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How Africa’s largest payments network is integrating social mission with its business aspirations

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Being deliberate about creating a “greater purpose” is essential to building an authentic corporate culture, engaging stakeholders, and navigating the evolving landscape of corporate philanthropy. This is the philosophy behind Africa’s largest digital payments network, Onafriq’s, extensive growth and vision to unify the continent’s digital payments landscape according to its General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer Funmi Dele-Giwa. 

 

Dele-Giwa recently shared insights into the organisation’s unique position at the intersection of social impact and commercial ambition at the Women in Payments Symposium EMEA, held in London. During her speech she delved into the company’s journey in delivering greater financial access and connecting all of Africa into a single integrated network that empowers both individuals and businesses.

 

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“The purpose of Onafriq from the very onset was one of providing financial access to marginalised individuals on the African continent and having a positive impact in the countries we operate in and the clients we serve,” she said. “That is why Onafriq was built on the back of a strong belief that mobile money would serve as a strong enabler of financial access to millions of under- or unserved Africans.”

 

Established nearly 15 years ago with the mantra of “making borders matter less”, the company aims to facilitate cross-border payment services within Africa – as well as in and out of Africa. This is underpinned by the vision of its Founder and CEO Dare Okoudjou, that making a payment anywhere in the world, to anywhere across the globe should be as easy and as painless as it is to make a phone call.

 

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Today, Onafriq’s payments network connects more than 1,300 cross-border payment corridors providing access to more than 500 million mobile wallets and 200 million bank accounts across 40 African markets. This vast digital infrastructure is a testament to its position as the “network of networks”, enabling services like cross-border payments, remittances, card issuing, agency banking and more, which facilitate seamless money flow from, to, and across the continent. 

 

During her talk at the symposium, Dele-Giwa noted that remittance services were a key example of this marriage of concepts, having particularly emerged as a powerful tool for boosting economic growth and financial empowerment. By partnering with international remittance companies, the Onafriq network enables the significant pool of migrant workers from Africa in the diaspora to send and receive money efficiently and affordably. She notes however, that remittances are not just the privy of the global north to south, as there is significant intra-Africa remittance demand which has traditionally remained unmet. Through partnerships with mobile network operators (MNOs) across the Continent, Onafriq is bridging gaps between countries like Kenya and Uganda, as well as Cameroon and Nigeria, by digitising and facilitating intra-Africa remittance flows.

 

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“Strategic collaborations between key sectors of Africa’s financial services landscape are key to unlocking the full potential of remittances as a catalyst for economic growth and development,”  said Dele-Giwa. “As such, fostering robust partnerships between payment networks and mobile money platforms is important to enabling greater remittance flows given the widespread adoption of mobile wallets across the continent.”

 

Another way that Onafriq is blending the principles of social betterment with business objectives is by empowering small businesses in Africa to flourish and grow by enabling access to a wider range of choices in disbursing or collecting digital payments over cash. Onafriq’s partnership with One Acre Fund is an example of how the company’s network has contributed to providing small-scale farmers with asset-based financing services.

 

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“Our work to open up markets and connect people to opportunities continues to empower the African gig economy, enabling GDOs to deliver cash assistance to needy communities and international merchants to pay local creators, influencers and artists, as well as helping small traders to sell their goods across borders, by simplifying the ways they can pay and can get paid,” said Dele-Giwa.

 

Another notable aspect of Onafriq’s journey of positive social impact, according to Dele-Giwa, is its commitment to empowering women. Through its agent network in Nigeria, women entrepreneurs are able to generate additional income by becoming agents, and by using the Baxi point of sale device they can easily manage payments for their shops and market stalls. Furthermore, partnerships with organisations like the One Acre Fund helped to empower women in small-scale farming, amplifying their economic participation.

 

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For those seeking to emulate Onafriq’s success, Dele-Giwa noted that it was important to align their social mission with the innovation and collaboration needed to achieve a positive impact while pursuing commercial success.

