• Akwa Ibom Tech Week aims to make the state Africa’s new tech destination

    Akwa Ibom Tech Week

    Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2023 which happened between October 31 and November 3, in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene, has set a bold aim to position the state as Africa’s new tech destination. The state boasts a stable political climate, good road networks, an independent power plant, trimodal ports of entry, and an international airport with a state-owned airline. The vibrant developer ecosystem growing at 29.7% month-on-month, since March 2023 is second only to Lagos in Africa. Developers and designers boast a total population of 3,408 according to Google Developer Groups and Friends of Figma. This number excludes digital marketers, product managers and data analysts plying their trade outside of established communities.

    To harness these advantages, the organisers of Akwa Ibom Tech Week, Ibom Innovation Network (IIN), a private organisation limited by guarantees have gone ahead to constitute three special purpose vehicles (SPV) to actualize and consolidate the claim. 

    The three SPVs are:

    1. Ibom Angel Network
    2. Ibom Languages Expansion Project
    3. African Tech Talents Evaluation Framework

    The President of IIN, Mr Hanson Johnson made the pronouncement on the sidelines of the conference. “We dare to dream and claim that Akwa Ibom is Africa’s new tech destination because innovation, entrepreneurial interventions, infrastructure upgrade, and talent development are well aligned. However, this claim will remain a mere conjecture if we do not build functional structures around it. To realise this dream, we are launching three sub-groups of IIN with different mandates.” He adds, “The new subgroups of Ibom Innovation Network are Ibom Angel Network, Ibom Languages Expansion Project group, and the African Tech Talents Evaluation Framework”

    The angel network will drive startup funding and venture growth programmes in the state. The Ibom Languages Expansion project will focus on extending the indigenous languages of Akwa Ibom; Annang, Ibibio, and Oro to include modern vocabularies. It is aimed at making it easier to teach technology and the language of innovation to early age learners and foreigners in the local languages of Akwa Ibom. 

    Lastly, the African Tech Talents Evaluation Framework underscores the importance of having a unified, but standardised method of onboarding, training, and placement of tech talents in ways that allow the trainers and multiple stakeholders to recover their training cost once talent placement occurs.

    The week-long event started with a breakfast meeting, a health and wellness talk at Wella Health and a ceremonial Golf tee off at Ibom Golf Resort on Monday, October 30. It was then followed by two days of a well-attended conference which was held at Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, where speakers like Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, Nick Marden, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, Dr Odiong Akpan, Mrs Victoria Fabunmi, Mr. Raphael Edem, and the Director General of Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and 30 others spoke optimistically about Akwa Ibom’s desire to be Africa’s new tech destination.

    The NITDA Director General highlighted the federal government’s commitment to addressing the digital skills gap. He noted that the programmes of Ibom Innovation Network are in alignment with the interventions of the Agency with regards to skills development. 

    The audacious claim to position Akwa Ibom as Africa’s new tech destination was reinforced by Aniedi Udo-Obong, the Regional Lead, Google Developer Groups (US & Canada) during a landmark remark where he tasked the state government to provide Uyo with the ‘fastest internet in Africa’, a gesture he believes would help the network in partnership with the state to drive digital skills acquisition and innovation.

    The event was an opportunity for speakers and product owners to network, collaborate, and showcase their brand values. It featured panel sessions, fireside chats, product demonstration, and innovation hub tours.

    In closing the two-day conference, one of the co-planners of Akwa Ibom Tech Week, Amanda Etuk thanked the guests for honouring the invitation and encouraged participants to explore the rich tourism offering of Akwa Ibom State as packaged by the organisers of Akwa Ibom Tech Week, AITW2023.

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Idongesit Essien

    [Lead Publicist, AITW]

    [press@akwaibomstartupweek.com] [08027687112]

    About Akwa Ibom Tech Week

    Akwa Ibom Tech Week is an annual event dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and exploration of opportunities within the tech ecosystem. The event aims to position Akwa Ibom State as a leading tech destination in Africa by showcasing its potential, fostering talent development, and encouraging partnerships within the global tech community

    Photographs from the event

    Conference Day 1. Conference Day 1 Photos 

    Conference Day 2. Conference Day 2 Photos 

  • Crypto Meets Casino: A Look at the Evolving World of Crypto Casino Games

    Cryptocurrency on one hand, and online casinos on the other, are two evolving industries in the current market. Both of them are new concepts that not everyone might be familiar with. However, they have strongly entered the market and predictions show that they are here to stay. Since this popularity keeps growing day by day, it is important that we understand what these two concepts mean and how they are intertwined with each other.

    This blog will give an overview of how cryptocurrency met casinos and as a result, many crypto casinos were born. Additionally, we will talk about the current state of the crypto casino games industry and how crypto is a payment method that is becoming a possibility for many activities.

    What is cryptocurrency?

    Cryptocurrency is what most people in everyday life refer to as digital money, and that is what it is in simple terms. A Crypto is a decentralized currency, which means that it is stored within a system, a so-called blockchain, and not within a bank system.

    There are many advantages to cryptocurrency, which is also why so many people opt towards using it. One of the key benefits that users get is the fast transactions that can be realized cross-countries. We are all aware of how online banking takes at least a day for one transaction to be complete, and this exact situation is eliminated by crypto.

    Another worth-mentioning point that people value when it comes to crypto is anonymity. Since the currency is decentralized, there is no authority that watches over the transactions that are made. So, that means people feel this sense of privacy which they might not necessarily have in regard to traditional banking systems.

    Cryptocurrency is also regarded as a decent option for investment judging from its advantages, experts say. Cryptocurrency’s value has skyrocketed in the past recent years, thus making it a market of profit where people can invest and get double or triple of that over time.

    The crypto casino games industry

    Crypto entered the casino world at first as a payment method. After that, it was noticed that many players are using crypto as their main form of payment when playing games. Then, the necessity to have crypto casinos was born and this is how they came to be.

    Now, when it comes to crypto casinos, there are two kinds of them. The first one is online casinos who accept crypto as a payment method, but other traditional payments through banking are also accepted. The other one is crypto casinos that use crypto only and exclusively for every payment. This last option appears to be more popular nowadays.

    With the rise of crypto’s popularity, an increase in more crypto casinos is also expected in the future. Based on this argument, there are a considerate number of investors who are also interested in setting up a casino, because it will benefit them financially more than generally expected, as predicted.

    Some people go as far to argue that in the future, we will only use digital money to pay for any service that there is. This is obviously good news if we are to look at the advantages this currency has. In addition to that, this would give rise to the popularity of crypto casinos too.

    How are crypto casinos different?

    Crypto casinos are actually not different to “normal” ones, apart from the payment method they provide. That being said, you can play poker, roulette, slots, blackjack, or any other casino game, just like in the usual casino online or at a physical location. Every single process is the same on both occasions and there is nothing else that differs between the two.

    Are crypto casinos better?

    Well, that depends on who you ask. Some people who argue that digital currency in general and crypto in particular will save the world, say that crypto casinos are the way to go. On the other hand, there are people who do not like the invasion of the digital currency and do not count it as real money, and they say that crypto casinos are not worth the hype.

    As previously noted, the casino games are the same, so when it comes to the experience, there is nothing particularly distinctive about the two.

    Final thoughts

    There are so many ways in which technology is changing and evolving, one of them being the world of payment systems. The birth of crypto has brought a new way of payment not only in online casinos, but also in retail, services and much more. Crypto casinos are growing day by day, and we expect a high value growth in the next ten years.

    So, if you have not given crypto casinos a chance yet, go ahead and do so because this might be the future of casinos!

  • A New Arena for Football Enthusiasts and Bettors

    In a world where the lines between virtual and reality blur, the realm of eSports has emerged as a thrilling arena for football fans and bettors alike. As traditional sports and digital gaming converge, we witness a new form of athleticism — one that demands quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and teamwork. GhanaSoccernet.com/ng/ stands at the forefront of this digital revolution, offering a curated list with ratings of online bookmakers in Nigeria. This platform ensures that fans and bettors alike have access to the best resources for their virtual football engagement.

    eSports: The Digital Pitch

    The eSports industry has seen a meteoric rise in popularity, with football simulation games like FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer at the forefront. These games offer a digital alternative to the physical sport, allowing players to manage their dream teams and compete in global tournaments. Realism and competitive edge have attracted a massive following, making eSports a staple in the world of competitive gaming and betting.

    Betting on Virtual Football

    With the growth of eSports, betting has found a new playground. Virtual football betting allows fans to wager on the outcomes of matches played within a game, providing a unique blend of sports betting excitement and gaming. It’s a burgeoning market that’s gaining traction among punters, especially those who appreciate the 24/7 nature of virtual sports.

    The Social Aspect of eSports Betting

    One of the most intriguing aspects of eSports is its social component. Fans are not just passive spectators; they are active participants in a global community. Betting on eSports adds another layer of interaction, as friends challenge each other’s predictions and share tips on the next big match. This social betting phenomenon has only been amplified by the integration of streaming platforms, where viewers can watch live matches and place bets in real-time.

    The Future of Football in the Digital Age

    As we look to the future, the potential for eSports in the football domain is boundless. With advancements in technology, we can expect even more immersive experiences, perhaps even blurring the lines between playing a video game and watching a live match. For bettors, this means a more engaging and interactive form of betting, with live odds and in-play betting becoming the norm.

    A Safe Bet: Choosing the Right Bookmaker

    For those eager to dive into the world of eSports betting, the importance of choosing a reliable bookmaker cannot be overstated. A trusted bookmaker not only offers competitive odds but also ensures the safety and security of your bets. Platforms like GhanaSoccernet.com/ng/ serve as a valuable resource, guiding bettors to the best online bookmakers in Nigeria.

    Conclusion: Embracing the eSports Revolution

    The intersection of football, gaming, and betting in the form of eSports represents a new frontier for fans around the world. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of sports and how digital innovation continues to shape our experiences. As we embrace this revolution, resources like mentioned in the beginning will play a pivotal role in guiding enthusiasts through this exciting and ever-changing landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to the digital pitch, the future of football and betting is here — and it’s more thrilling than ever.

  • The Rising Stars of African Football

    The African continent has long been a vibrant hub for football talent, which has consistently shaped the beautiful game on a global scale. As the world turns its gaze to the emerging talents from this region, enthusiasts are increasingly seeking platforms that connect them with the pulse of African football. Hollywoodbets app emerges as a beacon for fans eager to track the rising stars in African football, offering a front-row seat to the unfolding drama of the beautiful game.

    Unearthing New Talent

    Africa’s football scene is a treasure trove of raw talent waiting to be discovered. From the sandy lots of Lagos to the makeshift pitches in Dakar, young footballers dream of emulating the feats of African legends like Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o. Scouting networks and football academies are now more than ever, investing in these dreams, providing platforms for young stars to shine.

    The Impact of International Tournaments

    The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers have become pivotal in showcasing African talent to the world. These tournaments are not just about national pride; they serve as a stage for players to secure their future in clubs across Europe and beyond. The ripple effect of a strong tournament showing can be life-changing, leading to lucrative contracts and international acclaim.

    Catalyzing Change Through Collaboration

    The ascent of African football is not just the result of individual brilliance but also a testament to the power of collaboration. International partnerships and sponsorships are increasingly pivotal, bringing in much-needed investment and expertise to the local leagues. These collaborations are not only elevating the standard of play but are also enhancing the global appeal of African football. The Hollywoodbets app is a part of this ecosystem, providing a platform that not only supports the growth of the sport but also offers a space for fans to engage with the game more deeply. As African footballers carve their names on the world stage, the spirit of collaboration stands as the backbone of this new era, promising a future where the sport thrives both on and off the pitch.

    Grassroots Initiatives and Their Role

    Grassroots football initiatives across Africa play a crucial role in nurturing future stars. These programs not only teach the fundamentals of the game but also instill discipline and teamwork in young athletes. With the right support, these initiatives have the potential to transform local communities by providing a pathway to professional football.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Despite the abundance of talent, African footballers face numerous challenges, including limited access to quality training facilities and exposure to international scouts. However, with the increasing involvement of European clubs in African football, the opportunities for young talent are expanding. Initiatives like football academies run by top-tier clubs are beginning to bridge the gap, offering hope and opportunity to aspiring footballers.

    The Role of the Media and Technology

    Media coverage and technology are integral to the growth of football in Africa. Platforms that provide real-time updates and in-depth analysis, such as the Hollywoodbets app, are essential for fans and scouts alike to follow the progress of emerging talents. Enhanced visibility not only celebrates the players but also draws attention to the leagues, contributing to the overall development of the sport on the continent.

    Conclusion

    The landscape of African football is changing, with new stars rising and opportunities expanding. The continent’s passion for football is undiminished, and with the right investment in talent development and infrastructure, the future looks bright. As the world watches, platforms like the Hollywoodbets app will continue to play a vital role in connecting fans with the heartbeat of African football, celebrating every goal, every victory, and every dream realized on the pitch.

  • A Deep Dive into the Future of Wagering

    The digital age has ushered in a new era of sports engagement, seamlessly blending the adrenaline of live sports with the burgeoning world of online betting. At the forefront of this revolution stands a platform that exemplifies the innovative spirit of this dynamic industry. Hollywoodbets is revolutionizing the way fans engage with their favorite sports and continues to pave the way in the digital betting landscape, the excitement of sports extends beyond the physical arenas into the dynamic world of online wagering. As we delve into the future of sports betting, it’s essential to recognize the role of innovative platforms that are changing the game.

    The Evolution of Sports Betting

    The landscape of sports betting has undergone a seismic shift with the advent of digital platforms. Gone are the days of smoky betting shops and scribbled odds on chalkboards. Today, betting has become a sophisticated affair, with platforms offering live updates, in-play betting, and comprehensive odds on a global scale. This transformation has not only made betting more accessible but also more engaging for the sports enthusiast.

    The Role of Technology in Betting

    Technology has been the linchpin in the evolution of sports betting. With real-time data analytics, AI predictions, and blockchain for secure transactions, the industry is at the forefront of technological innovation. Platforms are now able to offer a more personalized experience, learning from user behavior to suggest bets, while ensuring the integrity of each wager with transparent, tamper-proof systems.

    The Impact of Mobile Accessibility

    Mobile technology has arguably had the most significant impact on sports betting. The ability to place a bet from anywhere, at any time, has opened up the market to a new generation of bettors. The convenience of mobile apps, such as those offered by Hollywoodbets, means that the next bet is only a tap away, keeping the excitement alive even when the match isn’t on.

    The Synergy Between Esports and Betting

    Esports has surged in popularity, and with it, the betting market has expanded to accommodate this new arena. Platforms are now offering odds on esports tournaments, tapping into a younger demographic and diversifying the world of sports betting. This synergy has not only provided a new revenue stream for betting platforms but also a fresh way for fans to engage with esports.

    The Future of Sports Betting

    As we look to the future, the integration of virtual reality and betting is on the horizon. Imagine a world where you can be virtually present at the World Cup final, feeling the atmosphere of the stadium, and placing a bet as if you were there. The possibilities are endless, and the betting industry is just scratching the surface of what’s possible with technology.

    Conclusion

    The intersection of sports, betting, and technology is an exciting frontier with endless opportunities. As platforms like Hollywoodbets continue to innovate, the future of betting looks not only more engaging but also more inclusive, bringing the thrill of the game to a global audience. The question is no longer if technology will transform sports betting, but how far and how fast this transformation will occur.

  • Find your perfect co-founder with Bubble by TalentQL

    by Adewale Yusuf

    With over a decade of hands-on experience in startup endeavours, I understand a co-founder’s pivotal role in transforming ideas into successful ventures. Finding the right co-founder is like adding a crucial puzzle piece to complete the picture of success—it must be a perfect fit. Through my journey, I’ve learned the importance of partnering with someone who shares similar beliefs and is equally passionate about solving the problem at hand.

    I’m excited to present Bubble by TalentQL, a venture born from personal experiences and a dedicated commitment to address a critical startup need. Searching for a co-founder is like entering a lifelong marriage with someone, in this case, the lifespan of your business. Getting this match right is paramount. Just as people meet their better half online through matching platforms, why not find co-founders using Bubble?

    If you’re launching a new startup or planning to soon, Bubble will help you find the perfect co-founder.

    Why Bubble?

    Embarking on a startup journey is akin to navigating uncharted waters; you can’t do it alone! Recognizing the critical role technical co-founders play and finding one who aligns with your values, business, and ideologies can be daunting. That’s where Bubble comes in—a platform that is committed to facilitating connections between startup founders and technical visionaries. 

    Bubble’s goal is to empower startups to navigate challenges by ensuring they have the right technical expertise for innovation and success. 

