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NCC, Zoho, Digital Encode, Galaxy Backbone, others for AfriTECH 2.0

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AfriTECH 2.0
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Stakeholders will gather in Lagos, Nigeria, on 09 November 2022 for another edition of Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 2.0) sponsored by Zoho Corporation, Digital Encode, Galaxy Backbone Limited, ESET, Layer3Cloud; including partners drawn from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), and InnovationBed.Africa.

AfriTECH 2.0

Taking place both virtually and (physically) at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, this year’s theme is: ‘Sustainability and the Company of the Future’ and will convene an array of industry leaders, and tech-entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and tech ecosystem players from across the continent.

Delegates can expect two days of expert panel discussions, keynote addresses, case studies, live-demo experiences, and networking with leaders in the private sector, government, civil society, investors, and academia – all with their unique insights around ‘Harnessing Digital Identity for Digital Economy Agenda’; ‘Creating Sustainable Future through Connectivity’; ‘Blockchain & Cryptocurrency – The Future of Money’; and ‘Cloud Computing in 5G Era – Everything-As-A-Service’.

Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Founder of TechCastle Foundation says: “Africa Tech Alliance Forum, now in its second year, is an annual event that brings together stakeholders from different sectors of Nigeria’s economy to share ideas, trends, opportunities around technology, innovation and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria and Africa at large.

“The Forum promotes the need for Africa to become more innovative and apply technology to drive her economic growth and sustainable development using emerging technologies and trends, research, development, entrepreneurship, commercialization and investments as key drivers. AfriTECH also creates awareness and encourages innovation in the private and public sectors”.

He expressed excitement about the Forum, adding that it will culminate in an awards ceremony which aims to celebrate and reward companies and individuals on the African continent that have demonstrated excellence in the areas of innovative product/service development, policy/regulations, amongst other areas.

He said that attendees can look forward to a robust presentation by the Professor Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and a keynote address by Mr. James Agada, the Immediate Past CEO of CWG PLC and Founder of IxzdoreLab, as well as an in-depth discussions by Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director General, National Information Technology Agency (NITDA); Professor Muhammad Abubakar, MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Limited; Kehinde Ogundare, Country Manager for Zoho Technologies Nigeria; Dr. Adewale Peter Obadare, Co-Founder/Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode Limited; Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, Co-Founder/CTO of Digital Encode Limited; Professor Adesina Sodiya, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS).

The keynote speaker, James Agada, is notable for solving technical challenges. Helping customers use technology to solve their problems and grow is the ultimate icing on the cake for him. Agada inspires youth and others to do a lot better than they think possible.

Before establishing Ixzdore Laboratories he was the CEO, CWG PLC., where he played majors in developing the company’s growth and sustainability plan. Agada’s rise to a top chief executive followed years of hardwork, resilience and demonstration of understanding of the business climate in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

Meanwhile, a session will be dedicated to Innovators for the UN World Summit Awards 2022 led by the Programos Foundation. Mr. Emmanuel Amos will also enlighten the Forum participants on the World Summit on Information Society process towards 2025.

Commenting on the importance of AfriTECH 2.0, Peter Oluka, the Editor of TechEconomy, says: “AfriTECH2.0 will delve into the nitty-gritty of ‘Sustainability and The Company Of The Future’; adding that top on the list of lessons from COVID-19 pandemic is ‘build back better’, where businesses and governments must reflect on what to do differently and what to stop doing altogether’ to move the economy forward.

AfriTECH 2.0 is also supported by media partners; Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, ITPulse.com.ng, TechnologyMirror, Ravenewsonline.com, DigitalTimesng.com, ITRealms.com.ng, ITNewsNigeria.ng, DigiVation Network, TechandBiz and GrassRoots.ng.

Participation in AfriTECH 2.0 is FREE but you need to register ahead of the date; 09 November 2022, using the link here. https://africatechallianceforum.africa/index.html


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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 Launches Refer & Win Promo: Free Airtime or Data for Life Awaits Nigerians

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MoMo PSB, a subsidiary of MTN Nigeria and a leading provider of digital financial services, has unveiled its Customer Refer & Win Promo, an exciting initiative aimed at rewarding loyal customers with free airtime or data for life.

This campaign underscores MoMo PSB’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and enhancing the digital banking experience for millions of Nigerians.

