inq.Digital Supports Payments Forum Nigeria [PAFON 1.0]

inq.Digital Supports Payments Forum Nigeria [PAFON 1.0]

inq.Digital Supports Payments Forum Nigeria [PAFON 1.0]

Inq. Digital Nigeria Limited has been announced as a sponsor of Payments Forum Nigeria [PAFON 1.0] maiden edition holding this Thursday in Lagos.

inq. Digital Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of inq. Group is an emerging leading digital and cloud solutions provider that delivers simpler seamless solutions to complex business challenges.

With offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, inq. provides reliable and affordable Intelligent Connectivity, SDN/NFV, Cloud and Digital services (including Edge –AI) for Nigerian businesses including those in the payment space.

Participation is FREE, however, pre-registration is required: https://bit.ly/4c4N19H.

Speaking ahead of Payments Forum Nigeria [PAFON 1,0] scheduled to take place at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos on Thursday, March 21, 2024 by 9am under the theme: “Payments: Trust, Security and Privacy in AI Era”, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the co-founder of TechCastle Foundation, the organisers, said the goal is to enable information exchange and knowledge sharing on key industry insights issues amongst key stakeholders, with the objective of ensuring a collaborative and proactive approach to push for policies that enable growth, tackling/mitigating fraud and limiting occurrences and losses.

Speakers

The following speakers are lined up for the Forum: Chibuzo Efobi, Director, Payments System Management, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Festus Amede, Chairman, Committee of Chief Information Security Officers of Nigerian Financial institutions (CCISONFI; Dr. Adewale Peter Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer (CVO), Digital Encode Limited; Adetokunbo Omotosho, Chief Executive Officer, Cybervergent; Roosevelt Elias, Founder, Payble; Ikenna Ndugbu, chief compliance officer, Moniepoint MFB, and Peter Evbota, Sales Director at inq. Digital Nigeria Limited.

Payments Forum Nigeria is organised by TechCastle Foundation and sponsored by: inq. Digital Nigeria Limited, Cybervergent, Moniepoint, Digital Encode Limited, Payble with support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Senegalese tech company raises $500,000, after working with International Trade Centre (ITC)

Senegalese tech company raises $500,000, after working with International Trade Centre (ITC)

When they launched ProXalys in 2022, Thierno Sakho and Abdoulaye Faye’s first aim was to bring small-scale agricultural producers and retailers closer together. They developed a digital solution that identifies available agricultural products and organizes last-mile delivery, without intermediaries.

 

Over time, the company’s positioning moved away from logistics and towards software. The application took on new functionalities. Shopkeepers could not only organize their supplies, but also request deferred payment, keep accounts and assess their level of profitability.

Called ProBoutik, the application is above all a valuable tool for financial inclusion. It records and analyzes the merchant’s cash flow and then calculates their level of financial solvency by assigning a score. The shopkeeper can then use this data to approach microfinance institutions to obtain credit more easily.

This is increasingly appealing to the informal sector, which has begun to modernize. ProBoutik now brings together nearly 8,000 merchants. By the end of the year, the tool is aiming to have 100,000 users.

Fundraising and international expansion

While ProXalys no longer has warehouses or a fleet of vehicles to maintain, it is looking to invest massively in its technology, data and artificial intelligence teams. The success of its recent fund-raising should enable it to expand its ranks and conquer the Ivorian market.

For the start-up, this decisive step towards internationalization required months of preparation, including work with the Senegal Tech project run by the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) at the International Trade Centre (ITC).

‘The NTF V project gave us access to two major events in the agricultural economy (SARA 2023) and the fintech industry (Next Fintech Forum) in Abidjan,’ Thierno Sakho said. ‘It was an opportunity for us to initiate partnerships and appreciate the potential for development in Côte d’Ivoire. Step by step, the NTF V project has also helped us to prepare our capital raising and through resolutely operational training.’

This support gave ProXalys the legitimacy it needed in the eyes of leading investors such as 216 Capital Ventures, Haske Ventures and Digital Africa, raising a total of $500,000 in early 2024.

ProXalys is one of 16 fintech start-ups in French-speaking Africa to have benefited from Digital Africa’s Fuzé investment scheme.

‘The ambition of our investment fund is to strengthen the capacity of African digital entrepreneurs to design and deploy disruptive innovations on a large scale to serve the real economy,’ said Yann Azandegbe, Investment Associate for Digital Africa. ‘We were won over by the ProBoutik project because it brings the players in the agri-food chain closer together, while at the same time bringing traceability and modernization to the informal sector. This means more growth and jobs.’

