Why Is East Africa A Global Leader In Mobile Remittances?

East Africa has established itself as a global leader in mobile remittances, and TerraPay is the latest mobile payments platform to enter the crowded space with its launch in Tanzania.

The global company has obtained regulatory approval to launch international money transfer services to mobile wallets in Tanzania.

There are good reasons why companies are flocking to the region. There are huge opportunities in Africa’s mobile remittance segment due to a large number of people living and working abroad who send money home for investment and family support.

“There is also the opportunity created by intra-Africa businesses that require money transfer from one African country to another,” says Danson Njue, an analyst at Ovum. “The continent has a relatively high mobile penetration rate and a developed mobile money service platform which supports the growth of the mobile remittance sector.”

Experts say Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are challenging Kenyan operators for dominance of the sector. More and more players are entering the mobile remittances space, with Tigo launching an international remittance service and South African company Mama Money expanding to Tanzania earlier this year, IT Web Africa reported:

There is also interoperability between customers of MTN Mobile Money and Vodacom’s M-Pesa, with the arrival of TerraPay, which is part of the Mahindra Comviva group and provides interoperability engines – a further development.

The regulatory approval means Tanzania is now part of the TerraPay global network, which will allow partners from across the world to send money to mobile wallets in the country. Tanzanian diaspora in the U.K., France, Italy, Canada, U.S., South Africa and elsewhere can send remittances directly to Vodacom M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money and Zantel Ezy Pesa Mobile Money accounts by visiting a participating TerraPay store.

In 2015, the World Bank reported remittances to Africa reached US$35 billion, excluding the amount transferred through informal channels. Mobile methods of sending money are vital due to the high cost of sending remittances in Africa via formal channels — between 8 percent and 20 percent of each transaction.

Since Kenya’s launch of M-Pesa a decade ago, East Africa has set itself up as a leader in mobile money. Aside from mobile money operators, global firms like WorldRemit and TerraPay see the region as a major base.

WorldRemit tracks the development of the sector back to the launch of M-Pesa. Recent figures released by the money transfer company show that the Kenyan diaspora is the biggest sender of digital remittances to mobile accounts.

Transfers to mobile money accounts make up 93 percent of WorldRemit’s transactions to Kenya, proving that Kenyans continue to be early adopters of innovative technology, even when abroad.

In January 2017 alone, WorldRemit customers transferred more than US$140 million to Kenya, while Kenyan internal remittances reached a record US$161 million in November 2016, making remittances one of the nation’s top earners.

But it is not just Kenya. East African countries including Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda are also leaders in this space and have competitive markets.

Lehlohonolo Mokenela, an industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan, says East Africa and South Asia are reporting high growth in the volume of mobile money-based remittances.

“The affinity for mobile wallets in East African markets such as Kenya and Tanzania is expected to enable the growth of international remittances in the region, Mokenela said. “Service providers such as TerraPay are already looking to enable the development of this market in different parts of the continent.”

Making different mobile transfer services interoperable in different countries is a vital next step for the development of the market. Again, East Africa is leading in this, with Tanzania in particular making major steps forward, but there is more to be done.

“Interoperability is expected to overcome challenges to scale and facilitate micro-transfers across borders, a common theme for Africa’s low-income population,” Mokenela said. “The challenge for the market however, lies in the navigating the regulatory hurdles from one country to the next.”

Njue said there is evidence of increased adoption of mobile money interoperability by service providers to support cross-border and cross-network transfers and grow the sector.

“The need for interoperability is to support mobile remittances and also grow service usage among users. In addition to increasing mobile money usage, interoperability has the potential to unlock the intra-Africa mobile remittance sector which has not had much focus in the past and which holds the key to promoting cross-border trade,” he said.

He said he expected to see some consolidation in the market given how many different companies have entered the space.

“In my opinion, market consolidations may be inevitable in some markets where we have so many operators. However, partnerships will feature most as service providers seek to tap into the opportunities in the sector,” said Njue

Source:afkinsider

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Microsoft launches smart phone in Dar

MICROSOFT has launched the first Lumia Smartphone in Tanzania with its own branding -- Lumia 535, in a campaign dubbed “Make It Happen EA Lumia 535.

Microsoft Mobile Devices East Africa Country Manager, Mr Micka Mavoa, said in Dar es Salaam over the weekend that Lumia 535 is a dual Smartphone which carries a Microsoft logo without the Nokia brand name.

“The smart phone has very unique operations wrapped up with a 5-inch screen, 5-megapixel front- and rear-facing camera, and free integrated Microsoft experiences such as Skype and OneNote to more people at an affordable price,” said Mr Mavoa.