The promo offers customers the chance to win incredible prizes, including free airtime or data every month for 50 years for 11 lucky winners, and consolation prizes for 110 winners who will receive airtime or data every month for one year.

Open to both new and existing customers, the initiative encourages participants to perform qualifying transactions and refer friends and family to activate or reactivate their accounts.

Phrase Lubega, CEO of MoMo PSB, emphasized the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction and seamless financial transactions. “This initiative is about giving back to our customers while promoting the ease and convenience of using MoMo for everyday transactions.

“By simply transacting on the platform, customers get the chance to enjoy free airtime and data for life, an offer that truly rewards their loyalty,” he said.

To participate, customers must complete eligible transactions such as MoMo-to-MoMo transfers, other bank transfers, bill payments, betting wallet top-ups, and airtime/data purchases.

Referrals also earn participants an instant 100MB for every active referral. Weekly electronic draws will determine winners, with the promo running for 12 weeks from April 3rd to June 25th, 2025.

MoMo PSB will also engage users through nationwide activations, interactive sessions, and digital campaigns to drive awareness and participation.

This initiative further solidifies MoMo PSB’s role as a key player in Nigeria’s financial services sector, offering innovative solutions that simplify transactions and enhance customer satisfaction.


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Reps Panel Demands N182bn Refund from Remita Over TSA Discrepancies

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House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has directed Remita, a financial technology firm, to refund N182.77 billion to the federal government. The sum was allegedly withheld from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) since 2015.

The directive was issued on Wednesday during a committee meeting in Abuja, following the submission of a forensic audit report by consulting firm Seyi Katola & Company (Chartered Accountants), which uncovered significant discrepancies in revenue remittances.

Remita, owned by financial services company SystemSpecs, is the online platform through which federal government agencies remit revenue into the TSA. In November 2023, the House launched an investigation into suspected revenue leakages through the platform.

Chairman of the committee, Bamidele Salam, said the decision was reached based on evidence presented by the forensic auditors and documents submitted by Remita and other stakeholders in the TSA ecosystem.

Adewale Oyebamiji, managing partner at the auditing firm, presented the breakdown of liabilities, stating that SystemSpecs was responsible for N3.42 billion in under-refunded transaction processing fees, N101.85 million in unpaid acquirer fees, and N179.25 billion in unremitted collections.

The report also applied the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy rate of 27.25 percent to determine interest charges. According to the findings, the under-refund of transaction processing fees amounted to N993 million, with interest charges of N2.42 billion, bringing the total to N3.42 billion. For unpaid acquirer fees, N29.60 million was due, with interest charges of N72.25 million, totalling N101.85 million. Regarding non-remittance of collections, N54.24 billion was due with N125 billion in interest, totalling N179 billion.

“The committee hereby recommends that SystemSpecs Ltd be compelled to refund the total sum of N182,769,245,175.20 to the federal government asset recovery account domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), account number: 0020054161191,” the report stated.

The committee noted that some deposit money banks have already complied with similar refund directives and urged other TSA value chain service providers yet to comply to do so without delay.

Chairman Salam praised the forensic auditors for what he described as a thorough and patriotic investigation.


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FG Launches Survey to Encourage Nigerian Digital Firms Spread Across Africa

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The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has announced the launch of the Digital Services Survey in a strategic effort to empower Nigerian digital service providers to expand across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The ministry’s Director Press and Public Relations, Dr. Adebayo Thomas in a statement  said the aims of the digital services initiative is to map and support the growth of Nigerian digital services throughout the continent and simplify the process for digital businesses to navigate regulatory environments and expand their reach across African markets.

He added that Nigerian digital businesses often face challenges when entering other African markets, including uncertainties around service registration, applicable regulations, and responsible agencies.

Thomas said: “Unlike physical goods, digital services don not always align with existing trade categories. This framework will serve as a common language, ensuring consistent treatment of digital services across borders” and its benefits include unlocking new markets by identifying target African countries for expansion, as Nigeria can focus trade negotiations on opening specific markets for digital services.”

He added, “The framework would also create a Digital Services Repository and for the first time, Nigeria will compile a comprehensive database of digital service providers, their expansion plans, and the challenges they face.

“Furthermore, the framework would strengthen Nigeria’s digital leadership by positioning the country as a proactive leader in Africa’s digital economy, shaping the rules and standards for digital trade.”

 


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