Author: Akin Naphtal

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…

Google Play has announced the 10 independent game studios selected for the 2026 cohort of its first-ever Google Play Indie Games Fund in Africa, following an earlier call for applications backed by a $1 million commitment. The selected studios will receive a share of non-dilutive funding, alongside tailored technical guidance and one-on-one mentorship from Google Play specialists. The programme aims to help developers improve their games, achieve sustainable growth and introduce distinctive African stories and gameplay experiences to audiences worldwide. The 10 selected studios are Clockwork Acorn (South Africa), Deluxe Entertainment Studios (Nigeria), Fer Factor (Nigeria), Gazuntype Entertainment (Nigeria), Disputed…

Google Wallet, including Google Pay, is now available in Nigeria, offering Android and Wear OS users a fast, simple and secure way to make digital payments. Users can add supported cards from participating financial institutions to Google Pay and make secure, contactless payments using the “Tap to pay” feature in physical stores, apps and online, without needing to use a physical wallet at checkout. Beyond payments, Google Wallet allows users to store essential items such as loyalty cards, event tickets and boarding passes in one convenient digital location, making them easier to access when needed. READ ALSO: AIRTEL AFRICA APPOINTS…

Airtel Africa has appointed Goriola Bakare as Home Broadband Experience Lead for the continent, effective 1 October 2026. The appointment follows his leadership of Airtel Nigeria’s home broadband business and a six-month secondment to Bharti Airtel in India. The move comes as Airtel Africa seeks to grow its home broadband business in response to increasing demand for reliable household internet connectivity beyond traditional mobile data services. According to Airtel Africa’s 2026 annual report, the company recorded 903,000 home broadband customers at the end of the 2025/26 financial year, representing an 86% increase year-on-year. Home broadband revenue rose by 119% in…

Airtel Money, Centenary Bank and gnuGrid have launched Kwaata Sente, a digital lending service designed to improve access to short-term credit for eligible Airtel Money customers. The service allows users to apply for loans without conventional collateral or visiting a bank branch, subject to approval. Speaking at the launch, Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso said the partnership would extend the bank’s reach beyond its existing customer base, building on its digital banking services to serve more Ugandans. He explained, “You don’t have to be a Centenary Bank customer to access these services.” The partnership aims to make credit available…