Category: Tech News

In her address at the two-day Ghana Canadian Diaspora Investment Summit in Toronto, Canada, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Madam Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, mentioned that cryptocurrency is becoming the order of the day and advised the Ghanaian economy to find ways of benefitting from it.

The theme for the summit, “Grow in Ghana, grow with Ghana”, was organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in order to discuss with Ghanaians in the Diaspora long-term investments and partnerships for Ghana’s Development.

In June 2018, the Bank of Ghana declared cryptocurrency illegal in Ghana and issued a warning to all financial institutions not to trade crypto. The warning was also directed to all crypto platforms.

Since then, the Central Bank has always been going after crypto platforms and cautions the general public against these platforms.

BoG has been looking at a more trusted and stable central bank digital currency (CBDC), eCedi, which will be backed by the Ghanaian Cedi, and the central bank online the cryptocurrency that has no backing.

The Minister lauded BoG for pushing its own eCedi but reiterated that the government should take a look at the ban on cryptocurrency because it gaining legitimacy in other parts of the world.

The Minister compared crypto today to VoIP (voice over internet protocol) like WhatsApp call, Facebook call, Telegram call, and others in the past, saying that VoIP used to be illegal, and several steps were taken to clamp down on operators that allowed it then, but today it is the norm.

“In the same vein, cryptocurrencies that are now illegal may very well become the norm many years down the line,” she said.

This statement from the minister backs what the Chairman of Ghana.com, Professor Nii Narku Quaynor said a while back. Prof also said Ghanaians are delaying and sleeping on cryptocurrency as they did before when he introduced the internet to Ghana.

According to Dr. Quaynor, he had plans for Ghana to be the internet access hub for the continent for which he pleaded for regulations from the regulators but stakeholders watched for foreigners to take over before regulations were designed for him.

Dr. Quaynor, therefore, called on the Bank of Ghana to stop restricting financial sector operators from transacting in crypto and rather use regulatory innovation to position Ghana to benefit fully from the global blockchain revolution and its attendant technologies like crypto, DeFi (decentralized finance), NFTs (non-fungible token) and others.

Growing Fin-Tech brand, Zeepay, is the official fintech partner to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after a GH¢500,000 deal was signed by both partners.

Mr. Kurt Simeon-Okraku, the president of GFA, expressed his excitement about their one-year deal with Zeepay and hoped for an everlasting partnership beyond one year.

“We qualified for the Mundial on the 29th of March and that would mark our fourth appearance at the World Cup and ever since it’s been quite interesting and exciting.

“We are super happy that today we have a new partner in Zeepay. Indeed, this relationship is for an initial one-year period and it’s our hope that it will be a marriage that would last forever,” Mr. Simeon-Okraku said.

For their partnership to extend beyond the current one-year deal, Simeon-Okraku said this can happen if both parties keep to their side of the bargain and said the GFA would not compromise on their side.

“But we also know that that can only happen if both parties behave very well. It is our vowed commitment to behave extremely well and what that means is that we expect the same from Zeepay.

“But we believe this will be a relationship that will be mutually beneficial. It will offer opportunities to boys and girls who would not normally be found in the woods of Ghana because that is what football is about. Football offered hopes for kids who would not normally have a livelihood,” the FA boss stated.

From September 27-28, 2022, the West African edition of the Africa Money and DeFi Summit will be held at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra. This summit is a stakeholders meeting that will be networking digital finances and ventures, crypto platforms, and fintech investors that are increasingly growing with the birth of decentralized finance (DeFi).

The leading business summit will connect over 400 delegates, 150 companies, and over 50 speakers covering topics via panel sessions, keynotes and fireside chats, plus multiple networking events, masterclass sessions, and a sold-out exhibition.

Over 400 delegates, 150 companies, and 50 speakers will be in attendance with topics to be discussed via panel sessions, keynotes and fireside chats, networking events, masterclass sessions, and exhibitions that are perceived to get high patronage.

The Founder of Africa Tech Summit, Mr. Andrew Fassnide, said “We are delighted to be hosting the West African edition of Africa Money & DeFi Summit in Accra, showcasing fintech leaders, crypto innovators, new rising ventures, and investment opportunities across the region. The growth of crypto across Africa continues and a new wave of DeFi is growing, so it’s exciting times in the digital finance space for driving business and investment forward.”

