Kenyan vendors face a shortage of smartphones as KRA tightens grip on tax evaders
Smartphone vendors in Kenya face challenges as taxation measures and supply shortages impact prices and availability. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wants to stem tax evasion, leading to slower business and higher consumer prices. A smartphone shortage in Kenya has been going on over the last few weeks. Many official and non-official vendors have voiced their concerns about the shortage, with some stating that they have been forced to close their operations or reduce their employees. The retailers who are still selling smartphones are the ones who stocked their shops with a big volume of devices. The overall low number of smartphones on store shelves has also compelled retailers to increase the prices of their devices. This has made it more challenging for locals to afford such devices since Kenyans are budget hunters who prefer entry-level smartphones. We are almost done with our stock . Our goods have been held in in customs for more than one month now. We may have to close soon because we may have nothing to sell. — Oliver Cheruiyot (@OliverCheruiyot) July 18, 2023 A shortage of electronics has been reported in Kenya, with smartphones being the most affected. KRA imports tax adjustments According to The Star, importers of consolidated cargo were asked to pay taxes based on the transaction value, per a new directive issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This move departed from the previous model, where importers declared loose cargo and paid a fixed duty of KES 200 per kilogram. According to KRA, the decision to adopt the new tariff, based on transaction value, followed the abuse of the initial government directive, which aimed to ease costs for small importers. Some importers of restricted items, such as expensive mobile gadgets and other electronic devices, have been cutting corners to bypass import permits. For instance, some importers have reportedly been shipping in high-end mobile devices, declaring them feature phones. This, in return, saw them pay a fraction in tax of the actual value of the devices. Besides, the taxman observed that many of these importers brought in their goods through consolidation, avoiding using their PINs to declare imports. So, they ended up owing a lot of VAT on their iTax PINs and couldn’t use their sales VAT to cover it. The matter was discussed by NTV’s business host Julians Amboko, who spoke with KRA’s Ag. Commissioner general Rispah Simiyu. Amboko explained that what had occurred was that while feature phones were kept under the per kg consideration after June 1, 2023, smartphones, along with other excisable goods, were switched to the per unit value consideration. KRA stated that it had observed the passing of smartphones as feature phones. The commissioner was asked about the amount lost due to the concealment of consolidated cargo. According to her, there was one instance where an item initially assessed at KES 85,000 ($600) per kg yielded over KES 700,000 ($5,000) after undergoing 100% verification. “When we realised this huge level of concealment and under-declaration, we decided to halt to halt the release of some of of the cargo and went for 100% verification,” Simiyu said. Amid the crisis, smartphone prices will continue to rise Mildred Agoya, realme Kenya’s marketing manager, who acknowledged the rising cost of smartphones in Kenya told TechCabal that the surge is due to two main factors. “Smartphone prices in Kenya have risen and will continue to increase based on two factors. First, tax on smartphone devices has increased, directly affecting the price of these devices. Secondly, smartphones cost more than before because of the current currency exchange rate,” she said. Mildred pointed out instances where Kenyan clients purchase realme devices at a lower exchange rate, say $1 = KES 130. However, the dollar rate increases when the order is processed, leading to higher costs. The fluctuating exchange rates have significantly contributed to the surge in smartphone prices. For example, some realme models initially priced at KES 10,499 are now being sold for almost KES 12,000, representing a 10-20% increase, depending on the model. The limited availability of smartphones is also a result of delayed customs clearance, which a new directive introduced by the KRA has exacerbated. Importers must now undergo multiple procedures to clear their products, leading to longer waiting times at KRA warehouses. Security concerns have also compelled some vendors to limit the stock available in their shops. Kenya is witnessing weekly political protests, with citizens expressing discontent over the high cost of living. These demonstrations sometimes turn violent, resulting in looting and damage to private property. As a precaution, vendors are cautious about keeping a large stock in their stores. Another smartphone maker with products in Kenya underscores realme’s input about currency exchange rates and supply chain bottlenecks. “The rising prices of smartphones in Kenya can be attributed to factors like currency fluctuations, increasing import costs, supply chain disruptions, and burdensome red tape measures. These challenges have led to a surge in prices, impacting affordability for consumers,” James Irungu, vivo Kenya’s brand and communications manager, told TechCabal. What’s going to happen to rogue vendors? There’s continuous speculation that some vendors have not been paying their fair share of taxes for a long time when importing smartphone devices. These are the groups that the taxman is targeting, and the KRA has already instructed them to collect their products since they have been cleared. NTV Kenya reports that the KRA is calling upon smartphone importers with cargo held at the Eldoret International Airport to speed up the verification of their consignments. However, it has also emerged that the KRA is nabbing tax cheats, who have been evading tax while selling the devices to Kenyans. This may be the primary reason the imports are yet to be cleared. Walinasa a friend of mine Wakafreeze accounts zake zote . Ogopa — Kype Computers Ltd (@kype_computers) July 19, 2023 [Don’t go to pick up your cargo (held by KRA) if you have been skirting taxes. They nabbed my friend and froze his bank accounts]
Read MoreQuick Fire 🔥 with Jessica Uche
