Nigeria’s Crypto Traders Take Business Underground Amid War On Binance

Gebeya & Microsoft Launch New Microsoft Talent Cloud Ecosystem For Africa

Gebeya Inc., the leading Talent Cloud technology company, has joined together with Microsoft to launch the Microsoft Talent Cloud powered by Gebeya. The gateway, which is now open for access, aims to empower 300,000 African tech talents over the next 3 years with Microsoft-focused cloud and AI skills, providing them with valuable learning resources and opportunities across Microsoft’s ecosystem of more than 30,000 partners, and customers.

The Microsoft Talent Cloud powered by Gebeya is a central platform where Microsoft distributors, partners, and
customers can find the businesses and professionals they need to further their digital transformation ambitions. At the
same time, talent looking to secure opportunities within the Microsoft ecosystem will now have a single platform from
which they can acquire the latest Microsoft skills like Copilot and Fabric, find Microsoft-related jobs and gigs, access
Microsoft-related business opportunities, and engage with a community of like-minded professionals. Through training
content such as Microsoft Learn, members will be upskilled in line with Microsoft’s industry-leading standards on topics such as Azure, AI, and cloud infrastructure management. The Talent Cloud will then match skilled individuals to partners in need of those key competencies. Since the announcement of the new partnership in December 2023, more than 10,000 developers (reportedly) from across the continent have signed up to the platform.

The platform will provide access to webinars, workshops, and conferences led by Microsoft industry leaders, offering real-time updates and insights to help developers stay ahead of the curve in Microsoft technologies.
Members will also have access to $200 worth of Azure Credits, enabling them to explore cutting-edge and monetizable
Azure skills that are useful for SMEs, entrepreneurs, corporate and freelance use. By enabling talents to subscribe to the
annual $99 membership fee through their preferred local payment methods, the platform also addresses one of the most significant barriers to digital learning and certifications in Africa, ensuring equitable opportunities for skills development and career advancement across the continent.

Khabiry Expands Consultation in North Africa & The Middle East

After achieving remarkable success with its first clients in Morocco, the startup “Khabiry” has decided to capitalize on this favorable momentum and expand into new territories. In a significant strategic move, the company has announced its plan to broaden the scope of its services to include the North Africa and Middle East regions following the successful launch of its new platform. 

“Khabiry” was established in December 2022 as an online platform connecting entrepreneurs and individuals in need of advice with experienced independent consultants. Since then, the company has been dedicated to providing a specialized and diverse range of consulting solutions across various sectors. Securing funding from angel investors has enabled “Khabiry” to advance its technologies, making its services more accessible to consumers and streamlining consultation management for professionals. 

This region-focused initiative aims to meet the growing demand of individuals and startups striving for success, including areas such as e-commerce and artificial intelligence within the scope of “Khabiry.” The platform has been enhanced to accommodate the needs of new regions, now offering an innovative and user-friendly Arabic interface and access to top experts through online and video consultations.

With this expansion, “Khabiry” aims to become the leading Arabic platform for online consultations, serving as a trusted consulting partner for entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa.

South Africa Poised To Shake Up Its Fintech Sector With Bold New Rules

The proposed Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill is poised to transform the South African finance sector, industry players reckon, promising increased competition and innovation, particularly within the fintech space.

Although the bill isn’t expected to be tabled before this year’s elections, Mpho Sadiki, Group MD at Network International, emphasizes the industry’s eagerness for its enactment. He underscores COFI’s potential benefits, especially in fostering low-risk, rapid innovation in fintech.

Designed to consolidate and streamline financial legislation, COFI will affect all financial institutions, from banks and insurers to credit providers, advisors, and even non-financial entities like telcos and retailers.

Sadiki comments, “A lot of work and consultation has gone into this legislation… In essence, it gives regulators the scope to govern institutions based on their activity.” He further explains that COFI will shift from the current sectoral approach to an activity-based one, ensuring uniform regulation for similar activities across different institution types.

Despite some resistance to additional regulatory burdens, Sadiki argues that COFI will create a level playing field. He emphasizes, “COFI is a big deal because it removes the limitations of who can provide services, opening up participation and injecting much-needed competition and innovation into the industry.”

For fintechs like Network International, providing payments infrastructure services, COFI presents opportunities for collaboration with traditional providers and merchants. Sadiki believes this will benefit both the market and consumers.

Sadiki elaborates, “South Africa has a mature and excellently regulated financial services sector… COFI stands to offer our industry far more opportunities than whatever inconveniences may come with revised or new regulations.”

COFI’s inclusive approach extends to instant payment mechanisms like PayShap, aiming to boost financial inclusion beyond traditional banking. Sadiki sees this as an opportunity for diverse participation, driving competition, and building trust in the financial system.

Addressing the impact on outsourced payment services, Sadiki emphasizes that compliant fintechs, like Network International, can provide regulators with confidence. This ensures rapid deployment of new offerings without concerns about restrictions or compliance issues, signalling a move towards true open banking.

Sadiki notes that COFI is in line to offer the industry more opportunities than inconveniences, paving the way for a more innovative and competitive financial landscape.

Featured Image Credits: RegTech Africa

South African AI Startup Cue Secures USD 2 M Seed Funding

South African startup Cue, known for its AI-powered customer service platform, has secured R38.3 million (USD 2 M) in seed funding from angel investors. This fresh capital injection follows their pre-seed funding of USD 500 K secured in October 2023.

Founded in 2018, the startup leverages AI to empower businesses with innovative customer service solutions on platforms like WhatsApp and social media. Cue enables businesses to help customers quickly and efficiently with chatbots and live chat on WhatsApp and social channels. As part of their growth plans, Cue has announced leadership changes: Rhett Trickettl steps up as the Chief Product Officer, Ryan Egnos takes the reins as the Chief Revenue Officer, and Richard Nischk assumes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position.