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GSMA Launches a Mobile Money API Specification Compliance Service

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GSMA, the global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem, recently launched a  Mobile Money API Compliance Verification Service; a quality assurance initiative which aims to reduce the complexities associated with scaling API integrations in the rapidly growing mobile money market.

The service, which will be free for companies providing mobile money services, is intended to support the growth of a trusted mobile money ecosystem in developing countries.

Africa leads the world in the adoption of mobile money services, and several African companies are the first mobile money API providers to enrol in the service. Sasai Fintech, with operations in Zimbabwe, Burundi and Lesotho, is now compliant with the GSMA Mobile Money API specification. AfriMoney will soon deploy their compliant APIs in Sierra Leone, DRC and the Gambia, alongside their technology partner, Comviva, which is also complying via their Mobiquity Pay mobile money platform.

In a statement, AfriMoney’s Group Director, Andy Widmann said “By working with the GSMA to comply with their Mobile Money API compliance verification service, we believe we can reduce the costs and time normally associated with API integrations.

We also believe that this will make it easier for third-party providers to partner with AfriMoney, thereby supporting further development of the digital ecosystem in our markets and increasing the number of products and services available to our customers.”

Mobile money continues to surge worldwide, with the amount of money being processed by the industry now passing the $1 trillion mark, according to the GSMA’s latest State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money.

Mobile money services can provide valuable support to communities, close societal divides, and deliver financial independence. The ability to conduct more complex financial transactions via mobile money meant the value of mobile money payments grew by 31% in 2021.

“Digital payment and fintech businesses continue to spur innovation, inclusion, and growth across the world. API integration is a key step in empowering consumers and businesses by simplifying integration and scaling the financial ecosystem.

“With our compliance against the GSMA’s Mobile Money API verification, we look forward to further strengthening our proposition to digital payment providers worldwide for delivering financial services solutions simply, securely and quickly”, commented Manoranjan ‘Mao’ Mohapatra, Chief Executive Officer at Comviva.

The new compliance service was developed by the GSMA’s Inclusive Tech Lab, which takes a hands-on approach to research, testing and development of the inclusive technologies of the future.

The Mobile Money API is an initiative developed through collaboration between the mobile money industry and the GSMA, aimed at helping the mobile money industry speak the same technical language by providing a modern harmonised API for mobile money transactions and management that is both easy to use and secure.

API providers who can demonstrate compliance will benefit from enhanced trust in their solutions by proving adherence to best practices in flexibility, scalability and security, helping them to attract third-party service providers to their platform.

Third-party service providers who wish to integrate with the API provider will in turn benefit from greater confidence and clarity during the integration process, and greater prospects for scale upon integration.

Alex Sinclair, the GSMA’s Chief Technology Officer, further commented on the benefits this new service will bring to the industry: “The GSMA is committed to supporting financial inclusion by encouraging the growth of a thriving ecosystem around Mobile Money platforms.

“This new service will enable all service providers to connect with each other in a simplified manner and reduce the lengthy and cumbersome Mobile Money API integration process.”

As more ecosystem players become compliant with a standard API specification, the more opportunities exist to scale solutions and grow the ecosystem.

Enhanced use cases can range from governments and NGOs distributing cash, to fin-tech companies providing cross-border remittances. If a solution is compliant it can integrate more easily with other compliant solutions, enhancing its potential to function across markets, systems and contexts.

The service is open to any API provider who wishes to comply with the GSMA Mobile Money API. This includes mobile money operators, technology platform providers, and service providers.

“We are delighted to have the GSMA Mobile Money API compliance mark of approval for merchant payments and bulk disbursements for the Sasai Super App. With this verification, we believe we will be able to simplify our integration process for partners and help more customers access our services.” Owen Takadiyi, Chief Marketing Officer, Sasai Fintech.

A ‘GSMA Mobile Money API Compliant’ mark will be granted to API providers that demonstrate compliance with this industry specification.

Compliance is determined by establishing that an API provider has implemented the API for use cases which are relevant to their business, and that they have met baseline security conformance for operational and API security.

