2024 JAMB UTME, DE new updates & answers to major questions
This comprehensive FAQ addresses commonly encountered questions by JAMB UTME and DE candidates. 1. Changing JAMB UTME subject combination Question: Can I change my JAMB UTME subject combination? ANSWER: Yes, for a limited window for the 2024 JAMB UTME exercise. JAMB opened a two-day window (March 14-15) for UTME candidates to change their subject combinations. This ensures your chosen subjects align with your desired course of study. Read how to get it done here. 2. JAMB admission letter and printing Question: I can’t print my JAMB admission letter. What should I do? ANSWER: Visit any JAMB-accredited CBT centre. They can assist you in printing your admission letter. Question: My admission letter has an incorrect name. Can I change it? ANSWER: Unfortunately, names cannot be added or changed after JAMB UTME registration. 3. Deadlines and important dates for JAMB UTME & DE Question: When is the 2024 JAMB UTME exam? ANSWER: The 2024 JAMB UTME exam will be held between April 19th and 29th. Question: When is the DE registration deadline for 2024? ANSWER: The DE registration for 2024 closes on March 28th. Complete registration is exclusively available in all JAMB CBT centres in Nigeria. 4. JAMB results and correction of errors Question: Can I change my date of birth after JAMB registration ANSWER: No, you cannot change your date of birth after registration. Question: What if the SIM card used for UTME registration is blocked? ANSWER: You can retrieve your results via the JAMB online portal. Alternatively, you can try retrieving the blocked SIM card, as it’s your unique JAMB identifier. 5. JAMB DE Eligibility and requirements Question: Can I use awaiting results for DE registration? ANSWER: Awaiting results are only accepted for IJMB and JUPEB programs. For DE registration, your original certificate or a statement of result from the past three academic years (2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024) is typically required. But from 2019 backwards, you must provide your certificate. Question: Can I apply for DE with a Polytechnic ND II result? ANSWER: Yes, you can apply for DE with a Polytechnic ND II result. Question: Can one apply for both UTME and DE in the same year? ANSWER: No, you cannot apply for both UTME and DE simultaneously. However, you can convert your UTME application to DE after sitting for the UTME exam. 6. JAMB Regularisation and Previous Admissions Question: I did an indemnity form in 2019, but it’s not showing on my JAMB portal. What should I do? ANSWER: Visit any JAMB office near you for assistance with your indemnity form. Question: I underwent JAMB regularisation but haven’t received admission. What’s wrong? ANSWER: There’s a possibility you didn’t meet the admission requirements for your desired program. Can I use retroactive admission for DE application? ANSWER: Yes, if you have a retroactive letter of admission, you can proceed with your DE application. 7. Other inquiries Question: What is the approved reading text for JAMB 2024? ANSWER: “The Life Changer” by Khadija Abubakar Jalli remains the approved reading text for Use of English in 2024. Question: Is my A’level acceptable for JAMB DE registration? ANSWER: JAMB provides a list of disclaimed A-level certificates. You can access this list through this provided link: Link to list of disclaimed A’level certificates. Question: Can I convert my UTME to DE before the exams? ANSWER: No, you must sit for the UTME exam before converting it to DE. Question: How can I apply to change my program after registration? ANSWER: You can visit any JAMB office nearby for assistance with changing your program. Question: Can I change any data after registration, like names or date of birth? ANSWER: Unfortunately, data such as names, date of birth, and state/local government of origin cannot be corrected after JAMB UTME or DE registration. There are however some specific cases where names or dates of birth may be altered. See them here. Question: Couldn’t register for direct entry (DE) due to JAMB admission letter? Then I was told to go do JAMB regularisation? When I got to my school to begin the process, I was told that JAMB hasn’t given them access to let 2021 candidates do JAMB regularisation? ANSWER: Unfortunately, JAMB currently offers the Condonement of Undisclosed Illegal Institutional Admissions (CUIIA) only for candidates seeking a retroactive letter of admission from 2020 and earlier. This means the JAMB regularisation service isn’t available for candidates from the 2021 academic year onwards. Question: Can I complete JAMB regularisation and DE registration on the same day? ANSWER: No, completing JAMB regularisation and DE registration typically won’t be possible on the same day. An