Football For Good: Cowrywise Combines Sports and Social Responsibility to Raise 1 Billion Naira to Support Education
Lagos, Nigeria – This weekend, Cowrywise held the inaugural Cowrywise Super Cup, a groundbreaking event uniting 12 corporate teams with a shared purpose to raise ₦1 billion to support underprivileged children’s access to quality education in Nigeria. The event, which took place at the Local Government Primary School in GRA Ikeja, brought together top corporations, local influencers, and football fans alike in a dynamic display of #FootballForGood. With this tournament, Cowrywise is pioneering a unique approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), channeling the universal passion for football to address Nigeria’s critical education gap. According to a 2024 UNESCO report, “Of a total 34.8 million children who are of primary school age, 9.6 million are estimated to be out of school, making Nigeria the country with the highest number of out-of-school primary school age children in the world”. By mobilizing corporate entities and the public around this cause, Cowrywise aims to ignite change in educational access and equity across the country. Transforming Lives Through Education At the event, Razaq Ahmed, CEO of Cowrywise, emphasized the organization’s commitment to meaningful, lasting impact: “We believe in the transformative power of education. Today, we proudly announce the launch of the Cowrywise Endowment Fund—an initiative born from our unwavering belief in every child’s potential, regardless of their background. We hope that the N1bn seed target for the fund will help shape the lives of many young people from low-income communities for generations to come. We are not doing this alone. We unite with like-minded partners who share our vision for a brighter, more equitable future. Together, we aim to leave a lasting imprint on the Nigerian educational landscape by providing targeted interventions for those who need access to quality education. We can’t wait to see the generational impact of this initiative.” This event acts as a beacon of hope for children whose futures, like that of Franklin Ayodeji from Ikorodu, once seemed limited by circumstances. Raised in a low-income community, Franklin’s path was transformed when he secured a scholarship after excelling in the National Common Entrance Exam. With this support, he moved on to excel at Lead-Forte Gate College, Lekki, and is well on his way to achieving his dream of becoming a scientist. His story exemplifies the struggles faced by many Nigerian children, but also the potential for impact when communities rally together. With this initiative, stories like Seun’s can change for the better. A Legacy of Social Responsibility Cowrywise has a demonstrated history of social impact, extending beyond education. In September 2019, the company led a healthcare initiative for Sagbokoji Island, a remote community with limited access to healthcare. Cowrywise’s app featured a donation campaign that raised ₦4 million, significantly improving medical facilities and services for 200,000 residents. This hands-on approach embodies Cowrywise’s dedication to uplifting underserved communities. In 2021 for International Women’s Day, the company launched the Design Fund for Women, an initiative that provided financial and professional support for 75 women pursuing careers in design. This program, developed in partnership with prominent design firms across Nigeria, offered participants access to one-on-one mentorship with industry-leading female designers. Many went on to secure internships and job placements, empowering women to advance in a competitive field. Other more recent initiatives include Cowrywise’s renovation of a football pitch for Ikeja Primary School, transforming it into a safe, vibrant community hub. Additionally, Cowrywise’s Football Savings Goals product offers football fans a chance to save in an engaging way, using each goal scored by their favourite teams as motivation to build healthier financial habits. Through initiatives like these, Cowrywise combines social good with financial literacy, empowering Nigerians to build a secure future. Harnessing the Power of Sports for Social Change: The Super Cup Story By leveraging sports, Cowrywise is establishing a platform that brings the public closer to CSR efforts and lends a voice to the challenges in Nigeria’s educational landscape with football serving as a unifying force, making this tournament an ideal vehicle for galvanizing support for educational equity. Grillo, Cowrywise’s Head of Growth & Marketing, commented on this approach: “We see football as a powerful medium for fostering connection and community. The Super Cup is just one example of how we can come together to create positive, lasting change in the lives of young Nigerians. Our focus on education today is central to building a more inclusive society.” Corporate and Community Involvement Leading companies like AltSchool Africa, Food Concepts PLC, Branch International, Lenco (YC W22), Dentsu Creative, 500chow, Mixta Africa, Sycamore.NG, ALX Africa, and Princeps Credit Systems Limited joined forces to support this cause, bringing a heightened awareness to the importance of accessible education. Oludamola Olubajo, lead convener of the event, echoed the impact of collective action: “This tournament is proof of what’s possible when we rally as a community around a meaningful cause. It’s a straightforward approach really: by leveraging something as universally enjoyed as football, we can bring critical attention and resources to the issue of educational access for underprivileged children.” A Day of Purposeful Play The Cowrywise Super Cup tournament, held on October 26, 2024, brought together 12 corporate teams in an exhilarating display of skill, teamwork, and passion. From the first whistle to the final goal, each team competed fiercely, embodying the spirit of Football For Good. Spectators gathered at the Local Government Primary School in GRA Ikeja, where they cheered on each match and celebrated the thrill of the game—all in support of the mission to drive educational development. Beyond the excitement on the field, the tournament underscored the impact of collaboration and community in addressing the nation’s educational crisis. With inspiring speeches, engaging fan activities, and corporate pledges made toward the Cowrywise Endowment Fund, the event provided a platform for companies and individuals to rally together for change. As the final trophy was awarded to the Mixta Africa football team, the tournament marked not only a celebration of football but also a milestone in Cowrywise’s commitment to education and social responsibility, empowering the next generation through the transformative
