed to security and reliability, with a promise of 24/7 threat monitoring, even during the busiest time of the year. Consumers can rest easy this holiday season knowing Visa’s team of experts is working around the clock to stop fraud it its tracks.”

10 Habits to Help Consumers Shop Securely

Visa’s 10 Habits for Good Security Hygiene can guide consumers who are planning to shop this holiday season on best practices to stay safe. Key highlights from Visa’s tips include: 

• Shop from Reputable Retailers: Stick to trusted and well-known retailers. If you’re considering a purchase from a store you’re not familiar with, do some research to check their reputation and authenticity. 

• Secure Your Personal Information: Make sure the website uses secure technology. When at the checkout, the website address should start with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for secure and means that your data is being encrypted and sent over a secure connection. 

• Always Check Details in the OTP Message: Before entering the OTP, verify the purpose of the OTP (e.g., is it for a purchase or issuance of a device token) and review the purchase details such as the merchant name, transaction amount. Finally, you should not be disclosing your OTPs over the phone, email, or messenger.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, which makes it easier for hackers to steal your information. Always use a secure, private internet connection when you’re making purchases. 

• Beware of Deals That Are Too Good to Be True: Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails can often sound too good to be true, especially extremely low prices on hard-to-get items. Consumers should be suspicious of such deals, as they often are. 

At Visa, security and reliability is a top priority year-round. Over the past five years, the company has invested more than $10 billion in technology, including to reduce fraud and increase network security. More than a thousand dedicated specialists protect Visa’s network from malware, zero-day attacks and insider threats 24x7x365. In fact, in the first six months of 2023, Visa helped to proactively block $30 billion in fraud, preventing many from ever knowing they were at risk of a potential fraudulent transaction. We encourage consumers to stay alert during this season and think about where they are shopping and who they are sharing their information with to keep it safe.

Visit: Stay Secure 2023 | Visa (visamiddleeast.com) to learn more on how to spot a scam and stay secure when shopping online.

ipNX, Nigeria’s unified connectivity solutions provider has sustained an industry recognition of excellence by receiving double honors at the 9^th edition of the Nigeria Technology Awards which recently held in Victoria Island, Lagos, on 9^th December 2023.

ipNX took home two awards in the coveted categories of “Fiber-Optic Internet Service Provider of the Year” and “Fastest Fiber-Optic Internet Service Provider of the Year”. Both awards are a testament to the tremendous amount of work undertaken by the organization in pioneering Fiber – to – the – Home connectivity in Nigeria and scaling those efforts to include the provision of ultra-speed connectivity plans evident in its FOS Xtreme Series offering internet speeds of up to 1 GB/s. According to the organisers of the award ceremony, “the winners were selected after a thorough nomination, screening, and voting process coordinated by our panel of judges and advisory board”. 

Commenting on the award, Kene Eneh, Divisional Chief Executive Officer, ipNX Retail, stated “We are honored by these recognitions as they inspire us to continue to do more to create exponential possibilities for our clients and customers. As an organization, we are passionate about consistently demonstrating that Nigeria has inward capacity to engineer and deliver the highest quality of technology solutions”. She continued, “I dedicate these awards to all ipNX customers who inspire us to go further, faster, and to our esteemed late Co-founder and Ex-Director, Dr. Burian Carew, who laid down the foundation for all we have been able to achieve till date and beyond”. 

The dedication of ipNX to its customers goes beyond providing unrivalled connectivity solutions, the company is actively involved in various empowerment initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and transforming Nigeria through the power of technology. 

These milestone achievements in extending fiber optic infrastructure across Nigeria and providing an enabling environment that accelerates digital transformation, illustrates an alignment with the four year digital blueprint communicated by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani.

The Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA) is an annual event organized to celebrate and reward Technology Entrepreneurs, Technology Professionals, Corporate Organizations, Innovators, Academicians, Inventors and policy makers (Government) in Nigeria. It is currently in its 9^th edition and the objective is to promote and celebrate the excellent achievements through which Nigerian Technology professionals and organizations contribute towards building a sustainable economy using technology. The Awards also aims to encourage local practitioners to develop innovative and creative Technology solutions, which will uplift the image of Nigeria both locally and internationally.

Businesses that aren’t using Google Ads are missing out on a vast audience and growth opportunities. Millions of people use Google every second and Google Ads offers effective campaign management and measurement tools. Nigerian businesses face payment hurdles due to complex forex sourcing, unfavourable exchange rates, and virtual USD card limitations when trying to use Google Ads. To solve this problem, Mecurie has created a revolutionary solution that lets you pay for Google Ads in Naira called AdPay.

What is AdPay?

AdPay by Mercurie is a simple and innovative adtech solution for paying with Google Ads in Naira. The beauty of AdPay is that it directly integrates into Google Ads and enables users to pay for Google Ads in Naira via bank transfer or a payment gateway. You don’t need to do any USD-to-Naira conversion or use a virtual card. With its user-friendly interface and direct integration with Google Ads, AdPay eliminates the complexities and frustrations associated with traditional payment methods. The sign-up process is easy and seamless so users can simply sign up, fund their AdPay wallet in Naira via bank transfer, and pay for Google Ads in just a few clicks.

AdPay has made it easy and convenient for Nigerians to tap into the wide reach that Google has and connect better with more audiences. With AdPay, entrepreneurs can reach a global audience, get more opportunities from these audiences, and scale their businesses faster.

Why use AdPay 

Effortless sign-up: In addition to the convenience, users can start paying in Naira from day one and start a Google campaign immediately. With the effortless setup, users can enjoy a straightforward signup process and get started with AdPay in minutes.

Reliability: AdPay is 100% reliable and offers direct integration to Google Ads so your payment reflects directly in your Google account instantly. 

Enhanced control: With AdPay, users get better control of their budget because they no longer have to calculate black market rates for dollar transfer rates and can easily just make payments from their bank accounts in naira. Users have complete control over their budget and optimise ad spend with ease.

Expert Support: AdPay customers get to enjoy complimentary access to expert advisory services from dedicated Google

Ads services. With this support, users can maximise their campaign spend, hit their campaign goals efficiently, and get better returns on their investment. AdPay also has a Google Ads Expert Network program that gives customers with limited knowledge, experience, or time access to paid Google Ads professionals within its community.

Promo Offer: Free Google ads voucher when new Google Ads customers reach a certain spend threshold. You can find out more about this promotional offer here.

AdPay offers a transparent fee structure so customers can start small and scale gradually.
Seize the opportunity to reach a global audience, expand your customer base, and skyrocket your business growth with AdPay. Embrace the power of Google Ads and watch your business flourish in the digital age.

Leading smart life brand, itel, is excited to unveil a new logo to herald a fresh era of innovation, customer centric philosophy and a remarkable shift in brand identity suited to the dynamic needs of end users.

16 years on from its former logo, itel’s new look and logo underscores the brand’s commitment to being a reliable, innovative and ahead-of-the-market brand without compromising on its core values of affordability, quality and accessibility. Having defined the brand for more than a decade, the old logo gives way to a more modern, vibrant and readily identifiable one, capturing the essence of itel’s brand promise to “Enjoy Better Life”.

Since inception, itel has stayed true to its promise of providing quality yet pocket friendly electronic products that resonate with user demands and give consumers an opportunity to pick from a range of sophisticated devices that spark up their electronic experience. With the introduction of the new logo, it plays up a significant turning point in the brand’s history and a resolve to remain relevant in the ever evolving tech landscape.

The unveiling of the logo points to a well thought rebranding initiative that signifies constant growth and expansion. itel remains committed to churning out a lineup of affordable and innovative devices that will enable our users enjoy a smarter life.

itel’s New Evolution

itel’s revamped logo, designed by DesignStudio, the global design team based in Australia, symbolizes a youthful, energetic, and forward-looking approach. Its colour of choice, magenta, is deliberate; a move to indicate an inclination towards youthfulness and positivity to stay on top of the dynamic tech landscape. It signifies the power in itel devices and passion and energy for meeting user demands.

Also, by sticking with its now iconic speech bubble, itel continues to remind existing and new consumers that it is the go-to brand for communication and connectivity in the fast moving world. Through the forward slanted angle throughout the logo, itel brings to the fore the fact that it is not only catering to current consumer smartphone and other electronic needs, but is also a brand focused on defining the future tech landscape with smart moves and innovations.

When it entered the market 16 years ago, itel was readily identified as a smartphone brand but now, that perception and reality has changed. Not only has it grown into a comprehensive “smart life” brand, itel has now birthed a unique and diverse brand ecosystem that caters to various consumer needs. It achieved this by carefully understanding the unique needs of users and using technological advancements to provide smart life technology products. 

itel’s diverse range of products includes smartphones, accessories, personal care products and home appliances, aiming to provide eco-system service and help customers in emerging markets enjoy a better life. Today, itel continues to hold its prominent position in the industry, including being ranked as the Global No.1 in feature phone category and the Global No.1 smartphone brand under $75, according to IDC sales data in 2023Q2. 

itel is not just rebranding to look good or exchange the old for the new, it is keeping faith with company philosophy of meeting and satisfying the ever-evolving needs of consumers. This rebranding perfectly justifies a long-held position and resolve to always provide accessible and innovative smart technology that empowers individuals and communities in emerging markets. 

True to its mantra, ‘Enjoy Better Life’, itel will continue to innovate and evolve in its onward trajectory of providing ease, quality and affordability for consumers. 

About itel: 

itel is a global smart life brand dedicated to providing affordable and high-quality consumer electronic products. With a commitment to understanding the unique needs of users, itel has evolved from a mobile phone brand into a comprehensive “smart life” brand, offering a diverse ecosystem of products to enhance the lives of customers in emerging markets. In 2023H1, it ranked No.1 Global Smartphone brand under $75 and No.1 feature phone brand.

On the back of successfully acquiring business remittance licenses in Uganda, Nigeria and Canada, Multigate has recently achieved another significant milestone in its expansion efforts by obtaining regulatory approval in Kenya to facilitate remittances to the country. Multigate is a licensed treasury management technology company that delivers secure and innovative digital solutions to address the complex financial needs of corporates and financial institutions. 

The achievement is a result of Multigate’s continued dedication to compliance and regulatory requirements and its commitment to providing secure and reliable remittance services in the region. This latest acquisition of a remittance approval in Kenya proves Multigate’s ongoing efforts to expand its geographical coverage across the East African Community. 

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“In 2022, Multigate announced that the Kenyan Asset Recovery Authority (ARA) withdrew all cases on our operations and Directors, exonerating the business of all allegations and giving us a clean bill of health. This paved the way for the successful application and granting of regulatory approval for remittances into Kenya, demonstrating Multigate’s willingness to work closely with local regulatory authorities, such as the Central Bank of Kenya, to ensure that our operations align with local laws and regulations. We are extremely delighted to expand our operations in Kenya, a key market for our regional growth programme.” said Eghosa Nehikhare, CEO of Multigate

Over the past year, the company has focused on developing its presence regionally and beyond while remaining committed to delivering seamless and reliable remittance services to its customers and adhering to the highest compliance and regulatory requirements standards. This was achieved through the acquisition of a Money Remittance Business (MRB) license by the Bank of Uganda, an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) license from the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Multigate’s Money Services Business (MSB) registration with the Canadian FINTRAC.

Also, Multigate’s willingness to invest in the quality of service, ensuring our products are reliable saw us become the first Pan-African-based technology company to be certified as a SWIFT Lite2 Business Application Provider (L2BA), with ISO 20000, 22301, and 27001 certifications. These show Multigate’s commitment to delivering innovative digital solutions governed by leading regulatory and security standards.

According to data from the World Bank, remittances have become the most important foreign exchange earner in several countries. For Kenya, remittances are more significant than the country’s key exports, including tourism, tea, coffee, and horticulture, which presents immense opportunities for the country’s remittance sector.

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“It is crucial to recognise the significant role that fintech-enabled trade applications can play in driving trade integration across the continent. We are excited to further contribute to the advancement of Kenya’s economy and enhance East African organisations’ regional and global trade by providing a safe and secure cross-border payment solution to our valued clients and partners in Kenya,” added Nehikhare.

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ABOUT MULTIGATE:

• Founded in 2017, Multigate is a licensed treasury management technology company that delivers innovative solutions to address complex financial needs for organisations trading in African markets. 

