News
Four Firms Raise ‘Techpreneurs’ Through DevCon Alpha
Verve International, leading e-payment solution provider in Nigeria, Microsoft, renowned software company, Nokia, smarphone manufacturers and Mobile Monday, a mobile solution developing company have joined hands in a quest to raise technology entrepreneurs (Techpreneurs).
In the Mobile Monday Nigeria developer contest tagged “DevCon Alpha: Build with Verve – Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 Edition”, a developer can win over $200,000 in Marketing and Prizes by participating in the contest.
Speaking to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek immediately the competition was unveiled in Lagos on Monday, Oremeyi Akah, country manager, Verve International, said that the Company was attracted to the contest following its quest to redefine software market while alleviate the sufferings of developers in Nigeria.
She said: “Verve is home grown and our participation and motivation in the context are very clear. The entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria is very strong, especially in the developers’ community. We want to encourage, support and help them attain the heights they envisaged. Verve as a leader in payment solutions we are bringing that aural into the developers’ community.
“People have fantastic apps coupled with a lot of efforts, but they are not commercialized. That implies, they cannot grow their businesses or contribute to the growth of the country’s economy. At the same time, the CBN is trying to push the cashless policy, we are coming in to support that. Their efforts will not be in vein again as they can compete internationally while solving local demands”.
The country manager added that Verve views the programme as a win-win for all the parties involved and the nation will have greater testimony to show for it.
Also speaking, Tomi Davies, chairman, Mobile Monday Nigeria, said that, DevCon Alpha competition was launched out of concern that the Nigerian software market and the other sectors need to be saved from foreign strangulations.
He said that upping the market value will make it more attractive to the developers.
Davies said: “We are concerned that some foreign brands and platform are taking over the system in Nigeria; companies from Germany, US, UK, etc. but the people who attended this event today (Monday) are Nigerians who are looking for opportunities to develop the market. That is why Mobile Monday (MoMo) has partnered with Microsoft and Nokia.
Most importantly, we have seen that the big sponsor is Verve; it is a home grown e-payment company. That is why this is very important to us. We need as many Nigerian developers and designers to be part of this competition. Just like Nokia promised, even you do not win they will still promote you provided the software solves local needs. We need icons or role models that will spur the minds of others. Everybody talks about IrokoTv; we want 200 to 300 like of IrokoTv. We know that there is money to be made in mobile software development.
“Meanwhile, it is not about the $300,000 that will be made by a developer rather we want to train young people that can develop apps that the whole world can assess at the Windows Store.
Why the Windows platform? In as much as we want to do other programmes with other platforms, the focus in on developing Nigerians. We want the country to become a player in the technology space. When we build our software then we can easily solve our local needs.
Where are we coming from? If you look at Nollywood, it is worldwide today, even the Nigerian music industry. MoMo’s aim is to put our software on the same footing; people will come to Nigeria for mobile software applications.
“I don’t want Nigerians to become employee, but employers. We are focused on developing ‘Techpreneurs’; Technology entrepreneur that use technology to create employment and wealth and the tools they will use is what we are developing at MoMo. It is not enough to develop one’s skills and employ you”.
According to him, the process is self selecting; “we are not saying you have to pair. But for you application to be accepted it must be visual appealing to people and technically sound to ensure scalability,” he added.
On his part, Shina Oyetosho, Microsoft’s Developer Platforms Evangelism Lead, West East and Central Africa Microsoft, said that, it is all about marking the market value attract international recognition while not shying away from local trends and demands.
He said: “Overtime, we have been participating in events and organizing events that ensure we develop local talents in Nigeria. This SDK/payment integration into apps is something that developers have asked for.
“So, we threw it back at the industry. It is an opportunity for the developers to monetize their creativity. The more we do that, the more we are helping the local developers. That is tied to the national goal of developing the software sector. Secondly, it will create employment; there are people who have left their jobs in banks and focused on apps development. And this is a way the industry is providing them with value and a driving force to do more quality work”.
The contest is primarily focused Developers integrating the Verve payment SDK into their applications.
The winner of this competition will also walk away with interesting prizes and an advertising push provided by Nokia, Microsoft and Verve. It would also be deployed on the Nokia OVI store.
Mobile Apps which have the embedded Verve Payment SDK are able to securely receive payments within the app from the over 20 million Verve Cards and Verve payment tokens in Nigeria.