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How to record calls on iPhone & where to find the recordings (New)
Apple’s latest iOS 18.1 update in October 2024, among other features, introduces one of the most anticipated features on iPhone – the ability to record phone calls. This feature offers a seamless, privacy-conscious way to capture important conversations. Here’s how to use it and where to find your recordings once the call ends. 1. Activating the feature to record calls on your iPhone To record calls on iPhone in 2024, you must first update your iOS to 18.1. Also, note that not all iPhone models can update to the iOS 18 and above. You can find out the list of iPhone models compatible for 2024 iOS updates here. Once the recipient answers the phone, tap the Call Recording icon which you will find at the top left corner to start capturing the conversation. When recording begins, an automated voice notifies both parties, maintaining transparency and respecting privacy laws. This means you may not record calls without the knowledge of the other party. As such, it’s good practice to inform your contact before recording for consent. See demonstration video here below: 2. Locating call recordings in the notes app Once you’ve finished the call, the call automatically saves in the Notes app: Open the Notes app. Locate the folder titled Call Recordings. Find your recorded calls, labelled by name, date, and time, for easy reference. The Notes app stores recordings securely, allowing you to replay, organise, and even share them as needed. Apple’s integration of call recordings within Notes not only enhances accessibility but also keeps recordings organised and easy to locate. Tips for using the iPhone call recording feature Respect privacy: Always inform the other party of your intent to record. Organise in notes: Label or move recordings into specific folders for added convenience. Final thoughts on how to record calls on iPhone Being able to record phone calls in 2024 may not be a feature that’s new to people especially folks who have been using Android devices. However, the iPhone just rolling it out is definitely an e tea perk for iPhone users. Also, compared to other phones, the clarity of the call recording on the iPhone is pretty better. So maybe it was worth the wait eventually.
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New iPhone call recording feature and other new features in 2024
Apple’s latest iOS 18.1 update brings a long-awaited feature: iPhone call recording. This update transforms how users interact with calls, capturing conversations seamlessly. Here’s a deep dive into this feature and other notable enhancements in iOS 18.1. 1. The iPhone call recording feature With iOS 18.1, Apple introduces call recording functionality, a game-changer for many users. This new feature allows users to record phone calls directly from the device without third-party applications or external devices. Users can toggle the iPhone call recording 2024 feature on and off through a new option in the Control Center, making it accessible in seconds. No recording secrecy like Androids allow Recording calls comes with privacy protocols on the iPhone. When you activate the iPhone call recording feature, an automated alert notifies both parties that the call is being recorded. This applies to all calls, regardless of the recipient’s device. Apple’s approach ensures users remain within legal boundaries, preserving privacy while offering flexibility. As such, it’s always advisable to notify the other person before enabling this feature. 2. Apple Intelligence The new iOS version also enhances Apple Intelligence. This personal intelligence system is designed to assist users with intuitive suggestions and actions across their devices. The system learns from user behaviour while prioritising data security. Apple Intelligence now supports more contextual commands and tailored recommendations, making daily tasks simpler and more efficient. 3. New Siri interface and functionalities Siri receives a significant update in iOS 18.1 with a streamlined user interface. The refreshed design simplifies interactions, allowing users to navigate commands with ease. Additionally, Siri’s improved response system processes complex requests faster, integrating Apple Intelligence to suggest relevant apps and features. 4. Camera control enhancements The iOS 18.1 update brings enhanced camera controls, allowing users to capture spatial photos. The new features improve image depth, clarity, and flexibility for creative photography. Users can access these settings via the updated Control Centre toggle. 5. Improved writing tools iOS 18.1 introduces enhanced writing tools powered by Apple Intelligence. These tools provide advanced grammar and style suggestions in real-time, helping you compose clearer and more effective messages, emails, or notes. The suggestions cover everything from punctuation adjustments to style recommendations, allowing users to communicate more precisely. 