    The Bubble Solution: Bridging the gap between founders and co-founders 

    Bubble by TalentQL offers a win-win solution. Instead of committing to a full-time co-founder, startups can now engage technical co-founders part-time. In this unique model, we handle talent acquisition, lift operational burdens off startups, and significantly reduce costs. 

    As a Founder, here’s what awaits you:

    • Affordable Expertise: Bubble provides access to top-tier technical talent globally at a fraction of the fee.
    • Quality and Security: Technical co-founders from Bubble ensure excellent product quality and security, minimising the risk of costly mistakes.
    • Flexibility: Opportunity to collaborate with technical co-founders on a full-time or part-time basis, tailored to your specific needs
    • Knowledge Transfer: Benefit from knowledge transfer and mentorship, fostering the growth of your team.
    • Enhanced Speed to Market: With guidance from technical co-founders, expedite product development, gaining a competitive edge.

    And for you, the Technical Co-Founder, Bubble provides:

    • Entrepreneurial Matchmaking: We play matchmaker, connecting you with startups where your skills can shine.
    • Negotiation Support: We assist in negotiating salaries, equity, and terms, ensuring a fair and mutually beneficial partnership.

    In the dynamic landscape of startup collaboration, Bubble serves as the bridge, facilitating meaningful connections that lead to mutual success.

    How to join Bubble?

    1. Schedule a Clarity Call: Complete a form on our website and schedule a clarity call to allow us better understand your needs. This personalised conversation allows us to tailor our support to your startup goals.
    2. Meet Your Potential Co-Founders: Following the clarity call, we’ll introduce you to a curated list of potential co-founders. This step allows you to assess their compatibility with your business idea and facilitates a mutual understanding.
    3. Finalise Your Preferred Candidate: Based on your interactions, select your preferred co-founder. We are here to assist you throughout the decision-making process.

    Redefining the Startup Landscape

    In the dynamic world of startups, access to technical co-founder talent is transformative. Bubble by TalentQL is poised to redefine the rules, offering affordable and flexible access to these pivotal resources for startups. 
    For founders and startup teams eager to accelerate their journey with Bubble, schedule a clarity call right away at bubble.talentql.com

  • MISLEADING REPORTING PROMOTED BY BLOOMBERG: Correcting the report concerning the FGN settlement payment of $496m

    We are writing to correct the recent misleading reports in Bloomberg and other media outlets 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 before running the story. This is unprofessional and it has led to a misleading narrative. 

    Any investor who signs multiple long-term contracts does so to make profit. If those contracts are wilfully terminated the investor will be compensated for the loss of profit. In our case, we were not so compensated. Instead, the FGN merely returned our sunk costs in respect of one of our multiple contracts. What we do with our returned sunk costs is entirely our own business.

    [ad]

    Sunk Costs in just one contract between 2004-2007

    The FGN-Global contracts were:  

    1. Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) for a concession agreement.
    2. National Iron Ore and Mining Company Limited (NIOMCO) for a concession agreement to supply iron ore. 
    3. Delta Steel – a share purchase agreement.
    4. Concession of central rail line (connecting NIOMCO, ASCL, Warri port).
    5. A share purchase agreement in respect of Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd.

    Between 2004 and 2008, GINL employed 6000 plus direct workers and 2000 plus indirect workers and operated two steel plants produced and even exported to neighbouring countries. Our products were made to an internationally accepted BS444 standard and were even awarded a GOLD standard product certification by Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON). All this required expenditure. Consider just one of our contracts, for instance. In respect of just one of the multiple contracts (the Ajaokuta steel company concession) the FGN itself conceded in multiple documents at ministerial and Presidential level and in its legal agreement in May 2007 (its SPA) that we invested $200m (cash, plant and machinery, know-how). This figure was arrived at after internal and external reviews (BGL was the independent consultant appointed by BPE to conduct the external review). This $200m (as at 2007) does not capture our investment used to run NIOMCO from 2005 until termination in 2008. Neither does it cover our substantial railway and dredging costs. 

    [ad]

    So impressed was the FGN, that in May 2007, the FGN was prepared to sell the shares of Ajaokuta Steel to Global. The price was $525m – setting off our $200m investment – so that Global was to pay $325 million. We signed a share purchase agreement in May 2007 to this effect recording our $200m investment. 

    Cancellation of contracts solely because of a change in administration

    Surprisingly, only months later in April 2008, the administration of H.E President Umaru Musa Yaradua revoked all the agreements with Global. At a stroke, all our investments between 2004 – 2007 were cancelled. 

    Legal advice was to the effect that we had a claim running into billions of US dollars. Accordingly, we started arbitration in 2008. 

    The FGN subsequently reached out to us and encouraged us to settle the claim on the basis that a framework settlement agreement would be concluded. As part of this framework, we were to give up our rights to damages on the basis that the government would ensure that other components of the framework were in place such as the rail and Warri port. This was signed in May 2013. But once again the FGN failed to implement this agreement for seven years. So that by 2020 we had no option but to go back to arbitration. Again, the government reached out to us asking us to consider settling the claim by means of a total buyout as opposed to the framework settlement. We agreed to this so long as it was via the transparent mediation process of the ICC.

    [ad]

    Buyout Settlement (2020-22) under the ICC ADR 

    ICC appointed the mediator Mr Phillip Howell – Richardson. Our legal representatives Kings and Spalding LLP submitted its proposal for a complete buyout of ASCL and NIOMCO rights, with a claim of USD $7.511 bn with a 30% applied discount so that the buyout was to be for USD $ 5.258bn.

    The FGN was advised by its legal and financial experts (PwC) and it succeeded over a long period in forcing the settlement at $496m. The FGN obviously capitalised on our financial predicament and bankruptcy challenges by forcing us to effectively waive our claim for damages and consequential losses. PwC had advised the government to settle our $5.2 billion claim for $901m – a figure we were not prepared to accept. Yet, the government clearly capitalising on our financial predicament effectively denied us compensation for loss of profit in our multiple long-term contracts so that only the $200m (with interest from 2004- 2022) that it had receipted in the 2007 SPA as our investment in one project (Ajaokuta Steel) was to be repaid to settle all our claims. This is how the FGN, in effect, “forced” $496m on us by returning our 2004-2007 sunk cost in Ajaokuta ($200m plus interest) in just one contract. With this, we were deprived of our loss of profit claims in respect of our multiple contracts and our claims against the FGN in respect of the losses to our investment in Delta Steel.  

    [ad]

    No Business Invests to receive its sunk costs – businesses invest for profit

    We did not – and no one does – enter multiple long-term contracts expecting to receive a refund of our $200m sunk costs spent in one project between 2004-2007 – even with interest. We entered contracts to make profit. It was our dire financial circumstance that forced us to settle our claims by a return of our sunk costs.

    Strangely, Bloomberg quibbles with how we chose to spend our $496m – a restitution of our own money – when the real story should be how come the FGN succeeded in getting away Scot-free after our shabby treatment. Nigeria will not obtain foreign investment if it treats its investors the way it treated us between 2004 to 2022. The Bloomberg story is an example of unprofessional sensational reporting. 

  • Cytek hosts webinar to reinforce cybersecurity resilience in Nigeria’s financial sector.

    In Nigeria’s financial services sector, cybersecurity remains a critical pillar of stability and growth for business operations. Recognising this growing importance, YNV Group, a leading global provider of technological solutions, through its cybersecurity brand, Cytek, has recently championed conversations on cybersecurity resilience within Nigeria’s financial services sector.

    The company hosted a dialogue on “Ensuring Cybersecurity Resilience in Financial Services Companies in Nigeria”, bringing together key stakeholders from across the financial services landscape to address the pressing challenges and emerging threats faced by the industry.

    The rapid expansion of digital financial services in Nigeria has ushered in unprecedented opportunities for individuals and enterprises. However, this accelerating pace has also given rise to a surge in cyber threats, posing a significant challenge to the continued development of banks in the country. This challenge can be addressed by learning from experts’ insights and discussing industry best practices.

    The webinar served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, empowering participants with insights from industry experts on innovative solutions to fortify their digital infrastructure. Cytek made some recommendations to financial institutions on cybersecurity, such as risk management, employee training and retention, customer awareness, vendor management, and many more. Experts were also advised to be cautious about the type of people they train for cybersecurity while ensuring they understand their businesses, the environment, and threats, because these serve as a guide to securing their institutions from cyber threat.

    Through its unwavering dedication to enhancing cybersecurity resilience, Cytek is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity and stability of Nigeria’s financial sector. The business is committed to ensuring capacity building, managed security services, and advisory and implementation services are in place for Nigerian businesses in the financial services sector. This will be facilitated through the launch of the security operations centre, a full suite of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

    By fostering collaboration and promoting knowledge exchange, Cytek is empowering financial institutions to confront the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats and emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to serve their customers in the digital age.

    The virtual session featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including cybersecurity thought leaders, financial industry experts, and other professionals with extensive experience in protecting financial institutions against cyber threats. Notable speakers from the session included Chief Cybersecurity Architect, Cytek, Anat (Rubin) Garty; Group Chief Information Security Officer, First Bank, Dr. Harrison Nnaji; and Head of Cytek, Global Cyber Defense Expert, Michael Arov.

    About Cytek

    Cytek is part of the YNV Group, a multinational company operating brands across three sectors: technology talent, financial services, and real estate. Cytek delivers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, providing businesses and organizations with the advisory, implementation, and managed services they need to successfully defend themselves against cyber threats. Cytek provides custom service design and rapid scalability through its international network of centers.

  • Koyn: The Most Reliable app for Selling Bitcoin

    In the world of crypto trading, finding a secure and trustworthy app to sell your bitcoins is of utmost importance. Meet Koyn, a super reliable app designed specifically for selling Bitcoins in Nigeria. In terms of safety and ease of use, it is the gold standard. This article dives into what makes Koyn so special – its easy-to-use features and how it keeps your money safe. If you’re thinking about selling Bitcoin in Nigeria, Koyn might just be your new best friend!

    Why KOYN is the Best app to sell Crypto In Nigeria

    Koyn emerged at a time when the cryptocurrency market was flooded with platforms, each claiming to offer the best services. However, what sets Koyn apart is its unwavering commitment to reliability, security, and user experience. Founded by a team of seasoned developers and crypto enthusiasts, Koyn was designed to simplify the process of selling Bitcoin while ensuring the highest standards of security.

    There are multitude of apps for selling bitcoin in Nigeria but based on reviews from thousands of users, ease of use and robust security infrastructure, KOYN has been confirmed the best app to sell bitcoin in Nigeria.

    Security:

    Robust security measures are of the utmost importance. KOYN employs top-tier encryption standards, utilizing advanced cryptographic techniques to secure user data and transactions. This includes SSL encryption for data transmission and storage, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access and proactive measures to prevent any form of hacking.

    Competitive Rates:
    Koyn helps you convert your bitcoin to naira at the best exchange rate in Nigeria. You’ll get a fair market price for your Bitcoins when you choose to sell on the platform.


    Zero Fees:

    You can sell your bitcoin on Koyn without worrying about fees. There are no fees to pay. Simply sell your bitcoin and cash out your funds instantly.

    User-Friendly Interface:

    KOYN takes pride in its user-friendly interface. Navigating the platform is seamless for both seasoned traders and newcomers, ensuring a smooth experience for selling cryptocurrencies.

    Regulatory Compliance:

    KOYN actively monitors and adheres to the regulatory frameworks set by Nigerian authorities and complies with global standards in the cryptocurrency space. This compliance includes following guidelines related to anti-money laundering and know your customer regulations. By doing so, it ensures that its operations align with legal requirements, promoting a transparent and legally sound environment for users.

    Customer Support:

    KOYN prioritizes customer satisfaction through responsive and reliable customer support. Trained professionals are available to assist users with queries, troubleshooting, and guidance whenever needed.

    How to sell Bitcoin on Koyn

    Selling bitcoin on koyn is as easy as possible, here’s how you can get started:

    1. Create a Koyn Account:
    Quickly download the KOYN app and create an account.

    2. Add Your Bank Account Details:
    To ensure a smooth transaction process, Quickly add your bank account details to your Koyn account. This step is essential for transferring the funds after your crypto sales.
    3. Auto-Generated Wallet Addresses
    Depending on the cryptocurrencies you plan to sell, Koyn will automatically generate unique wallet addresses within your account. These addresses are where the digital assets you want to sell will be sent. Each cryptocurrency you plan to sell will have its specific auto-generated wallet address
    4. Initiate the Transaction:
    Send the cryptocurrency you wish to sell from your external wallet or exchange to the generated wallet address within Koyn. Wait for the network confirmation, which typically takes 15-30 minutes for three confirmations.
    5. Automatic Conversion and Transfer:
    Once the transaction is confirmed, Our system will automatically convert your cryptocurrency to Naira at the best available rate. The equivalent Naira amount will be instantly transferred to your wallet for withdrawal.
    And that’s it! Your cryptocurrency is successfully sold, and the funds are ready for your use.

    Conclusion

    In a world with lots of apps for selling Bitcoin, Koyn is like a superhero of safety and reliability. They really care about keeping your money safe and making it easy for you to use their app. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, Koyn remains steadfast in its mission to provide a trustworthy platform for individuals looking to sell Bitcoin with confidence.

    PRODUCT LINKS:

    Playstore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.koyn

    WEBSITE: https://www.getkoyn.com/ Help: https://help.getkoyn.com/en/

  • Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) Receives National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification Approval

    Another milestone achievement in fulfilling its mission to develop innovative leaders in technology and management

    The Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM), a pioneering higher education institution with a focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), management and entrepreneurship, proudly announces the resource verification approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to offer full bachelor’s degree programmes in the Department of Computing.

    Following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval in May 2023 to operate as a university in Nigeria, this significant additional achievement underscores NUTM’s mission to develop innovative leaders in technology and management who will create an impact in Africa and the world.

    The approval granted by the NUC enables NUTM) to offer full bachelor’s degree programmes on full-time basis, with the first cohort set to commence in January 2024.

    The initial courses include bachelor’s degrees in computer science, cyber security, and information technology, reflecting NUTM’s commitment to advancing technology education. During the program’s duration, students will undertake studies six areas of our unique world-class curriculum including computing, entrepreneurship capstones, professional (i.e., critical thinking, problem solving, public speaking, etc.), and industry experience.

    Dr. Nubi Achebo, Academic Director at NUTM, expressed delight at the NUC’s approval, stating: “We are delighted to receive this approval from the National Universities Commission, which recognises the quality and standard of education provided by NUTM. With this approval, we are now able to provide access to world-class education to deserving students regardless of their background.”

    Achebo added, “NUTM University offers STEM), management and entrepreneurial programmes, with a blend of cutting-edge, proprietary curricula created to global standards that provide innovative, market-ready skills. We have partnered with Oxford University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Indian Institute of Technology, and other best-in-class institutions, which gives us the opportunity to run joint programmes and also exchange students and faculties. We are on the way to being the MIT of Africa.”

    NUTM is committed to providing world-class quality education and research on the continent with curriculum relevant to industry that will produce a pipeline of ‘primed to be leaders’ in technology and business. The launch of the university addresses the need in Nigeria for high-quality, accessible tertiary education.

    For media inquiries or more information about the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM), please contact:

    Kayode Abass

    Brands and Communications Manager

    Nigerian University of Technology and Management

    Lagos, Nigeria.

    Kayode.abass@nutm.edu.ng

    +2348169418325

    About the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM):

    The Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) is a leading academic institution committed to advancing education in technology, entrepreneurship, and design in Africa. NUTM offers one-of-a-kind, interdisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, delivered by esteemed faculty from Ivy League and Russell Group Universities, along with accomplished local industry professionals. 

    Admission into NUTM’s undergraduate programme is open, as the academic year will begin in January next year at the NUTM campus in Lagos.

    Visit NUTM’s website and follow NUTM on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Youtube for updates and insights

  • Covalensedigital and inq. Nigeria Partner to offer SaaS Solutions for MVNOs in Nigeria

    Cape Town, South Africa November 14, 2023: In a landmark move, Covalensedigital and inq. Digital Nigeria have entered into a partnership to transform Nigeria’s digital services for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). This collaboration ushers in a new era of digital agility and financial flexibility for MVNOs through a bespoke Software as a Service (SaaS) platform.
    The newly launched Digital Service Enablement Platform (DSEP) is set to be a game-changer for MVNOs of all sizes in Nigeria, offering the necessary agility, scalability, and cost-efficiency to thrive in a competitive market. Alongside the platform, MVNOs will benefit from comprehensive local support services to ensure a smooth operational experience.
    Seshan Krishnamurti, Vice President  Sales for the African region at Covalensedigital, remarked, MVNOs have the potential to be key players in the nation’s digital transformation; this is one of the intentions behind the policy and regulation which brought about their birth in Nigeria. The partnership between Covalensedigital and inq. Nigeria is poised to catapult these MVNOs to the forefront of the digital race.
    Ifeanyi Akosionu, Managing Director of inq. Nigeria, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership represents a pivotal moment for the Nigerian digital landscape, marking the first of its kind in our commitment to revolutionizing the MVNO sector. The Digital Service Enablement Platform introduces unparalleled flexibility of infrastructure, ensuring that MVNOs can navigate the evolving digital landscape with agility.”