Jessica is at the intersection of businesses and technology. Building a career that spans human resources, media, logistics, consulting, and fintech, she enjoys leveraging technology to drive business, product, and revenue growth while fostering strategic partnerships. She is presently the country director for Native Teams Limited, leading business, revenue, and product development. Explain your job to a five-year-old. I enable companies hire and pay their employees and contractors in 59+ countries. You recently assumed the country director position at Native Teams. What are your biggest learnings? That strategic partnerships are underrated drivers of business and revenue growth. I have learned to leverage collaboration over competition to scale. In-depth geographical and market research is definitely not one to be overlooked as it is largely key to successful business expansion. Regarding product development, I have learned that it is best to build products based on obtainable market realities, then iterate constantly following direct user feedback. The most interesting of them is that Nigeria is about 90% a commission-based market than subscription-based. This was quite tricky for me to navigate, but we found our way around our target audience after several pricing model iterations. What skills would you say have been critical to your career growth and trajectory? Quite a few. Strategic business development, for one. Then business relationship management, stakeholder management, project management and strategic partnerships. Is there any way you think AI will play into business development? I believe AI is already in play in core business development. Renowned BD and CRM tools are already AI-embedded and are being leveraged by big tech. However, it is essential to make accessibility to business development AI more revenue level. What would you say are the steps companies looking to penetrate new markets should take? Companies should not glide over the market research aspect of business expansion. Not all markets that look attractive from a numbers perspective will generate revenue directly proportional to headcount numbers. Local and legal compliance should be non-negotiable when considering/entering new markets. An in-depth understanding of regulatory expectations and local compliance should not be underestimated. Global expansion comes with challenges peculiar to each country and market audience. Hence companies must devise effective go-to-market strategies to navigate unique market complexities, build products to suit specific markets, and scale operations accordingly. What would you say are your proudest achievements? Here are three of them: Going from BDM to Country Director in one year is definitely top-table. Leading a business that is subscription-based in a commission-based market. Closing deals worth over $723,000 across twelve different countries. What interesting pieces are you reading right now? Make Your Contact Count by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon How to Sell To Nigerians by Akin Alabi Atomic Habits by James Clear
Read More
5 best Hi-Fi headphone brands for audiophiles 2023
When it comes to indulging in a truly immersive music experience, nothing beats a pair of high-fidelity (Hi-Fi) headphones. These cutting-edge audio devices offer exceptional sound quality, precision engineering, and luxurious comfort. In this article, we present five remarkable headphone brands that consistently deliver top-tier performance, making them some of the best choices for discerning audiophiles. 1. Sennheiser Sennheiser, a renowned name in the audio industry, has been crafting exceptional headphones for decades. Their commitment to sonic excellence is evident in their models like the Sennheiser HD 800 S. With open-back designs and high-quality materials, Sennheiser headphones produce a wide soundstage, detailed instrument separation, and stunning clarity. The brand offers a diverse range of options, catering to different preferences and budgets. Sennheiser’s dedication to research and development ensures that their headphones consistently push the boundaries of audio performance, making them a popular choice among audio enthusiasts worldwide. 2. Audeze Audeze is synonymous with planar magnetic technology, which is a key factor in their headphones’ outstanding audio reproduction. The company’s flagship LCD series, including models like the LCD-4, showcases their expertise in this area. Audeze headphones offer unparalleled accuracy, precise imaging, and extended frequency response. Their commitment to craftsmanship is evident in their meticulous attention to detail, resulting in headphones that provide an immersive and lifelike listening experience. Audeze’s dedication to innovation has solidified its position as a leading brand in the world of Hi-Fi headphones. 3. Focal Focal, a French audio manufacturer, is renowned for its commitment to precision engineering and luxurious design. Their headphones, such as the Focal Utopia, combine cutting-edge technology with exquisite craftsmanship. Focal’s attention to detail extends to every aspect of their headphones, from the meticulously crafted drivers to the sumptuous materials used for the ear cups. With a focus on neutrality, clarity, and dynamic range, Focal headphones deliver an immersive and highly accurate soundstage. The brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence has earned them a loyal following among audiophiles who demand the best in performance and aesthetics. 4. Beyerdynamic For over 95 years, Beyerdynamic has been synonymous with German precision and engineering prowess. Their headphones, such as the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, offer a perfect blend of analytical precision and musicality. Beyerdynamic’s commitment to durability and comfort is evident in their robust build quality and ergonomic design. These headphones deliver an engaging and transparent sound reproduction, making them a preferred choice for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. With a wide range of models catering to different listening preferences, Beyerdynamic continues to be a reliable choice for those seeking high-quality Hi-Fi headphones. 5. Audio-Technica Audio-Technica has long been recognised for its dedication to audio fidelity and affordability. Their headphones, including the critically acclaimed Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, offer a fantastic balance between price and performance. With accurate and detailed sound reproduction, these headphones have gained a strong reputation among audio enthusiasts. Audio-Technica headphones are renowned for their durability and comfortable fit, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The brand’s commitment to delivering value for money has made them one of the best choices for anyone entering the world of Hi-Fi audio or looking for an affordable headphone. Final thoughts on some of the best Hi-Fi headphone brands Investing in high-quality Hi-Fi headphones can significantly enhance your music-listening experience. The five brands mentioned above—Sennheiser, Audeze, Focal, Beyerdynamic, and Audio-Technica—offer exceptional audio performance, comfort, and craftsmanship, ensuring that audiophiles can enjoy music in all its glory.
