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

Kenya’s ticketing startup BuuPass partners Flexpay for flexible travel payments

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with goal-based savings platform, Flexpay, to offer customers flexible payment plans ahead of holiday travels as well as simplify travel planning and ease the financial burden of holiday travel for Kenyans.

Co-founder and CEO at Buupass, Sonia Kabra, who unveiled the package at a press conference, said the collaboration between the two platforms will allow travellers to save for their journeys in manageable, interest-free installments over four to 12 weeks.

“Travelers can select their travel dates, book tickets, and pay a small deposit upfront, with the remaining balance spread across weekly or monthly payments,” she said.

“This approach offers a stress-free way for families and large groups to secure their tickets early, helping them avoid last-minute price hikes as fares are locked in.

“By partnering with Flexpay, we’re giving travelers the flexibility to budget for their trips in advance. This initiative aligns with our mission to make travel accessible to everyone, providing a solution that meets customers where they are financially,” said Kabra.

Also speaking at the event, Richard Machomba, CEO and founder of Flexpay, said:

“Flexpay’s mission is to empower individuals by providing accessible financial solutions that make it easier for them to achieve their financial goals.

“By partnering with BuuPass, we’re making travel more accessible and stress-free for Kenyans, especially during the holiday season when expenses can be overwhelming,” Machomba added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via web, app, or USSD, while its SaaS platform helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales.

FlexPay, on the other hand, is an online and offline payment gateway that allows merchants to offer interest-free targeted savings to their customers in Africa.

Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant, Apple, accusing them of illegal mineral exploitation and allegedly using “blood minerals” in its supply chain.

In the suit filed on Tuesday, the DRC alleges that Apple has bought contraband supplies from the country’s conflict-ladden east and Rwanda, zones in which it allege the materials are mined illegally and then integrated into global supply chains before ending up in tech devices.

The DRC suit specifically mentioned Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

The DRC is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten which are used in electronic devices, with some mines controlled by armed groups responsible for human rights violations.

International lawyers representing the African country’s government have accused Apple’s local subsidiaries of taking these minerals from conflict areas and laundering them through international supply chains, with one lawyer telling journalists that Belgium had a moral duty to act given its history of exploiting the country’s resources under colonial rule.

However, in its response, Apple claims it conducts supplier audits and does not directly source primary minerals.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1262670-dr-congo-sues-apple-over-alleged-illegal-mineral-exploitation