inDrive Joins Smarter Mobility Africa Summit 2024 to help Shape the Future of Transport in South Africa (SA)

inDrive Joins Smarter Mobility Africa Summit 2024 to help Shape the Future of Transport in South Africa (SA)

In recognition of Transport Month, inDrive (www.inDrive.com), a global leader in urban mobility and services, has taken a central role in shaping discussions at this year’s highly anticipated Smarter Mobility Africa Summit 2024. The summit, which began on October 2nd and runs until October 4th, focuses on transparency, leadership, and innovation in African transport systems. Under the theme “Embracing the New Urban Era,” the event brings together thought leaders from across the mobility sector.

 

Representing inDrive in this critical discussion was Mary-Anne Momoh-Ige, Government Relations Specialist for inDrive Africa. She shared insights on how the integration of ride-hailing with traditional public transport could enhance accessibility, sustainability, and efficiency for urban commuters.

By integrating on-demand services with traditional public transport, we aimed to create more accessible and efficient mobility ecosystems

“At inDrive, we believed that the future of mobility lay in collaboration,” said Momoh-Ige. “By working closely with public transport operators, authorities, and industry leaders, we aimed to ensure that mobility systems became more inclusive and adaptable, providing seamless end-to-end solutions for commuters.”

Additionally, inDrive’s Aurora Tech Award proudly sponsored the Women in Mobility Seminar at the summit, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering women in tech and mobility. The Aurora Tech Award, which celebrates women founders of tech startups, was showcased at the event, with applications for the 2025 cohort opened.

inDrive’s participation in the summit cemented its position as a forward-thinking leader, not only by offering a fair and transparent ride-hailing platform but also by shaping the future of urban mobility across Africa.

Vincent Linalane, Business Development Representative at inDrive in Southern Africa, added, “At inDrive, we understood that the key to future-proofing urban transport lay in collaboration across sectors. By integrating on-demand services with traditional public transport, we aimed to create more accessible and efficient mobility ecosystems. Our involvement in the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit 2024 underscored our commitment to working closely with local operators and authorities to drive innovation that met the unique needs of African cities.”

The Smarter Mobility Africa Summit brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to forge innovative solutions for Africa’s most pressing mobility challenges.

EFT Corporation and Visa partner to bolster fintech growth in Africa

EFT Corporation and Visa partner to bolster fintech growth in Africa

EFT Corporation and Visa partner to bolster fintech growth in Africa

 

EFT Corporation (EFTCorp) and Visa have announced a transformative five-year partnership aimed at revolutionising Africa’s digital payments landscape. This collaboration seeks to enhance financial inclusion and introduce advanced payment solutions across the continent.

 

Fintechs across Africa are invited to join an exclusive program designed to accelerate their growth. By leveraging EFTCorp’s established platform and reach, participants will scale their operations, unlock new opportunities and drive innovation in the fintech space.

 

According to McKinsey, 250 million Africans are expected to join the consuming class by 2030, unlocking $3 trillion in consumer spending. To support this growth Visa has committed to invest $1 billion in Africa to accelerate digital transformation, with this partnership with EFTCorp being a significant step towards that goal.

 

By combining EFTCorp’s knowledge of local markets and world-class technology stack with Visa’s depth of experience and global footprint, this collaboration will drive the digital revolution on the continent.

 

With over 20 years’ experience in Africa, EFTCorp is a trusted partner for many banks and fintechs. It provides comprehensive end-to-end banking capabilities covering card issuing, acquiring, wallets, KYC, mPOS, microfinance, SME banking, domestic switching and  more.  This enables Fintech’s to scale their operations while relying on EFTCorp’s world-class support and expertise.

 

This partnership will provide fintechs with access to comprehensive prepaid and debit card programmes tailored for diverse consumer needs, EFTCorp will serve as programme manager and issuer processor ensuring efficient and effective payment processing.

 

Clayton Hayward, Group CEO of EFTCorp, says the partnership is truly a win-win scenario for everyone involved. “While we’re providing local market expertise and infrastructure, Visa provides full commitment, know-how, and real investment to support EFTCorp’s business objectives. The collaboration will also allow both companies to strengthen their brand and footprint in these regions. But it goes much further than that. The fintechs will have the opportunity to scale their businesses and enhance their proposition, which in turn benefits the consumer and improves financial access on the continent.”