Attentive to the need to surround itself with strategic partners likely to support its growth, ProXalys continues to forge ahead: as part of the NTF V project, the start-up recently met with the Octerra Capital fund, with whom a dialogue is currently underway.

About the programme

The Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF) programme (July 2021 – June 2025) is based on a partnership between the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Trade Centre. NTF V supports SMEs in the digital technology and agribusiness sectors in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Senegal and Uganda. Its ambition is to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable transformation of agri-food systems partly through digital solutions, to improve the international competitiveness of local tech start-ups and to support the implementation of the export strategy of IT&BPO companies.

Gwandu Family Mourns the Loss of Hajiya Aisha Gwandu

Gwandu Family Mourns the Loss of Hajiya Aisha Gwandu

 

The Gwandu family is grieving the loss of their beloved matriarch, Hajiya Aisha Gwandu, who passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday afternoon in Kebbi State. Hajiya Gwandu, mother to prominent figures including Dr. Bashir Gwandu, former Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), departed this world at a hospital in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital.

Dr. Bashir Gwandu, when contacted, confirmed the sad news of his mother’s passing, expressing his prayers and hopes for her peaceful journey in the afterlife. “I have just received the news of the passing of my mother and I pray that Allah would forgive her and grant her Al-Jannah Firdauss,” he said.

Among Hajiya Gwandu’s children are notable personalities such as Engr. Umar Gwandu, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Petroleum, and Dr. Jibril Gwandu, the Project Manager at Kebbi Health Project. She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion, survived by numerous children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The Gwandu family will hold a prayer (Janaiza) for their late matriarch this morning at 10:00 am at the Emir’s palace in Birnin Kebbi, followed by interment at the cemetery.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Gwandu family during this difficult time. May Allah SWT grant Hajiya Aisha Gwandu Jannatul Firdausi and provide comfort and strength to her loved ones. Ameen.

PalmPay Drives Financial Inclusion with Cost-Saving Benefits for Users

PalmPay Drives Financial Inclusion with Cost-Saving Benefits for Users

In its continued drive for financial inclusion across Nigerian communities, Africa-focused fintech platform PalmPay (https://www.PalmPay.com/) has unveiled two cost-saving financial products – Unlimited Free Transfer and Target Savings – for users of its app.

 

With the new financial products, users of the PalmPay app can now enjoy unlimited free transfers to all banks in the country and also customize their savings plan to suit their preferred savings amount, duration and frequency.

Introducing the unlimited free transfer, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, Chika Nwosu, said the fintech company was offering accessible and affordable financial services to its users to perform transactions without worrying about bank charges on transfers to all banks for an initial phase of 3 months.

“We are excited to introduce unlimited free transfers to our users. This aligns with our mission to provide inclusive financial services that meet the needs of our diverse user base. We believe that everyone should have access to affordable financial services, and this update is a significant step towards that goal,” Mr Nwosu said.

We believe that everyone should have access to affordable financial services, and this update is a significant step towards that goal

By removing transfer fees to all banks and fintech platforms on its app, PalmPay has now empowered its millions of customers to enjoy endless fund transfers to family and friends, pay their bills seamlessly, and manage their finances more effectively.

The PalmPay Target Savings allows users of the fintech app to create their savings goals, and customize their preferred savings duration and frequency. The system will automatically save for you based on your set frequency and amount.

Once the user has attained their goals, reached their savings target date and has achieved their set savings amount, they earn an attractive interest rate of 12% Per Annum (P.A) for their savings discipline on the amount they’ve been able to save.

PalmPay is a leading Africa-focused fintech platform committed to driving economic empowerment in Africa by offering top-tier financial services like money transfers, bill payments, credit services, and savings on its app and mobile money agents.

PalmPay has its footprint in Ghana where it operates with an enhanced payment service providers (EPSP) license, offering merchant acquiring solutions (All-in-one payment solutions for business), and also operates in Tanzania as a payment system provider, with plans to grow its multi-country and cross-border presence.

With a transaction success rate of 99.9%, PalmPay users are able to send and receive money seamlessly, pay bills effortlessly, shop with ease and earn discounts and cashback while performing these transactions.

Zoracom® Marks a Decade of Innovation and Excellence in Nigeria’s IT Sector

Zoracom® Marks a Decade of Innovation and Excellence in Nigeria’s IT Sector

 

Zoracom®, a leading technology solution company specializing in cybersecurity, celebrates its milestone tenth anniversary with pride and gratitude. Since its inception, Zoracom® has been at the forefront of empowering businesses with seamless solutions, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring end-to-end visibility.

