#African Telecom

[samyupatnana]

African MNO Witnesses 8% Drop in Customer Churn

The client, a major player in the African 4G LTE market, offers a range of services including broadband, VoIP, FTTH & FTTE. They aim to improve customer experience and control churn by migrating to a digital platform that supports converged charging and real-time billing.

The Csmart platform enables multi-service offerings from a single platform. This has simplified service management and improved service delivery. It has also allowed us to offer a wider range of services, catering to the diverse needs of our customers.

8-Percentage-Drop-in-customer-churn-Rate- for-African-MNO-V3 copy (csmart.digital)

[readingsquotes]

"When the chief prosecutor of the international criminal court (ICC) announced he was seeking arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders, he issued a cryptic warning: “I insist that all attempts to impede, intimidate or improperly influence the officials of this court must cease immediately.”

...Now, an investigation by the Guardian and the Israeli-based magazines +972 and Local Call can reveal how Israel has run an almost decade-long secret “war” against the court. The country deployed its intelligence agencies to surveil, hack, pressure, smear and allegedly threaten senior ICC staff in an effort to derail the court’s inquiries.

Israeli intelligence captured the communications of numerous ICC officials, including Khan and his predecessor as prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, intercepting phone calls, messages, emails and documents.

..

Since it was established in 2002, the ICC has served as a permanent court of last resort for the prosecution of individuals accused of some of the world’s worst atrocities. It has charged the former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, the late Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi and most recently, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

Khan’s decision to seek warrants against Netanyahu and his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, along with Hamas leaders implicated in the 7 October attack, marks the first time an ICC prosecutor has sought arrest warrants against the leader of a close western ally.

The allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity that Khan has levelled against Netanyahu and Gallant all relate to Israel’s eight-month war in Gaza, which according to the territory’s health authority has killed more than 35,000 people.

...

Hacked emails and monitored calls

Five sources familiar with Israel’s intelligence activities said it routinely spied on the phone calls made by Bensouda and her staff with Palestinians. Blocked by Israel from accessing Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the ICC was forced to conduct much of its research by telephone, which made it more susceptible to surveillance.

Thanks to their comprehensive access to Palestinian telecoms infrastructure, the sources said, intelligence operatives could capture the calls without installing spyware on the ICC official’s devices.

“If Fatou Bensouda spoke to any person in the West Bank or Gaza, then that phone call would enter [intercept] systems,” one source said. Another said there was no hesitation internally over spying on the prosecutor, adding: “With Bensouda, she’s black and African, so who cares?”. ......

One of the sources said the Shin Bet even installed Pegasus spyware, developed by the private-sector NSO Group, on the phones of multiple Palestinian NGO employees, as well as two senior Palestinian Authority officials.

Keeping tabs on the Palestinian submissions to the ICC’s inquiry was viewed as part of the Shin Bet’s mandate, but some army officials were concerned that spying on a foreign civilian entity crossed a line, as it had little to do with military operations.

“It has nothing to do with Hamas, it has nothing to do with stability in the West Bank,” one military source said of the ICC surveillance. Another added: “We used our resources to spy on Fatou Bensouda – this isn’t something legitimate to do as military intelligence.”

...

Three sources briefed on Cohen’s activities said they understood the spy chief had tried to recruit Bensouda into complying with Israel’s demands during the period in which she was waiting for a ruling from the pre-trial chamber.

They said he became more threatening after he began to realise the prosecutor would not be persuaded to abandon the investigation. At one stage, Cohen is said to have made comments about Bensouda’s security and thinly veiled threats about the consequences for her career if she proceeded.

[newsbites]

News from Africa, 19 June

Hage Geingob will host Danish PM Mette Frederiksen and Dutch PM Mark Rutte today in Namibia. Green hydrogen will reportedly be among the subjects discussed.

2. Namibia's proposed visa exemption for Chinese nationals is a bilateral agreement that would benefit both countries, according to China's ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping.

Some Namibian politicians have objected to the proposal, with opposition leader McHenry Venaani claiming it is a "hoodwinking process" for Chinese prisoners to come to the country, and aspiring presidential candidate Job Amupanda alleging that it involves a deal between the ruling party and China to garner support for next year's elections.

The proposed agreement's main goal is to attract Chinese tourists and help Namibia become competitive again after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Namibia's minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Albert Kawana.

3. Angola and Zambia signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in information technology, including digital transformation, AI, and space technology.