6. New photo editing cleanup feature The photo editing capabilities in iOS 18.1 now include a precision cleanup feature that allows you to remove unwanted elements from images with ease. This feature provides pixel-level control, making it possible to touch up photos in great detail directly on the iPhone. From erasing a distracting background object to refining portrait details, the cleanup tool offers advanced creative freedom. 7. Bug fixes and security updates In line with Apple’s commitment to security, iOS 18.1 addresses critical bug fixes and introduces improved security measures. These updates safeguard user data across all new features, including the 2024 iPhone call recording update. How to get iOS 18.1 and iPhone call recording feature 2024 To access iPhone call recording 2024 and other iOS 18.1 features: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Follow prompts to download and install the update. After updating, try placing a call. Once the person picks, you’ll find the record icon on the top left corner of your screen. Click it and accept the pop up prompt and your call should start recording. Final thoughts on the new iPhone call recording feature & more That’s about it on getting the new iPhone call recording feature and the other improved intelligence, communication, security, and personalisation updates on the new iOS 18.1.
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Globacom falls behind after new data shows subscriber count declined to 19.1 million
New data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that Globacom, the Nigerian telecoms company that was shut out of emails and work applications after a ransomware attack, has lost significant market share. The NCC reviewed subscriber data and found that Globacom telco had only 19.1 million active subscribers in September 2024, a significant decline from the 62.1 million subscribers it recorded in March 2024. The steep decline came after the NCC adjusted subscriber figures to exclude users with no revenue-generating activity or inactive lines for 90 days. As a result, total active subscriptions in Nigeria dropped from 217 million in March 2024 to 154 million in September, according to NCC data. The NCC’s revised guidelines classify active subscribers as those engaging in revenue-generating activities, such as SMS, USSD, voice calls, or data usage. Corporate and individual data plan users also fall under this category. Under those 2021 rules, SIMs without a verified National Identification Number (NIN) cannot remain active. Verified subscribers must use their line at least once within a 90-day window to be considered active. “Even if you don’t make a call but receive one, the operator earns revenue, so your line is counted as active. Any qualifying activity within 90 days of activating a SIM makes it RG (revenue-generating),” said an NCC representative who asked not to be named. Despite the regulator’s clear directives, all leading telcos appeared to have engaged in spurious counting, “directly violating the Commission’s guidelines for identifying active subscribers, resulting in an inflated report of the operator’s subscriber count and skewing industry statistics,” one NCC insider told TechCabal. Globacom did not immediately respond to a request for comments. The Globacom breach: How hackers held Nigeria’s telco giant hostage The large-scale review by the NCC delayed the release of monthly industry statistics. Following that review, Globacom was the hardest hit, with 40 million inactive subscribers deleted from its overall subscriber count and shrinking its market share. Airtel also saw around 9 million inactive subscribers removed but retained 53 million users. Recently acquired 9mobile also experienced a substantial decline and now has 3.6 million active users. Market leader MTN Nigeria saw little impact, with less than 3 million inactive users. The telco maintains 78 million subscribers and has a 50.50% market share, up from 38% in March.
Read MoreMoniepoint gets $1 billion valuation in new funding round led by DPI
Moniepoint, a Nigerian fintech startup that processed 5.2 billion transactions in 2023, has raised $110 million in a funding round led by Development Partners International (DPI), according to two people with direct knowledge of the deal. The new financing round will almost triple the company’s valuation, which was around $400 million in a 2022 funding round in which it raised $50 million. Bloomberg reported at the time that the company was eyeing a valuation of $1 billion, but that was ultimately elusive, said two investors with knowledge of the matter. “They got the primary round at a $1 billion valuation,” one person with knowledge of the matter said, declining to be named so they could speak freely. That post-money valuation means Moniepoint, founded in 2015, will become the continent’s eighth unicorn. It will join a small club that has MNT-Halan, Interswitch, Flutterwave, Chipper, OPay, Wave, and Andela as members. Exclusive: Moniepoint processed more than 5 billion transactions in 2023 The funding round also included a secondary sale with a discounted valuation, which was ideal for many investors. Moniepoint provides retail banking services and also caters to small and medium businesses. It is one of the market leaders in Nigeria’s agent banking space. In 2023, it was second on the Financial Times list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies. While the FT list showed Moniepoint had annual revenues of $62.6 million in 2021, three people with knowledge of the matter claimed the company’s annualised revenue has grown to over $100 million. While naira devaluation may have slowed growth in dollar terms, many investors consider Moniepoint a solid company with bright prospects. In 2023, it grew transaction value by over 205%, processing 5.2 billion transactions worth over $150 billion. Moniepoint declined to comment on any part of this story.