Read More
👨🏿🚀TechCabal Daily – Netflix blocks password sharing in SA
In partnership with Share this newsletter: Lire en Français اقرأ هذا باللغة العربية TGIF AI is coming for TechCabal reporters’ jobs. Google says it’s working on an AI tool that can source for and write news. Google says it won’t replace reporters though; it’s only here to assist, and we agree. I mean, how will people enjoy the news if it isn’t laced with the occasional typo and jabs at Elon Musk’s mismanagement of Twitter? In today’s edition Quick Fire with Jessica Uche Netflix cracks down on password sharing in SA Ethiopia ends five-month social media ban Funding Tracker The World Wide Web3 Event: TC Live Job openings Quick Fire How Jessica Uche thinks about business Jessica is at the intersection of businesses and technology. Building a career that spans human resources, media, logistics, consulting, and fintech, she enjoys leveraging technology to drive business, product, and revenue growth while fostering strategic partnerships. She is presently the country director for Native Teams Limited, leading business, revenue, and product development. Jessica Uche Explain your job to a five-year-old. I enable companies hire and pay their employees and contractors in 59+ countries. You recently assumed the country director position at Native Teams. What are your biggest learnings? That strategic partnerships are underrated drivers of business and revenue growth. I have learned to leverage collaboration over competition to scale. In-depth geographical and market research is definitely not one to be overlooked as it is largely key to successful business expansion. Regarding product development, I have learned that it is best to build products based on obtainable market realities, then iterate constantly following direct user feedback. The most interesting of them is that Nigeria is about 90% a commission-based market than subscription-based. This was quite tricky for me to navigate, but we found our way around our target audience after several pricing model iterations. What skills would you say have been critical to your career growth and trajectory? Quite a few. Strategic business development, for one. Then business relationship management, stakeholder management, project management and strategic partnerships. Is there any way you think AI will play into business development? I believe AI is already in play in core business development. Renowned BD and CRM tools are already AI-embedded and are being leveraged by big tech. However, it is essential to make accessibility to business development AI more revenue level. What would you say are the steps companies looking to penetrate new markets should take? Companies should not glide over the market research aspect of business expansion. Not all markets that look attractive from a numbers perspective will generate revenue directly proportional to headcount numbers. Local and legal compliance should be non-negotiable when considering/entering new markets. An in-depth understanding of regulatory expectations and local compliance should not be underestimated. Global expansion comes with challenges peculiar to each country and market audience. Hence companies must devise effective go-to-market strategies to navigate unique market complexities, build products to suit specific markets, and scale operations accordingly. What would you say are your proudest achievements? Here are three of them: Going from BDM to Country Director in one year is definitely top-table. Leading a business that is subscription-based in a commission-based market. Closing deals worth over $723,000 across twelve different countries. What interesting pieces are you reading right now? Make Your Contact Count by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon How to Sell To Nigerians by Akin Alabi Atomic Habits by James Clear Secure payments with Monnify Monnify has simplified how businesses accept payments to enable growth. We are trusted by Piggyvest, Buypower, Wakanow, Fairmoney, Cowrywise, and over 10,000 Nigerian businesses. Get your Monnify account today here. Streaming Netflix expands password-sharing restrictions to South Africa Image source: Zikoko Memes South Africa’s Netflix users can no longer “Netflix and chill” with people outside their households. Netflix has cracked down on password-sharing in South Africa, but the country is yet to be included in the streaming platforms’ paid-for-sharing option. What is paid-for sharing? The paid-for-sharing option allows you to share your Netflix account with someone outside your household by offering an extra membership fee less than a full subscription. ICYMI: In February this year, Netflix restricted password-sharing in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. Netflix further expanded its restrictions to the U.S. and more than 100 other countries in May 2023 and also introduced its paid-for sharing options in those countries representing 80% of its revenue base. The recent update on South Africa’s password-sharing restrictions came after Netflix announced on Wednesday that the restrictions are having a positive effect on revenues and subscription numbers in markets where it’s enforced. Zoom out: The password-sharing restriction was likely prompted by last year’s subscriber loss, as Netflix claims that as of February this year, over 100 million households share accounts which impacts their ability to invest in new TV and Films. On the bright side, the streaming service noted in its latest report that it gained over 5 million subscribers between April and June 2023, after it stopped users in several regions from sharing passwords. Internet Ethiopia restores social media access after five months Image source: Zikoko Memes On Wednesday, Ethiopia restored access to social media sites like Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and Youtube after a ban was imposed in February this year. What happened? The ban was imposed after three archbishops from the Oromia region accused the leadership of the popular Orthodox Church of discrimination and a lack of diversity, which caused a rival planned protest. The authorities banned the protests from happening. However, supporters of the Orthodox Church accused the authorities of supporting the breakaway group. They vowed online to defy the ban and hold a rally to show their support for the Orthodox Church. This led to a ban on social media and a shutdown of schools in the country. VPN to the rescue:Only those with access to a virtual private network (VPN) could get on social media platforms, which made the demand for VPNs in Ethiopia skyrocket by 1,430% at the time. The
Read MoreCan Flex Finance conquer Africa’s $1.4 trillion business spend market?