application for CUIIA (Condonement of Undisclosed Illegal Institutional Admissions) can take between 3-4 weeks to process. This is because your institution needs to return your indemnity form to the JAMB state office before they can proceed. Therefore, address JAMB regularisation first, then proceed with DE registration upon receiving a positive response. Question: My JAMB portal shows the 2023 exam year, not 2024. Why is this happening? ANSWER: This likely means you haven’t reactivated your JAMB profile for the 2024 exam year. To access the 2024 portal, you need to reactivate your profile using the same phone number you used for your previous UTME application. Question: Can I change my email address after JAMB registration? ANSWER: No. Unfortunately, JAMB doesn’t allow corrections to email addresses after registration. Make sure to enter a valid and accessible email address during the registration process to avoid any communication issues. Question: I can’t send or receive SMS to JAMB’s shortcodes on my JAMB registered numbers, but I can send regular messages. How can I fix this? ANSWER: Your phone number might be registered for Do Not Disturb (DND) on SMS marketing messages. To fix this: 1. Text ALLOW to 2442: This will deactivate DND for SMS marketing messages on your line. 2. Resend message: Try sending your message to JAMB’s shortcode again. After deactivating DND, you should be able to send an SMS to JAMB’s shortcodes and receive prompts too. Question: My
Read MoreHeadline inflation surges to 31.70% in February despite recent rate hike
In February, Nigerian households’ buying power weakened further as consumer prices rose, defying the central bank’s recent jumbo interest rate hike. Headline inflation for February rose to 31.70%, matching audit firm KPMG’s predictions in 2023. Food inflation also rose sharply to 37.92%, with staples like bread and yam becoming even more expensive for shoppers. “One carton of instant noodles retails at ₦10,000 at wholesale price, over 30% higher than what it began the year with,” said Bethel Ibeh, who runs a small cooking business in Ojodu Berger. “Only the people that appreciate the value of instant noodles buy it now,” she added. On February 27, the Central Bank raised interest rates to 22.75% in its first meeting since 2023. It was seen as many as a sign of seriousness by the bank, and difficult but necessary decisions like this are beginning to bear fruit. Last week, the regulator said foreign inflows rose to $2.3 billion in February, driven by renewed interest from foreign investors and a rise in overseas remittances. This figure in the first quarter of 2024 outperformed $3.9 billion received for 2023.
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New update on how to change 2024 JAMB subject combination
This is an important announcement for all candidates registered for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). If you accidentally selected the wrong subject combination during JAMB registration, you now have a limited window to make a change and effect corrections before the main UTME 2024. Starting March 14, 2024, and lasting for only two days, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has opened the portal for candidates to change their JAMB subject combination. This is your chance to ensure your chosen subjects align with the requirements for your desired course of study. Remember, selecting the correct subject combination is crucial for UTME success. Each program has specific subject requirements. Taking the wrong exam subjects can disqualify you from consideration for admission, even if you score high marks. To avoid this scenario, take advantage of this brief window to correct your JAMB subject combination. How to change your JAMB subject combination To ensure a smooth correction process, follow these steps: 1. Decide your new JAMB subjects combo Ensure you know what you want to do and you are sure of your new subject combinations. Do this before leaving your home. 2. Locate a JAMB-accredited CBT center Within the next 48 hours, visit any JAMB-accredited Computer Based Test (CBT) Center. You can find a list of centers on the JAMB website https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng/login 3. Inform center officials Upon arrival, inform the centre officials that you wish to correct your JAMB subject combination. 4. Complete the correction process The centre officials will guide you through the process. They will have the necessary resources to ensure your JAMB subject combination is accurately changed. Final thoughts on how to change 2024 JAMB subject combination This opportunity won’t last long. So act fast and head to your nearest JAMB-accredited CBT center between March 14th and 15th, 2024, to correct your JAMB subject combination.
