TechPression

Tag: USAID

  • MTN MoMo Uganda denies claims of deductions for political campaigns

    MTN MoMo Uganda denies claims of deductions for political campaigns

    MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited (MTN MoMo) has strongly denied reports published by The Kampala Journal that claim the company deducted 100/= from the Mobile Money wallets of all its subscribers to finance political campaigns or respond to the recent “Trump USAID ban.”

    In a statement released on Friday, the company dismissed the report as false and unfounded.

    Read also: MTN partners with Mastercard, Arifu to digitise 1 million businesses in Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire

    100/= deductions to recoup undebited transaction fees due to technical glitch 

    MTN MoMo vehemently denies these accusations and explains that the deductions in question were made to recoup transaction fees that were unintentionally overlooked because of a brief system error that happened on February 8, 2025.

    Due to a technical glitch, certain transactions’ payment costs were not debited immediately.

    On February 13, 2025, MTN MoMo started the process of recovering the unpaid transaction fees after discovering this system issue to guarantee correct reconciliation. Its clients were informed on Friday by official communication and SMS.

    MTN MoMo Uganda seeks customers’ confidence 

    MTN MoMo reassures the public, stakeholders, and its subscribers that the MTN Mobile Money wallet is secure and safe. It noted that it does all of its business in accordance with international security and integrity standards.

    In terms of regulatory compliance, it says, “MTN MoMo operates under strict compliance with the laws of Uganda and maintains the highest governance standards.”

    The mobile money platform, therefore, clarified that the system error that resulted in the delay in charging transaction fees has been officially reported to the Bank of Uganda.

    “MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited remains a responsible corporate entity committed to providing reliable services and maintaining the trust of its customers. We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we resolve this matter,” MTN assures its customers.

    Read also: MoMo Rwanda, MasterCard launch Virtual Card to enhance global e-commerce payments

    The Kampala Journal’s report denied by MTN MoMo 

    The Kampala Journal’s report said that MTN Uganda has been directed to deduct money from customers to fund the NRM campaign in 2026.

    The blog stated that the recent NRM caucus meeting concluded that the government must rely on large firms like MTN to “generate domestic revenue” to mitigate the Trump USAID prohibition.

    The blog, citing an NRM MP who attended the caucus meeting, stated that President H.E. Yoweri Museveni phoned the CEO of MTN and tasked him to provide financial support to the NRM administration in the 2026 general elections.

  • Nigeria teams up with USAID to enhance tech innovation

    Nigeria teams up with USAID to enhance tech innovation

    The Federal Government of Nigeria and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have teamed up to promote technological innovation and sustainable development projects in the nation.

    Dr. Felix Ale, the National Space Research and Development Agency’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday.

    The statement claims that this partnership was strengthened when Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, and USAID’s Chief Innovation Officer, Mohammed Abdel-Kader, met during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, USA.

    Read also: Nigeria poised to introduce $1.5 million AI assistance fund

    According to the statement, their conversations centred on using technology to solve urgent issues related to Nigeria’s growth.

    Nnaji stated that the meeting emphasised the importance of forming creative alliances, particularly in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital financial inclusion.

    “These partnerships are essential for strengthening Nigeria’s developing tech ecosystem as well as for enhancing the lives of marginalised communities,” he stated.

    Partnership on tech to boost agricultural development 

    The minister underlined how technology has the power to develop meaningful solutions that can improve the lives of underprivileged groups and advance the country’s general economic development.

    He claimed that one of the main topics of conversation was how AI might improve Nigerian farming methods.

    He continued by saying that all sides recognised the importance of technological advancements that may enhance farming practices, with food security a major priority.

    “Our goal is to meet the growing food demands of our country and support smallholder farmers while ensuring sustainable practices by utilising cutting-edge technologies,” he said.

    According to Nnaji, the emphasis on agriculture is part of a larger plan to boost resilience and productivity in the face of climate change, which poses severe risks to the world’s food supply.

