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Digital Payments Push Fails to Deter Demand for Cash in Nigeria

Abidemi Ogunyemi-Aderibigbe
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Digital Payments Push Fails to Deter Demand for Cash in Nigeria

The push for digital payments in Nigeria has failed to deter the demand for cash as proposed by the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN). Despite the push by the authorities to engender cashless transactions and control the supply of money in the Country, cash circulation is still on the rise.

According to a report in October, the amount of naira notes and coins circulating has increased by 4.6% to $7.3 billion within the economy from the previous month based on the data by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). M2 or broad money supply rose to a record of about N41.4 trillion in the same month.

Increasing Cash Demands

The increase in the demand for cash causing Nigeria’s currency-in-circulation indicates the lag in the digitization of Naira (digital payment) and monetary control.

In October 2021, Nigeria introduced a digital currency (e-Naira) while a host of Fintech companies are making efforts to pitch to residents of the nation where about 36% of grown-ups have no access to banking services yet cash is still the main mode of transaction especially in the rural areas.

The rise in the money supply also spiked the risk of inflation which at 15.99% has exceeded the Central Bank’s single-digit target for 6 years. The regulators have strived to keep the policy rate unchanged since last year at 11.5% in a bid to rein in on the price rise.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had hope that the advent of the digital currency, e-Naira, will expand the digital payments thereby reducing the cost of printing and cash processing as well as aid to deepen financial inclusion luring about half a million (500,000) people on the digital platform as of the Middle of November.

Despite all these, Financial Technology firms, the likes of TeamApt Ltd, and Opay are captivating private equity funds as they are scaling up in the continent’s biggest economy.

 

 

MarketForce Partners With Cellulant As It Targets Expansion

Mena Adediran
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MarketForce Partners With Cellulant As It Targets Expansion

MarketForce, a Kenyan startup that specializes in B2B financial and retail services, has widened its market base to include five more markets across Africa. The plan is to grow RejaReja, a MarketForce app that enables retailers to order and pay for goods, accept payments for utility bills, and access financing; RejaReja also allows manufacturers to find retailers for their products.

MarketForce has joined forces with Cellulant to foster the entry of RejaReja into the following markets: Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. This is coming after a pilot launch in Nigeria about two months ago.

Cellulant, a pan-African payments company, will allow merchants to accept “locally relevant and alternative” payment options from buyers and as such will help the growth of RejaReja in the aforementioned markets.

Tesh Mbaabu, MarketForce co-founder and CEO, told TechCrunch; “We are working with Cellulant to open the new markets, and the reason is they already have a presence in these markets and have partnerships with both banks and billers. This will ensure that we focus on acquiring new merchants.”

Cellulant Chief Business Officer, David Waithaka noted that the partnership has been in the works for about six months and that Cellulant is delighted to extend their “fruitful relationship” with MarketForce. He further said that amplifying financial inclusion and incomes for merchants across Africa is the goal of this partnership.

Notably, Cellulant has a wide range of partnerships including 46 mobile money operators and 120 banks across Africa, it also serves 35 African countries and has physical spaces in 18 of those. 

Mbaabu said that the company’s target is to grow RejaReja merchants to 1 million by the end of 2022. RejaReja was launched in December 2020 and has seen remarkable growth having over 87,000 orders made on the platform. 

“In November we hit 100,000 merchants in Kenya and Nigeria and this number is growing quite rapidly. Currently, we are growing 40% month on month. This shows how strong our service is,” Mbaabu shared.

VBank Women in Tech Nigeria Makeathon

Hassan Barakat
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VBank Women in Tech Nigeria Makeathon

Vbank Women in Tech Nigeria Makeathon is a free project aimed at equipping 1,000 girls and women with the digital and soft skills they need to succeed in STEM fields.

Women in Tech® is a global non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gender gap and empowering women to embrace technology. We work to empower girls and women all across the world, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goal 5b: harnessing technologies.

VBank Women in Tech Makeathon
VBank Women in Tech Makeathon

We are a global movement with chapters on six continents and over 70,000 members, with our headquarters in Paris. The goal is to provide women and girls with the essential skills, confidence, and chances to thrive in STEM disciplines by educating, equipping, and empowering them.

We are the only organization dedicated to women in technology that offers training at every step of their careers, from the classroom to the boardroom.

Our Manifesto

The most underutilized resource in tech is women. Not only is it ethical to create diverse teams, but it also promotes economic growth. Future-proofing women’s career prospects will help to assure sustainable communities around the world.

