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iiDENTIFii and Zanaco Partner to Accelerate Digital Financial Inclusion in Zambia

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iiDENTIFii

iiDENTIFii has formed a close partnership with Zanaco to champion an identity solution relevant to the needs of Zambian consumers and citizens

LUSAKA, Zambia, October 9, 2023/APO Group/ — 

What measures can Zambian financial institutions put in place in a rapidly-changing digital world to enable financial inclusion?

This was the key topic under discussion at a recent panel discussion between iiDENTIFii (https://iiDENTIFii.com) and Zanaco (https://www.Zanaco.co.zm) at the Digital Government Africa (DGA) Summit held at Ciela Resort from 4 – 6 October, 2023.

The need for financial inclusion in Zambia

Zambia is on a positive growth trajectory, with GDP projected to grow 4.2% in 2024 (https://apo-opa.info/3tmj8Q5). As the country grows and embraces digital tools to transact and provide access to civil services, companies and government institutions need to ensure that no citizen is left behind. iiDENTIFii, an enterprise-grade provider of biometric identity solutions, is partnering with Zanaco, Zambia’s leading bank, to ensure that identity verification – and the benefits it provides – is accessible to all.

Gur Geva, founder and CEO of iiDENTIFii, says, “In Zambia, we aim to address challenges related to digital exclusion, limited access to services, and identity fraud. Many individuals across the continent lack recognised identification, which hampers their access to banking, healthcare, and government services.”

Historically, biometric identification has been reserved for the privileged few with access to the latest technology. Remote biometric identification seeks to bridge the digital divide by reaching those underserved communities who have historically been excluded.

An inclusive digital identity approach gives citizens access to critical government services such as labour markets, government benefits, housing development and agricultural financing and other financial services.[1] It can also unlock opportunities for people with an identity but limited ability to use it in the digital world.[2] A good digital identity can facilitate greater user control of data, privacy protection, security for online transactions and decreased resistance in managing online accounts.[3]

A partnership that provides equitable access to identity

iiDENTIFii has formed a close partnership with Zanaco to champion an identity solution relevant to the needs of Zambian consumers and citizens. Geva adds, “Collaborating with financial institutions like Zanaco is pivotal. By integrating our identity verification solutions, Zanaco can extend its reach to underserved populations, enabling them to open bank accounts, access credit, and make secure transactions. This partnership not only fosters financial inclusion but also strengthens data protection and security, driving positive change in Zambia’s digital landscape.”

For Zanaco, this partnership is a timely step in their long-standing commitment to financial inclusion through their banking platforms. Zanaco Chief Risk Officer Mutisunge Zulu says, “Our digital banking solutions have significantly impacted underserved communities by breaking down barriers to financial access. Through user-friendly mobile and online banking platforms, we have brought banking services to areas previously lacking access. This has led to increased financial inclusion, allowing individuals to save, transact, and access credit more easily.” The journey to attaining improved levels of financial inclusion has not always been seamless. Zanaco has needed to innovate to address challenges such as infrastructural limitations in remote areas, digital literacy barriers and security concerns. However, it has overcome these challenges by working collaboratively with local communities, investing in education initiatives and implementing security measures.

Empowering customers through accessible platforms and financial literacy

To reach consumers – especially the previously unbanked or those with limited digital literacy – it is crucial to have platforms that are easy to use, access to information and the education to explain why they are relevant.

Geva adds, “Digital platforms and networks are the foundation for a range of sectors such as banking and financial services, telecommunications, health and education. They contribute to the overall growth of the digital economy and are a critical point of access for finance and essential services. The biometric data of individuals is central to this, and often integrated with the e-identity, or e-government and e-commerce services.”[4]

In Zambia, we aim to address challenges related to digital exclusion, limited access to services, and identity fraud

Mutisunge says, “Zanaco’s digital banking innovations have transformed customer experiences by providing much-needed convenience and accessibility. Our customers can conduct transactions, access account information, and engage with our services anytime, anywhere. This has empowered them to make informed financial decisions, monitor their accounts more closely, and utilize services tailored to their unique needs. Ultimately, these innovations have placed financial control and literacy in the hands of our customers, leading to more responsible and informed financial choices. We are looking forward to working with iiDENTIFii to extend this financial access and education to digital identity.”

To champion digital and financial inclusion, companies and experts need to collaborate and provide solutions that reach consumers where they are and solve their unique challenges. iiDENTIFii is committed to mobilising its uniquely African, enterprise-grade biometric identity solution to drive greater access to financial and governmental services in Zambia.