Tighter funding cycles for startups are forcing them to be prudent, thus creating opportunities for solutions that promote internal fiscal discipline through spending management software. There is a big market for whoever can pull this off. It’s not a problem that is unique to startups. Many African businesses still process internal reimbursement for staff or vendor payments manually. For businesses that have regimented procurement processes and upstarts where procurement is more fluid, managing business spending is an additional cost layer in both time losses or losses from manual errors. For finance departments, these payment requests can be difficult to keep track of. The World Bank says business payment transactions by micro-retailers alone in Africa can reach $1.5 trillion annually. This amount compares favourably with how much African households spend on consumption. In 2021 final household consumption expenditure in Africa sat at around 1.93 trillion (Statista). It’s a difference of little more than $400 billion—not a small figure, to be sure. But only 22.2% higher than what businesses purportedly spend in a year. The script flips if you take McKinsey figures for total business and consumer spending. As early as 2015, total business spending in Africa already surpassed consumer spending. According to McKinsey, businesses in Africa spent $2.6 trillion while consumers spent $2.1 trillion. The business spending was heavily concentrated in Nigeria and South Africa, McKinsey consultants reported. Differences in numbers aside, businesses in Africa clearly spend hundreds of billions every year and do manage to do these significant payments with mostly manual approval processes. Brookings, the think-tank, says these trillions of business spending will only go up—to $4.2 trillion in the next years. Despite this significant business spending, fintechs have historically focused on digitising consumer payments. Consumer payment fintechs have raised hundreds of millions of dollars every year since 2019 at least, to digitise how people pay for goods or services. B2B-focused fintechs on the other hand, are a relatively new phenomenon. That may be changing though, DAI Magister, a London-based investment advisory says investor focus is moving from consumer payment fintechs to “B2B payment solutions incorporating the CFO tech stack.” Already some fintech firms have sprung up around digitising B2B payments, with a noticeable focus on digitising how vendors collect or make payments to other businesses. Flex Finance stands out from the B2B payments group as it is instead built around giving the operations and finance departments of businesses smooth but tighter control over how they spend money. The company has built a suite of tools accessible by web browsers and mobile apps that allow finance controllers to pre-approve spending limits and speed up payment and reconciliation. Flex Finance believes its software can save business users approximately 40% of additional costs and losses from the manual processing of payments. The current venture funding crunch is a tailwind Saving money is a valid value proposition. As funding becomes harder to come by, startups are now more conscious of every dollar spent. With new investors harder to persuade and current investors demanding accountability, upstarts can barely afford to spend vital business capital carelessly. Every little bit counts. But Flex Finance does not only serve startups. Its roll call of customers—a 2,500-strong-list—includes midsized businesses like Ntel, an internet provider, the National Open University of Nigeria, and Sporting Lagos, a football club owned by Shola Akinlade of Paystack fame. What Flex Finance does not cater to is micro-businesses. Nigeria’s several dozen million MSMEs process millions of microtransactions daily, but they are more difficult and expensive to serve. Given their informal nature, they are understandably not a fit for Flex Finance which targets the manual back offices of more formalised businesses. Part of Flex Finance’s offering to customers is a virtual card with pre-approved spending limits for business staff. Spending limits mean finance departments can plan better and diminish the shock of unexpected invoices while tying expenditures to easily trackable activities and employees. It charges a 0.1% fee on all transactions under ₦200 million. Fees for transactions above ₦200 million (roughly $252,000) are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Sweden’s Medius to acquire Tunisian-born Expensya for 9-figures Expensify, a similar spend management solution founded by Tunisians, is a leading provider of software for European accounting offices. It was recently acquired by Medius, another leading business spending management provider based in Stockholm, Sweden. In Africa where Expensify founders hail from, no company yet owns the spend management space, making the space wide open for solutions like Flex Finance. For now, Flex Finance is only available in Nigeria. But there is an