Ecobank Eyes Digital Expansion in Ghana with Government Collaboration
Ecobank executives paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), today to discuss potential collaborations and initiatives driving Ghana’s digital transformation.
The meeting centered on exploring opportunities for Ecobank Ghana PLC to support the Ministry’s efforts in promoting digital inclusion, financial technology and innovation in Ghana.
The Ecobank team, led by Head of Financial Institutions and International Organizations, Reginald Acquaye expressed interest in partnering with the Ministry to expand digital financial services to underserved communities, enhance cybersecurity and develop a robust digital economy.
Learn more: http://techafricanews.com/2025/03/31/ecobank-eyes-digital-expansion-in-ghana-with-government-collaboration/
Liberia Launches Fin-Ed, Papss to Boost Economy
The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) marked a historic milestone on Thursday with the official launch of the National Financial Education Program (Fin-Ed) and the rollout of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), initiatives set to transform Liberia’s financial landscape and foster economic growth.
The Pan African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS) is a groundbreaking payment platform that enables Liberian businesses to conduct transactions with other African nations using the Liberian dollar. This system will reduce currency exchange costs, improve transaction efficiency, and boost regional trade.
In 2024 alone, PAPSS facilitated transactions amounting to L$37.7 million within Liberia and L$169.5 million outside Liberia. By expanding its reach, PAPSS is set to reinforce Liberia’s economic integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Learn more: https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/liberia-launches-fin-ed-papss-to-boost-economy
Ghana’s e-levy: 3 lessons from the abolished mobile money tax
The first budget speech of Ghana’s new government on 11 March painted a picture of an economy in crisis, facing high debt and fiscal mismanagement. The finance minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, acknowledged that key International Monetary Fund performance targets would be missed and announced drastic spending cuts.
However, most Ghanaians just wanted to know whether the minister would announce the scrapping of the country’s electronic transfer levy (or e-tax), as he’d indicated he would.
Here are Africa’s biggest startups based on valuation
Last year, funding into African startups edged past $2 billion, returning to pre-pandemic levels and presenting a mixed bag as expected. Signs suggest 2025 will follow the cautious trends of the past two years.
A sharp decline in mega-deals, mirroring global venture capital tightening since the boom of 2020-2021, pushed local and international investors to prioritize sustainable business models and clear paths to profitability.
This shift spelled trouble for well-funded startups that fell short of these criteria, leading to high-profile closures, including mobile commerce platform Copia and agri-focused data analytics firm Gro Intelligence. Notably, both startups had raised over $100 million in venture funding, with Gro Intelligence reaching a valuation of $850 million at its last priced round.
Learn more: https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/29/here-are-africas-biggest-startups-based-on-valuation/
New fintech platform aims to transform Rwanda’s saving culture
Rwandans can now save as little as Rwf50 on their mobile phone thanks to a new platform that was developed by Moneto Ventures. The new platform, dubbed Tunzi, leverages behavioral psychology and gamification to promote savings culture. The platform is set to change the way Rwandans save by offering seamless, technology-driven solutions that encourage consistent financial habits, according to Moneto Ventures. With advanced analytics and intuitive features, Tunzi leverages technology to make saving effortless and engaging.
For instance, the application prompts users to save based on their spending patterns and financial activities. The platform has features like leaderboards, challenges, and group savings modules that enhance user experience and community engagement. At the same time, users can set personal and group goals and monitor their progress in real-time. By integrating saving with everyday transactions and providing real-time progress tracking, the mobile application eliminates traditional barriers to saving and empowers users to achieve their financial goals.
European payment schemes turn on instant cross-border money transfers
EuroPA enables interoperability between Italy’s Bancomat, Spanish scheme Bizum and Portugal’s MB WAY, connecting more than 50 million users and 186 financial institutions from Italy, Portugal, Spain and Andorra.
Bancomat, Bizum and MB WAY are the leading mobile payment solutions in their countries, with more than 2 billion payments in 2024 and a share of more than 65% of total instant payments in the four countries.
Scam survey reveals UK consumers’ concerns over real-time payments security
On Monday, March 24, 2025, Paystack announced the launch of its new consumer product, Zap, an exciting foray into the B2C space for one of Africa’s biggest fintechs.
However, the excitement about Zap waned as the naming overlap with Zap Africa was revealed.
Zap Africa, a Nigerian crypto startup that has existed for over three years, seized the opportunity to announce and differentiate itself with a now-viral X post: “There is only one ZAP in Nigeria and Africa,” which has now amassed 998,800 views.
Learn more: https://techpoint.africa/