The Africa Money and DeFi Summit is being supported by Polygon, QoreID, Deimos, Zeepay, Celo Foundation, The HBAR Foundation, VeendHQ, Workpay, AWS, WiPay, Cellulant, Binance, YellowCard, Autochek, YouVerify, Fonbnk, Seamfix, Jelurida Africa, Niji Oni & Co, Affinity, Aza Finance, Flutterwave, International Trade Centre, Paystack, Pennee, DataMynt, Bitmama, Africa BIoT Labs, Bitpowr, WeWire Africa, Dukka, Crunch Network, Stakefair, Amalga Securities & FEZ Delivery.

With the widespread popularity of FinTech, Crypto, and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) across the continent, opportunities and way the way forward for sustainability of these new developments will be under review.

Results from a similar summit in Nairobi early this year, the DeFi summit also promises to make a positive impact in the digital space.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Public Services Commission (PSC), and the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development have been the beneficiaries of modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment worth GHC 8.9 million.

The DVLA received a Desktop Card Printer, Card Print Device, signature pads, fingerprint readers, and cleaning swab kits, all valued at GHC8,312,121 while the PSC received video conferencing equipment, 75’ smart television, laptops, color printers, digital camera, server wracks, among other items valued at GHC552,635. 

The Ministry also received laptops, color printers, projectors, and a wireless router valued at GHC104,312.

This donation is a part of the Public Sector Reform Results Project (PSRRP) being implemented by the Public Sector Reform Secretariat under the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor with US$32 million funding from the World Bank.

PSRRP is a 4-year long program, which commenced in 2019 and seeks at improving efficiency and accountability in the delivery of public services by the various government institutions.

The donation was made by the Senior Presidential Advisor, Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, who said the equipment was not just for beautification but to help support the institutions execute their services properly. 

 “The private sector can only function properly when the public sector delivery is efficient. We want the public service to be oriented along these lines that they would provide service to the private sector to make money for the economy to grow,” MrOsafo-Maafo stated. 

He tasked the institutions to make good use of the equipment for efficient service delivery.

Chief Executive Officer of the Public Sector Reform Secretariat, Thomas KusiBoafo, said the PSRRP project engulfs 13 government institutions including the three beneficiaries, Passport Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Birth and Death Registry, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, among others.

He said the secretariat is open to strategies and developmental ideas from the institutions that can help in efficient service delivery.

A Deputy Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, OseiBonsuAmoah, said the accumulation of data on the use of funds from the various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will now be properly accounted for. 

“Every analysis, financial statements from all the MMDAs are supposed to come to the Ministry. It is a process that is becoming quite tedious because of its manual nature. This equipment will help our work greatly,” he said. 

Mr. Akwasi Agyeman Busia, Chief Executive Officer of DVLA, noted the Authority’s ongoing digitalization drive which had ensured improved service delivery adding that the equipment would enable continuous improvement in its services.

Chairperson of the Public Services Commission, Dr. Janet AmpaduFofie, said the equipment would enhance the Commission’s supervisory duties and reduce operational cost and time.

One of the leading smartphone brands IINFINIX has donated Library items to two senior High schools, Kinbu senior high and Technical School and Accra High School in the Korley Klottey municipality in Accra as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, which was dubbed “Caring for the Future”. The smartphone Guru deemed this gesture as a way of giving back to society.

According to the Public Relations Officer of INFINIX Ghana, Abena Obenewaa Amrado, this donation is to assist the schools in areas where they fall short. She added that “INFINIX is excited to be part of creating comfort and making reading interesting for students in the library.

The Local Marketing Manager, James Attah Mensah also revealed that, INFINIX, after visitation an discussions with the schools, realised that the schools needed support in the overall appearance and effective functioning of the school Library, hence the support through our Corporate Social Responsibility Project. According to INFINIX, the initiative to care for the Future of these students falls in line with the brands slogan “The Future is now”!

As part of refurbishing the school’s libraries, INFINIX donated books, air-conditioners, curtains, ceiling fans, and many others. These items were well received by the headmistress of each school with excitement. In a short speech, the Municipal Chief Executive, Honourable Nii Adjei Tawiah, commended INFINIX for their benevolence and assured them of more collaborations in the future.

