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Chemonics and BanQu Partner to Test Blockchain’s Potential to Eliminate Poverty and Improve Aid Effectiveness
On October 17, 2016, international development consulting firm Chemonics and technology company BanQu established the Blockchain for Development Solutions Lab. The lab represents the first concerted effort by a development company to build, test, and scale blockchain solutions to reduce poverty and increase aid effectiveness.
- Categories
- Technology
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Ecobank Launches Ecobank Mobile App to Transform Banking in Africa
Ecobank (Ecobank.com) has launched the Ecobank Mobile App, an instant and convenient way of banking via the mobile phone. It is the first unified app delivered by any institution for use in 33 countries. Group CEO, Ade Ayeyemi unveiled the new App at a large product launch in Lagos, which brought together a wide range of customers, including students, various professionals, traders and transporters. Ecobank board members, shareholders, staff and media were also present at the event.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- digital payments, fintech
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Uganda: Shs1 Billion Loaned Through Mobile Phones
In just two months, the mobile micro-lending and saving platform, MoKash, has been adding an average of 15,000 customers per day, reaching 920,000 over the period. Launched in August and operated by MTN Uganda and the Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), MoKash allows mobile phone owners to save and apply for micro-loans. This is the first platform operated by both a telecom company and bank that could carry out the function of a commercial bank.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Safaricom CEO Warns His “Clumsy” Product Needs to Diversify or Risk Dying
The future of M-Pesa, the world’s leading mobile money-transfer system, lies in transforming the service’s “clumsy” technology into something more efficient, innovative, and collaborative. At least that’s the vision spelled out by the company’s CEO.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Equitel Now Kenya’s Second Biggest Mover of Mobile Money
The battle for mobile phone money transactions business is changing in a manner that may cause various players to stop and take notice.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- digital payments, fintech
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Financial Innovation Startup and 12 Global Banks Test Blockchain Based Cross-Border Payment System
U.S.-based financial innovation start-up R3, along with 12 global banks, have completed the test of a cross-border payment system powered by blockchain technology and developed by financial technology company Ripple.
- Categories
- Technology
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Barclays Launches Fintech Accelerator Programme in India With 10 Fintech Startups
Rise Accelerator, a FinTech- focussed accelerator programme started by Barclays announced its first cohort today, comprising 10 FinTech startups.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- South Asia
- Tags
- fintech
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Africa Demands Tailored Mobile Money Services
With technology disruption so evident within financial servicesand an increasing number of mobile money and remittance platforms taking off in Africa, it is not surprising that telcos and network operators are eager to tap into the activity in developing markets. But according to remittance experts securing a foothold in mobile payments is not easy and requires a lot more than simply developing a service and evangelising the offering: it is essential to match up product/ service with the realities of target markets.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- digital payments, fintech
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