TymeBank Targets Billion-Dollar Valuation
July 15 -20, 2024
TymeBank, South Africa's rapidly growing digital bank, is on track to achieve #unicorn status following a significant international expansion. The bank has been broadening its reach into the Philippines and Vietnam, driven by substantial capital inflows from its investors.
The digital bank last year secured USD 77.8 M in funding, pushing its valuation closer to the USD 1 billion mark. The financial backing aims to fuel TymeBank's expansion plans, particularly in Southeast Asia, where digital banking services are in high demand.
TymeBank's strategy includes leveraging its technology platform to offer financial services in underserved markets. By focusing on customer-centric solutions and low-cost banking, the bank aims to attract a significant user base in these new regions.
The bank has already made notable progress in South Africa, boasting over 6 million customers. With its expansion into the Philippines and Vietnam, TymeBank aims to replicate its success by providing accessible banking services to millions more. This strategic move is expected to accelerate TymeBank's journey towards becoming a unicorn, marking a significant milestone in the fintech landscape.
Fintechs Are Airlifting Hard Currency As Zimbabweans Cling To US Dollars
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?? Meta's Mega Fine: $220 Million Oopsie!First up, the big news! Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, just got slapped with a whopping $220 million fine by Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).Why? Because they were caught with their data-sharing pants down. ??What's the scoop?
Meta isn't taking this lying down. A WhatsApp spokesperson stated, "We disagree with both this decision and the fine and will appeal." Looks like we're in for a legal showdown! ??Anyway, that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cold shoulder global tech giants are getting in the African powerhouseNow, if you think Meta's in trouble, wait until you hear about the crypto scene.Once the crown jewel of Africa's cryptocurrency market, Nigeria is now a battlefield where global players are fighting for survival, and some want out. ???? .
Nigeria, Once A Hotbed For Crypto, Is Proving Hostile To Global Players
Nigeria was once a crypto hotbed , with young, tech-savvy folks flocking to digital currencies for a shot at quick gains and a hedge against inflation.
Nigeria's crypto boom was legendary. People flocked to stablecoins to hedge against the depreciating Naira, and the market was buzzing with local startups and global players going all-in.
But oh, how the mighty have fallen! ??After appearing to stave off an earlier crypto ban in 2021, the crypto skies over Nigeria haven't been as beautiful, especially since the dark days of the 2022 crypto winter. A wave of layoffs, closures, scandals, market crashes, and regulatory crackdowns has left the industry reeling.
The Nigerian government, worried about scams and shady transactions ?♀?, has clamped down hard on the crypto scene with stricter regulations . Think KYC (Know Your Customer) on steroids ?and registration requirements that make scaling a crypto Everest.
So, to recap:?Global giants are feeling the heat, and some are calling it quits. But amid the turmoil, local startups are innovating and finding new paths to success. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing frontier, and only the adaptable will thrive.
Mozambique attracts $650M in #FDI in three months
According to central bank data compiled by Lusa on Tuesday, #Mozambique attracted $650.5 M in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first quarter, surpassing the 2023 record. The most recent statistical report from the Bank of Mozambique indicates that the country received a total foreign direct investment (FDI) of $650.5 million (€596.2 M).
This investment comprised US$51.5 M (€47.2 M) in shares and participations and US$599 million (€549 M) in capital for supplies and commercial credits. FDI in Mozambique had increased by 2% in 2023 to just over US$2.50 billion (€2.3 B) compared to the previous year.The Mozambican government anticipates the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 5.5% in 2024 to reach 1.536 trillion meticais (equivalent to more than €22 B). The Mozambican government anticipates that foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country is set to double by 2024, driven by the natural gas exploration industry.
read more: https://ow.ly/qpMC50SFhSW
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Ethio Telecom Reports US$1.6 B Revenue for 2023/24
Ethio Telecom's subscriber base has increased by 8.9% compared to last year, reaching 78.3 million customers, 100.4% of the target.
#Ethio Telecom's total revenue has surged by 21.7% compared to the same period last year, reaching Birr 93.7 billion, an increase of Birr 16.7 billion from last year. This significant achievement, surpassing our target by 103.6%, underscores our robust financial performance.
Through offering customers #microloans, savings, and #overdraft services, Ethio Telecom extended micro-credit services amounting to 9.35 billion birrs to 2.9 million customers in the fiscal year.
more here: https://ow.ly/OWzO50SFgkf
#Kenya's Mobile Wallet Payments Market to Grow by 5.7% in 2024
Kenya’s #mobilewalletpayments market is poised for significant growth in 2024, with a projected increase of 5.7%, according to a report by #GlobalData.
The report suggests that the Kenyan mobile wallet payments market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% between 2024 and 2028, reaching KES12.7 T (US$90.5 B) in 2028 as mobile phones become increasingly integrated into everyday life and consumers become more comfortable using them for payments.
The Communications Authority of Kenya reported a rise in active mobile subscriptions to 68 million by March 2024, up from 66.7 million in December 2023, resulting in a penetration rate of 132.1%.The competitive landscape in Kenya’s mobile wallet market is intensifying.
Key players such as #Safaricom, #AirtelMoney, and hashtag#TelkomKenya are continuously innovating to offer more value-added services, from peer-to-peer transfers to bill payments and #ecommerce transactions. As the market evolves, challenges such as #cybersecurity and regulatory compliance will need to be addressed to maintain consumer trust and sustain growth.
read more: https://ow.ly/P2Pa50SEUf0.
#Nigeria has emerged as one of the top 10 consumers of instant noodles worldwide
According to the World Instant Noodles Association, Nigeria's consumption reached 3 billion servings in 2023, placing it 10th globally. This increase in noodle consumption reflects changing lifestyles and the growing popularity of convenient food options. Nigeria consumed 1.92 billion servings of instant noodles in 2022.
The top three global consumers of instant noodles are China, Indonesia, and Japan.- Instant noodle market is anticipated to increase from US$54.60 B in 2022 to US$81.84 B by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.95 percent.
Here's what happened in the African VC scene
More funding news here: https://bit.ly/3HSInvG
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