Women in Tech is a worldwide movement dedicated to achieving gender equality in STEM fields. We make a difference by taking action to boost women’s confidence and help them achieve their goals. We all benefit when women succeed.

Are you a woman with dreams to transition into tech?

Then apply now for the Vbankng Women in Tech® Nigeria Makeathon and learn the skills and get the support you need to confidently navigate the global digital landscape.

Registration and program is FREE

Register here

Fintech Innovation Growth now Giving Kenya Wings to Fly

Abidemi Ogunyemi-Aderibigbe
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Fintech Innovation Growth now Giving Kenya Wings to Fly

Fintech (Financial Technology) innovation growth is currently aiding Kenya with wings to fly and soar. Fintech has been a major key factor in the growth of the country ever since the Covid-19 Pandemic hit. As most countries move past the economic downsides caused by the pandemic, Fintech has allowed for improvement in terms of financial access for the unbanked and underbanked.

The pandemic revealed and aggravated the financial inclusion space among the underprivileged lacking access to financial services with stats showing about 2 billion people worldwide who do not have access to financial institutions.

However, according to IFC ( International Finance Corporation), the growth of digital financial services in sub-Saharan Africa has led to a sharp rise in the number of people benefitting access to financial services in the region with almost half of Seven hundred million (700M) users worldwide.

The rise in the adoption of mobile tech is encouraging tech innovators to invent infrastructure that will serve the potential of changing how payments will be made forever.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in 2020 did a survey that showed digital and mobile innovations will play a key role in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is coming to fruition as the demand for inexpensive and convenient financial services is on the rise across Africa and the globe.

From an end-user perspective, Fintech gives financial flexibility with the provision of substantial mobile payment solutions that makes the transfer of money or access to loans easier through mobile devices.

This sort of flexibility has remarkably reduced money handling costs like fees, interest rates on money transfers, as well as loans for small businesses making e-payment more affordable.

Fintechs are creating rapid solutions for building modern financial structures while large financial organizations like banks take a long time to get innovations into the market.

Licensing and regulation are important to safeguard consumer interests but also critical to the rapid rise of innovation. Fintechs especially are counting on the government to ease market entry and play the role of an enabler to some extent in doing business.

To encourage the growth of Fintech start-ups in a growing young economy like Kenya, motivation will aid the facilitation of steady undisrupted growth from early stages of most of these businesses.

Also, regulators such as CBK, Capital Markets Authority (CMA), and Communications Authority (CA) could provide unrestrictive policies that will enhance and make it easy for fintech start-ups to innovate and grow.

In addition, Fintechs should look into important partnerships to facilitate their growth, enhance their users’ experience and profitability. Hence, strategic allies between fintech, banks, and various payment gateways will create opportunities for competition in niche markets such as the payments solution space.

Being supportive of the growth of digital financial services, in the long run, will aid the unlocking of local market economic opportunities.

It thus will be appealing to see how the evolving process of innovations and solutions in Kenya will lead to a more digitize and inclusive economy for the country.

Siemens Engineering and Technology Stream Bursary Applications for South Africans

Hassan Barakat
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Siemens Engineering and Technology Stream Bursary Applications for South Africans

Siemens South Africa Proprietary Limited is a local subsidiary of Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (“Siemens AG”), which is based in Germany. Siemens AG is a worldwide technology leader that connects the digital and physical worlds together for the benefit of customers and society. The company focuses on intelligent infrastructure for buildings, decentralized energy systems, and process and manufacturing automation, and digitalization.

Every year, we look for graduates who are willing to take the initiative and make a difference in the fields of engineering and technology. We’re seeking true game changers, innovators, and trendsetters. The Siemens Bursary Scheme is for you if you are interested in Engineering and Technology. We want to empower you so you can reach your dreams and build your next adventure.

Eligibility

  • Bsc/B.Eng Electrical Engineering – Heavy Current
  • Bsc/B.Eng Electronic/Engineering – Light Current
  • BSc Information Technology
  • B.Eng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Mechatronics)

Academic and Personal Record

  • English – Level 5 and Above
  • Pure Maths – Level 5 and Above
  • Physical Science – Level 5 and Above
  • Unemployed South African Citizen between 18 – 25 years
  • Completed Matric/Grade 12
  • A minimum Academic Average of 65% and above in the year that you are applying for the bursary i.e. in grade 12 or Tertiary Level
  • Studying/be accepted to start studying full time within one of the fields of study stipulated above.

