Author: Akin Naphtal

Gillian Darko has joined Circle as Vice President, Head of Africa, taking on responsibility for the company’s regional strategy and expansion across the continent. In the role, she will lead market expansion, regulatory engagement, institutional distribution and strategic partnerships as Circle continues to build infrastructure for the frictionless exchange of value through secure, programmable digital currency. Announcing the appointment on her official LinkedIn page, Darko said: “I’m more than thrilled to announce that I’ve joined Circle as Vice President, Head of Africa. For those who have followed my journey, especially through my work at Yellow Card, you’ll know: I love…

Technology executive Adio Azeez has assumed the role of Group Head of Technology at PiggyVest, bringing extensive experience in software engineering, infrastructure management, fintech integrations and technology leadership to the position. Azeez announced his appointment in a professional update, expressing excitement about taking on the new responsibility at the Nigerian fintech company. He will lead Engineering, Infrastructure, Core Banking and Technical Support, reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In his new role, Azeez will be responsible for translating the company’s technology strategy into actionable delivery plans, overseeing application development, software architecture, infrastructure reliability and core banking integrations. His…

Liquid C2, a business of global technology leader Cassava Technologies, has announced a strategic partnership between its Cloudmania business and Google Cloud in Kenya, giving local technology partners direct access to Google Cloud solutions, skills development and routes to market. The partnership is aimed at resellers, managed service providers (MSPs) and system integrators, who will gain access to Google Cloud’s portfolio along with training and capacity-building opportunities. What it means for Kenyan businessesFor businesses, the partnership means a wider range of cloud services and greater access to local expertise, helping them adopt new technologies faster and align cloud investment with…

The GSMA has re-elected Bharti Airtel Executive Vice Chairman Gopal Vittal as Board Chair for another term, extending his leadership of the global mobile industry association through December 2028. The decision forms part of the organisation’s new 2027–2028 Board appointments, which also see Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle elected as co-Deputy Chair alongside the re-elected Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN Group. As Chair, Vittal will oversee the strategic direction of the GSMA, which represents mobile operators and companies across the global mobile ecosystem. He said he was honoured to be re-elected and highlighted the growing role of advanced networks,…

Mastercard, uwallet and Jordan Post Company have launched BareedPay, a co-branded card programme designed to expand access to secure and convenient digital payments across Jordan. The initiative supports the country’s digital transformation efforts, with a focus on improving financial access for underserved communities, small businesses and expatriates. Through the partnership, Jordan Post Company, powered by uwallet, will provide cardholders with digital payment options for everyday transactions, including online shopping, government payments and bill settlements. The programme will also support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and merchants, while offering prepaid and multi-currency payment products, as well as domestic and cross-border money…

Safaricom is positioning M-PESA for a broader role in financial and technology services, with plans to expand into investments, wealth management, merchant solutions and AI-powered digital services. Speaking in an interview with CNN journalist Victoria Rubadiri, CEO Peter Ndegwa outlined how the company intends to use its existing platforms to serve consumers and businesses beyond traditional telecommunications. Since becoming CEO on 1 April 2020, Ndegwa identified the expansion of M-PESA beyond payments, Safaricom’s entry into Ethiopia and wider 4G coverage as some of the major decisions shaping the company’s direction. The strategy will give M-PESA customers access to more financial…

Scancom PLC, which operates as MTN Ghana, has reported a 33.5% year-on-year increase in service revenue to GHS23.2 billion for the nine months ended 30 September 2026, driven by growth in its connectivity and fintech businesses. Third-quarter service revenue rose 35.7% to GHS8.2 billion. Approved by the Board on 28 October 2026, the results combine figures for Scancom PLC and its separated fintech subsidiary, MobileMoney Fintech Limited (MMFL), for illustrative purposes and do not constitute consolidated financial statements. Profit after tax increased by 43.0% to GHS7.8 billion, while profit before tax rose 47.0% to GHS11.4 billion. Earnings per share grew…

Airtel Africa plc has reported strong financial and operational performance for the half year ended 30 September 2026, with reported revenue increasing by 28.2% to $3.823 billion. Revenue growth in constant currency reached 20.8%, reflecting sustained demand for mobile data and financial services across its 14 African markets. The Group’s total customer base expanded by 11.6% to 193.9 million, while data customers increased by 15% to 89.9 million and mobile money customers grew by 22.4% to 60.9 million. Smartphone penetration reached 51.6%, with average data usage rising to 13.3GB per smartphone customer from 10.1GB. Data average revenue per user (ARPU)…

Luno, the global cryptocurrency and investment platform founded in Africa, is using MoneyHash’s payment infrastructure to simplify payment management and support its continued expansion across markets. The partnership aims to reduce payment complexity while improving transaction performance and customer experience. As Luno expanded, managing more than 25 payment provider and local bank connections created additional demands on its engineering and payments teams. Maintaining these integrations consumed time and resources that could otherwise be dedicated to developing core products and improving customer experience. Through MoneyHash, Luno has consolidated its payment connections into a more centralised system, making it easier to introduce…

Honourable Felix Mutati has been appointed Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, a development welcomed by MTN Zambia as the country continues to advance its digital transformation and technological development. In a congratulatory message shared on LinkedIn, the Board of Directors and staff of MTN Zambia extended their best wishes to Mutati as he assumes the national responsibility, expressing confidence in his new role. The telecommunications company wished the minister success in his new position and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in advancing Zambia’s digital ambitions and strengthening its technology sector. MTN Zambia also expressed its readiness to maintain…