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Healthcare providers in Rwanda are lauding the transformative impact of STARLINK internet on service delivery and operational efficiency. Launched as a pilot project in June 2023, this high-speed satellite network has significantly enhanced connectivity in health centers, especially in remote regions. The initiative, a collaboration between the Rwandan government and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, has installed Starlink internet in 40 health centers across various areas, including Rusizi, Rulindo, and Kigali. Eight months into the project, healthcare workers report substantial improvements in their work environments and the quality of care provided to patients. Jean Louis Muhirwa, a midwife at Buyoga Health Centre in Gicumbi District, noted the previous challenges posed by unreliable connectivity, which limited access to only a few devices during peak hours. With Starlink, the center now enjoys consistent internet access, allowing multiple devices to connect seamlessly and enhancing the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. The benefits of STARLINK extend beyond patient care to administrative processes. Immaculée Nyinawibambe, head of Kajevuba Health Centre in Ntarabana Sector, emphasized that the reliable internet connection has enabled their transition from paper-based records to digital systems. This shift has not only reduced patient wait times but also improved the overall quality of service, showcasing how technology can streamline operations within the healthcare sector. Yves N. Iradukunda, PMP, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, highlighted the government's commitment to connecting health facilities in rural areas that lack access to fiber optic and other high-speed alternatives. The STARLINK initiative represents a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in healthcare, ensuring that all Rwandans receive the quality care they deserve. #Starlink #Rwanda #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalTransformation #Connectivity #Telemedicine #PatientCare #HealthcareDelivery #ICT #TonyBlairInstitute #RemoteAreas #DigitalHealth https://zurl.co/WcWy

ethio telecom's CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, recently engaged in a strategic discussion with Vikas Menon, Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for the Middle East and Africa at Meta, along with senior executives from Meta. The focus of their conversation centered on enhancing the digital service experience for customers in Ethiopia. This meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening the collaboration between Ethio Telecom and Meta, with both companies committed to introducing initiatives aimed at increasing data usage and improving overall digital experiences for users. In a landmark announcement, Meta revealed its plans to launch its flagship program in Ethiopia in partnership with Ethio Telecom. As part of this agreement, customers will benefit from free access to Meta-Facebook services for a limited time, even without a balance, ensuring that users can remain connected. Furthermore, essential information related to health, education, and job opportunities will be provided at no cost, empowering citizens with critical resources and knowledge. During the discussions, Frehiwot Tamru emphasized the importance of digital inclusion in Ethiopia, advocating for the leverage of both companies’ platforms to expand access to services. He also highlighted the need for enhanced digital literacy programs that support the local ecosystem, including initiatives for content creation, cultural preservation, cybersecurity measures, and customer data privacy. This approach aims to foster a more informed and capable population, ultimately benefiting the entire nation. Once implemented, this strategic collaboration between Ethio Telecom and Meta is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the accessibility and inclusiveness of digital services in Ethiopia. The partnership aims to improve digital literacy and deliver an enhanced experience for customers, ensuring that all citizens can fully participate in the digital economy. #EthioTelecom #Meta #DigitalInclusion #Partnership #CustomerExperience #DigitalLiteracy #Ethiopia #Empowerment #Connectivity #StrategicCollaboration #Cybersecurity #DigitalServices https://zurl.co/OwFv

Yellow Card App, the first licensed Stablecoin on/off ramp in Africa, has successfully closed its Series C financing, securing $33 million in equity. The round was led by Blockchain Capital and included participation from several prominent investors such as Polychain Capital, Third Prime Ventures, and Winklevoss Capital, among others. This significant financing milestone not only highlights Yellow Card's progress but also underscores the growing importance of stablecoins in the African FinTech landscape and their practical applications on a global scale. Chris Maurice, CEO and co-founder of Yellow Card, expressed his enthusiasm about the funding, stating, “This fundraise not only demonstrates our resilience but also highlights the vital role of digital assets for businesses across Africa.” He emphasized the potential for future opportunities and partnerships that this funding will facilitate, affirming the company's commitment to advancing the digital asset ecosystem on the continent with a strong cohort of supportive investors. Since its inception in Nigeria in 2019, Yellow Card has emerged as a trailblazer in the African cryptocurrency space, operating in 20 countries and facilitating over $3 billion in transactions. The newly acquired capital will be instrumental in driving the company's growth and expansion, particularly through enhancements to its API and widget products. Additionally, Yellow Card is set to develop innovative new offerings tailored for the African market, while strengthening its team and continuing to engage with regulators across the continent. Aleks Larsen, General Partner at Blockchain Capital, articulated the future vision for payments, stating, “The future of payments lies in fast, affordable rails for everyone, powered by open networks.” He expressed excitement about supporting Yellow Card in its mission to bring Africa on-chain through stablecoins, reinforcing the confidence of both new and existing investors in the company's potential to reshape the payment landscape in Africa. #YellowCard #Stablecoins #Fintech #Investment #SeriesC #Blockchain #DigitalAssets #AfricanMarket #Innovation #Cryptocurrency #Payments #Growth https://zurl.co/D3Tt

