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Supermicro teams with Exclusive Networks Africa to advance AI, data centres, and sustainability across the continent. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Supermicro, a leader in application-optimised total IT, has sought to expand its footprint across Africa by appointing Exclusive Networks Africa, a trusted cybersecurity specialist, as a distributor for the region

“The African market is marked by its rapid adoption of cutting-edge technology, largely due to a reduced dependence on legacy infrastructure. Exclusive Networks Africa’s strong presence across East and West Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Indian Ocean Islands makes it an ideal partner to drive our growth ambitions,” remarked Wynand Möller, regional manager – sub-Saharan Africa at Supermicro.

“In a vast and diverse market like Africa, having a partner with the pedigree of Exclusive Networks Africa is critical. The company’s precision focus on security and data centre technologies aligns perfectly with our emphasis on next-generation solutions.”

Advancing AI

The two have a shared commitment to advance AI technologies and, to this end, Supermicro’s advanced graphical process unit (GPU) solutions will play a pivotal role. The GPU-driven innovations are designed to deliver robust, scalable and flexible infrastructure for AI acceleration, helping enterprises unlock new possibilities in AI deployment and data centre operations.

Möller added, “As the world’s third largest supplier and consumer of technology, behind only Microsoft and Meta, Supermicro’s GPU offerings play a key role in AI acceleration. This technology will form the cornerstone of the partnership with Exclusive Networks Africa, with a strong focus on GPU and data centre-related technology.”

“Organisations in Africa are increasingly repatriating their digital assets – such as data, applications or entire business processes – from public cloud environments to on-premises data centres, motivated by the need for greater control, performance, security and cost-efficiency,” commented Stefan van de Giessen, general manager for Africa at Exclusive Networks Africa.

“This trend is further driven by global geopolitical uncertainties and currency fluctuations impacting cloud costs. Exclusive Networks Africa is thrilled to collaborate with a company like Supermicro, a leader in advanced GPU technology, thanks to the growing AI market.”

Sustainability at the core

Supermicro has also explained that sustainability is a key cornerstone of the new partnership, with the company’s products designed for free-air cooling, liquid cooling-readiness and to reduce e-wastage.

“Very importantly for a region like Africa though is the focus on reducing power consumption,” said Van de Giessen. “Supermicro achieves this by sharing fans and power supplies, resulting in a more optimised operation, something that the business claims can reduce electricity use by an estimated 10%.”

Henok Kebede, CEO of NIB International Bank (L) and Elfagid Woldegiorgis, Business Development Director for Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan at Mastercard (R) launch of the NIB International Bank Prepaid Mastercard in Ethiopia. (Image source: Mastercard)

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, NIB International Bank (NIB) has partnered with Mastercard to unveil the Prepaid Mastercard, a flexible and secure payment solution designed to support Ethiopian consumers with effortless local and international transactions

This collaboration reflects a shared vision to drive financial inclusion and foster innovation in Ethiopia.

As Ethiopia’s digital economy expands, with estimates predicting a contribution of over ETB 1.3 trillion (approx. US$10.11bn) to GDP by 2028, the need for reliable and adaptable payment solutions has become more critical. The Prepaid Mastercard meets this demand by offering a reloadable payment option ideal for e-commerce, travel, and everyday expenses. Equipped with 3D Secure technology, the card ensures safe and convenient fund management.

The Prepaid Mastercard addresses a key market gap by enabling Ethiopian consumers to perform seamless online transactions. With the rise of online shopping and international travel, this solution supports changing consumer preferences while promoting financial transparency and economic development.

“At Mastercard, our innovations are driven by a commitment to transforming access to secure financial services and accelerating financial inclusion across Africa. The launch of the Prepaid Mastercard exemplifies the transformative impact of collaboration in advancing digital payments. By collaborating with NIB International Bank, we are supporting Ethiopian consumers to embrace the possibilities of digital transactions, enabling seamless and secure global connectivity while driving the broader financial inclusion agenda,” said Shehryar Ali, senior vice-president and country manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard.