He said that the phone’s operating system is not quite different from other Lumia phones but possessed qHD display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels together with a 5MP front-facing camera and enhanced sunlight readability.

Source: Dailynews

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Smart Telecom enters crowded Tanzanian mobile market

Smart Telecom, which is owned by Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), the Kenyan-based infrastructure and industrial development arm of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), has announced the launch of a mobile network operating subsidiary in Tanzania. 

The launch coincides with the introduction of a sister company, also called Smart Telecom, in neighbouring Uganda, which was revealed last month. AKFED is also launching the new Smart Telecom brand in Burundi, and has earmarked investment of USD300 million across the three East African markets, offering mobile voice and internet services, with the stated aim to bring ‘improved service, value and coverage’ to all three countries. 

TeleGeography notes that AKFED’s telecoms investment partner, the Cypriot-based, Russian-owned Timeturns Holdings, is the backer of existing TanzanianCDMA operator Benson Informatics (BOL), holding a full national mobile licence, while the Ugandan branch of Smart Telecom acquired its licences via start-up Sure Telecom (Uganda), which was previously solely owned by Timeturns. Similarly, the launch of Smart Telecom (Burundi) has been achieved via the AKFED/Timeturns partnership, with a relaunch of Timeturn’s existing mobile subsidiary Lacell (Smart Mobile).

Smart Tanzania has marketed its introductory services with a banner saying ‘pay TZS79 (USD0.0484) for every on-net call’. Its standard call rates are advertised on its website as ‘on-net TZS2.8 per second / off-net TZS4.1 per second’, while it offers choices of daily, weekly and monthly service bundles including voice, SMS and data – including a month’s unlimited mobile internet usage for TZS20,000 (USD12.24). The website also promises mobile money services will be made available on the Smart Tanzania network.

The Tanzanian wireless market is already home to five full fledged cellular mobile operators: Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, Zantel and Tanzania Telecommunication Company Ltd (TTCL), while TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Smile Communications operates 4G TD-LTE wireless broadband services in the country, alongside CDMA fixed-wireless voice/data network operators BOL (see above) and Sasatel, and there are four other licensees – MyCell, EGOTEL, 4G Mobile and Telesis – holding technology-neutral network operating concessions via which they intend to provide wireless data-focused services (based on CDMA, W-CDMA, mobile WiMAX and LTE, respectively). Another mobile licensee, Rural Netco, has deployed UMTS-900 infrastructure for wholesale-only services, GlobalComms adds.

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Tigo introduces affordable smart phones to its customers

Tigo Tanzania announced today a partnership with a global phone manufacturing company, Huawei which enables customers of the Tanzanian mobile company to access high quality smart phones at an affordable price.

The deal gives customers an opportunity to access Huawei Y330 for entry level users at a highly discounted price of Tsh 130,000/- per handset and Huawei 530 for experienced level user wishing to upgrade at a cost of Tsh 195,000.

Launching the new offer in Dar es Salaam, Tigo Head of Data and Devices David Zacharia, said buyers of either phone will be offered 600 minutes airtime, 8,000 free SMS and 1.5GB all valued at Tsh 30,000 during the first month of purchase. In the next six months a customer buying any monthly pack worth Tsh 15,000 will get another Tsh 15,000 monthly on net pack for free, he added.

“What this package means to our customers is that after six months, a customer would have received full refund of the money spent on buying the phone through this range of free benefits,” Zacharia said

Zacharia said the move aims at enabling more Tanzanians to own smart phones and in the process, enjoy a broad range of services only accessible through the gadget including free access to Facebook that the Tigo introduced recently.

“We are also certain that this offer will lead to increased smartphone penetration in the country especially among the youth who are keen to enjoy the digital lifestyle that our company promotes, the general manager said.

The new deal comes two months since Tigo announced a ground breaking partnership with Facebook which gives customers of the mobile company free access to Facebook services.

Speaking at the event, Huawei’s South-East Africa Regional Brand Manager, Azalea Du, said Huawei Y330 and 530 are youth targeted smartphones of which his company is pleased to introduce to Tigo customers.

“We are certain, based on our experience elsewhere, that the youth of this country and other Tigo customers will find these two products quite satisfying in providing them with the digital lifestyle solutions that they want, Du said.

