Hotspot Network and Solarkiosk Solutions team up to launch a joint venture, aiming to enhance solar energy and internet in rural Nigeria. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hotspot Network, a telecom tower operator focused on the middle market in Nigeria, has partnered with Solarkiosk Solutions, a provider of off-grid solar energy across Africa

The collaboration has led to the establishment of a joint venture called Hotspot-Solarkiosk, aimed at enhancing the communication landscape in underserved regions of Nigeria.

The primary goal of this partnership is to implement technological solutions that will expand solar energy access and improve internet connectivity in rural areas.

Thomas Rieger, CEO of Solarkiosk Solutions, stated, “This collaboration will combine connectivity and essential services, transforming rural Nigeria and driving economic empowerment in off-grid communities.”

Morenikeji Aniye, CEO of Hotspot Network, noted, “This joint venture realises years of work on sustainable rural ecosystems, integrating ICT and energy access. It aims to enhance income, gender participation, and skills, marking a significant step in improving rural Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions.”

“It aims to enhance income, gender participation, and skills, marking a significant step in improving rural Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions.”

Ecobank Uganda partners with Ria Money Transfer to improve remittance services, benefiting Ugandans locally and abroad. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Ecobank Uganda Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with Ria Money Transfer, a leading global provider of cross-border remittance services

This collaboration will enhance remittance options throughout Uganda, enabling customers to receive funds directly into their Ecobank accounts. Additionally, both Ecobank account holders and non-account holders will have the ability to quickly collect cash transfers at any Ecobank branch or via the bank’s extensive sub-agent network across the nation.

Grace Muliisa, managing director of Ecobank Uganda, highlighted the partnership's significance for Ugandans both within the country and in the diaspora, particularly those in the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Middle East. She noted that this partnership simplifies the process for Ugandans abroad to send money back home. “There is a growing need to provide seamless financial solutions to Africans in the diaspora. We are excited to collaborate with Ria Money Transfer to enhance the security and efficiency of remittance services for all Ugandans,” stated Muliisa. She further emphasised that this partnership aligns with Ecobank’s mission to deliver unparalleled convenience in global funds transfer services and reinforces its reputation as a reliable partner for the Ugandan diaspora.

El Hadj Malick Seck, managing director of Ria Money Transfer – Africa, shared similar views, describing the partnership as a valuable extension of Ria’s network, which includes over 580,000 physical locations in nearly 200 countries. He underscored the significance of East Africa, particularly Uganda, within Ria’s operations and stressed that this partnership would offer even greater convenience for Ugandans sending money to their loved ones back home.

Galaxy Backbone achieves Nigeria's first Uptime Tier IV certification for its data centre, enhancing digital infrastructure and supporting national growth. (Image source: Galaxy Backbone)

Galaxy Backbone (GBB), a leading digital transformation company, has achieved Uptime Tier IV certification for a data centre in Nigeria, marking the first facility in the country to receive this prestigious certification

Founded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, GBB is tasked with providing ICT services and infrastructure for government entities. It operates the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB), a comprehensive fibre optic network across Nigeria.

To address increasing network demands, GBB collaborated with Huawei on this new facility, utilising Huawei’s FusionDC1000B prefabricated modular data centre solution. This innovative approach shifts from traditional sequential construction to a model combining onsite assembly with factory prefabrication, resulting in rapid deployment and delivery.

Advancing data infrastructure 

Supporting Nigeria’s digital evolution, the new data centre features 17 prefabricated containers and integrates various systems such as smart modules, modular UPS, lithium batteries, data centre infrastructure management (DCIM), and iCooling. The prefabricated design minimises onsite construction waste and dust, with a streamlined process that allows for complete assembly and testing in just one month. These containers are designed for a 50-year service life, capable of withstanding magnitude 3 earthquakes and scale 12 winds, and meet IP55 standards for dust and water resistance, offering building-like quality.

With most data centres in Nigeria being Tier III, the introduction of this Tier IV facility is a significant advancement in closing the country’s digital divide.

GBB’s design process for the data centre incorporated features from top industry facilities, pre-integrating equipment and power distribution systems. This approach, which includes prefabricated modules for power supply, air conditioning units, and maintenance areas, has resulted in an industry-leading prefabrication rate and successful Uptime Tier IV certification for both design and facilities.

“Achieving this Tier IV certification from Uptime Institute is a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence in cloud, data centre, and business continuity services,” said Ibrahim Adeyanju, managing director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone. “This certification assures our clients that they can rely on us for the highest levels of service availability and security. We remain committed to driving innovation and delivering world-class services to support the digital transformation of Nigeria and beyond.”

Flutterwave earns a Payment Systems Operator license from the Bank of Uganda, expanding its African footprint and enhancing digital payment solutions in Uganda. (Image source: Flutterwave)

Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company, has been awarded a Payment Systems Operator (PSO) license by the Bank of Uganda

This significant achievement marks a major step in Flutterwave's expansion across Africa, now including Uganda in its growing network of operations.

Uganda’s digital payment sector is rapidly evolving, fueled by a youthful population where over 78% are under 35. This dynamic demographic presents a unique opportunity to drive economic growth through enhanced financial inclusion and digital innovation.

Since its founding in 2016, Flutterwave has become a key player in Africa’s digital economy, aiming to simplify payments and unlock new possibilities. By leveraging its advanced technology and deep market insights, Flutterwave provides a range of payment solutions designed for Uganda’s specific needs. This includes mobile money integration, which is essential for Uganda’s mobile-first users, and efficient cross-border payment capabilities, positioning Flutterwave to connect Uganda with the global economy.

Expanding digital payments

With the new PSO license, Flutterwave will offer various services including payout solutions for salaries and commissions, invoicing for streamlined payment collection, and mobile money integration to enhance accessibility for Ugandans. The license will facilitate smoother fund transfers and payment collections across different customer segments and locations, allowing businesses to benefit from Flutterwave’s efficient, reliable, and customised payment solutions through Flutterwave for Business and SendApp.

Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, founder and CEO of Flutterwave, said, “Securing this license in Uganda is a significant step towards realising our vision of a financially connected Africa. At Flutterwave, we believe that the future of Africa lies in its ability to seamlessly connect its people, businesses, and economies through technology. We are excited to contribute to this journey, empowering Ugandan businesses and individuals to harness the full potential of digital payments and drive inclusive growth.”

Oluwabankole Falade, chief regulatory officer at Flutterwave, added, "The acquisition of this license further solidifies our standing as a leading payment technology service provider in Africa. We are deeply committed to adhering to all regulatory requirements and maintaining a strong relationship with the Bank of Uganda to ensure our services remain safe, secure, and beneficial to the Ugandan people.”

Flutterwave’s entry into Uganda follows its recent acquisitions of payment licenses in Ghana and Mozambique, further expanding its footprint and enhancing its ability to offer seamless and secure payments across the continent.