The agreement includes the establishment of direct cross-border optical fibre backbone connectivity between the two countries, scheduled to happen this month.

The collaboration is expected to help improve the regulation of the Angolan and Zambian telecom markets and lead to improved coverage and quality of ICT services provided in both countries.

4. Namibia is embarking on a journey of digital transformation to modernize various aspects of the country's life.

The Department of Home Affairs, Immigration and Security recently announced the successful implementation of an online passport application system, a major step towards delivering home affairs government services through digital channels. Namibia is partnering with Estonia to bring government services online and gradually prepare citizens for the transformation ahead. The Vice Minister of ICT recognizes the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) for African technology spaces, but stresses the need for a clear roadmap or strategy to ensure that solutions developed in Africa fit the lifestyle on the continent.

5. Nigeria has 71 million people living in extreme poverty and 133 million people are classified as multidimensionally poor, according to 2023 data from the World Poverty Clock and the National Bureau of Statistics.

6. The Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate to safeguard the dollar-rand peg and contain inflationary pressures, but this will severely impact consumers who rely on debt to survive.

The governor expressed empathy for people losing their homes due to rising debt costs, and urged the nation to find better solutions to keep more Namibians in their homes while maintaining financial stability.

7. The fighting in Sudan has caused a surge in refugees fleeing to South Sudan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The UN has called for $253 million in funding to respond to the crisis, but donations have been slow to come in.

The lack of resources and funding has led to inadequate food, water, and sanitation facilities in transit camps, resulting in malnutrition, disease, and preventable deaths.

[samevansjack]

How Starlink is Disrupting the Kenyan Telecom Market: A Closer Look

Starlink, the satellite internet service launched by SpaceX, is making waves globally and has begun disrupting the telecommunications market in countries like Kenya. Here’s how Starlink’s entrance into the Kenyan market is impacting local operators like Safaricom and others: Expanded Internet Access Kenya, like many other African nations, faces significant challenges in providing consistent and…

[ariatelecomsolutions]

SIP to PRI Gateway in South Africa

In South Africa, the telecommunication industry is experiencing significant transformation as businesses shift from traditional systems to more modern and cost-effective solutions. A key player in this evolution is the SIP to PRI Gateway, a device that seamlessly connects legacy PRI (Primary Rate Interface) lines to SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)-based networks. This gateway is essential for businesses that want to leverage the advantages of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) while still maintaining their existing PRI infrastructure.

The primary benefit of using a SIP to PRI Gateway in South Africa is the reduction in communication costs. By converting PRI lines to SIP, businesses can take advantage of lower call rates, especially for long-distance and international calls. Moreover, SIP-based systems offer greater flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to add or remove lines as needed without significant investment in new hardware.

In South Africa, where businesses often face challenges related to connectivity and infrastructure, the SIP to PRI Gateway provides a reliable solution. It ensures that communication remains uninterrupted even when transitioning from old to new systems. Additionally, these gateways are compatible with various telecom providers, making it easier for businesses to switch providers or negotiate better rates without worrying about compatibility issues.

Security is another critical aspect of the SIP to PRI Gateway. In South Africa, where cybersecurity threats are on the rise, these gateways offer robust security features, including encryption and authentication, to protect sensitive communication data. This is particularly important for businesses that handle confidential information or operate in regulated industries.

In summary, the SIP to PRI Gateway is a vital tool for South African businesses looking to modernize their communication systems. It offers cost savings, flexibility, reliability, and security, making it an essential investment for any business aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market.

[technologycompanynews]

