Blue Screens : The Global Microsoft Outage!
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review: 51 Cyber Security Authority licenses, Venda's “Stock Now, Pay Later” service, Mastercard and Kalabash54 Travel Card, An Exclusive Interview with Jobberman CEO
Digital Digest No. #1000101
Date: July 15 - June 21 2024
Dear Friends,
Happy new week!🎉
Here are the most important news, perspectives, analysis, and insights about the Ghanaian digital ecosystem from last week.
Digital governance
News updates
Cyber Security Authority Licenses 51 Cybersecurity Industry Players
Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has granted licenses and accreditation to 51 cybersecurity industry players, including Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs). This move makes Ghana the first African country to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for these entities. The Director-General of the CSA, Albert Antwi-Boasiako warned that those offering cybersecurity services without a license are violating the Cybersecurity Act, 2020, and will face penalties and prosecutions.
Digital infrastructure and platforms
News updates
Blue screens happened last Friday! Tap to read all you need to know.
What was supposed to be a routine update from the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, turned into a massive outage which affected a reported 8.5million Microsoft devices worldwide, and businesses including Airports and banks. The massive outage prompted warnings by cyber security experts and agencies around the world about a wave of opportunistic hacking attempts linked to the IT outage. Cyber agencies in the UK and Australia are warning people to be vigilant of fake emails calls, and websites that pretend to be official.
Samsung Leads The Smartphone Space In Ghana with 44% Marketshare
Ghana's fast growing smartphone market is dominated by Samsung with a 44% share, followed by Tecno at 28.1% and Itel at 9.7%. These brands have successfully captured the market by offering a range of devices that balance affordability with functionality, then there are financing schemes such as MTN's "Pick & Pay Later" and Vodafone/Telecel's "Pay Small Small" enaabling consumers to purchase smartphones through manageable payment plans. The Ghanaian smartphone market is expected to generate $1.5 billion in revenue by 2024 with a 4.98% annual growth rate through 2029.
Venda Introduces Supply Chains service “Stock Now, Pay Later” In Accra
Venda, a tech startup, is disrupting the restaurant supply chain in Accra with its "Stock Now, Pay Later" service. This platform allows food and beverage managers of restaurants, hotels, clubs, and marts to order supplies like alcohol, water, and drinks up to GHC10,000 with a 30-day interest-free payment period. Venda's digital platform simplifies procurement, digital tracking of stocks and records and provides convenience.
Digital finance
News updates
Mastercard and Kalabash54 Unveil Travel Cards for Nigeria and Ghana
Mastercard and Kalabash54, a fintech subsidiary of Wakanow Group, have launched new travel cards in Nigeria and Ghana to enhance electronic payment adoption in the travel sector. This collaboration merges Mastercard’s global network with Wakanow’s expertise, offering secure and convenient payment options through the Kalabash54 app. Users can fund trips using physical or virtual cards in local currency or USD and manage their cards via the app. Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager for West Africa at Mastercard, emphasized the aim to create an inclusive, digital economy and transform travel payments in West Africa with this partnership.
MTN Momo, Flutterwave Others Named In Top 250 Fintechs In The World
Statista and CNBC have named seven African fintech companies—MTN MoMo, Flutterwave, Piggyvest, Kuda, Bank Zero, and Yoco—in their 2024 list of the top 250 fintech companies. Selected from 2,000 companies globally, the list includes major global firms like Mastercard and Robinhood. Nigerian fintech Kuda and South African Bank Zero were highlighted as top neobanks, while Flutterwave, Palmpay, Yoco, and MTN MoMo featured in the payments category. Piggyvest was recognized in the financial planning category. The selection was based on criteria like 2023 revenues, sales growth, and total headcount.
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
GCB Bank is hosting a seminar titled “Empowering Growth: Optimizing People and Resources for the Digital Era” on July 23rd at Wesley House, to support SMEs in digital transformation. The seminar will highlight the benefits of digital technologies, such as increased efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and improved security. It will also address global SME trends like e-commerce, cloud computing, AI, IoT, and blockchain. GCB Bank will provide insights into their digital services, including online banking, mobile banking, SME loan products, payment solutions, and financial advisory services, aimed at helping SMEs thrive in the digital age. The seminar will feature practical examples and case studies demonstrating successful digital transformation strategies.
An Exclusive Interview with Jobberman CEO.
Digital talents
News updates
KNUST Developing Technology To Preempt Rare Diseases For Early Treatment
Professor Jerry John Kponyo, the Scientific Director of the Responsible AI Lab, RAIL of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has said at the Ghana Data Summit that the Lab is developing an AI technology that could preempt the onset of rare and hitherto incurable diseases in humans for early treatment and, in certain cases, prevent deaths, especially among children. Such diseases include cancer and childhood diseases.
The summit, organized by KNUST and Ndabax Ghana, brought together students, researchers, and professionals to build competencies in AI.
GHANA TECH ECOSYSTEM SURVEY
Code and Cocktails Africa recently launched a survey to map out the Ghana Tech Ecosystem with a focus on tech professionals. The survey covers demographics, tools, working conditions, and remuneration.
The survey focuses on 3 areas;
1. Engineering
2. Product
3. Sales & Marketing
Kindly take some 5 minutes of your time to complete the survey if work in the 3 areas fore mentioned. Tap here. Thanks!
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