Telecom
Mastercard Partners Wowzi and MDP to Transform Financial Management for Content Creators with $2.04 Million Investment
Mastercard has announced a groundbreaking $2.04 million investment in partnership with Wowzi, Africa’s premier influencer marketing platform, and Masria Digital Payments (MDP). This collaboration aims to transform the financial management landscape for content creators through innovative digital card solutions.
L-R Back): Dickson Chemjor, Digital Lead for East & West Africa, Mastercard; Andrew Letting, Manager, Product Sales, Mastercard; and Brian Mogeni, Co-Founder, Wowzi. (L-R Front): Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa & Indian Ocean Islands, Mastercard; and Mike Otieno, Co-Founder, Wowzi. The executives signed an agreement between Mastercard and Wowzi that will provide content creators with innovative digital card solutions
The five-year initiative will provide Wowzi’s content creators access to a range of digital card benefits. Leveraging MDP’s expertise in digital payments, these cards are designed to offer content creators a seamless and secure user experience, simplifying both online and offline transactions.
“Our journey has always been driven by the belief that content creators are the heartbeat of the digital age. This strategic partnership with Mastercard and MDP represents a pivotal moment in our mission to empower these creators.
“Innovation is at the core of our values, and we recognize that the influencer and creator market is underserved when it comes to payment solutions.
“We are dedicated to being at the forefront of technology solutions that cater to the unique needs of content creators.
“This collaboration allows us to not only address those needs but to set new standards in financial empowerment, security, and convenience for our valued community,” said Mike Otieno, Co-Founder and President of Wowzi.
These innovative digital cards will revolutionize the way content creators manage their finances. Content creators will now receive payments from brands, fans, or sponsors, directly onto their digital cards.
This will facilitate a secure and convenient financial management process, streamlining both online and in-store transactions while granting content creators’ access to exclusive Mastercard rewards and benefits.
“Our decision to invest in the influencer and content creation space is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of the gig economy.
“As the world of work continues to evolve, we are inspired by the incredible impact content creators have on global culture and the economy.
“Our objective is to empower these digital trailblazers with the financial tools and security they need to thrive in the dynamic payments landscape.
“This investment aligns with our vision to promote financial inclusion and drive innovation in an ever-evolving digital economy,” said Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard.
This partnership introduces a range of unique digital card features like Watch Cards and Ring Cards. These wearable contactless payment solutions offer content creators a blend of convenience, security, and style.
“In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, it’s clear that the future of finance is intertwined with the influencer space. As pioneers in the issuing and processing industry, we understand the importance of security and innovation.
“This collaboration with Wowzi and Mastercard signifies our commitment to shaping the financial future for content creators, empowering them with more than just payments, it will be a secure and seamless experience,” our tagline Hello Africa, speaks to our mantra of listening to Africa and with that we walk with our customers into the future.
“We look forward to growing with Wowzi to create a sticky ecosystem for their end users beyond just cards (Physical and Virtual),” said Frank Molla, Managing Director at MDP Africa.
As the content creation industry grows, so does the need for efficient, secure, and flexible payment solutions that keep pace with the dynamic nature of digital content creation. This partnership represents a significant leap forward in meeting these needs, fostering a more vibrant and sustainable ecosystem for content creators worldwide.
MTN Nigeria has partnered with CardCentre Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Chams HoldCo, to introduce eco-friendly SIM cards made entirely from biodegradable materials.
The launch, which took place in Lagos, targets the reduction of plastic waste across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
According to the statement releasedy, the new SIM cards are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and produced using recyclable components and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
“They meet global sustainability standards while maintaining the performance expected by telecom users,” the statement said.
It added that Tobe Okigbo, chief Corporate Services and Sustainability officer at MTN Nigeria, stated, that ”the partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while also supporting local businesses and economic growth through strategic alliances.”
In his remarks, Lekan Latona, chief executive officer, CardCentre, said: “We are proud to collaborate with MTN Nigeria on this project. Our biodegradable SIM cards mark an important step toward a greener future for telecommunications.”
Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a landmark breakfast meeting that spotlighted the transformative power of media in fostering bilateral ties.
Held under the theme “Media as a Bridge: Strengthening Nigeria-South Africa Ties through the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP)”, the event drew a dynamic mix of business leaders, academics, and media professionals.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, described the MIP as a strategic tool for diplomacy, designed to dismantle stereotypes and misinformation.
He emphasized the value of the programme’s study tour in South Africa, which offers Nigerian journalists immersive exposure. “If Nigeria and South Africa can get their act together, the rest of the continent will follow,” Okigbo remarked, hinting at MTN’s plans to scale the initiative across Africa.
Dr. Ije Jidenma, Chairperson of NSACC, hailed the MIP as a tangible example of innovation in action. She underscored the media’s role as a “catalyst for development,” especially in shaping public discourse and cross-border partnerships.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, stressed the need for rigorous training in journalism. He praised the collaboration between academia and industry, noting that ethical and contextual reporting is essential for meaningful impact.
A highlight of the event was a panel featuring MIP fellows—Amarachi Ubani (Channels TV), Oluwadunsin Sanya (BellaNaija), Nifemi Oguntoye (TVC News), and Akinkunmi Obakeye (CNBC Africa)—who shared how the programme reshaped their understanding of South Africa. Their stories revealed a shift from stereotypes to shared values and deeper connections.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of NSACC’s 25th anniversary logo, symbolizing a renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and opportunity for its members.
As NSACC enters its next chapter, the Chamber reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging media as a bridge between Nigeria and South Africa—two powerhouses whose unity could redefine the African narrative
Telecom
MTN Nigeria, WWF/NCF, and UNDP Launch 2025 PachiPanda Challenge to Drive Youth-Led Environmental Innovation
In a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has officially launched the 2025 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.
Part of the continental Africa PachiPanda Challenge, this initiative calls on young Nigerians aged 18–35 and youth-led SMEs to develop groundbreaking solutions addressing pollution, climate change, and community conservation. With the theme “Nourishing Tomorrow: Innovations for Food, Energy, and Water Security,” the challenge aims to empower eco-visionaries to reshape Nigeria’s environmental future.
Ten finalists will be selected for a transformative 3-day sprint event, featuring human-centered design workshops, masterclasses, and a high-stakes pitch session before a panel of industry experts. Winners will advance to the continental stage, representing Nigeria in the Africa-wide competition.
Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, described the challenge as “a green opportunity” for youth to channel creativity into impactful change.
Dr. Joseph Onoja of NCF emphasized the power of collaboration, while UNDP’s Dr. William Tsuma highlighted the challenge’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
More than a competition, the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is a movement—one that seeks to ignite innovation, foster sustainability, and amplify youth voices in shaping a resilient future.
Applications close on October 3, 2025.
Interested participants can apply at: www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge
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