Estelle Akofio-Sowah

Serigne Dioum, Group CEO of MTN Group FinTech, champions financial inclusion with a unique vision: empowering individuals across Africa by fostering financial independence and dignity. His mission is clear and deeply impactful—building a platform that not only grows Africa’s fintech landscape but also transforms lives by helping individuals achieve financial stability. In his Voices of the Future interview, Serigne highlighted a powerful goal: to make financial tools accessible to all, particularly women and underserved communities. He shared inspiring stories, like that of a woman in Rwanda who used mobile loans to fund her business, eventually achieving financial independence. For Serigne, success means enabling such journeys across the continent, empowering millions to contribute to a thriving Africa. Catch his full podcast in the comments to discover how fintech can be a vehicle for change and growth on a personal and continental scale.

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MTN Group has extended CEO Ralph Mupita’s tenure until 2030, ensuring continuity during a critical period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Appointed in 2020, Mupita has been instrumental in guiding MTN through regulatory challenges, driving digital inclusion, and strengthening the company’s operations across Africa and the Middle East. Mcebisi Hubert Jonas, MTN Group Chair, praised Mupita’s leadership and strategic acumen, highlighting his role in sustaining the company’s growth and addressing global market dynamics. This extension underscores MTN’s commitment to stability and innovation in an evolving telecommunications landscape. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dyxGRAnU #MTNGroup #RalphMupita #Telecommunications #Leadership #DigitalInclusion #TelecomInnovation #AfricanMarkets #StrategicLeadership #EmergingMarkets #CorporateStability #TelecomsGrowth #GeopoliticalChallenges #McebisiJonas #GlobalTelecommunications #MTNSuccess

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#GLOBALSOUTHALERT: #MORTGAGEE (TYPICALLY A LENDER SUCH AS A #BANK) NOT A #TRUSTEE FOR THE #MORTGAGOR (#BORROWER) –"It is well settled that a mortgagee is not a trustee of a power of sale for the mortgagor. Once the power has accrued, the mortgagee is entitled to exercise it for his own purposes whenever he chooses to do so. It matters not that the moment may be unpropitious and that by waiting a higher price could be obtained. He has the right to realize his security by turning it into money when he likes. [ See: Cuckmere Brick Co. Ltd Vs Mutual Finance Ltd [1971] Ch. 949 ] ; FOR FURTHER DETAILS, CLICK LINK: https://lnkd.in/egccdq4d TAGLINE: "#TREASURE THE #PEARL , RIDE #SPECIAL #MOBILITY." LINK: https://lnkd.in/dQeAywjs VISION STATEMENT: "WHOLE BUSINESS SECURITIZATION (#WBS) FOR #AFRICA AND #BEYOND

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💡 MTN Invests GH¢1 Million to Fuel SME Growth in Ghana . . MTN Ghana has committed over GH¢1 million in 2024 to empower SMEs across Ghana, providing funding, training, and resources to foster innovation and expansion. At a recent event in the Volta Region, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Ms. Adwoa Wiafe, highlighted the program’s impact: 📈 Key Program Highlights: 🌱 Support for 150 SMEs: Selected from the Volta, Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions, including youth-led, women-led, and differently-abled enterprises. 🌱 Seed Funding: Each SME received between GH¢10,000 - GH¢20,000 to fuel their business activities. 🌱 Comprehensive Training: Beneficiaries are receiving tailored training in bookkeeping, branding, digital marketing, customer service, and more. Ms. Wiafe emphasized the crucial role SMEs play, contributing nearly 70% of Ghana’s industrial output, and urged recipients to leverage this support to drive sustainable growth. Impact: In collaboration with Innohub Foundation, MTN has supported 140+ SMEs since 2022, boosting total revenue from GH¢7.6 million in 2022 to GH¢11.5 million in 2023. This investment is helping businesses thrive, create jobs, and build a resilient future for Ghana. #SMEGrowth #MTNSupport #Innovation #GhanaBusiness #TheMarketReminder #MTN

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Engaging discussion with HE Doris Anite MD, CFA, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria about Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) initiatives that will help the nation promote digital trade. As the world gets more digital, we are committed to supporting Nigeria's goal of training 3M people in digital skills, preparing them for a digitally powered future. #DigitalProsperity4All #SpecialMeeting24

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🌟 Proud to share this insightful discussion between our BI Manager, Jay Naidoo, and the COO of Microsoft CEMA Mohamed Mikou, where they delve into how we’ve seamlessly integrated Copilot into our business operations. Discover the innovative use cases we’ve implemented to drive efficiency and enhance productivity. Exciting times ahead! 🚀 #Innovation #TechIntegration #BusinessGrowth #MicrosoftCopilot.