The headmistress of Kinbu Senior High and Technical School shared her excitement and satisfaction to receive the donated items; she encouraged INFINIX to continue with this benevolence. The headmistress of Accra High also added that” we are very grateful for this donation, this is beyond what we expected and I applaud INFINIX for giving back to Ghanaians through this notable gesture. We can collectively say that the future of our students is now”

For updates on products, events, and giveaways, Follow INFINIX Ghana on all social media platforms;

Instagram/Twitter: InfinixGhana

YouTube: InfinixMobileGhana and

Facebook: Infinixmobile.

This article will look at how simple it is to open a PayPal account in Kenya, make transactions, and even connect PayPal to Mpesa. If you want to learn all, there is to know about PayPal’s ecosystem in Kenya. I guarantee you’ll read this post all the way through.

Let us get this party started.

Kenya is often referred to as the “Father of Mobile Banking,” owing to M-Pesa, which we have previously covered thoroughly on Mfidie.com. M-Pesa’s success has spread around the globe, although it is still not generally recognized as a payment method in practically all nations. For these reasons, many have sought to look for alternative means of payment.

M-Pesa is relatively easy for a Kenyan blogger like myself to collect most of my payments when my job is over. But, if I get a job in another country, would Mpesa be accepted? Yes, but in most circumstances, it will not function. Now, someone could object to using an M-Pesa Visa card, but let’s leave that for another day and concentrate on the right-hand solution PayPal.

Since its introduction in 1998 in the United States, PayPal has become a widely acknowledged money transfer network. The platform has been functioning in the nation for some time, and it is anticipated that billions of transactions have already been made possible via it. Equity Bank of Kenya was the first to push the product, and later Safaricom joined the group.

The partnership between PayPal and Safaricom was a game-changer in the country, and PayPal Mpesa benefited from the partnership in 2018. By buying with PayPal businesses, many Kenyans will now be able to access worldwide services where M-Pesa is not available. This is the kind of blog that we suggest sharing with your friends if you want to profit from what PayPal has to offer.

In Kenya, how does PayPal work?

The most straightforward method to get the most out of PayPal in Kenya is linking it to your M-Pesa account and using its features. Other options include tying your account to your credit card or bank account.

When you link your PayPal account to M-Pesa, you may deposit money into your M-Pesa wallet, transfer money to PayPal, and even do the reverse.

However, before going through all of those steps, it’s always a good idea to grasp the inner workings of how PayPal and M-Pesa function together. This begins with basic information such as understanding the different kinds of PayPal accounts and the signup procedure. If you’re a computer nerd like me, you may jump ahead to where you’re comfortable, but don’t be tempted if you’re starting to start.

What are the different types of Paypal accounts available in Kenya?

No matter where you are global, PayPal has two different kinds of accounts to choose from. There are two types of accounts: personal and business. The first may be used to make online purchases and transfer money to friends and relatives. When you join up for the site, all you have to do is submit your valid credentials. The process of creating an account is free.

On the other hand, the Business accounts are geared toward merchants who operate online storefronts or offer online items and services.

This account has more features, such as verifying information to ensure that you are authentic.

However, for the sake of this post, we will use a Personal Account since it is the easiest to set up and the most well-known among the general public.

In Kenya, how can I get a personal PayPal account?

• To begin the registration procedure, go to paypal.com in your computer browser
• As previously indicated, choose the account type, which I assume is a personal account
• Fill in your correct information; I emphasize correct information because PayPal will terminate your account if you enter incorrect information.
• Choose the method for submitting your information; you may include your national identity card number or passport information if needed.
• Confirm all of the data and consent to the account’s creation
• You’ve successfully established a PayPal account
•  Remember to confirm your account in the email delivered to your inbox.

How to Make a PayPal-Mpesa Connection

It is usually advisable to connect your account with M-pesa after it has been set up. Remember that until you complete this activity, you will not be able to collect payments from any Platform or usage.

To connect your Visa or MasterCard, follow the steps below. Click Add a Bank Account or Card>> Click Link a Card>> Enter all essential information. Note that PayPal will debit about Ksh 250 from your bank account after completing this procedure, subject to your approval. Enter the code sent to your phone number to complete the linking procedure.

• To link PayPal With M-Pesa
• Visit the PayPal Mpesa page for more information
• To begin, use the ‘Get Started’ button.
• Check the box that says “Privacy Policy.”
• Enter the Safaricom Mpesa number you’d want to link to PayPal
• Verify the code using the code sent to your Safaricom Number

As easy as that, remember to visit the PayPal Mpesa website if you need any help with Paypal Mpesa, such as topping up or withdrawing money.

