Tech

Nigerian fintech Leatherback is removing geographical barriers to financial service— CEO

Published

9 months ago

March 30, 2024

Nigerian fintech, Leatherback, is poised to remove what it calls the geographical barriers to financial services in the country as well as in the seven other countries it operates in.

This was disclosed in a statement by its founder and CEO, Ibrahim Ibitade, who stated that the startup which is a global banking service provider, was “removing geographical restrictions for individuals and businesses by providing comprehensive financial services across multiple countries.”

“For businesses, our platform offers advanced features such as invoicing, analytics, and permissions management, empowering them to manage their finances with greater control and insight,” Ibitade said.

“At Leatherback, we are committed to breaking down barriers to global financial access and mobility.

“By offering a single access point and building best-in-class financial, payment, and commerce solutions, we strive to empower individuals and businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world,” he noted.

Founded in 2022, Ibitade said the idea of the fintech was to “bridge the gap between frontier markets and developed markets.”

“Leatherback allows users to seamlessly send and receive money locally and internationally, making transactions easier and more efficient.

“The company had identified a significant gap in the market for comprehensive, borderless financial services that cater to the needs of both individuals and businesses operating across multiple countries.

“Traditional banking systems often impose restrictions and complexities when it comes to cross-border transactions, making it challenging for users to navigate global financial landscapes seamlessly.

“Our research revealed that existing fintech solutions either lacked robustness in currency options or were limited in their international payment capabilities.

“Furthermore, many platforms did not offer integrated features such as invoicing, analytics, and permissions management tailored specifically for businesses operating in diverse markets.

“We differentiate ourselves through our comprehensive offering of up to 15 currencies from 21 countries, along with our focus on providing a user-friendly platform that caters to both individual and business needs.

“Our commitment to continuous innovation and customer-centric approach sets us apart from competitors, allowing us to carve out a distinct niche in the market,” Ibitade said.

Related Topics:Featured Nigeria Nigerian fintech Leatherback

Click to comment

Tech

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

Published

2 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

3 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