• Our innovative digital solutions include:

• Cross-Border Payment Solution
• FX Conversion Solution
• Multi-Bank Connector Solution
• Automated Reconciliation Solution 

• We operate in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Our vision is to advance Africa’s economy by enabling seamless and instant transactions for organisations in African markets trading regionally and globally.

• Visit https://www.multigate.io/ for further details.

Contact Details
Sophie Masipa, sophie@multigate.io

Santa came early for Access Bank customers as the top financial institution unveils exciting rewards and mouth-watering discounts on its products to excite and enhance the joy and spirit of the festive season.

The campaign will reward customers with cash prizes up to N1million, Shopping vouchers, huge discounts and exciting freebies from today till the end of December, 2023.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Group Head, Consumer Banking, Njideka Esomeju said “The season of giving is here, and it provides us with another opportunity to demonstrate our love and appreciation for our customers for their loyalty and support  to  the bank. We are using this opportunity to thank our customers for their commitment to Access Bank. We value our customers and non-customers who rely on our services and products to conduct seamless banking activities, and we wish everyone the best of the season.

In this month of December, our customers will enjoy Zero Charges when they make electricity and DSTV bill payments on the AccessMore mobile app. We will also be rewarding 100 customers with N10,000 shopping voucher when they perform a minimum of 5 transactions above N1,000 on the AccessMore App. 

Our card users are not left out of these goodies. They get to enjoy 8% discounts on hotel staycations on bookings.com. 

For our DiamondXtra customers who save a minimum of N5,000 or more, they stand a chance to win our loyalty reward of N1million while there’s also free digital marketing training for the first 1,000 winners.

That’s not all. Our Xclusiveplus customers are not left out as the bank will reward new customers with Free 20GB data bundles valid untill the 15th of December 2023, Up to 5% discounts off purchases on Konga and treats at all our  in-branch and airport lounges locations nationwide. Our ‘W’ Initiative will also reward women with discounts on driving lessons from FRSC accredited driving schools.

All these are our way of showing appreciation to our customers for the year 2023. 

To know more and be part of the winning train of the Access bank End of the Year rewards, please click HERE”. Njide concluded.

The journey has been thrilling, the ideas revolutionary, and the growth phenomenal. After months of intensive learning, ideation, and creation, we’re excited to announce the grand culmination of the WIPO IP Labs program – The Demo Day, themed “Intellectual Property as a Catalyst for Digital Transformation in Nigeria”!

The WIPO IP Labs program, a collaborative effort between WIPO Nigeria Office and The Orbra Company has been a beacon for idea-stage startups, guiding them through the journey of developing innovations into scalable solutions.

Scheduled for 15 December, 2023, at 10:00 AM (WAT), the Demo Day marks the zenith of a transformative journey for our inaugural cohort. Over the past four months, these budding entrepreneurs have delved into the realms of IP management, business strategy, product design, and investment readiness under the guidance of seasoned mentors and experts.

What to Expect

• Startup Pitches: Watch as participants showcase their innovative ideas in a dynamic pitch session. Each participant will have a brief but powerful five minutes to present their entrepreneurial vision, strategies, and impact potential.

• Expert Insights: Gain valuable insights from IPMC (Intellectual Property Management Clinic) experts as they share their perspectives on how startups have benefited from the program. Get a unique glimpse into the impact of intellectual property on business growth.

• Keynote Address: Join us for a keynote address from our speaker. This session promises strategic insights into the future of businesses and the pivotal role that intellectual property plays in driving innovation and prosperity.

How to join

Given the current global context, the WIPO IP Labs Demo Day will be a hybrid event. The event will be broadcasted online, allowing a global audience to witness the presentations, gain inspiration, and connect with the innovators shaping the future.

For those in Abuja who wish to attend physically, the event will take place at the UN House, Abuja, starting at 10:00 AM (WAT). Attendance in person is strictly by invitation. If you would like to attend physically, please send your request to the WIPO IP Labs email

This is an open invitation to everyone passionate about innovation, intellectual property, and the future of entrepreneurship. Join us virtually or in person as we celebrate the achievements of our participants and witness the birth of groundbreaking ideas.

The countdown to the WIPO IP Labs Demo Day begins now!

See you there!

Vesti, a leading migration fintech company, is shaping the migration experience with its AI-powered copilot, Miai. Miai will serve as an invaluable resource for immigrants, providing immigrants with personalized and comprehensive assistance throughout their migration journey, from planning their move to settling into their new home. In Q4 2023, the company announced its evolution to become an AI-first company, targeting the $36 billion global financial services market. 

Vesti’s CEO Olusola Amusan, who is also an AI evangelist, confirmed that Miai will change the migration experience for the benefit of immigrants across the planet. He said, “Vesti’s AI copilot will revolutionize the migration experience by making it more efficient, affordable, and secure. By providing immigrants with personalized recommendations and assistance, the copilot can help them avoid common pitfalls and delays, save money, and stay safe.” 

“Miai is a game-changer for immigrants who choose  Vesti,” said Paul Adegbokan, who leads Engineering at Vesti “By leveraging AI technology, we are able to provide immigrants with the information and support they need to navigate the complexities of migration and achieve their goals”, he continued.

Miai, the AI migration assistant built by Vesti (whose founders raised $1.2m till date), a chatbot on the company’s website, in the app, and as a copilot on the web app. Also currently Miai provides personalized migration Pathways recommendations catering to each immigrant’s unique circumstances, while providing proactive visa guidance while anticipating and addressing potential challenges. Miai’s support covers most aspects of the migration journey, including settling into a new home, providing insights into studying abroad and job markets. Leveraging Natural Language Processing, the vision is that when in full view, Miai will automate tasks, analyze travel data, and offer real-time, relevant information to empower immigrants throughout their journey.

Miai can already answer questions on moving abroad and takes the world closer to AI powered copilots. Vesti’s continues its mission to simplify and streamline the human migration experience for the next 1.1 Billion Immigrants. As the operating system for humans and going global, Vesti is committed to leveraging AI to revolutionize its product development and enhance customer experience. 

ABOUT VESTI

Founded by two brothers who immigrated to the United States, the company is backed by both Africa and US-based investors and boasts of a thriving community of dreamers who represent the next generation of builders. Vesti’s AI-powered copilot, Miai, is a key component of its comprehensive offering, providing personalized support and guidance to immigrants throughout their migration journey. Through a set of tailored payment products, Vesti delivers hassle-free migration pathways and financial services to immigrants moving to the United States and other top destinations in North America and Europe. Vesti’s vision is to be the go-to legal and financial services platform for the next 1 billion immigrants. The company is on a mission to be the preferred platform for immigrants before they emigrate, providing information, community and ultimately a smooth transition to immigrants.

For more information, visit our website here. 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Africa:

Name: Ifeoluwa Ariyo-Agbaje
Designation: Partnerships and Communications Lead

Email: ife@wevesti.com
Phone: +234 813 4025438

OPay, one of Nigeria’s leading digital and mobile banking institutions, has earned high recognition from the esteemed World Economic Forum (WEF) for its groundbreaking role in revolutionizing financial inclusion across Africa amongst other banking institutions in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. The WEF, globally recognized for its insights into economic and societal trends, spotlighted OPay’s exceptional growth and innovative approach in its recent report, “Here’s why Africa is the world leader in digital and mobile banking.”

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OPay’s ascent in the financial inclusion landscape stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, they have democratized access to vital financial services, such as money transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, and merchant transactions, reaching millions of users across Africa. This recognition from the WEF underscores OPay’s dedication to narrowing the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved communities in Nigeria.

In the report, the World Economic Forum stated that “Many areas have leapfrogged straight to mobile banking to give greater access to the unbanked, meaning that over the past two decades millions of Africans have gained access to banking services without ever visiting a typical bank branch. And Africa looks set to remain a trendsetter for digital banking as new services and players disrupt the market.”

They further stated that “Mobile banking in Africa started as a facility for transferring airtime between mobile accounts. But with many countries lacking well-developed nationwide banking networks, this facility soon became an alternative money transfer system.

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Mobile payment services such as Kenya’s M-Pesa – initially a vehicle for micro-loans – and OPay from Nigeria have since expanded across the continent, and eventually into other developing markets.”

The impact of OPay’s commitment to financial inclusion has been particularly transformative in rural and underserved areas where traditional banking infrastructure is often lacking. Operating globally, with a significant presence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, OPay has positioned itself as a leading force in financial technology. The company is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, boasting the largest merchant network in the country, covering all 36 states.

OPay’s success story is further underlined by its provision of accessible financial solutions to over 30 million consumers and 1 million businesses of all sizes. As the WEF recognizes OPay’s pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion, the company solidifies its position as a catalyst for positive change in Africa. The recognition serves as an inspiration for other organizations striving to leverage technology for social impact and inclusive economic growth.

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About OPay

OPay, a leading global payment and financial service platform dedicated to driving financial inclusion, operates in emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In Nigeria, where their journey began in 2018, they hold a license from the Central Bank of Nigeria and insurance from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation. Today, OPay boasts the largest business network in the country, serving merchants across all 36 states.

About the World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum is an international non-governmental and lobbying organization. The forum engages the world’s top leaders from business, government, and civil society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

The first edition of the MTN MoMo Hackathon in Nigeria has come to an end with Oluwapelumi Yusuf emerging as the winner. Yusuf won the grand prize of USD 5,000 for inventing Rova Pay which incorporates MoMo APIs with features that transcend payment processing.

Rova Pay offers customers the convenience of making transactions anytime and anywhere using automated USSD, which eliminates the need for internet services and manual code dialling.

The event which was held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Four Points by Sheraton, Oniru Chieftaincy Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted tech developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from various sectors, focused on developing solutions to accelerate financial inclusion and digitisation of payments in Africa.

Speaking on the importance of the MoMo Hackathon in the Nigerian fintech industry, Chief Commercial Officer, MoMo PSB, Elsa Muzzolini, commented, “At MoMo, we stand firm in our belief that innovation thrives not just within our brand, but within the collective of stakeholders. That is why we are equipping developers with the tools and resources necessary to expedite reaching individuals who are excluded from financial access or believe that financial services are not tailored to their needs. Our commitment to fostering financial inclusion is a collaborative effort. By making MoMo accessible to innovators across Nigeria, we enable them to leverage its full potential in developing applications that hold the power to transform lives.”

Oluwapelumi Yusuf, upon receiving his prize, expressed his excitement, saying, “I am thrilled and honoured to have won the MoMo Hackathon 2023. My motivation for conceiving this solution was born during my visits to rural communities in Nigeria, where I witnessed the limitations imposed by the need for internet connectivity to access basic applications, particularly for payment purposes. I recognised the need to bridge this gap and support financial inclusion.” 

Oluwapelumi Yusuf was not the only standout participant at the MoMo Hackathon. Marvis Igbokwe partnered with Favour Ajie Divine to develop MoMo Cash, coming in second place with a cash prize of USD 3,000 while  Isaac Odinaka Franklin’s solution, Clinique Plus Pay, won third place with a cash prize of USD 2,000.

The hackathon provided a unique opportunity for developers across 14 African countries including Nigeria,  Ghana, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Rwanda, Eswatini, Congo Brazzaville, Guinea Conakry, Zambia, Benin, Liberia, South Africa, and South Sudan to further shape the future of digital finance and empower millions of people with access to comprehensive and life-changing financial services.

MoMo Hackathon continues to be a driving force in the advancement of financial technology, creating opportunities for talented individuals to make a meaningful impact on the industry.

The $10,000 Question: How Did MTN MoMo Hackathon Winners Create Financial Magic for Financial Inclusion?

The MoMo Hackathon 2023 was a stage set for innovation, collaboration, and financial brilliance. Developers, innovators, and entrepreneurs across Nigeria converged to showcase their skills, creativity, and determination to create innovative applications using MTN’s Mobile Money (MoMo) APIs. After intense competition, the spotlight shone on the winners, and they answered the $10,000 question: How did they create financial magic?

1. Winner: Rova Pay

Oluwapelumi Yusuf emerged as the winner of the MTN MoMo Hackathon 2023, clinching the prestigious USD 5,000 cash prize. His invention, Rova Pay, was a testament to his innovative prowess and ability to leverage MoMo’s APIs uniquely.

Rova Pay introduces an innovative method allowing users to conduct transactions effortlessly, anytime and anywhere, using automated USSD. This technology eliminates the necessity for internet access and manual code dialling, offering enhanced convenience to customers.

