Tunisia, a small country in North Africa, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of tech startups. But over the past few years, the country has experienced a boom in entrepreneurship and innovation, with a growing number of startups disrupting traditional industries and solving unique local challenges.

One of the most exciting areas of growth in Tunisia's tech scene is in the fintech sector. In a country where nearly half of the population is unbanked, startups like Paymee and Expensya are helping to bring financial services to underserved communities. Paymee, for example, allows users to make payments and transfer money using their mobile phones, while Expensya helps businesses manage their expenses and streamline their accounting processes.

Another area of innovation in Tunisia is in the field of education technology. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing schools to close and shift to online learning, startups like GoMyCode and Edumetric have stepped up to provide digital learning solutions for students and teachers. GoMyCode offers coding bootcamps and tech courses online, while Edumetric provides a platform for teachers to create and share educational content.

Tunisia's tech startups are also making waves in the travel and hospitality industry. With tourism being a major source of income for the country, startups like Trip4Care and Wibees are helping to attract more visitors and enhance the travel experience. Trip4Care offers medical tourism services, while Wibees is a platform for booking unique and authentic experiences with local hosts.

Of course, Tunisia's tech scene still faces its share of challenges, including a lack of funding and a shortage of skilled talent. But with the government and private sector investing more in innovation and entrepreneurship, the future looks bright for Tunisia's startups.

In conclusion, Tunisia may be small in size, but it's big on ideas and innovation. From fintech to edtech to traveltech, the country's startups are pushing boundaries and driving progress. Who knows – the next big tech unicorn could be born in Tunisia.

Nairobi, Kenya, is quickly becoming a fashion capital of the world, with a new generation of designers and entrepreneurs using technology to disrupt the traditional fashion industry. With e-commerce, 3D printing, and other cutting-edge technologies, these fashion-forward thinkers are creating innovative and sustainable fashion brands.

One example of this trend is Kiko Romeo, a fashion label founded by designer Ann McCreath. The brand has gained worldwide recognition for its use of African prints and textiles, as well as its commitment to ethical and sustainable production. Kiko Romeo's designs are sold both online and in physical stores, using e-commerce to reach a global audience.

Another company making waves in the industry is Closet49, an online marketplace for pre-owned designer fashion. By allowing users to buy and sell high-end fashion items, Closet49 is promoting sustainable and circular fashion, while also giving consumers access to luxury brands at a more affordable price.

In addition to e-commerce, 3D printing is also changing the game in Nairobi's fashion industry. Designer Wambui Kibue has used 3D printing technology to create unique and sustainable jewelry pieces for her brand, Kipato Unbranded. The brand's designs are made from recycled brass and bone, and the use of 3D printing allows for precise and intricate designs.

But the tech disruption doesn't stop there. The African Fashion and Design Week, held annually in Nairobi, showcases even more innovative uses of technology in fashion. From augmented reality fashion shows to AI-powered styling assistants, the event is a hub for the latest tech advancements in the industry.

By embracing technology and innovation, Nairobi's fashion industry is not only creating new opportunities for designers and entrepreneurs, but also promoting sustainability and ethical production practices. It's an exciting time for the city, as it becomes a global leader in fashion and technology.

1. "KikoRomeo: The Ethical African Fashion Brand to Have on Your Radar" (https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/kiko-romeo-african-fashion)
2. "Closet49: How this online marketplace is making luxury fashion affordable" (https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/23/africa/closet49-kenya-sustainable-luxury-fashion/index.html)
3. "Meet Wambui Kibue, The Kenyan Designer Making Sustainable Jewelry With 3D Printing" (https://afrotech.com/meet-wambui-kibue-the-kenyan-designer-making-sustainable-jewelry-with-3d-printing)
4. "African Fashion and Design Week" (https://www.afdwng.com/)

These links can provide you with more information about Nairobi's fashion industry, the companies mentioned in the article, and other similar initiatives.

Technology has truly improved humanity since its existence but an aspect of it that humanity is not ready for causes more harm than good.

Let's travel to Nigeria, in February 2022 the central bank passed a certain rule that will help eliminate the flow of cash and promote cashless society. This plan was rejected by her citizens, banks were closed down, it resulted in unrest in the country, and of course destruction of lives and properties followed.