Fintech: The digital key to spotting new markets - Journal Important Online - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/fintech-the-digital-key-to-spotting-new-markets/?feed_id=156475&_unique_id=66b199e6a9df3 This article was contributed to TechCabal by Leila Rwagasana.Fintech, the fusion of finance and technology, is revolutionising financial services globally, particularly in emerging and developing countries. From ancient Greece’s minted coins to Persia’s invention of cheques and, more recently, the deployment of ATMs and digital transactions, financial tools have always aimed to facilitate economic growth and societal development. Today’s digital technology ought to make financial services even more inclusive.A prime example of fintech’s transformative power is M-Pesa in Kenya. Launched in 2007 as a mobile money service for airtime transfer, M-Pesa quickly expanded into a comprehensive financial tool. By 2021, M-Pesa’s transactions accounted for 87% of Kenya’s GDP, lifting 2% of households above the poverty line.The evolution of financial tools has always aimed to facilitate the exchange of goods and services, stimulating financial inclusivity and furthering societal development. Societies with advanced financial systems tend to prosper, as more inclusive financial transactions lead to higher incomes, increased demand, and innovation. Conversely, societies with restricted financial access stagnate and struggle to achieve economic growth. This pattern is particularly evident in emerging and developing countries, where financial inclusion remains a critical challenge. Post-independence, Africa’s financial systems remained unchanged, still designed to serve colonial interests. This left most of the population excluded from mainstream financial services. By the 1970s, about 90% of Africans were unbanked, and today, 52% remain without banking access, conducting 90% of transactions in cash. This exclusion hinders economic growth and development.Fintech, however, can turn things around. After the 2008 financial crisis, traditional banks became more conservative, and digital innovations emerged. With the internet and mobile technology expansion, fintech companies have filled the gaps left by traditional banks. Platforms like M-Pesa enable people to pay bills, transfer money, and purchase goods using their mobile phones, demonstrating fintech’s potential to drive financial inclusion and economic growth.Fintech operates without traditional banking infrastructure. It requires no physical branches, cards, or chequebooks—only a smartphone and telecom ecosystem. This simplicity has allowed fintechs to thrive in regions with limited banking infrastructure. In Kenya, for example, M-Pesa expanded financial access from 26% to 83% of the population between 2006 and 2021, showcasing the potential for inclusive financial systems. Fintech also supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to developing economies but often face barriers to traditional financial services. Fintech platforms give SMEs access to loans, enabling them to expand operations and contribute to economic growth. Digital-only banks like South Africa’s TymeBank and Nigeria’s Kuda offer services at a fraction of traditional banking costs, democratising financial access and empowering entrepreneurs.Fortunately, or not, the COVID-19 pandemic’s strain on the economy accelerated the adoption of digital banking. African banks now collaborate with fintech startups to offer a broader range of financial products, catering to a tech-savvy population. With mobile phones accounting for about 75% of all online traffic in Africa, digital platforms are increasingly designed for mobile users, driving innovation and expanding access to financial services.Fitech is also promoting gender equality by providing women with access to financial services. Women, who often manage SMEs and agricultural activities, face significant barriers in traditional banking. In Rwanda, the

recent FinScope report highlights this progress, showing that women’s access to formal and non-formal financial services (including fintechs) has increased significantly from 73% in 2020 to 90% in 2024. This demonstrates the pivotal role of fintech in bridging the gender gap and empowering women economically.Fintech apps used by cooperatives and mutual support groups empower women by facilitating access to loans and other financial services. Studies show that companies with more female employees perform better financially, underscoring the importance of gender-inclusive financial systems. In Africa, where 40% of SMEs are female-owned, fintech is closing the funding gap and enabling women to contribute more effectively to economic growth.The inaugural Inclusive FinTech Forum in Kigali, a global platform for financial inclusion and fintech co-organised by the National Bank of Rwanda, Elevandi, and the Kigali International Finance Centre, further showed fintech’s transformative potential in Africa. With nearly 3,000 attendees from 65 countries, the forum emphasised shared experiences and best practices driving financial inclusion and sustainable development. The presence of high-profile participants, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, underscored the significance of fintech in shaping Africa’s economic future.Additionally, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) promises to boost intra-African trade, and the fintech-based Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a significant step in this direction. Harmonising national payment systems will facilitate seamless trade transactions across the continent, enhancing economic integration and growth.Fintech also reduces technological inequality between advanced and developing nations. A McKinsey study shows that between 2020 and 2021, nearly half of Africa’s 5,200 tech startups were involved in disrupting or augmenting traditional financial services. Fintech is expected to grow by 19% annually through 2025, reaching a valuation of $150 billion. This growth is driven by increasing smartphone ownership, declining internet costs, expanded network coverage, and Africa’s young population, which is well-versed in the digital world.Fintech represents a significant milestone in the history of financial technology. By breaking down traditional barriers and opening financial services to the masses, fintech can drive unprecedented economic growth and prosperity in Africa and other emerging markets. Embracing this digital revolution offers a more equitable and prosperous future for all.—Leila is the FinTech Lead at Rwanda Finance Limited. She is a business development and partnerships professional with 10 years of work experience in Rwanda and across Africa.Digital Products Get the best African tech newsletters in your inbox“Fintech is revolutionising African finance, from mobile money services lifting households out of poverty to digital banks democratising access for millions…”Source Link: https://techcabal.com/2024/08/05/fintech-the-digital-key-to-spotting-new-markets/ http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/g4e4724507474ebdc2611c8337391f890ea6f13df50f5a3696c15e15cc24e5ca4d7a98d9d9ca897682609788d73b0367b03d.jpeg BLOGGER - #GLOBAL This article was contributed to TechCabal by Leila Rwagasana. Fintech, the fusion of finance and technology, is revolutionising financial services globally, particularly in emerging and developing countries. From ancient Greece’s minted coins to Persia’s invention of cheques and, more recently, the deployment of ATMs and digital transactions, financial tools have always aimed to facilitate economic … Read More