What are the new Mpesa costs for Paypal?

For any transactions carried out between the two sites as of 2022. You will be charged 3% during the PayPal withdrawal procedure, and during M-Pesa Top-Up, you will be charged 4%. Depending on the transaction (withdrawal or topping up), the maximum time it takes for your money to be processed by the two platforms is up to days. That does not mean it is constant; it may take up to two hours or even minutes.

N.B. The maximum amount you may withdraw each transaction is Ksh 70,000, with a daily limit of Ksh 150,000.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments box, and I will respond as soon as possible.

Kenya is one of the top ten African nations that has been steadily advancing the integration of new technologies throughout the years.The nice thing about technology is that it will not be the same in the coming years as it is now. It is constantly changing at a quicker pace than anticipated.

Slowly but steadily, blockchain technologies have emerged, resulting in new kinds of decentralized currency, such as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, etc. As of writing, the NFTs and Metaverse technologies are causing a stir in the IT industry. This might be a good indication of what the future holds for us in technology.

Locally, in Kenya, we are not left behind either. The government is constantly pushing for digital literacy in the nation so that more people can benefit from all of the advantages it provides. After a two-year break, the Connected Kenya Summit was recently held to assist Kenya’s digital economy, particularly in the fintech sector, develop.

As technology evolves, keep an eye on Tech Trends that you should be in the know. We’ve compiled a list of Kenya’s most promising technology trends to watch in the following years. Read  to the end

Blockchain

Blockchain and its many applications are poised to transform how several industries in the nation function. Because it is a container that stores data asynchronously, user data cannot be manipulated by the government or even the organization itself since it is decentralized.

This new technology uses cloud services to gather, integrate, and distribute transactional data from many sources. It also ensures data integrity by providing a single source of truth, reducing data duplication, and enhancing security.

Because manufacturing is a crucial sector that the government has promised to develop, most people would profit from this technology because it is in high demand. Many industries are prepared to implement it.

Cloud Computing

Cloud(Edge) computing is a significant phrase in the IT world because of its many advantages. One of the most critical applications is that they enable you to rent computer infrastructure and use it as your own. From data centers to cloud storage services, the Infrastructure may be anything. Otherwise, starting your own business would be costly.As of this writing, Edge Computing is still in its infancy phases in the nation, although it is rapidly increasing.

Amazon Web Services is preparing to establish its cloud infrastructure in Kenya, bringing WS computing, storage, database, and other services closer to end customers and on-premises data centers.Furthermore, it will increase the usage of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, resulting in various job opportunities for many people interested in technology, such as software engineers and cloud engineers.

5G Network

Another significant trend that should not be overlooked is 5G.It’s a crucial area of technology that will also fuel other vital areas, such as the newly stated Edge Computing.Here in Kenya, the 4G network is well-established, with 5G attempting to show its merits in various ways. Safaricom, Kenya’s foremost telecommunications company, has announced that 5G will be fully operational in the nation. The operator has already deployed more than 600 testing sites around the country, with positive results thus far (Faster speeds, use-driven services, and increased bandwidths).

There are already 5G-enabled devices in Kenya that may give you a taste of what 5G looks like in real life.

Fintech

Fintech, like many other Emerging Technological Trends, is as essential as it was before Covid took over the nation. Forbes phrases as a term that refers to software, algorithms, and apps for both computer and mobile devices. In other words, this new technology will merge and automate multiple technologies in the supply of financial services.

The use case of M-PESA is a better example, but as the country continues to embrace Blockchain technology, demand for Fintech is increasing.

Fintech, if widely adopted, will enable many people to benefit from money transfers (this is where M-PESA comes in), depositing a check with your smartphone, bypassing a bank branch to apply for credit, raising money for a business startup, or managing their investments, all without the need for human assistance.

Process Automation using Robotics (RPA)

If you’ve been with Zuri from Safaricom on WhatsApp, it’s safe to assume that we share the same understanding of RPA.In another way, RPA is a kind of software meant to automate different business activities such as transaction processing, customer service calls, interpreting multiple inputs, data management, etc. The goal is to make work simpler by providing the required results promptly.

If you’re interested in this technology, the good news is that it’s currently underutilized, and you can profit from it in the long run. Developer, project manager, business analyst, solution architect, and consultant are all possibilities.