It's very important to note that ignorance is a major hindrance to whatever you want to do. In some rural communities they can't even use the ATM machine, to even do a mobile transfer in the so-called urban areas is a big deal, as there might be an unstable network.

Imagine having these issues and you want to switch to a fully cashless society in a place where people are yet to fully understand the traditional way of doing things, it will yield disaster.

For this cashless society to be effective, there should be proper education of the public, and also we should be able to trust the system in the sense that it is transparent, can be held accountable and there should be zero or very minimal network glitches.

Without the aforementioned, this will not be possible, even though the government might want to force it on people but it won't really be effective.

A cashless society definitely has both positive and negative effects on people.

But for now, I guess we are not ready.

Financial inclusion has been a pressing issue in Africa for a long time, with millions of people still unbanked and lacking access to formal financial services. However, the emergence of cryptocurrencies has opened up new opportunities for individuals to participate in the financial system and become investors. This is the story of one African who went from being unbanked to becoming a crypto investor, demonstrating the power of financial inclusion in Africa.

Meet Kofi, a young man who lives in a remote village in Ghana. Kofi's family has been farming for generations, and they have always struggled to access financial services due to their location and lack of formal identification. Kofi grew up knowing little about traditional banking and had no idea how to access financial services, let alone invest.

However, Kofi's life took a turn when he heard about cryptocurrencies. Intrigued by the concept, he decided to learn more about it and realized the potential for cryptocurrencies to provide financial inclusion to people like him. He started reading and watching videos online to understand how cryptocurrencies work and began investing in small amounts using a mobile app.

As Kofi continued to learn and invest, he started seeing profits and was able to use his earnings to help his family and even expand their farm. He also started sharing his knowledge with others in his village, and soon many others began investing in cryptocurrencies, opening up new possibilities for financial inclusion in their community.

Kofi's story is not only unique, but  it also demonstrates the power of cryptocurrencies to provide financial inclusion in Africa. Cryptocurrencies provide an alternative way to access financial services, without the need for traditional banking, identification or even a physical address. This can be especially beneficial for people living in remote areas who have historically struggled to access formal financial services.

However, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that cryptocurrencies can be used effectively for financial inclusion in Africa. For example, education and awareness campaigns are needed to help individuals understand and adopt cryptocurrencies. Additionally, regulatory frameworks need to be developed to protect investors and prevent fraud.

In conclusion, Kofi's story is a testament to the transformative power of cryptocurrencies in providing financial inclusion in Africa. It demonstrates that with education, access to technology and the right mindset, anyone can become an investor and take control of their financial future. As cryptocurrencies continue to evolve, they have the potential to revolutionize the financial system in Africa, and it is up to individuals, governments and the private sector to work together to ensure that this potential is fully realized.

In recent years, the use of cryptocurrency in Africa has been growing rapidly, especially for remittances, this is because it offers a swift, convenient and direct peer-to-peer channel for remittance payments, international commerce and savings. Remittances refer to the money sent by migrants to their families and friends back in their home countries. 

According to a report by "Africa in Focus", remittance flow to low and middle-income countries reached $550B in 2019, surpassing foreign direct investment aid, they further added that Nigeria alone received half of the total remittance flows to sub-saharan Africa in 2019 which was valued at $48B. 

Moreso, a recent report by Chainalysis, as sited by 'Quick Takers', posits that between July, 2020 and June, 2021, Africans received $105.6B worth of cryptocurrency payments - an increase of 1200% compared to year, 2019.

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a cheaper,  faster and more secured way to send and receive remittances compared to traditional methods. This article will explore the impact of cryptocurrency on remittances in Africa, comparing traditional methods and blockchain-based solutions.

Traditional Remittance Methods in Africa

For many years, traditional remittance methods such as bank transfers, money transfer operators (MTOs), and cash-to-cash services have been the primary ways of sending and receiving remittances in Africa. These methods are often expensive and time-consuming, with high fees and lengthy transaction times. 

A report by 'Africa in Focus' stated that the high cost of remittance charge paid to these service providers is quite exorbitant to the tune of about 9% of the total money sent and it happens to be the highest rate in the world and thrice the Sustainable Development Goal's target for remittance cost of 3%. Likewise, the cost of international remittances within Africa is also high and higher than that from USA or Europe. 