    Read also: Why all tech innovators must attend the Ghana Digital Innovation Week 2024

    Partnership on tech to boost energy 

    Another critical focus that came up frequently in the dialogue was energy access.

    Nnaji also mentioned how the deployment of off-grid and renewable energy technology is essential to achieving Nigeria’s energy targets.

    He noted that the potential for cooperation under USAID’s Power Africa initiative, which aims to increase access to power through greener, sustainable solutions, was discussed.

    “To guarantee a dependable power supply for our communities, we must investigate distributed renewable energy technologies and incorporate AI into grid management,” he stated.

    The minister added that the meeting was significant beyond the talks because Nigeria and USAID decided to formally establish a collaboration to identify and develop cutting-edge technology.

    He continued by saying that the partnership intends to start collaborative research and pilot programs in essential fields like healthcare and education, where artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have the potential to alter these industries significantly.

    “Our partnership with USAID will play a pivotal role in propelling the inventive solutions required to fulfil our national development objectives and enhance the standard of living for our populace,” stated Nanki.

  • USAID, Power Africa, Launch “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” Initiative

    USAID, Power Africa, Launch “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” Initiative

    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Power Africa have joined forces to introduce the “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” initiative.

    This collaborative effort is designed to advance gender equality, foster clean energy solutions, and align with Nigeria’s sustainability objectives. The initiative is set to provide approximately 500 women and youth with the skills and opportunities necessary to secure more prominent positions within Nigeria’s energy sector.

    In Nigeria, women have been historically underrepresented in energy-related professions, and their presence in leadership or decision-making roles remains limited. The Powering Jobs Census 2022 reveals that only eight percent of women hold positions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, compared to 64 percent in non-STEM roles in the Nigerian workforce.

    Read also: ABB pioneers sustainable solutions for Egypt’s greener future 

    Aligning with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan

    Susan Oranye, an economic program management specialist at USAID/Nigeria, highlighted the significance of this initiative in light of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan. The plan aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 while lifting 100 million Nigerians out of energy poverty by expanding clean energy generation. This transition is projected to create 420,000 jobs in the power sector alone by 2060, offering women the opportunity to play a more significant role in a traditionally male-dominated field.

    Comprehensive Skills Development

    The “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” program offers women and youth a wide range of blended learning opportunities and resources to excel in the competitive energy sector workforce. It encompasses the following components:

    Professional and Technical Skills Training: Participants receive training in areas such as solar installation, project management, and communication skills.

    Employability Clinics: These sessions provide guidance on how to enhance employability skills.

    Job Fairs: Opportunities to connect with potential employers and explore career options.

    Job Shadowing Experiences: Participants gain valuable insights by shadowing experienced professionals.

    Mentorship Programs: Mentorship plays a crucial role in supporting career growth and development.

    Empowering Women and Youth

    The initiative not only aims to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria’s energy sector but also empowers young women with the knowledge and skills required for meaningful contributions to the country’s clean energy goals. By fostering gender equality and clean energy solutions, “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and sustainable energy sector

    The “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” initiative is poised to have a transformative impact on the country’s energy landscape. By providing skills and opportunities to women and youth, it aims to unlock their potential in an industry critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.

    One of the primary goals of this initiative is to promote gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated field. By addressing the stark underrepresentation of women in STEM positions, it seeks to empower them to take on leadership roles and make vital contributions to the energy sector. Achieving gender parity in energy-related professions is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic move towards harnessing diverse talents and perspectives.

    Supporting Nigeria’s Sustainability Goals

    The “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” initiative aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s broader sustainability objectives. Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060, demands a skilled and diverse workforce to drive the expansion of clean energy generation. By equipping women and youth with the necessary skills and knowledge, this initiative ensures that Nigeria’s clean energy transition is not only environmentally responsible but also economically inclusive.

