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.”