From its humble beginnings as a startup offering IT services, Zoracom® has evolved into a dominant force in Nigeria’s IT landscape. Renowned for its expertise in business automation and cybersecurity, Zoracom® has continually raised the bar in delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the needs of its clients.

Reflecting on this remarkable journey, Kesiena Ogheneruru, Chief Operations/People Officer at Zoracom®, emphasized the company’s steadfast commitment to innovation in Nigeria’s IT industry. Ogheneruru stated, “Zoracom® has been leading the charge in business process automation and cybersecurity solutions, consistently pushing boundaries and driving positive change in the ecosystem.”Zoracom

At the core of Zoracom®’s operations lie infrastructure management, observability, and cybersecurity. The company’s comprehensive suite of solutions empowers businesses to gain valuable insights into their operations while bolstering their security posture. Zoracom® operates a state-of-the-art Network and Security Operations Centre (NSOC) located in the Lekki-Epe axis, dedicated to providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions to entities across Nigeria and West Africa.

John Nwachukwu, Chief Strategy/Executive Officer (CSEO) of Zoracom®, underscored the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions across observability, cybersecurity, and infrastructure domains. “In today’s era of rapid digital transformation, safeguarding organizations against internet threats is paramount. Our NSOC is equipped with cutting-edge technology to proactively monitor and defend against cyber threats,” Nwachukwu explained.

Since its inception in December 2022, the NSOC has garnered acclaim for its proactive approach to network monitoring and cybersecurity, earning Zoracom® numerous accolades and awards. Looking ahead, Nwachukwu outlined Zoracom®’s vision of expanding its global footprint through strategic international partnerships to deliver superior digital observability solutions.

Zoracom® offers a diverse portfolio of technology solutions, including cybersecurity, cloud services, network management, and service management. In addition to cybersecurity, the company specializes in infrastructure sharing, equipment refurbishing, co-location services, and providing end-to-end visibility into network infrastructure such as broadband access networks, mobile networks, radio networks, optical backbones, security/firewalls, and voice/soft switch solutions.

As Zoracom® commemorates its tenth anniversary, it remains committed to driving innovation, excellence, and security in Nigeria’s IT sector and beyond.

 

Cybersecurity: Zoracom's Visionary Approach To Safeguarding Digital Assets - TheFact Daily

Undersea Cable Cuts Disrupt Data, Voice Services along African West Coast

Undersea Cable Cuts Disrupt Data, Voice Services along African West Coast

A combination of cable cuts, resulting in equipment faults on the major undersea cables along the West African Coast, have negatively impacted data and fixed telecom services in several countries of West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cote de Ivoire, among others.

The cuts occurred somewhere in Cote de’Ivoire and Senegal, with an attendant disruption in Portugal.

Cable companies – West African Cable System (WACS) and African Coast to Europe (ACE) in the West Coast route from Europe have experienced faults while SAT3 and MainOne have downtime.

Similar undersea cables providing traffic from Europe to the East Coast of Africa, like Seacom, Europe India Gateway (EIG), Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE1), are said to have been cut at some point around the Red Sea, resulting in degradation of services across on these routes.

In Nigeria and other West African countries, Internet access and speed have experienced disruptions in the networks of service providers in the affected countries.

Operators of these cables have commenced repairs already, and services are gradually being restored.

They have promised to work round the clock to ensure that services are restored to the affected countries within the shortest possible time.

It is important to bring this information to the knowledge of corporate and individual consumers on these services.

Diverse Career Journeys Inspire at The Emerging Women Summit

Diverse Career Journeys Inspire at The Emerging Women Summit

 

In an inspiring session at The Emerging Women Summit, Oluwatoyin Ajilore-Chukwuemeka, a prominent STEM educational researcher, shared her multifaceted journey through various career paths. The summit, held last weekend, featured stories of resilience and determination from accomplished women across different fields.

Oluwatoyin, who holds a BSc and two MScs in Geosciences, revealed her unconventional career trajectory, which included stints as a baker, dressmaker, bead artisan, and digital floor plan designer for event planners. Alongside teaching Biology and Mathematics, she founded a nonprofit aimed at supporting businesses. Currently, she serves as a STEM Education Researcher and Policy Advocate.

