Tech

Pan-African neobank startup, PayDay partners with Starlink as it re-enters Rwanda

Published

2 years ago

April 28, 2023

Pan-African neobank payments startup, PayDay has announced its re-entry into Rwanda after it struck a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink following the official launch of the satellite offering in the East African country.

PayDay’s CEO, Favour Ori, who disclosed the re-entry of the payment platform into Rwanda, said the new partnership with the global internet service provider would further elevate the company’s profile in its quest to expand across the continent.

The Elon Musk-owned SpaceX which runs Starlink, was awarded a license to start its operations in Rwanda effective April 2023, and will offer internet and high-speed connectivity services across the country through its constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, according to the Rwanda Space Agency.

Ori said the re-launch of PayDay in Rwanda would enable Startlink customers purchase their subscription services through the startup’s virtual wallet which can hold currencies in USD, GBP and EUR, thus simplifying the process of purchasing goods and services online.

“We are thrilled to expand our digital banking services to Rwanda and enhance our partnership with Starlink,” Ori said.

“This offers us an opportunity to promote financial inclusion in the country and contribute to affordable internet connection regardless of location,” he added.

Founded in 2021, PayDay has grown to become a household name in the African neobank space, as well as carving a niche for itself by “enabling remittances to remote workers, freelancers, business owners, and digital professionals with seamless, borderless payments.”

PayDay offers its global payment processing service across over 130 countries in Africa, and through its virtual cards, customers can easily pay for internet subscriptions and any other products and services offered by Starlink, Ori revealed.

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Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

20 hours 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

Tech

Moroccan retail-tech startup Z raises $1.5m to drive intense growth

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Morocco-based B2B retail-tech marketplace, ZSystems, has announced closing a $1.5 million seed funding round which will see it carry out its ambitious expansion dreams.

In a statement by co-founder and CEO, Meriem Benabad, the funding round was led by Morocco-based Venture Capital firms, MNF Ventures (through its MNF II fund), Witamax (through Fund II and III), Cash Plus Ventures, and Kalys Ventures.

“This funding marks a pivotal moment for Z, as we aim to scale operations and bring cutting-edge solutions to traditional retail.

“Our vision is to empower small businesses and unlock growth across Morocco and Africa,” Benabad said.

According to Benabad, the newly acquired capital will support Z’s technology development, product catalogue expansion, and preparation for its next growth phase.

“Z is reshaping the retail landscape by integrating technology and innovation across the value chain. Its scalable platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market,” he added.

Founded in 2022 by the trio of Benabad, Samer Choumar and Youssef Ait-Haddouch, Z’s platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market.

Since launch, the startup has helped over 15,000 active retailers, and seen more than 800,000 orders placed.