Yusuf expressed that Rova Pay extends financial services to marginalised communities facing internet accessibility challenges. He aimed to ensure that individuals without internet connectivity could benefit from digital financial services.

Yusuf demonstrated how, with MoMo’s advanced APIs (V2.1 – Notification, KYC, Auth. and V2.2 – Channel as a service), one could create a mobile application that redefined financial transactions and user experiences. His solution was not just a piece of technology; it was a vision of a more accessible and efficient financial future for Nigerians and Africans.

2. The Second Runner UP: MoMo Cash

While Oluwapelumi Yusuf took home the grand prize, the second runners-up, Marvis Igbokwe and Favour Ajie Divine, also made their mark, receiving USD 3,000  for inventing MoMo Cash.

Inspired by the need to create a system that awards both consumers and producers, MoMo cash is a solution that rewards consumers who perform MoMo tasks with MoMo coins that they can leverage to pay bills or run other transactions.

Their projects showed that financial magic is not exclusive to the winner’s circle. These developers demonstrated an exceptional knack for harnessing MoMo’s APIs to address real-world fin-tech challenges.

3. The Third Runner UP: Clinique Plus Pay

Isaac Odinaka Franklin’s solution, Clinique Plus Pay, won third place with a cash prize of USD 2,000.

Clinique Plus Pay is a platform designed specifically for healthcare institutions. The solution enables patients to save toward healthcare, offering them the option to accumulate funds in their MoMo wallet that they can utilise when in need of medical care.

Isaac’s motivation for Clinique Plus Pay originated during his service year at a military hospital. He observed the difficulties healthcare workers encountered in accessing soldiers’ medical records. This discovery sparked his idea to develop a digital platform for storing medical histories. For Isaac, integrating the MoMo payment system was key to improving the solution, enabling patients to pay for healthcare services.

Isaac’s solution integrated MoMo APIs and illustrated the ingenuity and resourcefulness that financial technology developers can offer. Clinique Plus Pay was a standout solution at the hackathon as it addressed an important, but often overlooked sector -healthcare.

What’s Next for MoMo PSB?

The MTN MoMo Hackathon 2023 was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of innovation and a glimpse into the future of financial technology. The event underscored MoMo’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting developers in their quest to create financial solutions that make a positive impact.

MoMo PSB is fostering financial inclusion and innovation in Nigeria. By providing a platform for developers to utilise MoMo’s capabilities, the brand aims to create opportunities for growth and drive financial services to the next level.

A week has passed since the Tekifest’23 event, yet the lessons and insights continue to resonate with the Nigerian tech space. This gathering brought together industry leaders, tech enthusiasts, and experts to explore the future of work and talent pipeline investment. Now, we pause to reflect on the event’s profound impact and key takeaways that promise to reshape the understanding of the future of work in Nigeria’s tech space.

BUILDING A STRONG TALENT PIPELINE: KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM TEKIFEST’23

The event featured more than 10 speakers including keynote speakers such as Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Menaget SPC and Scott Eneje, a the founder of Digital Evolution and the Senior Product Manager at Hark, also with panel speakers such as Taslim Oseni; Senior Software Engineer at Cowrywise, Adeola Owosho; CEO of Middleman, Temidayo Olalekan; Head of Community at Fullgap, amongst others. It also recognized excellence in the tech industry through the Top100Tekies award. The team members were honoured for their meritorious service in the various tech bootcamps organized by the nonprofit. Attendees also benefited from medical check-ups, among other offerings.

We have outlined five key takeaways from the event, important for professionals and beginners alike:

• The Crucial Role of Talent Pipeline Investment

The consensus among the speakers was clear: Nigeria’s tech talent pipelines warrant more investment. They emphasized technology’s capacity to revolutionize and its beneficial ripple effects to the nation. The discussions highlighted the shifting job market and the increasing demand for individuals with relevant skills to thrive in the digital era.

• Proactive Creation of Future Technology

Keynote speaker Scott Eneje urged tech enthusiasts and aspiring professionals to go beyond mere discussion on leveraging tech and actively create future technology. He encouraged individuals to start their journey locally and gradually expand their impact globally. He stated that this proactive approach to innovation and technology development can contribute significantly to talent investment and the growth of the tech industry in Nigeria.

“If you can work successfully for the local community, then you have can do same at the global level,” he stated

• Integration of Tech Career Paths in Education

Panel discussions stressed the importance of incorporating tech-related career paths into educational curriculums, preparing students for future job roles. James Falola, lead engineer at Yellowstone, urged educational institutions to introduce tech career paths and called on the government to deepen tech penetration and acceptance.

• Focus on Practical Skills and Experience

The Panelists advised against focusing solely on certificates, emphasizing the importance of building projects and gaining practical experience. Traits like adaptability, critical thinking, effective communication, and confidence were identified as key attributes sought by employers. Attendees were encouraged to never stop learning and stay relevant in the tech industry.

• Continuous Upskilling and Long-term Career Planning

During the second panel session, Olaniran Afolabi Monsur, CEO of Menaget SPC, highlighted that 85% of job roles by 2030 are yet to be in existence, stressing the need for continuous upskilling and long-term career planning. Habeeb Azeez, a Product Designer at Brass, offered practical advice, stating, “If you’re scared your current skill will become obsolete in the future, look for a way to upgrade, blend your skill, and still be relevant.”

Throughout the event, attendees were motivated to continuously learn and adapt to the dynamic tech industry. Martins Victor, a Web 3.0 expert, commended the Tekisite team for empowering teenagers with digital tech skills, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent for the future of the tech industry in Nigeria.

In a statement, Tosin Sakinah Adeyemo, the Head of Communications at Tekisite, remarked that Tekifest’23 not only reflects Tekisite’s commitment to investing in talent pipelines through her digital skills training but also positions the organization as a catalyst for steering the conversation towards talents pipeline investment in Nigeria. She underscored the criticality of investing in talent pipelines when she expressed concern that the growth of digital technology skills in Nigeria is currently being eclipsed by the prevalence of cybercrime.

As we reflect on Tekifest’23, the lessons learned continue to guide us towards a future where talent and technology drive progress and innovation. The event impacts continuous learning and adaptation in the dynamic tech industry. Indeed, Tekisite remains dedicated to fostering talent and contributing to the tech community’s growth and success.

PlyChain, a trailblazer in blockchain-based traceability technology, is poised to redefine global supply chains with a groundbreaking focus on brand-building and customer trust. 

Born out of the challenges faced by Salubata, a brand committed to sustainability, PlyChain’s mission is to empower businesses to build and enhance customer trust in an era of increasing consumer scrutiny.

In an age where consumers demand transparency and authenticity, PlyChain shifts the narrative from mere supply chain transparency to a powerful brand-building tool. Traditional supply chain solution efforts often fall short in addressing the core concern of businesses — gaining and maintaining the trust of their customers.

PlyChain introduces a paradigm shift by focusing on the core value proposition of enabling businesses to gain enhanced customer trust. While embedded in supply chain transparency, PlyChain’s primary goal is to empower brands to build trust with their audience. The platform achieves this by offering a unique identification system, utilizing QR codes for seamless product verification and transparency.

Industries Transformed by PlyChain

Food Industry: End-to-end visibility allows consumers to trace the origin and journey of their food products, ensuring safety, authenticity, and sustainability.

Fashion Industry: PlyChain combats counterfeit luxury items by embedding QR codes for easy product verification, instilling confidence in consumers and protecting premium brands.

Battery and Automotive Sectors: Traceability ensures component provenance, enhancing quality control, safety compliance, and overall efficiency.

Pharmaceuticals: PlyChain verifies the authenticity of medications, safeguarding consumers from counterfeit drugs and supporting regulatory compliance.

The PlyChain Difference: Trust-Driven Innovation

While supply chain transparency remains a crucial aspect of PlyChain, the key differentiator is its relentless focus on brand-building and customer trust. The user-friendly QR code verification process empowers businesses to communicate authenticity, sustainability, and accountability directly to their audience.

PlyChain co-founder Fela Akinse said the technology is built on customer trust and transparency, “We embarked on a mission to redefine the narrative in global supply chains. PlyChain isn’t just about transparency; it’s a commitment to empowering businesses to build unparalleled customer trust. In a world where authenticity is paramount, PlyChain stands as a testament to innovation that goes beyond technology — it’s a revolution in trust, transparency, and brand building.”

PlyChain made its debut on the global stage at COP28 in Dubai, showcasing its commitment to revolutionizing global supply chains with a customer-centric approach.

About PlyChain

PlyChain is a revolutionary blockchain-based traceability technology that goes beyond traditional solutions. With an unwavering focus on brand-building and customer trust, PlyChain empowers businesses to communicate transparency and authenticity seamlessly.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Contact@plychain.io

Smart Accessories Giant, oraimo recently teamed up with Afrobeat star & Grammy Award Winner; Burna Boy, to launch the most sophisticated earbuds in the history of true wireless audio, ‘’the oraimo SpacePods’’ Moonlight edition. This time, oraimo took the innovation ‘’out of this world’’. In what fans have described as an unparalleled auditory device with a cosmic symphony of space-bound rhythm. The upgrade of the oraimo FreePods series is embellished with cutting-edge audio components, a blend of futuristic designs and advanced technology innovation. There are two editions, a limited collection (Moonlight edition) and the other, a standard version which is available to everyone.

Burna has teamed up with oraimo to craft an impressive, outer space-level product that embodies his sound, artistry, style, journey and craftsmanship. The product is centred on Burna’s personality, and an expression of his conviction, as he sees himself out of the world. It comes with a Burna’s tuning mode and voice prompt which invites you to experience his world of artistry & excellence.

The “Moonlight edition” also takes inspiration from the young African explorer, capturing the essence of adventure and discovery. Musically, it portrays a young African Music lover as an astronaut; who is free to explore unlimited music genres with no end. 

With a sleek and stylish slide-to-open design, these ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) enabled earbuds offer a seamless audio experience like no other. It can eliminate up to 30dB of noise, so whether you’re immersed in your favourite playlist or taking important calls, the ANC feature ensures crystal-clear sound by blocking out unwanted background noise.

The Lunar-inspired aesthetics give them an ethereal glow, taking you on an audio journey that feels “out of this world” where anything is possible. The attention to detail is remarkable, as every element has been carefully curated to reflect both oraimo’s commitment to excellence and Burna Boy’s creative vision.

Burna Boy’s tuned masterpiece is furnished with the latest Bluetooth technology, powerful batteries, Custom EQ, and Custom controls. The SpacePods can provide up to 36-hr music-listening in ANC off mode and 26-hr in ANC on mode. For music lovers, this is yet another buddy because; with built-in fast charging technology, users can enjoy 100 minutes of music listening with only 5mins’ of charging. It also allows you to customize your exclusive personal style with 6 EQs easily synchronized via the oraimo sound App. The device has Custom UI Control that enables you to choose the earbud controls you are most comfortable with.

The new device revolutionizes the way we experience gaming and elevates our audio adventures. With a cutting-edge low-latency algorithm that significantly reduces the visual and auditory time difference; where every sound and movement sync seamlessly for enhanced precision and responsiveness. What more could a gamer wish for? 

The earbuds are equipped with IPX5 waterproof technology, protecting against water splashes and sweat during intense workouts or outdoor activities. 

What sets these SpacePods apart from others is their antibacterial ear tips designed with hygiene in mind, these ear tips are crafted using innovative materials that effectively repel bacteria, ensuring a clean and safe listening experience. 

The oraimo SpacePods “Moonlight edition” captures a sense of exclusivity that resonates with those who crave something extraordinary. It’s not just about owning a pair of wireless earbuds; it’s about being part of an experience that pushes boundaries and celebrates individuality/creativity.

The state-of-the-art device allows users to seamlessly slide open, connect and immerse themselves in a world of high-quality audio. The latest release of the earbuds series gives users a touch of elegance and also reflects oraimo’s dedication to innovation and cutting-edge technology.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of innovation combined with artistry as there are only 20pcs available globally.  Be one of the few who can enjoy music and communication with unparalleled clarity while showcasing your unique style. Step into another dimension with oraimo SpacePods “Moonlight edition” – where technology meets creativity in perfect harmony.

The 10Alytics Global Data Hackathon, which held over the weekend, saw 220 participants battle to win the $1,500 cash prize.

