Grey raises $2M to simplify cross-border payments across Africa

Grey raises $2M to simplify cross-border payments across Africa

Grey (https://Grey.co), a fintech started by two Nigerians to simplify sending and receiving foreign payments for Africans, has raised $2 million in seed funding. The service offered by Grey enables its customers to have virtual international bank accounts for free and enjoy a seamless foreign payment process.

 

“Grey (https://Grey.co) was founded in 2021 to empower people to live a location-independent lifestyle,” CEO of Grey, Idorenyin Obong, says. “I believe that the least of your worries as a freelancer, remote worker, or digital nomad should be sending or receiving payments, so we’ve made it easy. We like to say that we’re on a mission to make international payments as easy as sending an email. We want to do impactful work to improve how Africa as a continent interacts with money across its borders. I am delighted that we’ve acquired an extensive and fiercely loyal user base.”

Grey allows users to receive foreign payments in their preferred foreign currency and withdraw directly to mobile money or their local bank account

On Grey, you can create a foreign USD, GBP, and EUR bank account for free, send money to the UK and Europe, and receive payments from over 88 countries. The company also offers conversion directly to your local currency so that you can spend it easily on the app. Grey allows users to receive foreign payments in their preferred foreign currency and withdraw directly to mobile money or their local bank account.

In addition to the funding announcement, Grey also announced Its expansion into East Africa, starting with Kenya, and partnerships with payments giant Cellulant and ed-tech leader Moringa. Travelling to Kenya is much easier with Grey (https://bit.ly/3Q5bCyY) because you can pay vendors directly to M-pesa. For example, suppose you’re a traveller on a trip to Nairobi. In that case, you can convert any supported currencies to Kenyan Shillings and pay for services directly to M-Pesa, or other mobile money accounts. Grey is the easiest way to send money abroad and between African countries. The company plans to expand into more East African countries in the coming months. It has included support for Ugandan Shillings on the app, bringing the total number of supported currencies to six. This addition means that Grey customers in Nigeria and Kenya can send money to mobile money accounts in Uganda.

The company has also privately launched Grey Business to several companies. COO Femi Aghedo says, “Sending money worldwide is not just an individual problem; it affects African businesses too. Over the last two months, we’ve onboarded several African businesses to our private beta. Honestly, when I listen to the feedback about how much we’ve simplified a previously complex process, it pushes us to do more.”

Grey’s seed funding round included participation from Y Combinator, Soma Capital, Heirloom Fund, True Culture Fund, angel investors Alan Rutledge, Samvit Ramadurgam, Karthik Ramakrishnan, and other high-profile investors. According to the CEO, Idorenyin Obong, with this new round of capital, they plan to launch into new markets and extend their product suite to include not just remittances but also person-to-person and business-to-business payments so every African can enjoy seamless cross-border payments with low fees.

Grey’s services are available in Kenya and Nigeria via the Grey website (https://Grey.co), Play Store (https://bit.ly/3Q0zcfY), and App store (https://link.grey.co/iOSapp).

Not only is unity in Nigeria critical, but partnership with the EU – Atiku Abubakar

Not only is unity in Nigeria critical, but partnership with the EU – Atiku Abubakar

 

As the elections are getting closer, the need for the presidential aspirants to reposition themselves to be seen as been altruistic and futuristic becomes imperative now that the level of sensitization is high. One of the foremost presidential aspirants , Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) recently engaged the international community on the best way to drive the nation forward. He did this with his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa

Atiku took to Facebook and said that “Today, my team and I met with the various European Union ambassadors to Nigeria at the EU secretariat in Abuja. It was a robust discussion with focus on the next phase for Nigeria politically and the success of the 2023 election, amongst others.”

He opined that “Not only is unity in Nigeria critical, but partnership with the EU is necessary for Nigeria to reach its full potential. In addition, I shared my vision of a greater Nigeria and gave them an insight into my socio-economic and political agenda for our country.”

“On its part, the EU assured of technical support to Nigeria, primarily to the The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the observation and monitoring of the elections”, He concluded.