Bank transfers are a popular option for remittances in Africa, but they are often expensive and slow. The sender may have to pay high fees for international transfers, and the recipient may have to wait several days to receive the funds.

MTOs such as Western Union and MoneyGram are also popular in Africa. These services allow people to send and receive money quickly, but they come with high fees. For example, Western Union's fees for sending money to Africa can range from 5% to 10% of the total amount sent.

Cash-to-cash services are also widely used in Africa. These services allow the sender to deposit cash at an agent location, and the recipient can pick up the cash at a different agent location. However, these services can be expensive, with fees ranging from 5% to 20% of the total amount sent.

Impact of Cryptocurrency on Remittances in Africa

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a cheaper and faster way to send and receive remittances in Africa. Blockchain-based solutions have the potential to disrupt the traditional remittance industry, making it more accessible, secured and affordable for people in Africa.

According to the Brookings Institutions, 2022 Foresight Africa report as recently sited by 'Quick Takes',  the importance of cryptocurrency in improving remittance payments cannot be over-emphasized, adding that while international remittance fees costs about 7% of the total money transferred, cryptocurrency remittance fees costs just a fraction of less than a U.S dollar and also occurs in seconds unlike the others (the likes of SWIFT) that takes 2-3 days

One of the main advantages of cryptocurrency is the low transaction fees. Cryptocurrency transactions can be conducted for a fraction of the cost of traditional remittance methods. For example, Bitcoin transactions can cost less than 1% of the total amount sent, compared to the high fees charged by MTOs and banks.

Another advantage of cryptocurrency is the fast transaction times. Cryptocurrency transactions can be processed within minutes, compared to the several days it can take for traditional methods. This is especially important for people who rely on remittances for their daily needs.

Furthermore, cryptocurrency can provide financial inclusion to people who are unbanked or underbanked. Many people in Africa and unofficial immigrants do not have access to traditional banking services, making it difficult for them to send and receive remittances. With cryptocurrency, all that is needed is a smartphone and an internet connection, making it accessible to a wider range of people.

Moreso, cryptocurrency remittance is secured and transparent, as all transactions remains on the public ledger while ensuring the security and anonymity of the entities involved. 

However, there are also challenges to the adoption of cryptocurrency in Africa. One of the main challenges is the lack of awareness and education about cryptocurrency. Many people in Africa are still unfamiliar with cryptocurrency and how it works. 

Additionally, the volatility of cryptocurrency prices can also be a barrier to adoption. However, the best cryptocurrency for sending remittances abroad is the stable coins, due to its less volatility, and Bitcoin among others due to less volatility and more liquidity. Lnk:5

In conclusion, cryptocurrency has the potential to transform the remittance industry in Africa, making it more affordable and accessible for people. Blockchain-based solutions can provide faster, cheaper and a more secured transactions compared to traditional methods. However, there are also challenges to the adoption of cryptocurrency, such as the lack of awareness and education. It is important for governments and other stakeholders to work towards educating people about cryptocurrency and its benefits to accelerate its adoption.

Cryptocurrency trading has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people looking to invest in digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. While there are many decentralized exchanges available, centralized exchanges remain the most popular option for many traders due to their ease of use and security. In this article, we will explore the top 10 centralized cryptocurrency exchanges owned by Africans.

1. Luno: It is a popular cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2013 by South Africans Marcus Swanepoel and Timothy Stranex, though registered in Singapore. The platform allows users to buy, sell and store Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies in a secure manner. Luno is available in over 40 countries worldwide and is regulated by several financial authorities.

Currently, there are 8 coins and 51 trading pairs available on the exchange. It's 24 hours traded volume was reported to be at $10,442,083.44 and it has over 10 million users.

2. BitPesa: It's a Kenya-based cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2013. The platform allows users to buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. BitPesa has a strong presence in Africa and is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya.

A report stated that Bitpesa was formerly sending $5000 a month in the launch year but currently it sends $65M a month in a cross boarder payment and serving about 11 African countries.