 

The participating fintechs will be selected based on the viability of their business case as well as their ability to create significant impact. To ensure the programme’s success, EFTCorp will host a series of informal roundtable engagements with fintechs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana and other key regions to address local challenges and opportunities. Hayward adds, “This partnership with Visa reaffirms our commitment to supporting both banks and fintechs on the continent, and our intention of becoming the common fabric for banks, telco, retailers, governments, and fintechs in Africa.”

 

Africa is home to the world’s fastest growing population, which is expected to double by 2050, presenting numerous opportunities for inclusive growth and innovation. Hayward says this is the first major project of EFTCorp’s newly formed EFT Ventures division, and it’s fitting that it will help drive digital transformation across Africa. “EFTCorp has always had financial inclusion as one of its core values. Access to financial services is the foundation of financial inclusion, and for Africa’s young population, that means digital transformation. They want to see solutions as forward-thinking as they are, and we aim to provide just that.”

 

Aida Diarra, Senior Vice President and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the alignment of Visa’s mission to connect the world through innovative payment solutions with EFTCorp’s vision for Africa. “This partnership will enhance financial inclusion in key African markets by combining EFTCorp’s local expertise with Visa’s global resources, delivering unmatched payment solutions across the continent. Together, we aim to provide cutting-edge solutions that uplift economies and enhance customer experiences, marking a significant step towards revolutionising digital payments across Africa”

 

Youth Assembly of Nigeria’s New Speaker Commends Defence Minister Matawalle’s Leadership and Loyalty to President Tinubu

Youth Assembly of Nigeria’s New Speaker Commends Defence Minister Matawalle’s Leadership and Loyalty to President Tinubu

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, has received high praise from the newly elected National Speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Comrade Famuyibo Oluwasegun. During his acceptance speech at YAN’s national election held over the weekend at Agura Hotels, Abuja, Comrade Oluwasegun recognized Minister Matawalle’s unwavering dedication to national security and loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Comrade Oluwasegun, from Ekiti State, lauded Minister Matawalle as a role model for Nigerian youth, highlighting his commitment to the fight against banditry and terrorism across the North West and beyond. According to the new Speaker, Matawalle’s leadership has served as an inspiration for youth nationwide. “After God Almighty, Dr. Matawalle’s support was a cornerstone of my journey to this position,” Oluwasegun stated. “His unyielding guidance and leadership were instrumental in achieving this victory.”

Expressing gratitude to the YAN Board of Trustees, Convention Planning Committee, and all delegates for their confidence, Oluwasegun pledged to lead with integrity as the head of the 4th Assembly of Nigerian Youths.

The Acting Chairman of YAN’s Board of Trustees, Hon. Gt. C Samuel, also offered words of encouragement to the newly elected leaders. He urged them to uphold the values of Nigerian youth and showcase their best as representatives of the nation, especially in preparing for the upcoming inauguration of the 4th Assembly.

Other officials elected to the YAN 4th Assembly include Umar Bala Babayaro of Kaduna State as Deputy National Speaker, Sadiq Abubakar of Borno State as Majority Leader, Ezeanikwe Charles as Deputy Majority Leader, Raymond Sylvanus of Cross River State as National Chief Whip, Jennifer Ornguga of Benue State as National Minority Leader, and Jude Chinonso as Diaspora Ambassador.

The event underscored the Youth Assembly of Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing strong leadership and fostering national unity among Nigerian youth.

 

NNPC Retail Sensitizes Over 1,000 Auto Mechanics on CNG Adoption and Oleum Lubricant Range

NNPC Retail Sensitizes Over 1,000 Auto Mechanics on CNG Adoption and Oleum Lubricant Range

 

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable energy solutions, NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, recently engaged over 1,000 auto mechanics during a comprehensive sensitization initiative focused on the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel. The event was held at the National Artisans and Technicians Conference in Lagos.

The initiative aimed to demystify the conversion process of gasoline-powered vehicles to CNG, providing mechanics with essential insights and practical demonstrations on the technicalities involved. NRL also introduced its Oleum lubricant range, which is known for its high performance in both gasoline and CNG-powered vehicles.

