First official Liverpool FC retail stores are opening in Africa
Prominent English Premier League soccer club brings official standalone retail stores to the region for the first time.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Zanzibar plans to speed up digital transformation across islands
By our News Team | 2023
Collaboration with Mastercard will help consumers and businesses to enjoy a more seamless, efficient and inclusive digital environment.
As digital transformation becomes increasingly relevant across Africa for e-commerce, retailing, supply chain management and the overall financial inclusion of consumers, Mastercard has announced a collaborated with the Zanzibar e-Government Agency (eGAZ) to accelerate its digital transformation journey.
This will allow different business sectors across the Zanzibar islands, including tourism, to digitise payments and, according to the two organisations, “will significantly contribute to robust economic growth”.
Photo by Dmitry Limonov from Pexels
Under the three-year collaboration, Mastercard will provide technical assistance and expertise to support the Zanzibar government’s efforts.
This includes setting up a digital transformation team, collaborating with the government’s payment portal – named ZanMalipo – to enable digital payments, and launch two million government cards for better access to services and tourism.
Access to a wider range of payment methods
The financial solutions being employed include the Mastercard Payment Gateway Services, which enables merchants to accept a wide range of payment methods – including mobile payments, credit cards and e-wallets.
“The like-minded collaboration between Mastercard and the Zanzibar e-Government Agency will help power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere in Zanzibar. It is a testament to the profound impact of digitisation and … the value of fostering cross-sector collaboration, fuelling economic growth and facilitating financial and digital inclusion,” says Shehryar Ali, Country Manager for East Africa at Mastercard.
Adds Said Seif Said, Managing Director of eGAZ: “This collaboration affirms our commitment to harnessing innovative technologies for service delivery enhancement. We believe that by working with Mastercard, a trusted partner, we can significantly accelerate the realisation of our digital strategy and provide invaluable benefits to our citizens.”
According to a media statement released by the two organisations, development of a fast and secure digital infrastructure for the delivery of services to citizens, tourists and the business community remains Zanzibar’s immediate focus, with plans to position the island as a major player in the pan-African trade transformation journey.
“The ultimate beneficiaries of these initiatives are consumers, who will enjoy a more seamless, efficient, and inclusive digital environment,” the statement concludes.
Global report shows retailers still falling short on sustainable chocolate
Latest Chocolate Scorecard reveals uneven progress and gaps in retailer accountability and transparency in cocoa sustainability.
Ghana’s consumers are coming back, but it’s a cautious return
Shoppers are not returning to old habits – they’re redefining them. And affordability is still the single biggest decision driver.
Private operators set to revitalise SA’s struggling rail network?
Inefficiencies in South Africa’s state-run rail system have been a major constraint on economic growth over the past decade.
Malle Mabelane named Supply Chain Professional of the Year by IMM Institute
IMM Institute hosts annual Excellence Awards in Johannesburg, honouring top supply chain professionals, teams and emerging talent.
Uganda launches a national Packaging Centre of Excellence in Kampala
Uganda has unveiled the Packaging Centre of Excellence, a national facility which aims to elevate product branding, packaging standards and market readiness.
Sydney Mbhele named Marketer of the Year at IMM Institute annual awards
IMM Institute hosts annual Excellence Awards in Johannesburg, honouring top marketers, marketing teams and industry up-and-comers.
Junk food campaigns targeting children through digital marketing
Good for business, but bad for kids? Researchers concerned about ‘invasive reach and powerful influence of digital marketing techniques’.
Lay’s World Cup marketing strategy focuses on fan fun and togetherness
Epic watch party-themed campaign for the upcoming FIFA World Cup features major international soccer stars and a touch of Hollywood.
Cost of groceries the primary worry for almost half of SA consumers
Despite income gains, financial pressure remains visible in consumer behaviour, latest data from the Marketing Research Foundation reveals.
Social media overtakes television as main source of news for Kenyans
Media Council of Kenya’s latest survey highlights significant change that has implications for regulation, ethics and misinformation.