The solution also utilises Verve’s “Remember Card” feature, implying that customers do not need to enter their card numbers when initiating these payments – only PIN and is some cases CVV2 is required to complete a payment.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across domestic and international airport terminals to tackle the growing problem of delayed, misrouted and missing luggages
Michael Achimugu, director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos.
Achimugu said the RFID-enabled system would replace the traditional barcode-based baggage tracking framework and provide airlines and passengers with real-time visibility of checked luggage from check-in to final collection.
According to him, the technology would improve baggage traceability, reduce mishandling and strengthen accountability across the baggage-handling chain.
Unlike conventional barcode systems, RFID technology allows baggage to be automatically scanned at multiple points without requiring direct line of sight, enabling real-time tracking of luggage throughout its journey.
Achimugu said issues involving short-landed, missing, lost or damaged baggage had remained among the major complaints from air travellers, alongside flight delays.
He said the introduction of RFID technology was therefore aimed at improving baggage-handling standards and restoring passenger confidence in the aviation sector.
The NCAA said the initiative also aligns with IATA Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at key points during the passenger journey.
The authority expects the technology to provide more accurate information on the location of luggage, facilitate quicker resolution of baggage-related complaints and improve the overall passenger experience.
The NCAA said the initiative would also strengthen accountability among airlines and other stakeholders involved in baggage handling at Nigerian airports.
eTranzact International Plc has called for increased adoption of digital payment solutions among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying access to technology is critical to improving business efficiency, financial inclusion and growth.
The company also said it was deepening its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to expand digital access and financial literacy among small businesses across the country.
In a statement, the Divisional Head, Merchant Services, eTranzact, Mrs. Abimbola Reis, stated this at the SMEDAN/eTranzact Town Hall Engagement in Lagos recently, themed, “Financial Literacy and Inclusion for MSMEs Leveraging on Fintech Innovation.”
Reis described MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that the sector comprises almost 40 million businesses and contributes significantly to economic growth and job creation.
However, she said many businesses continue to face challenges including limited access to finance, inefficient payment systems, weak financial reporting, cash-flow constraints and inadequate access to digital platforms.
She added that trust concerns also affect businesses’ ability to access finance, while heavy reliance on cash increases exposure to theft and makes payment reconciliation more difficult.
Representing the Director-General of SMEDAN, Prof. Yinka Fisher said the town hall was aimed at generating practical ideas and solutions that would support the growth and expansion of MSMEs.
“The essence of this engagement is to share ideas and concepts that will help MSMEs thrive and expand. Our partnership with eTranzact is about expanding the frontiers of MSMEs and ensuring they continue to grow,” he said.
Also speaking, representative of the Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Praise Adedigba said businesses could no longer depend solely on hard work to remain competitive.
As the world marks International Youth Day, attention once again turns to the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for work, financial independence, and adulthood.
In Nigeria, the urgency is clear. According to UNICEF, about 7% of young people aged 15–24 possess basic ICT skills, highlighting a wider gap in the skills required to participate effectively in an increasingly digital economy.
At the same time, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, continues to prioritize skills development, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
For PalmPay, youth empowerment goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is an investment in the people who will shape Nigeria’s workforce, businesses and economy.
This belief is reflected in initiatives focused on financial literacy, employability, digital skills and access to opportunities.
Through its Graduate Trainee Programme, PalmPay provides young graduates with opportunities to gain workplace experience, develop professional skills and build careers in a fast-evolving industry.
The investment also extends to financial education. Through its NYSC Financial Literacy Programme, PalmPay brings practical financial education to young Nigerians at an important transition point, helping Corps members develop better habits around saving, spending, budgeting and protecting their money.
For young women, Purple Woman provides another pathway to economic empowerment, creating opportunities for internships, learning and professional development while supporting greater female participation in the technology sector.
Speaking on the importance of youth empowerment, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s young population is one of its greatest assets, but unlocking its potential requires access to the right skills, knowledge and opportunities. At PalmPay, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.”
These initiatives reflect a broader belief that youth empowerment is most meaningful when young people are given the knowledge, exposure and opportunities to apply what they learn.
A graduate given workplace exposure today can become tomorrow’s business leader. A Corps member who develops sound financial habits can carry those lessons into their career and personal life. A young woman given access to professional opportunities can gain the confidence, experience, and networks to create opportunities for others.
Investing in young people is a great strategy for building a stronger, more productive, and more inclusive economy.
This International Youth Day, PalmPay reaffirms its commitment to investing in young Nigerians and contributing to a broader national ambition where the young population is not just counted, but equipped, employed, empowered, and positioned to lead.
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