Read MoreNo one likes debt shaming, but experts are skeptical about ethical debt collection
Nigeria’s digital lending space has boomed in recent years, filling a gap left by traditional banks. These lenders offer quick, collateral-free loans to individuals and businesses, a lifeline for many Nigerians in a struggling economy. However, collecting repayments is a significant problem for these lenders. Some digital lenders shame and harass defaulters, creating a tense and harmful environment for borrowers. It has created a market for ethical collection agencies like BFree—who recently raised $2.95 million in funding—and Mwanga, startups that use phone calls and text messages to remind borrowers of their outstanding balance and the consequences of non-payment. Ethical loan collectors—BFree claims to have upped loan recoveries for their clients by 70%—say they treat borrowers respectfully, even in cases of defaults. But banking experts doubt the effectiveness of ethical methods, particularly when borrowers face financial hardship. “There is a significant limit to ethical loan collection in Nigeria, especially for small loans,” said Adedeji Olowe, CEO of Lendsqr. “Lenders are walking a fine line, it’s only at a sizable level that you can manage finance risk. At the bottom, it’s a free for all.” The underlying economic realities that push borrowers to default in the first place may mean that repayments are impossible no matter the collection method. “Without addressing these issues, ethical collection may not be enough,” said Adedeji Olowe, CEO of Lendsqr. One expert who asked not to be mentioned believes unethical loan recovery methods could be avoided if digital lenders filter through the behavioral data of their borrowers to know their ability to repay. According to him, borrowers with betting or impulsive buying habits can be screened during the loan underwriting process or before they’re given loans. While these checks are in place for some digital lenders, ethical collectors might struggle to recover debts because rogue lenders are learning to game the system and exploit loopholes. For instance, if borrowers know their salaries will be directly debited within 24 hours, they might be tempted to empty their accounts upon receiving their paychecks, hindering repayment, one expert who asked not to be named told TechCabal. Another challenge posed by ethical loan collection for digital lenders is the cost of outsourcing loan recollection to collection-as-a-service startups. These collection-as-a-service startups charge between 10-35% of the loan amount recovered, which digital lenders account for in their interest rates to lenders, bumping it higher than the average interest rate and possibly deterring borrowers from lending or leading to more loan defaults. In 2022, the National Information and Technology Development Agency fined Soko Loan ₦10 million for privacy violations, sending a strong message to the industry. While regulatory bodies like NITDA have taken action against unethical loan recovery practices, experts who spoke to TechCabal believe there should be similar consequences for defaulters to make ethical loan collection work in Nigeria.
Read MoreHow Zimbabwean startups are forging ahead despite hyperinflation and sanctions
Tendai Mugovi is a serial technology entrepreneur based in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. He has founded and currently runs three startups: Cashlinq, a fintech offering core banking services to banks and other financial institutions, including telcos; Panamax, an ERP software provider; and Mugonat Systems, a software development firm. Cashlinq has already scaled to Zambia with plans to expand to Mozambique and Malawi. Mugovi is one of the many startup founders who have forged on with building startups, despite the unfriendly operating environment in Zimbabwe fuelled by sanctions and hyperinflation. Zimbabwe has been under economic sanctions from the US, the European Union and most Western countries since 2003. The country has also been experiencing hyperinflation since 2008, with inflation rates going as high as 80,000,000% in some periods. Mugovi tells TechCabal that access to funding is one area that has been mostly impacted by the country’s macroeconomic challenges. “Foreign investors consider us a pariah state, so getting access to patient venture capital is next to impossible.” Despite all the challenges that have been presented by hyperinflation and sanctions, startups in Zimbabwe are still alive and kicking. Some have built products serving a significant local market, while others have scaled to neighbouring countries after achieving product-market fit in the country. Stakeholders who spoke to TechCabal state that although the operating environment has been less than desirable, it has also presented opportunities for tech entrepreneurs. According to data by venture funding tracker Africa: The Big Deal, Zimbabwean startups collectively raised only $2 million in 2022. In the same period, startups in neighbouring South Africa raised almost $500 million in venture capital funding. Some startups have resorted to borrowing from