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CWG, MTN Out with Micro-Banking Software

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CWG, MTN Out with Micro-Banking SoftwareMTN Business, in collaboration with ExpertEdge, the software division of the Pan African ICT Company, Computer Warehouse Group Limited (CWG), has successfully launched MTN Xaas a Micro-banking Software as a Service recently in Lagos.

 The ceremony saw participants from the stakeholders; Central Bank of Nigeria and National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) and it was an opportunity to enlighten the participants on the importance and benefits of MTN Xaas.

 
MTN Xaas is a cost-efficient cloud-based solution that enables microfinance banks to carry out banking operations and inter-bank collaboration, via internet access, without having to deal with the costs and complexities that ordinarily follow direct ownership of applications/platform.

Addressing the participants, Babatunde Osho, chief enterprise solution officer, MTN noted that the partnership with Computer Warehouse Group in this regard is to device a technology that will meet the needs of unbanked and financially underserved Nigerians.

 “At MTN Business, we explore opportunities to use technology and our unique capability in this market to the value of business across the industry. We look at each vertical individually to see how we can use our capability to value technology and to start to make changes on how they do business in Nigeria, fundamentally improving customer experience and adding value not only to the business but to Nigeria as a country” He said.

According to Austin Okere, the group chief executive officer, Computer Warehouse Group, partnering is viewed as “demystifying the exclusive club” in other words; enabling so many people to have access to technology for competitive advantage. This is exactly what CWG and MTN will achieve with the solution we are launching today.

 He further explained that instead of having a few banks being able to afford expensive technology for their exclusive competitive advantage, CWG and MTN are commoditising and making it affordable to the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as well, to be able to compete effectively. We will give them an affordable platform through cloud computing that does not needlessly tie down their capital in expensive IT infrastructure, nor does it eat into their OPEX cost, since they shall not have to maintain an expensive IT Department.

In his words “ this is the beginning of so many things we are going to do together with MTN; we are going to look at Hospitals, Hotels, Insurance and all those who are locked out of being able to provide competitive services due to IT deficiency. CWG and MTN will break the barrier”

Adedeji Adesemoye who represented the deputy governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) expressed CBN’s appreciation for the partnership between CWG and MTN to develop this technology for Microfinance Banking.

According to him, it has been CBN’s burning desire to establish a unified technology platform for Microfinance Banks that will foster productivity, profitability, transparency, speedy remittance of returns and quality data while reducing cost of purchasing IT infrastructure and annual maintenance.

He further affirmed that the solution is welcomed by the institution as it comprises the key benefits and functionalities expected from CBN. “The only IT infrastructure required of the user is the laptop or desktop, the cost of maintenance every three years will be a thing of the past and it creates accessibility between the User, Service provider and the Regulator. Hence supervisory structure that will enhance transparency is assured.” He asserted.

Jethro Akun, president of Nigeria Association of Microfinance Bank (NAMB), enlightened the participants on the relevance of technology in microfinance banking.

According to him it is the association’s mission to be an internationally respected industry representative of Nigerian Microfinance Banks by stimulating innovative and sustainable microfinance practices that guarantee financial inclusion and wealth creation for the economically active poor with the vision to be the catalyst for a vibrant microfinance industry in Nigeria which about 800 rural areas are benefiting from the services of microfinance banks in Nigeria.

Jethro noted that Technology is very critical for microfinance banks and institutions because it gives opportunity for reducing the cost of delivery and process management besides bridging the gap and brings prosperity in the operation. “NAMB appreciates this unique initiative from CWG and MTN”. He reiterated.

The Computer Warehouse Group is Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest Systems Integration Company, and the fastest growing in Africa. The impact of the Computer Warehouse Group and her founder CEO, Austin Okere, on the African IT industry cannot be overemphasized.

Just recently, the company was ranked among the top 50 Technology Companies in West Africa. CWG also bagged the Award of the ICT Company of the year by Technology Africa.

With an annual turnover of over $120m and staff compliment of 650 across Africa; in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Cameroon, Okere and CWG have contributed immensely not only in the IT industry but in Africa as a continent.

MTN is the largest telecom company in Africa with over 34m subscribers in Nigeria. Partnering with CWG to deliver this service, MTN XaaS will no doubt deliver a world class solution that will empower and strengthen Microfinance Banks and other SMEs in Nigeria who have hitherto not been able to deliver competitive services as a result of Technology inadequacy.


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E-Financial

MoneyMaster Enhances App, Rewards Users with Data and Airtime Bonuses

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MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank has introduced a refreshed mobile banking experience designed to make purchasing airtime and data more convenient and straightforward for customers.

As part of the rollout, customers will enjoy added value on their transactions. Airtime purchases on the Glo network come with a 100 percent bonus, while data purchases attract a 10 percent bonus, giving users amazing rewards on each purchase.

With this revamp, the app is now much easier to use, especially for airtime purchases. From selecting accounts to choosing amounts, the process is more seamless, with clearer options and fewer steps. Data plans are now neatly organized into categories such as daily, weekly, and monthly, making it easier for users to find what they need without endless scrolling.

Beyond the improved layout, customers now have more flexibility in how they recharge. Lower airtime denominations have been introduced, giving users the freedom to choose amounts that better suit their needs, while navigation has been adjusted to be quicker and more intuitive.

Speaking on the update, the bank’s Head of Business, Tajudeen Omokhide, explained that the goal is to make payments as simple and seamless as possible. According to him, customers expect speed, clarity, and affordability, and these improvements are part of the bank’s ongoing effort to meet those expectations. He also encouraged both existing and new users to get the latest version of the app.

These updates are a testament to MoneyMaster’s broader mission of developing practical, relevant products for everyday life. Promoted by Globacom and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the bank offers mobile wallets, savings accounts, individual current accounts, and business banking services.