opportunity for it to help uncover the business spend management opportunity across the continent. Globally, the business spend management software market size was valued at USD 19.07 billion in 2022, according to Fortune Business Insights. Figures for Africa are hard to come by, which is understandable given the little attention that has been paid to the space. Publicly available data from Crunchbase suggests Flex Finance has raised at least $800,000 since its founding in 2019. This includes $200,000 of undiluted funding from Accion Venture Lab, The MasterCard Foundation, and Catalyst Fund. Other investors include LoftyInc Capital Management, Berrywood Capital, and Gumroad CEO, Sahil Lavingia. Yemi Olulana, the founder and CEO of Flex Finance says his company is not in a hurry to raise additional funds. Tracking everything In the years leading up to 2020, Strava, a physical activity tracking app, rocketed into popularity on the back of an interoperable application that users described as “uncluttered” and made “for adults”. Between January 2020 and May 2020, the app grew by 179% leaping into the public consciousness and out of America into the devices of 100 million users in 195 countries by 2022. Strava’s popularity and growth have hinged on the clarity and depth of analysis that it offers users, and a strong social network of amateurs, professional athletes and the everyday person who likes to show off progress. Like Strava, Flex Finance appears to be betting on offering superior visibility on how a business spends
Read MoreNigeria’s data protection agency will blacklist erring firms
Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission chief, Vincent Olatunji, wants to blacklist noncompliant firms that are not adhering to the data privacy laws Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission (NPDC) will blacklist companies that have refused to comply with its data protection regulations. Its commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of its workshop held in Ikeja yesterday, said it will also publish a white list of companies that have complied with the provisions of the law in terms of safeguarding the data of citizens in the country on its website, adding that, “it creates confidence and trust in whoever wants to do business with you.” According to Olatunji, all data controllers and data processors should be registered within six months of the enactment of the law, in line with the act’s provisions, and file an annual audit report with the commission, submitted between January and March next year. The commissioner explained that as a continent, Africa is trying to fashion out a common law for data protection under the African Union regulatory framework for data privacy. Data breaches Data breaches have become a cause for concern in Nigeria as Nigeria inches closer to digital transformation and improved internet connectivity. In the first quarter of this year, Nigeria was ranked as the 32nd most breached country in the world. Olatunji also shared that the commission is in talks with Flutterwave over a reported breach in March. Flutterwave maintains that it wasn’t breached. “We are currently investigating them, and we have exchanged some correspondence between the commission and Flutterwave,” Olatunji said. The commission said it also fined Sokoloan ₦50 million for violating customers’ privacy in its debt recovery drive and restricted the digital lender’s account until it fixes its privacy policy. “We put a restriction on their account to ensure they go through registration as digital lenders. FCCPC is currently registering them, and part of the criteria for their registration is to clear their privacy policy with us,” Olatunji added. Clarifying the unclear provisions Before now, lawyers had raised concerns about unclear provisions of the act, especially in areas like the commission’s independence. Some noted that there might be a possible conflict in the discharge of section 32 of the act, which provides for a data controller of significant importance— to have a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who can either be an employee or engaged by a service contract. Olatunji told TechCabal that the NDPC is independent; section 7 of the law speaks to that. He explained that it would be difficult for the commission to stand alone without the ministry as long as it continues to enforce the provisions of its act under the federal government. The commissioner also said there was no conflict with Section 32 of the act. According to him, a DPO advises a data controller on collecting, processing, storing, sharing, and securing data in line with the requisite laws locally and globally. DPOS must exist to be able to advise their organisation appropriately. “The DPO should link the organisation and outsiders, including the NDPC. That is why as a data controller of major importance, you must have your own DPO to advise you, to create awareness, to build capacity and tell you the kind of measures to put in place,” Olatunji explained.