microfinance institutions to address the funding challenge. However, in addition to high rejection rates because of lack of collateral, this capital is usually too expensive for startups, with interest rates averaging between 20% and 40%. Leonard Sengere, the editor of the technology publication TechZim, adds that a poor population also adds to the unattractiveness of Zimbabwe as a venture capital destination. “When a startup finds a problem, the business model falls apart when they realise customers can’t pay what’s needed to warrant the business.” To traverse through the funding problem, startups are looking to diaspora remittances to fund their ambitions. According to data from the World Bank, remittances by Zimbabwe’s diaspora community reached $1.66 billion in 2023, or 11% of the country’s GDP. Startups are resorting to their fellow countrymen abroad as foreign investors who may not understand the challenges of operating in the country, push them away. “The diaspora community knows the ability of innovators in Zimbabwe, so they are open to angel investing in startups in the country,” another founder told TechCabal. In 2021, the government also launched the National Venture Capital Fund (NVCF) and assigned ZW$300 million (~$3 million then) at its inception. Additionally, the treasury also introduced tax incentives for VC firms, announcing that they would not be liable for income tax. B2C startups are impacted the most Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic factors have mostly affected B2C startups compared to B2B startups, according to stakeholders who spoke to TechCabal. “It is extremely hard to move money out of Zimbabwe because of a combination of our policies and other countries’ policies concerning us,” said one founder of a B2C payments startup who requested anonymity. As a result, most startups find it hard to scale their products beyond Zimbabwe, making them unattractive to growth-oriented VC purses. Zimbabwe currently employs a multi-currency financial system comprising the US and the Zimbabwean dollar. However, because of waning confidence in the Zimbabwean dollar, data shows that nearly 80% of local transactions are done in US dollars. Unlike B2C startups, enterprise-oriented startups have access to a customer base which can pay in US dollars, managing to hedge against the Zimbabwean dollar’s instability. “Accepting payments in the local currency is hard because sometimes rates change by multiples of 10 per day, so we pivoted to a B2B model,” said a founder of a B2B fintech startup who also preferred to speak anonymously. Another factor working against B2C startups in the Zimbabwe ecosystem is negative consumer sentiment about digital wallets or any form of non-cash transactions as a result of hyperinflation. “People here believe more in cash because, in the past, they have seen their savings in more stable currencies converted to Zim dollars by the government,” said Njabulo Sandawana, a Zimbabwean technology entrepreneur. For startups looking to change consumer sentiments and increase adoption of their products, they would have to spend a significant amount of capital on marketing and community outreach. Signs of brighter days ahead for Zimbabwe startups Despite the multiple challenges brought about by Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic environment, they have also presented some opportunities. “Because of difficulty in accessing and paying for foreign-made enterprise software, we have seen an increase in demand for our products,” said the founder of an ERP software startup. For B2C startups, as a result of a limited addressable market in Zimbabwe, some have been forced to think outside the country’s borders. Instead of making products primarily for the Zimbabwe market, some startups use the country as a sandbox to verify their theses and product market fit. These include Cashlinq and Tano Digital who have expanded to Zambia and Botswana, respectively. Some other preferred expansion destinations include South Africa, Malawi and Mozambique. Zimbabweans are also gradually being attracted to alternative financial technologies away from the traditional banking systems as a result of being burnt in the past. Technologies like blockchain and digital wallets by fintech are gaining prominence as the citizenry looks for alternatives. “When people look back to the early days of hyperinflation when savings would evaporate, they look at offerings by fintechs and think, surely these can’t be any worse,” said Tinodashe Dubayi, head of digital transformation at fintech startup ClickNPay. Some of these offerings include Innbucks, which allows customers to receive loose change at restaurants; Ecocash, a digital wallet; and O’Mari, a superapp which includes mobile money, insurtech and investech products. With
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3 of the best free AI image generators 2024