MoneyMaster continues to position itself as a flexible, customer-centric platform, enabling over 4,000 individual and business billers to manage payments, access financial services, and stay connected with ease.

 


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CBN Directs IMTOs to Open Naira Settlement Accounts

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) operating in the country to open and maintain naira settlement accounts with authorised dealer banks, as part of efforts to tighten oversight of diaspora remittances and improve transparency in the foreign exchange market.

CBN Directs IMTOs to Open Naira Settlement Accounts

The directive was contained in a circular dated March 24, 2026, signed by Dr Musa Nakorji, director of the Trade and Exchange Department, and addressed to IMTOs, authorised dealer banks and the general public.

The circular was published on the apex bank’s website on Tuesday.

The CBN said the measure is aimed at “enhancing diaspora remittances, strengthening transparency, traceability, and effective monitoring of all transactions.”

It stated that “all IMTOs are hereby directed to open naira settlement accounts and ensure that all transactions are routed strictly through their designated settlement accounts, maintained with Authorised Dealer Banks in Nigeria.”

Under the new rule, all inflows, beneficiary payments and related settlements linked to international money transfers are to be processed solely through these accounts.

IMTOs may, however, operate multiple settlement accounts across different banks in line with their operational needs.

The circular also introduced tighter controls on how the accounts can be funded, stating that they “shall only be credited with remittance flows and proceeds of foreign exchange conversions by licensed IMTOs (or their agents)” within the Nigerian foreign exchange market.

Operators are required to clearly designate the accounts and submit the details to the CBN, with updates provided periodically where necessary.

To improve market operations, authorised dealer banks are permitted to process foreign currency transfers from IMTO settlement accounts to other banks and approved participants, including licensed Bureau De Change operators.

The apex bank further directed IMTOs to adopt market-reflective pricing by referencing the Bloomberg BMatch system. It said IMTOs “shall observe real-time market prices from the Bloomberg BMATCH and utilise this as guidance for pricing transactions with their customers and Authorised Dealers.”

According to the CBN, this approach is expected to “improve price discovery, reduce information asymmetry between IMTOs and banks, and encourage increased participation in the official FX market.”

The bank added that all operators must maintain proper transaction records for regulatory checks and comply fully with anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing rules.

“This directive takes effect from May 1, 2026. Please note and ensure compliance,” the circular stated.

The move shows the CBN’s push to channel remittance inflows through formal banking channels, boost liquidity in the official foreign exchange market and strengthen regulatory oversight of cross-border transactions.

 


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DLM Capital Group’s AAA-Rated Sovereign Bond-Backed Composite Notes (“SBCNS”) Strengthens Investor Confidence with Successful First Principal & Interest Payment

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L-r: Kasham Musa Iliya, Non - Executive Director, DLM Global Markets; Kari Tukur, Non - Executive Director, DLM Capital Group; Dr Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, Group Chief Executive Officer, DLM Capital Group; Olayimika Phillips, Non - Executive Director, DLM Capital Group, and Michael Orimobi, Non - Executive Director, DLM Capital Group at the signing ceremony to conclude the ₦9 billion series 1 SBCN issuance in July 2025 at DLM HQ, Lagos.
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Foremost Development Investment Bank, DLM Capital Group has reinforced its position as a leader in innovative fixed income solutions with the successful payment of the first principal and interest (coupon) to investors under its Sovereign Bond-Backed Composite Notes (“SBCNs”) issuance.

This milestone, alongside the consistent delivery of quarterly performance reports, underscores the Group’s commitment to transparency, capital preservation, and investor confidence.

DLM SPV PLC’s 40.62% Hold-to-Maturity return ₦7.30 billion (Tranche A) and 19.07% ₦1.70 billion (Tranche B) Plain Vanilla Series 1 Notes, issued under its ₦30.00 billion Medium-Term Notes Programme and developed by Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, Group CEO of DLM Capital, was recently listed on the FMDQ Exchange with the Tranche A bond becoming the most valuable AAA-rated corporate bond on the market.

This represents a new class of structured debt instruments designed to meet both issuer funding needs and investor expectations. As a platform widely recognised for supporting innovative debt structures, FMDQ provides an enabling environment for instruments like DLM’s SBCNs to thrive.

At launch in July 2025, DLM SBCNs, which achieved a 9-notch upgrade from BBB- (GCR Sponsor ratings at issuance) without securitisation, entered the market with a healthy degree of skepticism, as is typical with pioneering financial instruments. However, after six months of post-issuance, DLM Funding SPV Plc has delivered on its promise by comfortably and successfully meeting its first principal and coupon obligations to its investors.

This performance milestone has significantly strengthened market confidence and validated the robustness of the structure. The notes are rated AAA by Global Credit Rating and AAA by DataPro Limited, reflecting their strong credit fundamentals and low-risk profile. Designed to prioritise capital preservation, liquidity, and above competitive market returns, the instrument stands out as one of the most compelling corporate fixed income offerings for institutional investors currently available in the market.

Investor response has been notably strong and institutional investors who are beginning to recognize the value of a well-structured de-risked, high-return and, high-quality fixed income investment backed by a credible issuer with a proven track record. The combination of timely coupon payments, high credit ratings, and ongoing transparency has positioned SBCNs as a preferred option for investors seeking stability and performance in today’s evolving financial landscape.

As investor interest continues to build towards Series 2, DLM SBCNs are not only demonstrating resilience but also setting a benchmark for innovation in Nigeria’s debt capital markets. In its role as a Development Investment Bank (“DIB”), DLM Capital Group remains committed to delivering structured solutions that align with investor needs whilst maintaining the highest standards of governance and execution.


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