Atiku Abubakar GCON is a Nigerian politician and businessman who served as the vice president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians in Diaspora – Peter Obi

I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians in Diaspora – Peter Obi

 

One of the Nigerian contender in this presidential election this 2023, Dr. Peter Obi who has been gaining popularity and widespread acceptance recently embarked on international trip t engage Nigerians in diaspora and arising the bar on how elections ought to be done recently thanked Nigerians in diaspora for hosting him.

In his Facebook page, Obi said “I am profoundly grateful to my fellow Nigerians whom I met and interacted with in Frankfurt, Rome, Toronto, Los Angeles, Houston, Charlotte, Washington D.C, Atlanta and New York.”

He added that “Your warmth and collective graciousness has been elating; and your passion for rescuing Nigeria, inspiring. Your best wishes and prayers continue to uplift me.As I return home after eight days on the road, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and conviction. My take away is that a united, secure and productive Nigeria, which is our collective dream is POssible. It is a dream we intend to bring to actualization.”

Finally he concluded that”Thank you all for the quality time; expressed confidence and suggestions. Thank you for believing that a new Nigeria is #POssible.
Above all, thank you for being members of the #OBIdient Family. God bless you and yours. And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Peter Gregory Obi CON is a Nigerian businessman and politician who served as Governor of Anambra from March to November 2006, February to May 2007, and from June 2007 to March 2014. In May 2022, he became the Labour Party nominee for President of Nigeria in the 2023 presidential election.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

IMO STATE GOVERMENT HAILED FOR ITS EFFORT IN THE PROTECTION OF LIVES AND PROPERTIES AT THE INTERACTIVE FORUM ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN KANO STATE.

IMO STATE GOVERMENT HAILED FOR ITS EFFORT IN THE PROTECTION OF LIVES AND PROPERTIES AT THE INTERACTIVE FORUM ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN KANO STATE.

 

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo State on Northern Affairs, Alhaji Suleman Ibrahim represented and protected the interest of Imo State at the interactive forum on conflict resolutions at the strength in diversity development center held at the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Kano State.

Issues bothering tribal killings and conflicts in Imo State were addressed as Alhaji Suleman Ibrahim restored the confidence of the Northerners and their brotherly support for the Shared Prosperity of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the entire Ndi Imo.

Alhaji Suleman Ibrahim expressed regret over the killings in Imo state and reassured his audience of the efforts of Governor Hope Uzodimma Administration to protect the lives and properties of both Imo indigenes and law-abiding settlers in the State.
The Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Lawal Muhammad Ribah commended Governor Hope Uzodimma over his quick intervention and efforts at proffering solutions for lasting peace and coexistence among the Northern tribe in Imo State.

He called on other Governors to emulate His Excellency in bringing peace, and stability and protecting the lives and properties of their people.

He further assured the Governor of full support from the people of the North and also encouraged the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Northern Affairs, Alhaji Suleman Ibrahim to continue with his good works.

 

GOV. UZODIMMA CELEBRATES CHIEF ENGR. EMMANUEL IWUANYANWU 80th BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY, KICKS-OFF NOVELTY MATCH IN HIS HONOR

GOV. UZODIMMA CELEBRATES CHIEF ENGR. EMMANUEL IWUANYANWU 80th BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY, KICKS-OFF NOVELTY MATCH IN HIS HONOR

 

The Imo State Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma kicked off the Novelty match between former Iwuanyanwu Football Nationals and Imo Legend Footballers, as part of events to celebrate the statesman and Sports Promoter, Chief Dr. Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu, CFR at the Dan Anyim Stadium, Owerri.

The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy, Professor Placid Njoku, and a host of Government officials.

The novelty match featured some Imo sports experts and international players such as Nwankwo Kanu, Mobi Oparaku, Sunny Ikwuagwu, Sam Oparanozie, Bahama, Danjuma, Emmanuel Amunike, among others.