    MTN to reduce Greenhouse emissions in Nigeria

    A Path to Economic Empowerment

    For the participating women and youth, this initiative represents an opportunity for economic empowerment. The energy sector, with its increasing emphasis on clean energy solutions, offers a promising career path. By providing training in areas such as solar installation, project management, and communication skills, the program equips participants with the tools needed to succeed in this dynamic industry.

    The “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” initiative goes beyond traditional training programs. It offers a holistic learning experience that includes employability clinics, job fairs, job shadowing opportunities, and mentorship programs. These components ensure that participants not only acquire technical skills but also develop the soft skills and networking capabilities essential for career advancement.

    A Collaborative Effort

    USAID and Power Africa’s collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development. By pooling resources and expertise, these organizations can create initiatives that have a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and entire industries.

    The “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” initiative is a testament to the commitment of USAID, Power Africa, and Nigeria to empower women, foster clean energy solutions, and create a more inclusive and sustainable energy sector. As this initiative unfolds, it has the potential to unlock a new era of opportunities for women and youth while propelling Nigeria closer to its clean energy and gender equality goals.

  • Google, USAID eTrade Alliance to expand Hustle Academy program in Kenya

    Google, USAID eTrade Alliance to expand Hustle Academy program in Kenya

    Google has announced a strategic partnership with the USAID eTrade Alliance to expand the reach of its Hustle Academy Program in Kenya. The aim of this collaboration is to provide Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) with access to critical resources and digital tools, fostering their growth over a period of 18 months.

    Originally launched in 2022, Google’s Hustle Academy Program was designed to equip SMBs across Sub-Saharan Africa with the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge to harness digital technology and secure funding for their businesses. This new partnership with the USAID eTrade Alliance focuses on training 2,500 additional SMBs in Kenya, bringing the total number of SMBs trained in the country to an impressive 3,700.

    At the core of the Hustle Academy Program lies a highly effective 5-day bootcamp, providing hands-on training and actionable advice. 

    The comprehensive curriculum covers vital areas such as business strategy, sales enhancement, digital marketing, financial planning, and successful pitching techniques. The integration of capabilities in e-commerce, through the collaboration with the USAID eTrade Alliance, ensures a cohesive and practical learning journey for the SMBs, enabling them to develop growth plans, formulate effective digital marketing strategies, access funding opportunities, pitch successfully to investors, and harness the power of online selling.

    Read also: GoldPesa opens blockchain academy in Nairobi

    Endorsement from Kenyan President

    The program has garnered praise from Kenya’s President, His Excellency William S. Ruto. During the Jamhuri Day celebrations in 2022, he commended Google’s Hustle Academy, stating, “the Hustle Academy showcases Google’s understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit and the desire for knowledge among aspiring hustlers in our society. “I commend Google for their visionary approach and unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting Kenyan entrepreneurs. The Hustle Academy exemplifies the transformative power of public-private partnerships, creating a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship and propels Kenya towards a brighter future for all.” He said.

    Success and Positive Impact

    The Hustle Academy Program has already achieved impressive results since its launch in 2022. Over 5,000 SMBs graduated from the program, with a striking 74% of them reporting significant business growth post-bootcamp. Agnes Gathaiya, the Country Director for Google in East Africa, expressed her confidence in the partnership with the USAID e-Trade Alliance, emphasizing the special emphasis on harnessing e-commerce to catalyze a robust digital economy across Kenya.

    Michael Poor, the USAID eTrade Alliance Sr. Manager for Africa Programs, also voiced his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “The USAID eTrade Alliance is proud to launch the Google Hustle Academy eCommerce program in Kenya. With a core mandate to promote economic growth for MSMEs through digital commerce and trade, this partnership with Google’s Hustle Academy supports the Alliance’s commitment to deliver on its goals.”

    Zambia’s MTN skills academy addresses digital skills gap

    Expanding Impact in the Second Year

    As the program enters its second year, the partnership is set to amplify its positive impact further. With an additional 2,500 Kenyan small businesses set to graduate over the next 18 months, the Hustle Academy Program is playing a vital role in fostering a robust and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kenya.

