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E-Financial

E-PPAN Intensifies Grassroots Mobilization on Cashless Initiative

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Mrs. Onajite Regha, (right) executive secretary and chief executive officer, E-PPAN, teaching traders on the use of the PoS in a market in Edo state during the sensitizationn exercise.
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With the nation-wide implementation of cashless policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on July 1, 2014, the E-Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN) has intensified its Grassroots Mobilization to ensure the initiative meets the targets.

Mrs. Onajite Regha, executive secretary and chief executive officer of E-PPAN, said that the nationwide implementation amongst others will spur development and modernization of the payment system in line with vision 2020.

According to her, the measure will lead to reduction in the cost of banking services and drive financial inclusion as well as improve the effectiveness of monetary policy in managing inflation and driving the economic growth.

Ntia Nnene Sylvia, media and strategy development manager at E-PPAN, in a statement said that the grassroots mobilization, this time, took E-PPAN to Enugu, Cross River and Edo States.

Meanwhile, E-PPAN believes that, “Besides, there is the need for the country’s monetary system to fall in line with standard practices obtained across the world which the cashless policy exemplifies.

With all these in mind, the E-PPAN whose overarching goal is to enhance institutional frameworks and processes for a robust and effective e-payment system in Nigeria aligned its strategies with the objectives of the CBN to mobilize and sensitize the grassroots on the cashless initiative, Regha said.

“This was to get the total support and full commitment of the people at the bottom of the pyramid in order to actualize the laid down objectives of the apex bank in its Cashless initiative drive.

“The last wave of the sensitization exercise which saw E-PPAN touring through the cities, towns, villages, and communities in Cross River, Edo and Enugu state, gave the team the opportunity to experience firsthand the challenges of not being included in the financial mainstream and the opportunities that lie fallow in converting these challenges to solutions that can revolutionarize the payment industry, particularly with the advent of mobile payment which came as an exciting channel for everyone  the team came across.

Giving accounts on the outing the E-PPAN CEO said, the grassroots sensitization in Enugu state commenced with a visit to all the major media outfits.

“This was to create awareness and also enlighten the listeners and viewers alike on the cash policy and the activities of the sensitization team in the state.

“After the media sessions the team then moved into the markets for proper sensitization of the grassroots in Enugu state. The first point of call for the team was the Night Mile Market,” she said.

In Cross River State, Regha, said that the people awoke to the news of the cashless initiative as they watched the live interview on their popular breakfast morning show.

The team which was made up of the Branch Controller Central Bank of Nigeria Cross River State and the E-PPAN representative spoke extensively on the benefits of the cashless initiative to the people of cross River state.

After the discussion, the viewers called to ask numerous questions on the implication of the cashless initiative to the ordinary man and its benefits as well as disadvantage if any.

The team also visited Edo State.  The sensitization in Edo took off at the Edaiken Market at Uselu in Egor Local Government Area.

With the presence of the market women leader, the enlightenment kicked off at the car park within the market which lasted for about two hours.

The team then moved on to Uwelu Auto Spare Parts Market and Mechanic village. In attendance was the Chairman, executives and members of the traders union.

It was observed that apart from hearing of the term cashless Nigeria on radio adverts, they had no clue as to what the policy means, how it applied to them and its benefits.

After the sensitization session, the people were excited by the electronic payments options available as an alternative.

“At the popular Lagos Street Market which is at the city centre, the team met with the community Head, Chief Osula (the Arala of Benin kingdom) who listened to our purpose of coming. He addressed the teaming youth, the market executives and all who gathered at the meeting ground imploring them to pay attention to the good news that the team brought.

“Being the Community market day at Aduwawa, the team went there and kicked off the exercise with a visit to the Odionwere (Eldest man of the community) Chief David Osemunekha.

“The Aduduwa people who came out in mass were entertained by our professional dancers prior to to delivering the cashless message to the traders.

Interestingly, the team carried out live demo on the use of the PoS and Mobile Payment.