NIGERIA NEEDS NATIONAL REBIRTH – MAMORA

NIGERIA NEEDS NATIONAL REBIRTH – MAMORA
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. (Sen). Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora has said that Nigeria needs a rebirth and rebuild of her institutions as well as restoration of her national core values so as to provide lasting solutions to the challenges militating against the progress of the nation.
The Minister said this today, when he received a delegation from the Public Complaint Commission (PCC) in his office, in Abuja.
Dr. Mamora stated that the strengthening of our institutions to compete with that of the developed nations will lead to the emancipation of Nigeria from the shackles of the present socio-economic woes.
The Minister further emphasized that strict implementation of the rule of law is one of the strongest pillars of any civilized and democratic society as it prevents impunity in any society.
He used the opportunity to call for the restoration of national core values as enshrined in the constitution. He further described this as the article of faith that binds the leadership of the nation and its citizens.
He noted that Nigeria of our dream cannot be achieved without our collaboration and collective efforts to make it a reality.
Earlier in a speech, the Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, Hon. Abimbola Ayo-Yussuf, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission Mr. Philip Enyali said that the essence of the visit was to seek the support of the Ministry on the forthcoming National Anti-corruption Marathon and the 4th edition of the National Youth and Students Summit on Anti-Corruption Sensitization Campaign.
The commissioner informed the Minister of the PCC’s core mandate which includes initiating investigations on matters that border on any form of administrative injustice adding that youths need to be carried along and be the primary focus on key developmental policies.

Pantami Receives Defence Space Adminstration Team

Pantami Receives Defence Space Adminstration Team

 

Working visit by Defence Space Administration (DSA) team led by the Chief of Space Administration, Rear Admiral Nnamdi Anthony Muogilim.

The DSA team was at the Commmunications and Digital Economy Complex, Abuja to brief Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) in capacity as both the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and also a Governing Council member of the DSA about their plans to deploy various earth orbit satellites.

The move is aimed at enhancing real-time communication, surveillance, reconnaissance, among others in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria.

Olubadan of Ibadan Backs Clamour for Telecom Infrastructure Protection

Olubadan of Ibadan Backs Clamour for Telecom Infrastructure Protection

The advocacy for telecom infrastructure protection across the country by the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) has received royal blessings and support of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who has urged every citizen in Nigerian to take responsibility for the protection of telecom facilities for mutual benefit of all.

The monarch, who spoke through the Ayingun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ademola Odunade, at the Village Square Dialogue (VSD) of NCC at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan recently, advised the Nigerian public “to support NCC to achieve its objectives of protecting telecoms consumer because this should be seen as a collective responsibility.”

The event, which was presided over by the Chairman of the Board of the NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande, was designed to discuss one of the most important issues affecting the operations of the telecom industry – the protection of telecoms infrastructure to guarantee improved quality of service for benefits of businesses and the consumers.

Akande, in his address to guests at the forum that witnessed large turnout of traditional rulers, representatives of telecom operators and consumers, asked the consumers and other stakeholders to join hands in protecting telecoms infrastructure in their communities to ensure sustained connectivity.

Akande said the objective of the consumer engagement was “to explore how we can all protect telecom infrastructure to continue to provide us with life-supporting services and we are happy to bring this programme to Oyo State to really sensitise telecom consumers and other critical stakeholders in this regard.”

Prof. Akande noted that without telecom infrastructure, it will be difficult to communicate with family and friends over long distances while conducting banking, insurance, or access government services, education, entertainment and other essentials of life.

“This means that telecom infrastructure is important, and we must all ensure that we guard and protect this Critical National Infrastructure,” Akande said.

He also listed such destabilising situations in the telecom sector to include the negative attitudes and actions of hostile communities; theft of diesel, batteries and power generators from base stations; digging up and cutting of fibre optic cables; sealing/locking up of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites and other disruptive activities which must be tackled decisively.

Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of NCC, Efosa Idehen, who commended the consumers from the Ibadan axis for turning out in numbers, pledged the Commission’s commitment towards the care of the consumers. Idehen stated that NCC has the responsibility to protect, inform and educate the million of telecom consumers in the country.

