Author: Akin Naphtal

In an effort to diversify the global energy supply chain and reduce carbon emissions, Qcells, a global solar leader investing in building a U.S. solar supply chain, and Microsoft Corp., a global technology company with a commitment to be carbon negative by 2030, are partnering to enable a strong supply chain for new renewable electricity capacity projected to require at least 2.5 gigawatts of solar panels and related services — equivalent to powering over 400,000 homes. Qcells, owned by Hanwha Solutions headquartered in Seoul, will work with Microsoft to develop solar projects as well as provide panels and engineering, procurement…

Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading financial technology and integrated payments solution providers has announced receipt of a Payments Service Holding Company (PSHC) License issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).This follows an earlier announcement by the CBN regarding new licensing categories for participants in the Nigerian Payments System. By virtue of this development, which was formally communicated recently by the apex bank, Interswitch essentially becomes one of the inaugural licensees by the CBN in this category. According to the regulator, the PSHC regulation requires companies with existing or prospective operations across multiple license categories to set up a…

Ankur Ghosh, Founder & CEO, SSV Capital Ltd discusses how fintech is disrupting traditional finance and attracting interest from both investors and the millennial generation. Fintech is becoming a huge part of the financial industry. Fintech companies are not traditional banks, but they provide many of the same services as well as other services which support and enhance traditional financial services. Fintech companies are innovating faster than banks, and their popularity is growing rapidly among millennials—who are more tech-savvy than previous generations. Fintech combines Finance and Tech in one industry Fintech is a combination of financial and tech in one…

Africa’s leading payments technology company, Flutterwave, has announced its plan to revamp its retail product Barter. This product provides customers with money transfer and virtual card services. On January 31, 2023, Flutterwave informed customers via email of its decision to rebuild the platform to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The company said it intends to provide a better customer experience with its product team working on a new version. The new platform aims to address customer issues by targeting specific problems through the decoupling of existing services. READ ALSO:MTN Group CEO says Africa Needs Modern, Harmonised Regulations for Universal Broadband Coverage…

MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has called for the modernisation and harmonisation of regulatory frameworks across Africa as well as the collective effort of all stakeholders to ensure that the continent can deliver universal broadband coverage by 2030. “The regulatory frameworks for Africa’s telecommunications industry do not reflect our current advancement. They are still positioned for the era of voice,” he said at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue held at Peduase in the Eastern Region of Ghana over the weekend. The event was attended by several distinguished African leaders including the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and…

Flutterwave’s CEO, Olugbenga Agboola, has said to maintain momentum and continue making meaningful contributions to the growth of national economies, fintech companies must understand that processing payment is just the starting point. He said fintech operators must create add-on values for individuals and businesses to maximize the potential of digital technology beyond sending and receiving money. Agboola said this while speaking to a group of MBA students at the Harvard Business School (HBS) on January 24, 2023. Agboola said lack of trust from potential customers, partners, and government officials, fragmented payments across the continent, and non-availability of local talent, especially…

Google has announced that it has launched the Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Program, its first dedicated startup accelerator for women founders in Africa. Applications are now open for the inaugural programme, Google said. “The programme aims to empower and support women founders on the continent by providing resources and opportunities for them to scale their startups and address African problems,” Google explained. READ ALSO: U.S. India forms partnership, targets arms and AI to compete with China Apple Analyst Kuo Says Folding iPad will be launched in 2024 Apple announces MLS Season Pass availability for forthcoming 2023 Major…

UK professional services firm Durlston Partners has announced the launch of its US office in New York. The firm’s launch in the Big Apple marks the first in a series of planned global office roll-outs. Founded in 2010, Durlston Partners is a London-based talent advisory and delivery firm, specialising in the technology, quantitative finance, data science and digital asset sectors. The HR consultancy leverages its proprietary technology, deep experience and strong network to help clients find the highest-performing professionals – with clients ranging from high-net-worth individuals, hedge funds and family offices to digital asset firms and banks. READ ALSO: UAE…

Investopia, a global investment platform launched by the UAE Government, announced a partnership with iConnections, a leading financial technology platform, at the iConnections Global Alts 2023 event in Miami. The partnership allows Investopia’s investment community, including asset allocators, private equity, and hedge funds, to leverage iConnections’ digital capabilities to connect and thrive. The partnership is in line with Investopia’s focus on technology and sustainability and iConnections’ goal to showcase their best-in-class managers to leading investors globally. READ ALSO: Apple announces MLS Season Pass availability for forthcoming 2023 Major League Soccer for Fans U.S. India forms partnership, targets arms and AI…

Finley, a US-based start-up that provides software to help businesses manage and access debt capital, has secured $17 million in Series A funding. The round was led by CRV with participation from existing investors Y Combinator, Bain Capital Ventures, Haystack, and Nine Four Ventures, as well as new investor Upper90. Additionally, James Green, the general partner at CRV, will also join Finley’s board of directors. READ ALSO: Apple Analyst Kuo Says Folding iPad will be launched in 2024 Apple announces MLS Season Pass availability for forthcoming 2023 Major League Soccer for Fans U.S. India forms partnership, targets arms and AI…