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Tigo Pesa App,HOW TO GET STARTED

HOW TO GET STARTED

1. The application is be available in App stores for IOS and Android or from the links is available in our website.
2. Once you have downloaded the App, to start using it you will need to register your device being a mobile phone or an Ipad.
3. Your will use your Tigo number that is registered to Tigo Pesa and your Tigo Pesa PIN to register your device.
4. If your device does not automatically insert the Authentication code,  please go to your SMS inbox and copy the code and paste it to where it say “Enter your received code”
5. Once all the details are filled, make sure you agree with the ‘Terms and Conditions’ then click  “ok” to complete registration and you are ready to start using the APP.

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do I download the app?
   The customer can download the application by following the link which is found at the Tigo pesa website or the broadcast message sent to them. They can also visit the app stores of Apple and Android and download it directly from the stores.
2. Where do I get the link/download the app?
   The link can be found on Tigo-Pesa website, or visiting the App stores directly via your devices.
3. How long does it take to download the app?
   The application can take a couple of minutes depending on the speed of your internet connection 
4. Do I get charged more using the app?
   No. Normal Tigo Pesa charges will apply and data service through Tigo will not be charged when using the Tigo Pesa App.
5. Do I get charged when downloading the app?
   There are no charges for the customer to download the Tigo Pesa application
6. Are all the services available on the app?
   All the services which are currently available on Tigo pesa through USSD, will also be available on the smartphone application.
7. What if my app is giving me an error?
   If that happens:  Check if your phone has an internet connection or alternatively contact Tigo customer care. 
8. What do I need to qualify to use the app?
   All you need is: Your IOS or android phone with data/wifi and your registered Tigo number
9. Can I use it on another network?
   Yes, it doesn’t matter which network you’re using , as long as you are a registered Tigo Pesa user and are able to receive the SMS code which will be sent to the registered Tigo Pesa number
10. Do I use the same PIN?
    Yes, you will use the same Tigo Pesa PIN used when accessing through USSD *150*01# 
11. What if I lose my phone/device?
    You should call customer care to ensure the device is deregistered, you can also download the the Tigo Pesa app on the new device and continue using it 
12. Can my money be stolen if I lose my phone/device?
    No your money will be safe since your wallet is still protected by your Tigo Pesa PIN.
13. How do I know if my phone supports the app?
    You can visit the website to view the list of supported devices this might be updated periodically as new devices are added to the list.
14. What if I forgot my password?
    You can reset your password by calling Tigo customer care on 100, or visiting any of our Tigo Shops.
15. Does the app works anywere in Tanzania?
    Yes, the application works anywhere in Tanzania as long as your device has wifi/data connection, it also works anywhere in the world as long as your device/handset has wifi/data connection.
16. Which language is the app in?
    The application can either be in Swahili or English, the user has an option of changing it any time in the App itself.
17. Can I still save my bill pay reference?
    Yes, you can save and delete at any time. The application gives you a choice of saving the reference each time you perform a transaction
18. How secure is the app?
    The app uses the latest security feature to protect you as the consumer, but we would like to remind our customers of the importance of never sharing your PIN with anybody, and to note that Tigo staff will never require you to provide us with your PIN.
19. Will my number work for both *150*01# and application?
    Yes you can continue using both the *150*01# short code and the Tigo Pesa application.
20. Can I install the Tigo Pesa App on more than one device?
    Yes you can install the application on multiple devices at the same time and access from any of your registered devices, you can view all your registered devices and also easily deregister devices from within the Tigo Pesa application.

Download here:

Android:https: //play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tz.tigo.mfsapp

iphone Appstore:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tigo-pesa-tanzania/id825924072?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

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Tigo launches first Mobile Financial Services Smartphone App in East Africa

Tigo Tanzania has unveiled the first mobile financial services application in East Africa that enables Android and iOS users in the country to access their Tigo Pesa wallet much more conveniently and in a much simpler way than ever before.  

Addressing the press at the company head office in Dar es Salaam, Tigo’s Head of Financial Services Andrew Hodgson, said “From now on smartphone users in the country, can do all Tigo Pesa transactions including making payments, bank transfers, sending money and recharging, much faster and easier with the Tigo Pesa app.”

Hodgson added “You can now view all your contacts stored on your phone when choosing to send money via the Tigo Pesa application and you can also save your regular payments and bank transfer for quick access in future.”

He said with this application – known as Tigo Pesa Application - a customer will not be charged for data when accessing the application on the Tigo network, customers will also be able to access their  Tigo Pesa wallet from anywhere in the world through Wi-Fi or any mobile data connection available as long as they have a registered Tigo Pesa account.

“Another benefit that this application brings to mobile financial account holders in the country is giving them the ability to easily access and conveniently manage a single wallet from multiple devices,” the head of mobile financial services said.