For companies interested in becoming API compliant, the GSMA has also recently launched a new API Developer Portal, providing all the tools needed to embark on the compliance journey.

 


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Tecno AI Integrated Smartphone Series Unveiled in Nigeria

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It was a night of glitz and glamour as Tecno, a global Innovative technology brand launched its groundbreaking series of Al Powered smartphones into the Nigerian Market.

The event held on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel VI Lagos, showcased an impressive lineup of TECNO’s latest mobile devices, including Phantom V Fold2 5G, Phantom V Filp2 5G, Camon 30s and Spark 30 Pro.

Speaking at the launch, Jack Chong, Brand Manager Tecno, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, stating that the AI integrated range of smartphones was designed to bring efficiency to business professionals and creatives.

He also highlighted Tecno’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance, sleek designs through cutting-edge technology.

Here are the phones and their features

Phantom V Fold2 5G

Freshly equipped with Tecno’s brand-new Tecno AI suite of AI functions, including the upgraded Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant, AI Artboard, AI Wallpaper and more.

It also features advanced hardware, with 6.42” outer and 7.85” main 120Hz LTPO screens with 30-120° hovering capability, a powerful 5750mAh Aircell battery, 70W charging, and an Ultra-Clear Five Camera Imaging System, while it also supports the new Phantom V Pen stylus.

Phantom V Filp2 5G

Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G is for those looking for a stylish flip 5G smartphone with a larger 6.9-inch display when unfolded. When folded, it’s just 8.88 millimeters and can fit in a much smaller space than a regular smartphone can fit in.

It’s also more stylish and convenient to carry. Both the cover display (AMOLED) and the main (LTPO AMOLED) displays have very eye-pleasing colors and suitable brightness. The back camera is nice with an ultrawide lens and 4K video recording. The 32 MP front camera is also pretty good with up to 2K video recording.

The performance is smooth with a 6 nm MediaTek Dimensity 8050 (6 nm)chipset. There is a 45W charger included in the box that can charge the 4000 mAh battery from 0% to 50% in just about 15 minutes.

Tecno Camon 30S

This phone features a cosmic design that combines humanity’s fascination with the cosmos and artistic aesthetics, creating a unique blend of vast space and futuristic elegance.

The camera offers notifications during photography, video recording, and charging. It boasts a 50MP AF front dual flash and a 50MP 1/1.56 OIS+2MP Depth+light sensor rear dual flash. It’s powered by a 5000mAh battery with 45W Super Charge using a Type-C Cable, and also it includes a 20W wireless charging, making it the brand’s first.

TECNO Spark 30 Pro

This phone equipped with a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display that boasts 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Also, it comes with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res certified stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio-visual experience.

Powered by MediaTek Helio G100 processor, Spark 30 Pro supports 4.5G Lighting Network for faster connectivity. Additionally, the phone features super WiFi technology, enabling it to connect to networks 616% faster than other devices.

The launch was graced by the presence of prominent figures in the Nigerian Tech space, notable among them were Tecno brand ambassadors and A-list influencers.

At the event Tecno gifted participants with two smartphones and three smart watches via lucky dip game.

The launch concluded with a networking session that provided an excellent platform for industry leaders and tech enthusiasts to connect and discuss the future of mobile technology in Nigeria.

Guests departed with not only a deeper understanding of Tecno AI product line but also with swag bags filled with gifts, solidifying a memorable experience.


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Kellyrae Emerges Big Brother Naija Season 9 Winner

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Kellyrae has emerged as the winner of the Big Brother Naija season 9 ‘No Loose Guard’ edition.

Kellyrae edged Wanni who came in second and Onyeka third to emerge winner of the night.

As the winner, Kellyrae goes home with a cash prize of N60million and a brand new car worth N40m bringing the total prize worth to N100m.

Recall that 14 pairs of dynamic duos – 28 housemates, including two sets of twins, a married couple, besties, gym bros, and even a niece and aunt were introduced into Biggie’s house at the beginning of the reality show on Sunday, July 28.

However, on Sunday, September 1, after the live eviction, the duos were separated in the No Loose Guard season. The new twist left the housemates speechless as Biggie dropped the bombshell.