The hackathon, now in its fifth edition, featured participants from over 20 countries across the world and was presided over by six judges from Nigeria, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

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The founder of 10Alytics, Adeiza Suleman, while speaking at the grand finale of the event on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, noted that out of the over 2,500 registered participants, only 220 made their submissions for the competition.

According to him, a dataset was presented to the participants on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 and they were expected to come up with insights within 10 hours and using a data-driven approach, make their presentation on “Unravelling the Challenges of Unemployment in Nigeria” at the grand finale of the hackathon, which held on Sunday.

He added that the hackathon was geared towards encouraging healthy competition and enabling data enthusiasts in Africa and beyond to compete with other leading data and machine learning experts worldwide.

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At the end of the competition, Kwame Otchere from Ghana emerged as the winner of the competition and went home with a cash prize of $700, while Vivian Oguadinma and Olabode Eso, came second and third positions, respectively, clinching $500 and $300.

Speaking on his experience, the winner – Kwame, revealed that he did not expect to win as he only came with a mindset to learn from the 10Alytics community due to their solid reputation in Data Analytics training.

He said, “I just came here to learn as 10Alytics, overtime, has created an awareness of the need for us as Africans and data people to be more aware of our challenges. I am really grateful to 10Alytics for the initiative and for throwing this particular edition of the hackathon open to all.”

On her part, the first runner up, Vivian, narrated how challenging the competition was, saying, “When I first saw the data, I was blown off track. I thought I was not going to make the hackathon. This is my first hackathon and I just wanted to have a feel of it because of how intense it is; I have heard of stories of it. 

“I really appreciate the judges as they did not make me feel like an idiot after presenting. Their feedback was valuable. I’m also thankful to 10Alytics for the opportunity.”

Olabode, the second runner up, expressed his joy on being a winner. He said, “I am very happy, and I appreciate 10Alytics. I had applied for the first hackathon, as well as the alumni hackathon, but I was not successful. I applied this time and made top 3 and I am excited. 

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“This has been impactful and insightful as I had to step out of my comfort zone to pull this through. I appreciate the comments from the judges and would be taking their advice into practice.”

The judges gave an overall assessment of the hackathon, describing the initiative as laudable from 10Alytics.

One of the judges, Esther Munyi, who is the Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Sasfin, noted that asides participating as a judge, she gained a lot and learned a lot from the 

sessions and the respective presentations of the participants, as well as comments from fellow judges. 

The Head of Data and Analytics at Interswitch Group, Adejoju Ajani, who also sat on the panel of judges, said she was delighted to see a lot of attention from people wanting to perform in the tech field.

She said, “It feels like people are desperate to learn and do not know that there are systems and operational strategies to encourage them. There is a need to figure out a way to continue to build the ecosystem to ensure we proliferate the data skills as it would be evident in how things are done and would cause an improvement in every facet of how things are done.”

She further pledged her support to 10Alytics, adding that forums like the hackathon are what would get us the change we want while the Senior Manager, Business Data Insights at Afrocentric Group, Ncumisa Hlapo, stated that if we continue this string, generations to come would have a different narrative and story of Africa. 

10Alytics co-founder, Efemena Ikpro, reiterated the company’s commitment to helping as many people as possible to transition seamlessly into tech careers by handholding them, optimising their LinkedIn pages, revamping their CVs and also preparing them for interviews and securing internships with established organisations.

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About 10Alytics

10Alytics is an EdTech helping people learn premium tech skills and lowering the entry barrier into tech for Africans. Focused on building the capacity and practical application of big data to enable participants and clients to achieve data-driven decisions.

Over the past 3 years, 10Alytics has helped Africans across the world transition from training to full-time roles as Data Analysts, Scientists, Business Analysts, etc in some 

of the biggest organizations across different regions including Nigeria, USA, UK, Germany, UAE, Canada, Sweden, France, Ghana just to mention a few. This was achieved by equipping participants with both the technical and soft skills required to land jobs with the biggest organizations anywhere in the world.

Founded by Adeiza Suleman and Efemena Ikpro, the firm also has a consulting arm, which thrives to shape the data culture of organizations: how companies gather, analyze, and extract insights from data.

Some laudable projects delivered to clients involved, designing and deploying Data Warehouses and equipping corporate clients with real-time dashboards of their data, and distilling performance on pre-approved metrics have proven to be useful in enabling companies to make data-driven decisions.

You can check out about 10Alytics via www.10alytics.io

In a dazzling display of glamour and excitement, OPPO stores in two prime locations in Nigeria played host to two beloved celebrities, Ozo, the Big Brother star cum sport enthusiasts and Dele Omo Woli on Friday 24^th Nov 2023. The air was filled with anticipation and joy as customers and onlookers were treated to an unforgettable experience at Micro Station in Computer Village and Top Success Mall in Mokola, Ibadan.

Ozo’s Visit to Micro Station, Computer Village:

Micro Station in Computer Village witnessed a surge of energy as Ozo, the charismatic celebrity, graced the store with his presence. Radiating warmth and enthusiasm, Ozo personally welcomed customers, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie.

The highlight of the event was the electrifying raffle draw session conducted by Ozo himself. Excitement reached a fever pitch as the crowd eagerly waited to see who would be the lucky winner. In a moment of sheer thrill, one fortunate customer went home with an astonishing sum of 1.5 million Naira! The cheers and applause echoed through the store as Ozo celebrated the joyous occasion with the ecstatic winner.

Dele Omo woli’s Spectacular Appearance at Top Success Mall, Mokola, Ibadan:

Meanwhile, at Top Success Mall in Mokola, Ibadan, the atmosphere was equally charged with excitement as Dele took the stage. Engaging customers and onlookers in a series of captivating activities, Dele brought a unique blend of entertainment and interaction to the event.

One of the highlights of the day was the selection of a lucky cashback winner. Amidst cheers and applause, Dele announced a full cashback on the purchase of an OPPO Reno 8T for one fortunate customer. The store erupted in jubilation as the winner embraced the unexpected windfall.

As the echoes of music and laughter from the recent celebrity-studded events at OPPO stores in Nigeria linger in the air, there’s a lingering fear of missing out on the incredible deals and festivities that OPPO has in store for its customers. The excitement doesn’t stop here – it only gets better!

This December, OPPO is turning up the heat with yet another chance for you to win a jaw-dropping sum of 1.5 million Naira! Yes, you read that right. In addition to the amazing cashbacks and fantastic prizes like televisions and generators, OPPO is set to make one lucky customer’s December even more special with this whopping cash prize.

Imagine the joy of starting the new year with a financial boost that could make your dreams come true. OPPO is here to make that happen for one fortunate individual. But that’s not all – the goodies keep coming!

Whether you’ve had your eye on the sleek OPPO Reno8T or any other OPPO device, this December is the perfect time to make your purchase. From the stylish OPPO A78 to the feature-packed OPPO A58, OPPO A38, and the powerhouse OPPO A18, there’s a device for everyone.

Head to your nearest OPPO registered store and dive into the world of unbeatable deals and surprises. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Treat yourself or your loved ones to the gift of OPPO and stand a chance to win big this festive season.

Make this December a month to remember with OPPO – where every purchase is not just a transaction but a ticket to a world of possibilities. The celebration continues, and the next lucky winner could be you!

Seize the moment, embrace the joy, and make your December unforgettable with OPPO. Happy shopping! OPPO

In a bustling office conference room in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, I found myself sitting across from Bolajo Fawehinmi, the co-founder and CEO of the innovative modelling platform RepDoor, now transitioning into the exciting new chapter known as FEW X. Bolajo’s journey unfolded as she reflected on the challenges and triumphs of pioneering a new approach in the modelling industry. 

As we delved into the interview, Bolajo shared that despite the backend components—technology, business ideas, and projects—remaining consistent, the shift in the awareness of users’ needs introduced some demands. “Nothing has changed, to be honest, from the backend—the tech, the business idea or project idea. It’s still the same,” she said. 

The challenge however, lay in making the technology user-friendly, especially for those not well-versed in its intricacies. Bolajo, as the founder, recognized the need to bridge the gap between tech-savvy expectations and user-friendly accessibility. “As the founder, I’m tasked with the obligation to learn it [tech] but the users aren’t tasked with that responsibility. As users, they want the easy way out of things. Our job every day is to make sure we’re making the tech—which is part of the reason for the change of name— simpler for everyone.” 

The pivotal moment came with the rebranding – the evolution from RepDoor to FEW X. Bolajo explained that the name change aimed to leverage existing resources and enhance industry understanding through technology. The CEO told TechCabal, “RepDoor on its own is strictly technology. FEW X is going to be tech, education, and models advisory. This rebrand now comes with more. FEW X, gives us the ability to leverage the resources I already have as a founder” The shift positions FEW X as a subsidiary of FEW Africa – the parent umbrella for FEW Models. 

The story unfolded further as Bolajo elaborated on the extensions and what users could expect. RepDoor initially focused on connecting models with agents for international placements. However, over the past 15 months, insights from the platform revealed a need for more comprehensive support. FEW X will emerge as a personalised dashboard offering progress tracking, educational resources, and direct connections to global mother management agencies. 

The interview touched on the literacy gap within the industry, revealing that models needed more than just the connections to agents—they needed education about the industry. 

“There was a huge [literacy gap] which I felt like models needed more than they needed to be connected with agents—they needed to understand the industry,” said Bolajo.” 

The evolving industry demands and the need for constant information led to the decision to revamp the technology from RepDoor to FEW X. “Every day, the models need information to help them navigate their career. With RepDoor, we offered strictly technology and didn’t get into the nitty gritties of career development. But now, we have seen that we have to do more. We have to offer career advice, classes, seminars, and agent workshops to models, While streamlining all with technology one way or another. RepDoor, a social network platform, FEW X is going to be a growth dashboard tailored to every model’s need at each stage of their career. When our re-work is complete, what users will see is their individual progress, uploaded career classes, job castings that elevate their career, placements to reputable mother agencies.” she tells TechCabal 

As Bolajo recounted RepDoor’s successes, she emphasised the positive response from agents and the significant number of models onboarded. However, she acknowledged the need to address challenges,“With the models, for the first year, we did a conference call with about 60 of them, and we got a ton of information from that. And part of the reason why we changed the name was credit to the feedback we got on the call.” This discussion turned, reception from users, would spark the transition to FEW X. 

FEW X’s strategic focus for 2024 is to propel models to global recognition through the app, as Bolajo articulates, “Our mission next year with FEW X is to get the job done. The first year, we got the numbers – good for us ending the year at more than 7,000 model users and 185 management agencies. The second year, we want to get those numbers and more, connected.” Bolajo envisions FEW X bridging the gap in model-mother agent connections, eliminating the complexity of dealing with numerous super agents. In her words, FEW X becomes a “finding agent” connecting models to a singular mother agent, streamlining their representation and unburdening them from tedious renegotiations. The vision unfolds with FEW X as the catalyst for models to find their voice and propel their careers forward. 

In crafting the narrative of FEW X, Bolajo’s journey emerged as a dynamic story of innovation, adaptation, and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the modelling industry. The transition from RepDoor to Few X became a narrative of resilience, learning from mistakes, and a visionary approach to shaping the future of model-agent interactions.

By: Tilewa Kazeem

Enterprise Life, a prominent Life insurance company, proudly launches AdvantageConnect, an innovative insurance platform meticulously crafted to cater specifically to the Nigerian market. This groundbreaking product redefines the insurance experience by offering personalized, affordable, and accessible solutions for individuals seeking comprehensive coverage.

Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a user-centric approach, AdvantageConnect ensures that Nigerians receive tailored protection that precisely aligns with their diverse needs. The platform’s user-friendly interface and streamlined processes make it easy for anyone to obtain and manage their insurance policies, fostering a seamless and empowering experience.

In developing AdvantageConnect, Enterprise Life collaborated with Digicore, a leading fintech software development company based in Lagos, Nigeria. Digicore’s expertise in fintech solutions played a pivotal role in bringing AdvantageConnect’s vision to life. Their team of skilled developers crafted a robust and user-friendly platform that seamlessly integrates insurance products, claims management, lifestyle features, and gamification elements.

“AdvantageConnect is a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity,” says Funmi Omo, CEO of Enterprise Life. “We believe that this platform will revolutionize the insurance landscape in Nigeria by providing affordable, accessible, and personalized insurance solutions to all.”

