Business and Brand
Verve: Making Great Strides in the African Payment Space
Verve’s commitment to excellence and harnessing the power of technology has positioned it as a leader in the African payment space. With the rise of digital technologies and the increasing demand for convenient, secure, and seamless transactions, Verve has been at the forefront of driving innovation in the payments ecosystem.
With over 65 million Verve cards in circulation and counting, Verve, Africa’s leading payment cards and digital tokens brand, has demonstrated its commitment to excellence by harnessing the power of technology to create solutions that are not only innovative but also customer-centric. Over the past 15 years, Verve’s innovative spirit has transformed the way Africans interact with financial services, expanding financial inclusion and empowering individuals to take control of their financial lives.
The brand’s contribution to the development of mobile payment solutions through payment cards cannot be overemphasized. By seamlessly integrating its payment gateway with leading financial institutions, Verve has expanded financial inclusion and empowered individuals to take control of their financial lives. This integration enables transactions on the go, making it easier for users to access and manage their funds anytime, anywhere.
Beyond its payment card offerings, Verve is also providing cardholders with exhilarating experiences in the world of entertainment. With over 280 scheme members, including key global partners such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Facebook, Showmax, Spotify and more, Verve cardholders can effortlessly make payments in Naira, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of digital entertainment services.
Furthermore, Verve has forged a strategic partnership with Google to make web transactions on the Google Play Store easier and more accessible for Nigerians. This collaboration allows Nigerians to use their Verve cards to make purchases on the Google Play Store for services like Games, LinkedIn, Storage, TikTok and more, all in Naira. This partnership strengthens the digital payment ecosystem in Nigeria, making it more inclusive and convenient for users.
In a groundbreaking collaboration with the Lagos State Government, Verve has transformed the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) identity card into a smart multi-purpose card. This smart card combines biometric identification with cutting-edge technology, elevating it from a mere identification card to a powerful payment tool.
Leveraging Verve’s robust infrastructure, cardholders can receive money or payments from various sources, including family, friends, businesses, and customers. The LAG ID, as it is known, can be used across a wide range of payment channels, including Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point of Sale (POS) terminals, offline and online payment agents, and more, providing residents with a seamless and versatile payment experience.
As Africa’s payments ecosystem continues to evolve, Verve remains at the forefront of innovation, exploring new frontiers in payment technology. Its commitment to excellence has set a high standard for the industry, inspiring a new generation of innovators to rethink the future of payments.
Verve’s cutting-edge offerings have transformed the payments landscape in Africa, demonstrating the power of innovation to drive growth and financial inclusion. With its customer-centric approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, Verve will continue to play a leading role in shaping the continent’s payment ecosystem, inspiring innovation at every swipe.
Business and Brand
Jumia Nigeria Kicks Off Black Friday 2024, Expanding E-commerce Access Nationwide
Month-long event to feature unbeatable deals, with Xiaomi as the platinum partner
Lagos (Nigeria), 31st October, 2024 — Jumia, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform, today launched its highly anticipated Black Friday campaign, running from November 1st to November 30th. This year’s theme, “No Too Calculate,” highlights Jumia’s commitment to creating a simpler, stress-free shopping experience for Nigerians amid economic challenges, allowing consumers to enjoy great savings without budgetary worries.This year’s Black Friday campaign is supported by Xiaomi as the platinum partner, alongside renowned brands such as Oraimo, Nivea, Infinix, Tecno, Itel, Haier Thermocool, Binatone, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Bacardi, Hikers, Ecoflow, Skyrun, Glamstar, Ledrop, Unilever, Macallan, LG, and others.“We are excited to launch another Jumia Black Friday. For us, this campaign is about making e-commerce more accessible to consumers in Nigeria. We recognize the current economic situation and have worked closely with our brand partners to offer the best possible deals to consumers during this period. Additionally, our expanding network of Pickup Stations ensures that even more consumers, regardless of their location, can benefit from the convenience of online shopping. As we grow, our focus remains on creating real value for both our consumers and sellers through our extensive ecosystem,” said Sunil Natraj, CEO, Jumia Nigeria.The Black Friday campaign serves as a powerful platform for international and local brands as well as SMEs to expand their reach and boost sales. Furthermore, with Jumia’s extensive logistics network, which partners with hundreds of local logistics service providers, delivery to all corners of Nigeria, including smaller towns and rural areas is guaranteed.“At Xiaomi, we believe that everyone deserves access to the latest cutting-edge technology. Jumia Black Friday is the perfect opportunity for consumers to experience our innovative products at unbeatable prices. Our Black Friday deals reflect our commitment to making advanced, high-quality technology accessible to all. Whether you’re upgrading your smartphone or enhancing your smart home, Xiaomi offers products that are not only powerful but also beautifully designed, helping you stay connected in smarter, more efficient ways,” said Xingyu Yang, Country Manager, Xiaomi Nigeria.Since Jumia introduced Black Friday to Nigeria in 2014, the company has continued to unlock new opportunities for both consumers and businesses. With online shopping in Africa projected to reach $75 billion by 2025, Nigeria will play a pivotal role in this e-commerce growth.Shoppers can visit Jumia’s website or app starting November 1st to take advantage of these exclusive Black Friday deals.
