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Interswitch Partners Equity Bank Uganda to Provide Affordable Services
Interswitch, Africa’s integrated payments and digital commerce company, has partnered with Equity Bank, one of the top Banking Groups in East Africa, to provide the Bank’s customers with faster and more affordable banking services at over 650 Interswitch-enabled ATMs belonging to 17 local banks in Uganda.
This arrangement mirrors Interswitch’s operations in Nigeria and Kenya as it will also enable Equity Bank’s ATM machines to accept bank cards of other local participating banks and institutions on the Interswitch network.
Equity Bank also becomes an acquirer for Verve cards, adding to its wide portfolio of cards accepted by all Point-of-Sale (POS) machine locations and ATMs countrywide. There are approximately 250,000 Verve card holders in Uganda.
Interswitch in a statement noted that this partnership was unveiled in Uganda recently.
In announcing the partnership at a press launch Country General Manager for Interswitch Uganda, Peter Kawumi, noted that the partnership is ideal and timely.
He pointed out that for the past 20 years, Interswitch has provided technology solutions to businesses in Africa, to allow them to provide their customers with accessible, seamless, and affordable banking services.
“This partnership demonstrates an interesting shift in the attainment of service quality and competitive advantage. By joining the Interswitch network, Equity Bank will now benefit from the entire ecosystem that includes all the other financial institutions and their consumers in Uganda and across the region. In this way, Equity Bank has achieved two key things,” said Kawumi.
Speaking about the latest partnership, Mitchell Elegbe, Founder/Group Managing Director, Interswitch Group said: “Once more, we reiterate our commitment to making payment more accessible, convenient and affordable for Africans. Our partnership with Equity Bank enhances the interoperability efforts of the Ugandan financial industry and banking sector.”
Speaking during the launch, Equity bank Managing Director Anthony Kituuka said, “We are delighted and proud of our rapid growth and expansion in Uganda over the last 15 years, bringing us to 50 branches, 7,000 Equi Duuka agents and over 6,500 merchants. This new partnership with Interswitch will support the existing network, allow us to serve our customers better and meet their financial needs right at their doorsteps.”
The Securities and Exchange Commission has revealed plans to commence investigation into the activities of an entity operating under FF Tiffany, allegedly running a fraudulent investment scheme that has defrauded citizens.
A statement by the SEC on Tuesday in Abuja said preliminary information revealed that the scheme, which promised investors unusually high and unrealistic returns, had resulted in the loss of several billions of naira.
The SEC said it viewed the activity as a threat to investor confidence and the overall integrity of the financial system.
The commission assured the public that it was working closely with law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies to bring everyone involved in the unlawful operation to justice.
According to SEC, those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the Investment and Securities Act and regulatory provisions.
SEC reiterated its earlier warnings to the general public to desist from engaging in Ponzi or unregistered investment schemes that promised guaranteed or exaggerated returns.
“These schemes are not registered with the SEC and do not offer investor protection under the law.
“The commission is currently investigating 79 schemes and will make a statement on its findings at the conclusion of the investigation,” the SEC said.
The commission encouraged investors to conduct due diligence and verify the registration status of any investment firm or product by visiting the SEC website or contacting the commission directly through official channels.
SEC said it remained committed to its mandate of protecting investors, ensuring fair practices, and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
The Ogun Tech Hub in Abeokuta, Nigeria received a significant step towards increasing digital access and empowering young people as US Embassy in Nigeria launched the ‘Window on America’ facility.
The newly opened centre will offer free high-speed internet, computer access, and targeted programs to help young Nigerians build essential skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
In a post on X (previously Twitter), the US Embassy described the hub as a modern ICT and resource centre meant to promote digital inclusion and provide youths with skills.
“Hello Abeokuta! We’re thrilled to announce the opening of the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. This dynamic space offers free high-speed internet, computers, and programs to help young people gain tech, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills,” the Embassy wrote.
The facility was established in collaboration with the Ogun State and GFA Technologies, a software solutions provider for startups and SMEs.
The Embassy said the facility is part of its wider network of 29 American hubs across Nigeria, designed to empower youth and broaden access to global knowledge and opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun urged young people to use the ICT industry for self-sufficiency and competitiveness globally.
He lauded the program as a public-private cooperation that connects Nigerian youngsters with global innovations.
The governor said: “The Ogun Tech Hub serves as a collaborative space for technologists, startups, and social entrepreneurs to develop tech-driven solutions for societal challenges. The partnership is aimed at positioning Ogun State as a leading tech hub in Africa, supporting creative problem-solving and commercial innovation.”
With the ‘Window on America’ program fully operational, Ogun State is well-positioned to boost youth empowerment and digital literacy.
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