TechPression

Tag: africa fintech

  • Unveiling the First Fintech Timbuktoo Festival in Lagos

    Unveiling the First Fintech Timbuktoo Festival in Lagos

    The timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) will open the timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos from July 9th to July 14th, 2024, at Tarino Tower – Alfred Rewane, Ikoyi.

    This is one of eight theme hubs built across Africa by timbuktoo. The timbuktoo Fintech Hub will use technology in the financial sector to make it easier and faster to solve the continent’s most challenging problems. It will also support fair growth and long-term development. 

    As part of the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub, startups from all over Africa can use a physical and virtual place with services and cutting-edge technology to create, test, and expand their valuable solutions. The Hub wants to improve the local and regional fintech environment so Africa’s economy and society can grow.

    Read also: Strategies for Nigerian fintechs amid finding scarcity

    Fintech Timbuktoo Festival: What to Expect

    As part of the timbuktoo Fintech Hub launch, the first Fintech timbuktoo Festival will bring together fintech innovators, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss how fintech can drive financial inclusion and sustainable development in Africa.

    This week-long showcase, which has been thoroughly selected, will incorporate the following essential activities:

    The onboarding ceremony of the 2024 Fintech timbuktoo Startup Accelerator Programme cohort 

    Fintech4Dev marketplace – an exhibition and showcase of impact fintech solutions.

    High-level Fintech4dev Policy Dialogue 

    7-day ecosystem-powered and co-created fintech startup acceleration boot camp

    WHO:

    H.E Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State

    Dr Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment

    Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power

    Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy

    Ms. Samuela Isopi, Ambassador, European Union Delegation and ECOWAS

    Mr Stefano De Leo, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy

    H.E. Ms. Annet Gunther, Ambassador of Germany

    H.E. Mr. Mohamed Fouad, Ambassador of Egypt

    H.E. Ms. Gerengbo Yakivu Pascaline, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo

    H.E. Mr. George Muhali Imbuwa, High Commissioner for the Republic of Zambia

    H.E. Mr Christophe Bazivamo, High Commissioner of Rwanda

    H.E. Mr Humphrey Desmond Geiseb, High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia

    H.E. Mr Isaac K. Parashina, High Commissioner of Kenya

    H.E. Mr. Moha Ou Ali Tagma, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco

    H.E. Mr. Nicolas Auguste Nyouky, Ambassador of Senegal

    H.E. Mr Thamsanqa Dennis Mseleku, High Commissioner for South Africa

    Mr Eddison Mensah Agbenyegah, Charge d’Affaires ad Interim of Ghana

    Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa

    Mr Mohamed Malick Fall, UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Nigeria

    Fintech entrepreneurs and startups

    Investors and venture capitalists

    Regulators and industry experts

    Read also: Colombian fintech Minka hits Africa

    About timbuktoo| UNDP

    Timbuktoo is the largest global initiative supporting Africa’s innovation ecosystem, inspired by Timbuktu, Mali. Launched in February 2024, it aims to transform dreams into reality and create poverty-disruptor opportunities. The initiative includes thematic hubs across Africa, focusing on sectors like Agritech, Creatives, Fintech, Greentech, Healthtech, Trade, Smart Cities/Mobility, and Tourismtech/Edtech. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals and UNDP, timbuktoo leverages Africa’s youth to lead the fourth industrial revolution, creating wealth and jobs.

    UNDP Africa supports 46 countries in achieving sustainable development goals by eradicating poverty, promoting economic transformation, building resilience, and promoting governance. UNDP’s Renewed Strategic Offer in Africa is a premier enabler and integrator for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. In Nigeria, UNDP collaborates with multisectoral stakeholders.

  • Airpay launches financial services platform in Tanzania

    Airpay launches financial services platform in Tanzania

    Airpay, the integrated financial services platform, has officially launched its services in Tanzania.

    This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging technology to promote socio economic development, aligning with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Tanzania. Airpay has been granted a Payment Services License by the Bank of Tanzania (BOT).

    Read also: Mambu Financial Services Group Helps Carbon Expand

    Empowering Tanzania through Digital and Financial Skills

    In addition to its financial services, Airpay is taking a step further to empower the people of Tanzania with digital, financial, and entrepreneurial skills. The company is set to establish the Airpay Academy, a hybrid learning platform that will provide individuals in Tanzania with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital and financial landscape effectively. This initiative aims to create a more tech-savvy and financially empowered generation that will contribute to socioeconomic progress at the grassroots level.

    Expanding Footprint with Regional Offices

    Airpay’s official launch in Tanzania marks an important milestone in the company’s expansion strategy. The company now has two regional offices in the country, which will serve as critical operational centers as it extends its reach and services across the region.

    Airpay launches in Tanzania

    Airpay’s presence is not limited to Tanzania alone, as the company is dedicated to extending its reach to a total of twelve countries across Africa. This expansion demonstrates the fintech company’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth, enhancing financial inclusion, and promoting technological advancement throughout the continent.

    Collaborative Financial Services Platform

    Airpay, founded by Kunal Jhunjhunwala, has established collaborations with more than 200 financial institutions and over 1,000 business partners worldwide. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, allowing its clients to efficiently move, store, and transfer money through various touchpoints, including web, mobile, call center, IVR, email, SMS, and face-to-face interactions. With its extensive network of financial instruments, Airpay aims to facilitate seamless financial transactions and provide enhanced financial accessibility to individuals and businesses.

