Tech

Tigo partners with Selcom, Mastercard, to launch online digital payment solution in Tanzania

Published

2 years ago

March 24, 2023

Tanzania’s virtual payment platform, Tigo Tanzania, has entered into a strategic partnership with Selcom and Mastercard to launch an online digital payment solution system in the country.

The three industry leaders, according to the terms of the partnership, will see them revolutionize the digital payment ecosystem in the eastern African country by enabling convenient online payments globally through the Tigo Mastercard virtual service via the Selcom’s card-as-a-service (CaaS) platform.

The virtual card allows for Tigo consumers to easily make payments at any online purchase point where Mastercard is accepted without the need for a bank account or credit card.

Tigo’s Chief Officer for Mobile Financial Services (MFS) Angelica Pesha, who made the announcement on Friday, said the launch of the virtual card will ensure Tigo’s ability to provide its customers access to products and services previously a preserve of physical credit card holders while diversifying its mobile money portfolio.

”As the leading digital lifestyle company in Tanzania, we are always on the look out for such partnerships as our customers will now be able to complete online transactions that requires Mastercard credentials, while using funds from their Tigo Pesa wallets,” she said.

“It also means that this service will allow customers to quickly and conveniently pay for goods and services in the international market.”

“Additionally, the partnership will result in a wide range of cutting-edge digital payment solutions being introduced in Tanzania and connect Tigo customers in Tanzania to a global online market place across multiple digital payment use cases and provide access to Mastercard’s global network of merchants,” Pesha said.

Selcom’s Executive Director, Sameer Hirji, who also expressed his enthusiasm for what he calls a groundbreaking collaboration, said:

“At Selcom, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the payment industry. We are thrilled to join forces with esteemed partners like Tigo Pesa and Mastercard to unveil our state-of-the-art mobile money wallet-linked virtual card.”

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

9 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.