Baba Shettima Kukawa, Executive Director of Retail Operations & Mobility at NRL, emphasized the importance of equipping mechanics with the skills necessary for CNG conversion. “Sensitizing mechanics on the significance of CNG adoption is vital for achieving Nigeria’s long-term energy goals,” Kukawa stated. He urged artisans to pursue the necessary training to contribute to the shift towards cleaner and more affordable fuel options.

The conference received positive feedback from representatives of the Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN) and the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA). They commended NRL’s proactive approach and called for an expansion of the initiative to reach more mechanics nationwide, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy solutions.

To further bolster the local automotive sector, NRL provided participants with essential tools, including coveralls, toolboxes, and generators, aimed at enhancing their business operations and promoting sustainability.

This initiative aligns with NNPC Retail’s broader strategic vision to reduce the environmental impact of Nigeria’s energy consumption while making fuel more affordable for consumers. By advocating for CNG adoption, NRL is taking significant steps toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

Awka’s “Club Road”: The Beating Heart of Anambra’s Nightlife Scene

Awka’s “Club Road”: The Beating Heart of Anambra’s Nightlife Scene

 

Awka, the capital of Anambra State and a major hub in Nigeria’s Southeast, is undergoing an exciting transformation. Known traditionally for its strong commercial and industrial foundations, the state is now embracing a new dimension: a vibrant nightlife and entertainment industry. Nowhere is this change more apparent than on a single stretch of road in Awka, once called Abakaliki Street, which has recently been rechristened as “Club Road.” This renaming reflects its transformation into a hub for hospitality, nightlife, and tourism, and signals a shift in Anambra’s economic landscape.

For years, Anambra has been synonymous with commerce and industry, with its capital, Awka, focused on business, trade, and the industrious spirit of its people. However, the city’s evolving entertainment sector is bringing new opportunities and a sense of balance between work and leisure. The decision to rename Abakaliki Street to Club Road was strategic, aligning the street’s identity with its newfound purpose as the epicenter of nightlife. This decision was not without its challenges—some Igbo communities from Abakaliki, including key figures such as Governor Dave Umahi, voiced their objections, citing concerns over the historical significance of the original name. Despite these tensions, the change was made to encapsulate the street’s role in Anambra’s social and economic fabric.

Club Road has since emerged as the only street in Anambra State that “never sleeps.” It’s a vibrant strip lined with a variety of nightclubs, lounges, and restaurants that open their doors to a bustling crowd each night. By 6:30 pm, Club Road comes alive, transforming into a pulsating hub of activity. The atmosphere mirrors the energy of global nightlife destinations like Las Vegas, drawing in visitors from across the state and beyond. For many, a visit to Club Road is now synonymous with experiencing the heart and soul of Awka’s nightlife.

The street’s evolution into a nightlife hotspot signifies more than just economic diversification. It reflects Anambra’s readiness to embrace modern tourism trends and meet the recreational needs of its residents and visitors. As the city’s entertainment industry continues to grow, it complements Anambra’s established reputation in commerce, underscoring a balanced approach to economic development.

Whether for locals looking to unwind after a busy workweek or tourists exploring the city’s culture, Club Road has become a destination that captures the new spirit of Awka. Here, the phrase “Thank God It’s Friday” has taken on new meaning, as people flock to the street’s lively venues for a taste of Awka’s burgeoning nightlife. With its blend of tradition and modernity, Club Road encapsulates the spirit of a city in transformation, paving the way for Anambra’s hospitality and tourism sector to thrive alongside its industrial roots.

 

Tony Elumelu Inspires UBA’s Next Generation of Leaders with Personal Reflections on Leadership and Legacy

Tony Elumelu Inspires UBA’s Next Generation of Leaders with Personal Reflections on Leadership and Legacy

 

In a powerful and motivational event, Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA Group, addressed UBA’s newly promoted branch managers, sharing a vision of leadership deeply rooted in UBA’s core values of excellence, enterprise, and execution. Speaking to 70 young managers from across the UBA Group, Elumelu emphasized the vital role of human talent in the organization’s success and underscored his commitment to cultivating a transformative leadership culture within UBA.

Elumelu opened his address by asking, “What is UBA Group without our human talent?” With these words, he highlighted UBA’s people-centric approach, where staff are valued as the cornerstone of the bank’s success. He described UBA’s workforce as “lions and lionesses” who are products of a nurturing environment focused on fostering dedication, high standards, and a drive for results. These, he noted, are values that continue to propel UBA as Africa’s Global Bank.