 

“Let’s remember, it’s not just about the services we offer. It’s about the impact we make while doing so,” she said. “It’s important to share those impactful stories of empowerment and positive change delivered as a result of your products and services, but it is also important to create a set of impact metrics to measure success by. This way you are always able to hold yourself accountable to employees, shareholders, regulators, clients, and other stakeholders.”

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People & Lifestyle

Introducing Bisayen! Ask Us! & Touch Us! Project: A Campaign Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Support and Education

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Global Outreach Consortium, an NGO focused on providing complete health care to the underprivileged, announces a significant milestone in the fight against breast cancer with the launch of Bisayen! Ask Us! & Touch Us! Project. This is an innovative project dedicated to providing comprehensive support, education, and empowerment to breast cancer patients, their loved ones and women in general. At the thrust of this campaign, is the Toll-free Helpline 0800 332200 (MTN) and 030 8249430 (other networks).

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting women worldwide and it is the number one cause of cancer diagnosis and death from cancers amongst women in Ghana. It impacts negatively on the lives of individuals, families and communities during the period of diagnosis and quest for treatment every year. In the face of such a challenging journey, access to reliable information, compassionate support, and personalized guidance can make an immense difference in a patient’s experience and outcome.

Ask Us! & Touch Us! Project: A Campaign Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Support and Education

Ask Us! & Touch Us! Project: A Campaign Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Support and Education

Bisayen! Ask Us! & Touch Us! emerges as a beacon of hope and guidance, offering a lifeline for individuals navigating the complexities of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The innovative helpline is staffed by a team of compassionate healthcare workers, all dedicated to providing unwavering support and reliable information to those in need.

What sets Bisayen! Ask Us! & Touch Us! apart is its holistic approach, designed to address the diverse needs and concerns of breast cancer patients at every stage of their journey. Whether seeking clarity on treatment options, grappling with emotional distress, or simply in need of a listening ear, callers to the helpline can expect empathetic guidance and practical insights tailored to their unique circumstances.

Ask Us! & Touch Us! Project: A Campaign Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Support and Education

Ask Us! & Touch Us! Project: A Campaign Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Support and Education

The project is already underway with the training of facilitators in patient-centered clinical interviewing methods as well as regular hospital and community activations. “We understand that every breast cancer journey is unique, and we are committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge, support and training they need to navigate this challenging path with resilience and hope,” said Dr. Priscilla Vandyck-Sey, Executive Director of Global Outreach Consortium. 

The two-year project offers a wide range of opportunities, including:

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  • Educational Resources: Access to up-to-date information on breast cancer myths and misconceptions, diagnosis, treatment options and common side effects of treatments amongst others.
  • Emotional Support: Confidential counseling and emotional support for patients, their families and general population.
  • Survivor Connection: Opportunities for patients to connect with others who have faced similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.

Bisayen! Ask Us! & Touch Us! identifies as a testament to the power of compassion, knowledge, and shared experience in transforming the breast cancer journey. By offering a supportive lifeline to those in need, we aim to not only improve outcomes in breast cancer treatment but also to uplift spirits and inspire hope in the face of adversity.

For more information or to reach out for support, please visit www.globaloc.org/bisayen/ or call the toll-free helpline above. 

Together, let us stand united in the fight against breast cancer, one call, and one conversation at a time.

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Travel Bloggers and Portable Triple Monitors: A Perfect Match?

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Today’s travel era is the era of digital nomads. Many travel bloggers love to spend their time visiting various exciting destinations. They capture great images and turn them into creative content that inspires many others. They need modern portable triple monitors to do the desired editing work efficiently and flexibly. Many travel experts find this gadget a game changer.

Besides, these compact and high-resolution monitors enable travel bloggers to multitask seamlessly. It covers everything from editing photos and videos to managing their social media and researching new destinations. Let’s discover how these innovative tools can elevate your travel blogging experience!

