Tech

Uganda’s Agent Banking Company secures further investment for its expansion plans

Published

2 months ago

September 23, 2024

Ugandan fintech, Agent Banking Company (ABC), has announced securing an undisclosed amount of funding from Goodwell Investments, an impact investor financing inclusive growth in emerging markets, that will enable it carry out its expansion plans beyond the country.

The CEO of ABC, Richard Jabel, who made the announcement, said the funding will boost the company’s efforts in improving lives by facilitating access to quality and affordable financial services.

“Our business was established to address a very real need to expand the reach and improve access to quality and affordable financial services in Uganda,” Jabel said.

“With the introduction of Agent Banking, there has been exponential growth in the number of service points through which consumers can access and use formal financial services offered by over 15,000 authorised bank agents.

“This has made it much easier and enabled the previously underserved communities to enjoy a range of formal financial services across the country.

“The investment from Goodwell will be instrumental in the next phase of our growth, as we enrich our service range to encompass the full suite of basic financial services to be accessed through mobile phones, agents and merchants.

“The funding will enable Agent Banking Company to pursue ambitious goals for growth, including expanding its client base, increasing agent coverage, and deploying new services.

“We look forward to working with Goodwell as we continue to improve livelihoods and remove financial exclusion barriers through the transformation of the financial services landscape in Uganda,” said Jabel.

Founded in 2017, Agent Banking Company focuses on increasing access and use of a wide range of quality, secure and affordable financial services by underserved communities in Uganda through its shared and interoperable digital platforms.

The company enables multiple bank and non-bank financial services providers to provide financial services to consumers through authorised bank agents, and currently serves 18 supervised financial institutions and five payments services providers with over 15,000 bank agents across Uganda.

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Tech

Kenya’s startup BuuPass partners with GiftPesa to launch digital travel vouchers

Published

11 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing and transportation management solutions startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with fintech company, GiftPesa, to introduce digital travel vouchers ahead of the holiday season.

In a statement by BuuPass cofounder and CEO, Sonia Kabra, the move will offer a more flexible and convenient way for Kenyans to manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.

“We’ve noticed a growing demand for digital solutions in the travel industry, especially during peak periods like the holiday season,” said Kabra.

“This partnership with GiftPesa enhances the travel experience for our customers, offering them a convenient way to send travel tickets as gifts and have a safety net for unconfirmed travel dates.

“Unlike traditional paper vouchers that can expire or get lost, GiftPesa vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be redeemed in parts at over 3,000 outlets across the country.

“This flexibility allows recipients to use the vouchers for multiple trips or select their preferred destination, making travel more accessible,” she added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a leading 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.

GiftPesa, on the other hand, is a fintech startup that provides businesses and individuals with a platform for creating digital vouchers.

The partnership between the two companies will introduce digital travel vouchers, helping users manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.

Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

2 days 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.