    He continued, “Our focus on flexibility, cost-effectiveness and local pricing further underscores our dedication to empowering MVNOs of all sizes. By providing a SaaS and IaaS bundled solution tailored to the unique needs of the Nigerian market, inq. Nigeria aims to set a new standard for digital service delivery, fostering innovation and sustainable growth for optimal economic impact.”

    This strategic alliance is a clear indicator of the dedication to accelerating Nigeria’s economy, empowering businesses with innovative digital tools, and setting new benchmarks in the digital service sector.
    About Covalensedigital
    Covalensedigital is a software OEM focused on building solutions to digitalize operations, allowing Digital Service Providers achieve business excellence. Our solutions offer a unique blend of flexibility and functionality, catering to diverse sectors such as MVNx, MNO, IoT, Satellite, Private Networks, Enterprise, OTT, Mobility and Fixed line.
    For more information, please visit www.covalensedigital.com or www.csmart.digital

    About inq. Nigeria
    inq. is a leading Edge solutions provider with a presence in 7 African countries (Nigeria, Botswana, Zambia, Cameron, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi and South Africa). inq. Digital delivers cutting-edge solutions across five major service categories: Edge AI Solutions, SDN/NFV Solutions, Cloud-Based Solutions, Digital Solutions, and Intelligent.
    For more information, please visit: ng.inq.inc

  • Oradian: Enabling the future of financial services

    Introduction: 

    The financial technology landscape is starting to become crowded. To remain competitive in this crowded market, financial institutions must embrace the most advanced technology solutions available to them.

    Oradian have been on-the-ground in Nigeria for over a decade, and have been a key driver of positive change within fintech. 

    We wanted to speak to their Co-Founder and CEO, Antonio Separovic about the company, and why they have committed themselves to Nigeria. With their long history in the region, and their impressive customer base, including Fairmoney, Umba, and LARDI, we thought it would be a great opportunity to unpack the key benefits they are bringing to financial institutions in our region.  

    Questions: 

    1. Why is Oradian so focused on the fintech ecosystem in emerging markets? 

    The growing global demand for financial services represents a massive opportunity. We have already captured significant market share in two of the fastest growing markets, Nigeria, and the Philippines, and we continue to grow in other emerging economies such as Indonesia, and Kenya.   

    In terms of the world of financing, we offer a comprehensive and complex cloud-based core banking system that allows our customers to drive performance at scale. We enable financial institutions to grow and outperform their competition by helping them rapidly launch new products, provide increased transparency into all transactions, and create standardised processes across their institution. We understand that financial institutions have a lot on their plates, from dealing with regulators to customer acquisition, but partnering with Oradian allows them to focus on innovation and engagement with their own customers, while we take care of the back-end of their business, from product set-up to complex loan calculations. 

    1. What is unique about your platform in terms of technology? 

    Our platform is technically interesting as it is a true Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. This means we have one, highly configurable version of the code that allows customers across 12 different countries and 12 different regulatory regimes to adapt it to their operating models.  

    We also must deal with some exciting scaling challenges, as we have customers with several million banking clients and 100s of millions of transactions. 

    1. What is the key benefit for the users who are using your platform? 

    Our customers can focus on their business while our product supports their back-end operations. This allows them to rapidly scale, launch new products and focus on building a growing and profitable business. We are the complete solution, not just software, but also local support, including dedicated API integration and account management. We have over a decade’s experience working in emerging markets, with local teams providing customised support for our customers. Our large team in Lagos have an unparalleled understanding of the Nigerian market, enabling them to react rapidly to customer needs and respond to new regulations and guidelines. We are constantly innovating, and this innovation is built into the core of our product, therefore making it available to all our customers. 

    4. What else could you point out from the technological side? 

    Our solution is extremely flexible, easy to integrate, and provides a platform on which financial institutions can develop their own customised products and solutions. We believe in democratising all our innovations; therefore, all our customers have access to our core banking and loan management products regardless of their size.  

    5. With whom is Oradian currently working? 

    Oradian has been working with a huge variety of financial institutions across Nigeria for over a decade, including some of the country’s true market leaders. Over 20 institutions now trust Oradian’s product to drive their growth and performance. 

    Here’s what Managing Director of Fairmoney, Henry Obiekea had to say about why they chose Oradian. 

    “We considered the usability of the service, how flexible it is, and how responsive the service provider is. Just as our customer needs are changing, we also have dynamic company needs. Every point in time we are talking to our partners about our needs and what we can do to improve. We want a partner that does that with us.

    “Looking at Oradian we were able to see all that: we didn’t want to build a core system from scratch, we needed something new and something fresh. It’s been a nice experience so far.”

    We have partnered with a growing number of digital lenders and neobanks that put technology at the heart of their business model. These innovative firms, such as Fairmoney, and Umba demand scalable, flexible, configurable technology, rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, and we’re continually developing our product to meet those evolving demands. 

    6. What are you currently working on? 

    We know we need to keep evolving our product. The growing global demand for financial services means institutions need increasingly flexible, scalable technology solutions to deliver to their expanding customer base. 

    The direction Oradian is taking is to enable our customers to keep scaling and growing, while adding the flexibility they need for their business requirements.  

    This means adding an extra level of configurability through custom code, custom tables, and workflows. We’re enabling our customers to configure their core system at the click of a button, but also to introduce their own code to enable processes not usually included in the system. It’s the best of both worlds! 

    We’re increasing the sophistication in terms of what Oradian is capable of, while maintaining the spirit of a simple, usable, flexible system that works straight off the shelf. 

    About Oradian.

    Oradian is an extensible, cloud-native core banking solution optimised for financial institutions in emerging markets. It was founded to enable financial businesses to reach more clients, move faster and unlock growth. Oradian powers financial institutions in 15 countries, who are serving over 15 million individuals and SMEs. This advanced banking system integrates seamlessly with your business via APIs to provide automated lending, risk management, scoring, accounting, compliance, messaging, reporting and more.

    For more information about Oradian please visit: www.oradian.com

  • Team Iya Finance emerges winners of the PayAza 2.0 hackathon

    Team Iya Finance emerges winners of the PayAza 2.0 hackathon

    On the 22nd and 23rd of November, in a room decked with flowers at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos, five teams competed to win the $5,000 grand prize of the PayAza 2.0 hackathon. PayAza Africa Limited is at the forefront of innovative and cost-effective payment solutions. The fintech solution allows businesses to perform and receive cross-border payments instantly and at very affordable rates. This hackathon is the company’s way of growing the African payment industry. The hackathon themed “Empowering Africa – Leveraging  Generative AI For a Tailored Financial Journey,” was an opportunity for problem solvers to create innovative payment solutions leveraging Generative AI.

    Participants were grouped into five teams, paired with mentors, and tasked with building fintech solutions. Judges for the event included Adeoluwa Akomolafe, the Chief Information Officer of Wema Bank; Tife Akeju, Country Manager at Obsidian Achernar; Seun AlleyCEO and founder of Fez Delivery Co.; Barong Asiodu, Head of Transformation Western Africa at Pernod Ricard; Jacqueline Aby, CEO and Founder of MagmaTech; Kayode Fadahunsi, CEO of Prosperis Holdings; , Adetayo Bamiduro, Co-founder of MAX; and Edwin Enwegbara, the Executive Director of Eauxwell Nigeria Limited. Also in attendance were prestigious dignitaries including Tolani Sule Akibu, the commissioner for tertiary education in Lagos state who spoke about fostering collaboration between the tech industry and tertiary institutions in Lagos state. He also delved into the tech initiatives of the state government and commended PayAza Africa Limited for their commitment to innovation and hosting this invaluable and consequential hackathon.

    The commissioner for tertiary education in Lagos state, Tolani Sule Akibu

    The event which was a resounding success saw the emergence of Team Iya Finance as the winner. The small team of three pioneered an AI financial tool that helps build financial literacy and make better financial decisions. This app based on Generative AI, is an automatic financial decision-maker that makes savings and other financial decisions for users. It is designed to analyze users’ spending patterns and financial history and create a predictive path to their financial goals. The team consisting of Chinwendu Nweje (Product Manager), Ogechukwu Ata (Frontend Developer), and Francis Okocha Ojeah (Backend Developer and best-performing team member) were mentored by Unyime Tommy and Kehinde Omotoso and went on to clinch the $5,000 grand prize for their innovative solution.

    Team Iya Finance

    To select the winners, all five teams presented their demos to the panel of judges who tasked them to prove the viability of their ideas and helped them refine them. Other teams and their solutions include:

    First runner-up: Team NaYa ($3,000 prize) 

    Idea: a robust data privacy, AI-based solution for tailored financial services.

    Team members: Victor Agwa, Gideon Onyewuenyi (Best performing team member), and Increase Chima.

    Second runner-up: Team Enigma ($1,500 prize)

    Idea: AfriAid, a web app solution that leverages generative AI to help businesses manage their existing financial data and provide business insights from this data.

    Team members: Mkpouto Inyang  (Best performing team member), Sophia Ezeh, Youdiowei Oyineteimorde, and Anameti Umoh

    Team Peerloom

    Idea: CreditCheq, an AI-based solution for instant financial checks for loans.

    Team members: Blessing Anyaudo, Samuel Okpe, Boluwatife Adewusi (Best performing team member), and Emmanuel Adeeko

    Team Payverdict

    Idea: Ada, a personalized AI marketplace assistant to solve customer service inefficiencies.

    Team members: Oromidayo Owolabi, Johnpaul Eyibra (Best performing team member), Oreoluwa Somuyiwa, Daniel Olasupo, and Olajide Ojo

    Everybody was a winner at the PayAza 2.0 hackathon. The event came to an end with the best-performing team members getting $200 and each participant gifted $100 and a certificate of participation. The winning team will have their idea backed by Payaza Africa Limited and the company also hopes to recruit some outstanding participants.

  • Technext joins the millionaire news media club in Q3 2023 with 1.8 million quarterly views

    Technext joins the millionaire news media club in Q3 2023 with 1.8 million quarterly views

    Technext, a tech news and analysis platform, has joined the club of tech-focused media platforms in Nigeria that generate more than a million impressions per quarter as its traffic volume surged by 82% to over 1.8 million in the second quarter of 2023. This is according to the latest edition of Ranked, a quarterly report by online media relations management solution Squirrel PR.

    The publishers featured in the technology category are those focused on news platforms with a preponderance of content on startups, the information technology industry, gadgets, etc. The report took account of 16 tech news platforms in this category within the period under review.

    According to the report, only 14 platforms that met the 50,000 minimum quarterly impressions benchmark were considered. Of these, Technext took the most significant leap in the category between July and September 2023, with 1.8 million views, an 82% increase from the 977,000 it recorded in the previous quarter.

    This made it one of the only three platforms in the millionaire club in the tech-focused category. The other two are TechCabal and GadgetStripe

    “Technext made the most improvement this quarter in this category, as it did in Q2. Not only did it join the millionaires club, by recording an 82% increase in traffic volume to 1.8 million from 977k, but it also displaced NaijaKnowHow and Gadgetstripe as the most visited tech news platforms within the period under review,” the report said.

    An overview of the platforms in the tech news category. Source: Ranked, a quarterly media ranking report by Squirrel PR, Q3, 2023.

    The report indicates that overall, Opera News App, Vanguard Online, Punch Online, Legit, and Daily Post emerged as the most visited platforms in Nigeria in Q3. Opera News tops the chart with 45.2 million cumulative views.

    Similarly, Business Insider, Nairametrics, and BusinessDay accounted for 88.55% of the total traffic share generated by the online business news segment in the quarter.


    Read also: Introducing Technext Events for 2023: Coinference, Convo and Tours


    Technext’s performance builds on Q2, 2023

    This achievement follows an impressive performance by Technext in the previous quarter. According to the previous Squirrel PR quarterly report (Q1 2023), “Technext made the most improvement in Q1 2023 in the tech-focused platform category, enjoying more readership and becoming the second most popular tech news platform.”

    Speaking on the development, David Afolayan, co-founder and content chief at Technext, explained that the recent numbers reflect the team’s recently improved editorial strategy:

    “After participation in the ICFJ Elevate Media Fellowship late last year, we developed a comprehensive editorial approach that empowered the team to focus on telling better stories, prioritising quality over quantity, developing personalised content channels, and executing strategic events in the ecosystem,” he explained. “It is exciting to see the impact of these small steps less than a year later.”

    David Afolayan, Co-founder and Content Chief at Technext

    At the beginning of the third quarter of 2023, Technext averaged over 500,000 monthly views, over 250,000 unique readers, and over 100,000 social media followers. Its daily newsletter bulletin, the Technext daily roundup, has over 90,000 subscribers.

    The media platform held the third edition of its annual headline event, Technext Coinference in October this year. Coinference has become the largest gathering of blockchain enthusiasts on the continent. The first edition, which was held in December 2021, had over 1200 attendees and over 15 speakers. The second edition, which was held in October 2022, had over 2300 attendees and over 25 speakers.


    Similar: Here is all that happened at Technext Coinference 3.0


    According to Afolayan, this has been a long walk for a tech-focused media platform that started out in 2017 as the brainchild of three friends who felt the need to tell the African tech narrative in a language that everyone can understand.

    “It is exciting to see what we have done six years later. We have moved from bootstrapping with our personal funds to running a media platform that has shaped the perception of the ecosystem and helped position players in the space,” he said. “We owe this notable growth to our indefatigable team members who have taken the brand as their own and committed their all to seeing it succeed. We are also immensely grateful to the shareholders, board members, and advisers for the incredible support so far.”

  • Tekisite to Host Tekifest’23 in Lagos: Plans to Address Talent Pipeline Investment in Nigeria and Africa

    Tekifest’23, the coming together of tech minds focused on exploring the future of work, technology, innovation, and tech excellence, is set to take place on the 29th of November at The Zone, Gbagada in Lagos.Organized by Tekisite, the non-profit organization dedicated to training teenagers in digital technology skills in suburban communities. The event boasts an engaging lineup, including keynote speakers, panel discussions, a job fair, hackathons, medical checkups, and the much-anticipated Top100Tekies spotlight award. This award recognizes and honors outstanding individuals, organizations, and solutions that have made significant contributions to humanity through technology.

    Riding on the theme “The Future Of Jobs: Talent Pipeline Investment”, Tekifest’23 will converge  industry experts, tech trailblazers, enthusiasts, and students to address the challenges of talent pipeline investment in Africa and Nigeria. The event seeks to evolve viable solutions, ensuring that the future of jobs becomes an opportunity for prosperity and well-being rather than a threat. Tekifest’23 serves as a platform to showcase and celebrate the talent and innovation of African and Nigerian youth, inspiring and empowering them to shape the future of jobs.

    Since 2021, Tekisite, the non-profit organization, has been actively training teenagers in underserved communities. Following the success of Ogun State Tekifest in July 2022, the organization has trained  teenagers in schools and rural communities across Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Anambra states, promoting digital literacy and empowering them with essential skills for the 21st  century.

    The founder of the organization, Mr. Abass Oyeyemi, who sadly passed away in May 2023, envisioned the eradication of cybercrime and the creation of a parallel culture that counteracts the influence of cyber fraud on teenagers. Through his visionary leadership, he established the bedrock of an exceptional legacy that the team steadfastly upholds and propels forward.

    Salawu Faizah, the team lead, expressed, “we are unwavering in our commitment to realize Abass Oyeyemi’s vision for this event to lead the industry’s conversation on strategic and innovative tech solutions for talent pipeline investment in Nigeria. He consistently discussed Tekifest, while still maintaining his focus on eradicating social vices like cybercrime and empowering teenagers with the necessary skills for success in the dynamic world of technology”

    Balogun Rosheedah, Academy Director, Tekisite, said, “The passing of our founder has strengthened our resolve to carry on his mission. We are dedicated to nurturing a generation of tech-savvy individuals who will drive innovation and positive change.”

    According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation, while 97 million new roles may emerge. This implies that AI will not necessarily replace jobs but the skills and competencies that are required for the future of jobs are different from those that are currently in demand as there would be a new division of labor between humans, machines and algorithms.