At GITEX 2024, du has unveiled a series of strategic partnerships aimed at transforming various industries and fostering innovation across the UAE. One of the key collaborations is with Invest in Sharjah, focused on enhancing the emirate’s business ecosystem. This partnership aims to accelerate technological advancement by introducing advanced digital solutions, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. Through these initiatives, du seeks to empower investors and entrepreneurs, positioning Sharjah as a leading hub for cutting-edge innovation and sustainable growth. In a bid to revolutionize its telecom services, du has also partnered with Netcracker Technology, focusing on the integration of next-generation AI (GenAI) solutions. This collaboration will enhance automation processes and improve customer interactions by providing personalized, multilingual experiences. By leveraging these advanced technologies, du is setting new benchmarks for customer engagement and satisfaction across the UAE, ensuring that users benefit from a more efficient and tailored digital experience. Further cementing its leadership in AI-driven innovation, du has joined forces with Celebal Technologies. This partnership aims to introduce advanced AI solutions that facilitate enterprise reinvention and transformation, reaffirming du’s commitment to shaping the future of industries with state-of-the-art technologies. This collaboration reflects du’s focus on providing businesses with the tools necessary for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Additionally, du has announced a strategic partnership with Orange, which aims to drive innovation in the telecom sector and enhance overall customer experiences. Together, these collaborations exemplify du’s dedication to technological transformation across multiple sectors, ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of digital innovation and economic growth in the region. #du #GITEX2024 #Innovation #Telecommunications #ArtificialIntelligence #IoT #CloudComputing #DigitalTransformation #InvestInSharjah #CustomerExperience #EnterpriseReinvention #UAE https://zurl.co/GlxR

The African Development Bank Group, in collaboration with Mastercard, has launched a groundbreaking initiative called the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance Africa. This ambitious program aims to provide digital access to essential services for 100 million Africans and businesses over the next decade. As part of its commitment, the African Development Bank is focused on integrating 3 million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria into the digital economy during the initial phase of its $300 million investment over the first five years of the Alliance's programming. Central to this initiative is MasterCard's Community Pass, which offers farmers a digital credential that grants access to a network of digital agricultural agents. This solution will empower smallholder farmers by enabling them to obtain critical resources and information necessary for enhancing productivity. The MADE Alliance Africa comprises various members, including Equity Bank Limited, Microsoft, Heifer International, and others, working collectively to improve agricultural practices and economic growth throughout the continent. Dr. Beth Dunford, African Development Bank's vice president for agriculture, human, and social development, highlighted the transformative potential of digitalization for Africa's farmers on World Food Day. She noted that agriculture is a vital sector, contributing nearly 60% of total employment in Africa and over 25% of GDP in low-income countries. Dr. Dunford emphasized the crucial role of women in agriculture, who represent an estimated 60% to 80% of the sector's labor input, and how empowering them can drive growth and alleviate poverty across the continent. Despite the promising outlook, Africa's smallholder farmers face significant barriers, including limited access to quality inputs and affordable financing. The MADE Alliance Africa aims to tackle these challenges by promoting sustainable digital access to essential services. By leveraging MasterCard's Community Pass, local banks will enable millions of smallholder farmers and women to obtain the necessary resources and digital services, ultimately transforming the agricultural landscape and positioning Africa as a global breadbasket. #MADEAllianceAfrica #DigitalEconomy #AfricanDevelopmentBank #MasterCard #Agriculture #SmallholderFarmers #WomenInAgriculture #DigitalAccess #FoodSecurity #PovertyAlleviation #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityPass https://zurl.co/IUHZ

Intelsat has taken a major leap forward in enhancing connectivity infrastructure in Nigeria and across Africa with the launch of its new satellite cellular backhaul service platform at the Open Access Data Centres (OADC) in Lagos, Nigeria. This development marks a significant milestone in Intelsat's ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide by offering reliable and affordable connectivity solutions. The newly unveiled Intelsat CellBackhaul Nigeria is poised to serve mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers, bringing advanced network expansion capabilities to the region. Designed as a fully managed service, Intelsat CellBackhaul Nigeria provides MNOs with a critical tool for overcoming the challenges of expanding mobile coverage in West Africa. Leveraging an integrated approach that combines satellite and terrestrial networks, the platform enables cost-effective and rapid network expansion, even in hard-to-reach areas. By addressing common barriers like high infrastructure costs and slow deployment timelines, Intelsat’s solution empowers operators to extend their reach and deliver essential connectivity to more communities. This new service in Nigeria is an expansion of Intelsat’s existing satellite backhaul platforms already operational in several other African countries, delivering connectivity to millions of people via thousands of cell towers. With nearly half of the global population lacking mobile broadband coverage residing in Sub-Saharan Africa, Intelsat’s initiative is a vital step toward closing the connectivity gap and improving digital access across the continent. According to Rhys Morgan, RVP for EMEA at Intelsat, this launch represents a pivotal moment for the company and the region. He emphasized that satellite technology plays an essential role in connecting underserved populations, particularly in rural and remote locations where traditional infrastructure is less viable. Intelsat's satellite backhaul solution stands out as the most rapid, reliable, and cost-effective means to provide connectivity, thereby helping to accelerate Africa's digital transformation. #Intelsat #Connectivity #Nigeria #WestAfrica #SatelliteBackhaul #DigitalDivide #NetworkExpansion #MobileCoverage #Telecommunications #SubSaharanAfrica #InfrastructureDevelopment #CellBackhaul https://zurl.co/CC5D