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    Shaping a Tech-Savvy and Empowered Generation

    Kunal Jhunjhunwala, Founder and Managing Director of Payment Services, expresses the company’s vision of making Tanzania a digital hub that empowers a new generation of tech-savvy individuals. The goal is to create an environment where these empowered citizens play a transformative role in driving socioeconomic impact at the grassroots level. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s DPI vision, Airpay is determined to contribute to this vision by collaborating with the Government of Tanzania.

    The official launch ceremony, held in Zanzibar, was attended by esteemed dignitaries, highlighting the significance of this expansion. Among those present were Saada Salum Mkuya, Zanzibar Minister of State in the President’s Office for Finance and Planning; Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, High Commissioner of India to the United Republic of Tanzania; Yasmin Chali, Co-Founder of Airpay Tanzania; Dr. Habiba Hassan Omar, Principal Secretary, President’s Office for Labour, Economic Affairs, and Investment; Juma Burhan, Executive Director at the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA); and Said Seif Said, Managing Director at the Zanzibar eGovernance Agency.

    Airpay’s expansion into Tanzania and its broader commitment to expanding its reach across Africa reflect its dedication to driving economic growth, enhancing financial inclusion, and advancing technological progress on the continent. The official launch in Tanzania is a testament to Airpay’s mission to empower individuals and businesses with accessible and innovative financial solutions. Through collaborative efforts and a focus on technological innovation, Airpay is poised to create a more financially inclusive and empowered future for Tanzania and beyond.

  • Stakeholders to attend Africa Fintech Summit in Zambia

    Stakeholders to attend Africa Fintech Summit in Zambia

    Over 200 organisations are gearing up to participate in the Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS), scheduled to be held at the serene Ciela Resort and Spa in Lusaka, Zambia.

    The AFTS 10th edition will host fintech stakeholders from not only across Africa but also beyond the continent’s shores from November 2-3, 2023. It is known for catalyzing meaningful conversations, forging partnerships, and fostering ecosystem-enabling engagements.

    Read also: Visa opens applications for its Africa Fintech Accelerator Program

    Empowering Africa’s Fintech Ecosystem

    The Africa Fintech Summit has evolved into a pivotal platform where innovators, entrepreneurs, regulators, investors, and other influential players converge to chart the course for Africa’s dynamic fintech landscape. Against the backdrop of the continent’s fintech sector experiencing exponential growth and transformation, this year’s summit carries the ambition to accelerate innovation, foster strategic partnerships, and address critical challenges confronting the industry.

    AFTSLusaka2023 is set to feature representation from a diverse array of esteemed organisations spanning both the public and private sectors. Attendees will include innovative fintech startups, disruptive tech companies, well-established financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and investment firms. Among the notable organisations registered and/or speaking at AFTSLusaka2023 are:

    Regulators, Government & NGOs

    Leading the charge from the public sector, the Office of the President of the Republic of Zambia and the Ministry of Technology & Science, Zambia, will be joined by prominent entities like the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya, Prosper Africa, Africa Trade Initiative, the U.S. Department of State, USAID, World Bank, UNCDF, Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Africa, Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, Norfund, and others.

    Investors (including Accelerators, Incubators & Venture Labs)

    Investment and support for fintech innovation will be provided by entities such as Flourish Ventures, Apis Partners, Norrsken, Founders Factory Africa, Startupbootcamp AfriTech, Launch Africa, Chanzo Capital, and others.

    Fintech Companies

    Leading fintech players, including Mastercard, Flutterwave, Pan-African Payments Settlement System (PAPSS), JUMO, Paystack, Yellow Card, Turaco, Multigate, PremierCredit, IDT Corporation/Boss Money, Fonbnk, Pastel, Power Financial, PrimeNet, OurPass, Minka, Chipper Cash, Tilt, PayGo Zambia, Klasha, ZeePay, dLocal, EBANX, Peach Payments, and others, will share their insights and expertise.

    Diverse tech firms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Thales Group, Integrated Biometrics, and others, will offer their perspectives on the fintech landscape.

    Banks & Telecommunications Companies

    Prominent names from the banking and telecommunications sectors will be represented by institutions such as Afreximbank, Ecobank, Absa Bank, Citi Bank, I&M Bank, Diamond Trust Bank, First City Monument Bank, Standard Chartered, Zanaco, MTN, and others.

    Media Companies

    Media outlets, including TechCabal, Technext, The Kenyan Wall Street, African Media Agency, TechTrends Zambia, Africa.com, Financial Insight, Get Funded Africa, TanTV Studios, Bitcoin Kenya, and others, will contribute to the summit’s discussions.

    Ecosystem Associations & Players

    Key ecosystem entities like the Payments Association of Zambia, Bankers Association of Zambia, BongoHive, Corporate Council on Africa, Kenya Bankers Association, Fintech Association of South Africa, Mauritius Finance, Congo Business Network, Africa Tech Festival (Informa), and others, will play a pivotal role in shaping the discussions.

    AfDB signs $525,000 deal with Africa Fintech Network

    Industry Research & Consultants

    Meanwhile, leading research and consulting firms, including Wall Street Africa, Briter Bridges, Asoko Insight, Dedalus Global, Ibex Frontier, Deloitte, KRL International, Mansa Advisory, Invictus Solutions, Flawless Events, and others, will provide valuable insights.

    As the countdown to AFTSLusaka2023 begins, anticipation is building within the fintech community, with expectations of groundbreaking discussions, strategic partnerships, and initiatives that will further empower Africa’s fintech ecosystem. The summit’s 10th edition promises to be a defining moment in the evolution of fintech on the continent.