[onlinecompanynews]

Fintech: The digital key to spotting new markets - Journal Important Online https://www.merchant-business.com/fintech-the-digital-key-to-spotting-new-markets/?feed_id=156474&_unique_id=66b198d02d59c This article was contributed to Tec... BLOGGER - #GLOBAL This article was contributed to TechCabal by Leila Rwagasana.Fintech, the fusion of finance and technology, is revolutionising financial services globally, particularly in emerging and developing countries. From ancient Greece’s minted coins to Persia’s invention of cheques and, more recently, the deployment of ATMs and digital transactions, financial tools have always aimed to facilitate economic growth and societal development. Today’s digital technology ought to make financial services even more inclusive.A prime example of fintech’s transformative power is M-Pesa in Kenya. Launched in 2007 as a mobile money service for airtime transfer, M-Pesa quickly expanded into a comprehensive financial tool. By 2021, M-Pesa’s transactions accounted for 87% of Kenya’s GDP, lifting 2% of households above the poverty line.The evolution of financial tools has always aimed to facilitate the exchange of goods and services, stimulating financial inclusivity and furthering societal development. Societies with advanced financial systems tend to prosper, as more inclusive financial transactions lead to higher incomes, increased demand, and innovation. Conversely, societies with restricted financial access stagnate and struggle to achieve economic growth. This pattern is particularly evident in emerging and developing countries, where financial inclusion remains a critical challenge. Post-independence, Africa’s financial systems remained unchanged, still designed to serve colonial interests. This left most of the population excluded from mainstream financial services. By the 1970s, about 90% of Africans were unbanked, and today, 52% remain without banking access, conducting 90% of transactions in cash. This exclusion hinders economic growth and development.Fintech, however, can turn things around. After the 2008 financial crisis, traditional banks became more conservative, and digital innovations emerged. With the internet and mobile technology expansion, fintech companies have filled the gaps left by traditional banks. Platforms like M-Pesa enable people to pay bills, transfer money, and purchase goods using their mobile phones, demonstrating fintech’s potential to drive financial inclusion and economic growth.Fintech operates without traditional banking infrastructure. It requires no physical branches, cards, or chequebooks—only a smartphone and telecom ecosystem. This simplicity has allowed fintechs to thrive in regions with limited banking infrastructure. In Kenya, for example, M-Pesa expanded financial access from 26% to 83% of the population between 2006 and 2021, showcasing the potential for inclusive financial systems. Fintech also supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to developing economies but often face barriers to traditional financial services. Fintech platforms give SMEs access to loans, enabling them to expand operations and contribute to economic growth. Digital-only banks like South Africa’s TymeBank and Nigeria’s Kuda offer services at a fraction of traditional banking costs, democratising financial access and empowering entrepreneurs.Fortunately, or not, the COVID-19 pandemic’s strain on the economy accelerated the adoption of digital banking. African banks now collaborate with fintech startups to offer a broader range of financial products, catering to a tech-savvy population. With mobile phones accounting for about 75% of all online traffic in Africa, digital platforms are increasingly designed for mobile users, driving innovation and expanding access to financial services.Fitech is also promoting gender equality by providing women with access to financial services. Women, who often manage SMEs and agricultural activities, face significant barriers in traditional banking.