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MTN CEO Ralph Mupita met with President Alassane Ouattara this Monday to discuss economic development in Côte d'Ivoire. Mupita praised Ouattara's vision and outlined MTN's plans to enhance connectivity, expand network coverage in rural and border areas, and foster new business opportunities for young people in the digital sector. The initiatives focus on driving growth through technology and artificial intelligence in line with national development goals. Read more on https://lnkd.in/e4GvYMjF

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Credit Africa Next Education Series Program, we would be looking at the: - Impact of financial literacy on economic growth in Africa. - Effective strategies for promoting financial literacy in rural areas. - Role of technology in expanding financial inclusion. - Financial literacy and gender empowerment. - Measuring the impact of financial literacy initiatives. Impact of financial literacy on economic growth in Africa. Financial literacy has a significant impact on economic growth in Africa, as it enables individuals to make informed decisions about their financial resources, leading to increased saving, investing, and entrepreneurship ¹. Some of the ways financial literacy impacts economic growth in Africa include: 🔘 Improved financial decision making: Financial literacy enables individuals to understand financial concepts, such as interest rates, inflation, and risk management, leading to better financial decisions. 🔘 Increased access to financial services: Financial literacy helps individuals to understand the benefits and risks of financial services, such as banking, insurance, and investments, leading to increased access to these services. 🔘 Enhanced entrepreneurship: Financial literacy provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to start and manage their own businesses, leading to increased entrepreneurship and job creation. 🔘 Reduced poverty: Financial literacy helps individuals to manage their finances effectively, leading to reduced poverty and improved living standards. 🔘 Economic growth: Financial literacy leads to increased economic growth, as individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions, leading to increased investment, productivity, and economic expansion. Overall, financial literacy is essential for economic growth in Africa, as it enables individuals and businesses to make informed financial decisions, leading to increased economic activity, productivity, and growth. Here are some possibilities we would be discussing on: - "Financial Freedom: Building a Stronger Future" - "Prosperity with Purpose: Unlocking Economic Growth in Africa" - "Wealth Wisdom: Navigating the Path to Economic Empowerment" - "Economic Empowerment: Breaking Down Barriers to Success" - "Smart Money Moves: Financial Literacy for a Brighter Future" #creditafrica #seamlessbanking #transformingafrica #digitalbanking #fintech #mobilebanking #worldbank #africadevelopmentbank

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Credit Africa, MAKING AFRICA GREAT AGAIN (MAGA) is our subject, we can contribute to making Africa great again in several ways: 1. Empowering Entrepreneurship: Provide access to capital, training, and resources for African entrepreneurs, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 2. Financial Inclusion: Expand financial services to underserved communities, promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. 3. Investing in Infrastructure: Support development projects in essential sectors like energy, transportation, and agriculture. 4. Education and Skills Development: Offer scholarships, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance Africa's human capital. 5. Promoting Trade and Commerce: Facilitate regional and international trade, fostering economic cooperation and integration. 6. Supporting Sustainable Development: Align financial products and services with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 7. Fostering Innovation: Encourage innovation and technological advancements in Africa's financial sector. 8. Building Stronger Institutions: Strengthen governance, risk management, and regulatory frameworks to ensure stable financial systems. 9. Enhancing Access to Healthcare: Provide financial solutions and partnerships to improve healthcare outcomes and accessibility. 10. Celebrating African Successes: Showcase Africa's achievements and success stories to promote a positive narrative and boost confidence in the continent's potential. By implementing these strategies, Credit Africa can play a vital role in driving Africa's growth and prosperity, ultimately contributing to making Africa great again (MAGA)! #creditafrica #seamlessbanking #transformingafrica #digitalbanking #fintech #mobilebanking #worldbank #africadevelopmentbank

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I join Grand Africa Initiative -GAIN and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on the 20th of May to advance the knowledge of youth across the world on Entrepreneurship and Intra-Africa trade. As i return once again as a facilitator for this year, I would share some insights on harnessing the opportunities the combined market size that Africa offers and also share my personal experiences as a frontline pan African business person. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is projected to increase Africa’s trade income by USD 450 billion by 2035 and enhance intra-African trade by over 81 percent, according to a recent World Bank report. Since the commencement of trade under AfCFTA in 2021, African nations have been diversifying their economies, boosting production capacities, and expanding the variety of products manufactured within the continent. This development offers a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs across Africa to scale their businesses and achieve substantial success.

