PalmPay launches USSD code in Nigeria, enabling millions to access financial services without internet, enhancing financial inclusion. (Image source: Palmpay)

PalmPay, a prominent financial platform with over 30 million users on its mobile app in Nigeria, has introduced a USSD code service

This new feature provides Nigerians with an alternative way to manage their finances without relying on internet access. By dialing *861# on their mobile phones, PalmPay customers can now perform various banking transactions.

Expanding cashless transactions 

Since launching in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license granted by the CBN, PalmPay has offered a range of financial services, including money transfers, bill payments, credit, and savings, all within its comprehensive financial "superapp."

For those without smartphones, PalmPay’s vast network of over 500,000 Mobile Money Agents enables transactions nationwide. The addition of the USSD feature is designed to increase accessibility and convenience for users, especially in a market where internet outages are common.

Chika Nwosu, managing director for Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s focus on financial inclusion: "At PalmPay, we aim to bridge the gap in digital access, and the introduction of our USSD service aligns with that mission. Our platform ensures seamless connectivity for our users," he stated. He also highlighted the security aspect of the new service, noting that users can freeze their accounts remotely if their phone is lost or stolen, providing enhanced protection for their finances.

PalmPay has made notable strides in Nigeria, amassing over 30 million registered users and connecting 1.1 million businesses through its network of mobile money agents and merchants. The platform has played a pivotal role in driving financial inclusion, with one-third of its users having opened their first-ever financial account through PalmPay.

Recently, PalmPay was named one of the World’s Top 250 Fintech Companies in 2024 by CNBC and Statista.

With a focus on user-friendly interfaces, reliable transactions, and growth through fee-free transfers and promotions, PalmPay continues to strengthen its position as a key player in Nigeria’s fintech landscape.

Vivek Badrinath is the new director general of the GSMA. (Image source: The GSMA)

The GSMA, a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem, has appointed Vivek Badrinath as the new director general and member of the GSMA board

Badrinath has held several significant leadership roles throughout his career, experience that will stand him in good stead to perform effectively in his new position. And this history includes extensive engagement with Africa, having previously served as regional CEO of Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific at Vodafone. Before this, he held key positions at Orange.

The new director general will take over from Mats Granryd, who will step down from the role after MWC Barcelona 2025.

Driving digital change

“I am delighted to announce Vivek Badrinath’s appointment.” said José María Álvarez-Pallete López, chairman of the GSMA. “During our selection process it was clear that Vivek’s deep understanding of the industry and its potential make him the ideal individual to lead the GSMA into the next phase of its evolution. I am confident that Vivek will work, together with the board and our excellent GSMA leadership team, to drive change and innovation, creating value for both the industry and society.”

“I’m proud and honoured to be joining the GSMA at such an exciting time in the industry’s development,” remarked Badrinath. “I look forward to working with the GSMA board, it’s members, and the leadership team to extend and amplify the positive impact of the mobile ecosystem for people, industry and society globally.”

The development will enable mobile service providers to deliver 5G services to their subscribers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nokia has strengthened its partnership with Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) by building a 5G mobile core network

NGIC will make use of the 5G network to offer wholesale services to mobile service providers in the country, enabling them to deliver 5G services to their subscribers.

The 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) Core will provide the security, resiliency and reliability that is needed to deliver 5G services in the West African country. The agreement includes Nokia’s Cloud Mobility Manager (CMM) and Cloud Mobile Gateway (CMG), in addition to the previously announced 4G and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) AirScale base stations, and will be managed by Nokia’s MantaRay network management system. Nokia will also provide its end-to-end service suite for the full scope of the deal.

“We chose Nokia because they are a trusted and proven partner in Africa that can deliver on our ambitions to introduce 5G services in Ghana,” remarked Harikirit Singh, executive director of NGIC Ghana. “As NGIC is a wholesale network provider to mobile operators in Ghana, Nokia’s 5G RAN and Core solution is a key part of our network evolution as it incorporates the flexibility, scalability, resilience and security that we need as the sole 5G network in the country. This will enable us to integrate more seamlessly with our clients’ networks to deliver 5G services to the people and businesses of Ghana.”

Expanding 5G

The Nokia and NGIC 5G open-access and cloud-based network will offer mobile operators in Ghana a shared, secure, environmentally sustainable and high-speed network that will enable the rapid expansion of 5G services with reduced capital expenditure. In the future, the network will enable newer capabilities, like enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication and ultra-reliable low-latency communication.

NGIC plans to launch its wholesale 4G and 5G Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) within 2024. Additionally, to keep the shared network at the forefront of technology, Nokia and NGIC will build a flagship 4G/5G Center of Excellence in Ghana that will serve as a test bed for newer technologies and use cases, and also demonstrate Nokia’s capabilities on network sharing, Cloud RAN and Open RAN.

Michael Tseytlin, chief technology officer of NGIC Ghana, surmised, “In partnership with Nokia, we will empower our customers to fully benefit from 5G in Ghana, with plans to extend this to other regions in Africa. NGIC will utilize Nokia's technology and products to deploy network infrastructure and related services, aiming to serve both enterprise and consumer markets. This initiative will help bridge the digital divide and introduce new services in finance, healthcare and education to enable Ghana's transition to the digital economy.”

C-CONNECT launches in South Africa, offering prepaid users rewards for airtime and data top-ups, along with easy SIM delivery and RICA processes. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

C-CONNECT, the latest virtual mobile network operator (MVNO) in South Africa, has launched nationwide, introducing more options and competition to the mobile market

Focused on delivering affordable mobile services without compromising quality, C-CONNECT aims to be the top choice for savvy prepaid users.

This innovative prepaid, SIM-only brand uses C-Cell’s reliable network infrastructure and offers rewards for activities customers already do, enabling them to spend more on what matters most to them. Subscribers can earn 10% back in the form of Cha-Chings, the in-app currency, when they top up their prepaid Airtime or Data. These Cha-Chings can be redeemed for a wide range of lifestyle products and services, such as prepaid electricity/water and data, event tickets, and gaming vouchers, helping customers maximize their mobile spending while enjoying various lifestyle benefits.

Topping up with Airtime or Data is easy via the C-CONNECT app, online at c-connect.co.za, through USSD (*105#), or by purchasing a voucher at partner stores. Users can also recharge with Ringas or Blu Voucher, a universal, single-use prepaid airtime voucher. Data on the C-CONNECT app and Airtime on the USSD are zero-rated.

With South African consumers facing significant financial pressures, C-CONNECT anticipates strong demand for its MVNO service. The company is eager to connect consumers with rewards and provide businesses with new ways to satisfy their customers.

“What sets us apart in a competitive market is that we offer people meaningful rewards for buying voice and data, an essential everyone needs. It’s the most rewarding connection for South African cellular subscribers with no fuss and no frills, just a straightforward and simple way to access a world of prepaid services with added benefits. With C-CONNECT, we’re not just offering connectivity; we’re giving our customers the power to see real rewards from their mobile usage,” said Richard Anderson, chief operating officer of C-CONNECT.