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MasterCard, Angaza Work on Efficient Digital Payment System

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Mastercard, a leading technology company in the global payments industry, has signed a global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Angaza, a leader in last-mile distribution technology, which will see the two companies partner to rollout an efficient digital payment solution that increases access to affordable necessities, like solar home systems and water pumps, for people and businesses in emerging markets across the globe.

Leveraging Angaza’s pay-as-you-go (PAYG) embedded metering and monitoring technology and Mastercard’s cutting-edge digital payment solutions and infrastructure including QR technology, this partnership will not only unlock access to the basic necessities, but will also help people without access to credit or traditional banking services start on a path to financial inclusion.

The partnership follows the successful launch of Mastercard’s first PAYG application programming interface in Uganda last year, which combines low cost QR technology – an open and interoperable technology, with the internet of things to lead more secure and efficient payments.

PAYG business models are emerging around the globe to give people the ability to pay for what they use, as they need it. The model adopted by Angaza allows life-changing products, such as solar home systems, clean cook stoves and water pumps, to be sold at a low upfront cost. Consumers can then pay off the cost of the products over a period of time.

Currently, most payments on the Angaza platform are conducted via cash or mobile money. With the integration of Mastercard’s API, the solution will provide new levels of payment flexibility and affordability impacting the lives of millions of consumers across emerging markets.

Additionally, this partnership could open up fresh access to other financial services and tools. By keeping accurate records of payments that a user is making, the user is able to establish a verifiable digital identity and trackable credit history which was previously impossible to create or maintain. This data gives companies and financial service providers the ability to put underserved populations on a new path to financial inclusion.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Angaza to bring access and inclusion to people and businesses around the world. This partnership will help consumers to overcome hurdles such as the significant cash outlay required to purchase critical items by leveraging micropayments, which in turn also helps to build their credit history. All of this is being made available via the internet of things, which is a great democratizer and is playing a critical role providing safe, secure and accessible digital ecosystems”, says Jorn Lambert, Executive Vice President, Digital Solutions at Mastercard.

“This is a pivotal collaboration for the last-mile distribution industry, bridging Angaza’s global pay-as-you-go solution with a leading digital payment provider,” said Angaza CEO Lesley Marincola. “The addition of Mastercard’s QR technology to Angaza’s platform will allow solar distributors and their clients to process payments for life-changing products securely and efficiently, while opening doors to broader financial inclusion.”

To date, Angaza’s technology has enabled more than five million people in emerging markets across Africa, South America and Asia to purchase over one million life-changing products like solar home systems, water pumps, and clean cookstoves.

Following the completion of a successful pilot with the BOP Innovation Centre in Nigeria, Mastercard and Angaza will expand the programme to other markets in Africa and Latin-America to bring as many people as possible into the financial fold.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Interswitch Inducts New Interns into Developer Academy to Fortify Tech Talent Pipeline

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Interswitch’s Developer Academy

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A cohort of developer interns has been inducted into the Developer Academy of Interswitch as part of efforts to deepen Africa’s tech talent pipeline.

The new cohort emerged through a rigorous multi-stage process involving technical assessments and interviews. They were chosen from over 20,000 applications.

The talents were sourced from across key engineering tracks, including Backend Development, DevOps, Mobile Development, Frontend Engineering, and Quality Assurance.

Their induction highlights both the scale of interest in software engineering opportunities in Nigeria and Interswitch’s role in nurturing the next generation of highly skilled technology professionals.

During the 9-month programme, participants will benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, exposure to enterprise-grade systems, and the development of workplace readiness skills essential for today’s dynamic work environment.

Designed as an intensive and structured learning experience, the Developer Academy combines theoretical instruction with real-world application, equipping participants with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly global and competitive technology landscape.

At the end of the programme, top-performing interns may be offered full-time roles within Interswitch, while others are well-positioned to pursue opportunities across the broader technology landscape.

“At Interswitch, we have always believed in the capacity to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on long-term impact. While the migration of skilled talent remains a reality, our approach is to actively shape the outcomes by building a strong and sustainable pipeline of technology professionals,” the chief executive of Interswitch, Mr Mitchell Elegbe, said.