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E-Financial

Ghana’s Economy Shows Signs of Revival, Fueled by a Surging Cedi

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By Austin Kwesi Okere

On June 4, 2025, Bloomberg.com drew global attention with the headline: “World-Beating Cedi Slows Ghana Inflation to Three-Year Low.” Defying expectations, the cedi has appreciated over 42% against the U.S. dollar since January, making it the world’s best-performing currency this year. This rally has not only boosted investor confidence but also helped reduce inflation and restore economic momentum.

What’s Driving the Rally and Can It Be Sustained?

Early signs suggest the rally is rooted in more than market forces. Under President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana appears to be undergoing a significant shift in governance, with an emphasis on real economic growth and social development rather than short-term optics.

At the heart of this shift is Mahama’s eight-pillar economic strategy, which includes:

  1. Completing the IMF program with fiscal discipline,
  2. Reopening capital markets,
  3. Strengthening sovereign wealth and local government financing,
  4. Clearing arrears and improving public investment,
  5. Reforming public financial management,
  6. Boosting exports via the Ghana Exim Bank,
  7. Positioning Ghana as a regional trade hub, and
  8. Reviving infrastructure development.

These efforts are beginning to pay off. Ghana has indicated it will exit the IMF program as scheduled in May 2026. At a press briefing in Washington, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack noted that Ghana had achieved its debt-to-GDP target of 55% three years early and surpassed its international reserves goal, reaching GH¢10.6 billion by April 2025. The cedi’s strength has also helped slash Ghana’s debt stock by about GH¢150 billion.

President Mahama, speaking to the Ghana National Association of Teachers, reaffirmed his focus on stability and inclusive prosperity. GDP growth reached 5.4% in the first quarter, reinforcing the view that the economy is back on a growth path.

Monetary Policy and Inflation Management

The Bank of Ghana has played a key role in managing inflation and currency stability. In March, it raised the benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points to 28%, a reduction from its 30% peak in 2023. From January to April 2025, it absorbed GH¢79.8 billion in liquidity – up 76.6% from the same period the previous year, demonstrating its commitment to macroeconomic stability.

These measures have had visible results: inflation fell to 18.4% in May, its lowest level in three years, down from 21.2% in April.

Everyday Impact: The Cedi’s Gains in Real Terms

The appreciation of the cedi is beginning to improve everyday life for Ghanaians. Industrial importers, for instance, are now able to buy machinery at significantly lower prices. One contractor, who paid GHS25,000 for a block molding machine last year, paid just GHS13,000 for the same model in June—a 48% price drop.

Fuel prices have dropped by about 15%, with some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) selling petrol for under GH¢12 per litre. This has led to a 15% reduction in transport fares, as announced by the Road Transport Operators Association in May.

Food and commodity prices are also falling.

The Food and Beverage Association of Ghana reports that the price of a bag of “Dubai” rice has dropped from GH¢460 to GH¢370, and a 50kg bag of imported rice that once sold for GH¢950 is now GH¢750. Cooking oil has fallen from GH¢1,000 to GH¢680 per gallon, and cement prices from GH¢120 to GH¢82 per bag.

In short, the stronger cedi is improving purchasing power, easing cost pressures, and lowering the cost of doing business.

What’s the Ideal Currency Level?

Despite the positive momentum, policymakers stress the need for balance. President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the importance of balance, cautioning that an overly strong cedi could harm exports. He suggests an optimal exchange rate range of 10 to 12 cedis per U.S. dollar – a level that supports both importers and exporters while preserving competitiveness.

Beyond interest rate adjustments, the sustained performance of the currency depends on broader structural and governance-related factors.

Three critical elements driving the cedi’s performance include:

  1. A government focused on real, inclusive growth;
  2. Reforms grounded in substance, not optics;
  3. Trustworthy, transparent governance.

This combination fosters domestic investment, reduces capital flight, and boosts economic confidence, setting off a cycle of growth and social cohesion.