Read MoreSING is building an ecosystem from scratch in Gabon
In Gabon, private companies came together to create an incubator for startups. Since its inception in 2018, it has incubated over 140 startups. Gabon, an oil-rich country in central Africa, has the makings of a supercharged tech ecosystem. With a young population, the 3rd highest gross national income (a metric used to measure a nation’s wealth) on the continent, and 72% internet penetration, the country has a stable foundation for digital solutions. Another advantage is that most Gabonese (91%) live in the urban region. However, the ecosystem is still very young and far from reaching its potential. To bring the country’s ecosystem closer to its potential, a group of companies and private investors decided to create and fund Société d’Incubation Numérique du Gabon (SING), an incubator for startups, in 2018. “With all this infrastructure, how come Gabon is still not a powerhouse regarding the digital economy and startups? This is what we want to solve,” Yannick Ebibie Nze, the CEO of SING, told TechCabal. In its quest to drive the digital transformation of Gabon, the incubator has provided access to capital, equipment, expertise, and offices for anyone building a startup in Gabon. The catch? Companies must have a Gabonese living in Gabon on their founding team. According to Nze, the incubator is also backed by Gabon’s ministry of the economy and financed by the World Bank to train up to 750 people in Gabon and hold an exhibition programme for 50 startups. “The mandate was to do it in five years, and we did it. Today, we have exhibited more than 140 startups and raised close to $1 million in capital for startups. These numbers have to be put in perspective, Gabon is a relatively small market with only 2.3 million people,” Nze said. SING’s approach underscores the francophone tech ecosystem’s drive to catch up to its English-speaking counterparts. Operators and governments have come together in countries like Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and others to accelerate the development of their respective ecosystems. In Tunisia, the government funds a program that gives startups grants. All three countries have a Startup Act. In building the Gabonese ecosystem, SING’s approach has been sector-agnostic. A look at the startup page on its website shows fintechs, logistics startups, healthtech startups, cybersecurity startups, and several others. Nze told TechCabal that SING only accepts startups with founders with expertise in the problem they are trying to solve and a business model in place. After the incubation process, which lasts 3-4 months, startups should have a “functional prototype”, and then SING takes up shares in the company, according to Nze. Building global solutions locally Given Gabon’s small population, all startups that come to SING have a unique approach to solving the country’s problems, Nze told TechCabal. “When startups come to us, I always look at how their business model is specifically solving the problems of Gabon and other countries in the region. We want our startups to expand to other parts of the continent.” Just as Tunisian startups build locally but export their solutions (think Instadeep’s $682 million acquisition and Expensya’s acquisition), Nze is hoping that Gabonese startups can expand into multiple countries. “It’s very important that the solution is unique and not just a copy/paste of what has been solved. If someone has already solved the problems elsewhere better than us, what we want to do is bring them to Gabon to create the market. This is how we get value. But if a Gabonese startup has a specific and unique solution, we will get you out there.” Nze explained that this is to promote a complementary environment rather than a competitive one. How does SING get funding? SING currently has four streams of revenue. Nze told TechCabal that after doing research on incubators on the continent, SING realised that funding was a big problem. “We thought that we needed to develop services that would bring cash flow whenever there’s no funding from the government or external donors,” he said. The incubator rents out office space, which accounts for 20% of its revenue, according to Nze. SING also gets money from advisory services and funding from the government and Gabonese companies ($1 million yearly), or external donors like the European Union. How does SING incubate startups? SING runs two incubation programs. The first is a 4-week training program for entrepreneurs based on a methodology called “Traction” that was developed by Gina Whitman. In 2007, Whitman released Traction, an award-winning and bestselling entrepreneurial book that sold over a million copies. Nze told TechCabal that at the end of the programme, startups are connected with potential clients, partners, and investors through a Demo Day event. A second programme takes startups through three months of acceleration. During the acceleration period, startups will take a test to measure their maturity. “We realised that sometimes the age of a startup does not reflect its maturity, so we created an in-house diagnostics tool to measure the maturity of startups based on founder capacity, business model execution, and market opportunity,” Nze said. After ascertaining the maturity of the startup, SING creates a roadmap and assigns a startup manager to its execution for 3 months. When startups complete the accelerator, they have the option of signing a contract if they reach a certain level of commercial success or finalise a “functional product.” This contract will allow them to enter a second level of acceleration, which takes 1-3 years. “In those years, what we’re looking for is commercial development. We try to help our startups get additional market share and expand their network of partners and clients. The goal is that they either have commercial success or raise funds with venture capital.”
Read More
Exclusive: Tinubu eyes Nigeria’s tech experts for key roles