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised the dynamics of image generation, allowing users to create stunning, high-definition images that look eerily close to real-life photographs. Whether you’re a graphic designer, a content creator, or just someone with a keen interest in AI technology, finding the best AI image generator is key to effortlessly achieving your desired results. Here are three of the best online image generators that offer powerful tools for generating HD AI real-life pictures. All the images in this article were uniquely generated from these generators listed here. 1. Pixlr Image Generator Pixlr’s Image Generator tool harnesses the power of AI to provide users with a seamless experience for creating stunning, high-definition images. With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customisable options, Pixlr empowers users to generate lifelike images tailored to their specific needs. Regarding finding one of the best AI image generators for lifelike portraits, Pixlr is one of the top on the list. Using generative adversarial networks (GANs), this virtual engine creates portraits of people who do not actually exist. Each refresh reveals a new, unique image, making it an invaluable resource for various creative projects. You can get to their website from https://pixlr.com/image-generator/. 2. WePik AI image generator Wepik’s AI platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for generating HD AI real-life images. From customisable templates to advanced image editing features, Wepik AI provides users with everything they need to bring their creative visions to life. WePik spotlights as one of the best AI image generators for collaborative art creation. With its vast library of pre-existing images and intuitive blending controls, users can seamlessly generate high-quality, HD AI real-life images. Whether you’re interested in portraits, landscapes, or abstract compositions, WePik empowers users to explore their creativity and produce stunning results. https://wepik.com/ai 3. Microsoft’s AI image generator Microsoft’s AI image generator is a powerful tool that leverages cutting-edge AI technology to produce high-definition real-life images. With features such as automatic image enhancement, background removal, and intelligent cropping, Microsoft’s platform streamlines the image creation process and delivers visually stunning results. Microsoft’s AI Image Generator offers a surreal twist on AI-generated art, making it one of the best AI image generators for creating mesmerising visuals. By applying neural network algorithms, users can transform ordinary images into dreamlike compositions filled with intricate details and vibrant colours. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy to your projects or explore the artistic possibilities of AI technology, Microsoft’s AI image generator delivers impressive results. Start creating with Microsoft’s AI Image Generator here: create.microsoft.com/en-us/features/ai-image-generator 5 tips to ensure desired Image results from some of the best AI image generators The following will help your result generation when using the aforementioned AI generator tools. 1. Provide detailed descriptions When using any of the best AI image generators for your projects, such as WePik, be sure to input detailed descriptions or keywords into the search options. The more specific you are about the desired characteristics of the image (e.g., gender, age, emotion, scenery), the more likely you are to receive relevant results that align with your vision. 2. Experiment with parameters Take advantage of the customisation options provided by the best AI image generators. Adjusting settings such as style, intensity, and morphing options can significantly impact the final output, allowing you to fine-tune the image to your liking. 3. Iterate and refine Don’t hesitate to iterate and refine your image generation process with the AI image generators you choose to use. Experiment with different combinations of images, settings, and techniques to explore new possibilities and uncover unique results. 4. Seek Inspiration Draw inspiration from various sources, including art, photography, and nature, when using the best AI image generators like PixLr. Studying real-life images and artistic compositions can provide valuable insights into composition, lighting, and colour schemes, enhancing the realism of your AI-generated creations. 5. Practice patience Generating high-quality HD AI real-life images may require patience and persistence. Be prepared to experiment, refine, and iterate until you achieve the desired results with the best AI image generators. Remember that AI technology continues to evolve, so exploring new features and improvements can lead to even better outcomes over time. Final thoughts on 3 of the best free AI image generators 2024 These AI generators may not exactly replace actual animators or graphics designers who design from scratch and are more human to develop your visual fantasies. But by leveraging the capabilities of some of the best AI image generators and following the tips provided here, you can do so much in less time, and with little or no cost, when it comes to visual conceptualisation. Whether you’re a professional artist or an amateur enthusiast, AI image generation offers endless opportunities for creativity and expression.