Joining her on the panel was Temitope Ojomuyide, whose career began as an On-Air Personality at a radio station. Over time, she transitioned into roles such as Executive Assistant, Restaurant Manager, Front Desk Manager at a Manufacturing Company, and now holds the position of Head of Operations at a leading Insurance Company, having climbed the corporate ladder from an intern. Temitope’s academic background in Agricultural Extension defied traditional expectations.

Another speaker, Gbemisola Ojo, started her career with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering but ventured into diverse roles as a baker, fruit/parfait seller, and teacher at an A-level institution. Today, she is a DevOps Professional at one of the Big4 Consulting Companies in the UK while actively leading multiple organizations.

Tolulope Okuneye’s journey began with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology, leading to a position as a Research and Development Graduate Trainee at Unilever Nigeria. She transitioned to the Marketing arm, eventually becoming a Brand Manager, and is now exploring the field of Biotechnology.

Tomilola Idowu, with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, worked as a Developer and Trainer before entering the media industry as the Senior Content Associate of BellaNaija Weddings. She subsequently led client acquisition for a digital media strategy company, served as a Program Manager for an NGO, and pursued a Master’s in Child Studies and Human Development. Currently, she is making waves as a budding Cybersecurity and Technology Ethics Researcher.

The resounding message from these accomplished women is that a career trajectory doesn’t have to be a straight path. Oluwatoyin emphasized the value of embracing a “zig-zag” journey, reassuring the audience that many people navigate the challenging process of figuring things out.

In closing, the speakers delivered a powerful message to anyone grappling with career changes, stating, “You are not too old, too set in a field, or too anything at all to make the necessary turn that your career trajectory needs.” The summit provided a platform for women to share their stories, encouraging others to embrace the unpredictability of life’s journey and pursue their passions with dedication.

Dr. Bosun Tijani joins Ethnos Cyber for High Impact cybersecurity Erudition Series

Dr. Bosun Tijani joins Ethnos Cyber for High Impact cybersecurity Erudition Series

Dr. Bosun Tijani, renowned for his contributions in the field of cybersecurity, is set to join forces with Ethnos and OneIdentity/Quest for the launch of the Ethnos Cybersecurity Erudition Series. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bolster Cybersecurity awareness and expertise among key stakeholders in Abuja, particularly within the public sector.

In an age where digital governance is becoming increasingly prevalent, cybersecurity emerges as a critical concern for governments worldwide, including Nigeria. The integration of modern technologies has undoubtedly improved efficiency in governmental operations, but it has also introduced new vulnerabilities such as Identity Theft and Phishing. Hence, there is an urgent need for comprehensive Cybersecurity education and readiness.

The Ethnos Cybersecurity Erudition Series seeks to address these pressing issues by providing a platform for security experts and public-sector stakeholders to engage in informative discussions and knowledge sharing. With the theme “Navigating Cybersecurity Risks: Strategies for Securing Your Digital Perimeters,” the event emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats.ABLA Honours Ethnos IT Solutions CEO, Peter Ejiofor, Five Others - OYO MIND

Notable highlights of the event include a special message from Dr. Bosun Tijani, along with a keynote address by technology evangelist and investor Yemi Keri. Additionally, Identity Security expert Bradley Dupreez from South Africa will lead a technology session. The event will also feature contributions from esteemed figures such as DG of NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, EVC/CEO of NCC Dr. Aminu Maida, National Commissioner/CEO NDPC Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and DG/CEO of NIMC Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, to name a few.

Peter Ejiofor, CEO of Ethnos, expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting its focus on Identity Security and its relevance to Directors and Technology Experts across various government agencies. Co-hosted with OneIdentity/Quest, the event will present insights from both local and international experts on proactive strategies for mitigating digital threats, exploring the evolving nature of identity threats, and offering insights into risk prevention and detection.

Scheduled for 26th March 2024, at the Tamarind Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, FCT Abuja, the event will run from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Interested attendees are required to register in advance through the official website www.ethnos.com.ng/eruditionseries to secure their seat.


In an age where digital governance is becoming increasingly prevalent, cybersecurity emerges as a critical concern for governments worldwide, including Nigeria. The integration of modern technologies has undoubtedly improved efficiency in governmental operations, but it has also introduced new vulnerabilities such as Identity Theft and Phishing. Hence, there is an urgent need for comprehensive Cybersecurity education and readiness.