    As Tekifest’23 unfolds, it not only aims to shape discussions around the future of work but also stands  as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founder Mr. Abass Oyeyemi and his commitment to shaping a future where technology is a force for good. 

    The event promises to be an exciting and enlightening experience for all attendees.

  • GOtv Stream Revolutionises Mass Market Appeal

    GOtv Nigeria, a leading Digital Terrestrial Television service provider, has strengthened its position in the pay TV sector by introducing the GOtv Stream app, a free value-added service. This strategic move is projected to expand the company’s footprint in the Nigerian market.

    Since its inception in 2011, GOtv, leveraging the latest DVB technology, has become a favourite among low-income earners and lower middle class in Nigeria, owing to its affordable pricing. With over a decade of operation in Nigeria, GOtv has established an active presence across the six geo-political zones, including the Federal Capital Territory.

    With a growing subscriber base, the innovative introduction of the GOtv Stream App is poised to elevate the viewing habits and experience of customers in the Nigerian market.

    Electricity remains a perennial challenge for Nigerians and this is not further helped by the rising cost of alternative fuels such as Petroleum Motor Spirits (PMS) and Diesel. GOtv Stream presents an opportunity for customers to live stream desired content or download up to 25 videos of their favourite shows, a feature previously unavailable through conventional television.

    Also, GOtv Stream will enable customers to create account profiles, curate a watchlist on Catch Up, download content, plan their viewing using GOtv TV Guide, and even manage children’s viewing preferences. This functionality allows customers to tailor their viewing experiences by creating personalised watchlists from the available content.

    GOtv Stream also addresses the issue of unstable internet bandwidth because the app provides customers the option to download content for offline viewing. This feature will particularly appeal to ardent followers of hit shows such as the Big Brother Naija series, Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA), popular Africa Magic original drama series and other widely followed content.

    Compatible with a variety of devices, including Android and iOS devices, the GOtv stream app endears itself to consumers who are seeking affordable content which they can access on multiple devices. Users can also add up to 4 devices. Each user can create their own profile, keep their watchlist, videos and, recommendations for a more personalised viewing preference.

    With GOtv Stream, customers can ensure they get their money’s worth; with a smart device and an internet connection, customers can enjoy their favourite programmes on the go. 

    The GOtv Stream app is not merely a brilliant innovation, it is also a cost-effective one, ensuring users receive substantial value for their subscription to their preferred GOtv package. 

  • “Backstories with Fatu”: Unveiling the Unseen Narratives of Africa’s Tech Titans

    “Big Tech This Week” is excited to announce the launch of Season 1 of  “Backstories with Fatu,” a nerdy, off-the-rails talk show that delves into the life experiences of some of Africa’s foremost tech industry leaders. The show, hosted by the charismatic and insightful Fatu Ogwuche, promises an intimate exploration of the personal narratives, challenges, triumphs, and pivotal life events that have shaped the success stories of these influential figures.

    Season 1 delves into the lives and journeys of the people backing Africa’s innovators – Kola Aina, Founding Partner, Ventures Platform; Odun Eweniyi, COO, PiggyVest; Nichole Yembra, Managing Partner, Chrysalis Capital; and Olumide Soyombo, Founder, Voltron Capital.  

    “Backstories with Fatu” transcends the conventional interview format, offering viewers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with CEOs, founders, and innovators on a deeper level. Each episode provides a unique lens into the people at the forefront of shaping Africa’s tech ecosystem.

    Beyond entertainment, “Backstories with Fatu” is significant and critical for spotlighting Africa’s burgeoning tech industry’s challenges, triumphs, and trends. Through candid conversations, this show aims to elevate the discourse around the African tech landscape, shedding light on the dynamic individuals driving innovation and progress.

    [ad]

    One of the primary objectives of the show is to serve as a launchpad for emerging tech entrepreneurs. The insightful discussions with industry leaders will provide actionable insights and invaluable advice for those looking to build enduring businesses in the tech sector. Viewers can expect to gain practical knowledge and inspiration that transcends the traditional boundaries of success.

    For seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and operators in the ecosystem, “Backstories with Fatu” offers a glimpse into the future of Africa’s tech industry. The interviews are a barometer for industry trends, providing a nuanced perspective on the sector’s direction. This valuable information will aid stakeholders in making informed decisions, driving innovation, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

    As Africa emerges as a global hub for technological innovation, “Backstories with Fatu” stands as a testament to the richness of the narratives within the tech community. The show is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the human stories behind the success, the unexpected turns that shaped their journeys, and the remarkable individuals who continue to shape the future.

    Follow @bigtechthisweek to learn more about “Backstories with Fatu”.

    [ad]

    About “Backstories with Fatu”

    “Backstories with Fatu” is an unscripted talk show that delves into the personal lives of Africa’s tech industry leaders. Fatu hosts the show and takes viewers on an intimate journey, exploring the motivations, life lessons, and personal stories of CEOs, founders, and innovators. Through candid conversations, Fatu goes beyond the surface to provide unique insights into the lives of some of Africa’s most influential figures in tech.

    About Fatu

    Fatu is an entrepreneur in the tech media industry and the founder of Big Tech This Week, a community for tech professionals and key players in Africa’s tech ecosystem.

    President Obama recognised her as a young African leader and selected her for the Mandela Washington Fellowship in 2015. She gained valuable experience at Howard University during this fellowship.

    The same year, she played a significant role in Nigeria’s presidential elections. She led the Electoral Commission’s digital strategy and was a TV spokesperson. Her communication effectively communicated INEC’s election strategy to the nation. In the 2016 presidential elections, she served as an Election Observer in Washington, D.C., extending her expertise to the international arena.

    Driven by her passion for policy, she joined the Carter Foundation in 2017 and spent seven months in Kenya supporting the country’s general elections.

    Her commitment to using technology for social good led her to Meta (Facebook). At Meta, she led Government Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa, forging meaningful connections and launching new products.

    Fatu is an accomplished host known for her ability to engage and connect with guests personally. With her policy, tech, and media background, she brings a unique blend of expertise and charisma to “Backstories with Fatu.” Her show is a must-watch for audiences interested in the human stories behind Africa’s tech leaders.

    About “Big Tech This Week”

    Big Tech This Week is a media company that caters to tech enthusiasts, news fanatics, and key players in the tech industry. Our platform covers the latest and biggest news in African tech, startup trends, industry developments, and features on influential tech leaders.For media inquiries, please contact: fatu@bigtechthisweek.comrobert@bigtechthisweek.com

  • ZojaPay Unveils with Free Transfers and 500 Naira Cash Back on Inaugural Transaction

    L-R: Mr. Olusegun Dada, CEO/Founder, ZojaPay; Mr. Olu Akanmu, CEO, Phillips and Samuel Ltd.; Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, MD/CEO AIICO Insurance and Chairman of the occasion and Mr. Dotun Adekunle of Flutterwave during the launch of ZojaPay, a Digital Financial App, at The Zone, Gbagada, Lagos, recently.

    ZojaPay, a revolutionary payment app committed to streamlining the payment process, has officially entered the Nigerian market launching on the 16th of November 2023. The all-encompassing digital financial app facilitates both contactless and digital payments, offering customers and merchants a user-friendly solution for making and receiving payments without relying on a physical point-of-sale (POS) machine.

    Mr. Olusegun Dada, Founder/CEO of ZojaPay, emphasized that the app transcends the role of a typical payment service; it stands as a symbol of financial inclusion. “The app has been meticulously crafted to provide seamless, secure, and convenient transactions, supporting various methods such as QR codes, NFC, phone-to-phone, Cash-in-transit, Scheduled payments or Soft POS functionalities, ensuring payments are feasible however, wherever.”

    “With the NFC features, users can conduct quick and secure transactions through their smartphones as ZojaPay harnesses the NFC technology to deliver a seamless payment experience ensuring users have access to heightened security features of NFC payments, encompassing encryption, tokenization and convenience of effortlessly tapping your NFC-enabled phone to make contactless payments with ZojaPay,” Dada said.

    Customers are set to benefit from free transfers, granting Nigerians access to banking services at an affordable cost. Adding to the excitement, users will also receive 500 Naira cash back on their first transfers. Dada highlighted that with these compelling features, ZojaPay is ensuring that payments become more than mere transactions, offering a seamless, secure, and integrated experience for all Nigerians.

    L-R: Mr. Olu Akanmu, CEO, Phillips and Samuel Ltd.; Mr. Olusegun Dada, CEO/Founder, ZojaPay; Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, MD/CEO AIICO Insurance and Chairman of the occasion and Mr. Dotun Adekunle of Flutterwave during the launch of ZojaPay, a Digital Financial App, at The Zone, Gbagada, Lagos, recently.

    The launch event, graced by Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, Managing Director of AIICO Insurance PLC. and Chairman of the occasion, underscored the collaborative effort and visionary leadership that culminated in the creation of ZojaPay. Mr. Fajemirokun praised the app’s innovation, envisioning a future where it bridges gaps and enhances accessibility to financial services.

    “The introduction of ZojaPay into Nigeria’s flourishing Fintech industry marks a significant milestone for the entire financial landscape of Nigeria. Positioned to revolutionize the Nigerian approach to financial services, ZojaPay aims for enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and security for every user. This is more than a product launch; it’s an invitation to join in the movement towards a future where financial technology empowers individuals and businesses alike, creating opportunities and enriching lives,” remarked Fajemirokun.

    Also present at the launch, Olu Akanmu, CEO, Phillips and Samuel Ltd., and a thought leader in Business Strategy, Marketing, and Technology, highlighted the need for increased investors in Nigeria’s fintech space.

    “The launch signifies a stride towards an empowered future where financial technology enriches lives and fosters opportunities for individuals and businesses across Nigeria. ZojaPay epitomizes the digitalization of payments, transcending boundaries to facilitate transactions seamlessly and securely, regardless of location,” stated Dr. Akanmu.

    “ZojaPay’s development was deeply rooted in understanding the diverse needs of the Nigerian populace, designed to empower, simplify, and secure financial interactions. It signifies not only a leap in fintech but a stride towards a future where financial services are accessible to all,” concluded Dada.

    ZojaPay is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and is available for download on the App Store and Play Store.

  • Goethe-Insitut Nigeria is pleased to present Dreaming New Worlds

    In the age-old dance between innovation that identifies possibilities and verification that interrogates  credibility, humanity advances – each step a part of an intricate and often unseen journey. Today, this  dance has accelerated. We wield unparalleled technological power, yet paradoxically, we feel more  fragile than ever. This fragility is linked closely to the evolving concept of ‘the human,’ which tends to  dwell on its own vulnerability. As Naomi Klein in “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs the Climate”  (2014) says, acknowledging our vulnerability is the first step to averting our potential downfall  Nicholas Taleb echoes in “Antifragile” (2012): Disorder and the prospect of destruction serve as  catalysts for resilience.  

    In Africa, the influence of globalization and new emerging technologies has further complicated our  narrative. Data-driven technologies often introduce a non-African perspective, leaving Africans to  react retroactively, exacerbating a sense of disembodiment from our African perspective. In Nigeria,  this dance between innovation and verification takes a treacherous turn, disrupting culture, triggering  uncontrolled urban migration, intensifying unchecked climate urgencies, and oftentimes, it is never  fully realized. 

    Amid these forces of globalization, migration, and cultural erosion, self-exploration offers a path  toward embracing our vulnerability. We challenge you: Do you dare to dream? 

    Today, the arts take center stage in this pivotal role. Free thinkers, philosophers, cultural historians,  and sociologists craft abstract and immaterial ideals, nourishing Africa’s cultural self-knowledge and  providing the foundation for the technology and commerce sectors. The transformation of our  intangible culture into material form, in the face of the technological boom and globalization, is  beautifully captured in the works of the “Dreaming New Worlds” project. 

    An open programme with the public spanning 6 months, based on the design thinking framework,  “Dreaming New Worlds” champions antifragility, nurturing individual ethos, autonomy, and cultural  understanding as we navigate this ever-evolving world. 

    In the exhibition, four groups propose their dreams: Drumming New Worlds take a daring  experimental voyage through time to document the rich history of the talking drum, situate it in the  present cultural climate and demystify this indigenous technology. With its essence in mind, they  have designed a Talking Drum of the future. Alter.Native offer new grounding in virtual reality to  experience the consequences that comes with the choices we make. Waters of Rebirth make use of  speculative fiction, old material beads, and new immaterial artificial intelligence to offer an  appreciation and future for Okere people of Warri, Delta State after a catastrophic flood which  threatens them today. Lastly, the Wayfinders offer us a new perspective to look at data. Logging and  crunching quantitative data on various stressors faced by Lagosians, they have created an immersive  experience that qualifies their findings to offer an opportunity for compassion and manifestoes that  affirm individual responsibility and strength. 

    The participants, ranging from scientists to curators and historians and from filmmakers to sculptors,  provide the starting points for imagining the world we aspire to inhabit. Indeed, science is not merely  about discovering facts; it is an art form for creating knowledge. Taking a more independent yet  collective approach, these diverse teams meticulously explore and cultivate their unique points of  synergy. Their creations are infused with a passionate dedication to shape the realms of Tech+Art  collaboration, ethics and originality that unite them in a shared vision. Together, they spark an  inspiring narrative of resilience, urging us to embrace our vulnerability as we forge a path toward a  brighter, more interconnected future.

    Information, understanding, and critical thinking are our essential tools as we come together to script  our narrative to this new world. Let us boldly embrace our vulnerability, setting forth on a journey  through the ever-shifting landscape of art, technology, and humanity. Together, we will shape a  brighter future. 

    Venue: 

    Untitled 

    57 Raymond Njoku 

    Ikoyi, lagos 

    13th December 2023 – 3rd January 2023 10am-5pm

  • Rentease Sets a New Standard in Nigerian Real Estate with Its Market Launch

    L-R:Chairman, Rentease, Adegbenga Alamu and Managing Director, Rentease, Tope Adewoye.

    Rentease, a Nigerian property technology company, made a resounding entry into the real estate landscape with its official market launch on Friday, November 10th, 2023. The unveiling event, hosted at the Zone Tech Park Gbagada, marked the introduction of innovative solutions catering to renters and the broader real estate sector in Lagos and across Nigeria.

    By establishing a model that gives tenants the convenience of managing their rent through monthly repayments, Rentease offers a ground-breaking solution to the renting dynamics in Nigeria. This revolutionary strategy is poised to redefine the rental experience, offering both tenants and property owners unparalleled convenience and financial flexibility. With Rentease’s innovative credit structure, tenants can easily set up automatic monthly payments and track their rental history. Additionally, property owners benefit from a streamlined process that ensures consistent cash flow and reduces the risk of late or missed payments.

    Chief Risk Officer, Rentease, Michael Adetutu

    Rentease’s market launch showcased its commitment to revolutionising the way Nigerians rent properties by offering a seamless and transparent platform. With its user-friendly interface and extensive property listings, Rentease aims to simplify the rental process and provide renters with a wide range of options to choose from.

    The gathering, which drew notable figures including Rentease Chairman Adegbenga Alamu, Managing Director Tope Adewoye, Lafarge Representatives, Ecraan Members, potential customers, and members of the press, showcased the company’s pioneering approach to simplifying the rental process.

    Managing Director, Rentease, Tope Adewoye.

    We aim to introduce a monthly rental payment culture aligned with international norms, simplifying the lives of the average Nigerian. Our approach begins with tenants, paving the way for landlords to embrace this transformative change,” expressed Tope Adewoye, Managing Director, Rentease.

    CTO, Rentease, Nicholas Akpas

    The strategic entry of Rentease into the market is a proactive response to the evolving landscape of the Nigerian real estate market. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the company seeks to augment transparency, operational efficiency, and financial accessibility within the sector.

    As Rentease assumes a pivotal role in the Nigerian property technology sector, the company is dedicated to reshaping the Nigerian property landscape and revolutionising how individuals engage in property transactions. With a commitment to continual innovation and prioritising customer satisfaction, Rentease aspires to emerge as a trusted partner, reshaping the dynamics of real estate in Nigeria.

    Rentease is committed to providing homes and solutions for Nigerians, and this is only the start. We have a range of innovative products in development that we are excited to release into the market.” affirmed Rentease Chairman, Mr. Alamu.

    Rentease stands poised to significantly impact the lives of Nigerians by introducing an easier monthly rent payment system, freeing them to focus on broader financial goals.

    Visit www.myrentease.co for more information

    Instagram @myrentease 

  • Venture applications open for the Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2024 Investment Showcase

    African tech ventures can now apply to pitch at the Africa Tech Summit (ATS) Investment Showcase taking place at the sixth edition in Nairobi on February 14th and 15th, 2024.