In Rwanda, the recent FinScope report highlights this progress, showing that women’s access to formal and non-formal financial services (including fintechs) has increased significantly from 73% in 2020 to 90% in 2024. This demonstrates the pivotal role of fintech in bridging the gender gap and empowering women economically.Fintech apps used by cooperatives and mutual support groups empower women by facilitating access to loans and other financial services. Studies show that companies with more female employees perform better financially, underscoring the importance of gender-inclusive financial systems. In Africa, where 40% of SMEs are female-owned, fintech is closing the funding gap and enabling women to contribute more effectively to economic growth.The inaugural Inclusive FinTech Forum in Kigali, a global platform for financial inclusion and fintech co-organised by the National Bank of Rwanda, Elevandi, and the Kigali International Finance Centre, further showed fintech’s transformative potential in Africa. With nearly 3,000 attendees from 65 countries, the forum emphasised shared experiences and best practices driving financial inclusion and sustainable development. The presence of high-profile participants, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, underscored the significance of fintech in shaping Africa’s economic future.Additionally, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) promises to boost intra-African trade, and the fintech-based Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a significant step in this direction. Harmonising national payment systems will facilitate seamless trade transactions across the continent, enhancing economic integration and growth.Fintech also reduces technological inequality between advanced and developing nations. A McKinsey study shows that between 2020 and 2021, nearly half of Africa’s 5,200 tech startups were involved in disrupting or augmenting traditional financial services. Fintech is expected to grow by 19% annually through 2025, reaching a valuation of $150 billion. This growth is driven by increasing smartphone ownership, declining internet costs, expanded network coverage, and Africa’s young population, which is well-versed in the digital world.Fintech represents a significant milestone in the history of financial technology. By breaking down traditional barriers and opening financial services to the masses, fintech can drive unprecedented economic growth and prosperity in Africa and other emerging markets. Embracing this digital revolution offers a more equitable and prosperous future for all.—Leila is the FinTech Lead at Rwanda Finance Limited. She is a business development and partnerships professional with 10 years of work experience in Rwanda and across Africa.Digital Products Get the best African tech newsletters in your inbox“Fintech is revolutionising African finance, from mobile money services lifting households out of poverty to digital banks democratising access for millions…”Source Link: https://techcabal.com/2024/08/05/fintech-the-digital-key-to-spotting-new-markets/ http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/g4e4724507474ebdc2611c8337391f890ea6f13df50f5a3696c15e15cc24e5ca4d7a98d9d9ca897682609788d73b0367b03d.jpeg #GLOBAL - BLOGGER This article was contributed to TechCabal by Leila Rwagasana. Fintech, the fusion of finance and technology, is revolutionising financial services globally, particularly in emerging and developing countries. From ancient Greece’s minted coins to Persia’s invention of cheques and, more recently, the deployment of ATMs and digital transactions, financial tools have always aimed to facilitate economic … Read More

[samyupatnana]

Churn Rate Decreases by 8% for African MNO

Our client, a major African 4G LTE operator, offers both pre-paid and post-paid models of broadband, VoIP, FTTH & FTTE services. Their objective is to improve customer experience by transitioning to an end-to-end digital platform.

The integration of multiple network elements across wired and wireless networks was made possible through our microservices-based Open API layer. This has significantly enhanced the functionality and interoperability of the Csmart platform. It has also allowed for a more flexible and scalable system, capable of adapting to changing business needs and technological advancements.

8-Percentage-Drop-in-customer-churn-Rate- for-African-MNO-V3 copy (csmart.digital)

[formidablecompanynews]

