Tekno Joins Forces with emPawa Africa, Paving the Way for African Music Evolution!

The renowned Nigerian artist and maestro producer, Tekno, has officially inked a revolutionary deal with emPawa Africa, the brainchild of musical impresario Mr Eazi.
This game-changing collaboration will see Tekno’s Cartel Music releasing some exciting new music via emPawa Africa. In addition, Tekno plans to invest as a shareholder in emPawa Africa during the company’s next capital call round.

He joins Grammy-winning music producer Michaël Brun among those who have invested in the innovative, African-owned label services company founded by Mr Eazi in 2018.
emPawa Africa has been at the forefront of discovering and nurturing emerging talent across the African continent; building a launch pad for these artistes to shine on the global stage. Working with artists such as Joeboy, Major League DJz, Fave, King Promise, Minz and DJ Neptune, among others.

Mr Eazi announced his company’s new feat via a brief statement on Twitter. “With this deal with Tekno and Cartel Music, we are ushering in a new phase of emPawa,” says Mr Eazi. “This phase will see us partnering with African artists at different stages of their careers who want to maintain financial and creative freedom, yet move from talent for hire to equity participation. It’s a first-of-its-kind deal for afrobeats.”

Also excited about the news, Tekno added “This alliance with Empawa will provide an avenue to be a game-changer for the African music industry and a beacon of opportunity for artists.”
Tekno’s unparalleled expertise in singing, songwriting, and production makes this collaboration a recipe for success. His ability to nurture budding talents aligns perfectly with emPawa Africa’s ethos, promising an infusion of fresh perspectives and unparalleled value. His new single will be released on Friday, May 24.

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.
 

“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.
 

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.
 

“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.
 

“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.

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.”

As the excitement builds for UEFA EURO 2024, MultiChoice is proud to announce that it has secured exclusive broadcasting rights across its platforms – Showmax, DStv, GOtv – offering unmatched access to one of football’s most anticipated events this year. Starting Friday 14 June, with Germany vs Scotland, and continuing through to the grand finale on Sunday 14 July, football fans across the continent can catch every match, each monumental goal, and all the defining football moments exclusively on MultiChoice platforms.

Entertainment platform options tailored to meet your needs.

Showmax Premier League revolutionises how fans follow football with its mobility and affordability. This platform for mobile users, powered by SuperSport ensures that whether you are on a commute, at the office, or in a café, the Euro tournament is right there in your pocket. Showmax offers convenience and accessibility that ensures you never miss a moment, wherever you are. Catch all 51 UEFA Euro games live on Showmax Premier League. And there’s the option to bundle Showmax Premier League with one of Showmax’s entertainment packages and get Showmax Originals, hit international and local series, movies and kids’ shows. For more information on Showmax Premier League and Showmax entertainment visit Showmax Stories. 

DStv delivers exceptional viewing with great value and flawless HD quality. Football fans can become completely immersed in every match, feeling as though they are right there in the stadium. Whether it’s witnessing Germany’s quest on home turf or Ronaldo’s final bow on the international stage, DStv brings the game to life and to your couch.

GOtv offers an affordable and fun football viewing experience perfect for families and friends gathering to enjoy the tournament. It’s more than just watching a game…it’s about witnessing and sharing unforgettable moments together, creating memories that extend beyond the pitch.

Why Euro 2024 is unmissable?

With UEFA EURO 2024 hosted in Germany; the stakes are incredibly high. The opening match between Germany and Scotland sets the tone for a tournament filled with historic rivalries and promising new clashes. Spain vs Italy on Thursday 20 June and Netherlands vs France on Friday 21 June are just a few of the explosive matches that make this tournament impossible to miss. Experience the intensity and passion of Europe’s finest football on MultiChoice platforms, where every game is live and exclusive.

No matter your budget or lifestyle, MultiChoice has you covered. Choose Showmax Premier League for football on the go. Choose DStv for outstanding HD quality. Choose GOtv for a more social experience at an affordable price. With flexibility at the heart of our offerings, every fan can enjoy their perfect match setup, wherever and whenever. 

Which team are you rooting for? Don’t miss a single moment of the best European football! Download the MyDStv, MyGOtv or Showmax Premier League app to subscribe or reconnect. Whether at home or on the move, make sure you’re ready to catch all the action exclusively on MultiChoice platforms. 

UEFA EURO 2024 is yours to enjoy – make it unforgettable with a platform of your choice.

The Western Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Honorable Kwabena Okyere Darko – Mensah has commended the Board and Management of the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) for organizing a special edition of its popular Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fair dubbed, Tuesday Market, in the Western Region.

Dubbed the “Western Weekend Market”, the fair took place at the Takoradi Mall, from Friday 17^th to Sunday 19^th May 2024 at the Takoradi Mall, between 8am and 10pm daily. The fair provided a platform for Ghanaian entrepreneurs across the Western and neighboring regions to showcase their various top-quality and uniquely packaged Made-In-Ghana products.