    The annual Investment Showcase is a cornerstone of Africa Tech Summit, which aims to bring together investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the continent, driving business and investment forward in the ecosystem. 

    Selected ventures will showcase their ground-breaking ideas to a diverse audience of local and international investors and tech leaders, opening doors to potential funding and strategic partnerships. Additionally, they will have full access to the two-day summit including workshops and networking sessions.

    Previous ATS Investment Showcase editions have enabled ventures to successfully secure funding, partnerships, and drive media awareness, highlighting the Summit’s aim of connecting industry leaders, ventures and investors.

    Edwin Lubanga, CTO and Co-Founder of Snark Health, a previous participating venture shared;

    “The post-event traction was remarkable. We established valuable partnerships with local companies. The pitch recording and media coverage generated significant brand visibility, leading to a surge in sign-ups and downloads for our patient and doctor apps”.

    To apply ventures must be African, with at least one African co-founder or headquartered in Africa, have a product or service that is innovative and designed for scale, and must be able to present in person at the summit. 

    Applicants are selected on a rolling basis and early submission is advised. 

    Applications are open here until December 19th, 2023. 

  • How Nigerian female entrepreneurs can succeed by using Sparkle Business

    How Nigerian female entrepreneurs can succeed by using Sparkle Business

    When Isioma decided to start her clothing business, she was overwhelmed and didn’t know where to begin. “I was very new to this and didn’t even know how to market anything,” she tells us. She had a little capital and a plug for thrift clothes. All she knew for sure was that she had a good idea; in an economy that was getting more expensive, she would sell chic thrift clothes to women who would be happy to pay a fair amount for quality clothes. She would get these clothes in bulk at a discount and sell them higher. She had a good eye for clothes and a good sense of style but not much business experience. She didn’t know who to speak to because all her friends worked 9-5 jobs and going into entrepreneurship blindly seemed like a sure way to lose money. 

    After her first bale of clothes arrived she was about to open a new Instagram page for the business when she saw her bank advertising a solution for business owners. “I had so much anxiety that day but once I saw that Sparkle business advert, it was as if they were speaking to me directly and my spirit just felt calm. Even things I didn’t know my business needed were on the app and I just knew I would have failed at this business if not that God was watching out for me that day and I saw that advert.”  

    Meet Sparkle Business

    Sparkle Business is a simple digital solution for small businesses and it is made to help businesses thrive online.  Sparkle is leading a new generation of digital-only businesses and what this means is that with Sparkle business you have all your business details in the palm of your hand. From registering your business to managing customer data and all your financial information, you can do all that in one simple digital banking platform.

    According to the 2023 Future of Commerce report from TechCabal, there are 90.9 million e-commerce users in Nigeria presently and that number is projected to keep growing. This growing number of users is due to the increase in mobile internet usage, the growing adoption of digital financial services, and Africans are becoming more comfortable shopping online. The number of e-Commerce users in Africa is projected to surpass 500 million by 2025 and Sparkle wants to help more vendors and business owners tap into this market. Sparkle is helping Nigerian entrepreneurs succeed by providing seamless business solutions and leveraging technology and data.

    Sparkle Business features

    Sparkle Business has some amazing business tools to help businesses start, thrive, and scale. 

    • Business Support Service

    The first thing Isioma tells us she did on Sparkle is register her business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and get a Tax Identification Number (TIN). To run a legal and sustainable business in Nigeria you need to register your business name and also pay tax. With its business support services, Sparkle offers business owners all the help they need with starting their business; Business name registration, TIN registration, and business incorporation. This takes away the stress of doing this yourself and business owners can concentrate on getting their products ready for market instead of struggling to figure out where to begin.

    • Business account opening and business management

    On Sparkle Business, vendors can easily get a business account to manage their business finances better but not just that, they also get access to sparkling tools for managing their daily business operations.  These tools include inventory management, enabling users to monitor their stock from any location. The platform also features smart invoicing, allowing vendors to effortlessly create and share professional invoices within minutes. This invoicing tool includes the option to automatically apply discounts and provides instant visibility into VAT calculations and deductions. Additionally, Sparkle Business facilitates the management of employee payroll and salary payments to both Sparkle and other bank accounts through the ‘My People’ feature. It also includes the option to enable deductions like Pension contribution, NHF contribution and PAYE tax. This way, business owners have good insight on their taxes/remittances, making them more compliant and socially responsible. 

    • Business insights

    On Sparkle business users get a view of key business metrics so they can manage their business productivity. Users get a breakdown of spending; where or what your money is going to and when. They can also know which products are selling better and who their top customers are. With insights and analytics like these, users can make informed decisions that help grow their businesses faster. 

    Sparkle gives entrepreneurs the confidence to apply themselves, explore their ideas, and build skill. With the solutions it has provided, business owners are more equipped to manage their businesses and are more confident to scale. For Isioma above, she credits Sparkle with making her feel bold enough to tackle entrepreneurship and conquer all it would throw at her. Now a year later she has 11,000 Instagram followers and the clothes she posts sell out in minutes.  

    According to a Sparkle’s Marketing and Communications Lead, “We’re on a mission to make every business owner sparkle, both in their personal lives and in their businesses and we have the perfect tool to make this happen. We understand that small businesses are the backbone of the Nigerian economy and that small businesses need data to make the right decisions and that’s why we built Sparkle Business.“

    To join the sparkling tribe of business owners using Sparkle Business to scale their business and fuel your hustle, scan the QR code below.

  • Sudo Africa’s remarkable journey and commitment to excellence

    Sudo Africa’s remarkable journey and commitment to excellence

    If you’re familiar with the African tech ecosystem you’ll know that there are hundreds of fintech companies currently existing and there are more coming up every day. Facilitating payments is important on the continent and many companies have taken up this mantle. Despite a global downturn in funding, African fintechs received $590 million in VC funding from investors early this year, and that amounts to 69% of the total amount raised by startups in Q1 2023. This fintech drive is mainly led by the desire to increase financial inclusion on the continent. 

    Once in a while, a fintech solution pops up that manages to stand out from the rest by creating a remarkable solution for financial inclusion. Sudo Africa is one fintech standing out from the rest with its innovative solutions and a commitment to excellence.

    The card masters of Africa

    Founded by Aminu Bakori and Kabir Shittu, Sudo Africa was born as a solution to a problem the founders encountered. While working on a mobile wallet system they decided to issue cards in collaboration with local Nigerian banks. This turned out to be a herculean task because the process of getting the cards took weeks and the cards barely worked. Most Nigerian banks are great with internal transactions but terrible when it comes to external services like interbank transactions and international payments. To solve this, they created Sudo to make the card process easier and more efficient.

    As a modern, user-friendly, card-issuing platform, Sudo provides an open API for anyone to be able to issue physical and virtual cards for both local and international payments in minutes. This helps businesses, merchants, and even individuals offer financial services tailored specifically to their needs quickly. 

    Sudo Africa is pushing the envelope for financial inclusion by offering three main distinguishing perks. The platform, in partnership with licensed card issuers, allows users to issue cards within days. As stated before, while traditional banks take weeks or months to give cards, the company’s infrastructure allows any business or merchant to issue virtual and physical cards to their customers in a matter of days. This process significantly cuts down wait times, allows businesses to offer premium services to their customers, and hastens the time to scale for businesses offering these services because they can service their customers faster and ergo grow and make money faster.

    Sudo Africa also offers bespoke card services. The beauty of its open API lies in how customizable it is. Let’s say you’re a company that covers employee expenses on trips. You can create and manage your own cards, create a spending limit, and even specify where your cards can be used by the employees. This bespoke feature hands control to users and lets them decide what features are beneficial and essential for them. Businesses can use it to prevent fraud and manage expenses efficiently. Users can also decide on the look of the cards and customise them with their logos, colours, and other design desires.

    Sudo also offers an embedded banking-as-a-service feature. What this means is that if another company wants to offer banking services, with the help of Sudo, they can create and manage accounts for customers and issue account numbers. This feature enables businesses to build faster, go to market faster, and scale faster. This service also covers compliance and KYC needs.

    Sudo’s commitment to excellence 

    The company is driven by the desire to improve financial inclusion in the swiftest and smoothest ways possible for its customers and their customers. It does this by offering innovative and easy-to-use solutions to businesses and individuals. The company has done this so well that Interswitch has honoured it with three awards for outstanding performance and unwavering contributions to the financial year. 

    The company has also recorded astounding growth in just three years with thousands of businesses and individuals joining the platform in the past year alone. It has issued over 75,000 cards, and 200,000 accounts, welcomed 6,000 new users, and processed transactions totaling $30 million thus far in 2023 alone.

    The geographical distribution of Sudo customers are currently within and beyond Africa including the USA, Turkey, Dubai, Haiti, Canada, Kenya, Togo, Mali, Congo, Cameroon, and India. It is currently working on expanding further and deepening operations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    In three years, Sudo has made a name as the fastest-rising card issuing platform in Nigeria. According to a company spokesperson, “Our vision is to become an established payment card brand that would positively impact Africa’s financial landscape. We envision a future where financial inclusion knows no bounds, where every individual and business has access to the tools and services they need to thrive in the ever-evolving financial landscape.”

    The company is result-driven and committed to growth, innovation, and excellence. It is actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with businesses that want to elevate their financial infrastructure. Interested parties can contact the company here or sign up and get started here.

    ,
  • Patricia Technologies, Vindicated as Nigerian Police Force PR Exposes Hackers

    The Nigeria Police Force recorded a major breakthrough in the reported cybercrime perpetrated against Patricia Technologies with the arrest of one of the suspects, Wilfred Bonse, after a thorough investigation into the case by the National Cybercrime Center of the Nigeria Police (NPF-NCCC). 

    Patricia Technologies had earlier this year petitioned the Inspector General of Police to report the alleged theft following a reported breach of its cryptocurrency trading platform, Patricia. The incident resulted into loss of funds belonging to depositors and led to the suspension of the platform by Patricia Technologies to curtail further compromise of depositors’ funds. 

    The ensuing investigation revealed a far-reaching criminal conspiracy involving the unauthorized modification of computer systems, network data, and the unlawful diversion of funds totaling over 607 Million Naira belonging to the petitioner. 

    The alleged theft included the conversion of cryptocurrency wallets and diversion of unauthorized fund from Patricia Technologies’ Flutterwave account, with Wilfred Bonse, identified as a key player in the complex crime, conspiring with others to fraudulently divert Six Hundred and Seven Million Naira (N607,000,000:00k) from Patricia Technologies’ account to his bank account through a cryptocurrency wallet.

    According to Hanu Fejiro, CEO of Patricia Technologies, the conclusion of the Police investigation and eventual arrest of one of the perpetrators is a huge respite to the firm, as well as all its stakeholders. “This is a big relief. We have finally been vindicated as not a few disbelieved us that our platform was hacked in the first place. But thanks to the diligence of the Nigerian Police and the unwavering commitment of my colleagues, we are delighted that our customers now have more reason to continue to trust us. The dark days are over” 

    “With this development, Nigerians can now see that we have always been a truthful, fair, and responsible organization with the best interest of our customers at heart. We are happy that those who believed us have been vindicated and those who doubted us have a compelling reason to renew their trust in Patricia Technologies. With our platform relaunched with stronger security and our commitment to Nigerians, renewed, we look forward to the new era with great great optimism” Fejiro concluded.  

    It would be recalled that Patricia Technologies, on Monday November 20, started the first phase of repaying depositors that lost money to the breach, and have relaunched its platform for operations. 

    While the other co-conspirators remain at large, the Nigeria Police Force assures the public that comprehensive efforts are underway to ensure all involved in this criminal conspiracy are brought to justice.

  • How Starr Luxury Cars is Leveraging Technology to Revolutionize Africa’s Luxury Car Rentals Industry

    C:\Users\HP\Downloads\_MC_8951 copy.jpg

    As technology continues to transform various industries worldwide, particularly in Africa, the luxury car rental market in Africa is no exception. Starr Luxury Cars, a global luxury car rental company founded by Nigerian-born entrepreneur Ikenna Ordor, is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging technology to streamline operations, improve the customer experience, and drive growth.  

    With operations in the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East, and, most recently, Africa, the company is investing in technology while distinguishing itself through its deep understanding of the African market, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

    Embracing Technology from the Start

    Since its founding in 2016, Starr Luxury Cars has embraced technology as a key driver of its success. The company’s user-friendly online booking platform allows customers to browse a wide selection of luxury vehicles, compare rates, and make reservations in a matter of minutes. Real-time availability and pricing information ensure transparency and avoid any surprises for customers.

    Personalization at Its Core, leveraging AI- Powered Mobile App

    One size does not fit all, particularly when it comes to luxury. Starr Luxury Cars understands this and uses technology to tailor their services to individual preferences. The company is currently working on a proprietary AI-powered mobile app that will learn from user behavior and provide personalized recommendations for vehicles, routes, and additional services. The app will also be designed to send reminders to its users about upcoming events and trips, allowing them to book their car rentals ahead of time. It’s not just a rental; it’s an experience tailored to each client’s specific preferences.

    Customers can use the mobile app to manage their bookings, track the location of their car, and request additional services.

    Data-Driven Insights for Better Decision-Making

    Starr Luxury Cars is also leveraging technology to gather and analyze customer data. This data provides valuable insights into customer preferences, rental patterns, and market trends. These insights enable the company to make informed decisions about its fleet, pricing, and marketing strategies, ensuring that it remains competitive and responsive to customer needs.

    The Sirius Luxury Car Club: An Exclusive Tech-Powered Experience

    To further elevate the luxury car rental experience, Starr Luxury Cars has recently launched the Sirius Luxury Car Club. This exclusive club provides members with access to a curated collection of supercars, invitations to exclusive events, and a host of other benefits. The club also utilizes technology to connect members, share experiences, and provide personalized recommendations.

    C:\Users\HP\Downloads\_MC_0713-Enhanced-NR copy.jpg

    Fueling Growth with Innovation and Technology

    To support its expansion plans and enhance its service offerings, Starr Luxury Cars is currently fundraising, seeking £10 million to invest in advanced technology. This investment will enable the company to further streamline its booking process, enhance its fleet management systems, and develop innovative solutions to elevate the overall customer experience.

    With its innovative approach, deep understanding of the African market, and ambitious expansion plans, Starr Luxury Cars is well-positioned to compete with global luxury car rental brands. By embracing technology from the ground up, the company has streamlined operations, enhanced the customer experience, and gained a competitive edge. As technology continues to evolve, Starr Luxury Cars is poised to remain at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of luxury car rentals in Africa.

  • CitiSquare Africa Unveils Groundbreaking E-Commerce Platform, Pioneering a New Era in Investment and Lifestyle

    Revolutionizing Investment Accessibility Across Diverse Financial Backgrounds

    In a pivotal moment for the investment landscape in Africa, CitiSquare Africa proudly announces the official launch of its innovative e-commerce platform. Positioned as a game-changer, this platform seeks to redefine the traditional notions of health and wealth, particularly in the context of the prevalent global burnout pandemic.

    Democratizing Investment Opportunities

    CitiSquare Africa’s mission is the commitment to democratize investment opportunities, ensuring that high-return, capital-growth real estate investments are accessible to individuals, regardless of their financial backgrounds. This forward-thinking approach positions CitiSquare Africa as a pioneer in reshaping the narrative around financial inclusion in the continent.

    Community-Driven Ethos

    One of the standout features of CitiSquare Africa’s platform is its community-driven ethos. Fostering transparency, accountability, and trust between buyers and sellers, the platform aims to mitigate the financial risks often associated with investment transactions. This innovative approach sets a new standard in buyer-seller relationships, creating a community that collaboratively navigates the investment landscape.

    Affordability at the Core

    CitiSquare Africa firmly believes that investments should enhance, not deplete, an individual’s resources. To this end, the platform introduces flexible mortgage facilities for real estate enthusiasts, ensuring that the dream of property ownership is attainable. The “Buy Now Pay Small Small” option also opens avenues for affordable vacations without imposing financial strain.

    Smart Investment Guidance through Data Analysis

    Harnessing the power of data analysis, CitiSquare Africa’s platform offers personalized investment advice tailored to individual needs. This not only ensures a secure investment environment but also maximizes returns, aligning investments with the unique goals and aspirations of each user.

    Trusted Partnerships for Reliability

    Backed by reputable partners such as ARM, FBNQUEST, and key players in the hospitality and real estate including Wakanow, Rise, Klump, Periwinkle Condos, and Veritasi Homes, CitiSquare Africa stands as a beacon of reliability. These partnerships solidify the platform’s commitment to offering trustworthy and secure investment opportunities.