Fintech: The digital key to spotting new markets - Journal Important Online https://www.merchant-business.com/fintech-the-digital-key-to-spotting-new-markets/?feed_id=156472&_unique_id=66b198ce518d5 #GLOBAL - BLOGGER BLOGGER This article was contributed to TechCabal by Leila Rwagasana.Fintech, the fusion of finance and technology, is revolutionising financial services globally, particularly in emerging and developing countries. From ancient Greece’s minted coins to Persia’s invention of cheques and, more recently, the deployment of ATMs and digital transactions, financial tools have always aimed to facilitate economic growth and societal development. Today’s digital technology ought to make financial services even more inclusive.A prime example of fintech’s transformative power is M-Pesa in Kenya. Launched in 2007 as a mobile money service for airtime transfer, M-Pesa quickly expanded into a comprehensive financial tool. By 2021, M-Pesa’s transactions accounted for 87% of Kenya’s GDP, lifting 2% of households above the poverty line.The evolution of financial tools has always aimed to facilitate the exchange of goods and services, stimulating financial inclusivity and furthering societal development. Societies with advanced financial systems tend to prosper, as more inclusive financial transactions lead to higher incomes, increased demand, and innovation. Conversely, societies with restricted financial access stagnate and struggle to achieve economic growth. This pattern is particularly evident in emerging and developing countries, where financial inclusion remains a critical challenge. Post-independence, Africa’s financial systems remained unchanged, still designed to serve colonial interests. This left most of the population excluded from mainstream financial services. By the 1970s, about 90% of Africans were unbanked, and today, 52% remain without banking access, conducting 90% of transactions in cash. This exclusion hinders economic growth and development.Fintech, however, can turn things around. After the 2008 financial crisis, traditional banks became more conservative, and digital innovations emerged. With the internet and mobile technology expansion, fintech companies have filled the gaps left by traditional banks. Platforms like M-Pesa enable people to pay bills, transfer money, and purchase goods using their mobile phones, demonstrating fintech’s potential to drive financial inclusion and economic growth.Fintech operates without traditional banking infrastructure. It requires no physical branches, cards, or chequebooks—only a smartphone and telecom ecosystem. This simplicity has allowed fintechs to thrive in regions with limited banking infrastructure. In Kenya, for example, M-Pesa expanded financial access from 26% to 83% of the population between 2006 and 2021, showcasing the potential for inclusive financial systems. Fintech also supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to developing economies but often face barriers to traditional financial services. Fintech platforms give SMEs access to loans, enabling them to expand operations and contribute to economic growth. Digital-only banks like South Africa’s TymeBank and Nigeria’s Kuda offer services at a fraction of traditional banking costs, democratising financial access and empowering entrepreneurs.Fortunately, or not, the COVID-19 pandemic’s strain on the economy accelerated the adoption of digital banking. African banks now collaborate with fintech startups to offer a broader range of financial products, catering to a tech-savvy population. With mobile phones accounting for about 75% of all online traffic in Africa, digital platforms are increasingly designed for mobile users, driving innovation and expanding access to financial services.Fitech is also promoting gender equality by providing women with access to financial services. Women, who often manage SMEs and agricultural activities, face significant barriers in traditional banking.

In Rwanda, the recent FinScope report highlights this progress, showing that women’s access to formal and non-formal financial services (including fintechs) has increased significantly from 73% in 2020 to 90% in 2024. This demonstrates the pivotal role of fintech in bridging the gender gap and empowering women economically.Fintech apps used by cooperatives and mutual support groups empower women by facilitating access to loans and other financial services. Studies show that companies with more female employees perform better financially, underscoring the importance of gender-inclusive financial systems. In Africa, where 40% of SMEs are female-owned, fintech is closing the funding gap and enabling women to contribute more effectively to economic growth.The inaugural Inclusive FinTech Forum in Kigali, a global platform for financial inclusion and fintech co-organised by the National Bank of Rwanda, Elevandi, and the Kigali International Finance Centre, further showed fintech’s transformative potential in Africa. With nearly 3,000 attendees from 65 countries, the forum emphasised shared experiences and best practices driving financial inclusion and sustainable development. The presence of high-profile participants, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, underscored the significance of fintech in shaping Africa’s economic future.Additionally, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) promises to boost intra-African trade, and the fintech-based Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a significant step in this direction. Harmonising national payment systems will facilitate seamless trade transactions across the continent, enhancing economic integration and growth.Fintech also reduces technological inequality between advanced and developing nations. A McKinsey study shows that between 2020 and 2021, nearly half of Africa’s 5,200 tech startups were involved in disrupting or augmenting traditional financial services. Fintech is expected to grow by 19% annually through 2025, reaching a valuation of $150 billion. This growth is driven by increasing smartphone ownership, declining internet costs, expanded network coverage, and Africa’s young population, which is well-versed in the digital world.Fintech represents a significant milestone in the history of financial technology. By breaking down traditional barriers and opening financial services to the masses, fintech can drive unprecedented economic growth and prosperity in Africa and other emerging markets. Embracing this digital revolution offers a more equitable and prosperous future for all.—Leila is the FinTech Lead at Rwanda Finance Limited. She is a business development and partnerships professional with 10 years of work experience in Rwanda and across Africa.Digital Products Get the best African tech newsletters in your inbox“Fintech is revolutionising African finance, from mobile money services lifting households out of poverty to digital banks democratising access for millions…”Source Link: https://techcabal.com/2024/08/05/fintech-the-digital-key-to-spotting-new-markets/ http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/g4e4724507474ebdc2611c8337391f890ea6f13df50f5a3696c15e15cc24e5ca4d7a98d9d9ca897682609788d73b0367b03d.jpeg This article was contributed to TechCabal by Leila Rwagasana. Fintech, the fusion of finance and technology, is revolutionising financial services globally, particularly in emerging and developing countries. From ancient Greece’s minted coins to Persia’s invention of cheques and, more recently, the deployment of ATMs and digital transactions, financial tools have always aimed to facilitate economic … Read More