Criteria

  • Select an institution that is locally recognized.
  • Meet the registration criteria of the Training Institutions
  • Proof of acceptance by the training institution is required before a bursary can be awarded
  • Students should not be receiving any other funding e.g. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
  • Students should be willing to work for the company during vacation periods.

Application Process

  • Students from disadvantaged backgrounds will be given preference.
  • Students who meet the above minimum eligibility requirements may apply by submitting clear copies of the following supporting documents:
  1. Motivation Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. ID Document
  4. Matric Certificate
  5. Fully Tertiary Academic Record (If Applicable)

Next Phase

Your application will be reviewed after all your documents and information have been received. Our Siemens Recruiter/Bursary coordinator will contact you for a virtual video interview if you meet the bursary academic criteria.

You will be awarded a Bursary for that particular year of study.

For more information and to apply

Visit the official page of Siemens 

The Baobab Network Technology Accelerator 2022

Hassan Barakat
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The Baobab Network Technology Accelerator 2022

The Baobab Network invests in early-stage businesses all around Africa. It was formed by Africa’s most daring innovators and future business leaders.

Since 2016, we’ve been working with African entrepreneurs, and in 2019, we launched our world-class accelerator, which provides founders with the cash and platform they need to take their businesses global.

In exchange for 10% equity, we provide start-ups $25,000 USD in financing and two years of personalized support, including a dedicated venture partner. Our ventures team works with our portfolio companies to help them scale by accelerating growth, building capacity, and unlocking the next rounds of investment.

We’d love to talk to you if you are building the next Flutterwave, Sendy or Alerzo.

Application for 2022 Accelerator Program

Who can apply?
  • Early-stage technology or technology-enabled businesses
  • Living and working in a key market that we cover in Africa
  • Companies across many sectors and verticals. See our FAQ’s for companies we don’t specialize in.
What should I do before I apply?
  • Familiarise yourself with our FAQ’s and our Application Form
  • It takes about 15 to 25 minutes to complete the application form, and the more information you can supply ahead, the better.
What do I need to apply?
  • We specialize in early-stage companies, and we prefer companies that have produced an MVP of their product or service or are in the early phases of scaling.
  • Provide documents to support your application like investment deck, cap table, traction document, etc.
When can I apply?
  • We are a non-cohort based accelerator, for now, so we accept new businesses onto the accelerator programme throughout the year
  • We assess applications on a rolling basis, so if you’re interested in receiving financing, please contact us. Within 2-3 months, a member of our team will contact successful applicants.

The Process

1 Week of World-Class Consulting

We begin by creating a worldwide team of 3-4 business and industry professionals to collaborate with entrepreneurs on a 5-day in-country consulting project to address the most pressing difficulties they face.

2 Years of Hands-On Venture Support

For the next 24 months, each start-up is assigned a dedicated Baobab Venture Partner, who develops and implements a unique business acceleration plan and provides remote, hands-on support to the founders.

Lifetime Access to Our Network

Our extensive network of worldwide partners is ready to give its services and expertise, run pilots and explore early commercial collaborations, and help start-ups with grants, equity, and debt funding.

Application Deadline: December 31st, 2021

For more information and to apply: Visit the official page of the Baobab Network Technology Accelerator 2022

Juniper Research: Mobile Money Transaction Values to Exceed $870 Billion in Emerging Markets by 2026

Abidemi Ogunyemi-Aderibigbe
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Juniper Research: Mobile Money Transaction Values to Exceed $870 Billion in Emerging Markets by 2026

According to the latest research report by Juniper Research, Mobile Money Transaction values will exceed $870B in emerging markets as the Payments-as‑a‑platform Model Accelerates by 2026 from $555B in 2021 which shows an exceeding growth of about 60%. 

The detailed assessment report on how mobile money transaction is currently boosting financial inclusion in emerging markets splits by four(4) key regions which include Africa & Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, and the rest of Asia Pacific. 

The major focus of the research was on the 4 significant segments of mobile money usage proving Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis for these and an extensive future market outlook. 

The forecasts and the SWOT analysis in the research report focus on the following segments: Microinsurance, Microloans, Micro savings, and Mobile Money Transfer.

This growth stated by the research report will be initiated by the transformation of mobile money vendors like M-PESA, to Payment-as-a-platform (PaaP) model. The PaaP model allows its users access to third-party services like eCommerce and the creation of additional streams of revenue.