    Security First Approach

    Prioritizing the safety of investments, CitiSquare Africa implements stringent security measures to safeguard all transactions on its platform. This commitment to security aims to instill confidence in users, ensuring that their investments remain protected in the digital landscape.

    Intersection of Well-being and Financial Investment

    Amid the global burnout pandemic, CitiSquare Africa emerges as the nexus between well-being and financial investment. The platform’s versatile and inclusive nature positions it as a timely solution to the evolving needs of individuals seeking a balanced approach to health and wealth.

    Ushering in a New Era of Democratized Investment Opportunities

    With its innovative approach and unique selling propositions, CitiSquare Africa is set to revolutionize the e-commerce landscape in Africa. By making investment opportunities accessible to all, the platform marks the beginning of a new era, where individuals from diverse financial backgrounds can actively participate in and benefit from the opportunities presented by the evolving investment landscape.

    On Saturday, December 9th, immerse yourself in tranquility at The Seaside Unwind, an exclusive event meticulously curated by Citi Square. Designed to offer a distinctive and serene atmosphere, our aim is to provide professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs with a rejuvenating experience that alleviates burnout and stress.

    Navigating the demanding landscapes of their respective fields, these individuals often find themselves grappling with elevated stress levels. The Seaside Unwind acts as a sanctuary, offering a well-deserved respite that can significantly contribute to enhanced mental well-being and increased overall productivity.

    This unique event assembles influential figures from diverse industries, creating a dynamic platform for networking and knowledge exchange. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in informative sessions, engaging workshops, and thought-provoking discussions. These activities are tailored to provide valuable insights, introduce novel approaches, and keep participants abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the ever-evolving business landscape. This includes a beach day at Illashe beach while enjoying a boat cruise, games, drinks, food, karaoke and more.

    Elevate your professional journey by immersing yourself in a day of relaxation, education, and meaningful connections. Join us at The Seaside Unwind and take a step towards a more balanced and successful future.

    For additional information, feel free to contact:

    – Uche: +234 813 740 0491

    – Alero: +234 903 091 5964

    – Temitope: +234 703 928 8973

    – Didi: +234 807 092 9990

    Visit our website at [https://citisquare.africa] or reach out to  Partners@citisquare.africa. Secure your spot and embark on a journey to a revitalized professional self.

  • Harnessing the potential of IT-led BPOs in Nigeria

    The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry has been gaining momentum globally, with its current valuation at over $260 billion and is expected to exceed $500 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research.

    BPO is among Africa’s fastest-growing sectors for job growth and Nigeria is quickly emerging as a noteworthy participant and an ideal location for the delivery of business processes,  in areas like IT infrastructure, payroll, tech support, inbound and outbound calls, but also software development and testing, engineering support, and product design.

    In Nigeria, BPOs, including call centres and contact centres, have become vital components of numerous international businesses. This can be primarily attributed to the country’s well-educated, English-speaking workforce and entrepreneurial ethos. This linguistic advantage ensures top-notch service delivery while simultaneously mitigating potential communication barriers, a critical factor in the success of customer service and other BPO operations.  

    Although relatively small compared to its African counterparts, Nigeria’s BPO/CX market is already diverse and is estimated to be valued at USD280 million with over 16,540 agents and knowledge process workers servicing the domestic and international markets.

    The BPO sector in Nigeria holds immense promise as a catalyst for economic growth and inclusive employment as it is evident that there’s an opportunity to delve into outsourcing and offshoring prospects within Nigeria itself and across the African continent.  

    Join us on Tuesday, November 28 with key stakeholders to explore market strategies that would shape the direction of growth for the industry and its socio-economic impact for Nigeria. Register here.

  • Approach Black Friday like a pro: Octa sheds light on how traders get better deals when shopping.

    With the Black Friday season just around the corner, big businesses are ready to flood us with their offers. Learn which ones are worth it and how to prepare for the shopping season in this article.

    Black Friday is just around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of scoring some great deals and discounts. It’s an exciting period not only for shoppers—big companies like Amazon, Apple, Samsung, and others make some of their largest gains of the year precisely in that period. In 2022, Amazon announced that year’s Black Friday shopping season was their biggest ever.

    However, with all the hype surrounding this shopping holiday, it’s important to approach it with a smart and strategic mindset. In a survey conducted by Octa, such a mindset was one of the qualities the more experienced traders possessed, reflecting, apparently, their extensive financial markets background.

    This year, the Octa experts analysed the most common Black Friday offers and formulated the rules you might want to incorporate to spend your money on the truly great deals this shopping season. First, let’s explore some of the most common offers the big stores and companies will use this year.

    Early access lists

    One of the most effective tactics used by big companies is the creation of early access or ‘early bird’ lists. These lists give certain customers the opportunity to shop for Black Friday deals before they are made available to the public. This not only creates a sense of exclusivity for those on the list but also encourages customers to make purchases early to secure their desired items.

    Time-limited deals

    Time-limited deals are another popular strategy employed by big companies during the Black Friday season. By offering limited-time discounts on select products, companies create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to make quick purchases. This tactic not only drives sales but also creates excitement and anticipation among shoppers.

    This year’s Netflix’s sale description says it all: ‘This sale is of epic proportion, and it won’t be around for long. Take advantage of these limited-time prices, today!’

    Free shipping promos

    Free shipping promos are also a common feature of Black Friday promotions. Many companies offer free shipping on all orders—or orders over a certain amount—in an effort to entice customers to make purchases without the added cost of shipping. This is a particularly attractive offer for online shoppers, as it can save them a significant amount of money on their purchases.

    Targeted discounts

    By offering personalised discounts based on a customer’s browsing and purchasing history, companies can tailor their promotions to individual shoppers, increasing the likelihood of a sale. This not only provides added value to the customer but also helps companies maximise their sales potential.

    Free gifts with a minimum purchase

    Many big companies offer free gifts with a minimum purchase during the Black Friday season. This tactic incentivises customers to spend more to receive a complimentary gift, making it advantageous for both the customer and the company. This strategy not only increases the average order value but also helps companies clear out excess inventory by bundling products with popular items.

    How to be a smart customer this shopping season

    Not all Black Friday offers are equally good. Some companies only make them look advantageous when, in fact, they are created solely to benefit the seller. To find truly great deals and not overspend during Black Friday, one can use several strategies that have quite a lot in common with the analytical approach used by traders in the financial markets.

    A survey conducted by Octa in 2022 showed, among other things, several ways that the trading experience affects the Black Friday shopping experience of traders. According to the survey, 77.9% of traders compare the prices before and during Black Friday with varying frequency, highlighting the prevalence of an analytical mindset common among professionals in the financial markets.

    Here are the tips for approaching Black Friday smartly, shaped by the Octa experts based on the tactics traders use during the shopping season to find the best deals and stay within the budget.

    1. Research the market

    It’s essential to do your research. Before the big day arrives, take some time to browse through the ads and promotions from your favourite stores. List the items you’re interested in and compare prices across different eCommerce platforms. This will help you identify the best deals on the market.

    1. Stick to your budget

    Another important tip is to set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Black Friday and overspend on items that you don’t really need. By setting a budget and being disciplined about your spending, you can avoid falling into the trap of impulse buying and regretting your purchases later on.

    1. Be mindful of flash sales

    When it comes to limited-time offers and flash sales, it’s important to act quickly but also be mindful of your purchases. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you should buy it if you don’t really need it. Focus on the items on your list and prioritise those over impulse purchases. An interesting finding from Octa’s survey was that traders with less trading experience make spontaneous purchases more often.

    1. Monitor social media

    In the age of social media, many retailers use their platforms to create excitement around their Black Friday deals. Keep an eye on your favourite stores’ social media accounts for sneak peeks of their promotions and exclusive discounts. This can give you a starting point for planning your shopping strategy and ensure you don’t miss out on any great deals.

    1. Know your rights

    Another important tip is to be aware of return policies and shipping costs. Some retailers offer free shipping and returns, while others may have strict return policies or high shipping fees. Be sure to read the fine print before making a purchase, especially if you’re buying from a new or unfamiliar retailer.

    Black Friday deals that help you earn, not spend

    Some Black Friday deals that can help you earn rather than spend include cashback offers, purchase reward points, and gift card promotions. These types of deals allow you to receive some form of monetary or point-based reward for your purchases, ultimately helping you save money or earn additional benefits while shopping. Additionally, some retailers may offer trade-in programs or discounts for trading in old electronics or items, allowing you to earn credit towards new purchases.

    Besides, the international broker Octa is launching a major promo campaign that will take place from 20 to 24 November 2023. The promo is aiming to turn Black Friday into an earning—rather than spending—period.

    Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries with more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.

    The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice 

    relief projects supporting local communities.

    Octa has also won more than 60 awards since its foundation, including the ‘Best Educational Broker 2023’ award from Global Forex Awards and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ award from International Business Magazine. 

  • Drinks.ng Elevates Beverage Experience: Expands Operations to Onitsha, Bringing Premium Selection to SouthEastern Nigeria

    Drinks.ng, the forefront leader in premium beverages in Nigeria, proudly announces a monumental expansion of its operations to Onitsha. This strategic move underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled access to the finest drinks, setting a new standard for the SouthEastern Nigerian market.

    Since 2013, Drinks.ng has proven itself to be a leading player in the Nigerian Beverage industry. The ecommerce business offers users across Arfrica’s largest nation lists vetted retail stores in various locations, enabling users place their order and pickup or opt for them to be delivered from stores around them.

    The new Onitsha storefront introduces an extensive and carefully curated range of beverages, featuring a harmonious blend of local and international brands. Customers can anticipate discovering everything from exquisite wines and spirits to craft beers and exotic non-alcoholic options.

    Lanre’s Vision:

    Upon his return to Nigeria in 2013, Drinks.ng CEO Lanre Akinlagun encountered the frustration of sourcing premium drinks for a friend’s party—an effortless task in the UK. Recognising a substantial gap in the Nigerian liquor market, he founded Drinks.ng with an initial investment of $100,000. Commencing operations from his bedroom, handling deliveries with his private car, Lanre dedicated years to building the brand. His rich background in digital departments of esteemed companies like Universal Pictures, Vizeum and experience as the marketing director for iRokoTV equipped him with the vision and managerial prowess to evolve Drinks.ng into one of Nigeria’s largest ecommerce stores.

    Expanding Horizons:

    With a robust online presence and over 40,000 customers nationwide, Drinks.ng stands as one of Nigeria’s premier distribution firms, renowned for authenticity and partnerships with global liquor brands and local retail companies. Plans are in motion to extend its brick-and-mortar presence across Nigeria and Africa, with the latest addition in Onitsha.

    Strategic Expansion Decision:

    Don Ebubeogu, discussing the decision to expand to Onitsha, revealed that the proposal was presented to Lanre through a series of texts on July 13, 2022. Following a physical visit to Onitsha and a meeting with Celestine Ebubeogu, a decision was reached to expand the brand’s operations to Southeast Nigeria.

    Lanre noted that they had explored the immense potential of SouthEastern Nigeria and identified access to authentic beverages and logistics to be a major challenge in the region, as such, it seemed only right to expand the ecommerce business’ operations to the region. This holds immense potential for the people of Anambra and surrounding states in the SouthEast. 

    Prime Location:

    Situated at the bustling intersection where 6 busy roads converge, beside Onitsha Stock Exchange, adjacent to the Sports Club, and in close proximity to Holy Trinity, drinks.ng Onitsha is strategically positioned for accessibility. Its expansive selection of competitively priced drinks is sure to captivate the interest of many.

    Exceptional Customer Service:

    The Drinks.ng team at Onitsha is committed to delivering an exceptional shopping experience. With a profound passion for beverages and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, the team is poised to assist and guide customers in their selections.

    Grand Opening Celebration:

    To commemorate the official launch, Drinks.ng will host a 3-day celebration from November 24th to November 26th. The event promises a rich blend of festivities, special promotions, and opportunities to explore the extensive selection of premium drinks.

    November 24th: Hosted by Gordons

    November 25th: Sponsored by Glenfiddich

    November 26th: Grand Opening hosted by Hennessy

    Time: 4PM – 8PM

    The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcomed to join in the celebration of this remarkable addition to Onitsha’s beverage landscape.

    Location:

    Drinks.ng Onitsha, No 1. Bent Lane, GRA

    About Drinks.ng

    Drinks.ng is Nigeria’s premier provider of premium beverages, offering a diverse selection of wines, spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic options. With a commitment to quality, convenience, and customer satisfaction, Drinks.ng has become the go-to destination for discerning beverage enthusiasts. Visit www.drinks.ng to shop 

    For more information on the Onitsha launch, follow us

    Facebook: @drinks.ng

    Twitter: @drinksng

    Instagram: @drinks.ng

    #Drinksng #DrinksngtakesOnitsha #SipwithDrinksng 

  • UK-NIGERIA TECH HUB LAUNCHES SOCIAL IMPACT ACCELERATOR, CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS.

    The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub is an initiative by the UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sports (DCMS) to support the growth of the Technology ecosystem in Nigeria. The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub stimulates local digital economies, supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth and jobs, builds high-end digital skills, and forge innovation partnerships between Nigerian tech sectors and international businesses.

    The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub partnered with NINE,  to launch an impact accelerator, ‘Social Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship’ for social impact entrepreneurs. Those selected will join the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub founder pipeline and gain access to resources and network, In addition, they will undergo a bespoke 16-week in-person and virtual training, from local tech hubs and business leaders, designed to equip them with the expertise needed to scale their impact while remaining profitable. To apply, visit https://sidenigeria.com

    In the build-up to the accelerator, NINE and Kaduna Business School developed a challenge brief to identify market and sector-specific gaps in Health, Climate change, Education and Food security affecting underserved populations in 6 pilot states in Nigeria – Edo State, Adamawa State, Kwara State, Kaduna State, Enugu State and Osun State. To read the challenge brief, visit https://sidenigeria.com/Home/ChallengeBrief

    To become eligible for the programme, startups must be MVP-ready and be addressing challenges within the specific sectors, namely Education, Employment, Food, Health, Climate & environmental change. Female start-up founders and innovators are highly encouraged to apply.

    To learn more about the programme eligibility requirements and benefits, visit here https://sidenigeria.com/

    According to the Country Director of the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, Oyinkansola Akintola-Bello, ‘this collaboration to scale social impact innovations underscores the UK’s commitment nurturing brilliance in underserved regions, ensuring that every idea, regardless of location has the resource and support required to scale.’ 

    The Country Director’s points were further buttressed by the Chairman, Network of Incubators and Innovators in Nigeria (NINE) Bankole Oloruntoba adding that ‘it is imperative that we stimulate emerging city-based innovation ecosystem in Nigeria beyond Abuja and Lagos. This program is focused on these emerging state economies to stimulate the entrepreneurial economies as well as create job possibilities using digital tech’.

    To learn more and apply, visit the SIDE Nigeria website:  https://sidenigeria.com/

    About the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub

    The UK- Nigeria Tech Hub is a UK funded initiative to support the growth of the Technology ecosystem in Nigeria by promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the tech sector, leading to more trade and investment in the longer term. ​

    The UK -Nigeria Tech Hub works to stimulate local digital economies, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and jobs, build high-end digital skills, and forge innovation partnerships between Nigerian tech sectors and international businesses.

    About NINE

    The Network of Incubators and Innovators in Nigeria (NINE) unites Business and Technology Incubators, Accelerators, and Innovation Centers, supporting innovative startups and SMEs in Nigeria. NINE’s goal is to bolster stakeholders’ capacity in guiding innovation and business growth.

    For more information, please contact:

    UK-Nigeria Tech Hub

    Instagram: @ukngtechhub

    Twitter: @ukngtechhub

    LinkedIn: @UK-Nigeria Tech Hub

    Email: UK.Nigeria.Techhub@fco.gov.uk

    NINE

    Instagram: @Infonineorg

    Twitter: @Infonineorg

    LinkedIn: Network of Incubators and Innovators in Nigeria (NINE)

    Facebook: @Infonineorg

    Email: programsofficerniine@gmail.com

  • Here’s how Nnaemeka Clinton makes productive noise in the African Tech Ecosystem

    Nnaemeka Clinton’s visionary leadership has significantly impacted the African tech landscape, particularly being at the forefront of some game-changing events in the ecosystem like the Africa Startup Festival and the Africa Technology Expo. As the CEO & Chief Futurist of Spark Africa HQ, Clinton has tirelessly championed the cause of democratizing success in the African Tech Scene, weaving a narrative of innovation and collaboration.