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👨🏿🚀TechCabal Daily – Lights out, banking apps down
In partnership with Lire en Français اقرأ هذا باللغة العربية Good morning! TechCabal Insights, in collaboration with Innovation Village, is launching the Uganda Digital Economy Trends Report! The report chronicles the vibrant growth of the country’s tech ecosystem, the fast-rising startups, the impact of government initiatives to funding, and the new opportunities emerging in fintech and mobile payments. Discover key players, funding trends, and regulations shaping Uganda’s digital future. Download the free report here. Power outage takes Nigerian banks offline A rise in investor-led acquisitions in Nigeria Pick n Pay to exit Nigeria World Wide Web 3 Opportunities Banking How a power outage at MainOne data centre took Nigerian banks offline Image Source: Zikoko Memes If you use a tier-1 bank, you may have experienced a service disruption in the early hours of Wednesday, October 9, 2024. You probably blamed the disruption on the ongoing technological changes by several Nigerian banks. You were wrong. What happened was a power outage at a data centre operated by MainOne, a major internet provider for most Nigerian banks. The one-hour outage knocked several Nigerian banks offline and affected millions of customers. That’s why you couldn’t access your bank app that morning. We will tell you why this is a big deal. Think of your bank as a car and MainOne as the engine. The bank needs a reliable infrastructure—especially secure network connectivity—to function efficiently. MainOne provides that connectivity. Urgent situations, they say, call for urgent measures. One person familiar with the situation told me that at least three chief technology officers (CTOs) of the affected banks visited the data centre hours after the outage happened. Another person said a faulty circuit breaker caused the power outage. Data centres like MainOne’s consume significant amounts of power so they rely on multiple power sources, including utility and diesel generators. While MainOne has since fixed the problem, the incident is just another reminder of how important connectivity is to a bank’s operations. If you call the internet the lifeblood of a bank, you won’t be wrong. Read Moniepoint’s Case Study on Funding Women After losing their mother, Azeezat and her siblings struggled to keep Olaiya Foods afloat. Now, with Moniepoint, they’re transforming Nigeria’s local buka scene. Click here for a deep dive into how Moniepoint is helping her and other women entrepreneurs overcome their funding challenges. M&A Omniretail-Traction acquisition signals more investor-led acquisitions in Nigeria Image Source: Google OmniRetail’s recent all-stock acquisition of Nigerian fintech startup Traction Apps highlights a growing trend: investors are supporting founders to consolidate their startups into larger entities with greater potential for significant returns. It previously happened in May 2024 when Paystack, the Stripe-owned fintech, led a group of investors to acquire Brass. Before that, in September 2023, Eke Urum, founder of investment platform Risevest acquired digital trading startup Chaka on the suggestion of an investor. It’s easy to see how the Traction Apps acquisition is a win-win for all parties involved. For OmniRetail which has been seeking funding for a new round, this deal will bolster its fintech arm and attract fintech investors who, in West Africa, are reportedly more liberal with cash and valuation multiples compared to other sectors. On the other hand, Traction Apps investors get to say they have exited another startup in a clime where many have been lost to the harsh funding climate. The all-stock deal gives Traction Apps investors equity in a startup with a brighter future. However, it remains unclear at what valuation Traction Apps was acquired and how much stake the incoming investors get in OmniRetail. As usual, the VCs are holding these numbers to their chest, leaving us guessing. Issue USD and Euro accounts with Fincra Whether you run an online marketplace, a remittance fintech, a payroll, a freelance platform or a cross-border payment app, Fincra’s multicurrency account API allows you to instantly create accounts in USD and EUR for customers without the stress of setting up a local account. Get started today. Companies South Africa’s Pick n Pay to exit Nigeria Image Source: Reuters Pick n Pay stores will soon start disappearing from Nigeria as the grocery retailer confirmed on Monday that it has sold its 51% share of its joint venture back to Nigerian conglomerate, A.G. Leventis. In 2020, Pick n