Tech

Kenya’s Absa Bank launches ‘Change Your Story’ campaign to encourage digital banking

Published

3 months ago

September 14, 2024

Absa Bank Kenya has launched a new promo known as “Change Your Story” campaign aimed at encouraging customers to use digital channels and card payments.

Absa Bank Kenya Consumer Banking Director, Moses Muthui, who spoke during the launch of the campaign on Friday, said the initiative was part of the bank’s larger efforts to promote financial inclusion and improve user experience.

“The “Change Your Story” campaign is aligned to our brand promise and goes beyond rewarding our customers. It seeks to bridge the gap in digital banking among Kenyans, promoting a shift from cash heavy transactions to secure, convenient, and user-friendly digital and card transactions,” Muthui said.

“This initiative is one of many steps we are taking to support our customers’ stories by building a more inclusive financial ecosystem, where every transaction has the potential to transform lives. Through this, we are rewarding those who engage with us while simultaneously raising awareness of the benefits of card usage for both customers and non-customers.”

He added that the campaign which will run up to 31 December 2024, will feature grand prize draws, with three winners each walking away with KES 1 million.

“Additionally, there will be weekly draws offering shopping, dining, or weekend getaway vouchers throughout the campaign.

“As part of the campaign, customers will also win holidays to the Masai Mara, Ol Pejeta and Amboseli National Parks as well as trips to the Nairobi National Park and fine dining and fuel vouchers. The grand prize will be awarded monthly to three customers during the campaign.

“All current and prospective customers can participate by signing up for an Absa Card, and other digital channels and using them for their day-to-day transactions,” he said.

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Tech

Kenya’s ticketing startup BuuPass partners Flexpay for flexible travel payments

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with goal-based savings platform, Flexpay, to offer customers flexible payment plans ahead of holiday travels as well as simplify travel planning and ease the financial burden of holiday travel for Kenyans.

Co-founder and CEO at Buupass, Sonia Kabra, who unveiled the package at a press conference, said the collaboration between the two platforms will allow travellers to save for their journeys in manageable, interest-free installments over four to 12 weeks.

“Travelers can select their travel dates, book tickets, and pay a small deposit upfront, with the remaining balance spread across weekly or monthly payments,” she said.

“This approach offers a stress-free way for families and large groups to secure their tickets early, helping them avoid last-minute price hikes as fares are locked in.

“By partnering with Flexpay, we’re giving travelers the flexibility to budget for their trips in advance. This initiative aligns with our mission to make travel accessible to everyone, providing a solution that meets customers where they are financially,” said Kabra.

Also speaking at the event, Richard Machomba, CEO and founder of Flexpay, said:

“Flexpay’s mission is to empower individuals by providing accessible financial solutions that make it easier for them to achieve their financial goals.

“By partnering with BuuPass, we’re making travel more accessible and stress-free for Kenyans, especially during the holiday season when expenses can be overwhelming,” Machomba added.

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

FlexPay, on the other hand, is an online and offline payment gateway that allows merchants to offer interest-free targeted savings to their customers in Africa.

Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

3 days 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