Moppet Foods’ Founder, Roberta Edu, Aims for Global Excellence in Baby Food Manufacturing

Moppet Foods’ Founder, Roberta Edu, Aims for Global Excellence in Baby Food Manufacturing

In a remarkable pursuit of manufacturing excellence, Roberta Edu, the visionary IT expert and co-founder of MOPPET, a rapidly growing baby food brand, expressed her commitment to adhering to global best practices. From packaging to meal quality, Edu’s goal is to establish MOPPET as a benchmark in the competitive baby food industry.

“When I decided to become a manufacturer, my aim was clear: to provide the very best for Nigerian children and eventually export globally,” stated Roberta Edu. Not seeking to emulate existing products in Nigeria, she emphasized her focus on surpassing global standards in the baby food category.

Edu recounted her determination to attain the highest quality, even rejecting a machine made in Nigeria for not meeting her stringent standards. Turning to China for a solution, she shared her relentless pursuit of excellence, including a noteworthy incident with an Indian machinery store in Oregun.

Undeterred by setbacks, Edu’s commitment to quality led to a consultancy opportunity with a longstanding Nigerian machinery company seeking her expertise to enhance their machine mechanism.

Dedicated to nutritional excellence, Edu imported baby cereal ingredients from Amazon, conducted rigorous lab analyses, and collaborated with nutritionists to ensure Moppet Foods surpassed global nutrition standards. She emphasized her personal involvement, often waking up in the middle of the night for independent research, placing constant pressure on her Research and Development team.

Proudly declaring Moppet Foods as world-standard in nutrition, Edu highlighted the continuous improvements reflected in their product packaging. Her unwavering pursuit of excellence is evident as she asserted, “The best today isn’t the best for me tomorrow; we must improve on something.”

Roberta Edu concluded with optimism, foreseeing Moppet Foods among the top global brands in the near future. The transformation of Moppet Foods under her leadership stands as a testament to her dedication to quality and global success.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Award-winning Director Biodun Stephen takes the reins for “Aso Ebi Diaries” produced by Lady Laide Films in Lagos, Nigeria

Award-winning Director Biodun Stephen takes the reins for “Aso Ebi Diaries” produced by Lady Laide Films in Lagos, Nigeria

 

Lady Laide Films is thrilled to announce the commencement of shooting for its latest project, “Aso Ebi Diaries,” in the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria. With leadership from renowned director Biodun Stephen, whose creative talents have earned global recognition, the film promises to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and stellar cast.

Production responsibilities are shared by Laide Daramola and Taiwo “Bossteewo” Adebayo. Laide Daramola is currently riding the success of her debut feature film “Hotel Labamba” which catapulted to success upon its release on Prime Video. The film’s quality was merited by its #1 ranking on the platform in Nigeria for eight consecutive days and currently holds a top 10 position in nine other countries. A household name in film and television production, Taiwo Adebayo’s slate of films boasts a gross budget of N26.8 billion. Such numbers have made her one of the highest indigenous-grossing producers of all time, setting the tone for “Aso Ebi Diaries” to make an exceptional addition to Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry.

Renowned cinematographer Barnabs Emordi has been tasked with ensuring a high level of visual aesthetics for the film. The project gains a sizable lift in costume design with the inclusion of Yolanda Okereke and Janet Aiyegbusi. Their expertise will enhance the quality, color, and vibrancy of the Aso Ebi culture onscreen.

The film lacks no shortage of A-list talent with the likes of Shaffy Bello, Kunle Remi, Nancy Isime, Bukunmi “Kie Kie” Adeaga-Ilori, Daniel Etim Effiong, Chizzy Alichi, Daniel Lloyd, and Elvina Esewvre Ibru. With a diverse array of talent onboard, “Aso Ebi Diaries” aims to resonate with audiences around the world.

Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s lively party scene, “Aso Ebi Diaries” examines the complexities of the Aso Ebi culture, including its ascent into social significance and whether its purpose and tradition have become misconstrued. Through its compelling storytelling and rich character development, the film promises audiences a thought-provoking and entertaining experience.
Director Biodun Stephen expressed her enthusiasm for the project stating, “I’m thrilled to be a part of ‘Aso Ebi Diaries’ and to collaborate with such a talented team.” She continued, “This film explores themes that are both relevant and engaging, and I’m excited to bring this story to life on screen.”

“With ‘Aso Ebi Diaries’, I aim to showcase the richness of Nigerian culture, reaching millions of viewers not only in Nigeria but globally,” says producer Laide Daramola. “This story will showcase Africa’s rich culture at its best, and we believe it will resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.”

“Aso Ebi Diaries” is currently in production in Lagos, Nigeria, and is slated for release this year. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project.