Pay entered Nigeria—a market it described as “risky” upon entry—through a partnership with A.G. Leventis. The South Africa-based retailer operated two walk-in stores in Victoria Island and Ikeja, Lagos, where it distributed fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs). While the decision to leave Nigeria could be summed up as a result of the inflation and its impact on consumer goods, yet, some of its other chain businesses outside South Africa have not been performing so well due to currency devaluation. The retailer reported a R1.1 billion ($62.2 million) loss before tax in the half-year period ending August 25. This was significantly higher than the R837.2 million ($47 million) loss it reported the year before. The company also reported mounting debts and its liabilities being greater than assets earlier this year. Pick n Pay’s outgoing chairman Gareth Ackerman said the performance of their core Pick n Pay business has been poor and has not met expectations. The company will raise between R6–8 billion ($339 million–$452 million) in secondary share sales of its subsidiary FMCG business, Boxer Retail, which it acquired in 2002. With the funds, it will refinance and refocus its businesses outside of South Africa. Pick n Pay is one of three largest grocery chains in South Africa, along with Shoprite and Spar Group. While Pick n Pay has been posting losses, its two biggest competitors—which still have a presence in Nigeria—have been thriving in the market which is likely due to their established presence in different regions in the country. While Pick n Pay will no longer compete in Nigeria, it still has physical presences in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Introducing Pay with Pocket on Paystack Checkout Paystack merchants in Nigeria can now accept payments
Read MoreStarlink may face sanctions for unapproved price increase in Nigeria
SpaceX-owned satellite provider Starlink may face sanctions from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) after it increased subscription fees without the regulator’s approval. One person with direct knowledge of the matter said Starlink wrote to the regulator to get approval for the price hike but did not wait for a response. On October 1, 2024, Starlink told customers about a 100% increase in subscription fees, citing rising inflation. The NCC immediately asked Starlink to reverse the price. hike, which the company complied with on Friday. “Regulatory enforcement actions do not necessarily end with fines,” said one NCC source who asked not to be named so he could speak freely. Starlink will be formally informed of the possibility of regulatory action, the same person said. The company will then be expected to respond before the the NCC makes a decision. The possible decisions can be fines, cautionary notes or nonaction if no wrongdoing is found. A decision is expected in about two weeks. Starlink launched in Nigeria in 2023 and has 23,897 active subscribers. However, telco executives believe regulators are soft on the company, allowing them to operate without a phyical presence. “This is not true,” said an NCC employee who asked not to be named. “Starlink has so far built three landing stations out of the five the NCC mandated it must build. The way satellite services operate they are not required to establish so many presence but they are doing more in Nigeria than they have done in other African climes.”
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Top 5 quality phones to buy under ₦20,000 in Nigeria 2024
There are times you just need a small phone to basically receive calls and store numbers without the complexity or glamour associated with smartphones like the iPhone series or Android brands. Or maybe your main phone has an issue and you just need a phone to fill in for basic communication like calls and texts. In other words, if you’re looking to buy cheap phones in Nigeria in 2024, these five devices offer essential features, solid battery life, and value for money. 