Tech

Nigeria’s digital security startup Prembly announces merger with Kenya’s Peleza

Published

4 months ago

July 4, 2024

Nigeria’s digital security startup, Prembly Group, has announced a strategic merger with Kenya’s security firm, Peleza, with the aim of creating a combined entity and a robust data infrastructure and compliance solutions company that will serve emerging markets in Africa.

While Prembly which was founded in 2021 has quickly become a key player in the digital security and infrastructure space, serving enterprises and global companies, Peleza is one of East Africa’s most prominent background checks and KYB companies, and the merger will help the firms expand into emerging markets and position the continent as the next hub for growth.

Lanre Ogungbe, founder and CEO of Prembly, who made the announcement in a statement, said Peleza has developed AI-powered solutions that offer KYC, KYB, and background checks “Solutions for Instant” and seamless Identity verification, background checks, and business onboarding to the entire client lifecycle and user-based management.

Ogungbe added that the merger of the two companies will make the new combined entity the “most robust data infrastructure and compliance solutions company serving emerging markets.”

“The merger with Peleza deepens our industry knowledge and elevates our strengths and technologies, empowering us to exceed our clients’ expectations worldwide,” Ogungbe said.

“Operating under a unified brand as Prembly Group, this strategic alliance will leverage synergies to enhance service delivery across multiple sectors, including finance, telecommunications, e-commerce, and more.

“Customers can expect enhanced capabilities in identity verification, background checks, risk management, and regulatory compliance solutions tailored to meet businesses’ evolving needs,” he stated.

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Tech

South Sudanese telcos increase tariffs as exchange rates soar

Published

3 days ago

October 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Telecommunication companies in South Sudan have been forced to increase their tariffs as a result of a hike in the official exchange rate.

Local media reports that the likes of MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan, and Digitel Holdings have jointly announced a tariff adjustment in response to an increase the official exchange rate following an agreement between the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) to align telecommunications service prices with the official exchange rate.

The adjustment will occur in three phases from October to December 2024 with the first change taking effect on the night of October 18, followed by subsequent changes on November 18 and December 18, 2024.

In a joint communique, the telcos confirmed that notifications about the initial adjustment were distributed via various channels and the decision was made after considering the potential impact on customers and the telecom sector.

“Since the first phase began, operators have increased the cost of internet and mobile airtime subscriptions by 600 South Sudanese pounds,” a media platform reported.

“Thus, subscribers now pay SSP1,565 for 100 MB with Zain, SSP1,790 with MTN, and SSP1,835 with Digitel, rather than the previous SSP900.

Meanwhile, another report has also indicated that the parliament will address rising telecommunications tariffs once the committee investigating alleged malpractices within telecommunications companies has submitted its findings.

According to one lawmaker, these practices have significantly raised the cost of communication services in the country, affecting the general public.

Tech

Rwanda’s e-mobiility startup IZI expands electric bus fleet after getting grant from Green Fund

Published

5 days ago

October 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Rwanda’s e-mobility startup, IZI, has announced the delivery of five electric buses to Kigali, the country’s capital city, after obtaining a substantial grant from the Rwandan Green Fund.

IZI, a frontrunner in electric vehicle solutions which says it is on a mission to electrify Rwanda’s public transport sector, has, in just four months of operation, grown its initial fleet of five electric buses to an enviable height.

CEO of the startup, Alex Wilson, believes the grant is a testament to the success story of IZI.

“These results validate our E-Mobility-as-a-Service model. We’re not just reducing emissions; we’re proving that sustainable public transport is economically viable in Africa.

“Building on this success, IZI has secured an RWF 300,000,000 grant from the Rwanda Green Fund to deploy five additional electric buses in Kigali.

“These vehicles will represent the most advanced public transport in Rwanda to date, boasting features such as an independent intelligent driver’s cabin, air suspension balanced driver’s seat, full LCD dashboard, one-step entry, and a flat-floor design for improved passenger comfort,” he said.

He added that the success of IZI’s pilot has led to strong demand from other Rwandan public bus operators.

“IZI has now signed contracts with 4 leading transport companies for the deployment of over 100 buses, marking a significant expansion of its operations.

“Looking ahead, IZI plans to establish a state-of-the-art battery maintenance and repair facility in Kigali, supporting the entire EV ecosystem in Rwanda and positioning the country as a centre of innovation in the EV industry,” he added.