 Honorable Kwabena Okyere Darko – Mensah participated in the fair on Saturday 18^th May 2024. Supported by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM, responsible for Banking, Ms. Rosemary Beryl Archer, the Minister inspected the Made-In-Ghana products being exhibited and took time to engage the vendors to get an insight into their business operations and products.

Speaking to the media after the event, Honorable Darko – Mensah congratulated GEXIM for the initiative to support SMEs to scale up and harness their export potential. Very impressed with the unique and amazing products being exhibited, the Minister urged the Bank to continue organizing more fairs in the region to benefit the growing entrepreneurs in the Western region.

“It is exciting and refreshing to be seeing these uniquely packaged products here today and most importantly, knowing there were products by Ghanaians and most of them produced in the Western region. I am very impressed with the work that has gone into organizing this amazing fair and I wish to commend the Ghana Export – Import Bank for this great initiative in addition to all the great things the Bank is doing for and with Ghanaian entrepreneurs across the country.

I must say it is the way to go as it contributes towards economic development and the creation of jobs for Ghanaians. With this initiative and others, we are on our way to achieving the Government of Ghana’s industrialization agenda. We will urge GEXIM to continue with the fair in the Western region and the SME Clinic to help build the capacity of SMEs in the region and beyond”, he stated.

On her part, Ms. Rosemary Beryl Archer expressed the Bank’s appreciation to the Minister and all stakeholders who made the “Western Weekend Market” a success. She further highlighted the significance of developing the Ghanaian SME sector and the important contribution entrepreneurs can make to economic development when they are empowered and supported to become more efficient.

“I am happy we have all these SMEs here today and they are being promoted both locally and internationally to be patronized. We cannot belittle the crucial role of SMEs in the national development agenda, witnessing the sector’s important contribution to the economic transformation of several countries globally, where it accounts for over 50% of private output.

We have had some great feedback from the vendors which indicates how the fair has broadened their knowledge base from engagement with their colleagues from other regions. We are looking at sending some of the SMEs from the Western Region to our SME fairs in other regions to get them aligned with what their colleagues in other regions are doing”, she added

On the sidelines of the “Western Weekend Market”, the Bank organized a training programme for the SMEs, dubbed “SME Clinic”, on Saturday 18^th May 2024 also at the Takoradi Mall. The “Western SME Clinic” is aimed at building the capacity of entrepreneurs, exploring solutions to challenges faced by Ghanaian businesses as well as identifying pragmatic approaches to assist SMEs to scale up and become more efficient in their operations.

Under the theme “Growing Your Business And Export Financing”, the participants were taken through important elements of business development and growth as well as the export value chain. They were further enlightened on the concept of governance, risk and compliance in business management.

Nana Ekua Kodu II, the queen mother of the Esikado Traditional Area and multiple award winning Ghanaian musician, Kofi Kinaata were part of the dignitaries that participated in the “Western Weekend Market ”.

In a significant effort to save newborn lives, Twellium Industrial Company Limited, the producers of Verna Mineral Water, has donated four incubators and four pieces of phototherapy equipment to some selected health centers across Ghana. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Ghana Medical Association, aims to address the shortage of essential medical equipment at birthing centers. The donation event took place on Tuesday May 21, 2024, at the Ghana Medical Association Center in Korle Bu, Accra. 

Ali Ajami, Marketing Director for Twellium Industries, emphasized the company’s commitment to making a substantial impact on child mortality rates in Ghana. “Child mortality is a matter of great concern to everyone, and Verna is always ready to support various medical facilities through our partner, the Ghana Medical Association. We are grateful for the support Ghanaians have shown to Verna Mineral Water. Through our Changing Lives campaign, we aim to improve the lives of more Ghanaians, especially those facing financial challenges,” Yehowada stated. He encouraged continued patronage of Verna products, noting that a portion of each purchase supports vital causes such as this one.

Dr. Ahmed A. Mensah, Chairman of the Ghana Medical Association’s Greater Accra Division, expressed gratitude for Verna Water’s support. He highlighted that this donation is part of an ongoing commitment from Verna, noting that last year the company also donated four incubators and four phototherapy equipment. These were distributed to eight hospitals across the country: Dominase SDA Hospital (CHAG) and Bekwai Municipal Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region, Hohoe District Hospital in the Oti Region, Ga West District Hospital in Amasaman, Ewim Polyclinic in the Central Region, Tamale West Hospital, and Sunyani Municipal Hospital. Dr. Mensah called on other institutions to follow Verna’s example in giving back to society.

Twellium’s social responsibility initiatives extend beyond medical equipment donations. In July 2022, the company constructed a canteen, a drainage system, and a fence wall at the Kaneshie Polyclinic. 

Additionally, through the Changing Lives campaign, Twellium covered the medical expenses for Rhoda Akorfa Senyegbe, who required surgery for a large left atrial myxoma at the National Cardiothoracic Centre, paying the cedi equivalent of $7,000, equivalent to GHC101, 500 for her treatment.

Twellium Industrial Company Ltd. continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in Ghana through sustained support and impactful donations, reinforcing its role as a vital partner in the nation’s health sector.