1. Itel 2166 – ₦15,249 The Itel 2166 combines affordability with utility. This feature phone sports a 2-inch screen and a durable 1000mAh battery that supports up to 9.5 hours of talk time and 177 hours on standby. With dual SIM slots, Bluetooth connectivity, and a digital camera, it’s a reliable choice. The auto call recorder and speed-dial function add convenience for those on the move. The Itel 2166 suits anyone seeking quick makeshift or a low-cost device with basic functionalities. There are other cheap phones, but this is one of the quality ones you’ll find in Nigeria in 2024. Specs highlight Screen: 2.0-inch QVGA Battery: 1000mAh Memory: 32MB RAM, 32MB ROM Other Features: Wireless FM, speed dial, expandable memory 2. Itel 2163 – ₦12,700 The Itel 2163 offers similar advantages and specifications to the 2166 but at a lower price point. It features a 1.8-inch screen, a 1000mAh battery, and a sturdy build. Ideal for basic use, the device supports up to 32GB of expandable storage. It also features a loudspeaker, bright torch, and an auto call recorder. So if you are looking to buy affordable but quality phones in Nigeria in 2024, the Itel 2163 is a competitive option for basic needs. Specs highlight Screen: 1.8-inch QVGA Battery: 1000mAh Memory: 4MB RAM, 4MB ROM Other Features: Dual SIM, wireless FM, expandable memory 3. Itel 2160 – ₦13,000 The Itel 2160 is a compact, affordable device with a 1.77-inch screen and a 1000mAh battery. Offering a VGA camera and dual SIM support, this device prioritises essential features for those on a budget. The 2160 includes wireless FM, an auto call recorder, and 32GB expandable storage – perfect for a reliable, no-frills phone experience. Specs highlight Screen: 1.77-inch QVGA Battery: 1000mAh Memory: 32MB RAM, 32MB ROM Other Features: VGA camera, bright torch, preloaded games 4. Tecno T301 – ₦18,000 The Tecno T301 provides a longer battery life with its 1150mAh capacity, a rare find at this price. This phone features a 1.77-inch QVGA screen, dual SIM support, and basic internet connectivity. The Tecno T301 suits you if you especially prioritise battery life and simplicity. Specs highlight Screen: 1.77-inch QVGA Battery: 1150mAh Memory: 4MB RAM, 4MB ROM Other Features: Palmchat, Facebook, wireless FM 5. Tecno T302 – ₦19,000 The Tecno T302, priced just under ₦20,000, offers a 2.0-inch screen and dual SIM functionality. With a 1150mAh battery and 32GB expandable memory, it’s a powerful budget option. If you’re looking to buy a cheap phone in Nigeria in 2024, this phone’s larger display and solid battery make it a top contender. Specs highlight Screen: 2.0-inch QVGA Battery: 1150mAh Memory: 4MB RAM, 4MB ROM Other Features: FM radio, 0.08MP camera, Bluetooth Final thoughts Choosing a budget phone in Nigeria requires more than just a price check; it’s about balancing practical features with durability. For under ₦20,000, these phones don’t promise high-tech marvels, but they do deliver essential reliability. So if you are not in the market for the flashy phones, the highlights in this article stand out by focusing on what truly matters: staying connected, anytime and anywhere. You will find these phones on e-commerce platforms like Konga and Jumia.
Read MoreHow a power outage at MainOne data centre took Nigerian banks offline
MainOne, the Equinix-owned broadband and storage company, suffered a one-hour power outage at its MDXi II data centre in Lekki on October 9, 2024, that took several Nigerian banks offline. The outage affected millions of customers who could not access banking services. One person familiar with the matter said at least three tier-1 banks were affected. A faulty circuit breaker caused the power outage, one person with direct knowledge of the matter said. With a power capacity of 600 kilowatts (kW) and a power density of 3.5 kW per rack, MDXi Lagos uses multiple power sources, including utility and diesel generators. This incident reflects MainOne’s influence in Nigeria’s broadband and data storage market. With a roll call of the biggest commercial banks and internet providers as clients, MainOne “is internet in Nigeria,” someone familiar with MainOne’s business told TechCabal. In March 2024, MainOne suffered a major fibre cut in Ghana that knocked many major Nigerian banks offline. At least three chief technology officers (CTOs) of the affected banks visited the data centre on October 9 to inquire about the situation, one person with direct knowledge of the matter said. MainOne did not immediately respond to a request for comments. One person familiar with the matter said MainOne has set up redundancy to avoid future reoccurrences. A data centre redundancy is the “use of duplicate components to keep operations uninterrupted if some components fail and maintain uptime during maintenance.” For commercial banks who rely on MainOne as an internet provider, an outage of that nature affects their operations, especially online banking activities. At a time when most commercial banks are undergoing major technology changes that have affected millions of customers, a blackout at their internet service provider is a risk not worth having. Nigerian commercial banks operate in a low-trust environment and customers question their reliability whenever there is a service disruption.