Travel Blogger’s Daily activities and responsibilities

Researching destinations

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Undoubtedly, researching destinations is the most crucial daily activity for travel bloggers. It includes the effort to dive deep into the potential travel locations to uncover unique stories. The research process includes studying the local culture, history, and the exciting attractions in the new places to explore. With the help of a tool like a Mobile Pixels Trio portable triple monitor, it becomes easy to research the destinations effectively.

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Writing and editing content

Travel bloggers’ next daily activity is writing and editing the content. It encompasses the creation of engaging, informative, creative, and visually appealing posts. A process to do great work involves drafting detailed travel guides, personal narratives, destination reviews, unique experiences, and more. Moreover, the bloggers carefully edit the work to ensure the content’s clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.

Managing social media

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Another primary daily task is managing a travel blogger’s social media. It usually includes sharing strategic content across various platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This job comprises creating eye-catching posts that can engage the followers. It also adds the responsibility of responding to the comments and analyzing the engagement metrics to refine the approach. The bloggers also collaborate with other brands and influencers to participate in travel conversations.

Editing photos and videos

With writing and editing, another essential daily role that adds some fun with creative efforts is to edit the photos and videos. It helps travel bloggers transform their raw images and footage into captivating content. The work process includes picking the best shots, adjusting the light, color, and contrast, and adding creative touches. The helping hand in this work for the travel bloggers is a great photo and video editing software. It helps in creating compelling travel content.

How Portable Triple Monitor Benefits Travel Bloggers

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As you have read about the daily roles of a travel blogger, you can understand that it is full of work that needs help from digital devices. With a portable triple monitor, all the above-mentioned daily tasks of a traveler can become seamless. The following are the significant benefits this device offers to travel bloggers:

Enhanced productivity

The first benefit of using a portable triple monitor is enhanced productivity. These monitors enable users to multitask to simultaneously manage research, writing, photo editing, and social media. This setup effectively streamlines the content creation process and reduces the time spent to switch between tasks.

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Improved workflow

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Travel bloggers can experience an improved workflow with the portable triple monitors. These devices facilitate the fast transition between tasks. Hence, travel bloggers can skip the applications. Therefore, travel bloggers can better organize and manage multiple projects with ample screen space.

Portability and convenience

Portability and convenience are the most crucial advantages of using portable triple monitors for travel bloggers. These monitors are lightweight and compact. It makes them easy to carry during short or long travel journeys. It will not add bulk to the luggage of the travel bloggers. This benefit maintains a productive workflow regardless of any location.

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MTN GHANA CEO STEPHEN BLEWETT SPENDS TIME WITH STUDENTS IN ABURI AS PART OF 30 DAYS OF Y’ELLO CARE

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The CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, led a group of MTN Ghana employee volunteers in a groundbreaking ceremony at Aburi Presbyterian Secondary Technical School to kick off the construction of a container-based e-library. This project is part of MTN’s 30 Days of Y’ello Care activities.

During this year’s 30 Days of Y’ello Care Campaign, MTN Ghana will set up two container-based e-learning libraries. These libraries will be equipped with computers, internet access, textbooks, storybooks, and additional reading materials to enhance the teaching and learning experience. The first library will be handed over to the school’s management by the end of the campaign. Additionally, another e-library will be constructed in Sunyani in the Bono region.

Speaking at the school’s assembly hall packed with an enthusiastic group of students, the CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, encouraged the students to take their studies seriously. He emphasized that they are the future leaders of Ghana and the world. Blewett stated that the next greatest scientist, president, and CEO could be among the students, but achieving these aspirations requires dedication, hard work, and passion. He assured the students that MTN is committed to supporting them in becoming future scientists, inventors, or leaders by providing computers and digital facilities to underscore the importance of technology in their lives. Stephen emphasized that technology is crucial for building a strong future.

The headmistress of the school, Mrs. Joyce Appiah, applauded MTN for selecting her school as one of the beneficiaries for the project. She pledged their support to MTN Ghana for the successful completion of the project.