“Therefore, part of activities to deliver on this mandate is this type of programme holding in Ibadan today. We value your feedback on all kinds of services you receive in the telecoms sector but most importantly, we implore you to join hands in protecting telecom infrastructure in your areas,” he said.

Idehen advised members of the public to report any suspected cases of threats to telecoms infrastructure to law enforcement agents in their areas for necessary interventions. He reminded them that they can call toll-free numbers 112 in cases of emergencies or 622 to report complaints bordering on telecommunications services to the NCC.

PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS GOMBE- KUMO – BILLIRI -KALTUNGO

PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS GOMBE- KUMO – BILLIRI -KALTUNGO

PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS GOMBE- KUMO – BILLIRI -KALTUNGO HIGHWAY

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), has today, Friday 26th August 2022, commissioned the Gombe – kaltungo highway in Gombe state North-East Nigeria.

Representing the President at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) described the sixty six kilometer road as a strategic project aimed at improving the nation’s road infrastructure, supporting the ease of doing business, creating jobs and entrenching a prosperous economic environment, in line with the administration’s commitment to eradicate poverty among its citizens.

“Today, we are commissioning and handing over a 66.10km road, which links Gombe with the neighbouring Taraba and Adamawa states. The road connects three North Eastern states, which makes it a critical component of our national road network. This road has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if properly used, will last for the designed service life”.

Speaking further, the President while commending the capacity and patriotism of Nigerians who put in their best talent and resources in the construction process, also urged citizens to avoid the abuse and misuse of the infrastructure and observe all road regulations particularly, the maximum speed limit of one hundred kilometers per hour.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Gombe state governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Inuwa Mohammed Yahaya and members of his cabinet, the representative of the Minister of Works and Housing, royal fathers, heads of federal and state parastatals and a horde of appreciative Gombe state citizens.

Uwa Suleiman
Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of
Communications & Digital Economy.
26th August 2022

PANTAMI EXCITED WITH THE UNPRECEDENTED 18.44% HIGHEST EVER ICT CONTRIBUTION TO NIGERIA’S GDP

PANTAMI EXCITED WITH THE UNPRECEDENTED 18.44% HIGHEST EVER ICT CONTRIBUTION TO NIGERIA’S GDP

 

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), is very excited to hear of the remarkable contribution of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2022 (Q2 2022). The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated this in the ‘Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product Report’ for Q2 2022, released on the 26th of August, 2022.

The Digital Economy sector under Professor Pantami has continued its trend of playing a key part in the growth on Nigeria’s economy. The Report by the NBS indicated that the ICT sector contributed 18.44% to the total real GDP in Q2 2022. This is the highest contribution of ICT to the GDP and is truly unprecedented and marks the third time that the sector has achieved an unprecedented contribution to Nigeria’s GDP during the tenure of the Honourable Minister- in Q1 2020, Q2 2021 and now Q2 2022.

The oil sector contributed 6.33% to the total real GDP in Q2 2022, which was lower than the contribution in Q2 ‘2021 and Q1 ‘2022, where it contributed 7.42% and 6.63% respectively. The non-oil sector’s contribution grew by 4.77% in real terms, resulting in a 93.67% contribution to the nation’s GDP in the Q2 ‘2022, higher than Q2 ‘2021 and Q2 ‘2022, where it contributed 92.58% and 93.37% respectively.

The Honorable Minister notes that the growing contribution of the ICT sector to the GDP is as a result of the commitment of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to the development of the digital economy. The diligent implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, stakeholder engagement and creation of an enabling environment have all played an important role in this achievement.

The support of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has contributed immensely to the impressive developments in the sector. The unprecedented contribution of ICT to Nigeria’s GDP can also be attributed to the dynamic and results-oriented leadership of the sector. The GDP Report has shown how critical the ICT sector is to the growth of our country’s digital economy and, by extension, the general economy.

The Honourable Minister congratulates all stakeholders in the digital economy ecosystem for this cheering news. He also renews his call to all sectors to take advantage of the Federal Government’s new focus on the digital economy to enable and improve their processes through the use of ICTs. This would enhance the output of all the sectors of the economy and boost Nigeria’s GDP.