Tech

Mastercard partners SomBank of Somalia to roll out inclusive debit cards

Published

1 year ago

July 4, 2023

Somalia’s SomBank has teamed up with global technology payments company, Mastercard to roll out its unique debit cards in the country.

At the launch of the cards on Tuesday, Country Manager for East Africa for Mastercard, Shehryar Ali said the company was seeking to “promote the adoption of digital payments in the country.”

“The partnership will allow SomBank to issue and accept Mastercard payments, providing customers with a safe and secure, payment solution for various transactions, including purchases, withdrawals, and online payments,” he said.

“The card will initially be distributed to 100,000 SomBank customers in 2023, with plans to expand the program in the coming years.”

He added that the Mastercard-branded SomBank Card, will offer a convenient payment solution for everyday transactions across Somalia, offering access to a wide network of merchants and ATMs that accept Mastercard payments and through the bank’s extensive network of branches and agents.

“As a global technology company with a deep commitment to financial inclusion, Mastercard is proud to partner with SomBank to bring digital payments to Somalia,” Ali said.

“This also supports our commitment to work with financial institutions to bring more people into the digital economy.

“By providing access to secure and convenient payment solutions, we believe that this partnership will help drive economic growth and improve the lives of millions of Somalis,” he added.

Abdullahi Aden, CEO of SomBank, said the partnership with Mastercard would enable the bank to offer customers a seamless way to conduct transactions, whether they are purchasing goods and services, paying bills, or sending money to friends and family.

“By providing access to digital payment solutions, Mastercard and SomBank are enabling more people to participate in the economy and access essential financial services, such as savings, loans, and insurance,” he concluded.

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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.