At the heart of AdvantageConnect lies a suite of insurance products meticulously crafted to address the diverse needs of customers. DigiCover, the flagship insurance product, offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of risks, ensuring customers are protected against life’s unforeseen events. DigiSave, on the other hand, stands as a unique offering, providing a saving component that complements traditional insurance coverage, allowing customers to build a financial safety net while safeguarding their future.

“Digicore is proud to have partnered with Enterprise Life to create AdvantageConnect,” says Tunde Ogidan, CEO of Digicore. “This platform is a true game-changer for the insurance industry in Nigeria. We believe that this solution would further drive the digitisation of the insurance industry while increasing the penetration of insurance services in the country at large.”

AdvantageConnect prioritizes simplicity and ease of use, ensuring a seamless experience for every customer. The intuitive platform empowers users to sign up, upload pictures, and connect with a dedicated Life Planner – a personal insurance advisor who provides expert guidance and support throughout the journey. This personalized approach is particularly beneficial for older individuals or those less familiar with Life insurance, ensuring they receive the assistance they need to make informed decisions.

In the event of an unexpected claim, AdvantageConnect makes the process convenient and stress-free for customers. Customers simply have to upload relevant evidence, such as pictures or documents, and AdvantageConnect team will swiftly verify and process the claim. Customers will receive timely notifications, ensuring they stay informed every step of the way. Additionally, a transparent appeal process allows customers to provide additional information or contest a rejected claim.

Beyond insurance, AdvantageConnect extends its offerings to a lifestyle section, providing a curated selection of news and highlights across various domains, including fashion, business, money, politics, science, and sports. This engaging content keeps customers informed and entertained, fostering a sense of community among valued customers.

To further enhance the user experience, AdvantageConnect incorporates gamification elements, such as polls and games, where customers can test their knowledge, compete with friends, and earn exciting rewards. Additionally, its referral program incentivizes customers to share the AdvantageConnect experience with their network, earning valuable benefits for both customers and their referrals.

The AdvantageConnect app is available on both the App Store and Google Play today. Download AdvantageConnect today and experience insurance redefined!

About

Enterprise Life is a leading life insurance group in Africa. The company is committed to providing innovative and customer-centric insurance solutions that help individuals and families achieve their financial goals.

Digicore is a fintech software development company based in Lagos, Nigeria. With a team of experienced developers and a passion for innovation, Digicore has established itself as a trusted partner for digital transformation initiatives in the financial services industry. For more information about Digicore, visit its website at www.digicoreltd.com.

In a move to encourage inclusivity and representation in the tech industry, Grundfos Foundation and Rector Cares Foundation have launched “Nkuzi Stem”, an initiative that seeks to create pathways for young people between the ages of 15 -20 from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Nkuzi, derived from the Igbo Language, means “Learn”. The education initiative is designed to help bridge the gap in tech diversity, build a brighter future for the next generation, and introduce them to STEM while providing them with needed support, and mentorship. It also aims to foster innovation.

The initiative seeks to foster an environment where young individuals, regardless of gender, can utilise their potential and excel in technology and computer science. Through workshops, seminars, and hands-on experience, Nkuzi STEM is set to equip these young talents with the skills and confidence they need to make a significant impact in the world of STEM world.

The project, which was launched on Thursday, 12th of October, at Federal Government Girls College, Lejja Enugu, will offer a range of programs and resources, including coding boot camps, scholarships, and networking opportunities to the students of the school as the first beneficiary of Nkuzi Stem. 

Speaking about the initiative, the founder, of the Rector Cares Foundation, Onyedikachi Erete, pointed out that, “the lack of diversity in technology not only limits the industry’s potential but also perpetuates inequality. Nkuzi Stem seeks to break down those barriers and create a tech landscape that reflects the richness of our society.“

With Nkuzi Stem, the Rector Cares Foundation is taking a bold step toward reshaping the tech industry’s future by fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative promises to unlock the potential of a new generation of innovators who will bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the world of technology, ultimately benefiting society.

In a testament to fiscal prudence and steadfast commitment to financial obligations, Fast Credit is pleased to announce the successful payout of its Series 2 Commercial Paper Issuance. The company’s resounding success in redeeming this short-term debt instrument reflects not only its financial stability but also its dedication to meeting its obligations in a timely and efficient manner.

The Series 1 Commercial Paper which offered competitive interest rates, making it an attractive choice for investors seeking short-term, low-risk investments was paid out on time in September.  The investors received their principal investment along with the agreed-upon interest.

The Series 2 Commercial Paper, a crucial component of Fast Credit’s diversified financing strategy, was also issued to raise capital to increase the company’s market share and brand growth. The company’s ability to navigate the financial landscape and strategically manage its debt instruments underscores its robust financial health and adherence to sound fiscal practices.

The payout, executed seamlessly, is a result of meticulous financial planning and disciplined execution. Fast Credit has consistently demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability, factors that contribute to the trust and confidence placed in the company by investors and stakeholders alike.

Fast Credit’s CEO – Emeka Iloelunachi stated, “We are thrilled to announce the successful payout of our Series 2 Commercial Paper Issuance. This achievement reflects not only the strength of our business but also the dedication of our team and the trust our investors place in us. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity and transparency.”

Investors who participated in the Series 2 Commercial Paper Issuance on June 5th,2023 received payout on November 30^th. Fast Credit has always taken pride in meeting its financial obligations punctually, highlighting the reliability of Fast Credit as a sound investment choice. The successful redemption contributes to the overall positive narrative surrounding the company’s financial performance and enhances its reputation within the financial markets.

This milestone is not only a cause for celebration within the company but also for the broader community of investors, analysts, and stakeholders who closely follow Fast Credit’s financial trajectory. The successful payout reflects positively on the company’s management, its financial stewardship, and its ability to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.

As Fast Credit continues to evolve and grow, this achievement reinforces its commitment to prudent financial management and positions it favourably for future endeavours. Investors can look forward to a company that not only sets strategic financial goals but consistently delivers on them.

Visit www.fastcredit-ng.com for more details.

In a significant move that signals a transformative leap forward in the world of cybersecurity and compliance, SmartComplyApp has rebranded itself as Smartcomply. This evolution marks a strategic shift towards pioneering advancements and enhanced solutions in the industry

This rebranding initiative underscores Smartcomply’s commitment to revolutionising cybersecurity and compliance management through automation and AI technologies. With a robust emphasis on innovation, the transition is set to introduce a wave of groundbreaking features and partnerships that redefine industry standards.

The cornerstone of this transformation is the unveiling of a brand-new website, meticulously designed to offer an intuitive and comprehensive user experience. The website showcases Smartcomply’s updated suite of services, reflecting their dedication to simplifying intricate compliance processes and bolstering cybersecurity measures.

A focal point of this rebranding is the introduction of a captivating new logo, embodying the company’s ethos of reliability, advancement, and adaptability. The refreshed logo symbolises the synergy between technology and compliance, portraying a forward-thinking approach in safeguarding businesses against evolving cyber threats.

Smartcomply’s redefined strategy embraces the integration of innovative features powered by AI, intending to automate and streamline compliance processes. This integration aims to empower businesses of all sizes, ensuring efficient navigation through regulatory landscapes while fortifying cybersecurity measures.

Furthermore, this strategic rebranding has spurred Smartcomply to forge new partnerships with industry leaders, amplifying their capacity to deliver comprehensive compliance and cybersecurity solutions. These collaborations are poised to drive technological advancements, enabling clients to navigate complex compliance frameworks with ease.

Commenting on the rebrand, Dolapo Akinbisola, Country Head, Smartcomply expressed enthusiasm for the transformation, emphasising Smartcomply’s unwavering commitment to excellence and customer-centric solutions. He highlighted, “Our rebranding to Smartcomply encapsulates our dedication to innovation, where automation and AI converge redefines cybersecurity and compliance.”

He also said that “Although we have rebranded to Smartcomply, we want to assure all our clients that all correspondence will continue to work seamlessly, whether you visit https://www.smartcomplyapp.com or https://www.smartcomply.com. Your ongoing support and partnership are invaluable to us and we’re committed to providing you with an enhanced automated and AI-powered platform to elevate your cybersecurity and compliance efforts.

Smartcomply’s evolution signifies more than a mere visual transformation; it signifies a dedication to elevating the cybersecurity and compliance world. This rebranding represents a pivotal moment in Smartcomply’s journey, promising enhanced capabilities, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering focus on driving client success in an increasingly complex digital era.

Learn more about Smartcomply: www.smartcomply.com

Space in Africa, in conjunction with the African Union Commission, the Angola National Space Programme Management Office, under the auspices of the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication (MINTTIC), is organising the NewSpace Africa Conference 2024 from 2nd to 5th April 2024 in Luanda, Angola. As Africa’s leading space event, the conference will bring together decision-makers from various African governments, national space agencies, industry leaders, NewSpace companies, and high-level stakeholders from all segments of the African space industry.
As African governments intensify their efforts and investments to develop their respective local space ecosystems and more commercial space companies take root on the continent, the need to create enabling environments for innovation to thrive has never been more important. The conference, themed The Role of Space in Closing Africa’s Poverty Gap, will highlight the transformative potential of space initiatives in addressing socioeconomic disparities across Africa and serve as an avenue for discussing the best approach to leveraging space technology, including satellite communications, remote sensing, and geospatial data, to revolutionise various sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, climate change, security, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, the conference will explore every aspect of space and satellite technology, including policy and business opportunities in Africa, while also spotlighting the potential impact of cooperation frameworks between stakeholders to achieve common goals in the industry and on the continent.

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Conference participants will include the African Union Commission, policymakers and government officials, representatives of national ministries of science and technology and communications, leaders of national space agencies, NewSpace companies, satellite manufacturers and operators, venture capitalists and angel investors, African tech hubs, delegates from Earth observation and satellite communication organisations worldwide

In addition, the event will promote technological advancements and innovations in the African space scene on a global stage and invite foreign investments into various segments of the African space sector, both enterprises and budding companies alike. The expected outcome of the NewSpace Africa Conference 2024 is to create productive collaborations, further strengthen existing partnerships to explore new markets and identify gaps and challenges that can hinder the growth of the African NewSpace ecosystem while devising opportunities to fill them. The conference will extend the prospects to explore and nurture alliances between local and international audiences through one-of-a-kind exposure for stakeholders. This third edition of the conference aims to extend unique exposure to various emerging markets in the African space ecosystem and the efforts African countries have invested in prioritising the continent’s NewSpace ecosystem.

For four days, the conference will feature operational topics on policies, research, trends, future outlooks, and all segments of the African space and satellite industry. In addition, the event will feature various networking opportunities and interactive sessions, B2B, B2C, B2G matchmaking, side events, exhibitions, and selected keynotes. Moreover, the conference provides a platform for businesses, enterprises, and government agencies to showcase and introduce their products and services to a diverse audience of indigenous, international, and commercial players in the space industry, thus facilitating engagement with influential decision-makers and cultivating new prospective partnerships.

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The most recent edition of the conference gathered 400 delegates from over 190 organisations domiciled across 54 countries, including representatives from ministries, space agencies, academia, foreign organisations, and the commercial sector. More details on the most recent edition of the conference, NewSpace Africa Conference 2023, can be accessed here.

Early-bird registration is open until 31st December 2023, and Regular registration is open till 31st March 2024. Visit here to register. 

In addition, to view our sponsorship and exhibition opportunities click here. For more information on the conference, kindly visit here or email info@spaceinafrica.com. 

About Space in Africa

Space in Africa is the leading analytics and consulting company in the space sector, serving both the institutional and commercial markets with a particular focus on Africa. Our experience builds on a long track of past projects executed for international organisations, national governments, and commercial players, with high stakes in the space business. Our practice cuts across all African countries. Space in Africa’s proprietary, research-based business and market analysis predict critical outcomes in what happens next in the industry and the opportunities available. Its data-driven analysis, free of vested interests and pre-conceptions, is helping to shape the ecosystem by making available accurate information critical for the change. The NewSpace Africa Conference is the main event of Space in Africa to facilitate further business interactions and cooperation in the African space and satellite industry.

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About the AUC

The African Union Commission is the executive/administrative branch or secretariat of the African Union. It deals with different areas of policy. The AUC represents and defends the interests of the African Union, implements its programmes and decisions, and elaborates, promotes, coordinates and harmonises the AU’s programmes and policies with those of the Regional Economic Communities. The AUC has facilitated the growth of the African space industry through various collaborations and programmes with the European Union, the United Nations, African regional organisations,  various African governments, and commercial space actors. These programmes include the creation of the African Space Agency, the GMES and Africa programme and many others. 