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MTN employee volunteers will not only establish a container-based e-library but also create a smart farm equipped with smart devices and irrigated by a digital borehole. The volunteers will play a part in drilling the borehole as part of the ‘Quench and Connect’ initiative. Nationwide, the volunteers will also organize digital literacy workshops for students and teachers.

This year’s 30 Days of Y’ello Care theme is “Education for rural and remote communities”. In line with the theme, MTN Ghana employee volunteers will implement a specialized program called “Quench and Connect.” Volunteers will assist in drilling digital boreholes in schools experiencing water shortages, enabling students to concentrate on their studies.

MTN Y’ello Care is an annual employee volunteerism program across the MTN Group, allowing staff to participate in community development projects in countries where MTN operates. The initiative, which was started in 2007, has had a significant impact on millions of people and hundreds of communities across the continent. At the end of the program, the country with the most impactful projects wins a prize of $100,000 to be reinvested in community projects.

The 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme takes place in June every year. However, this year, to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of MTN’s operations, the 21 Days of Y’ello Care has been extended to 30 Days.

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King Promise Talks About Latest Single on Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio

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King Promise Talks About Latest Single on Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio

This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With King Promise, and the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week! Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida this

Friday, June 14th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 [ and broadcast on  YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm]

Cover Star Interview
Ghanaian Afrobeats star King Promise joins Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest single, “Continental (feat. Shallipopi).” He also discusses his new album, ‘True To Self,’ his creative process, and what he loves about contributing to culture.

The Big 5
Nandi Madida shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Oxlade, Ravanny & Harmonize, Stonebwoy, DJ Stokie & Sobzeen feat. Lington, and PHILA DLOZI.

Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, June 14th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow [and broadcast on  YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm].

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King Promise Tells Apple Music About the Global Popularity of His Song, “Terminator” 

I love to contribute to my culture—the goal has always been global domination through our music as Africans. The fact now the world is catching on—even they are late but they are welcome to the party—I’m blessed, not just as a Ghanaian, but as an African in general. It’s so beautiful to see the world latching on to what we’re doing, love it and appreciate it.

When “Terminator” dropped, it was another level of what I’m doing, for me. It was such a blessing to have a record known all over the globe; it’s just so beautiful. After that it’s just been back-to-back with “Paris,”  “Perfect Combi,” “Favourite Story” and now finally the album, so I’ve been super proud of this whole movement right now.

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King Promise Tells Apple Music How He Felt No Pressure To Deliver With His New Album, ’True To Self’ 

It’s always been [about] having fun for the music, becauseI feel like that’s when you make the magic. When you overcalculate it and you overthink it, you lose a spark, and this is something I learned from the OGs before I became established in the business. It’s good to be a perfectionist—I like my things perfect—but there’s also beautify in the flaws, so it’s always to a certain level.

There’s really no pressure—I never go to the studio like, “I need to make a hit today,” you know? I go to the studio making music that I love and giving it my very best, because obviously I believe I’m blessed with this talent and I really don’t need to overthink it, and that’s really how I always move in what I do. It’s never really pressure, it’s more like excitement… it pushes me to want to do more.

King Promise Tells Apple Music What Inspired the Title of His New Album, ’True To Self’ 

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Life and growth [inspired this album title]. I just got to the point where I felt the most important thing and the best thing you can to do to yourself is really lean into your originality and what you represent, and where you belong. All those things are important in making you grow into a better person. I’ve always kept it 100 with my music. I don’t do music because of what’s popping, I make music that I love, and I’m actually true to myself.

With a few things happening in my life at the point when I started working on the album, it just felt like [it was] the right title to call it, because I thought I’m gonna go back to the basics. I’m allowing myself to be vulnerable, allow myself to be a superstar, allow myself to be a fan, and allow myself to be an artist.