Reflecting on his own early career, Elumelu offered personal insights, recounting his journey to becoming a branch manager at just 27—a unique opportunity provided by his then-boss, Chief Ebitimi Banigo. “Promotion to branch manager is something very personal to me,” Elumelu explained, drawing a parallel between his experience and the new managers’ path. He shared Banigo’s powerful advice, which became a compass for him throughout his career: “Tony, this appointment goes beyond you. If you succeed, you open doors for others; if you fail, no institution will make this ‘mistake’ again.”

This counsel instilled a strong sense of responsibility in Elumelu, motivating him to approach his role with an understanding of its far-reaching impact. To prepare, he took an unconventional step, asking to shadow a colleague, Theresa Henshaw, who was then a teller and is now the CEO of UBA London. Elumelu shadowed Henshaw for five days, absorbing every detail of the bank’s operations—from deposits and withdrawals to transaction flow—allowing him to build a comprehensive understanding of banking fundamentals. “I knew I had to understand the inner workings of the bank to succeed as a branch manager,” he shared, underscoring his belief that strong leadership is built on a solid foundation of operational knowledge.

Elumelu also laid out a future-focused vision for UBA, revealing his hope that upcoming branch managers will emerge from the bank’s Graduate Management Trainee Program (UBA GMAP) within three years. This vision, he said, aligns with his desire to pay forward the opportunity that had been extended to him decades ago. “I have full confidence in UBA’s executive leadership to make this vision a reality,” he added, underscoring his trust in the next generation of UBA leaders to continue driving the bank’s success.

Concluding his address, Elumelu encouraged the new managers to be exemplary ambassadors of UBA, embodying its values in all they do. “I urged them to be transformative leaders who prioritize customer satisfaction, excellence, and a commitment to our values,” he said. He reminded them that, as his own mentor had once advised him, their success would create pathways for others within the bank.

Elumelu expressed his confidence in UBA’s leadership to support and guide these new managers in their roles, strengthening UBA’s reputation as Africa’s premier banking institution. “With the profound support and encouragement of UBA Group’s capable leadership, I have no doubt that these 70 exceptional UBA lions and lionesses will excel in their roles, contributing to the success of Africa’s Global Bank,” he said, leaving them with a charge to continue making an impact across the continent.

“Congratulations to you all—let’s continue to make an impact!” Elumelu concluded, signaling a bright future for UBA under the stewardship of these newly appointed leaders.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Roberta Edu’s Path to Walmart: A Lesson in Due Diligence and Business Integrity

Roberta Edu’s Path to Walmart: A Lesson in Due Diligence and Business Integrity

 

Breaking into the competitive American market is a dream for many brands, and for Roberta Edu, CEO of Nigeria’s Moppet, that dream came closer to reality when her baby formula brand received an invitation to join the Walmart Marketplace. Yet, her path to this milestone was anything but straightforward. In a journey marked by caution, wisdom, and resilience, Edu shares how stringent due diligence practices helped her sidestep potential pitfalls and secure Moppet’s reputation as it prepared for this significant market entry.

Edu’s story highlights the importance of integrity and verification in high-stakes business moves. Reflecting on a prior offer from a distributor promising lucrative market access in the United States, Edu admits the initial excitement clouded her judgment. “In your quest to do business, expand, and penetrate the market, please do not close your eyes to red flags and don’t dabble in dirty waters knowingly or unknowingly,” she shared. Her husband, YM, urged her to carefully investigate the distributor’s background and funding sources, eventually uncovering troubling signs that led them to end the deal.

The experience became a valuable lesson in risk management, as Walmart later asked for similar documentation to ensure Moppet’s compliance with international regulations. Edu now emphasizes that “due diligence today prevents regrets tomorrow,” a principle that has strengthened Moppet’s growth journey and reinforced her commitment to ethical business practices. Her story stands as a powerful reminder to entrepreneurs worldwide: integrity and thorough verification are the true gateways to sustainable success.