PaaP model is identified to play a critical role in a revenue increase for mobile money vendors as user expectations are on the rise as well as smartphone adoption. The report also recommends that mobile money vendors should leverage the opportunity of merchant partnerships to focus on building their ecosystem now. 

Microloans Represent Fastest-growing Segment

The new research report shows that microloans will be the fastest-growing segment within mobile money having over 180% growth in the next 5 years. The research identified microloan as a lead for mobile money service providers to increase their revenue by offering banking-like services. Research and co-author Damla Sat also stated that:

“Microloans are by their nature small-scaled, they are significantly growing rapidly enabling users access to credit such as financial inclusion rises. By offering users these services, mobile money services can pre‑empt competition from banks, while increasing their average revenue per user thereby creating a virtuous circle.” 

Africa & Middle East Leading Mobile Money Development

The research has unveiled that Africa and the Middle East are in the limelight to dominate mobile money transactions values in the next five(5) years thereby accounting for about 56% of the global emerging market values by 2026.

It is recommended that African Vendors focus on expanding revolutionary mobile money services like micro-savings, microinsurance so as to harness the rapidly growing opportunity.

Mobile Money in Emerging Markets market research: https://www.juniperresearch.com/researchstore/fintech-payments/mobile-money-services-research-report

Download the whitepaper: https://www.juniperresearch.com/whitepapers/the-new-wave-of-fintech-innovation-in-emerging

 

 

Pollicy’s Fellowship Programme 2022

Mena Adediran
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Pollicy’s Fellowship Programme 2022

Pollicy’s Fellowship has set out to introduce students and young professionals to Civic Technology alongside research programmes. The fellows will be allowed to provide contribution to the field’s knowledge through their data skills.

The fellowship is for six months and has the following opportunities; collaboration with Civic tech innovators, conduction of research, getting to explore ways to improve government services through civic tech.

Fellows will do final research, create different products, publish blog posts, and host offline and online events. They will also work with the Pollicy team and partners.

Pollicy will choose four fellows to recruit and empower towards its many data initiatives for the 2022 fellowship. The roles include:

  1. Research Fellow, Anglophone 

Location: remote or Kampala

2. Research Fellow, Francophone

Location: remote or Kampala

3. Communications Fellow

Location: Kampala 

4. Community Engagement Fellow

Location: Kampala

When is the Deadline?

January 10, 2022

What are the Activities for each Role?

  1. Research Fellow,  Anglophone:
  • Work with research team, develop a final body of research 
  • Identify solutions that advance social, political and economic rights
  • Collaborate with team to design tech products.

2. Research Fellow, Francophone:

  • Maintain relationships with local stakeholders and partners
  • Work with remote research team
  • Design survey questionnaires
  • Conduct research
  • Check and analyze data

3. Communications Fellow:

  • Write, design and develop online content 
  • Publish data-related stories
  • Engage the public
  • Share data and research work

 4. Community Engagement Fellow:

  • Plan, organise and market organisation gatherings online and offline
  • Assist in the development of a community network

What is the Reward?

Each gets a monthly stipend of UGX1,750,000 ($491).

For more information, visit the official website.

To apply, click here.

E-learning Africa 15th International Conference and Exhibition

Abidemi Ogunyemi-Aderibigbe
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E-learning Africa 15th International Conference and Exhibition

The E-learning Africa annual conference and exhibition, established in the year 2005, is the largest and most comprehensive knowledge-sharing event for technology-enhanced education, training, and skills on the African continent.

This is a global forum for anyone in Africa interested in education, training, and skills development. It has successfully offered thousands of professionals in the sector of education, training, and development invaluable insights into the evolving world of ICT-enhanced learning in the past years.

Africa conference and exhibition is a unique event on technology-supported learning, training, and skills development, E-learning Africa is a network of experts, practitioners, policymakers, and investors committed to the future of education and training.

The conference allows for diversity, rich content, and a thought-provoking program that includes pre-conference workshops and launches, debates, plenary sessions, discovery demos, knowledge factories, and an annual ministerial round table and also a big exhibition and demonstration area to host leading international and African Edutech organizations across various sectors in Africa.

Details of Event

Location: Kigali Convention Center, Rwanda.

Date: May 11- 13, 2021.