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👨🏿🚀TechCabal Daily – Flutterwave appoints new board chair
In partnership with Share this newsletter: Lire en Français اقرأ هذا باللغة العربية TGIF What was it like to build a tech startup in 2023? What will it take to succeed in 2024? The founders of Bamboo, SendStack, and ShopFawl have the answers! Join them in our International Women’s Day Vodcast, “Hustle & Heart,” live on our YouTube Channel. Watch it here! In today’s edition Quick Fire with Koffi Kelvin Here’s why your internet was down yesterday Binance promises to cooperate with Nigerian authorities South Africa to approve 60 crypto licences Flutterwave appoints more executives Funding Tracker The World Wide Web3 Job Openings Quick Fire Andela’s Koffi Kelvin breaks down Quality Assurance Koffi Kelvin is a QA Engineer at GitHub and an Andela technologist. He is passionate about learning and recently graduated from an 11-month leadership course. Koffi is an Andela community champion, supporting and mentoring other community members across the globe, as well as organizing region-wide events for Andela. Outside of tech, Koffi is interested in music, art, and African culture. Explain your job to a five-year-old Imagine you built the world’s most incredible treehouse ever! It has slides, secret tunnels, and a throne made from your softest teddy bear. But before you invite all your friends over, wouldn’t you want to ensure it’s perfect? That’s where a QA engineer comes in, like the ultimate fort inspector with a magnifying glass! We’re the ones who crawl through the tunnels, bounce on the pillows, and push all the buttons (carefully, of course!) to see if anything is wonky or doesn’t work quite right. We might find a slide that topples over too easily or a tunnel too small for even the tiniest teddy bear. We’ll then tell the treehouse builders (the programmers) about these funny mishaps so they can fix them and make the treehouse even more epic! Can you share a memorable experience where your attention to detail in QA uncovered a critical issue in a project? Off the top of my head, I discovered a critical OS issue when I was at Hewlett-Packard. I was analysing data, and it revealed a bug; I would upload a particular file to an RGB keyboard app, which then caused the entire operating system to crash. This was precarious because, of course, apps require operating systems to run. We were building the operating system alongside the required apps; one needed the other to perform efficiently. It was a close shave! Your background also showcases a transition from hands-on QA engineering to customer support. What sparked this shift in focus, and what excites you most about the support role? QA is a very customer-centric role where, in some instances, during user acceptance testing (UAT), one works with the actual application users to address any issues they might have with the product, making customer support a function within QA. Hence, the transition was as seamless as running from walking. What skills would you say have been critical to your career growth and trajectory? Curiosity and tenacity. I remain curious and interested in all functions within and around my work. I’m constantly researching, reading, and learning. This exposes me to as many recent and emerging technologies as possible, which helps keep me sharp and up-to-date. I tend to seek out content from some notable thought leaders within QA like James Bach, who is christened “The father of Agile testing” through his blog and a few others like. I gravitate towards the daunting and challenging tasks many people avoid, which has ensured I’ve learned the most within the team. I welcome a challenge, as it makes me learn the most or fail spectacularly. And when you fail, you learn; you never make the same mistake twice. You’ve been a digital business mentor for two years now. What would you say is the most rewarding thing about mentoring? At this point in my career, I would love to give back to the Andela community as much as possible because I realise how privileged I have been in my career journey. This is why I am drawn to mentoring and supporting other technologists. The Andela community is a network of global technologists, and I regularly speak to people worldwide. The most rewarding part is helping others be successful in specific fields using tools that improve the quality, efficiency, and even the quantity of their output. I guide new members through the Andela talent community landscape, offering support and advice on everything from how to navigate the job engagement process, to questions about tax and, of course, technology and skills guidance. What are some of your hobbies or passions that fuel your creativity and energy outside of work? I always make time for physical activity, regularly playing at the local rugby club and swimming. Recently, I’ve embraced farming, starting with building two beehives, planting some fruit trees (mango and apple), and growing hot chilies. I love being outdoors as much as possible. Finally, what lessons have you learned from your experiences in QA that have had the most significant impact on your professional growth and development? Developing my teamwork and collaboration skills during our day-to-day QA operations has impacted my leadership. Most recently, I took an 11-month leadership development program led by renowned scholars including Dr Phidel Baraza (Ph.D.) and Professor Emmanuel Bellon, where I was recognized as one of the course’s top performers. When I first began leadership training, I was taught to lead from the front and demonstrate/explain how my team should perform. But working in QA, I’ve learned how to lead from behind when needed, encouraging and trusting my team to have autonomy over their roles. Launch your tech career with Moniepoint Launch your tech career with paid mentorship from fintech industry leaders and potential full-time employment. Apply now! Telecoms Subsea cable cuts disrupt internet service in Africa If you experienced bad internet service yesterday, we are here to let you know that it’s not the fault of your network provider, it might just be
Read MoreMajor fibre cut takes banks in Nigeria and South Africa offline
MainOne, a major data provider for most Nigerian banks, suffered a major fibre cut in Ghana that has knocked many major Nigerian banks offline, according to internal communication sent to bank staff and seen by TechCabal. As a result, customers of major Nigerian banks cannot access their banking apps or use any USSD service. “A technical team is actively working on a solution,” someone familiar with MainOne’s business told TechCabal. A spokesperson for TechCabal declined to comment on the situation. Thursday’s internet outage extends beyond Nigeria, with South African internet users also experiencing slow speeds and unresponsive internet. According to news24, Vodacom confirmed that multiple subsea cable failures between South Africa and Europe were impacting several network providers. *This is a developing story.