[1] The United Nations General Assembly incorporated identification coverage for all by 2030 into the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals.

[2] The population with access to the digital world is proxied by active social media users, captured in the We Are Social Global Digital Report 2018.

[3] Several bodies of digital ID research have focused on privacy-related requirements and guidelines. These include Identities: New practices in a connected age, Farnham, Surrey, United Kingdom: Caribou Digital Publishing, 2017; Digital Identity: Issue Analysis, Consult Hyperion, June 2016, IDENTITIESProject.com

[4] DIGITAL IDENTITY – A SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNEY, PWC, September 2021

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iiDENTIFii.

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Azentio expands its leadership team with 2 new appointments

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July 4, 2024

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Women in leadership takes centre stage as Azentio welcomes Aarthi Ramesh and Emma Foley

SINGAPORE, Singapore, July 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Azentio Software (“Azentio“) (https://apo-opa.co/3XVs4JH)- a leading end-to-end software company specializing in the BFSI sector, today announced the appointment of Aarthi Ramesh as Chief Customer Officer and Emma Foley as Chief Marketing Officer.

Ramesh joins Azentio with over two decades of experience in the IT industry, both within the services and SaaS space. Most recently she served as Vice President at Freshworks, managing a large portfolio of strategic accounts across Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. During this time, she contributed significantly to the company’s growth, including as Head of GTM Operations, where she played a pivotal role in scaling the operations function and aligning it with the company’s IPO objectives. Prior to Freshworks, Aarthi had a long successful stint with Cognizant as global COO for a large business unit.

At Azentio, Ramesh will primarily be focused on delivering excellence in customer success. In her role, Aarthi will ensure customer satisfaction and retention by overseeing all customer-facing activities. This includes managing customer success teams, support services, and customer experience strategies to ensure seamless onboarding, adoption and ongoing engagement with Azentio products suite.

Aarthi and Emma are both driven and effective leaders who bring a wealth of experience, vision and innovation that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Azentio

Commenting on the announcement, Aarthi said, “I am delighted to join Azentio and lead our efforts towards achieving complete customer centricity. With my extensive background in both product and services and my dedication to driving customer success, I am confident I can significantly benefit both our business and our customers.”

Foley brings with her over 20 years of B2B marketing experience primarily focused on the tech space in the MEA, APAC and European markets. Most recently serving as the Head of Marketing for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Temenos, Foley is immersed in building high performing teams to drive transformative marketing models. Her expertise in leveraging data analytics to enhance marketing efficiency and effectiveness is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Azentio’s marketing strategies into the future.

Her primary focus will be in ensuring Azentio’s value propositions are clear, compelling, and simple for customers as well as supporting the business in its strategic growth plans throughout the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia, with a significant focus on digital marketing technology as well as data-driven marketing initiatives.

Speaking about her appointment Foley commented, “I am thrilled to join Azentio, a company I have known and regarded highly for its cutting-edge solutions and customer-first approach. I look forward to leveraging my experience to contribute towards the company’s growth, driving marketing strategies that resonate with our customers and set new standards in the industry.”

Sanjay Singh, CEO at Azentio added, “Aarthi and Emma are both driven and effective leaders who bring a wealth of experience, vision and innovation that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Azentio. As our company continues to grow, I am confident that both of these leaders will help us to achieve Azentio’s vision and growth ambitions while championing innovation and a customer first mindset.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Azentio Software Private Limited.

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Siemens and PANA Infrastructure Join Forces in Groundbreaking Initiative to Modernize Nigeria’s Power Sector

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5 hours ago

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July 4, 2024

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Siemens

By integrating innovative technologies and forming strategic partnerships, PANA Infrastructure provides sustainable solutions that support Nigeria’s growth across a range of industry sectors

ABUJA, Nigeria, July 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Siemens (www.Siemens.com​) and PANA Infrastructure announce a strategic collaboration to tackle Nigeria’s Electrical Infrastructure sector; The initiative aims to enhance power stability and create job opportunities in Nigeria; Combining expertise, they aim to enhance Nigeria’s power sector.

Siemens, a leading global technology company, and PANA Infrastructure, a Nigerian conglomerate with an increasing footprint across Sub-Saharan Africa, have formally announced a strategic partnership aimed at modernizing and upgrading Nigeria’s electric power infrastructure through the provision of grid automation, and smart infrastructure solutions across Nigeria. This collaboration, solidified through a formal agreement signifies a pivotal step towards addressing Nigeria’s pressing electricity challenges while fostering economic growth and technological advancement in the region.

