Tech

Mama Money partners Access Bank, Paymentology to launch WhatsApp-powered bank card in SA

Published

6 months ago

June 24, 2024

Africa’s cross-border money transfer operators, Mama Money, has entered into partnership with Access Bank and Paymentology to launch a WhatsApp-powered bank card in South Africa.

According to Mathieu Coquillon, co-founder of Mama Money, “through its integration with WhatsApp, the Mama Money Card allows users to transfer payments internationally, buy electricity and airtime, download bank statements, check their balance and manage their account using the data-friendly messaging platform.”

He added that the innovation would make it much easier than traditional banks that often require proof of address to get a bank card.

“This is a key feature for Mama Money’s customers in South Africa, who are mostly from countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, India and many more, to easily get a bank card that gives them access to fundamental financial services and the ability to send money to over 70 countries worldwide,” said Coquillon.

“Through Paymentology’s next-generation payment solution, the Mama Money Card also offers advanced security features that allow you to instantly freeze the card through WhatsApp in case of loss or theft.

“The Mama Money Card represents a significant step in empowering communities, particularly in aiding migrants.

“It provides a platform for secure employer payments, encourages savings, and ultimately contributes to the financial well-being of its users.

“By catering to the specific needs of a diverse customer base, Mama Money continues to dismantle financial barriers and promote inclusivity.

“In a nation where an estimated 4 million migrants reside with many not having access to essential financial services, initiatives such as this from Mama Money, powered by us, play a pivotal role in bridging the gap in financial inclusivity,” Drisha Kirkman, Head of Programme Management and Sustainability at Paymentology also stated.

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Tech

Facebook returns to Uganda after 4-year ban

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Isaac Dachen

After four years of being in the cooler as a result of suspension by government, Facebook, now Meta, is making a return to Uganda after prolonged negotiations saw the Ugandan government reverse the ban it placed on the platform since 2021.

The suspension of the social media platform had stemmed from accusations by the government that Facebook was meddling in the country’s political affairs during the 2021 presidential elections which arose after it deleted government-affiliated accounts for allegedly spreading disinformation.

This ban of Facebook has led to widespread disruptions across the nation, affecting not only political discourse but also personal connections and business operations.

But according to reports, with a potential re-launch on the horizon for December 2024, Facebook’s comeback could be a game-changer with approximately 2.5 million Ugandans poised to reconnect on the platform, while the Uganda Revenue Authority stands to gain financially from its revival just as businesses, especially smaller enterprises, stand to benefit from advertising incomes.

Tech

20 African tech-preneurs embark on Korean innovation tour

Published

4 days ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The African Development Bank Group’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab has selected 20 promising tech entrepreneurs from various African technology ventures and enterprise support organisations to embark on a two-week study tour of the Republic of Korea, with the aim of seeking investment and insights from the country’s innovative tech ecosystem.

The selected entrepreneurs are from 133 ventures that participated in last month’s Africa Tech Startup Forum.

The forum which will hold under the auspices of the lab’s “Leveraging the Entrepreneurial and Innovation Success of Korea to Strengthen African Enterprise Support” project, had selected entrepreneurs who pitched the best business models during the week-long virtual market access and acceleration programme preparing, training, and connecting technology ventures with opportunities.

The 20 young tech-preneurs were selected from eight African countries including Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, with the delegates spanning various sectors in the technology space.

While in Korea, the African delegates will pay visits to prestigious institutions such as Global Startup Centre, LG Science Park, the Korea Software Technology Association, and the Global Digital Innovation Network.

Speaking on behalf of the delegates, founder of Kenya-based health technology venture Zuri Health, Uche Ezadinachi said:

“I am excited to go to Korea because the country has made serious technological developments. The country is a technology-driven society, and this tour is an opportunity for me to see how we can bring such technology to Africa.

“We will share experiences with our Korean counterparts; they will learn from us as much as we learn from them,” he added.