Tech

Nigerian fintech Africhange launches in the UK

Published

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“With Afripoints, users are able to accumulate points for every transaction, which can be withdrawn as cash or spent as discounts on transactions.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

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