“Through our collaboration with Mastercard, our new prepaid solution provides customers with a convenient, secure payment tool that addresses both domestic and international needs, underscoring our commitment to customer-focused innovation and accessibility. This launch marks a significant milestone in our mission to enhance financial inclusion and support consumers with versatile solutions that adapt to their lifestyles,” added Henok Kebede, CEO of NIB International Bank.

The launch is further strengthened by Premier Switch Solutions (PSS), Ethiopia’s leading third-party processor, which ensures seamless and secure electronic transactions between banks.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Mastercard to onboard our founding member, NIB bank, for the issuance of NIB’s Prepaid Mastercard. At PSS, we remain committed to advancing the payment sector by delivering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and accessibility for our member banks. This collaboration with Mastercard and NIB International Bank underscores our commitment to providing financial services, empowering Ethiopian consumers, and fostering economic growth,” stated Ato Amha Tadesse, group CEO of PSS.

The Prepaid Mastercard offers several standout benefits, including its reloadable design, which allows users to conveniently load funds for daily expenses, online purchases, and travel-related transactions. It provides a secure and practical alternative to cash, with advanced security features for both online and in-person payments. Accepted at millions of locations worldwide, the card opens doors to global commerce for Ethiopian consumers.

By adding this innovative solution to its digital banking services, NIB demonstrates its dedication to meeting the diverse financial needs of Ethiopian consumers. With the Prepaid Mastercard launch, Mastercard advances its mission to promote financial inclusion and empower communities with cutting-edge digital solutions, contributing to its global goal of integrating one billion people into the digital economy by 2025.

MTN partners with Telecoming to launch Cloudplay in South Africa, offering affordable cloud gaming for all users. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

MTN, Africa's leading telecommunications provider with a subscriber base exceeding 290 million across the continent, has launched Cloudplay, a cutting-edge cloud gaming service

The service is developed in collaboration with Telecoming, a sportech firm specialising in mobile sports and entertainment experiences. This launch represents another significant achievement in their ongoing partnership.

MTN Cloudplay: Transforming gaming access

MTN Cloudplay offers South African MTN users the opportunity to enjoy an extensive array of cloud-based video games, providing an exceptional gaming experience without the need for downloads or high-end consoles. The service allows users to stream premium PC games directly to their mobile devices, enabling gaming on the go, anywhere, anytime.

This initiative aims to make high-quality mobile gaming accessible to everyone, featuring various genres such as retro classics and popular titles with multi-device support, all for an affordable price of just R79 per month (approx. US$4.34).

Jason Probert, MTN South Africa’s general manager for digital services, commented, "We’re thrilled to launch MTN Cloudplay in South Africa. We’re committed to enabling our customers to enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life and the advent of 5G means that it is now possible to stream and play games without the need for a PC or console. Customers can use their existing Steam licenses on the service, and have access to more than 300 games on the service for only R79 per month."

Alí Karaosman, MEA director of Telecoming, added, "It is very exciting for us to extend our collaboration with MTN, bringing our nearly decade-long experience in this market and supporting the operator in this innovative digital entertainment offering, we are convinced that MTN Cloudplay will revolutionize the way users in South Africa enjoy video games. For Telecoming, this partnership with MTN is a strategic step in our mission to bring esports and innovative digital services to Africa. We are committed to continuing to develop technological solutions that enhance digital leisure for people in the region."

Service overview

Since November 2024, MTN Cloudplay has been available to all MTN subscribers in South Africa. With a library of over 340 games from more than 50 publishers, the service provides a premium gaming experience across any device.

Kitso Lemo, Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group, Johannesburg. (Image source: Boston Consulting Group)

Nihmal Marrie, managing director and Partner, and Kitso Lemo, associate director at Boston Consulting Group Johannesburg, explore the transformative impact of fintech and the essential steps required to unlock its full potential

In recent years, Africa’s fintech landscape has evolved into a dynamic force, significantly advancing financial inclusion across the continent. This growth has been driven largely by innovative private sector technology solutions addressing the shortcomings of traditional financial services. However, to realize fintech’s full potential and ensure its continued success, government involvement in creating a comprehensive regulatory framework is crucial.

