E-Business
Mobile Messaging is Precursor of Mobile Banking- Van Heerden
Deon van Heerden was appointed Clickatell’s South Africa country manager and vice president of sales for the Middle East and Africa last April. Prior to this, he successfully launched the company’s UK sales office and achieved a foothold in the very mature European market in just 18 months
Van Heerden is an accomplished management consultant and successful entrepreneur with 12 years experience in a variety of large-scale strategic business transformation consulting programs, general management and operations.
He spoke to hilary okeke
Various Mobile Banking Technologies
There are quite a few types of technologies around; it depends on certain factors relating to which technology to choose. For something like SMS, it is still the easiest to deploy; whereby a user send a structured SMS to request for his account balance. But in my definition, that is just informational service and not really mobile banking. Again, it depends on your definition of mobile banking. Then you can move on to other types of technologies like WAP, which is a browser based technology on the phone. Here, you need to access the Internet to get to the website of the bank. It needs to be structured in a certain way. The uptake is relatively low from my personal experience in South Africa because users hardly ever use their phones to access the Internet. So, this is not a very popular solution. Something like Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) is more popular in South Africa. It is easier to use and is available on 99 per cent of all phones. It has a user friendly interface; it is secure and cost effective as well cheaper than the SMS solution.
Why Mobile Messaging is the Best Technology
Ease of use is a consideration; but there is also the point around availability. In South Africa, we have USSD availability from the networks, but in Nigeria you do not have it yet, and it is going to take a few months before it is available. Therefore, without the USSD option, you have to look at other options. There is the Java application on the phone. Again you need to have access to a SIM card and deploy the application on that SIM card. So, it is a somewhat complex process to deploy those technologies. But with the USSD based system, it works just like that.
Best Security Strategy for Mobile Messaging Platform
It depends on what transactions you want to run through your platform. If you want to do complex transfers on finance or emergencies, you need to have a secure solution. If it is just informational like balance enquiry, you do not need a strict security solution because if somebody intercepts that information, he cannot do anything with it. It is just a set of numbers which would only make sense to the accountholder. But when you start doing finance and moving money in and out of your account, that is when you need to make the solution more secure.
Revenue Share between Service Providers and Network Operators
In South Africa, we also do not get a big share of the revenue from the operators. These are technologies which they have spent millions of dollars to acquire, and I think they can charge for using it. The banking services that we see being deployed in South Africa do not use the premium right or the revenue share model from the operators, and we do not have revenue share issues in servicing the banks. When you start selling games, ring tones and wall papers via SMS and you use premium rights for shortcodes like you have here in Nigeria; that is when revenue share issues come to play. From my experiences in South Africa, revenue share from the operators are low and that is the same across the world.
Revenue Generation Model
There are two models here. Where revenue share sets in is when you have a premium service like the shortcode. So, the user pays some money to send a message to that shortcode. What then happens is that the operator pays the service provider some percentage of that money. That is what service providers have been complaining about. We sell our services to the banks and that is a whole new model for us.
Future Trends in Mobile Messaging
We are going to see various types of businesses deploying mobile messaging solutions. Many services will be automated via SMS as well. On the mobile banking side, you are going to see real mobile technology deployed to deliver services. Mobile messaging is definitely the first step in launching a mobile banking strategy. It is an informational type of service that is delivered via SMS because businesses may need to educate their clients. In access banking services via your mobile phone, you get feedback on transactions via SMS. Then comes the complex transactional one such as the USSD based service. There is definitely a place for SMS in mobile banking and mobile banking strategy. Here, SMS is a complementary service.
E-Business
LG Electronics Showcases Advanced HVAC Solutions at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026

LG Electronics reaffirmed its position as a leading innovator in climate control and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions with its participation at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026, the 9th International Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Exhibition recognized as the largest HVAC+R sector show in West Africa.

