Connect with us

Tech

Zambian fintech Union54 partners with Paymentology to launch virtual Mastercard debit cards

Published

on

Zambian fintech, Union54, has partnered with next-generation payment platform, Paymentology, to launch virtual Mastercard debit cards on its ChitChat social platform.

Perseus Mlambo, CEO of Union54, who made the disclosure in a statement on Friday, said the partnership was timely as it was coming at a time of rapid growth in Zambia’s digital payments sector.

“With 16.4 million mobile connections representing 78.7% of the population, and a projected market growth for digital payments of 16.12% from 2023 to 2027, reaching a size of US$8,441.00 million, Zambia is primed for innovation in financial services,” he said.

“By integrating communication and secure financial transactions on one platform, Union54’s ChitChat has the potential to drive significant economic growth, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance financial inclusion throughout Africa.

“Building on the recent launch of Union54’s ChitChat—a messaging app with an integrated payment wallet—this collaboration introduces a USD virtual Mastercard debit card to the platform.

‘Leveraging over two decades of expertise, Paymentology provides its next-generation payment platform to support Union54’s expansion of ChitChat in Zambia and other African markets during this critical growth phase.”

Union54 which was founded in 2021 by entrepreneurs Mlambo and Alessandra Martini, has quickly gained prominence in Africa’s fintech sector with its flagship product, ChitChat, enabling users to communicate, network, transfer money between wallets, convert USD to local currencies, and send in-app funds to other ChitChat users.

“With the help of Paymentology’s cloud-first, API-driven technology, users can now conduct both in-person and online transactions using their ChitChat virtual Mastercard debit card,” Mlambo said.

“The internet has transformative potential for both individuals and governments. Our goal is to create secure and efficient spaces for communication and transactions. Partnering with Paymentology provides us with the reliability, security, and scalability needed to elevate our offerings. This collaboration will empower our customers with the advanced tools necessary for seamless communication and financial transactions.”

Tech

AfriLabs to host ‘Annual Gathering’ in Cape Town

Published

on

Pan-African innovation hub, AfriLabs, has announced Cape Town, South Africa, as the host of its “Annual Gathering” scheduled to hold between November 6 and 8 under the theme, “Uniting Innovation”.

In the statement issued by the Executive Director of AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, this year’s “Annual Gathering” emphasises the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth and social development through Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

‘It will feature seven key tracks, each focusing on pivotal sectors that are essential for Africa’s future, such as makerspaces, gender and inclusion, investment, and hub solutions,” she said.

Ekeledo also revealed that AfriLabs has secured a number of partners for the event including RLabs, NASENI, Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Intel and UNFPA.

“The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent,” Ekeledo added.

AfriLabs is a network organisation that is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. It counts 496 hubs across 261 cities in 53 African nations as part of its network.

Continue Reading

Tech

Young African tech-preneurs invited to apply for 2025 Anzisha Prize

Published

on

Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which comes with mouthwatering offers such as access to benefits, services, and prize money.

The Anzisha Prize is delivered by African Leadership Academy in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, with the aim of increasing the number of job-generative entrepreneurs in Africa.

It is designed to accommodate 35 exceptional entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 22 who will be selected for a multi-year fellowship experience, during which fellows will receive business support including business coaching, experiential learning and resources to help them develop and scale their ventures.

According to the organizers, businesses that show exemplary growth and initiative will be rewarded with benefits and services such as short courses, cloud services and cash support.

“At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and successes for a chance to win their share of prizes to the value of $50,000,” a statement by Didi Onwu, managing editor of the Anzisha Prize, said.

“The grand prizes are split into four categories – job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and integrating systems and processes. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will graduate and join the prestigious Anzisha Prize alumni network.

“This year, the Anzisha Prize is placing a special emphasis on green entrepreneurs. We are looking for passionate individuals who are tackling environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable business solutions,” said Onwu.

Continue Reading

EDITOR’S PICK

Sports14 hours ago

Chepkirui leads Kenya to podium sweep at New York City Marathon

Kenya had a clean sweep of the podium at the 2024 New York City Marathon on Sunday as Sheila Chepkirui...

Tech14 hours ago

AfriLabs to host ‘Annual Gathering’ in Cape Town

Pan-African innovation hub, AfriLabs, has announced Cape Town, South Africa, as the host of its “Annual Gathering” scheduled to hold...

Metro14 hours ago

Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as...

VenturesNow18 hours ago

South Africa: Petrol, diesel prices to rise on Wednesday. Here’s why

Following an increase in the price of oil due to the crisis between Iran and Israel, petrol and diesel prices...

Metro21 hours ago

Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to...

Culture2 days ago

Ghanaians react angrily as American video vixen Rubi Rose tours Jubilee House

Some Ghanaians have been outraged following a tour of the Jubilee House, the country’s seat of government, by American entertainer...

Metro2 days ago

Zambia, Japan celebrate 60 years of bilateral relationship

Zambia and Japan, during the weekend, celebrated 60 years of bilateral relationship on the occasion of the African country’s 60th...

Tech2 days ago

Young African tech-preneurs invited to apply for 2025 Anzisha Prize

Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which...

Sports2 days ago

Reports say Libyan authorities have begun mass arrest of Nigerians following CAF verdict

Reports making the rounds say Libyan authorities have embarked on a mass arrest of Nigerians living in that country following...

Metro2 days ago

Nigeria: Human Rights Commission records 3,099 cases of child marriages in three months

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it has recorded no fewer than 3,099 cases of child marriage in Nigeria...

Trending