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I had the privilege of moderating a session at the #3iSummit in Accra, which took place from May 13-15, 2024. The sessions, under the umbrella of Mobile Technology for Development (MT4D), was themed “Digital Public Infrastructure: The Highway for Growth and Prosperity”. It’s noteworthy that Opportunity International was among the few international NGOs at the Summit, which was predominantly attended by bankers, fintechs, and regulators. Why did Opportunity International take a leading role, moderating sessions at the Summit? NGOs have long played an honest broker role, ensuring that new solutions are made available for the people who live in poverty. We take this role seriously; we believe that technology will continue to play a critical role in finding new ways of reaching poor people in cheaper ways. #DPI provides the foundational structure upon which we can use digital solutions to benefit many people. It was a pleasure to share our Ulangizi Ai, our Gen Ai driven chatbot for farmers. On the popular WhatsApp platform, it allows our Farmer Support Agents and extension officers to answer agriculture-based questions from farmers quickly and accurately. We are developing a similar bot in India for women business correspondent bank agents. We also heard from other use cases from health (minoHealth), finance (JUMO and African Development Bank Group). Here are some of the key points I took away from the conference: • Africans need to believe in themselves and their abilities to determine their own solutions and build their own economic models that serve Africa. This was a theme common throughout the Summit. • With a growing young population, Africa needs to focus on capacity building. New technology requires new skills, skills that we are losing to other countries. • Inclusivity is critical. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind in this new digital revolution. We need to ensure that solutions are relevant and intentionally focused on the poor. • AI is not a luxury for Africa, but necessary to our future development On the DPI session I moderated, we came up with these key action points: -Identify DPI champions for Africa to promote the proper implementation of DPI across the continent. -Have a series of round tables to delve deeper into how we successfully implement DPI across Africa. Looking forward to more insightful discussions in the future. #3iSummit #MT4D #DigitalPublicInfrastructure #OpportunityInternational Thanks to all the distinguished speakers below.

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Are you looking for solutions to enable digital transformation in your bank branches? Listen to Stanbic Bank's Owaa Jacob, Channel Manager Cash Devices for Kenya & S.Sudan, as he shares his story - to open up 24/7 banking services for customers and productively repurpose staff resources in branch through deposit automation technology. #banking #digitaltransformation #customerexperience

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C o a c h - This is an example on how having a coach/mentor can do in one's life.

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📈🚀 Dive into our latest Tech-in 5: Safaricom's soaring earnings, Airtel Africa's Airtel Money plans, and Nigeria's telecom tax reintroduction. Plus, House of Reps seeks clarity on cybersecurity levy and Lesaka's fintech acquisition. Stay ahead with our video recap! #TechNews

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The contribution of over 3.5 million SMEs to 60% of the country's GDP is not only significant for Zimbabwe but also for the entire African continent. These SMEs are the backbone of the economy, providing employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. However, financial exclusion hinders the growth and success of SMEs in Zimbabwe. Many SMEs struggle to access formal financial services such as loans, credit, insurance, and, more importantly, tips to thrive and grow their ventures. This exclusion limits their ability to expand, invest, and create more jobs. It also hampers their competitiveness in the global market. A strategic approach is required to address this issue. Effective strategies should be developed and implemented to ensure that SMEs have equal access to skills and knowledge to expand their ventures. This can be achieved through the collaboration of various stakeholders. Growth strategies, empowerment, and financial literacy are crucial tools in combating financial exclusion. SMEs need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage businesses effectively, access funding and make informed business decisions. Training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives can achieve this. I say this again: The contribution of over 3.5 million SMEs in Zimbabwe to 60% of the GDP is a significant matter that should not be underestimated!!! To support their growth, collaborative efforts are required to combat SME growth. By giving deliberate attention to SMEs; one can be confident that #Africa is in capable hands. Thanks to Dr Faith Nyamukapa for the work she is doing with the SMEs of our nation. The #future of Africa is certain!!!

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