Is the Cedi’s Rise a Temporary Spike or a Structural Shift?

Some analysts argue that Ghana’s currency rally reflects deeper structural improvements rather than a short-lived spike. Prof. Eric Oteng-Abayie of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology points to several domestic drivers behind the rally.

The Bank of Ghana’s Gold4Oil and GoldBod programs have increased Ghana’s gold reserves by 40.6% between May 2024 and April 2025. A requirement that 20% of gold export proceeds be converted to cedis before accessing dollars has stabilized forex supply and bolstered reserves.

Meanwhile, the removal of distortionary taxes such as the E-levy and the planned phase-out of the COVID-19 levy, combined with prudent public spending, have strengthened fiscal credibility.

Ghana’s debt restructuring has also offered relief. With the next major external repayment not due until July 2025, foreign exchange pressure has eased. Complementing this, the central bank injected $490 million into the forex market in April 2025 to support the cedi.

External Factors Working in Ghana’s Favor

Global trends have also benefited Ghana. The U.S. dollar has weakened—dropping 10% on the DXY index—amid global trade tensions and fears of a slowdown. This shift has favored emerging market currencies like the cedi.

Record-high prices for Ghana’s key exports – gold at $3,400 per ounce and cocoa at $10,000 per ton – have significantly boosted foreign exchange inflows. The formalization of small-scale mining has further increased legal gold exports, strengthening Ghana’s external position.

Relations with Commercial Creditors Normalised:

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘B-‘ from ‘Restricted Default’ (RD), with Stable Outlook.

This was announced on their website on June 16, 2025. The upgrade of Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR to ‘B-‘ from ‘RD’ reflects Fitch’s assessment that Ghana has normalised relations with a significant majority of external commercial creditors.

Ghana restructured its USD13.1 billon Eurobonds in October 2024. About USD2.6 billion of non-performing external debt still needs to be restructured. Of this, Fitch considers USD700 million to be commercial debt, representing 5% of total external commercial debt initially included in the restructuring perimeter. According to Fitch, “Ghana is negotiating with these outstanding commercial creditors, and we assess holdout risks as small.”

Can Ghana Sustain the Momentum?

While the outlook appears promising, the sustainability of this recovery will depend on disciplined policymaking, focused execution and the ability to maintain public trust. The early signs are encouraging, but in my view, “the jury is still out.”

Ghana’s case may well become a model for how transparent governance, strategic reforms, and global tailwinds can come together to drive economic revival – if the momentum can be maintained.

Austin Kwesi Okere is the Founder of CWG Plc and the Ausso Leadership Academy. In recognition of his contributions to business education and knowledge transfer across the continent, Austin was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Global Business School Network.

 


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E-Financial

First Bank Spends N15Bn to Guard Systems against Hackers in 5 Months –CEO

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First Bank HoldCo Plc has disclosed that it spent over ₦15 billion to protect its banking systems from cyberattacks between January and June this year, as digital threats to financial institutions continue to rise across Nigeria.

First Bank Spends N15Bn to Guard Systems against Hackers in 5 Months –CEO

Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, CEO, First Bank

Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, chief executive officer of the bank, revealed this on Wednesday while speaking on the sidelines of a two-day National Seminar on Banking and Allied Matters for Judges, held in Abuja.

Alebiosu said the bank invested ₦3 billion in cybersecurity measures in June alone, part of a broader commitment to safeguarding customer assets and maintaining trust in Nigeria’s banking system.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the CEO said the bank had the most robust cybersecurity framework in the country, which justified the substantial investment.

Speaking on the rising wave of cyberattacks targeting banking systems, Alebiosu assured First Bank customers that their funds remained secure.

He also expressed concern over the growing involvement of some Nigerians in cybercrime, stressing the urgent need for the country to tackle the menace decisively.