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering sustainable development and advancing technology in Nigeria,” stated Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa. “By combining Siemens’ expertise in smart grid technologies with PANA Infrastructure’s deep market insights, we aim to ensure a reliable power supply and drive economic progress in the region.”

We are committed to addressing Nigeria’s critical power infrastructure with the use of advanced low voltage, medium voltage, and smart grid management technologies

According to Mr. Daere Akobo, Chairman of PANA Holdings, “this strategic collaboration with Siemens is a pivotal opportunity to transform Nigeria’s power sector. We are committed to addressing Nigeria’s critical power infrastructure with the use of advanced low voltage, medium voltage, and smart grid management technologies. This collaboration is in alignment with the transformation agenda in the power sector by the Nigerian government to significantly improve power supply in the country, in a manner that translates to economic progress for all Nigerians.”

The agreement signed between Siemens and PANA Infrastructure, focuses on enhancing grid reliability and stability, deepening electrification rates to meet the rapidly growing demand for electricity in Nigeria.

Simultaneously, recognizing Nigeria’s potential for substantial investments in industrial modernization, the partnership will concentrate on unlocking Nigeria’s potential in the industrial power sector. This initiative aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s industrial landscape by harnessing the power of advanced technologies and solutions to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality. Through local capacity development, enhancing employees’ skills and capabilities, Siemens and PANA Infrastructure will pave the way for a new era of industrial excellence in Nigeria.

“Siemens reaffirms its commitment to Nigeria, with a focus on identifying and developing strategic business opportunities within the region. By leveraging a go-to-market strategy that includes knowledge platforms, collaborative business strategies, integrated sales and marketing teams, and global support, Siemens strives to bring significant business value to the Nigerian market,” says Sabine Dall’Omo.

Meanwhile, PANA Infrastructure has positioned itself as a key player in understanding and envisioning the needs of industry stakeholders and local communities. By integrating innovative technologies and forming strategic partnerships, PANA Infrastructure provides sustainable solutions that support Nigeria’s growth across a range of industry sectors.

This strategic collaboration between Siemens and PANA Infrastructure represents the convergence of proven expertise and application know-how, ensuring the highest quality of solution implementation for Nigeria’s industrial power sector. By addressing key challenges in Nigeria’s power and industrial sectors, including electricity losses, rural electrification, capacity building, local production, technology transfer, and quality standards, this partnership aims to drive sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Siemens AG.

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Afreximbank announces Board changes and increase in authorized capital

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5 hours ago

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July 4, 2024

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Afreximbank

Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya was elected to replace Mr. Aliyu Ahmed

CAIRO, Egypt, July 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) is pleased to announce the following Board changes which took place at the Bank’s 31st Annual General Meeting held recently in Nassau, The Bahamas,

Board Changes

Class “A”

Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya was elected to replace Mr. Aliyu Ahmed. Mrs. Jafiya is the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mr. Amadou Hott was elected to fill the position of the African Development Bank nominated board seat. Mr. Hott is currently the Special Envoy of the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group on the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Hott was Senegal’s Minister for Economy, Planning and Cooperation.

Class “B”

We look forward to their support and insight as we strive to build a prosperous Global Africa

Mr. Noël Mekulu Mvondo Akame was elected to replace Mr. Jean-Marie Mani. Mr. Mekulu Mvondo Akame is currently the Director General of the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS) of Cameroon.

Class “C”

Ms. Yu Wen was elected to replace Ms Lili Yang. Ms. Yu Wen currently serves as the General Manager of the International Department at the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM).

Increase in Authorised Share Capital

The shareholders of the Bank also approved an increase in the authorised share capital from US$5 billion to US$25 billion. The increase recognizes the rapid growth of the Bank in response to the challenges facing the African continent. It also creates capacity for the Bank to support the growth and development envisaged for the African continent in line with its mandate to promote the continent’s trade and affirm its relevance on the global stage.

Commenting on these significant developments, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank remarked:

“Afreximbank is most grateful to departing Board Members for their services to the Bank and Africa. They were for many years, part of a formidable team, that made significant contribution to the Bank’s vision for Africa, created alliances, and assisted Africa in navigating major headwinds. We welcome our new board members. We look forward to their support and insight as we strive to build a prosperous Global Africa. Together, we will restore dignity and pride to Africans around the world.”

 He added: “the overwhelming endorsement by Shareholders of the historic increase of the Bank from US$5 billion to US$25 billion reflected their firm belief and trust in the Board and Management of the Bank and in the Bank’s mission. This move gives us the necessary headroom to mobilise the capital we need to create a bank that serves all Africans.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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