The recent partnership between Absa Group, Standard Bank Group of South Africa Limited, and Saudi EXIM Bank marks a significant step toward strengthening trade and export relations between Saudi Arabia and South Africa. The agreement, signed during the Saudi-South African Business Forum in Johannesburg, is set to deepen economic ties and open new avenues for collaboration. This partnership aligns with the ongoing visit by Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister, Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi, which seeks to explore and expand bilateral trade opportunities between the two nations. Saudi EXIM Bank's commitment to enhancing trade relations is demonstrated by a $25 million credit line extended to Standard Bank. This funding aims to support Saudi non-oil exports, not just to South Africa but also to other African markets. With Standard Bank's presence across over 20 countries in the continent, Saudi exporters will have access to new opportunities to expand their market reach and boost their trade footprint in Africa. Meanwhile, Absa Bank will play a crucial role by offering financial and insurance solutions tailored to facilitate Saudi trade activities across its operations in more than 10 African countries. By leveraging its extensive network and financial expertise, Absa will help improve the competitiveness of Saudi exports, ensuring they meet the demands of both local and international markets. This strategic collaboration aims to unlock growth potential for Saudi businesses and promote diversified trade relations within the African region. Together, these initiatives represent a significant advancement in Saudi-African economic relations, positioning both regions for enhanced trade growth. The partnership not only reflects a commitment to supporting non-oil exports but also underscores the importance of developing sustainable trade strategies for long-term economic development. #SaudiEXIM #AbsaGroup #StandardBank #TradeRelations #SaudiAfricaPartnership #EconomicGrowth #ExportSupport #AfricanMarkets #BusinessForum #NonOilExports #FinancialSolutions https://zurl.co/lMuM

Michael Ahonzo Avou has been named the new Country Manager for J.P. Morgan’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire, marking a strategic expansion in the West African market. His appointment reflects the bank’s commitment to growing its presence across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly with new offices now operational in Abidjan and Nairobi. Ahonzo brings extensive experience in global finance, having started his career as an equity derivatives trader at Crédit Agricole CIB. He later joined Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, where he was instrumental in setting up the first dealing room for a sub-Saharan bank in France. His expertise extends to managing frontier markets, as demonstrated during his tenure at ED&F Man Commodities in London. Most recently, Ahonzo served as Head of Global Markets for Sub-Saharan Africa at Societe Generale, further solidifying his leadership credentials within African and global banking sectors. The expansion into Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya highlights J.P. Morgan’s growing interest in facilitating economic development through tailored financial solutions. This regional focus aligns with the bank’s strategy to support local markets by leveraging its global expertise, and enhancing business operations in key growth areas like West and East Africa. Through this leadership change and regional investments, J.P. Morgan aims to foster sustainable growth in Africa. With both Nairobi and Abidjan becoming critical financial hubs, the bank is well-positioned to unlock opportunities for local enterprises and multinational corporations, further advancing economic development in Africa. #Leadership #AfricaFinance #JPmorgan #EconomicDevelopment #CotedIvoire #Nairobi #BankingIndustry #GrowthStrategy

Verve International has reached a significant milestone by issuing over 70 million payment cards, marking a 40% increase in issuance volumes within just 15 months. This rapid growth underscores Verve’s role as a dominant player in Nigeria's domestic payment ecosystem and reflects increasing demand for secure and convenient payment solutions. The latest achievement highlights Verve’s commitment to expanding financial access, offering seamless transactions for millions of users across various banking services in Nigeria. As Africa's first and largest domestic payment scheme, Verve has cemented itself as a key enabler in the country’s fintech space, driving digital payments and economic growth. This development builds on Verve's continuous innovation, coming soon after the issuance of 50 million cards last year. With its focus on promoting contactless payments and onboarding new scheme members across financial institutions, Verve is positioning itself to meet evolving market demands. As part of the Interswitch Group, Verve is set to leverage this momentum to expand beyond Nigeria, solidifying its presence across Africa. The company’s success story highlights the importance of domestic payment solutions in fostering financial inclusion and promoting cashless economies. #VerveInternational #DigitalPayments #FinancialInclusion #FintechAfrica #Interswitch #CashlessEconomy #Nigeria https://zurl.co/8V74