He said, “No customer would lose their money in First Bank unjustly. If their money is missing from First Bank, First Bank will pay it back. Before I joined First Bank, I had an account with First Bank. One of the reasons why I had an account with First Bank was that I said to myself, if my money is missing, it is the only bank I know I will collect my money back without any excuses.”

Responding to customers’ complaints about delays in addressing cases of fraudulent transactions, Alebiosu explained that the bank must carry out thorough investigations involving multiple stakeholders.

He said the delays often stem from the need for collaboration between security agencies and the recipient banks to ascertain the facts surrounding each case thoroughly.

Alebiosu also advised customers to be cautious when handling and sharing their financial information.

“Customers themselves, most times, also compromise their own security details; I have seen a lot of people that give their cards to somebody to help them withdraw money from their ATM. They compromised their password, so when something happens and you say, my money disappeared, you forget the day you gave your card to someone else and they can use that to transfer your money,” he said.

“Some people even compromise their own ID on the system carelessly; some give their Bank Verification Number (BVN), and they use it against them.”

“Now, why does it take time for the bank to react? everything you give to the bank, the bank has to investigate it. The money might have gone to other banks, so you start tracking from other banks, but sometimes customers are impatient,” he said.

Regarding alleged fraud committed by staff, he stated that the bank uses internal employee fraud detection software to monitor staff activities on its systems.

He added. “If you knew how many of our staff we sack on a monthly basis, you wouldn’t believe it. So if there are triggers, people will be involved. It is for us to run faster than them and see how we can help to stop these kinds of things in our system but wherever we see it, we deal with it decisively.”

He stated that curbing cybercrimes requires the active involvement of various stakeholders, including banks, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary.

 


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E-Financial

SEC Flags Zugacoin, Samzuga GPT as High-Risk Meme Coins

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Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has declared Zugacoin and Samzuga GPT—along with their variants SZCB and SZCB2—as unlicensed and unauthorized to operate within Nigeria’s capital market.

SEC Flags Zugacoin, Samzuga GPT as High-Risk Meme Coins

This is in  a decisive move to protect investors from emerging threats within the digital asset space.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission warned that these cryptocurrency products are being falsely promoted online without any regulatory approval or valid operational credentials.

“The promoters or issuers of Zugacoin and Samzuga GPT are not registered to operate in any capacity in the Nigerian capital market, and also Zugacoin and Samzuga GPT are not approved by the Commission for issuance to the public,” the SEC cautioned.

Following preliminary investigations, the Commission classified both Zugacoin and Samzuga GPT as meme coins a category of crypto tokens often devoid of real-world utility, tangible backing, or intrinsic value.

“Meme coins derive their value largely from online hype and community speculation,” the SEC explained, adding that such assets are highly susceptible to “pump-and-dump” manipulation schemes designed to deceive retail investors.

In these schemes, promoters artificially inflate the value of a digital token through exaggerated or misleading marketing, luring investors into a price rally.

Once the price peaks, the initial promoters exit, triggering a value collapse that leaves ordinary investors with heavy losses.

Reinforcing its investor protection mandate, the SEC urged the Nigerian public to exercise caution when engaging with digital assets and to avoid unregulated cryptocurrency offerings.

“Accordingly, the public is advised to refrain from engaging in the purchase or promotion of Zugacoin and Samzuga GPT or any of their variants, as any person who invests in the scheme does so at his or her own risk,” the Commission stated.

The SEC also encouraged prospective investors to verify the regulatory status of any crypto platform or asset via its dedicated verification portal before committing funds.

This latest development underscores the SEC’s intensifying oversight of Nigeria’s crypto landscape, particularly as the country grapples with the growing prevalence of unregistered virtual asset schemes targeting unsuspecting investors.

As global interest in digital currencies surges, Nigerian regulators are keen to strike a balance between innovation and investor protection, especially amid reports of rising fraud, volatility, and misinformation in the crypto space.

For Zugacoin and Samzuga GPT, the SEC’s message is unequivocal: without regulatory legitimacy, there is no place for them in Nigeria’s financial markets.

 

 

 


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