Author: Khusoko

Khusoko provides market insights into Africa's business investment as well as global trends that impact East African businesses.

A recent report by the GSMA dubbed State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2023 underscores how mobile money has become a mainstream financial service. The report also highlights the remarkable growth and leadership of mobile money services in Kenya, particularly through the M-PESA platform, with the service recently being rolled out in Ethiopia. M-PESA went live in Ethiopia on August 16th and is expected to transform mobile money services, drive financial inclusion and revolutionise the digital landscape of one of Africa’s most populous countries. The country has had limited access to formal financial services, with a significant portion of its population…

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Daily life very nearly came to a grinding halt in Kenya last month with millions of people unable to access the country’s more than 5,000 recently digitised, critical government services – from national health records to e-visa applications and electricity payments. The broadscale disruption served as a stark reminder of the singular challenge facing governments in Africa that are on their digital transformation journeys: securing critical infrastructure. Indeed, the number of cyberattacks reported in the country between July and September last year rose by 200 per cent in comparison to the previous quarter.  Microsoft’s latest Cyber Signals report places a spotlight on…

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Safaricom Ethiopia has welcomed Wim Vanhelleputte as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2023. He succeeds Anwar Soussa, who served as CEO until July 31, 2023. Wim Vanhelleputte is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry across multiple markets in sub-Saharan Africa. His extensive leadership experience and deep industry knowledge are expected to drive Safaricom Ethiopia’s growth and expansion in the coming years. https://x.com/SafaricomET/status/1700169909802573948?s=20 Before joining Safaricom Ethiopia, Vanhelleputte held a significant role at MTN Group as the Operations Executive – Markets from August 2022. In this position, he was responsible for…

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Avocados, look more than just a tasty ally; they are frequently regarded as a luxury in salads or a key component in opulent guacamole. It’s easy to understand why this creamy fruit, which is native to south-central Mexico, has experienced a sharp rise in popularity worldwide. The avocado is a “nutritional powerhouse,” deserving of that moniker because it is a powerhouse of nutrients and is well-known for its health benefits. Topical creams, serums, and exfoliants might come to mind when we think of beauty regimens. However, the source of healthy skin frequently starts from the inside, in the food we…

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Google has announced the appointment of Alex Okosi as the new managing director for Africa.  Okosi, who previously served as the MD for YouTube in EMEA Emerging Markets, brings a wealth of experience in the media and technology industries to his new role. Meir Brand, Vice President of EMEA Emerging Markets at Google, praised Okosi’s leadership and understanding of African countries.  “Alex is a proven leader with a deep understanding of African countries and a passion for using technology to empower people and businesses,” he said. In his new role, Okosi will be responsible for overseeing Google’s operations in Africa. …

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Nkoregamba Mwebesa has resigned as the CEO of the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC). Mr. Mwebesa has been at the helm of the company since February 2020. Nkoregamba Mwebesa is leaving to pursue other career interests, and the CDSC Board of Directors has expressed its appreciation for his leadership and contributions to the company. In light of Mr Mwebesa’s departure, the CDSC Board of Directors has appointed Mr Jesse Kagoma as the new Chief Executive of the Corporation, effective September 1, 2023. Mr. Kagoma has been with CDSC since May 2018, serving as the General Manager of Business Support…

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