Author: Akin Naphtal

Nigerian digital publishing and bookselling platform, Okada Books, has revealed its decision to shut down on 30th November, with its CEO and founder, Okechukwu Ofili, citing macroeconomic challenges as the primary reason for the decision. Launched in 2013, Okada Books aimed to simplify book distribution and sales in Nigeria, particularly addressing the challenges faced by local writers in securing publishing contracts or affording self-publishing. The platform allowed authors to easily self-publish their works and connect with readers who were willing to pay for their content. Available on Android, the Okada Books platform facilitated direct sharing between authors and readers, with…

President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame has praised MTN Rwanda for its partnership with the government and the people of Rwanda and its contribution to the digital and financial inclusion of the country. Speaking at the celebration of the 25th anniversary of MTN Rwanda, President Kagame said “Who else would have found it easy to invest in a country that had just emerged from our tragic history, as we know it? We took risks, both of us, you took a risk with us, and we took a risk with you, but here, 25 years later I think we can say we…

Established nearly three decades ago, MTN Ghana has steadily risen to position itself among the most reliable telecommunications companies in the country. Some Ghanaians would rank MTN Ghana as the best telecommunications company in Ghana, due to their experiences with the company. MTN Ghana, by dint of hard work and consistent reliable performance, has amassed a large following, surpassing its competitors in subscriber count. An NCA 2022 report showed that Telco achieved 63% of the mobile voice share market, 72% for mobile data, and 78% of the 4G operator’s market share. It remains the telecom market leader in Ghana While…

In an initiative aimed at strengthening disaster management capabilities, the governments of Ghana and India have embarked on a collaborative knowledge exchange and technology transfer program. Led by Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ms. Ama Pomaa-Boateng, a 17-member delegation has embarked on an eight-day mission in India, focusing on Early Warning Systems for Emergency Preparedness and Response.The mission, scheduled from November 15th to 24th, 2023, is being hosted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.Objectives and ImpactMs. Pomaa-Boateng emphasized that the collaborative effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 17…

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), at the 45th Anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, has campaigned for a sustainable digital economy based on trusted use of data. The NDPC Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations Department, Babatunde Bamigboye Esq., represented the NDPC National Commissioner/CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji, at a panel session. The National Commissioner highlighted the strides achieved by NDPC towards Nigeria’s Digital Economy landscape, particularly in the area of data processing value chain. Whilst assuring stakeholders of the government’s effort in creating a stable business environment, he applauded Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the…

MTN Uganda, partnered with Sense International, has successfully launched the Digital Access Program at Ngora School for the Deaf in Eastern Uganda through its corporate social responsibility arm, hashtag#MTNFoundation. The school, which caters for 101 pupils, is one of the three specialist schools for the deaf in Uganda, making this initiative a significant action towards digital inclusion for students with hearing challenges. The new computer lab, worth Shs 124 million, has state-of-the-art technology, including 10 computers, a projector, printer, sound amplifiers, power backup, and a one-year maintenance plan. The lab has specialized software that ensures a suitable and accessible learning…

OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, has announced the departure of CEO Sam Altman, citing Altman’s “lack of candor” in communications and doubts at his ability to lead the company forward as the primary reasons behind the decision. This move follows Altman’s recent announcement of a new feature allowing users to build their own versions of ChatGPT. OpenAI’s decision to part ways with Altman comes at a time when ChatGPT has experienced unprecedented success, amassing over 100 million active monthly users within its first quarter. The announcement has left both the tech community and the public in disbelief. Altman reportedly…

Nigerian fintech giant, Flutterwave, has developed a product named “Swap”, backed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its bid to revolutionise the way Nigerians access foreign currency, and address key challenges in the current FX landscape. Flutterwave’s Swap is the result of a partnership with Wema Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, and Kadavra BDC. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of each entity, with Flutterwave utilising its International Money Transfer Operator license, Kadavra contributing its BDC license, and Wema Bank providing comprehensive support throughout the process. Addressing FX Market Challenges Acting governor of the CBN,…

Safaricom Ethiopia, has reported KES 7.2 million ($43,368) in M-PESA revenue just three months after its launch in August 2023, having garnered an M-PESA customer base of 1.2 million users, with 67% actively utilizing the mobile money product. The success includes the registration of 22,700 M-PESA agents, facilitating transactions amounting to 2 million in volume, and valued at KES 43.7 billion ($287 million). In contrast, M-PESA in Kenya, operational since 2007, showed a 16.5% year-on-year revenue growth, reaching KES 66.23 billion ($436 million). This growth was supported by a 12.0% year-on-year increase in average revenue per user (ARPU) to KES…

Ghana’s Central Bank has taken regulatory action against eight money transfer organisations (MTOs) by barring them from offering remittance services without the required regulatory approval. The barred companies include LemFi, Wise, Transfer Go, PayPal’s Xoom, SendValu, Boss Revolution, Aza Finance, and Supersonicz, according to a notice from the bank. The Central Bank’s notice serves as a warning to the public, commercial banks, dedicated electronic money issuers (DEMI), and enhanced payments service providers (EPSP) to avoid transacting with the aforementioned companies. The bank’s decision is backed by Section 3.1 of Ghana’s Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), which prohibits dealing in…