Business and Brand
Glenfiddich’s Grand Sleeves Launch in Lagos: A Bold Celebration of its Mavericks
Asides being the top Single-malt whisky in town, one thing we have come to love about Glenfiddich is the brand’s ability to deliver exactly what they say they will! Most recent case in point is the official launch of the Grand Sleeves which took place on the 20th of October, at The Library Lagos situated in Victoria Island. The launch was hosted by the ever-charismatic host, Tomike Adeoye, who brought life to the evening with a dash of bubbly energy that teased smiles out of all present, including Glenfiddich’s remarkable Mavericks: Mr Eazi, Nancy Isime, Ifeanyi Nwune & William Chechet. Together with Glenfiddich, these Mavericks created limited-edition sleeves that paid tribute to the bold presence of Nigeria’s rich heritage in music, art, fashion and modern pop culture across the global scene. And what better way to start an event of this calibre than with exquisite cocktails infused with the very sleeves being launched? Guests were greeted with Glenfiddich-infused cocktails that were as vibrant as Nancy Isime’s purple-themed 15-year-old sleeve, as luscious as Ifeanyi Nwune’s artistic 12-year-old bottle and as exotic as Mr. Eazi’s afrobeat-inspired 18-year-old sleeve. As the night unfolded, each Maverick was invited to the stage to share the story behind their limited-edition sleeves. Ifeanyi Nwune, the talented fashion designer, highlighted his sleeve’s connection to his journey of resilience — the highs and lows of becoming a standout fashion designer, establishing a record label and launching his very own factory. Explaining the design behind the 12-year-old, he spoke about how the measuring tapes around the sleeve symbolise not just his craft but the universal measurements of humanity, standing for hope and resilience.Taking the stage, Mr. Eazi took us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing his personal growth and incredible journey from school days to his recent wins. As he talked about his 18-year-old sleeve, he reminded everyone of the boldness, pride, and ambition that truly defines Nigerians everywhere. Nancy Isime passionately discussed her 15-year-old sleeve, infused with elements of her rich Benin culture. According to her, the striking purple colour on the sleeve showcases the royalty of the people of Benin. In addition, Nancy explained how the sleeve represents her journey as an actor, host, and creator, showcasing her commitment to being a bold, authentic woman as she embraces her 30’s.Aside from the moving commentaries delivered by the Mavericks, Glenfiddich treated guests to show-stopping entertainment from the very beginning. Guests were entertained with an Afrofuturistic dance choreography by The Library performers and a mesmerising Hula Hoops act that featured dazzling, light-studded hoops that twirled and sparkled in the spotlight with each act. That was not all. The DJs — DJ Baggio, DJ Fisayo and the duo HandiXWanni — delivered thrilling performances that seamlessly blended Amapiano, Afrobeats, and international pop hits in a heady symphony.Now let’s talk about the food. The menu was a feast for the senses, featuring mouth-watering Prawn tempura, succulent Beef sirloin, tender pan-seared lamb racks, and the ultimate indulgence of warm Mulva pudding topped with vanilla ice cream. An actual dining experience fit for royalty. And looking at the guest list, we can honestly say there was royalty present. The star-studded event drew the likes of Temi Otedola, Etim Effiong, Elozonam, Ini-Dinma Okojie, Crossdaboss, Deyemi Okanlawon, Efai Iwara, Munachi Abii, Mimi Onalaja, amongst other mavericks in the Nigerian creative industry, all of whom added a heightened sense of sophistication and excitement to the atmosphere.If you thought the event was over, then you thought wrong. The afterparty was everything we hoped for and more. The exceptional DJ Obi and DJ Ani Daya took to the turntables and absolutely lit up the night, leaving guests breathless with insane moments to remember. In all, the launch of the #CelebrateTheBold 2.0 wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of creativity, boldness, and the bright future ahead. It honoured the independent spirit of Nigeria and recognized the incredible contributions of all Mavericks making fearless moves and shaping the cultural landscape. Until the next insane Glenfiddich event, we’ll leave you with Nancy Isime’s words at the end of the event, “stay bold and live true to yourself.”
