Tech

Nigerian fintech Africhange launches in the UK

Published

5 months ago

July 8, 2024

Nigerian global remittance services provider, Africhange, has launched its operations in the UK which will enable diaspora Nigerians have easier and faster access to sending cash to their loved ones back home.

David Ajala, the founder and CEO of Africhange, who made the announcement, said starting with the UK-Nigeria corridor and expanding to include Ghana and Kenya before the end of the year, Africhange’s new Authorised Payment Institution License would underpin the delivery of a range of payment solutions, including remittance services for UK users.

“Africhange’s entry into the UK market represents a significant milestone in our mission to deliver the best possible global payments experience for Africans in diaspora,” Ajala said.

“Despite the significant inflows of remittance to the continent, the cost of sending money means a significant percentage of those funds don’t get to the recipients and we want to change that.

‘’We have big plans and we are looking forward to expanding our services, reaching more customers and ensuring that everyone can benefit from seamless and cost-effective international money transfers.”

He stated that with Africhange, Nigerian students enrolled in UK universities can now get discounted exchange rates on top of the market-leading rates available to the general public.

“Africhange is also planning to introduce its innovative loyalty program, Afripoints, which allows users to earn cash rewards for sending or receiving money through the platform.

“With Afripoints, users are able to accumulate points for every transaction, which can be withdrawn as cash or spent as discounts on transactions.

“This program is already available to users in Canada, Australia, and Nigeria, and will soon be launching in the UK.

“Africhange currently supports remittance services across more than 100 corridors globally, with more corridors across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas to come, as well as a broader range of payment and financial services for users.

“Users can send money across the world in real-time, with competitive rates ensuring that more money reaches the recipients.

“The company supports money transfer services from Canada, Nigeria, Australia and the UK to various countries across the world, with a range of currencies including US Dollars (USD), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Chinese Yen (CNY), Nigerian Naira (NGN), Kenyan Shillings (KES), Ghanaian Cedis (GHS), Indian Rupees (INR), Australian dollars (AUD), British Pound Sterling (GBP) and more.”

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

3 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.