E-Business
Mastercard Rolls out ‘Tap on Phone’ Tech in Africa
Payment products and services company Network International, together with Mastercard, is rolling out ‘Tap on Phone’ technology across the Middle East and Africa, to expand digital payment acceptance, targeting SMEs in the region.
The companies say they are working closely with governments, financial organisations, fintech firms and the wider business community to create opportunities for SMEs across the region.
The Tap on Phone technology will be powered by Mastercard Payment Gateway Services, giving an estimated 500 000 SMEs in the Middle East and Africa the ability to accept payments through a smartphone.
Network International and Mastercard say that in an omni-channel environment where consumers increasingly want more choice to pay the way they want to, Tap on Phone is an innovative and welcome addition to the payment ecosystem.
The companies have a long-standing partnership, bringing together Mastercard’s expertise in payments and technology, and Network International’s digital payments capabilities that have a focus on security and innovation.
According to the partners, SMEs in the region are recognising the potential of digitalisation, and have identified digital payment acceptance among the top drivers for growth, hence the need to roll out the Tap on Phone technology.
For Africa, as digital innovation improves and internet access increases, digital payment solutions − such as contactless, virtual card numbers and quick response codes − have been on the rise.
“Small businesses are crucial for systemic economic recovery, and by connecting more SMEs to digital commerce tools and affordable payment acceptance solutions, we are putting in place a strong foundation that can facilitate sustainable growth,” says Gaurang Shah, senior vice-president, head of products, EEMEA, Mastercard.
“Mastercard is dedicated to empowering every business with the technology and solutions they need to thrive.”
“As a leading enabler of commerce, we remain committed to connect SMEs, the backbone of any economy, with innovative solutions that will drive wider acceptance across the region,” comments Andrew Key, group MD – acquiring, Network International.
“We are proud to partner with Mastercard to grow the opportunities for entrepreneurs through the launch of Tap on Phone.”
E-Business
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,
During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.
This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes
Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.
Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.
According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.
E-Business
Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.
Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”
To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.
- Telecom2 days ago
Imperative of Upholding Nigeria’s Telecoms Lifeline
- News2 days ago
Kaspersky Warns of Data Stealers Hunting for User Credentials
- E-Financial2 days ago
Hydrogen, CCHub Partner to Encourage Fintech Startup Success
- Telecom2 days ago
What You Need to Know About Multifactor Authentication Fatigue Attacks and How they can be Prevented
- Telecom2 days ago
Samsung Returns to Top of The Smartphone Market – Industry tracker
- E-Financial2 days ago
Access Bank Unveils DiamondXtra Season 16, Dangles N200m, 3 SUVs
- E-Financial2 days ago
CBN Cuts Banks’ Loan-to-Deposit Ratio to 50 Percent
- Telecom2 days ago
SHELT System Integration Launches “SHELT SI” in Nigeria