As President Tinubu assembles his cabinet, some stakeholders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem are being considered for key positions. Four stakeholders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem have been considered for key positions in President Tinubu’s administration, TechCabal can exclusively report. Bosun Tijani, Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, Olumide Soyombo, and Idris Alubankudi Saliu are reportedly among those who were considered for key positions—including a ministerial seat—in the Tinubu administration. While the comprehensive list is yet to be finalised, two sources close to the presidency have confirmed that these individuals have been considered for key roles at the federal level. “I can’t guarantee they will get it, but they’ve all been considered for the ministerial role. It’s possible they get other roles too,” an anonymous source shared. These four individuals have, at scale, demonstrated enterprising leadership in technology-related projects and earned repute within the African tech ecosystem. While it remains uncertain how their candidacies will shape the final composition of Tinubu’s list, their standing as technocrats holds promise for Nigerians who have long advocated for the appointment of industry-specific experts into key roles. Let’s take a closer look at their lives and work. Bosun Tijani Bosun Tijani is the CEO and co-founder of CcHub, one of Africa’s leading technology hubs. He has led the expansion of CcHub across Nigeria, Kenya, and more recently, Namibia. From its humble beginnings in Yaba, CcHub has grown to become a significant catalyst of tech advancement in Africa by empowering young people with the tools, communities and capital they need to launch impactful ventures. CcHub hosted Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg in 2016. Bosun Tijani Tijani holds two degrees from the University of Jos, Nigeria: a Bsc. in Economics and a Diploma in Computer Science. He subsequently obtained an MSc. in Information Systems and Management from the Warwick Business School in England. In March this year, Tijani completed a PhD program in Innovation and Economic Development at the University of Leicester. Bosun Tijani describes himself as an advocate of social change, a title best captured by his work at CcHub. With a billion naira growth fund, CcHub has committed to impacting over 95 early-stage businesses including those bringing innovation to Africa’s education and healthcare systems. In 2017, New Africa Magazine named Tijani as one of the 100 most influential people in Africa. Oswald Osaretin Guobadia Oswald Osaretin Guobadia was the Senior Special Adviser to Former President Muhammadu Buhari. In that role, he led the design and drafting of the Nigeria Startup Act, which to date remains one of the Presidency’s most significant achievements for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. He is also the co-founder of DBH, an African infrastructure and IT company that provides consultancy and specialised solutions in markets across the world. Oswald Guobadia Guobadia obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Wesley College and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications and Computer Science from PACE University, a private university in New York. Post-graduation, Guobadia’s last job in the US was a 5-year stint at global advisory firm Goldman Sachs, where he was VP and Project Manager. In an earlier interview with Techcabal, Guobadia shared that he got into government with the ambition of making business easier in Nigeria. After holding top roles at UBA and Renaissance Capital, he transitioned into policy-making, where he led efforts in the drafting of the NSA, an act that seeks to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria and attract foreign investments. The NSA has been lauded globally and concerted efforts are underway to domesticate the act across Nigeria’s 36 states. Although, domesticating the act across the states has had a significant tussle so far. Guobadia held his role at DBH for over a decade, during which the company deployed banking infrastructure, trading floors, and tech solutions for government and corporate clients. This role placed Guobadia in relations with both private and public sectors, preparing him for the realities of leading a national policy drive. Olumide Soyombo Olumide Soyombo is an investment mogul in Nigeria. He is widely known as one of the earliest investors in Paystack, a pan-African payments company acquired by Stripe for $200 million. Beyond Paystack, Soyombo is described as one of Nigeria’s most prolific angel investors whose investments have shaped the evolution of the country’s technology ecosystem. In 2021, he launched Voltron Capital, an early-stage investment vehicle that has backed 48 startups in two years. Olumide Soyombo Soyombo holds a BSc. degree in systems engineering from the University of Lagos. In 2006, he obtained an MSc. in Business and Information Technology from Aston University, Birmingham. Soyombo returned to Nigeria after completing his studies to launch Bluechip Technologies, a startup that provides data housing and business intelligence solutions for businesses, including Microsoft and Oracle. Soyombo’s BlueChip Technologies offers data solutions and enterprise-level tech consulting services to banks and businesses across the world. The business, which has been at the forefront of Africa’s data warehousing growth, expanded to Europe last year to provide solutions to businesses in the region. Idris Alubankudi Saliu Idris Alubankudi Saliu is a long-time entrepreneur, investor, and tech advocate in Nigeria. He is the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Africa’s oldest unicorn, Interswitch Group. Saliu joined Interswitch through an acquisition. Vanso, his software and telecommunications company, which operated in Lagos, Capetown, and Worzburg, Germany, was acquired by Interswitch for an undisclosed sum. Unconfirmed sources claim the exit was a dollar deal in six figures. Idris Alubankudi Saliu Saliu is a graduate of Columbia University, New York, where he obtained a BSc. in Computer Science. He is presently the co-founder of two fintech companies: Arca and UK-based Ceviant. Ceviant provides treasury and trade solutions for businesses across the globe. And has worked with mega-corporations like Dantata and Wakanow. Saliu’s work in the Nigerian tech ecosystem spans over two decades, in which he has demonstrated deep expertise in telecommunications, payments, and scalable digital infrastructure. Digital portfolios in the Tinubu government Throughout his presidential campaign, Tinubu expressed lofty goals for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, including expanding broadband penetration, implementing blockchain policy reforms, and
Read MoreNigeria’s new FX regime has birthed fresh competition between banks and remittance startups