    Clinton’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving relationships within the ecosystem while fostering groundbreaking innovation. His extensive experience spans the financial sector, marketing, communication, branding, startups, TV, procurement, and business support services. Notably, his collaboration with investment and private equity firms showcases a profound understanding of the intricacies of the African economic landscape.

    Under the stewardship of Nnaemeka Clinton, The Africa Technology Expo has become a cornerstone for showcasing cutting-edge advancements in technology across the continent. It is an event that provides a unique forum for tech enthusiasts, disruptors, and investors to converge, fostering collaboration and propelling Africa into a new era of tech excellence.

    In the same vein, the Africa Startup Festival, under Clinton’s guidance, has evolved into a sold-out success, bringing together startups from diverse sectors. This platform not only allows these startups to pitch their ideas but also facilitates crucial connections with investors, providing exposure on a global scale. Nnaemeka’s vision for the festival transcends a mere gathering; it is a powerful testament to his belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship in shaping Africa’s technological future.

    These events, orchestrated by Nnaemeka Clinton, serve as epicenters for connecting tech enthusiasts, innovators, and industry experts, creating vibrant ecosystems where groundbreaking ideas flourish, collaborations thrive, and innovation takes center stage.

    For Nnaemeka Clinton, the future of tech in Africa extends far beyond regional boundaries. As the CEO & Chief Futurist of Spark Africa HQ, he envisions a future where African technology not only competes on the global stage but sets the pace for innovation worldwide. Through his leadership, Spark Africa HQ actively promotes African brands, fostering a narrative shift about the continent’s technological capabilities.

    As a fervent advocate for the transformative power of tech, Nnaemeka is not merely convening events; he is spearheading a movement that resonates globally. His productiveness in the African tech space is undeniable, positioning him as a pivotal player shaping the future of technology in the continent.

  • 5 Strategic Initiatives Unveiled at AfriLabs 2023 Annual Gathering in Kigali, Rwanda.

    AfriLabs, one of Africa’s leading tech innovation organizations hosted the 8th edition of its Annual Gathering in Kigali, Rwanda. For the last 8 years, AfriLabs has hosted the Annual Gathering unfailingly to revolutionize the innovation and technology ecosystem, providing support to startups and tech professionals across Africa.

    Hosted by the Rwandan Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Hon Paula Ingabire, the event featured key industry leaders and organizations committed to reshaping the future of African innovation and entrepreneurship.

    Activities such as intellectual panel discussions, master classes, workshops, focus group discussions, training, showcase of best practices and co-creation sessions throughout the event. 

    “Rwanda is always open to welcome regional and global innovators. Our goal is to empower scalable startups that collectively transform our communities with cutting edge innovations”- Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Rwanda. 

    To show further commitment to the efforts of AfriLabs for the 8th AfriLabs Annual Gathering, the Rwandan government was fully represented by Yves Iradukunda, Permanent Secretary and Esther Kunda, Director General of Innovation and Emerging Technology of the Ministry of ICT. The Rwandan government also provided in-kind and financial support to AfriLabs for the Annual Gathering. 

    This year’s edition themed “Accelerating Africa’s digital economy; by the strength of our community” provided stakeholders such as high-level startup founders, academics, media partners, developmental organizations and titans of the industry an opportunity to exchange knowledge and witness the collective actions and initiatives AfriLabs will be taking to fully digitize Africa by 2030.

    Reiterating AfriLabs’ dedication to provide quality support to African startups and tech professionals, the organization made 5 major announcements at the event. 

    1. MoU Signing at AAG 23:

    AfriLabs announced its partnership with Builder.ai, Algeria Venture, and Renew Capital. The organization also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with all three entities at an event to further its mission of empowering African startups. 

    The MoU signing includes the following details: 

    Through its partnership with Builder.ai, an AI-powered software that assists technical and non-technical individuals, organizations, and platforms, the African market will be provided with access to Builder.ai’s platform, Studio Pro, and tools to foster innovation and economic growth across Africa. This will increase Builder.ai’s trust and relevance within the market and with stakeholders. 

    In conjunction with Algeria Venture, also known as A-Venture, a state-owned startup accelerator in Algeria dedicated to nurturing the startup ecosystem and driving economic growth in Algeria, both organizations will share knowledge, resources, and expertise to promote sustainable growth and development within the African continent. They will focus on initiatives that benefit Algerians and members of AfriLabs. 

    AfriLabs’ partnership with Renew Capital, an Africa-focused impact investment firm that supports innovative companies with high-growth potential, will provide a platform for African startups to access Renew Capital’s global network of angel investors, foundations, and family offices. This partnership will connect investors to innovative companies and startups, creating economic and social value not only in Africa but around the world.

    1. Working Mother’s Guide

    AfriLabs is committed to bridging the gender gap and creating an inclusive ecosystem for parents, especially women. To further support this aim, Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu, the Senior Ecosystem Engagement Manager at AfriLabs, launched the Working Mother’s Guide on October 11, 2023, the first day of the three-day event. The guide is designed to provide support and guidance to working mothers, particularly those in the technology and innovation sector, to help them balance their work and family responsibilities. At the Annual Gathering, industry leaders and stakeholders who are members of the AfriLabs community were encouraged to endorse and commit to adopting this initiative to support working mothers across Africa. Access the Working Mothers Guide here.

    1. AfriLabs Connect Deal Room

    AfriLabs Connect Deal Room (ACDR) is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the critical challenges of identifying, funding, and accessing investible startups within the African innovation ecosystem. The platform was officially introduced by Mr. Ajibola Odukoya, AfriLabs’ Chief Operation Officer, on the 2nd day of the event..

    The African startup scene has been on a remarkable path, with a valuation of $6.6 billion as of 2021, according to the 2021 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome. 

    AfriLabs recognizes the immense potential of these startups and has made it their mission to facilitate their financing across various sectors in Africa. The primary objective of ACDR is to provide investment funds with access to a Pan African pipeline of investible and de-risked startups.

    The AfriLabs Connect Deal Room (ACDR) is set to transform the startup investment landscape in Africa by allowing investors to register their portfolios of startups into an exclusive pool. These startups will then be carefully selected and matched with investors and funds based on their specific requirements, including ticket sizes, sector of interest, and other essential criteria. Additionally, the platform will offer follow-on support through AfriLabs’ extensive ecosystem, which includes over 400 innovation and technology hubs across 53 countries.

    “AfriLabs Connect Deal Room (ACDR) is targeted at hubs with mature startups looking to scale up with Series A, Series B, and Series C type of funds. We’ve established a robust investor pipeline with a keen focus on the African continent. These investors are committed to adapting their business processes to align with the unique needs of African startups, and they are fully prepared to work with companies looking to scale up,” stated Ajibola Odukoya, Chief Operating Officer at AfriLabs.

    The ACDR initiative will be efficiently managed through AfriLabs Connect, a purpose-built ecosystem engagement platform that brings together the largest community of innovation enablers in Africa. This platform is poised to foster collaboration, innovation, and investment opportunities, ensuring the continued growth and success of Africa’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

    AfriLabs has consistently played a pivotal role in supporting and accelerating the growth of startups across the African continent. The introduction of the AfriLabs Connect Deal Room further underscores their commitment to driving innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

    1. AfriLabs Connect 2.0 

    During the 3-Day Annual Gathering, AfriLabs also announced the launch of AfriLabs Connect 2.0, a digital ecosystem engagement platform designed to empower the African innovation ecosystem to thrive, accelerate and transform. AfriLabs Connect 1.0 was launched last year at the 7th edition of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering at Lusaka, Zambia. The upgraded platform will provide a more personalized experience for members. The platform also has an exceptional feature that allows members to manage their profiles, connect with other members, and access exclusive content. 

    To ensure a seamless experience, a LinkedIn-enabled sign-up and login feature was included to make it easier to join the community of innovation enablers. Join the movement to revolutionize and digitize Africa by joining AfriLabs’ Connect platform here

    1. Innovation Tool Kit by GIZ Make IT:

    GIZ Make IT, the lead sponsor of the event launched an Open Innovation Toolkit (OIP). 

    This announcement was made during the Hub Solutions and Sustainability Track where the importance of understanding and building effective hub models was discussed. 

    A welcome keynote speech was given by Marieme KANE, Director of Innovation, Digital Transformation, Innovation and Modernization of Administration, Mauritania. 

    “Limited access to infrastructure is among the biggest challenges that the African tech hubs face”- Marieme KANE, Director of Innovation, Digital Transformation, Innovation and Modernization of Administration, Mauritania. 

    The OIP Toolkit was created to guide African Innovation Support Organizations (ISOs) that aim to increase collaboration readiness among SGBs and large enterprises from the private and public sectors in their ecosystem. The toolkit offers a pathway to deliver innovative solutions to formidable problems at scale. The OIP ToolKit can be accessed here.

    AfriLabs has consistently played a pivotal role in supporting and accelerating the growth of startups across the African continent. The launch of these strategic initiatives further underscores AfriLabs’ commitment to revolutionizing and digitizing Africa through innovation and entrepreneurship. 

    The Ministry of ICT, Rwanda and AfriLabs co-hosted a Gala with AfriLabs to celebrate Africa’s culture and innovation and entertain delegates. The theme of the Gala was “The Art in our Culture” and it emphasized the importance of embracing our diverse cultural heritage. Esther Kunda, the Director of Innovation and Emerging Technology at the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, Rwanda delivered an eloquent speech to drive home this point. The event was a vibrant intersection for the African regions represented, which featured unique cultures and cultural exchange. The Gala included international cuisine, an exquisite fashion showcase by 360 Creative Innovation Hub, and a brilliant cultural performance by the Inyamibwa Cultural Troupe.

    For more information about the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2023 and AfriLabs, visit www.afrilabsgathering.com and www.afrilabs.com.

    Instagram: @afriLabs/Ig

    Twitter: @afriLabs/twitter

  • Ubuntu Tribe Celebrates Successful Launch of Utribe Wallet and GIFT Token in Lagos; Excitement Mounts for Nairobi Event

    Ubuntu Tribe, in partnership with RED Media and DLM Capital Group, proudly announces the resounding success of the Utribe Wallet and GIFT Token launch at the Radisson Blu Anchorage on November 18, 2023. This landmark event signifies a significant leap forward in the evolution of regenerative finance.

    Utribe Wallet, an avant-garde platform provides customers the possibility to buy gold from as low as 50 Naira from the ease of their mobile phone. Ubuntu Tribe offers the opportunity to build real savings and preserve their purchasing power, in a context of depreciating local currencies that is fast eroding the hard work of working class and companies treasuries. No need to carry cash under the mattress, within Utribe Wallet from any mobile phone, customers can convert Naira into gold in the form of GIFT as a store of value. GIFT (Gold International Fungible Token) is a digital certificate of gold ownership and backed 1:1 with physical gold. The gold is, audited, insured, and securely stored in reputable and regulated world class vaults across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Switzerland. 

    Customers can send and receive GIFT to one another within Utribe Wallet at affordable fees. The physical gold itself doesn’t move, it remains securely stored, only the digital certificate of gold ownership is transferred. Any user can claim the underlying physical gold at any given time at a preferred location by redeeming their GIFT in the platform.

    Ubuntu Tribe announces a new era of shared prosperity and collective wealth preservation by democratising access to gold. GIFT was acclaimed by reputable institutions such as the Nigerian Stock Exchange Group, and Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange, the path set towards a successful adoption and acceleration in the region. 

    The launch by Ubuntu Tribe in partnership with RED Media and DLM Capital Group represents a bold step towards fortifying capital markets through the introduction of tokenized natural mineral assets. These assets, mined sustainably and universally accessible, usher in a new era of wealth security and opportunities, with the aim of enhancing financial literacy, inclusion and access in the global economy. The launch of GIFT was all the more celebrated as a credible solution to unlock Africa’s massive untapped wealth of natural resources. The continent hosts 46% of the global gold deposit. GIFT accessibility on Utribe Wallet significantly contributes to restoring African dignity powered by technology bringing gold at the palm of people’s hands.

    Mamadou Kwidjim Toure, the visionary CEO and Founder of Ubuntu Tribe, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response in Lagos. “Ubuntu Tribe is a movement towards shared prosperity, financial inclusion, and a sustainable economic future.’’

    Oscar N. Onyema, CEO of the Nigerian Stock Exchange ‘’Asset tokenisation is a unique opportunity for Nigeria’s accelerated growth for all citizens and we are proud to see Ubuntu Tribe lead the way in this direction.’’

    Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, Co-Founder of African food change makers, entrepreneur and thought leader, shared her insights into how tokenization can drive agricultural growth across the African continent. “The Utribe Wallet and GIFT (Gold International Fungible Token) opens up new avenues for revolutionizing cross border trade for farmers, presenting opportunities for sustainable growth in the agricultural sector across Africa.”

    Dr. Allwell Umunnaehila, Head of Operations at Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange, highlighted the potential of tokenization to drive innovation and growth in African markets. “The success of the Utribe Wallet and GIFT (Gold International Fungible Token) launch in Lagos signifies a pivotal moment for African markets. Tokenization has the potential to reshape our economic landscape, fostering growth and inclusivity.”

    Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, CEO of DLM Capital Group, commented on the transformative power of tokenization in the capital market. “The Utribe Wallet and GIFT (Gold International Fungible Token) represents a new frontier in the tokenization of assets, providing endless possibilities for participation and value creation. This success in Lagos underscores the significance of digital assets in reshaping the capital market landscape.”

    Adebola Williams, Co-founder, and Chairman of RED Media Africa, underscored the influential role of media in shaping narratives. “RED Media is dedicated to telling the story of Africa and its products. We are thrilled to witness the positive impact of regenerative finance on our continent led by Ubutu Tribe.”

    Pan-African Vision of Utribe Wallet:
    The Utribe Wallet, a tangible embodiment of Ubuntu Tribe’s unwavering commitment to Africa, stands as a symbol of a collective vision for economic growth and empowerment. By providing secure and transparent access to GIFT, 100% backed by gold from diverse global regions, it actively fosters financial inclusion and prosperity across the entire African continent and facilitate opportunities for cross border trade. 

    Ubuntu Tribe LLC ushers in shared prosperity and financial inclusion by providing universal access to tokenized natural resources as an asset class that is available, affordable, and accessible to all. The Ubuntu Vision is centred on offering equal access to opportunities, irrespective of wealth or place of birth, by harnessing the resources of Mother Earth responsibly.

    With an initial focus on the distribution of tokenized gold, the Ubuntu platform offers stable and secure investment products powered by blockchain technology, with tokens representing insured and audited tangible assets. In addition to direct-to-consumer offerings, the Company is a pioneer in decentralized finance by providing tokenization as a service (white-labeled solutions) to assist and guide corporations and government organisations that share similar environmental and social governance (ESG) goals.

    The Ubuntu Tribe tokenization model allows a wide range of investors around the world—including institutional, private, and retail investors—to directly participate in investment opportunities. Ubuntu Tribe’s approach integrates ethical sourcing with technological innovation, aiming for expansive market penetration while fostering broad-based economic empowerment across borders, combined with environmental stewardship.
    For more information, please visit Ubuntu Tribe.

  • Empowering 3000 Women in Retail Business: Alerzo and Schneider Electric Illuminate Oyo State, Nigeria with Solar Lamps.

    Alerzo, in collaboration with Schneider Electric, has empowered 3000 women in the retail  sector in Oyo State, Nigeria, with Mobiya solar lamps through the LIGHT UP initiative. Alerzo  is Nigeria’s leading B2B e-commerce and financial services platform and Schneider Electric is  a global leader in digital automation and sustainability.  

    Established to tackle Nigeria’s electricity challenge within the micro-business sector, this  partnership represents a noteworthy stride in shaping a more sustainable and promising  future for women entrepreneurs in Oyo State, Nigeria. 

    Adewale Opaleye, CEO of Alerzo, sheds light on the broader vision of the LIGHT UP initiative.  He emphasizes the aim to deliver sustainable and profitable support to micro-businesses. He  states, “Our mission has always been to digitize and empower retailers across Nigeria.  Together with Schneider Electric, we can continue and further this mission. Many retailers face  a daily pressing challenge: namely an inadequate supply of electricity. Through this  partnership with Schneider Electric, we can not only unlock their access to digital products but  also improve their family’s day to day lives. 

    “Our goal is to raise awareness of alternative energy sources for retailers in areas with poor  energy supply and show the potential benefits of these collaborations. Alerzo has built relationships with informal retailers over time and is based on mutual trust. The informal retail  economy has been hugely overlooked, and partnerships like these provide an avenue to  address the gaps in this sector. We are proud that our deep distribution network in the  informal space has provided a strong platform to push this initiative,” He said.

