People & Lifestyle
Zeepay – changing the remittance narrative via fintech disruption
It is a paradox that a continent that is often described as having very little to offer, can produce such consistent and persistent giants that take on the world every day. The narrative of Zeepay is simple and yet powerful: it is an African fintech start up that is changing lives and making a positive impact on the continent on a daily basis.
As a continent, Africa’s billion consumers have emerged in several markets, making it the most exciting beginning in the new 100 years we just entered. As I roam through Africa, I have come across a striking narrative that stays outside the experience of the average urban home.
It is a simple truth, that 80 percent of the population live in rural communities and have to travel long distances for access to financial services. What caught my eye while traveling to these rural areas, is that many people walk for over 20 kilometers to get to the nearest bank or financial services point to pick up remittances of amounts as low as US$100 from their friends and family abroad.
It poses a huge challenge and yet we are in a new millennium where problems like these shouldn’t exist. Given these pressing socio-economic issues, I was excited when I came across the Zeepay narrative which had established a real solution.
Zeepay is a start-up that has come into the ecosystem to disrupt the archaic process of walking long distances to withdraw money. Many people in the rural areas also have to deal with encountering poor customer service at some point in their withdrawal process, a problem they would never encounter with Zeepay.
Zeepay changed the narrative by making it possible for remittance receivers to now receive their remittances from money transfer companies such MoneyGram, Taptap, Small World, Ria, Transfast, among many others. People are able to receive their funds directly onto their Zeepay mobile money wallets instantly and also have the option of withdrawing from a local agent nearby.
What I found most interesting is that the start-up developed an engineering system that makes it possible for the receiver to not only receive in their Zeepay mobile wallet but also be able to withdraw from all mobile money merchants regardless of which network they are using whether it is MTN, AirtelTigo or Vodafone Cash. This powerful narrative is what makes Zeepay a consumer choice brand.
After five days of travel across Ghana, Ivory Coast and Guinea, I now find that the narrative of Zeepay is not only centralized in and confined to Ghana but can also be identified in many other African countries as far as Mozambique. In all of these corners of Africa, Zeepay’s partners aim to be the solution to the problem of financial inclusion.
Zeepay is providing this service to millions of Africans through a simple, disruptive force lead by a group of young disruptive men and women. A surprising statistic that I have come across in my research into the challenger fintech is that the mean average age of a ‘zeepayian’ is only 28 but what I found to be most incredible is that while the company has only 23 full time staff but currently serving over 2.4 million Africans across the continent.
On the other hand, banks have been offering remittances for over 30 years and have not seen or been able to provide this level of support or convenience to consumers.
The million-dollar question then is, what comes next for Africa and how will young Africans help improve the narrative of mother Africa? I believe Zeepay is a hot number to follow and a true beacon of hope in the digital age.
I believe 2021 will see a lot more excitement from Zeepay as its takes on more and opens up the economy with new and exciting products such as Beneficiary Micro Insurance. This new product is centered around the remittance receiver and gives senders the opportunity to purchase life insurance for as low as 2.50 pesewas that provides receivers with a cover of up to GH¢5000 monthly.
In this period of COVID-19 the introduction of this service is timely and exciting and comes as a relief to the continent and to the people who need it most.
People & Lifestyle
Ghana Welcomes Starlink: Revolutionizing Connectivity
The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has recently approved the satellite broadband application of Starlink, a service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, making Ghana the eighth African country to welcome this revolutionary internet service.
This development is set to challenge existing internet providers in the region, offering multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency through satellite technology.
Ghana to become eighth African country to approve Elon Musk's Starlink.
It is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/OpJ0dI1WsW— Clovis T (@clovist237) April 27, 2024
Users have expressed satisfaction with Starlink’s service, citing significant improvements in speed and reliability compared to traditional providers. The service is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.
Recently got Starlink, and so far better than any residential internet provider I’ve used in this country tbh
— remi (@alo_aderemi) April 27, 2024
This expansion is expected to foster healthy competition and better offers, breaking the monopoly enjoyed by some internet providers. As Starlink continues to expand, it promises to revolutionize network access and connectivity in Africa, providing a much-needed boost to internet access across the continent.
People & Lifestyle
#AOTY2023: King Promise vs. Stonebwoy
The debate over King Promise’s candidacy for Artist of the Year has sparked a lively discussion among social media users, with arguments both for and against his potential win.
Those saying King Promise should rather win song of the year and not Artiste of the year cuz Patapaa too had one big song, did Patapaa do all this? Greg is winning this, forget the Stonebwoy shouts pic.twitter.com/ICfLI1nBaf
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) April 27, 2024
Supporters highlight his sold-out shows in Asia and the impact of his music, while critics point to other artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif, questioning the fairness of the awards process.
You are telling me King Promise isn't Artiste of the Year? let's be serious 😂pic.twitter.com/k8KDiilWsP
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) April 26, 2024
The discussion showcases the diverse opinions and passion surrounding the music industry in Ghana and beyond, with users engaging in playful banter and humorous remarks while presenting their arguments.
Ur artist of the year our artist of the year my artist of the year their artist of the year @stonebwoy #StonebwoyForAOTY 🔥🔥🔥🔥all this history was made just last year December @GHMusicAwards pic.twitter.com/R0biHkhdEx
— Hernandez Gh✊🏾🔥 (@HernandezGh35) April 27, 2024
People & Lifestyle
‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28
In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: Celebrating 25 Years of Local and Global Impact.
Showing on @GTV_Ghana and streaming on all our social media platforms on Sunday, April 28, at 8:30PM.#Asanteman #OurCultureOurHeritage pic.twitter.com/g3u0Ql5q6i
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) April 26, 2024
The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.
This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.
❤️ @AkwaboahMusic meets The King of Ashanti Kingdom Otumfoc Osei Tutu II. pic.twitter.com/wdvlulV7Ez
— FELICIA OSEI (@Osei_Feliciaa) April 26, 2024
The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.
People & Lifestyle
Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement
World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.
Wow, Mr Beast is in Ghana! Look at how boys are gathering to take pictures with him. pic.twitter.com/46gawXYWnJ
— Big Kay🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) April 26, 2024
His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.
MrBeast is in Ghana and no one is talking about it? Make I step out more times I go get new phone or car saf pic.twitter.com/AUP9CSoDoV
— Kofi Ntim (@NtimBarima) April 26, 2024
Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.
Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament
The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.
People & Lifestyle
Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.
The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.
While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.
This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.
“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.
If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.
Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.
In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.
Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.
Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.
However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.
He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.
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