About the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication, Angola 

The Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication (MINTTICS) is the auxiliary ministerial department of the holder of the executive power, whose mission is to propose the formulation, conduct, execution and control of policy in the areas of telecommunications, information technologies, postal services, meteorology and geophysics, social communication, advertising, oriented towards Angola’s internal and external connection, as well as structuring the general lines, norms and standards of institutional communication to be carried out by the different ministerial departments, with support whenever necessary from MINTTICS. In addition, the ministry oversees the operations of the National Space Management Office, the government agency responsible

for promoting the peaceful use of space and conducting technical space studies in Angola. 

Economic growth in a country is evident through prosperity and increased opportunities. When citizens experience economic growth driven by ample employment opportunities, it fosters the emergence of financially stable individuals. Robust economic growth contributes to human development, subsequently fostering further economic advancement.

Aside from economic growth being the most powerful instrument for reducing poverty and improving the quality of life in developing countries, individuals who make up the economy, and small and medium businesses, have continued to falter in playing their part due to limited financing options to handle basic investments for their sustenance.

Attempting to change the situation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) made it mandatory for traditional banks to give out 65% of deposits as loans to expand the economy. Despite fining banks that fail to meet the quota, it is still a herculean task for banks to reach the target, largely due to the various bottlenecks from the lenders, as individuals and business owners find it hard to access the loans.

This resulted in the creation of digital lenders targeted at MSMEs and individuals who are typically excluded from accessing loans from mainstream banks. These digital loan providers are playing a pivotal role in stimulating economic activities and fostering financial inclusion.

One of such is SeedFi, a digital-first loan company that provides short and long-term basic loans to both Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals.

According to Pelumi Alli, co-founder, and CEO, SeedFi aims to be the financial plug for business owners – providing them with opportunities to access capital. This is very timely as only 2,083,200 MSMEs have access to credit in Nigeria, according to recent reports by SMEDAN. These businesses face challenges in securing loans from traditional banks due to stringent requirements, a gap being filled by SeedFi, by offering straightforward application processes and approval in record time, thus making capital more accessible to entrepreneurs.

‘’With capital infusion, SMEs can strategically expand their operations, explore new markets, and invest in technology. This not only benefits them but also contributes to overall economic expansion’’, he added.

Another feature of SeedFi is its flexible repayment terms. SeedFi users have the flexibility to manage their cash flow effectively, by tailoring their repayment dates to align with their business cycles.

“Individuals are not left out”, Samaila Dogara, SeedFi co-founder and CCO added. Whether it’s for unexpected medical expenses, education, unforeseen expenses, or home improvements, SeedFi loans empower individuals to navigate life’s uncertainties, he enthused.

He stated that SeedFi’s loan approval process is swift and hassle-free, allowing individuals to access emergency funds whenever they need them the most.

Samaila said the short-term loans act as a financial safety net, helping individuals manage unexpected expenses without long-term financial burdens and by offering individuals the means to address immediate financial challenges, they contribute to building financial resilience. which in turn enhances overall economic stability as individuals and businesses can weather financial shocks more effectively. 

SeedFi appears to be getting the thumbs up from satisfied customers as the CEO, Mwanga Candles and Diffusers, Omoyeni Disu, commenting about it said, ‘’Seedfi has a seamless process. They take their time in explaining how it all works, it took about 2 days from advisory to completing my transaction. As a Business owner, I recommend’’.

‘’We not only provide businesses with funds for their business, but we also see ourselves as their financial partner on the journey to success. Our loans are like seeds to help businesses grow, which is why we also provide financial advice to our customers where needed.” Alli added.

As SMEs flourish and individuals navigate financial challenges with their support, SeedFi asserts that a positive ripple effect is created throughout the economy, which will be evident in jobs creation, increase in consumer spending power, and availability of a flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem to serve as driving force for sustained national economic development.

In 2015 when Velvot opened its doors to the world, its goal was unequivocal: offer the finest and most cost-effective tech solution. This mission birthed Velvot 1.0, an innovative venture that displayed indisputable fervour which drove it to within one year of inception, in 2016, secure the Microsoft Gold Partner for SMBs. This fuelled our drive and spurred us to work even harder to meet our clients’ needs, leading us to in 2017, begin to offer our custom applications solution across industry verticals. As the company began to establish itself as a go-to tech company for variegate industry players, organisations, as well as individuals,  Velvot 1.0 was incorporated as a Limited Liability company in 2018, while also launching our now famous Velvot store, the one-stop-shop for all things software and hardware. Velvot 1.0 in no time established itself as a major player in the Nigeria tech market, and in 2019, was upgraded to Microsoft Tier-1 Cloud Solutions provider for the whole of Africa. We seized this rare opportunity which underscored our vision to be the preferred digital strategy partner by using tech intensity for the entire IT ecosystem of Africa, and by 2020 we had expanded our reach to 49 African countries. Across the years, we gained notable awards, commendations, and official recognitions. Velvot 1.0’s growth might have seemed magical to some, but for us, it was the result of hard work paying off. However, hard work it is often said, beget more work. Velvot 1.0 understood this well, never letting up even as we expanded our services and reached new countries, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, and Mauritius. It wasn’t long before we earned authorization as a Sophos Tier Partner. 

The company which began with the founder selling recharge cards, charging phones, and downloading mobile games using a simple N97 phone, grew to become a contending tech company in Africa. The transformation from those early days to what Velvot 1.0 became is truly a marvel and a testament of a grass-to-grace story. The founder, Mr Aliyu Garba has always emphasized that the success of Velvot 1.0 wasn’t just a tale of luck; but rather, a story rooted in innovation, constant brainstorming, and unwavering hard work. He always stressed the need to do more, and to ask, “how can we do it two times better”, thus Velvot 2.0.

Seeing the accomplishments of Velvot 1.0 so far, some are wondering, what more could Velvot 2.0 deliver? Well, the answer lies in the evolving technological landscape. As the new dawn of technology emerges—the age of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, E-commerce, Omnichannel Retail, Remote Work and Collaboration, etc.— technology is becoming too complex for solutions people are used to. Technology is outgrowing everyday solutions; and as Einstein said, solving new problems requires different approaches than those that caused them. This realization is what is shaping the transformational campaign of Velvot 2.0. Velvot 2.0 is providing answers to the questions our clients never knew they needed to ask, and presenting solutions that they never realised they so needed to make their business processes more seamless and more profitable. Velvot 2.0, the all new, all-encompassing and all innovative solution promises double the security, double the innovation, double the ideation and double the solution. Velvot 2.0 is a cutting-edge reimagination and recalibration of tech solutions dedicated to modern digital transformation and specialized services. Velvot 2.0 brings with it crucial technology solutions and expert guidance, ensuring our clients thrive in today’s digital era. Velvot 2.0 is the aggregation of not just our years of offering our clients cutting-edge business technology solutions, but also a juncture of years of innovation, tech wit, masterful client focused services among a host of others.  Previously, we banked on the strength of Velvot 1.0, which without fail delivered top-tier 21st-century digital transformation solutions and services, encompassing vital emerging technologies crucial in a digital age. Now, Velvot 2.0 proudly positions itself as a premier Cloud, IT, and Technology solution provider across Africa and the world. Our goal is to revolutionize how organizations operate, collaborate, engage, analyze, and report, enabling them to achieve pivotal business objectives and thrive in a world of constant change. Velvot’s longstanding mission has aimed to provide advanced digital transformation technologies to both African and global clients; aspiring to become their foremost digital strategy partner. This aspiration revolves around intensifying technology to encompass the entire IT ecosystem of Africa and beyond—a core driving force for our evolution. This principle has been pivotal in our growth. 

It was James Cash Penney who said “growth is never by mere chance, it is the result of forces working together.” Velvot 2.0 is the force you need to attain your highest growth potentials..

TECNO, global leader in Technology, proudly announced its sponsorship of the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a high-profile media event in Lagos on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. The event, which was held at the Twinwaters Lagos in Lekki, transcended the norms of a typical corporate gathering, attracting key media figures, esteemed partners, stakeholders, Super Eagles legend Victor Ikpeba, and notable figures from the Nigerian Football community.

During the official announcement in Singapore, TECNO’s General Manager Mr Jack Guo highlighted the significance of this collaboration, saying, “This partnership with CAF for AFCON is a historic step for TECNO, demonstrating our deep-rooted commitment to Africa. We are excited to be part of one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting events, showcasing African football’s appeal and bringing together a global audience. This partnership is a stride towards creating memorable experiences for football enthusiasts and TECNO fans worldwide.”

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, during the official announcement, equally expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “The collaboration between CAF and TECNO Mobile is a significant milestone, bringing together Asia and Africa—continents with the largest and youngest populations. This partnership is part of ongoing discussions with several global companies eager to support CAF’s exciting competitions, including the popular AFCON.”

In Lagos, the discussion focused on TECNO’s strategic decision to sponsor AFCON, reflecting the company’s overarching goals. Thompson Ani, TECNO Nigeria BTL Manager, emphasised the importance of this partnership: “Our involvement with CAF for AFCON epitomises TECNO’s ‘Stop At Nothing’ philosophy, aiming to uplift African football, particularly in Nigeria, and foster a connection with the continent’s passions and aspirations.”

Former Super Eagles player Victor Ikpeba, present at the event in Lagos, shared insights into the intersection of Technology and football, stating, “Technology plays a pivotal role in modern football. Innovations from brands like TECNO are vital for the game’s evolution, especially in improving fan engagement. TECNO’s commitment to innovation can significantly influence the growth of football in Nigeria and across Africa.“

The announcement of TECNO’s partnership with CAF for AFCON marks a significant commitment to sports, entertainment, and fostering national and continental connections. This partnership reflects a future where Technology enhances lives in simple, meaningful ways, particularly through the lens of sports and community engagement. 

For further updates, connect with TECNO on Facebook, Instagram, and X(Twitter).

Emmanuel Chapel, Methodist Church Nigeria proudly announces the groundbreaking inaugural event, the AI & Faith Summit 2023, slated to take place on the 16th of December in Lagos, Nigeria. This pioneering summit is set to explore the convergence of modern technology and age-old religious principles, poised to redefine the landscape of faith-based ideologies.

The AI & Faith Summit is positioned as a crucial milestone, inviting influential voices and thought leaders from diverse spheres, including faith scholars, tech entrepreneurs, and societal figures. This exclusive gathering aims to facilitate meaningful conversations, collaborations, and innovative discussions on the profound impact of technology on the future of religion and spirituality.

Emmanuel Chapel, Methodist Church Nigeria is spearheading this unprecedented initiative. The summit serves as a platform for fostering dialogue and understanding across religious boundaries while envisioning a harmonious future empowered by technological advancements.

“Our world is at a juncture where the intersection of AI and faith beckons on us to navigate uncharted territories. The AI & Faith Summit is a catalyst for insightful deliberations, envisioning how these realms can synergize to shape a more inclusive, ethical, and spiritually conscious society,” remarked Very Reverend Konyin Ajayi.

The summit’s agenda encompasses a diverse array of engaging sessions, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Notable speakers hailing from various disciplines will impart their expertise and perspectives, fostering an environment ripe for exploring the nuanced relationship between technology and spirituality.

“We’re thrilled to bring together minds that bridge the gap between technology and spirituality. Our aim is to ignite discussions that will not only shape the future but also nurture a profound understanding of how technology can complement and enhance our spiritual journeys,” added Patrick Smith, spokesperson for the program.

The AI & Faith Summit 2023 aspires to attract a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries to unite professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders keen on exploring the transformative potential of technology within religious contexts.

This groundbreaking event promises an enriching experience, combining visionary insights with practical applications, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape where faith and technological advancements converge.

Registration for the AI & Faith Summit 2023 is open, inviting participants eager to embark on this transformative journey at the forefront of the evolving relationship between technology and faith. For more information and registration details, please visit: https://aifaithsummit.emmanuelchapelng.org

About Emmanuel Chapel, Methodist Church Nigeria:

Emmanuel Chapel, Methodist Church Nigeria, is a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and progressive thought. Committed to fostering inclusive dialogues and forward-thinking initiatives, the chapel aims to enrich lives by integrating timeless religious principles with modern advancements.