    Google’s collaboration with the USAID eTrade Alliance to expand the Hustle Academy Program in Kenya represents a significant step towards empowering SMBs in the region. By providing crucial resources, digital tools, and specialized training, this partnership is fostering a conducive environment for the growth and success of Kenyan entrepreneurs.

    As the program continues to make a positive impact on the business landscape, it exemplifies the transformative power of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for aspiring hustlers and businesses in Kenya.

  • USAID Will Electrify 10,000 African Health Facilities With Renewable Energy

    USAID Will Electrify 10,000 African Health Facilities With Renewable Energy

    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has unveiled the Health Electrification and Telecommunications Alliance (HETA), which is aimed at electrifying 10,000 healthcare facilities across Africa.

    The Health Electrification and Telecommunications Alliance (HETA) was inaugurated at the recently concluded U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, held in Washington.

    The United States Agency for International Development’s project was established to ensure no fewer than 10,000 medical centres have access to electricity in the African continent, which will significantly contribute to improving service delivery in the centres.

    Recall that the agency had announced in April 2022 plans for the new public and private sector alliance for the electrification project, which will take place over the next eight to ten years in the continent.

    HETA will be fully operational under the Power Africa program, which was instituted during former US President Barack Obama’s administration to facilitate the electrification of the African continent.

    According to USAID, the HETA alliance is a five-year cooperative agreement that will employ USAID resources to raise $150 million from the private sector “to provide reliable, renewable power and provide mobile network and Internet access to at least 10,000 health institutions in sub-Saharan Africa.”

    According to the US agency, “millions of people seeking care and treatment are at risk because they cannot rely on refrigeration for medical products like vaccines, lights for childbirth or emergency surgery at night, or digital connectivity for the communications and records management that modern medicine depends on.”

    Read also: AfDB Invests $21 Million In Chad’s Clean Electricity Project

    Solar photovoltaic systems with battery storage and other electricity access strategies will be used to electrify these clinics and grid sites. In order to maintain the systems and provide “financial sustainability to establish the effort as a formal program outside of USAID,” excess electricity produced by these installations will be sold to the local populations.

    Along with the founding members of the private sector alliance, Bechtel, Orange, and 25 other businesses, organisations, and foundations in the health, energy, and telecommunications sectors, the US firm Abt is serving as the primary integrator for HETA with Resolve. This is to make sure the plan runs seamlessly.

    About United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

    The top international development organisation in the world, USAID is a catalyst for progress in development. The work of USAID fosters recipient resilience and self-reliance while also advancing American generosity, national security, and economic development. 

    The goal of foreign aid should be to eliminate the need for it. We give development aid to help our partner countries become self-sufficient. These countries are looking for ways to improve lives, strengthen communities, and become self-sufficient.

    USAID operations are not only carried out by the American people but are also for their good.

    They also open up more trade opportunities, find creative answers to problems that used to be impossible to solve, save lives, and move democracy, governance, and peace forward. By addressing the causes of violence, USAID promotes global stability, opens up new markets and trade opportunities, finds creative solutions to development problems that were once unsolvable, saves lives, and moves democracy, governance, and peace forward.

    USAID Trade Hub awards ShEquity a $1.2 million grant.

     About USAID’s Power Africa

    The U.S. government-led partnership Power Africa brings together the combined resources of the private sector, international development agencies, and governments from across the world. This is done to make sure that everyone in sub-Saharan Africa has access to energy and to end energy poverty.

    Power Africa’s goal is to advance inclusive, low-carbon economic growth that improves lives and powers health, education, and prosperity by adding 60 million new electricity connections as well as 30,000 MW of new and cleaner generation capacity.

    So far, Power Africa has successfully provided 34.6 million new electricity connections and 6,500 megawatts of new electricity, turning lights on across the continent. Now, about 80 percent of online power projects use renewable energy due to the initiative.