The rise of fintech in Africa

The fintech revolution in Africa began with Kenya's M-PESA in 2007, which introduced a mobile-based solution to the country’s inefficient banking system. This innovation quickly spread across Africa, with Africa now accounting for nearly half of the world’s mobile money accounts. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are leading the way in fintech innovation.

Many African fintech companies, especially those in payments, have played a pivotal role in making transactions more efficient and reliable. Digital-native fintechs such as Yoco, Opay, Flutterwave, and Moniepoint, along with telecom-backed fintechs like MTN MoMo, M-PESA, Airtel Money, and Orange Money, have been at the forefront. Other key sectors include banking and remittances, where companies like South Africa’s Tyme Bank are gaining market share and exploring international expansion.

The sector has also attracted global investors. In 2024, Mastercard invested US$200mn in MTN Group Fintech and US$100mn in Airtel Money, further highlighting the sector’s potential to expand digital payments across Africa.

Despite these successes, significant challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where financial exclusion is still prevalent. However, fintech solutions, such as mobile money, micro-lending, and digital payment platforms, are proving effective in addressing these challenges.

South Africa, with its well-established banking system, still faces issues of underbanking, particularly among small businesses, less than 5% of which have access to working capital. To increase market penetration, the fintech sector must attract more capital, allowing businesses to scale or potentially go public through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

The Importance of a regulatory framework

While private sector innovation has been a key driver, establishing a strong regulatory framework is vital for the sector’s success. Regulatory oversight plays a vital role in ensuring consumer protection by holding fintech companies accountable, promoting transparency, and safeguarding financial data. A well-regulated environment also ensures market stability, helping to prevent volatility that could undermine trust in fintech solutions. Furthermore, clear and supportive regulations create an environment where fintech companies can innovate with confidence, knowing that the regulatory landscape is predictable and conducive to growth. This, in turn, fosters increased investment from both local and international sources, as investors are more likely to invest in markets that are stable and secure.

By focusing on these elements, African governments can create an ecosystem where fintech companies are encouraged to grow, innovate, and expand, while simultaneously ensuring that consumers’ interests are protected and the financial system remains robust.

The Path forward for Africa

To replicate the successes seen in South America and Asia, African governments must take a proactive stance in developing and implementing regulatory frameworks that are suited to their specific needs.

Encouraging progress is being made, such as the work of the Central Bank of West African States in driving interoperability across the fintech ecosystem. Ghana is also making strides in this area.

Here are some steps that could propel the sector forward:

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Governments should work closely with fintech companies, financial institutions, and other key players to understand the sector’s needs and challenges. Public-private partnerships can drive effective regulations that support both innovation and consumer protection.
• Regulatory Sandboxes: Establishing regulatory sandboxes can provide a controlled space for fintech companies to test new products and services while allowing regulators to adapt policies as needed.
• Capacity Building: Governments should invest in strengthening regulatory bodies by training personnel, upgrading technological infrastructure, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Regional cooperation: Since fintech businesses are increasingly cross-border, African countries can benefit from harmonising regulations to ease the movement of money across the continent. Regional cooperation can increase the competitiveness of Africa’s fintech ecosystem.
• Developing skills: As the fintech industry matures, there will be increased competition for skilled professionals across various sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and insurance. Developing talent in areas such as legal compliance, product capabilities, and technology roles will be critical to unlocking value in the fintech sector.

The African fintech ecosystem has immense potential to drive financial inclusion and economic growth. Realizing this potential requires a robust regulatory framework. By learning from global successes and adopting a collaborative, proactive approach, African governments can create an environment conducive to fintech innovation. This will ensure that fintech solutions are sustainable, secure, and accessible to all, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for the continent.