King Promise Tells Apple Music About His Song, “Continental (feat. Shallipopi)” 

It was one of the very last songs I made on the album. My friend GuiltyBeatz produced it. I hadn’t seen him in almost a year because he’s been travelling the world—I know he just finished an album with Tems—but finally he came bearing gifts, like “Bro, I have something for you. I was just waiting to see you, when I made this one I knew it was yours.” Then he plays the “Continental” beat and I’m like, “What the hell is this?” It was just a match made in heaven, It was so perfect. When I got through those first lines I was like yes, this is truly ‘True To Self,’  and I just took it from there.

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Eventually I was talking to my manager and I said that Shallipopi will sound good and it will bring out another side of him. He heard it and was crazy about it, and I’m happy for what we’ve put together. He came to Ghana, we shot the video and everything’s beautiful… I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.

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Zipline and CorpsAfrica Partner to Address Critical Blood Supply Needs in Ghana

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Zipline, the global leader in instant logistics, and CorpsAfrica, a global NGO that recruits and trains educated African youth as volunteers to live and work in rural, under-resourced communities, have joined forces to tackle the critical need for safe and adequate blood supplies in health facilities across Ghana. This partnership aims to increase blood supplies through a series of comprehensive initiatives, leveraging the strengths and reach of both organizations to save more lives.

Despite the importance of a reliable blood supply for effective healthcare delivery, recent data has revealed a troubling trend of low voluntary blood donations in Ghana. In 2021, only 26% of the 173,938 units of donated blood were collected from the general public (as opposed to family members and immediate friends of the recipients), and in 2022, this percentage slightly decreased to 25.3% of the 179,765 blood donations.

To combat this issue, Zipline, as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, has been actively working over the past several years to increase the availability of blood at various hospitals in the countries where it operates. In 2023, for example, Zipline collaborated with the National Blood Bank in Ghana to organize 41 blood drives throughout Ghana, successfully collecting a total of 2,780 blood units. Similarly, Zipline’s work with the Rwandan blood system has translated to a 55% reduction in maternal mortality, according to a study by The Wharton School.

“We are committed to addressing the critical blood supply needs in Ghana. Our partnership with CorpsAfrica will significantly amplify our efforts, enabling us to reach more communities and save more lives,” said Miki Sofer, Senior VP of Partnerships at Zipline.

Zipline and CorpsAfrica will collaborate with the National Blood Service to coordinate monthly blood drives at different locations nationwide. This partnership aims to organize roughly 80 blood drives in 2024 – a substantial increase of more than 100% from what Zipline organized in 2023. The effort is expected to yield about 6,000 blood units. 

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“CorpsAfrica is thrilled to collaborate with Zipline on this vital initiative,” says Liz Fanning, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CorpsAfrica. “CorpsAfrica Volunteers across Ghana are eager to support these blood drives, enhancing sensitization campaigns, and mobilizing community support.”

The partnership looks forward to engaging community volunteers in various districts within the Zipline operational areas in Ghana (Omenako, Ashanti Mampong, Vobsi, Sefwi Wiawso, Anum and Kete Krachi) to actively participate in awareness campaigns aimed at promoting the importance of blood donation. Church groups, schools, and members of local communities are largely targeted to participate in this exercise. 

Beyond the blood drives, the partners will also conduct awareness programs and provide training to healthcare professionals on effectively utilizing different blood components, such as Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), for specific medical situations. By enhancing the understanding and awareness of Zipline and CorpsAfrica’s capabilities, more health facilities can leverage the support offered in accessing essential blood products when needed.

“We encourage everyone within the region to be on the lookout for our publicity materials announcing dates and locations for the next blood drive. Together, let’s work to make blood available to save the lives of those who need it the most,’’ said Sofer.     

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Pinky Pecks proclaims herself as the change in a male-dominated industry

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In a recent interview on Anidaso TV, rising music sensation, Pinky Pecks made a controversial statement that has sent shockwaves through the industry. (more…)

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