For further updates and information, follow the AI & Faith Summit 2023 on social media:

@echapelmcn

From November 1-3, fintech stakeholders from around Africa and the globe converged in Lusaka, Zambia, for the 10th edition of the Africa Fintech Summit. Historically, AFTS has been the go-to platform for fintech startups, banks, corporations, telcos, government agencies, venture capital firms, and other industry players to engage in thoughtful ecosystem-building conversations, share knowledge, explore partnership opportunities and mobilize investments. AFTSLusaka2023 was no different. 

The summit, which had Flutterwave as its headline sponsor, kicked off on a light-hearted note with a poolside VIP Dinner on November 1 at Ciela Resort. The Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Zambia, Linnisa Wahid, delivered a welcome address where she emphasized how digital transformation is fostering financial inclusion and sustainable economic development in Zambia.

On day two of the event, the conference center at Ciela Resort welcomed 625 in-person delegates from over 45 countries, while more than 1,000 other participants tuned in from across the continent, with most being university students sponsored to take part by Twitter founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey. Quickly, Hon. Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology & Science set the tone of the event with an impassioned keynote. 

In his address, the minister touched on everything from Zambia’s digital transformation strategy to fintech’s role in advancing it and the need for Africa to leverage digital transformation for economic development. He would later go on to announce Zambia’s plans to launch a smartphone manufacturing plant in 2024 to foster digital access. Three other keynote addresses from representatives of the Bank of Zambia, USAID Zambia, and the US Embassy in Lusaka were interspersed by 13 panel discussions on key fintech and fintech-related topics.

Over 80 speakers ranging from founders and investors to bankers and regulators delved into themes such as Leveraging AI in fintech, Fintech in Every Industry, Embedded Fintech, Investing in Fintech Amidst a Global Investment Slowdown and more. Two workshops tagged “Lessons learned from enabling fintech payment solutions across Africa,” and “An ecosystem approach for cross-border payments in and out of Africa,” hosted by MDP and Multigate, respectively, also formed parts of the expert-led discussions on the agenda. 

In-between sessions, attendees had lunch and coffee breaks that doubled as networking sessions. These breaks also offered delegates the opportunity to engage with local and pan-African startups, banks and other organizations at their stands.

The main event concluded with the first-ever live episode of the African Pre-seed Podcast titled “Is Fintech the One True Ecosystem Vertical?” The speakers were host Hope Ditlhakanyane, former Visa Executive and Scale founder Miranda Perumal, Flourish VC Principal Efayomi Carr and Founder and Chairman of Blockchain Association of Kenya (BAK), and Michael Kimani. Attendees then unwound and further connect during a happy hour sponsored by Aella.

Two major items were on the agenda for the final day, November 3: a tour of the Zambian tech ecosystem and the annual AlphaExpo Pitch Competition. The ecosystem tour saw delegates make stops at PremierCredit, Paratus Zambia, Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Absa Zambia, where they interacted with the respective teams. Later that evening, attendees then converged again at Ciela resort to watch 15 African startups pitch to a panel of judges during the AlphaExpo Pitch Competition. 

AlphaExpo is a sector-agnostic initiative from the Africa Fintech Summit, that enables startups to showcase their solutions free of charge at the Africa Fintech Summit and pitch to win growth-enabling prizes and connect with investors. The competition boasts alumni such as YellowCard, Piggyvest, Marketforce and others startups that have gone on to raise over $200 million in funding. 

Sponsored by USAID, this year’s AlphaExpo saw an opening address by Robin Sharma, USAID Zambia’s Deputy Mission Director and had seven startups from Zambia, two from Nigeria, three from Kenya, one from South Africa, one from Namibia, and one from Uganda. Zambia’s Save and Remit won the competition, while Nigeria’s Trade Lenda and Uganda’s aXiom Zorn finished second and third, respectively.

With such a diverse lineup of ecosystem-building engagements, it was no surprise that attendees generally thought the summit delivered on its promises and were quick to share their experiences alongside photos and videos from the event. The AFTS team was quick to point out the role that sponsors and partners such as Flutterwave, Chipper Cash, MDP, Ecobank, Cellulant, Paystack, PremierCredit, TechCabal and others played in making the Lusaka event a success.

According to the AFTS team, Nairobi, Kenya, will host the 11th edition of the Africa Fintech Summit in 2024. The date and venue will be announced in January 2024.

A conversation with Andyson Utomudo, Group Head at gomoney on the role of technology in driving innovation, cost reduction, and stability in the African fintech landscape.

• How is technology playing a role in ensuring cost reduction and scalability for fintechs in Africa, and what’s its impact on stability?

Technology plays a crucial role in driving cost reductions through digitalization, automation of processes, and enabling efficient operations. Cloud computing allows fintechs scale without heavy infrastructure costs, promoting affordability and scalability. While enhancing scalability, technology also introduces challenges related to cybersecurity and regulatory concerns which impacts scalability. Striking a balance between innovation and scalability is crucial for the sustainable growth of fintech in Africa.

• Could you highlight some technological advancements that have enhanced gomoney’s customer experience, and how has this influenced customer retention and loyalty?

Data is very key to operations. At gomoney we use data analysis to achieve the highest level of customer success. By analysing data on customer activities on our platform, we are able to anticipate customer needs right before they ask. This enables us to keep up to our word of giving them the banking they deserve.

• What specific technological innovations has gomoney embraced to streamline operations and reduce costs, ultimately enhancing overall stability?

From day one, we have used innovation to streamline our operations and we keep innovating. We are currently working on automating our operations to give our customers the best experience and at the same time reduce cost of operations. In addition to that, we are working on various upgrades to ensure we provide not only 100% service availability but also service delivery.

• In what ways do you believe gomoney is at the forefront of digital financial transformation in Nigeria and the broader African context?

At gomoney, our purpose is to simplify banking for our users.  This is why our customers remain at the forefront of our business. Our customers have the opportunity of having their transactions enriched which helps them understand their finances better and knowing where, when and how they spend their money to enable them to make more informed financial decisions. We will continue to leverage technology to create more cost-effective solutions for our customer personal banking needs. We are currently working on a couple of services for our customer base which I can’t mention now, but what I can promise is that these solutions will further transform how our users bank.

• Leveraging emerging fintech trends is essential. How does gomoney utilize these trends to improve the user experience and expand its customer base?

We have a Mobile-First Approach where we prioritize seamless mobile experiences, capitalizing on the increasing reliance on smartphones for financial transactions. Our app is designed for convenience and accessibility, ensuring users can manage their finances anytime, and anywhere. We are constantly reviewing and upgrading our designs to meet these expectations. We also consider Innovation in Payment Solutions by exploring and integrating various ways of sending and receiving payments.

• Fintech regulations can be challenging. What successful strategies has gomoney employed to address potential regulatory hurdles and maintain compliance as the African fintech landscape evolves?

At gomoney, we have a very strong foundation not only from the regulations of the CBN but also on how we handle data protection. We currently work with our sister organization Sterling Bank as well as the CBN and other regulatory agencies to ensure that we are up to date on our regulatory standing. This puts us in a place of global ethical standards in the fintech industry.

• With intense competition in the African fintech scene, what unique technological approaches is gomoney using to maintain a leadership position and stay ahead of the competition?

Fintech is a rapidly evolving field, and we prioritize agility. We continuously adapt to regulatory changes, technological advancements, and customer feedback to stay ahead of the curve. gomoney offers innovative digital banking solutions tailored to the needs of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. This includes services such as no-fee transactions, spend tracking, savings tools, and budgeting features aimed at addressing specific financial needs and challenges. 

We have forged strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including financial institutions, merchants, and other fintech companies. These partnerships help us expand our service offerings, provide additional benefits to users, and strengthen our position in the market. Leveraging data analytics, gomoney utilizes customer insights to personalize services, offer tailored financial advice, and predict user behaviour. This data-centric approach leads to more targeted and effective product development.

Lastly, given the sensitivity of financial data, we have invested heavily in robust security measures. Utilizing encryption, multi-factor authentication, and proactive monitoring, we ensure customer trust and confidence in our platform.

• Focusing on digital transformation in Nigeria, which emerging technologies do you see as game-changers for fintech stability in the next few years?

Asides digital transformation, process transformation is also important for fintech stability. In the next few years, just like we can already see, the transfer processes will be more seamless, resolving customer issues and disputes will also be faster.

• What trends do you anticipate in the near future that will further enhance the stability and impact of fintechs in Africa?

The fintech industry not just in Africa but Globally can benefit from Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although we are currently experimenting in this area, a lot of FinTechs will eventually start using AI to create solutions for their customers.

• How do you envision the role of technology and digital banking in fostering even greater stability and growth for fintechs across the continent in the future?

FinTechs, taking advantage of the spread of the internet via mobile phones across Africa have digitally provided services for the unbanked. Although one of the greatest hindrances to this growth is arguably the lack of proper documentation which is a regulatory requirement to help check and track fraudulent transactions. Despite this challenge, FinTechs are now venturing into cross border payments providing businesses, seamless transactions across borders.

Servercore, a global provider of IT infrastructure and cloud services, announced its launch in the Kenyan market. The new cloud solutions are designed to help businesses grow by providing them with the scalability, flexibility, and security they need to succeed in today’s digital economy. Servercore customers in the region will access cloud and dedicated servers, managed cloud databases, managed Kubernetes, and more. 

Servercore is prioritizing Kenya as a region due to several important reasons:

• Innovative Tech Landscape: Kenya is one of the most economically advanced countries, renowned for its economic prowess and dynamic innovation in East and Central Africa. Nairobi hosts numerous startups, bolstering Kenya’s reputation as a thriving tech hotspot and innovation hub. 

• Mobile-Centric Innovation: GeoPoll’s report reveals that Kenya’s mobile penetration surged by 120% by June 2020, surpassing the population by 10%. The surge in smartphone users has fueled substantial expansion within the fintech and Internet banking sectors reflecting Kenya’s dynamic tech revolution. The country is a trendsetter in its pioneering mobile money services, demonstrating an appetite for innovation and digital transformation.

• Ascending IT Sector: Kenya’s IT sector blooms as an economic powerhouse, boasting a 35% internet penetration and a top-seven African ranking according to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Economic Survey 2022. The sector’s growth is driven by a skilled workforce, business and government IT demands, and a favorable business environment, fortifying national competitiveness that attracts foreign investments. According to Kenya’s Market Overview, and trade data, the IT sector is set to account for approximately 7% of the country’s GDP through IT-enabled services. 

However, the country could benefit from a wider presence of local IT infrastructure providers— businesses mainly utilize the resources of global providers that do not have a physical presence in the country. 

In 2019, Kenya enacted laws that necessitate data storage within the country’s borders, leading to a demand for local solutions to meet data protection regulations and leverage the advantages of cloud scalability. The Ministry of ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs in the Kenya National Digital Masterplan 2022-2032 suggests establishing cloud services for the government and private sectors. Therefore Servercore’s debut in Kenya aligns perfectly with the growing need for locally-based cloud infrastructure. 

Victoria Kleinbort, Country Manager for Kenya at Servercore, emphasizes the immense potential within Kenya’s evolving tech landscape: “With increasing internet penetration, a tech-savvy population, and supportive government policies, Kenya presents immense opportunities for offering robust cloud services. Moreover, Kenya’s position as East Africa’s gateway and economic hub provides an ideal strategic launching point for Servercore’s product offering. Servercore aims to empower local innovation with tailored IT infrastructure solutions.” 

Servercore’s Product Offerings for Businesses in Kenya and Africa Include: 

• Reliable Infrastructure: Dedicated and cloud servers with auto-scaling capabilities ensure stable performance and adaptability to varying workloads.
• Localized Consultation & Support: The provider has a strong partnership with iColo, a robust Tier III data center in Nairobi. Additionally, Servercore’s local office provides 24/7 technical support to guarantee that its customers’ digital services work without downtime.
• Optimized Costs and Control: Servercore’s control panel empowers customers to add/reduce resources based on demand. By renting instead of buying infrastructure, businesses can invest more in growth. Solutions can be paid in Kenyan shillings with pricing independent of exchange rate fluctuations. 
• Data Security: Load balancing, backup options, and basic DDoS protection ensure data redundancy and business continuity.
• Certified Security Standards: Servercore services are compliant with industry-respected ISO standards and PCI DSS requirements for storing, processing, or transmitting cardholder data. 