Held at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, the three-day exhibition brought together global manufacturers, distributors, contractors, engineers, and industry stakeholders to explore the future of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technologies across the region.
As one of the featured exhibitors at the event, LG leveraged the platform to showcase a range of advanced HVAC solutions designed to address the growing demand for smarter, more energy-efficient, and scalable cooling systems across residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
With West Africa’s HVAC sector continuing to evolve alongside rapid urbanisation, infrastructure growth, and increasing attention to sustainability, Mega Clima has become a strategic meeting point for conversations around innovation, efficiency, and climate-responsive technologies. The 2026 edition featured over 100 global brands, thousands of professional visitors, technical workshops, and networking opportunities, further positioning the exhibition as a key industry platform within the region.
Showcasing Smart Climate Solutions for Residential and Industrial Needs
At the LG exhibition booth, visitors and stakeholders engaged directly with a range of the company’s advanced HVAC technologies, including the LG Multi V.5 and Multi VS systems, both designed to deliver high-performance cooling while optimising energy consumption.
Speaking during the exhibition, Business Development Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria, Ifeoluwa Babarinsa, highlighted the adaptability and efficiency of the showcased systems, particularly their ability to support multiple indoor units while maintaining low energy consumption.
According to him, the LG Multi V.5 system is designed primarily for industrial and large-scale commercial applications, while the Multi VS system is tailored toward residential use cases, providing flexible solutions for varying environmental and operational demands.
A major highlight of the systems is their scalability, with both solutions capable of connecting to as many as 64 indoor units, offering increased operational flexibility across different building types and installation requirements.
The exhibition also featured several indoor HVAC solutions compatible with the VRF systems, including the Round Cassette, Ceiling Concealed Type Units, and Four-Way Cassette Units.
Particular attention was drawn to the Round Cassette unit, which was presented as an innovative cooling solution suitable for spaces without conventional ceiling structures. The unit also demonstrated enhanced airflow performance through its round-flow air distribution system and faster cooling capabilities.
Through live demonstrations and product engagement sessions, LG provided visitors with practical insight into how modern HVAC technologies can improve comfort, operational efficiency, and energy management across residential and commercial spaces.
Reinforcing LG’s Commitment to Energy Efficiency and Innovation
LG’s participation at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026 reflects the company’s broader commitment to delivering technologies that align with evolving consumer and industry needs, particularly in markets where energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure are becoming increasingly important.
As conversations around environmental sustainability and smart infrastructure continue to shape the future of the HVAC industry, the exhibition provided an opportunity for LG to reinforce the role of intelligent climate solutions in supporting long-term energy optimisation and building performance.
The company’s showcased systems emphasised not only cooling performance, but also operational efficiency, adaptability, and user-focused design, qualities that continue to define LG’s approach to innovation across both consumer and commercial categories.
“This year, we showcased our inverter product range alongside advanced HVAC solutions that reflect LG’s continued commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and smarter climate control technologies. One of the key highlights was our AI-powered VRF solution, the Multi V i, which represents the next phase of intelligent cooling systems we are introducing into the Nigerian market. As the headquarters of LG Electronics West Africa, Nigeria remains a strategic hub for us, and we remain committed to expanding access to innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers and businesses across the region.”
LG’s presence at the exhibition also reflected its continued investment in engaging industry professionals, technical experts, and business stakeholders through platforms that encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technological advancement within the HVAC sector.
Positioning Technology as a Driver of Smarter Living and Infrastructure
Beyond product displays, Mega Clima Nigeria 2026 created a broader conversation around the future of climate control technologies within rapidly developing urban environments. From commercial buildings and hospitality spaces to residential infrastructure, the demand for efficient and intelligent cooling systems continues to grow across the region.
By participating in one of West Africa’s most influential HVAC exhibitions, LG demonstrated its readiness to support this growth through solutions that combine advanced engineering, smart functionality, and energy-conscious performance.
The exhibition further reinforced LG’s philosophy of creating technologies that improve everyday experiences while supporting the broader goals of efficiency, sustainability, and modern living.
As the HVAC industry continues to evolve across Africa, LG remains committed to delivering solutions that not only respond to present demands, but also anticipate the future needs of businesses, homes, and infrastructure across the continent.
E-Business
Kaspersky Warns that Scammers are Exploiting World Cup 2026 Travellers

Kaspersky experts explain which online offers travellers should be cautious of when planning their trip, to avoid spoiling their experience ahead of the upcoming games.