Nigeria’s unified FX rate will affect the operations of digital remittance startups and possibly alter their strategies. With traditional banks staging a comeback, what will a path to winning in cross-border payments look like for Nigerian fintechs? Ask any Nigerian: sending and receiving money from abroad is a struggle, thanks to restrictive regulations around international transactions and a multiple foreign exchange (FX) regime. These restrictive regulations and the inefficiencies of legacy players opened the door to digital remittance startups that offer instant and no-fee cross-border transactions. But Nigeria’s move to a unified FX rate may see these remittance startups face more competition. Adedeji Olowe, founder of Lendsqr, a lending SaaS fintech, told TechCabal that the unification of the exchange rate creates competition between banks and digital remittance startups. “Banks with branches abroad can start targeting Nigerians and promise them to help them send money directly to a bank account in naira at a given rate,” he said. According to local media reports, Nigerians in the Diaspora remitted $168.33 billion to the country in the past eight years. It’s no surprise that banks will want to grab a bigger piece of the pie. For instance, Access Bank has partnered with Remitly, an American online remittance service. Last week, Wema Bank became the first bank to increase its dollar limit for all users of its ALAT card—its naira debit card—from $20 to $500. Despite these new product offerings from banks that show they can compete with startups, many experts believe that startups are better positioned to win. Digital remittance startups are digital-first and offer ease and better customer service than many banks can currently offer. Additionally, because these startups often don’t have multiple products or services, they can take advantage of their narrow focus to improve their offerings at speeds the banks can’t match. According to Charles Odogwu, a digital payments expert with experience in Nigeria’s banking sector, digital remittance startups can explore innovative ways to enhance user experience, lower transaction costs, expand their reach to underserved markets, and leverage emerging technologies like blockchain for faster and more secure transfers. “They can offer additional financial services such as savings, investment options, or digital wallets,” Odogwu added. Some fintechs are already moving quickly. Endowd and Flutterwave launched payment products that will allow Nigerian students to pay international tuition using Naira. In the same week, Paga shared that its users can now receive remittances in naira. Digital remittance startups exchange dollars, euros, and British pounds at the parallel market rate which was frequently 30% higher than the Central Bank’s rate. In June, the Central Bank removed the artificial pegs to unify exchange rates. Per, the latest rules from the apex bank, beneficiaries of diaspora remittance can receive payments in naira at the prevailing exchange rates of the day. Both traditional banks and fintechs have interestingly been quick to latch onto the new policy. However, there is a question of trust. Customers are likelier to trust their traditional banks, unlike fintechs with no physical branches. In hindsight, fintechs have earned that trust if one considers their gains during the cash crunch early this year that saw Nigerians depend on Chinese-backed upstarts Opay and Palmpay. As one digital remittance expert told me, customers are more interested in the service that works than who is offering it. If anything, the remittance market is ripe for the taking of fintechs considering their offerings, especially customer trust and reliability.
Read MoreIMF approves $1 billion loan to Kenya as concerns over growing debt persist
Kenya’s economic situation is dire, with unsustainable borrowing, soaring debt servicing costs, and limited revenue generation. IMF keeps approving loans despite the country’s escalating debt, leading to widespread criticism, protests, and loss of faith in the government. Like many other African countries, Kenya is dealing with a challenging economic landscape and dwindling revenues following a global economic downturn and rising inflation. The country’s borrowing has increased even as it struggles to raise revenue. The government struggles to pay salaries as citizens protest increased living costs. As part of efforts to dig itself out of a fiscal hole, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently approved the disbursement of a $1 billion loan to Kenya. This loan is intended to support the nation’s efforts in addressing the ongoing economic crisis and the country’s efforts in fighting climate change. Maandamano: Day Primary and Secondary schools in Nairobi and Mombasa closed, Interior CS Kindiki says move to ensure safety of learners pic.twitter.com/xXuQkBpKMh — NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) July 18, 2023 Kenya’s external debt has increased significantly, from $10.2 billion to $34.8 billion between 2013 and 2020. Such a notable jump in debt has caught the attention of the IMF, leading to criticism over the lender’s approval of extra loans to the Kenyan government. Many have questioned the rationale of providing more financial assistance to a country already struggling with growing debt, leading to protests from its opposition and raising doubts about the government’s ability to manage its financial obligations. After noting the seriousness of Kenya’s debt, the IMF has recommended measures to the issues. These measures include cutting tax leakage and subsidies to decrease the country’s fiscal deficit, advocating for debt reduction, and encouraging the government to fund its budget internally. However, many Kenyans remain skeptical about the purpose and impact of these loans because of the country’s struggles to meet its debt obligations. In defense of the IMF loans, the Kenyan government asserts that financial assistance is key to bridging the gap between the budget and the funds available, thus supporting essential government projects and, in the end, alleviating the burden on citizens. This argument has not addressed all concerns, mainly as some argue that the IMF’s involvement has increased taxes for ordinary citizens, leading to perceptions of reduced income due to high taxation laws. While pursuing enhanced revenue mobilisation makes sense in achieving long-term economic stability, implementing such measures amid harsh economic conditions has proven challenging. This has led to growing dissatisfaction among Kenyans towards the IMF and the government’s ability to cushion them from the harsh economic realities. President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza team had promised to be cautious about international loans. But they have veered sharply off course, borrowing KES 1.2 trillion in the past eight months. This debt accumulation further burdens the citizens because they will likely foot the cost of the loans. The situation has placed Kenya in a difficult position. Amid the debt crisis, Kenya finds itself in a situation where IMF loans are necessary to fund critical programmes, as the country’s internal revenue is insufficient to meet its financial obligations. While the IMF’s involvement and the stringent conditions attached to the loans are targeting to promote a more economically sustainable climate, they also raise concerns about the potential worsening of the debt crisis in the short term. Kenya is facing economic challenges that have necessitated the approval of IMF loans to provide vital financial support. Although these loans have faced criticism and sparked protests, they are essential to addressing the fiscal gap and supporting the country’s economic initiatives.
Read More