“With affordable pricing, robust infrastructure, and comprehensive solutions, Servercore will empower Kenya and African enterprises to realize their digital ambitions. As an international player with a solid technical and product team, Servercore cloud solutions will help local businesses to focus on their core strengths and drive growth while entrusting their IT infrastructure needs to a reliable cloud partner”, said Josephine Kabura, Business development Manager for Kenya at Servecore. 

To learn more about Servercore solutions, please visit https://servercore.com 

About Servercore: 

Servercore is an international IT infrastructure provider with a local presence in Kenya, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Since 2021, the company has been assisting businesses in delivering services to users in countries with breakthrough technological growth. 

Servercore supports businesses at all stages of infrastructure service, from designing IT systems and server selection to management, scaling, and reporting. All of this is available through a unified control panel at my.servercore.com. 

BLOOMBERG’S SIX FALSEHOODS: the FGN settlement payment of $496m

We are writing to correct the recent misleading reports in Bloomberg and other media outlets orchestrated by our business creditors concerning the reported FGN settlement payment of US$496 million to Global. We are disappointed that the media outlets, such as Bloomberg, did not deem it necessary to contact us or the UK-based mediator appointed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ADR Unit, Paris, Mr Phillip Howell-Richardson, before running a misleading story. The real story should be how we were taken advantage of by the Nigerian government after we operated from 2004 – 2008 until we were dispossessed and strung along through a settlement process from 2013 – 2022, only to get the equivalent of our sunk costs with interest in 2023. Bloomberg has allowed itself to be used by our creditors to cast a blot on the victim in this long saga.  

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Bloomberg asserts through William Clowes – its mining and metals reporter – six false assertions. We show below that they are false.  (For the Bloomberg reports, see Nov 17, 2023: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/audio/2023-11-17/william-clowes-on-nigerian-steel-settlement-podcast;
http://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-17/how-lakshmi-mittal-s-younger-brother-got-a-massive-nigerian-bailout?leadSource=uverify%20wall

1. That Ajaokuta Company never produced steel. While it is true that Ajaokuta never produced steel before we took over,  all that changed following our concession in 2004. Following our concession in 2004, billets were rolled out as rebars and sold across Nigeria for construction purposes. Had Bloomberg bothered to check the financial accounts of Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd, it would have seen figures under  “Sales”. What would a steel company be selling that is not steel? Following our ouster in 2008, Ajaokuta stopped all steel production. 

2. That Ajaokuta was given to us to manage and buy in 2004. This is false. We were given a concession to manage Ajaokuta in 2004, and in May 2007 its majority shares was sold to us to expand production. If we were so bad, why would the government that sold us Delta Steel (which was successfully operating) in 2005, and which gave us the iron ore concession of NIOMCO in 2005, opt to sell 60% of Ajaokuta shares to us in May 2007?

3. That after the Ajaokuta concession was entered in 2004 the Nigerian government terminated the contract three years later. This is false. In May 2007, the Nigerian government deepened things further by entering a share sale agreement pursuant to which we acquired 60% of the shares of Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd. Months later, simply due to a change of administration, all our rights were terminated in five long-term contracts. 

4. That “seemingly out of the blue” the government announced the $496m payment. This is false. We filed arbitration in 2008 and went through settlement attempts under the ICC ADR framework while the arbitration was kept in abeyance. We were so keen to resume operating that we even agreed to drop all our damages claims and even title to the Ajaokuta shares so long as the rail and port components were put in place to make NIOMCO-Delta commercially viable. This Framework Settlement Agreement (FSA) was signed in May 2013 but was not implemented for 7 years. We put pressure on the government to fulfil the FSA from 2013 until 2020 when we decided to go back to arbitration. Fearful that Nigeria was heading for a mega arbitration award (clearly with the P&ID case on their mind), it was the Nigerian government that reached out to us to settle by buying us out completely. At this stage we would not have countenanced a return to settlement unless we achieved a clean break. This is how the idea of a buy-out emerged.  

The buyout mediation was conducted transparently under the ICC ADR framework led by one of the UK’s foremost mediators, Mr Phillip Howell-Richardson. It lasted from January 2020 – August 2022 with the Nigerian government appointing PwC to advise it on our $5.2 billion claim. PwC, building on submissions of the Nigerian legal team, recommended a buyout at $901m. However, at the last minute when the Nigerian legal team became aware of the bankruptcy of Mr Pramod Mital, the government sought to take advantage of this by denuding us of all our loss of profit and consequential losses in Delta Steel. This is how we were suddenly confronted with a “take it or leave it” deal of $496m with no explanation. We were expecting a minimum figure of  $901m (the PWC recommendation), not the $496m figure that profited from our financial predicament. We only accepted the buyout – devoid of our lost profit on five contracts and losses to Delta – because of our dire financial state – a fact that the FGN obviously capitalised on.

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5. Bloomberg falsely asserts that we were “systematically cannibalising” assets from Ajaokuta and this was the reason for termination of the share purchase in 2008. First, it is incredulous that the government will convert the Ajaokuta concession into a share sale in May 2007 only to terminate it in April 2008, as well as also terminating a railway concession, and iron ore concession.  Secondly, the cannibalising allegation that Bloomberg “parrots” was a false mischaracterisation of the commercial network arrangement that involved the cooperation of Delta and Ajaokuta in billet to rebars steel production. Since Ajaokuta’s blast furnace had never worked, we maintained a network arrangement with our company (Delta Steel) to produce the billets that were rolled out as rebars by Ajaokuta. This commercial arrangement that involved both companies sharing equipment for production was later falsely branded as “asset cannibalisation” by a new administration that was searching for a reason to backup their wholesale termination of all our interests. Thirdly, it is noteworthy that the FGN had appointed PwC pursuant to the 2013 FSA to forensically investigate the claims, yet none of the claims were substantiated. Lastly, the Arbitral Tribunal has never made a finding of asset cannibalisation. It is strange that notwithstanding this, Bloomberg’s William Clowes felt able to put these false and damaging claims forward.

6. Bloomberg assumes that money spent running a plant from 2004 to 2008 ceases to exist as sunk costs where the investor obtains short term finance from local banks for some of its naira expenditure (due to business exigencies such as an overvalued exchange rate on capital inflows). So that where the investor is denied compensation for all its loss of profit and consequential losses on its multiple contracts that were terminated at a stroke in 2008, a settlement payment of value that is equivalent to its sunk costs – a value that the FGN ascertained and inserted in its contract with us in 2007 – is to be viewed with suspicion. This is either financial illiteracy or mischievous.

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Bloc, a financial service technology startup, launches a flagship business banking product that lets organisations access simple to advanced financial services for their businesses. This launch marks a new phase in the company’s mission to help businesses take advantage of the numerous opportunities in the global market.

Bloc’s customers will be able to access essential banking services such as corporate bank accounts, transfers, and virtual cards, which will be powered by licenced banks such as Bloc Microfinance Bank, Providus Bank, and Sterling Bank.

Alongside the essentials, Bloc Business Banking will provide advanced features and value-added services to maximize the average customer’s banking experience with Bloc. USD accounts, accepting payments globally, bill payment, custom checkout, and payment links are some of the features customers will enjoy as Bloc continues to roll out in the coming months.

For the past two years, Bloc has powered hundreds of startups who needed to embed financial services into their product via our Banking-as-a-Service infrastructure. And now, we are providing a full-service business banking solution to help them manage their revenue — and finances — as they grow with the Bloc infrastructure.

To get your account, all you need to do is sign up on Bloc by visiting https://app.blochq.io and providing basic details to get your account opening started. You’ll be required to provide details to verify your business, and once it is verified, you are good to go.

The possibilities with Bloc are endless.

“We understand the challenges businesses face when managing their finances, and we think we can do a great job helping them do it seamlessly, ” said Edmund Olotu, CEO and founder.

As an API company, we’ve worked closely with startups and non-tech businesses for the last two years to learn their problems with the financial services readily available today. “Businesses are constantly looking for ways to reduce their risk, improve how they spend money, keep and grow their deposits, and maximise their overall financial operations,” Edmund said. “Bloc wants to provide a partnership experience built on quality banking services to these businesses regardless of their growth stage.”

Edmund described the possibilities for customers with Bloc as endless.

He said, “The future is endless for Bloc’s customers. Today, we start by providing essential banking services to these businesses, ensuring we become the best at making them happy. Tomorrow, we’ll do all we can to keep them happy. We’ll open new doors and opportunities, locally and globally, to the best-in-class tools that help them grow their finances, access capital, and, if they want, offer these financial services to their customers.

“Our goal is to be a global financial force, and we’re developing the right relationships to make this a reality for our customers. We will progressively open channels to more African countries and, eventually, the rest of the world.”

What this means for our customers.

With this launch, Bloc sees itself as the “Mercury Bank + Unit for African businesses” — a control centre where you can access reliable business banking products/services and build custom applications with embedded financial services.

As African non-tech organisations and tech startups continue navigating the economic environments they find themselves in, Bloc’s mission is to provide them with everything they need to start, survive, and thrive. From local setup and go-to-market to global expansion, Bloc aims to be your partner every step of the way.

“It’s still early days, and we’re excited to learn what our customers think and how we can improve the product to make them even happier,” commented Jerry Enebeli, Chief Product Officer.

Our business banking product is now live and open to all businesses. Visit https://www.blochq.io to sign up.

We are currently only available on the Web but will release the mobile app in Q1 2024.

About Bloc

Bloc is a financial technology company that provides global banking services and API infrastructure to African startups and non-tech organisations that want to grow their revenue and be a part of the global market.

To learn more about us, visit our website: https://www.blochq.io

Get ready to infuse the festive season with the perfect blend of technology and cheer as Xiaomi presents its Christmas Special Offer from December 1st to December 31st, 2023. Dive into a world of exciting promotions and stand a chance to win incredible prizes when you purchase select Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 12 series, Redmi 13C, Redmi 12, Redmi A2+, and Xiaomi 13T.

Explore the Marvels of Redmi 13C, Redmi Note 12 Series, and Redmi 12

Redmi 13C: Unleash the Power of Innovation

Our top recommendation for this season is the Redmi 13C, which made its debut just last month. This device is a true marvel, featuring a 50MP triple camera that captures every moment with stunning clarity. Immerse yourself in a 6.74-inch display, enjoy the convenience of a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support, and experience swift performance thanks to the MediaTek Helio G85 processor. With three variants to choose from – 4+128GB, 6+128GB, and 8+256GB – the Redmi 13C caters to your unique needs and preferences. Redmi 13C starts at just 98,100 naira for the 4+128GB variant. Elevate your mobile experience without breaking the bank. 

Redmi Note 12 Series: A Photographic Masterpiece

Our second recommendation is the Redmi Note 12 series, boasting an impressive 200MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for flawless detail capture. This series ensures your device is always ready with the 120W HyperCharge feature, and the 120Hz AMOLED display provides an immersive visual experience. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080, the Redmi Note 12 series delivers swift performance and multitasking capabilities, making it a photographic masterpiece and a technological marvel. 

Purchase the Redmi Note 12 series and enjoy up to a 5000 naira discount. Your journey into cutting-edge technology begins at just 164,800 naira for the 4+128GB variant.

Redmi 12: Elegance Meets Innovation

Completing the lineup is the Redmi 12, a device that seamlessly blends elegance with innovation. Featuring a 50MP AI triple camera, a Premium Glass Back Design with IP53 water resistance, and up to 8GB+258GB ample storage, the Redmi 12 is designed to meet the needs of those who appreciate style and substance. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 processor, this device ensures smooth performance for your daily tasks and entertainment.

Grab the Redmi 12 today with a jaw-dropping discount of up to 10,000 naira. Starting at just 137,400 naira for the 4+128GB variant, it helps your unleash the extraordinary at an extraordinary price! 

Unmissable Prizes and Instant Gifts

When you participate in our Christmas Special Offer, not only do you acquire cutting-edge technology, but you also stand a chance to win fantastic prizes. Picture yourself winning 6 million naira in cash, enjoying the latest Xiaomi TV, or traveling with stylish Xiaomi luggage. On top of that, an array of instant gifts adds an extra layer of excitement to your purchase.

Don’t miss out on this limited-time opportunity to elevate your tech game and potentially win big with Xiaomi’s Christmas Special Offer. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Visit your nearest Xiaomi authorized stores to take full advantage of this fantastic offer and make this festive season truly unforgettable! Win big, enjoy discounts, and embrace the spirit of giving and receiving. Happy Holidays from Xiaomi!