Commerce

AFC have agreed with Itana to jointly develop the first digital economic zone in Africa. (Image source: Africa Finance Corporation)

Itana, Nigeria’s inaugural licensed digital economic zone management company, has partnered with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent’s premier infrastructure solutions provider, to co-develop Africa’s first digital economic zone

This zone is designed to enable global and Pan-African technology, finance, and service-oriented businesses to seamlessly scale across Africa, thus unlocking the continent’s digital economy. The collaboration was formalized at the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, witnessed by global government and business leaders.

Located in Lagos, Nigeria, the Itana Digital Economic Zone will function as an online jurisdiction, facilitating the establishment and operation of global businesses in Nigeria. Through Itana, companies can remotely incorporate and manage their businesses within the zone, benefiting from laws, incentives (tax, immigration, and banking), and services optimised for the digital economy. Additionally, the zone will feature eco-friendly live-work districts and a live-in accelerator programme, showcasing the future of African urban development. This will provide businesses with the necessary infrastructure and support to scale and compete globally.

Africa's digital frontier

AFC will provide project development funding for Itana and plans to lead the financing of phase 1, which has a budget of approximately US$100mn. This phase will include an eco-friendly tech campus in Lagos and funding for startups through the Accelerate Africa programme, Itana’s accelerator in partnership with Future Africa. AFC will also aid in the deployment of the Itana Digital Economic Zone, aimed at attracting global and Pan-African tech, finance, and service businesses looking to operate across Africa.

In partnership with Future Africa, PwC Nigeria, and Charter Cities Institute, Itana and AFC are advising the Initiative for the promotion of Digital Free Zones in Nigeria (DiFZIN), a non-profit focused on advocacy and policy research. This group represents the private sector on the recently announced Nigerian Federal Government steering committee for establishing Digital Economic Zones in Nigeria, chaired by President Bola Tinubu and comprising key Government Ministers and Agency Heads.

Itana aims to create a conducive environment aligned with the demands of the digital trade and technological age. The organisation has recently launched the Itana Application, offering individuals access to services like business visa facilitation, local bank accounts, and a marketplace of trusted vendors for African business operations. Eligible businesses can easily register as a Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) and obtain a Business Operating License, joining the ranks of digital companies such as Reliance Info and Future Africa.

Following incorporation, businesses can benefit from tax and capital repatriation incentives, access to the Itana business community, and apply for business banking and special work and residency permits without expatriate quota restrictions.

“Itana intends to be to Nigeria and Africa what Delaware & Silicon Valley is to the U.S., the DIFC is to Dubai, and e-Estonia is to the European Union,” said Luqman Edu, CEO of Itana. “Itana is poised as the gateway to doing business in Africa. Local and international businesses looking to expand their operations across Africa will naturally look to Itana as their point of entry.”

“Africa’s digital economy is poised for significant expansion and innovation following the rapid adoption of mobile technology, a burgeoning youth population, and the growing importance of digital commerce and services,” said Samaila Zubairu, president & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation. “In support of this, AFC is proud to be a pioneer alongside Itana, in building Africa’s first digital economic zone. This unprecedented initiative marks a pivotal step towards creating a thriving hub for the African digital economy, cementing the Corporation’s commitment to driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic development across the continent.”

Last year, Itana announced a funding round backed by prominent venture capital firms and tech industry leaders, including LocalGlobe, Amplo, Pronomos Capital (backed by Peter Thiel), Balaji, and Future Africa (led by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave).

As Africa’s first Digital Zone, Itana remains dedicated to positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. The zone will be situated in Alaro City, a mixed-use development spanning over 2,000 hectares in the Lekki Free Zone.

KaiOS partners with Mastercard to enable SMEs in emerging markets to accept digital payments via affordable KaiOS-powered devices, starting in Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

KaiOS, the leading operating system that brings internet access to affordable devices, has announced a new partnership with Mastercard to integrate a variety of digital payment solutions

Starting in Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria, the collaboration aims to offer accessible payment acceptance devices, promoting the development of a more inclusive and interconnected global economy.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in developing regions, face challenges when it comes to adopting digital payments, including high costs for traditional payment terminals and technical hurdles. This creates a barrier for these businesses to fully participate in the digital economy, limiting opportunities for inclusive growth.

Transforming business transactions

Through their partnership, KaiOS and Mastercard aim to empower millions of SMEs worldwide to accept digital payments using KaiOS-powered devices. Even the smallest businesses will have the capability to securely and efficiently accept payments via Mastercard QR Pay by Link, with plans to introduce Tap & Go contactless technology in the future.

