Tech

Tanzania I&M Bank partners with Mastercard to launch multicurrency prepaid cards

Published

1 year ago

June 15, 2023

Tanzania’s I&M Bank has entered into a partnership with Mastercard to launch its suite of Debit and Multicurrency Prepaid Cards that will “enable customers make seamless transactions in both domestic and international markets.”

Chief Executive Officer for I&M Bank Tanzania, Zahid Mustafa, who announced the deal during a press conference on Wednesday, said the bank would also launch the I&M Debit Gold Card for personal banking customers and the I&M World Elite Card for high networth clients in the future.

“We are delighted to be working with Mastercard, a leading financial technology powerhouse,” Mustafa said.

“This solution will enable both account and non-account holders to transact in both local and foreign currency – safely, securely, and seamlessly.

“The cards come with advanced security features (PIN and EMV chip) that allows contactless payment (Tap and Go) to ensure that customers transact safely and securely in the virtual environment,’ he added.

I&M Bank Tanzania, according to the CEO, will be the only bank offering World Elite Debit Cards in the Tanzanian market to customers, giving them exclusive access to a range of unique benefits, privileges and experiences that can be accessed at home and abroad.

Also speaking at the press conference, Shehryar Ali, Country Manager, East Africa, Mastercard, said the World Elite Exclusive Mastercard Debit card, which is the first of its kind in Tanzania, would offer unmatched benefits and convenience to Tanzanians through the Mastercard Priceless platform.

“The new technology, which includes contactless payment, ensures a fast and secure checkout experience, whilst also empowering consumers to choose how they want to pay,” he said.

“Over the last decade, there has been considerable progress and a shift in the payment landscape as we know it and as such, we have had to be agile in our approach and develop innovative solutions that address consumers’ pain points.”

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

15 hours 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.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.