[smartcompanynewsweb]

Fintech: The digital key to spotting new markets - Journal Important Online - #GLOBAL https://www.merchant-business.com/fintech-the-digital-key-to-spotting-new-markets/?feed_id=156471&_unique_id=66b198cd5e8db This article was contributed to TechCabal by Leila Rwagasana.Fintech, the fusion of finance and technology, is revolutionising financial services globally, particularly in emerging and developing countries. From ancient Greece’s minted coins to Persia’s invention of cheques and, more recently, the deployment of ATMs and digital transactions, financial tools have always aimed to facilitate economic growth and societal development. Today’s digital technology ought to make financial services even more inclusive.A prime example of fintech’s transformative power is M-Pesa in Kenya. Launched in 2007 as a mobile money service for airtime transfer, M-Pesa quickly expanded into a comprehensive financial tool. By 2021, M-Pesa’s transactions accounted for 87% of Kenya’s GDP, lifting 2% of households above the poverty line.The evolution of financial tools has always aimed to facilitate the exchange of goods and services, stimulating financial inclusivity and furthering societal development. Societies with advanced financial systems tend to prosper, as more inclusive financial transactions lead to higher incomes, increased demand, and innovation. Conversely, societies with restricted financial access stagnate and struggle to achieve economic growth. This pattern is particularly evident in emerging and developing countries, where financial inclusion remains a critical challenge. Post-independence, Africa’s financial systems remained unchanged, still designed to serve colonial interests. This left most of the population excluded from mainstream financial services. By the 1970s, about 90% of Africans were unbanked, and today, 52% remain without banking access, conducting 90% of transactions in cash. This exclusion hinders economic growth and development.Fintech, however, can turn things around. After the 2008 financial crisis, traditional banks became more conservative, and digital innovations emerged. With the internet and mobile technology expansion, fintech companies have filled the gaps left by traditional banks. Platforms like M-Pesa enable people to pay bills, transfer money, and purchase goods using their mobile phones, demonstrating fintech’s potential to drive financial inclusion and economic growth.Fintech operates without traditional banking infrastructure. It requires no physical branches, cards, or chequebooks—only a smartphone and telecom ecosystem. This simplicity has allowed fintechs to thrive in regions with limited banking infrastructure. In Kenya, for example, M-Pesa expanded financial access from 26% to 83% of the population between 2006 and 2021, showcasing the potential for inclusive financial systems. Fintech also supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to developing economies but often face barriers to traditional financial services. Fintech platforms give SMEs access to loans, enabling them to expand operations and contribute to economic growth. Digital-only banks like South Africa’s TymeBank and Nigeria’s Kuda offer services at a fraction of traditional banking costs, democratising financial access and empowering entrepreneurs.Fortunately, or not, the COVID-19 pandemic’s strain on the economy accelerated the adoption of digital banking. African banks now collaborate with fintech startups to offer a broader range of financial products, catering to a tech-savvy population. With mobile phones accounting for about 75% of all online traffic in Africa, digital platforms are increasingly designed for mobile users, driving innovation and expanding access to financial services.Fitech is also promoting gender equality by providing women with access to financial services. Women, who often manage SMEs and agricultural activities, face significant barriers in traditional banking. In Rwanda, the