The conference will be held in ENGLISH and FRENCH

The eLearning Africa Exhibition

This is a networking hub hosting international leads in African education, training, tech companies, and institutions. It shows the full spectrum of innovations in Edtech ranging from gamified learning apps to online proctoring tools, industries leading LMSs to augmented reality devices, content providers of explainer videos, well-established publishing services to pioneering educational hardware, and lots more to provide all academics, corporate and public sectors learning and training needs.

This diversity and the comprehensive mixture make the exhibition appealing to analysts, buyers, and investors in Edtech. 

It allows for exploration of leading learning technology providers and acquainted with disruptive business models of international Edtech startups which aid in finding partners and solutions for a successful digital transformation.

If you would like to position your organization as a market leader to the eLearning Africa community of learning, training, technology professionals, and decision-makers, there’s a chance for you as there are offers on flexible exhibition, sponsorship and partnership packages that will place your brand under the spotlight. Send a mail here: marketing@elearning-africa.com

Registration and Fees

Participants: € 690 (Standard rate)

African Nationals based in Africa (not working for international organizations and global corporations):   € 420 (Standard rate)

Exclusive of VAT if applicable

REGISTER NOW

Please note that conference materials, coffee breaks, and lunches on the main conference days are included in the fees. The fees do not include pre-conference events, accommodation, travel costs, or Book of Abstracts.

Also, African participants are partially being subsidized by ICWE and granted a discount towards the standard conference registration fee of €690.

 

 

UI-UX Designer at Webcoupers

Abdulquadri Ayilara
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UI-UX Designer at Webcoupers

Webcoupers is looking for a Senior Designer to create and oversee digital and print creative solutions that will help us meet our marketing objectives. You should have extensive knowledge of graphic design, styles, and layout approaches to be successful in this position. You should also have experience managing marketing initiatives from conception to completion, such as websites, user interface/user experience design, brochures, and product packaging. Finally, you’ll make certain that the design team supports our brand by delivering high-quality things on time.

About Webcoupers

We’re a technology and marketing firm dedicated to helping forward-thinking companies innovate and grow. We’re data-driven, technology-driven, and conversion-oriented. Our goal is to help African businesses succeed by providing locally relevant, world-class solutions. Digital transformation, digital marketing, product and service design, and web development are some of the services we offer.

We use data and technological solutions to assist our clients in transitioning from old business models to digital business models, allowing them to fully exploit the benefits that digital presents. Google recognizes us as West Africa’s sole Premier Advertising Partner.

The job role

Commitment: Full-time
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Deadline: December 7th, 2021

This role is a cross-functional role with user-experience design, user interface design, and creative design responsibilities. This role requires a generalist designer who understands users, design standards and user experience to build products that users love.

The Product Designer will be responsible for working on the conceptualization, prototyping, design of a range of ambitious and innovative software products. The designer will also be responsible for developing design systems of existing and new products. A fundamental understanding of typography, layout and art direction is required to help the team produce the best work possible.

Great knowledge of the following concepts are required:

  • User Interface Design
  • UX Research
  • Strategy-led Design
  • Product Design
  • Mobile-first web design
  • Agile Product Management
  • Design Systems

Responsibilities

  • Oversee all design projects, from conception to delivery
  • Design original pieces, including illustrations and infographics
  • Review junior designers’ work to ensure high quality
  • Refine images, fonts and layouts using graphic design software
  • Apply typography techniques
  • Generate ideas to portray concepts and advertise products/services
  • Increase user-friendliness in digital products
  • Maintain brand consistency throughout all our marketing projects
  • Liaise with marketing and design teams to ensure deadlines are met
  • Stay up-to-date with industry developments and tools

Requirements

  • Proven work experience as a Designer, Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer or similar role
  • Portfolio of completed UI/UX design projects & Graphic Design/Branding Projects
  • Hands-on experiences with image editing software, like Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
  • Proficient in design software (e.g. InDesign)
  • Skilled in prototyping and UI Design Software, e.g. Fima and Adobe XD
  • Strong aesthetic skills with the ability to combine various colours, fonts and layouts
  • Attention to visual details
  • Ability to meet deadlines and collaborate with a team

Benefits

  • Opportunities for career growth in a fast-paced environment with passionate people.
  • Leave & training allowance
  • Remote-Friendly with flexible working hours
  • Opportunity to grow and work on multiple B2C and B2B Products across different sectors.
  • A fast-paced work environment with passionate people who love what they do.
  • Do something meaningful; Be a part of building the future of the digital economy across the African continent and emerging markets
  • Fast-moving, challenging and unique business problems
  • Health insurance

Click here to apply

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