    Opaleye continues, “Our sincere gratitude goes to Schneider Electric for their unwavering  support. They are fully aligned with our vision to empower women across Nigeria through  innovative solutions. We believe this effort aligns seamlessly with the UN’s Sustainable  Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting gender equality, economic growth, and  sustainable communities. As we continue along this journey, we wholeheartedly embrace a  future where we can continue to play a crucial role in advancing these larger goals.” 

    Engr. Ajibola Akindele, MFR., Country President, Schneider Electric, speaks on Schneider  Electric’s contribution to sustainability and empowerment for women across various socio economic strata. “At Schneider Electric, we understand that true progress is rooted in  empowering individuals, particularly women, who are often the backbone of their  communities. Our mission aligns with Alerzo’s vision of transformation. By providing the  Mobiya Lite to these remarkable women, we are not only illuminating their businesses but  also shining a light on their dreams and aspirations. It is an embodiment of our commitment  to sustainability, gender equality, and making a lasting impact on the lives of those who need  it most,” he said. 

    Highlighting the immense benefits of the Mobiya Lite, a few beneficiaries who shared their  experiences had this to say “I thank Alerzo for the lamps we were given. I always leave my  shop late. So, the lamp has really helped me so much.” Another said “The solar light I was  given has been serving me well. When I turn it on at night, it always looks like I am using a  generator, and it helps my children read and work on their assignments.”  

    The Schneider Electric Mobiya Lite is not only a source of illumination but also a catalyst for  enhancing business productivity and a cornerstone for enabling access to educational  resources for the children of these enterprising women. 

    Alerzo empowers businesses of all sizes to reach their full potential through an ecosystem of  unique business tools. Their comprehensive digital services includes a mobile B2B  marketplace providing (1P) same-day delivery of fast moving consumer goods (Alerzoshop)  and a payment and business management solution (Veedez), which simplifies day-to-day  operations and allows businesses to focus on their growth and success.

  • We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of PlugInsure, Nigeria’s very first insurance web aggregator licensed by NAICOM (National Insurance Commission).🎉

    Insurance is a vital aspect of our lives, providing the protection and peace of mind we all need. However, navigating the world of insurance can be complex and time-consuming. That’s where Plug Insure comes in!

    Plug Insure is your go-to destination for all things insurance. We are revolutionizing the insurance landscape by creating an online marketplace that brings together a wide array of insurance products and service providers, making it simpler and more convenient for you to secure the coverage you need.

    Whether you’re looking for health insurance, auto insurance, travel insurance, or any other type of coverage, PlugInsure has got you covered. Our platform will provide you with a comprehensive overview of insurance options available in Nigeria, making it easier than ever to find the perfect insurance plan that fits your needs and budget.

    At Plug Insure, we understand the importance of insurance in safeguarding your future, and we are here to make insurance accessible and affordable for all. 

    Stay tuned as we get ready to launch, and prepare to experience the future of insurance at your fingertips!

    Follow us for updates and be part of the insurance revolution. 

    #PlugInsure #InsuranceSimplified #ComingSoon #YourInsurancePartner#

    MPPlatforms#InsureTech#DigitalInsurance#Microinsurance#

  • This Black Friday, Win Big with Busha

    Exciting news for Black Friday! Busha, Nigeria’s leading cryptocurrency exchange platform, has something special planned for its users this Black Friday. Busha is giving back to its old and new customers this Black Friday with a special cashback offer on Crypto trades! You get cashback on your trades – no complications, just good stuff. Here’s their deal:

    Get Cashback on Trades 100,000 Naira and Up:

    Buy and Sell Crypto of 100k or more on Black Friday between the hours of 8 am – 8 pm and boom, there will be instant cashback. Bigger trades mean more cash in your pocket.

    [ad]

    Bonus Alert – Screenshot and Win $20:

    There’s a bonus offer too. Want extra cash? Take a screenshot of your cashback message on the Busha App, share it on social media, tag @getbusha, and use the hashtag #BushaBlackFriday. You could win $20!— easy money for sharing your success with your audience. 

    Terms & Conditions:

    1. Trade with Busha, and you automatically get 0.5% cashback on all your trades 100k and above. 
    2. Cashback on Crypto Trades Only: Cashback is only for crypto trades.
    3. Minimum Trade Criteria: To qualify for cashback, ensure that your crypto trades in Naira are a minimum of 100k. It’s as straightforward as that.
    4. This campaign is only valid from 8 am – 8 pm on Friday, 24th November, 2023.
    5. Bonus Alert – 20 USDT will go to 50 Lucky People. Take a screenshot, follow, tag and share. 
    6. Use #BushaBlackFriday: When you’re showing off your cashback, remember to use #BushaBlackFriday and tag us @getbusha. 

    Ready to trade? Download the Busha App and let the preparation for Black Friday trading begin!

    [ad]

    About Busha

    Established by Michael Adeyeri and Moyo Shodipo in 2019, Busha has become a strong contender in the African cryptocurrency market. Busha offers unique features like Busha Yield, allowing users to earn up to 7.5% annually on dollar stablecoins, and Busha Spend, enabling direct spending of crypto assets with instant cashback rewards. Busha also recently launched a B2B product called Busha Commerce, which allows local businesses to receive International payments using Cryptocurrency. The platform also features user-friendly features like recurring buys, limit orders and real-time insights into popular and newly listed assets.

    Embark on your crypto journey with Busha, the simplest, safest, and most trusted platform catering to users of all levels. Available on the IOS App Store and Android Play Store, Busha’s user-friendly Bitcoin wallet provides 24/7 human customer support for a seamless experience. Join over 600,000 verified users in Nigeria and access 45+ supported assets. Busha simplifies crypto trading, allowing you to buy, sell, and manage your portfolio effortlessly. Embrace the future of finance with Busha, where simplicity meets security. Download the app and kickstart your crypto journey today! 🚀💰 #BushaBlackFriday

  • Google Developer Group Lagos (GDG) Presents DevFest Lagos 2023

    Lagos, Nigeria – November 22, 2023,

    The 2023 edition of the biggest tech festival in Sub-Saharan Africa, DevFest Lagos, brought to you by the Google Developer Group (GDG Lagos), is scheduled as a 2-day event on Friday, November 24, and Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Landmark Event Centre.

    The exciting and educative event returns as a 2-day event slated for Friday, November 24, 2023, and Saturday, November 25, 2023, the first following the success of previous event editions. 

    With the progressive growth of technology in Africa and the unending curiosity of enthusiasts and experts, this 8-hour event has, over the years, served as a stepping stone for newcomers in the tech field and a hub of enlightenment and knowledge expansion for those already in the tech space.

    Highlight of the 2022 edition of DevFest Lagos 

    Video link: https://youtu.be/7kat5HlPtzU

    The 2023 edition of DevFest Lagos is the seventh installment of the local tech conference hosted by Google Developer Group (GDG) Lagos. The success of the 2022 edition marked a turning point for the festival following the massive turnout of tech enthusiasts in Lagos, Nigeria, as many are growing increasingly interested in the tech space in Nigeria as a whole. 

    The 2023 edition will feature sessions on UX and Product Localization, Legalities in tech, AI and machine learning, Web 2 and Web 3, SysOps, Technical writing, Marketing, Product Design, Neuromarketing and many more. 

    Organisers and partners of DevFest Lagos 2023

    DevFest Lagos’ growth over the years has been immeasurable, with brands in different fields of the ecosystem such as Tech, business, law, product, marketing and many more all showing interest in being a part of the impactful program that has been noted to change lives. The 2023 edition is no different, as the biggest names in different sectors today have partnered with the organisers to give attendees a memorable experience. 

    Meet the organisers

    1. INITS Limited CTO Femi Taiwo 

    2. CTO, Devos, Gbolahan Alli 

    3. Marketing Associate TechCabal, Maryann Onuoha 

    4. Jesudetan Onasanya, Meta Nigeria Lead, Aleph Holding. 

    5. Founder/Managing Partner, Katwig & Dale, Karen Chukwu

    6. Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Credit Direct, Olayinka Peter Oluwafemi

    Introducing the partners for DevFest Lagos 2023: The following brands and establishments have collaborated to enhance the attendees’ experience:

    • Postman is an API platform used by 25M+ developers for building and using APIs. Postman simplifies each step of the API lifecycle and streamlines collaboration so you can create better APIs–faster.
    • Okta is the world identity company focused on enabling businesses to equip their users with an easy and safe way to use technology.
    • Intmax provides the most secure and easy-to-use hyperscaling Ethereum solution.
    • Andela bridges the gap that exists between highly skilled developers and future employers.
    • BlueChip Technologies helps businesses design, develop and implement business application solutions.
    • Geegpay is a digital platform that allows African employees, freelancers, creators, and contractors to create a virtual USD account to receive foreign payments easily.
    • Katwig & Dale advises and aids individuals and organisations in understanding the fast-growing digital world.
    • Paystack equips businesses with a secure and easy way to manage transactions and payments via websites or mobile apps.

    Speakers for DevFest Lagos 2023:

    Over the course of the two-day event at the Landmark event centre and in a bid to further encourage more people to show interest in the ever-growing eco-system, the following people who are leading experts and industry leaders in different fields have been unveiled as speakers at the event:

    • Adewale Abati, Staff Developer Advocate TBD 
    • Adora Nwodo, Founder, Nexascale
    • Laju Etchie, Crowdsource Community Manager (SSA)
    • Karen Chukwu, Founder, Managing Partner, Katwig & Dale
    • Aniedi Udo-Obong, Google Program Manager
    • Idris Olubisi, Developer Advocate, Axelar
    • Goodness Kayode, Co-founder, CEO, SendChamp
    • Uzoamaka Daniel, Product Designer Interswitch Group, Founder, UX Resource Hub
    • Jesutoni Aderibigbe, Mobile Engineer, BetterDrive
    • Love Otudor, Android Developer and Technical Writer
    • Olushola Oladeji, Product Lead, Theoverse
    • Oluwakorede Moshood, Head of Engineering, TradeAlly.io
    • Oluwaseyi Ajadi, Quality Assurance and Penetration Tester
    • Prosper Otemuyiwa, Co-founder Eden Life, Core Team Novu
    • Shedrack Akintayo, Community Manager, Isovalent
    • Shehu Lawal, Senior Delivery Manager, Andela 
    • Shodipo Ayomide, Engineering and Developer Relations Leader
    • Sodiq Akinjobi, Program Manager Google SSA. 
    • Tolulade Ademisoye, Founder Reispar Technologies, Machine Learning Engineer
    • Yusuf Adeyemo, Senior DevOps Consultant, Forth Vending, Thailand

    Many tech enthusiasts and seasoned professionals often struggle to find a space where like minds easily meet to exchange knowledge and ideas which can bring about growth and also shape the direction of their careers in future; DevFest Lagos is focused on providing answers to these challenges while providing a networking platform for many to sell themselves and connect with better opportunities.

    Do not miss out on this edition. For more information, visit devfestlagos.com today!

  • Over 250 Industry Pioneers Ignite Tech Conversation at the Inaugural DICE 2023 Tech Mixer Event

    Lagos, Nigeria – November 20, 2023 – Over 250 leaders from technology and creative industries across Africa gathered at the D.I.C.E (Digital Innovation & Creative Excellence) mixer on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Under the theme “Solve for Africa: Co-Creating a Tech-Enabled Future,” this event marked a pivotal moment for cross-sector collaboration, bringing together a diverse group of professionals including startups, big tech firms, policymakers, NGOs, and media to engage in transformative dialogues shaping the future of technology in Africa.

    Organised by Beyond Limits Africa, the DICE mixer facilitated insightful discussions led by a lineup of distinguished speakers. 

    L-R Amal Hassan, founder and CEO, Outsource Global; Kola Aina, General Partner at Ventures Platform
    and Chairman of the Board at the Lagos Angel Network, Funke Opeke, Founder of MainStreet
    Technologies (MainOne); and Juliet Ehimuan, founder of Beyond Limits Africa.

    Industry veterans like Funke Opeke, Kola Aina, and Amal Hassan Wada, alongside creative influencers such as Tomike Adeoye, Miss Techy, and Broda Shaggi; and startup leaders including Iyin Aboyeji, Damilola Olokesusi, and Solape Akinpelu, converged to share their perspectives and insights. The event also featured interactive segments like Ask-Me-Anythings and panel discussions, fostering a space for open dialogue and forward-thinking ideas.

    L-R Solape Akinpelu, CEO of HerVest; Damilola Olokesusi, CEO of Shuttlers; Iyin Aboyeji, CEO and
    General Partner at the Fund For Africa’s Future; Oyin Solebo, MD of the Arm Labs Lagos Techstars
    Accelerator; and Juliet Ehimuan; founder of Beyond Limits Africa

    Amidst a backdrop of rapid digital transformation, Africa stands at the cusp of a technological renaissance. With over 400 million internet users and a burgeoning startup ecosystem that raised over $4 billion in 2021 alone, the continent is ripe for an era of unprecedented innovation. DICE 2023 embodies the spirit of this transformation, recognizing the immense opportunities that arise from harnessing collective expertise and collaboration. Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, founder of Beyond Limits Africa and a notable figure in the tech industry, underlines the importance of such a platform:, “In a continent brimming with talent and innovation, platforms like DICE are essential in knitting together diverse perspectives to unlock Africa’s full potential.”

    Dr. Ehimuan further elaborates on the event’s impact: “DICE 2023 has set a new standard for tech and creative industry collaborations. The insights shared here are instrumental in shaping a unified vision for Africa’s technological advancement. Our goal was to spark meaningful connections and ideas that transcend beyond this event, laying the groundwork for increased collaborations that contribute to accelerating a tech-enabled future across the continent.”

    The event’s success was marked by the enthusiastic engagement of attendees, reflecting the readiness of Africa’s tech community to embrace innovation and collaborative efforts. Participants engaged in lively discussions, networking sessions, and explored potential partnerships, underscoring the importance of collective effort in driving Africa’s digital transformation.

    Looking forward, the DICE mixer stands as a beacon for similar future initiatives that aim to unify, inspire, and accelerate the growth of Africa’s tech and creative sectors. Interested stakeholders from diverse industries are encouraged to join the upcoming edition of DICE, scheduled for early 2023.

    For further insights and updates on DICE 2023 and upcoming events, stay connected with Beyond Limits Africa through their social media channels @beyondlimitsafrica or via email at dice@beyondlimitsafrica.com.


  • iPhone 15 Officially Launched In Nigeria

    Apple Authorised Reseller stores in Nigeria – iConnect , Slot, Glo World , Casper Gadgets , SPAR , Reena’s , Royalline , Doe Resources , Pointek , Finet , Kolia Angels, iMate and Rewjido , powered by Redington, now offer iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus with a gorgeous new design and a powerful 48MP Main camera with a new 2x Telephoto option, A16 Bionic chip, and USB-C; iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple’s lightest Pro models ever, with a strong and lightweight titanium design, powerful camera upgrades including a more advanced 48MP Main camera system, A17 Pro, and USB-C. Customers are now able to buy the iPhone 15 lineup beginning 20th of October 2023. For complete pricing and availability details, please visit https://mea.redingtongroup.com/ng/apple/

  • Klasha acquires MSB license to operate in the United States

    Klasha, a leading global cross-border payments company, is thrilled to announce that it has been granted a Money Services Business (MSB) license by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This license authorizes Klasha to operate as a currency exchange and money transmitter in the United States.

    With this MSB license, Klasha can now offer its innovative cross-border payment solutions and financial services to businesses in the United States that want to send and accept cross-border payments from Africa and carry out foreign exchange services and international money transfers with ease and security.

    “We are thrilled to have obtained the MSB license from FinCen as it grants us access to additional international markets, allowing businesses in the United States to utilize our cross-border payment solutions,” said Jess Anuna, CEO of Klasha. “This milestone represents a significant step in our mission to streamless cross-border payments and remittances between Africa and the rest of the world.’’

    Founded in 2021, Klasha is licensed to provide cross-border payment services in six African countries, Canada, the UK, and now the US. Klasha has been at the forefront of delivering cross-border payment solutions in Africa and offers global businesses that want to scale into Africa a suite of seamless cross-border payment solutions to do so.

    About Klasha

    Klasha was launched in 2021 and is a technology company that powers African payments for global companies to sell cross-border online to millions of African customers. With Klasha’s payables and receivables solutions, businesses can send money from Africa offshore in African currencies using African money methods, and global businesses can accept payments online from the continent in African currencies to allow frictionless movement of payments between Africa and the rest of the world. Klasha is backed by American Express, Greycroft, Seedcamp and Global Ventures. 

    For more information about Klasha and its payment services, visit their website at klasha.com. 

    For media inquiries, contact press@klasha.com