Read MoreFlutterwave appoints former CBN director as board chair
Flutterwave, Africa’s most valuable startup, has appointed Dipo Fatokun, a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as its new board chairman, as part of its effort to uphold higher regulatory, compliance, and governance standards. Fatokun has extensive experience as a board member and board chair, having served on more than five boards in the last decade. He is the chair of United Capital’s audit and governance board. During his time at CBN, he led initiatives such as the Cashless Nigeria Initiative, the Bank Verification Number (BVN) project, and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for the Federal Government. He also led efforts to automate foreign currency payments for the Central Bank’s internal and external customers. The fintech has also appointed Tosin Faniro-Dada, a partner at Breega, an early-stage VC fund in Europe and Africa, as an independent non-executive director. “As a company, we’ve gone through different organisational changes in our growth journey, but one thing remains steadfast – our commitment to maintaining the highest regulatory and operational standards,” said Olugbenga Agboola, the CEO and Founder of Flutterwave. Their appointments come three months after Flutterwave appointed five new executives across its risk, compliance, and expansion departments. Two weeks ago, Flutterwave also added a new board member, Nigerian architect Olajumoke Adenowo, as part of its efforts to drive its international expansion strategy. “The company plays a vital role in the fintech ecosystem across Africa. I’m looking forward to supporting the company’s goal of being a model fintech company that advances payment innovations while upholding the highest regulatory and compliance standards,” Fatokun said in a statement.
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Breaking: SA issues first-ever crypto licences to 59 firms
South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has approved operating licences for 59 cryptocurrency firms as of March 12, 2024. This was stated by a representative of the FSCA at the ongoing FSCA Industry Conference in Johannesburg. According to the regulator, 355 applications for crypto licenses were received, 59 of which were approved, while 262 are still being vetted. Some of the business models of approved firms include advisory services, exchanges, payment gateways, crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat-conversion, crypto asset arbitrage, tokenisation, provision of index-based products, and wallet services. “Any entity that did not apply for a license and continues activities will be investigated and there will be consequences for such actions,” said Felicity Mabaso, the divisional executive for licensing at the FSCA. Image source: FSCA The move represents South Africa’s continuing relaxation of the crypto regulatory environment. The earliest step in liberalising South Africa’s crypto regulatory landscape came in November 2018 when the SARB, in conjunction with the FSCA, South African Revenue Services (SARS), and the FIC established the Crypto Assets Regulatory Working Group. In July 2021, the working group published a position paper [pdf] with recommendations for a revised South African policy, legal, and regulatory position on crypto assets. In August 2022, SARB issued guidelines for how financial institutions including banks could service crypto clients. The apex bank explicitly advised the institutions against refusing to serve crypto clients. This was followed by the FSCA declaring crypto assets as financial products in October 2022, meaning they would fall within the regulatory jurisdiction of the FSCA which then opened applications for licences in June 2023. Furthermore, according to the FSCA, the licensed entities will be subject to ongoing supervision after licensing, while investigations into people conducting crypto-related financial services without authorisation will begin.
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