Author: Akin Naphtal

The Digital Economy Magazine has named founder and CEO of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, as the Digital Economy Personality of the week for Nigeria (3rd to 9th December). Born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1985, Olugbenga Agboola had his early education in Nigeria before going overseas for further education. His educational background spans multiple prestigious academic institutions including the University of Westminster, MIT Sloan School of Management, Columbia Business School, and the EC-Council University where he received all standard IT security certificates. The knowledge and experiences that Mr Agboola gained at these institutions armed him with skills in network security, project planning,…

Leading telecommunications provider in Kenya, Safaricom PLC, has launched a new campaign dubbed ‘Feels Good to be Home,’ to promote the adoption of home internet solutions. The campaign showcases various fixed internet offerings along with value-added services to enhance the overall home experience for customers. In a press release published on 2nd December, the company noted that as part of the initiative, it has introduced revamped Family Share plans, integrating home fibre with mobile voice, data, and SMS into comprehensive packages. This enables customers to enjoy seamless connectivity both at home and on the go. Under the Family Share plans,…

Wakandi, a SACCO aggregator integrated, has entered into partnership with Airtel Money, the mobile money subsidiary of Airtel Africa with the Ministry of Trade, Industries, and Cooperatives. This strategic partnership is aimed at revolutionizing Uganda’s financial landscape by digitally transforming the informal economy. Speaking at the partnership launch, Espen Kvelland, Wakandi Group CEO, emphasized that the collaboration’s goal is to drive financial inclusion and transform Uganda’s informal economy. Also speaking, Japhet ARITHO, MD of Airtel Mobile Commerce (U) Ltd, spoke about Airtel Money’s commitment to addressing financial inclusion challenges through strategic partnerships and technological advancements. He elaborated on the impact…

Chinese short video platform, TikTok, has acquired a data facility in Norway from data centre group Green Mountain AS, as the company commits to storing data generated in the region locally. The Bytedance-owned app has faced scrutiny and restrictions in various countries, including bans on staff phones in several nations, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, due to concerns over data privacy and security. The new data centre will become TikTok’s largest in Europe, signifying that the company is serious about addressing concerns about the the Chinese government having potential access to European citizens’ data. To build trust and…

Leveraging intelligent coverage and capacity-based analytics, Unison FWA enables MTN’s sales representatives with real-time insights on the most suitable packages for each customer’s specific needs and location. This ensures that customers receive optimal service at competitive prices with adequate coverage. Effective subscriber management enables MTN to maintain network stability and better optimise resource allocation, contributing to a more reliable and consistent user experience for all. Furthermore, by safeguarding revenue streams, MTN can continue to invest in network infrastructure and service enhancements. READ ALSO: MTN South Africa announces early, voluntary retirement scheme Amith Maharaj, Executive Network Design and Planning at MTN,…

The two big red companies, Airtel Mobile Commerce and ZANACO have unveiled their partnership for the Bill Muster service which is a collections solution provided to universities, colleges, and schools with accounts at Zanaco for collections of tuition fees and other fees. Speaking at the launch in Lusaka recently, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Administration, Ms. Noriana Muneku commended ZANACO and Airtel for coming up with an easier way to transact calling the bill muster on Airtel money a revolutionary new service that allows customers to pay school bills quickly and easily using a mobile phone. “With bill muster on…

Airtel Uganda introduced its first 5G Home Broadband device to boost connectivity across the country. The new development was announced recently during the telco’s night golf monthly mug tournament at Uganda Golf Club. Airtel Uganda, Home Broadband Director, Mr. Denis Kahindi expressing his excitement about the new product said, “Imagine monitoring your business complex in real-time, ensuring everything is in perfect order, all through the seamless connectivity of our 5G Home Broadband device.” “Picture enhancing your home security, allowing you the peace of mind to take time off and indulge in more rounds of golf,” he added. Kahindi emphasized that…

European Union countries and lawmakers have agreed to implement the Cyber Resilience Act, designed to protect connected devices, including laptops, fridges, mobile apps, and smart devices, from cyber threats, in response to rising cyber attacks globally. Proposed by the European Commission in September 2022, the Cyber Resilience Act, which the EU agreed to implement on 30th November, will be applicable to all products connected directly or indirectly to another device or network. The legislation outlines cybersecurity requirements for the design, development, production, and sale of both hardware and software products. The new rules state that manufacturers must assess the cybersecurity…

Verto, a fintech and payment solution founded in London has agreed with the United Bank of Africa (UBA) to provide a platform for financial transactions for Kenyan entrepreneurs, small-scale businesses in the East African country, and corporations in over 190 countries. Following comments on the deal, the Country Director for Verto in Kenya, Kevin Nganga noted that the partnership would leverage Verto’s already-established financial ecosystem worth the $3 billion the company recorded last year. He also disclosed that the deal is closing a huge gap in Kenya’s international trade transactions. “By aligning with UBA Bank, Verto is strategically positioned in…

As part of its Digital Communities (DCs) initiative, American Tower Corporation (ATC) Ghana has inaugurated an ICT centre at the Ghana Girls Guide in Achimota, Accra. The internet service provider (ISP) has been actively establishing computer-equipped learning centres in the country. These centres utilise uninterrupted power supply and broadband connections from ATC Ghana’s tower sites, offering access to ICT services and training for basic school pupils and residents in underserved communities. The DCs, strategically located near basic schools, aim to facilitate teaching and learning by providing the schools easy access to technology. Before 2023, ATC Ghana had established 10 DCs…