This application comes barely two weeks after Tigo announced a move to provide free access to Facebook services to its customers, a development Hodgson says, “is in line with the company’s continued commitment to innovation and providing user friendly experiences to its customers.”

Describing the Tigo Pesa Application as an innovation that makes life easier, Hodgson said to download it, all a person needs to have is a Tigo registered simcard/number and a smart phone that uses the iOS or android operating systems.

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Social Media, internet,mobile best tools for tourism adverts – E-Tourism Frontiers

The internet and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are the best tools for building growth in challenging markets and making the tourism industry more sustainable, according to E-Tourism Frontiers chief executive officer (CEO) Damian Cook.

Cook, who was speaking to journalists at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, said in spite of the evidence of the benefits of using these channels, only a small number of East Africa tourism firms are accessing these tools to their full potential.

“With over 59 per cent of travel now being researched, booked and bought online and with online tourism sales set to double over US$400 billion by the end of the year, it is critical that tourism players in the sector make better use of the internet and social media to market and manage their destinations and businesses,” said Cook.

Cook was launching the fourth E-Tourism East Africa Conference, which will be held at the Intercontinental on June 9 and 10, bringing together the likes of TripAdvisor, Expedia and Facebook.

The conference will be sponsored by the Kenya Tourism Board and Intercontinental, and Muriithi Ndegwa, managing director of the Kenya Tourism Board, said it will be a huge endorsement to Kenya as a destination.

“It is great that Kenya has the opportunity to host the E-Tourism East Africa Conference, the conference will give the tourism sector the opportunity to reconnect and learn about the best online tourism and travel developments and technologies. The role of online is imperative for the growth and success of our tourism sector,” he said.

source:humanipo

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The new smart network for new africa-About Us

ABOUT US

East Africa has a new telecoms provider. Smart provides a range of innovative products to suit your lifestyle, and outstanding value-for-money packages to suit your wallet. But it’s not just in our products and packages that you’ll see a difference. It’s in the way we do things. That’s because Smart’s parent company is Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) Kenya, which in turn is part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). AKFED has been funding social enterprises across East Africa for decades – making long-term investments with the aim of building economically sound businesses that create employment and improve lives. And that’s just what Smart will do.

Smart:More Details About Smart

 Approach

Our approach is to bring AKFED’s social enterprise business model and reputation for innovation and customer service to telecommunications in Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda. AKFED will leverage more thanten years of telecommunications experience to make Smart East Africa’s operator of choice. Our partner, Timeturns, also adds a wealth of experience, having established and built leading telecom market players in Nepal and Cambodia. Together with AKFED’s other entities, we have extensive experience in emerging markets, particularly in East Africa.

Just as we have done with Roshan in Afghanistan, and Tcell in Tajikistan, AKFED brings a commitment to the local culture and values, and a genuine determination to improve the communities in which we operate. Our customer-centric approach is exemplifiedby the Give Us A Namecampaign. Just as Afghans chose the name Roshan, we launched our new operationin market by giving East Africans the opportunity to choose the company name. We let you choose our name, because we are your network! 

Impact

The launch of SMART will also combine AKFED’s experience of making long-term investments with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship and building economically sound enterprises, which provide employment opportunities and improve the lives of people. In East Africa, AKFED’s investments include the Serena Hotels, Diamond Trust Bank, Jubilee Insurance Group, the Nation Media Group and IPS’s diverse portfolio of projects in infrastructure (Bujagali and Tsavo power projects) as well as manufacturing.

AKFED’s parent organization – the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) – has been making a positive impact on the lives of East Africans for more than a century.  We look forward to many years of building on the investments that sister AKDN organizations have been making across Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda.

Looking Ahead

Smart is proud to be part of the East African infrastructure and community. We are excited to help connect the people of the region to one another and to the rest of the world.

Smart will build on the success of Roshan’s customer service model, to deliver an optimal consumer experience. Roshan’s commitment to its customers has been a primary focus since its inception, delivering world-class quality network technology to subscribers, and responsive customer service benchmarked against international standards. For example, Roshan opened the first customer call center in Afghanistan, receiving the first ISO certification in the country, and numerous international awards for its standards of excellence.

We’re confident the combination of our world-class telecommunications technology and innovative products and services will transform the lives of East Africans, just as they have elsewhere.  We look forward to being your carrier of choice.

Smart is a different company.  We are fun and exciting because you make us that way. Smart believes that we all havethe potential for greatness in our hands.  We are building today for a brighter tomorrow, by realizing our potential, and helping you realize yours. Together we can make a difference and really go places.  Smart is the new mobile network for a new Africa.  It is your network.

Let’s talk.

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