Read MoreTraction Apps all-stock acquisition adds to string of investor-led deals creating quick wins
The acquisition of Traction Apps, a Nigerian fintech startup, by OmniRetail, the B2B e-commerce company that topped FT’s list of Africa’s fastest-growing startups, adds to a growing trend of VCs leading consolidations of startups to create bigger entities more likely to create outsized returns. This has played out in the acquisition of business banking startup Brass by a group of investors led by payment giant Paystack and the acquisition of digital trading fintech Chaka, which the acquirer, Risevest, another digital trading startup, disclosed was suggested by a mutual investor. Ventures Platform, an investor in OmniRetail and Traction Apps, confirmed that these deals were prompted by investors. The VC firm also played an active role in the Paystack-Brass deal and facilitated the acquisition of Traction Apps. “But the key decision on when and how to drive the process is mostly founder-led,” said Dotun Olowoporoku, managing partner of Ventures Platform. “Founders often use their judgment or tap into investor networks to help the process.” The Traction Apps acquisition, an all-stock deal, according to a spokesperson for OmniRetail, gives Traction App’s investors; Multiple Partners, P1 Ventures, Ventures Platform, Voltron Capital and others, stakes in OmniRetail, a B2B commerce startup reportedly valued at $65 million in its last funding round. OmniRetail declined to specify the value of the deal. It is also unclear what stakes Traction Apps’s investors will get in the acquisition. Nonetheless, as is common in some acquisition deals, the whole value is not fixed and some of it will be determined in the coming years based on how much value the integration of both companies produces. The opportunity to gain a significant slice of OmniRetail has stirred excitement in Traction Apps investors who believe this acquisition spells out exponential growth for OmniRetail, according to a source familiar with the matter. Optimistic Traction App investors are willing to make further investments in the newly formed entity, according to the same source. Ventures Platform declined to confirm this but agreed that “OmniRetail is a compelling company with significant potential for investors interested in this sector.” The thinking of these investors is that the integration of Traction Apps’s financial services and its network of merchants can explode the growth of OmniPay, a proprietary financial service that Omnibiz says has boosted its efficiency and profitability in the fast and moving goods services sector where margins range between 3% and 6%. “Just buying from distributors and selling to retailers did not have enough margin and benefits, but engaging with distributors on the platform and embedding working capital tools like OmniPay increased the value chain margin for us to hit profitability,” said OmniRetail CEO, Deepankar Rustagi, in an interview with TechCrunch. OmniRetail claims that by January 2024, it had attained 9% gross margins and 5% net contribution margins meaning that for every transaction worth $1 (~₦1,500), OmniRetail makes $0.05 (~₦75). The startup also claims to have broken even in earnings before interest and taxes (EBITA), contrary to many competitors operating at negative margins or attaining only breakeven net contribution margins. This acquisition gives OmniPay payment licenses of Traction Apps that would have taken a significantly long time to acquire from the regulator. Aside from collections, and supplier payment, Omnipay provides transaction data for generating credit scores for retailers who are otherwise unable to access financing from traditional lenders. Traction Apps which provides financing services to merchants can boost that segment. “OmniPay will be able to integrate directly into the payment switch and give us the ability to deeper understand the wallets of our merchants and eventually provide them a host of value-added services in Fintech will be a key benefit for us,” an OmniRetail spokesperson told TechCabal. The fintech’s value-added services—bill payments, insurance and loans will be instrumental for Omniretail as well, according to the spokesperson. Following the acquisition, the combined entity will service 180,000 customers in the wholesale and retail sectors, with annual transaction volumes projected at $1 billion and loan facilitation of $122 million annually. Mayowa Alli and Dolapo Adejuyigbe, founders of Traction Apps will remain in the company to lead the growth. The acquisition of Traction Apps is an interesting turn of events overall. The startup was initially working with OmniRetail as one of several financial services providers that enable payments and collections. “It’s on trend. Most of the B2B eCommerce players have been building fintech roadmaps and this acquisition will be catalytic for OmniRetail,” Mikael Hajjar, a managing partner at P1 Ventures, one of the investors in Traction Apps, told TechCabal. Hajjar also cited another company, Chari, a Moroocan B2B e-commerce startup that is making similar strategic acquisitions to scale. Chari has acquired two fintech startups to date: France-based Axa Credit, the credit brand of Axa Assurance Maroc and Moroccan fintech app Karny. This acquisition may attract fintech investors to OmniRetail which has been trying to raise money in a Series A round. In March 2024, CEO Deepankar said Goodwell VC and several development finance institutions (DFIs) have already committed $10 million. However, at GITEX Dubai, one of the world’s largest tech conferences, Dika Oha, OmniRetail’s chief innovation officer, shared that the startup has seen many interested investors decide against investing due to concerns about the effect rising inflation is having on the FMCG sector. This fintech play may change things for the company. This trend of companies centring fintech in their growth aligns with a 2019 prediction made by Angela Strange, a general partner at the prominent venture capital firm Andrew Horowitz, who forecasted that every company would eventually become a fintech company.
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