Nigeria is banking on AI, cybersecurity to lead Africa’s digital future
Nigeria’s tech ambitions were on full display this week at GITEX Africa in Morocco, where the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) pitched to the international audience a future shaped by artificial intelligence in Nigeria and cybersecurity, two pillars it hopes will define the country’s next phase of digital transformation.
Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s Director General, made a case for integrating AI as a strategic layer in leadership and policy execution for governments and businesses across Africa.
Read more: https://techcabal.com/2025/04/16/artificial-intelligence-in-nigeria-gitex/
Africa’s Fastest-Growing Fintech – Moniepoint – Enters UK Market With Launch of Remittance Product
Moniepoint Inc. (“Moniepoint” or “the Company”), one of Nigeria’s leading business payments and banking services platforms, announces the launch of MonieWorld; a new remittance and digital financial services solution – specifically to meet the fragmented, underserved needs of the UK’s African diaspora.
The MonieWorld application, available via the App Store and Google Play, allows UK customers to send money to Nigeria seamlessly – making financial transactions easier.
Remittances are a material contributor to Nigeria’s economy. They supplement foreign direct investment, while supporting household consumption and foreign exchange liquidity. Global remittances to Nigeria rose 9% in 2024 to $20.98 billion, with the UK diaspora contributing c. 50% – helping to grow businesses, support families, and drive economic development.
South Africa suspends new SASSA payment cards, placing 28 million at risk
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has suspended the rollout of Postbank’s new black South African Social Security Agency (SASSA payment card), throwing the distribution of monthly social grants to over 28 million beneficiaries into uncertainty.
The new cards were meant to replace the ageing gold cards used by SASSA grant recipients, one of Africa’s largest social welfare programmes. The transition to black cards, issued by state-owned Postbank, was part of the government’s plans to enhance security and modernise the payment system.
Read more: https://techcabal.com/2025/04/16/south-africa-suspends-new-sassa-payment-cards/
Kenya police detain fintech hacker nabbed in $378K cyber heist
Kenyan police have nabbed a 26-year-old man accused of masterminding a complex $378,000 (KSh 49 million) cyber crime on the fintech JamboPay platform.
The Nation Newspaper Group reported that Joseph Momanyi will remain behind bars for a further seven days after he made his first court appearance yesterday.
According to the publication, Momanyi was arrested on April 12 at his residence in Kahawa West, where detectives recovered numerous SIM cards registered under different names, multiple mobile phones, and a laptop allegedly used in the fraud.
Read more: https://itweb.africa/content/mYZRX79gZZZqOgA8
Visa Expands Africa Fintech Accelerator Impact with New Partnerships at Gitex Africa 2025
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced strategic investments and commercial partnerships with two fintechs following their 12-week engagement through the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program, which enables start-ups to scale through training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Visa’s investments include Konnect, a fintech based in Tunisia which enables seamless, accessible, and instant payments by provisioning links that can be shared via SMS, email, messenger, or WhatsApp, and PayTic, a fintech based in Morocco which streamlines back-office operations and enhances risk control across digital payments.
NAPAS Brings Apple Pay to Vietnam Cardholders
The National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) has launched support for Apple Pay, allowing domestic cardholders to make contactless payments using their Apple devices.
This enables users to pay in stores by holding an iPhone or Apple Watch near a compatible payment terminal, with authentication via Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode.
Customers can also use Apple Pay for purchases in apps or on websites through their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, without the need to repeatedly enter payment or personal information.
Read more: https://fintechnews.sg/110234/vietnam/vietnam-apple-pay/
Thailand Greenlights Three Digital Banks in FinTech Shake-Up
Thailand’s financial landscape is poised for a digital shake-up as the Bank of Thailand (BOT) has given the nod to three major consortia to establish virtual banks.
The chosen entities are partnerships led by Krungthai Bank, SCB X, and Ascend Money (the financial arm of the CP Group), signalling a significant step towards branchless banking in the Kingdom.
The Bank of Thailand finalised its selection after a rigorous application process that saw five contenders vying for the coveted licences between March and September of last year.
Read more: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/banking-finance/40048844