Thousands of fans are expected to attend the World Cup 2026, and many are already handling their travel logistics, purchasing their flights and other transport tickets, booking accommodation, and arranging everything they need to reach the host cities. As interest grows, so does the number of fraudulent schemes that exploit the fact that fans are actively preparing for their upcoming journey.
In late April 2026, Kaspersky experts detected a campaign exploiting the branding of a well-known transport app, targeting users in Mexico. The interface of a fake Spanish-language website, impersonating one of the services, prompts users to enter their phone number and password in order to “claim prizes.” In reality, the attackers are mimicking a trusted brand and attempting to steal users’ credentials from those lured by the promise of a reward.
Some cybercriminals go “a level lower” and post their offers on the dark web. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts discovered a thread advertising such services, published on a shadow forum in March 2026.
The listings included offers for discounted airline tickets, hotel bookings, and match tickets, allegedly at 20% off the original price. These offers are designed to lure users and can be highly dangerous, ultimately resulting in victims losing both their money and any services they expected to receive.
Entrepreneurs and property owners also in the crosshairs
Cybercriminals are also targeting businesses and entrepreneurs at the intersection of the travel industry, which is also involved in the event. Given the high demand for short-term rentals during the tournament, property owners have become an attractive target for scams.
For example, a fake website was discovered requesting account credentials for a well-known platform. In this way, scammers attempt to gain access to property owner accounts, potentially resulting in unauthorised withdrawals and financial losses.
Another common scheme involves fraudsters attempting to extract money from organisations by posing as representatives of well-known airlines and offering fictitious business partnerships. In these emails, they claim to be launching new projects or business expansion initiatives and state that they are actively seeking suppliers or contractors.
If a company representative responds to such an offer, the scammers typically escalate the deception in a subsequent stage. To enhance credibility, they send forged documents for completion and signature, including supplier registration forms and non-disclosure agreements.
The ultimate objective of the fraudsters in this scheme is to induce the organisation to pay a so-called “deposit,” ostensibly required to secure a priority position in a partner selection list.
According to the claims made in the fraudulent communications, this payment would later be fully refunded once the partnership is formally established. In reality, this promise is entirely deceptive. The perpetrators simply appropriate the funds, and no reimbursement is ever made to the victim organisation.
“The travel sector, particularly when it intersects with major events, is a persistent target for a wide range of scams and fraudulent schemes. For end users, it is often difficult to distinguish at first sight between a legitimate website and a spoofed one, or between genuine marketing communications from a reputable service and scam emails.
“We therefore advise treating overly attractive offers with a high degree of caution in order to protect your personal data and financial resources,” says Anna Lazaricheva, senior spam analyst at Kaspersky.
E-Business
Meta Platforms Contributed $820m to Nigeria’s Economy in 2025 – Report

Meta’s family of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, contributed an estimated 820 million dollars in annual economic value to Nigeria in 2025, according to a new report released on Wednesday.

Meta
The report titled “Nigeria’s Digital Economy” was conducted by independent research firm, Public First, and commissioned by Meta.
It stated that 14 million Nigerian small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) used Meta platforms in 2025 to start, run and grow their businesses.
According to the report, the platforms contributed about two billion dollars to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while generating an estimated 640 million dollars in productivity gains through instant messaging services.
The report noted that 81 per cent of Nigerian businesses surveyed said Meta platforms had helped them expand their customer base beyond their local areas.
It added that the digital tools had reduced customer acquisition costs and enabled businesses in different parts of the country to access wider markets.
The report also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s economy, projecting that AI could contribute 22 billion dollars to the country’s GDP by 2035 under favourable conditions.
It stated that 87 per cent of online Nigerians surveyed believed AI products developed within Africa would play an important role in the continent’s economic growth.
Speaking on the findings, Meta’s Director of Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, Balkissa Ide Siddo, described Nigeria as one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and digitally engaged markets.
According to her, Meta platforms are helping to remove traditional barriers to business growth and enabling entrepreneurs to access broader economic opportunities.
“From a tailor in Lagos reaching customers across the country through Instagram, to a small business owner in Kano taking orders on WhatsApp, to a creator in Abuja building a global audience on Facebook, Meta’s platforms are unlocking real economic opportunity,” she said.
Siddo noted that WhatsApp had become a major gateway for AI adoption in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.
She added that 93 per cent of Meta AI prompts in the region were made through WhatsApp, indicating that many users were engaging with AI technologies through platforms they already use daily.
The report further stated that 93 per cent of online Nigerian adults surveyed said they felt more connected to wider communities through Meta’s applications.
Also speaking, Alison Neyle, Director at Public First, said the findings reflected the increasing role of digital platforms in supporting entrepreneurship and participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
“Nigeria’s digital transformation is creating new opportunities for businesses, creators and consumers alike.
“With the right combination of infrastructure, platform access and open-source AI, the upside for Nigeria is significant,” Neyle said.
The report projected that Meta’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy could rise to two billion dollars annually as digital adoption deepens and internet access improves across the country.
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