recent FinScope report highlights this progress, showing that women’s access to formal and non-formal financial services (including fintechs) has increased significantly from 73% in 2020 to 90% in 2024. This demonstrates the pivotal role of fintech in bridging the gender gap and empowering women economically.Fintech apps used by cooperatives and mutual support groups empower women by facilitating access to loans and other financial services. Studies show that companies with more female employees perform better financially, underscoring the importance of gender-inclusive financial systems. In Africa, where 40% of SMEs are female-owned, fintech is closing the funding gap and enabling women to contribute more effectively to economic growth.The inaugural Inclusive FinTech Forum in Kigali, a global platform for financial inclusion and fintech co-organised by the National Bank of Rwanda, Elevandi, and the Kigali International Finance Centre, further showed fintech’s transformative potential in Africa. With nearly 3,000 attendees from 65 countries, the forum emphasised shared experiences and best practices driving financial inclusion and sustainable development. The presence of high-profile participants, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, underscored the significance of fintech in shaping Africa’s economic future.Additionally, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) promises to boost intra-African trade, and the fintech-based Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a significant step in this direction. Harmonising national payment systems will facilitate seamless trade transactions across the continent, enhancing economic integration and growth.Fintech also reduces technological inequality between advanced and developing nations. A McKinsey study shows that between 2020 and 2021, nearly half of Africa’s 5,200 tech startups were involved in disrupting or augmenting traditional financial services. Fintech is expected to grow by 19% annually through 2025, reaching a valuation of $150 billion. This growth is driven by increasing smartphone ownership, declining internet costs, expanded network coverage, and Africa’s young population, which is well-versed in the digital world.Fintech represents a significant milestone in the history of financial technology. By breaking down traditional barriers and opening financial services to the masses, fintech can drive unprecedented economic growth and prosperity in Africa and other emerging markets. Embracing this digital revolution offers a more equitable and prosperous future for all.—Leila is the FinTech Lead at Rwanda Finance Limited. She is a business development and partnerships professional with 10 years of work experience in Rwanda and across Africa.Digital Products Get the best African tech newsletters in your inbox“Fintech is revolutionising African finance, from mobile money services lifting households out of poverty to digital banks democratising access for millions…”Source Link: https://techcabal.com/2024/08/05/fintech-the-digital-key-to-spotting-new-markets/ http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/g4e4724507474ebdc2611c8337391f890ea6f13df50f5a3696c15e15cc24e5ca4d7a98d9d9ca897682609788d73b0367b03d.jpeg BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

[lagmennet]

China & 26 African Countries Boost Digital Relations

China and 26 African countries have committed to strengthen their relations and increase digital innovation. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology hosted African participants at the Forum on China-Africa Digital Cooperation in Beijing on Monday (July 29). Senegal’s telecoms minister is looking forward to the developments that will take place during the next three…

[blueweave]

South Africa Conversational AI Market size at USD 210.0 million in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, BlueWeave expects South Africa Conversational AI Market size to expand at a CAGR of 17.9% reaching a value of USD 620.5 million by 2030. The rising need for chatbots to enhance customer service and save costs, as well as the increasing integration of computer vision and speech recognition technologies, are key driving factors for South African Conversational AI Market during the period in analysis.

Opportunity - Rising adoption of conversational AI across industries

South Africa Conversational AI Market consists of various industry segments including BFSI, retail & e-commerce, healthcare & life sciences, travel & hospitality, telecom, and media & entertainment, based on end user. The retail & e-commerce segment is witnessing the highest adoption rate of conversational AI. The sector leverages conversational AI to offer round-the-clock customer service through chatbots and virtual assistants. Conversational AI responds to frequently asked questions, product & order details, and other support that helps the retail & e-commerce sector achieve higher efficiency and increased customer satisfaction.

Sample Request @ https://www.blueweaveconsulting.com/report/south-africa-conversational-ai-market/report-sample

[nghubs1]

Obafemi Banigbe Biography, Education, Career, Controversies, And Net Worth

Obafemi Banigbe is a seasoned telecoms expert and technology business leader with extensive experience across the African telecoms landscape. In July 2024, Banigbe was appointed Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, succeeding Juergen Peschel. This latest accomplishment marks a significant milestone in his career, as he is now leading one of Nigeria’s prominent telecommunications companies through…

[samyupatnana]

A 20-Month Triumph: 12 Million Subscribers and Counting

About Client:

The client is a major player in the African telecom sector, offering voice, SMS, data, mobile money, and other integrated telecom services to 50 million subscribers across Africa.

Objective:

The client’s goal is to create a digital platform that can deliver unique digital experiences for next-gen subscribers and help them achieve their market goals. They aim to launch unique offerings and pricing models for both prepaid and post-paid services in a competitive market like Algeria.

Scalable Architecture:

We implemented a horizontally scalable architecture that supported rapid customer onboarding. This architecture enabled us to onboard 3 million customers within just 40 days of launch, demonstrating its efficiency and scalability.

Growth Through Partnership:

Our multi-level partner management strategy has allowed us to grow quickly and effectively. By working closely with our partners, we have been able to expand our reach and increase our subscriber base.

Africell Success Story - Case Study (1) (csmart.digital)

[afrotumble]

Kenya: Liquid Telecom Develops Network To Monitor, Protect Fish Ponds | ChimpReports

[goldmynetv]

Mike Adenuga’s indelible footprints on Nigeria as he celebrates 71 today Today, Monday, April 29, is the birthday of billionaire business mogul and founder of leading telecoms services provider, Globacom, Dr. Mike Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr. The highly revered and celebrated African business guru, role model and philanthropist extraordinaire was born into the noble family of late Pa…