“We are therefore committed to equipping individuals with the capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the broader technology ecosystem, locally and globally, not just for our own needs at Interswitch. In doing so, we are not only strengthening the industry but also reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a source of globally competitive engineering talent,” he added.

Also commenting, the Human Resources Officer, Mr Franklin Ali, said, “The Developer Academy reflects our long-term commitment to building talent at scale. We are equipping these young professionals not just with technical skills, but with the mindset, discipline, and adaptability required to thrive in diverse environments.

“Whether they build their careers within Interswitch, contribute to the local ecosystem, or explore global opportunities, they represent the strength and potential of Nigerian talent and carry forward the standard of excellence we are committed to building.”

Beyond its immediate training objectives, Interswitch’s Developer Academy is anchored on a broader strategic vision, one that addresses the ongoing migration of skilled talent from Nigeria and other developing economies.

As global demand for software engineers continues to rise, many highly skilled professionals are increasingly recruited by international organisations.

Interswitch’s approach reframes this trend, positioning talent development both as a means of local capacity building and as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a global hub for technology expertise.

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Flexmobile to Disrupt Nigeria’s Telecom Landscape

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Flexmobile

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Nigeria’s telecom landscape is about to be abuzz, with the much-anticipated launch of Flexmobile from Hazon Technologies.

Feelers indicate that the company will soon make a commercial debut, as the regulatory approval is now in the final stage.

It was gathered that the commercial rollout for Flexmobile should be June 1, 2026, as this depends on the authorisation of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which regulates the sector. The telco will have the distinctive 081 number series.

Early signals suggest a product ecosystem engineered around flexibility, data-centricity, and user control—an approach aligned with the evolving expectations of Nigeria’s digitally connected population.

For seamless operations, Flexmobile has sealed commercial agreements with its MVNE, IMBIL, and Airtel Nigeria.

“What lies ahead is more than a launch—it is the beginning of a new way to experience telecoms in Nigeria,” the chief executive of Hazon Technologies, Mr Victor ‘Gbenga Afolabi, said at a recent media briefing.

“After years of building the right partnerships and infrastructure, we are approaching a defining milestone. Flexmobile is designed to challenge conventions and introduce a smarter, more flexible telecom experience for Nigerians,” he added.

While full details of its offering will be unveiled at launch, Flexmobile is expected to introduce a suite of value-added services designed to go beyond traditional connectivity—positioning the brand at the intersection of telecoms, lifestyle, and digital enablement.

Backed by strong institutional partnerships and a robust MVNE framework, Flexmobile enters the market not just as another operator, but as a platform with the potential to reshape how telecom services are consumed and experienced.

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ipNX, NCC to Drive Inclusive Digital Growth Across Nigeria

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ipNX Nigeria NCC

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company, ipNX Nigeria, is joining forces with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to accelerate broadband penetration and drive inclusive digital growth across the country.

Recently, an executive delegation of the organisation paid a visit to the chairman of the regulatory agency, Mr Idris Olorunimbe.

“We are pleased to engage with the new chairman of the NCC and show our support as he takes on this important role.

“Strong leadership and a clear policy direction are essential to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“At ipNX, we remain committed to working closely with the commission and other stakeholders to expand broadband access, enhance connectivity in educational institutions, and ultimately bridge the digital divide.

“This collaboration will empower millions of Nigerians and further position the country as a leader in Africa’s technological evolution,” the Managing Director of ipNX Nigeria, Mr Ejovi Aror, said at the visit.

In his remarks, Mr Olorunnimbe thanked the firm for the show of support, reiterating the commission’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for private sector participation in achieving universal broadband access across Nigeria.

This collaboration is expected to advance Nigeria’s transformation agenda in technology and help boost the federal government’s broadband agenda for the country.

ipNX Nigeria has said it remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge broadband and ICT solutions, and this engagement underscores its unwavering dedication to supporting national development through technology-driven initiatives.

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