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Kwara Raises $3M for Seed Expansion and Signs Deal to Reach Over 4,000 Credit Unions

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Kwara, a Kenyan fintech digitizing credit unions (Saccos), has more than doubled its customer base over the past year and plans for huge growth in the coming years after raising a $3 million seed expansion and an exclusive Digital Solutions Distribution Agreement signed with the Kenya Union of Savings & Credit Cooperatives (Kuscco), the national umbrella organization that represents Saccos.

Techcrunch in its report noted that, following the Kuscco partnership, Kwara will have connections to a pool of over 4,000 Saccos for its Banking-as-a-Service product. As part of the exclusive deal, Kwara will also acquire Kuscco’s subsidiary IRNET, a software company and provider for Saccos, for an undisclosed amount.

According to Kwara, the Kuscco deal comes at the right time in his plan to double-down on Kenya, especially as it comes right after the $3 million seed round extension. Joining the round were existing investors DOB Equity, Globivest and Willard Ahdritz, founder of Kobalt Music. New supporters One Day Yes, Base Capital, and fintech executives including Mikko Salovaara, Revolut’s CFO, also joined the round. The new funding brings the total seed fund raised by the startup to $7 million after first round investments from Breega, SoftBank Vision Fund Emerge, Finca Ventures, New General Market Partners and other VCs.

“We believe we have barely scratched the surface of the Kenyan market. And so we’re really going to invest in products and services that deepen our relationship here,” Cynthia Wandia, co-founder and CEO of Kwara, told TechCrunch.

“The reason (of the deal) is clear, firstly it is an opportunity to generate leads and sell our core product so quickly and deepen our competitive advantage. We are entering into an exclusive partnership, which also means that no other technology company can market with Kuscco. They’re counting on us, but we’ve been able to prove we can do it as we continue to grow,” said Wandia, who co-founded the fintech in 2019 with David Hwan.

Kwara, which also has a presence in South Africa and the Philippines, has grown its customer base to 120 from 50 at the end of 2021 and has maintained 100% customer retention – a testament to the value it brings to its customers. The automated onboarding process, according to the startup, has ensured customer success and growth.

Kwara’s product upgrades credit unions’ back-office operations, helping them move away from tedious paper-based processes and physical branches, and opening up new avenues for them to recruit new members and create novel products.

The company also has a next-gen neobank app that gives members of partner credit unions access to additional services like instant loans and third-party services like insurance. The neobank app’s user base, which also allows users to deposit funds directly into their Sacco accounts and track their finances and payments, has grown 35-fold since it launched last year.

The fintech plans to add more features for the Saccos and additional products for the members.

“We continue to deliver more or less enterprise-grade features for the big saccos that are well capitalized, the ones that are the same size and level as some of the banks. There are specific features that they need and specific capabilities that they need to take care of, so we will continue to invest in those. And then invest in the neo-banking experience by adding more features that help members create a personalized view of their own goals and really work towards achieving them. Third-party partnerships that add value to those end customers,” Wandia said.

“We believe that every time a sacco member leaves their sacco to obtain another service simply because the sacco does not provide it, is a missed opportunity for that member to actually benefit from the returns from that product . Any revenue generated from these products actually goes back to members as dividends,” she added.

Credit unions are formed by people with a common interest or members of an industry, such as farmers or teachers, who buy shares in the institution, save money, and borrow. They are particularly popular in developing regions because of their low-interest loans and the ease of borrowing compared to conventional banks.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

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MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo PSB

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.

MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.

The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.

Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.


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MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

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MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

MTN Nigeria

Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.

“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.

“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.

The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.

New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.

The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.

Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.


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Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

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The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.

Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”

Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.

Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.

Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.

The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.

 


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