The onboarding process is straightforward. Business owners simply register using their KaiOS phone, entering their credentials and verifying through a one-time password. Once authenticated, they can immediately access and utilise a range of digital payment services.

Jorn Lambert, Mastercard's chief product officer, commented, "Acceptance fuels a successful digital economy, so it’s critical that we meet people where they are today and move them forward together. Whether it’s a micro-merchant in Cote d’Ivoire to an enterprise in Indonesia, our goal is to make it as easy for merchants to accept digital payments as it is for consumers to make them. We’re looking forward to working closely with KaiOS to bring the best of our technology, scale, and expertise together to drive growth for emerging markets around the world."

Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies, emphasised, "At KaiOS, our mission is to connect underserved communities with the digital world. By bringing Mastercard's secure payment technology to affordable internet phones running KaiOS, we're unlocking new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, allowing them to participate in modern commerce more fully. This innovation brings down the barriers and enables an affordable consumer device to become a powerful business tool."

This partnership further strengthens the relationship between KaiOS and Mastercard as the operating system continues to expand its reach. Currently, KaiOS collaborates with major carriers, mobile network operators, and phone manufacturers in emerging markets, and is planning to broaden its scope to include acquiring banks, fintechs, and payment facilitators. KaiOS was also part of Mastercard's Start Path programme, designed to foster digital inclusion by embedding innovative payment solutions.

The initial focus of the partnership will be on African markets, with Mastercard and KaiOS working alongside local partners like Touch and Pay Technologies (TAP) and Wizzit to bring these solutions to merchants in the region.

Safaricom partners with Mastercard to boost payment acceptance and cross-border remittances in Kenya, benefiting 636,000+ M-PESA merchants. (Image source: Mastercard)

Safaricom has teamed up with Mastercard to boost the adoption of payment acceptance and cross-border remittance services in Kenya

The partnership is set to benefit more than 636,000 merchants utilising M-PESA, Safaricom’s flagship mobile money platform.

Transforming Kenya's payments 

As Kenya’s payment acceptance market expands, mobile wallet payments—primarily driven by M-PESA—are projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% from 2020 to 2024. By leveraging M-PESA’s broad merchant network and Mastercard’s global payment infrastructure, the partnership will offer merchants more seamless, secure, and scalable payment solutions, enabling them to cater to customers in international markets. The collaboration will also strengthen remittance services by streamlining cross-border transactions.

“We are proud to partner with Safaricom to build an inclusive digital economy that works for everyone, everywhere. We will enable the merchants to grow and contribute to the Kenyan economy,” commented Amnah Ajmal, executive vice-president, EEMEA, Mastercard.

By integrating Mastercard’s omnichannel acceptance solutions across the M-PESA merchant ecosystem, the partnership aims to scale digital payments throughout Kenya. Additionally, Safaricom’s integration of Mastercard’s infrastructure will enhance cross-border money transfers, providing faster and more dependable transactions, while empowering merchants to accept digital payments more effectively.

“This collaboration with Mastercard unlocks new opportunities for M-PESA merchants, aligning with our mission to deliver innovative, customer-centric products. By combining our expertise with Mastercard’s global acceptance network, we are enabling businesses to provide more efficient and frictionless payment solutions to their customers, both in Kenya and beyond,” stated Esther Waititu, chief financial services officer at Safaricom Plc.

Both Safaricom and Mastercard are dedicated to driving innovation and financial inclusion within Kenya’s evolving digital landscape. The first initiatives are expected to launch in the upcoming months, supporting Safaricom’s goal of securing its acquiring license and offering merchants advanced digital payment solutions.

EAC and IGAD to launch EARDIP, a World Bank-backed initiative to improve digital connectivity, cybersecurity, and integration across Eastern Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are preparing to launch the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), a transformative initiative to enhance digital connectivity and integration across the region

During a workshop in Dar es Salaam, EAC deputy secretary general Annette Ssemuwemba described the project as a "game-changer" that will help build a thriving digital economy, create opportunities for innovation, and drive economic growth.

EARDIP, supported by the World Bank, aims to address key challenges, including fragmented digital infrastructure, high internet costs, and limited access to online services, particularly in underserved rural areas. The project will create a unified digital network to bridge the digital divide, foster cross-border communication, and promote equitable access to digital resources. IGAD’s director Dr Mohyeldeen Eltohami highlighted the regional collaboration, calling the project a "bold step" toward Eastern Africa’s digital transformation.

Additionally, EARDIP will focus on harmonizing digital policies and enhancing cybersecurity across member states, creating a secure and resilient digital ecosystem. This initiative is expected to strengthen regional integration, improve service delivery, and position Eastern Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.