Business and Brand
Glovo Partners with Lagos State Government and She Code Africa to host Women in Tech Bootcamp for Aspiring Female Tech Innovators
Lagos, Nigeria, October 17th, 2024 – Glovo, a pioneering multi-category app, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, and She Code Africa, is thrilled to announce the launch of a transformative Women in Tech Bootcamp. This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip 100 women with essential digital skills to excel in the dynamic tech industry by providing fully funded scholarships for the bootcamp. Glovo’s Commitment to Driving Gender Equality in TechGlovo is deeply committed to reducing the gender tech gap as part of its long-term strategy to create equal opportunities for women in the tech industry. By actively developing and leading initiatives like this Women in Tech Bootcamp, through strategic collaborations with She Code Africa and Government stakeholders, Glovo is working to empower women with the technical skills, mentorship, and professional development needed to succeed in the digital space.These bootcamps are a key part of Glovo’s global mission to drive gender equality and create a more diverse and innovative tech ecosystem. This initiative builds on Glovo’s broader efforts across various countries, including Spain, Ghana, and Morocco where similar programs have been implemented to address the gender imbalance in tech. In Spain and Ghana, over 100 women have benefited from hands-on training, access to industry mentors, and career placement opportunities whilst Morocco is set to kickoff in November as well. The tangible impact of these initiatives reinforces Glovo’s commitment to creating long-term change in the tech industry and fostering an inclusive digital economy.“At Glovo, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce,” said Lamide Akinola, General Manager of Glovo Nigeria. “By creating opportunities like this bootcamp, we aim to unlock a wealth of untapped talent and drive long-term change in the tech ecosystem.”Collaborating with Lagos State Government for Inclusive Economic Growth“We are excited to partner with Glovo and She Code Africa to deliver a program that empowers women to excel, innovate, and lead in the dynamic tech industry,” said Honourable Commissioner Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem. “This initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, particularly its Fourth Pillar, which emphasizes ‘Making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy.’ The program is committed to driving inclusive economic growth by empowering underrepresented groups, especially women, to seize opportunities in the tech sector.“The United Nations Sustainable Development Report 2023 predicts it will take 300 years to close the gender equality gap, yet McKinsey 2022 reports that empowering women globally could add $28 trillion to the global GDP. This partnership shows that women’s empowerment is not just a social imperative but a critical economic driver.“I am also pleased to announce we are bringing onboard the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, led by Dr. Tubuson, to further bolster this initiative. This strategic partnership reinforces Lagos’s commitment to leveraging technology for women’s empowerment, driving economic growth, and positioning Lagos as a hub of technological advancement and inclusive development. By equipping women with critical digital skills, we are building more diverse leadership in tech and positioning Lagos as a hub of innovation and enterprise. I am also pleased to see this initiative contribute to the long-term prosperity of our state.”Building a Strong Tech Ecosystem“This impact-driven initiative spearheaded by Glovo is set to provide women with the skills and support needed to succeed in the tech industry,” said Chidera Akwuba, Regional Head Government and Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa at Glovo. “This initiative underscores Glovo’s long-term commitment to fostering innovation and inclusive development in Nigeria.”The bootcamp will also offer networking opportunities, mentorship, and insights from seasoned professionals, empowering women to lead in the tech space and contribute to Lagos and Nigeria’s economic growth.For more information and updates on the Women in Tech Bootcamp, visit the official Instagram pages of Glovo Nigeria and She Code Africa.
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