 

Nigerian Author Oby Hope Nwosu Showcases at Finland Book Fair, Celebrating African-Finnish Literary Heritage

Nigerian Author Oby Hope Nwosu Showcases at Finland Book Fair, Celebrating African-Finnish Literary Heritage

Oby Hope Nwosu, the Nigerian author behind the acclaimed book Sold Out, has been making waves across Finland and Europe this year. Released in early 2024, Sold Out tells the compelling story of a young African woman striving to rebuild her life after a harrowing experience with human trafficking. The book has garnered attention for its bold storytelling and cultural resonance, particularly within Finnish and European audiences.

Nwosu recently represented African-Finnish literature at the prestigious Finland Book Fair, where she shared her work alongside other authors of African heritage. Positioned at Stand 7d140, she invited attendees to explore African narratives available in multiple languages, including Finnish, English, and French.

“See you at the Helsinki Book Fair,” Nwosu said, encouraging visitors to engage with the authors present. “We’re showcasing authors of African-Finnish heritage, and I look forward to welcoming everyone who stops by.”

The showcase was made possible through the FALA Project, an initiative dedicated to uplifting African voices in Finland. Nwosu expressed her gratitude to the project for its support in bringing African narratives to a broader audience at the fair.

The Finland Book Fair provided a unique platform for Nwosu and her peers to celebrate and elevate African perspectives in European literary spaces, reinforcing the power of storytelling as a bridge across cultures.

 

Izu Ojukwu: Nollywood’s Unsung Visionary

Izu Ojukwu: Nollywood’s Unsung Visionary

 

Despite his remarkable contributions to Nigerian cinema, Izu Ojukwu remains one of the most undercelebrated directors in Nollywood. Renowned for his boundless creativity and innovation, Ojukwu is widely recognized as a pioneer who helped shape the industry and introduced audiences to some of its most beloved stars. With limited resources but an extraordinary imagination, Ojukwu managed to craft action-packed films that captivated viewers, demonstrating a unique ability to make the impossible look real.

A recent documentary on Nollywood, created by American researchers and scholars, spotlighted his work. Watching the film offered a proud moment for fans, as it showcased Ojukwu’s creative genius and his skill in achieving cinematic realism, often with minimal budgets.

Ojukwu’s journey began humbly in Jos, where he took it upon himself to build a makeshift cinema in his father’s compound. As a young visionary, he fashioned a cinema hall from simple materials, like “kom kom” containers, charging local children a small fee to watch films. This early project would lay the foundation for his impactful career in film.

Widely admired for his dedication, Ojukwu often immersed himself deeply in his subject matter. When working on war films, he would spend months in military barracks, interacting with real soldiers and veterans of the Liberian and Sierra Leonean conflicts to bring authenticity to his productions. He engaged real soldiers to train actors, often taking his team to the wilderness to film scenes that authentically captured the grit of battle.

His commitment to realism and extensive research has made his films stand out. This legacy will be discussed today with students, alongside the documentary “Welcome to Nollywood,” as a testament to what is achievable in Nigerian cinema.

Through his work, Izu Ojukwu has exemplified the untapped potential within Nollywood. He is a visionary whose legacy deserves to be celebrated in the industry he helped to revolutionize.

Peter Obi Reaffirms Commitment to a New Nigeria During Houston Visit

Peter Obi Reaffirms Commitment to a New Nigeria During Houston Visit

 

In a continuation of his thank-you tour across the United States, Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, engaged in a productive dialogue with the Nigerian diaspora community in Houston yesterday. Obi’s visit underscored his enduring commitment to building a “New Nigeria” and the integral role of Nigerians abroad in realizing this vision.

During the session, Obi emphasized the importance of maintaining hope and contributing to national development, even from afar. “I encouraged everyone to keep the faith, not to lose hope, and to support the cause of a New Nigeria,” Obi stated. Drawing comparisons to the influence of diaspora communities from nations like China, Japan, and India, he highlighted the powerful impact of expatriates in driving development in their home countries.

Expressing gratitude to the Nigerians in Houston, Obi praised their steadfast support, acknowledging that their belief in the movement fuels efforts toward a just, equitable, and productive Nigeria. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a New Nigeria that is within reach,” he noted.

Obi’s message underscored a shared aspiration among Nigerians worldwide: the desire for a prosperous nation that meets the needs of all its citizens. He concluded with optimism, affirming, “That great nation is possible and within our reach.”

As Obi continues his outreach across the diaspora, his message resonates with Nigerians both at home and abroad, who share a common hope for a brighter, more united future.