The game became officially became a solo competition, and they understood that only one housemate will emerge as the winner of this season.

This twist sure tested the housemates’ loyalty, resilience and ability to strategise independently.


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Nigerian Journalists Recount Experiences @QNET’s 2024 V-Convention

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The 2024 V-Convention held in Penang, Malaysia has come and gone but its sights and sounds is still reverberating as Nigerian Journalists who had the rare opportunity of attending the event shared their experiences and the immense opportunities QNET is providing to people through direct selling.

The event, which brought together over 8,000 participants from 30 countries, showcased the global reach and cross-border partnerships, which are crucial for direct selling businesses to thrive, particularly in emerging markets like Nigeria.

While speaking at the 2nd VCON 2024 Media Experience webinar on Thursday, the two journalists that witnessed the event shared their personal experiences, insights and take away from the convention in Penang, Malaysia.

Recounting his experience at the event, Sulaiman Aledeh, A TV journalist with Arise, described the experience as thrilling. “The V-Convention was more than a business event,” he remarked.

“It was a gathering of individuals united by their passion for personal growth, entrepreneurship, and wellness. The energy and enthusiasm were unmistakable, and it was inspiring to witness so many people coming together to support one another’s goals.”

He further highlighted QNET’s business strategies while lauding their efforts in supporting education and law enforcement partnerships.

Aledeh added, “One of the things that struck me most about the V-Convention was the sense of community and camaraderie among the attendees. Everyone was there to learn, grow, and support each other, and it created a truly inspiring atmosphere.”

Peter Oluka, Editor of TechEconomy and another attendee of VCON 2004, echoed similar sentiments, describing the event as more than just a business convention.

For him, the gathering of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds created a powerful network of like-minded individuals passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.

He was particularly impressed by QNET’s focus on environmentally friendly products, signaling that the direct selling industry has much to offer in terms of sustainable development.

He praised the diversity of the attendees, the informative workshops, and the focus on innovation and sustainability, and highlighted the opportunity to explore Penang and experience Malaysian culture.

According to Oluka, “The V-Convention was a life-changing experience for me. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of direct selling and entrepreneurship, and I am now more motivated than ever to pursue my own business goals.”

Earlier, Theodocia Quartey, QNET’s Senior Legal Counsel for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of the VCON media webinar, noting that “The event offered participants a chance to expand their product knowledge, interact with experts, and take advantage of vibrant networking opportunities. It reflects QNET’s steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

“Twice yearly, we brings together a diverse assembly of marketing professionals, experienced business leaders, and global entrepreneurs associated with the QI Group’s flagship business in Penang, Malaysia.

“During V-Conventions, QNET extends invitations to selected journalists from media outlets in Nigeria to experience this important event.

“The just-concluded V-Convention in September 2024 brought together over 8,000 attendees from over 30 countries. The theme of the event was “Unstoppable,” emphasizing QNET’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“V-Convention continues to provide a platform to empower individuals and communities worldwide and champion innovation and sustainability through deepening product knowledge, engaging with experts, and experiencing dynamic demonstrations.

“Attendees benefit from business training sessions, motivational speeches, and product exhibitions, providing them with invaluable personal and professional growth opportunities”.

Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, QNET’s legal partner in Nigeria, emphasized the significant potential of the direct selling industry for Nigerian entrepreneurs during the second VCON 2024 Media Experience sharing webinar.

Ajisafe emphasized the importance of direct selling as a path to personal and financial empowerment, and pointed out the industry’s rapid expansion, with the global market expected to reach $204.89 billion by 2032.

“Direct selling provides entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to harness their skills and build successful businesses with minimal investment,” he stated.

Ajisafe also discussed the misconceptions about direct selling in Nigeria, stressing the need to differentiate between legitimate direct selling companies and pyramid schemes. “QNET is dedicated to ethical practices and transparency,” he affirmed.

“We are working to educate the public about the benefits of direct selling and to dispel negative stereotypes. We believe that Nigeria has a bright future in the direct selling industry. By embracing this model, entrepreneurs can create jobs, generate wealth, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.”

 

 


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