3. Yellow Card: It's a Nigeria-based cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2016. The platform allows users to buy, sell and store Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in a secure manner. Yellow Card has gained popularity in Africa due to its ease of use and low transaction fees.

It achieved a huge milestone in the year, 2021 by securing a Series A of $15M fund round, it established the YC Academy and have so far expanded it's business to 14 countries. In 2022, it relaunched in Nigeria - it's parent location, as it withdrew it's business earlier from the country in 2021 due to the Federal Government policy, mandating it's commercial banks and financial institutions to stop interacting with crypto entities and individuals. 

4. BuyCoins: It's a Nigeria-based cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2017. The platform allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies using Nigerian Naira. BuyCoins has gained popularity in Nigeria due to its ease of use and low transaction fees.

5. Coindirect: It's a South Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2017. The platform allows users to buy, sell and store Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies in a secure manner. Coindirect has gained popularity in Africa due to its user-friendly interface and low transaction fees.

6. Quidax: It's a Nigeria-based cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2017 by Buchi Okoro and Morris Ebieroma. The platform allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies in a secure manner. Quidax has gained popularity in Nigeria due to its low transaction fees and user-friendly interface. 

The exchange have over four hundred thousand (4000) users. They've so far raised a total funding of $3.6 million, with the latest funding on May, 24,2021. They also accept local naira currency for cryptocurrency transactions on their platform.

7. BitSika: It's a Ghana-based cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2018. The platform allows users to buy, sell and store Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies in a secure manner. BitSika has gained popularity in Ghana due to its ease of use and low transaction fees.

8. ICE3X: It's a South Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2013. The platform allows users to buy, sell and store Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies in a secure manner. ICE3X has gained popularity in Africa due to its low transaction fees and user-friendly interface.

9. KubitX: It's a Nigerian-based cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2017. The platform allows users to buy, sell and store Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies in a secure manner. KubitX has gained popularity in Nigeria due to its low transaction fees and fast transaction processing times.

10.  NairaEx: It's a Nigeria-based cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2015. The platform allows users to buy, sell and store Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies in a secure manner. NairaEx has gained popularity in Nigeria due to its low transaction fees and ease of use. 

It's over 130 thousand users are close to a million transactions. The platform for now only support's the Nigerian naira fiat currency as a payment method.

In conclusion, these are the top 10 centralized cryptocurrency exchanges owned by Africans. Each exchange has its unique features and advantages, but they all offer a secure and user-friendly way to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies in Africa. Though it's always advisable that you do your own research before chosing to invest your money in any of these exchanges.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow in Africa, we can expect to see more African-owned exchanges.

In recent years, a new breed of financial technology (fintech) startups has emerged, shaking up the remittance and payment landscape. These innovative companies are leveraging technology to offer faster, cheaper, and more convenient ways to send and receive money, challenging traditional banks and remittance providers in the process.

These fintech disruptors are transforming the way we think about money, with their cutting-edge technologies and customer-centric approaches. By eliminating the need for intermediaries and leveraging the power of the internet and mobile devices, they are revolutionizing the way we transact, sending shockwaves through the financial industry.

One example of these game-changers is TransferWise, which uses a peer-to-peer model to match users looking to exchange currency, bypassing banks and their high fees in the process. Another fintech disruptor is Ripple, which uses blockchain technology to enable instant, low-cost cross-border payments. These and other fintech startups are democratizing access to financial services, empowering consumers and businesses alike.

But it's not just about making transactions cheaper and more convenient. Fintech disruptors are also changing the way we think about financial data. By using data analytics and machine learning, they can provide valuable insights into customer behavior, helping businesses to tailor their products and services to better meet customer needs.

Of course, there are challenges to be faced. Regulators are struggling to keep up with the pace of change, and there are concerns about the security and privacy of financial data. But these challenges are being addressed head-on, with fintech disruptors leading the way in developing new technologies and standards for security and privacy.

The fintech revolution is here, and it's only going to get bigger. As these startups continue to disrupt the remittance and payment landscape, traditional banks and remittance providers will need to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant. It's an exciting time for the financial industry, and for consumers and businesses alike, as we reap the benefits of these game-changing fintech disruptors.

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Customers making a payment with ease is one of the aims of any brand that incorporates e-commerce into its system.

In the World of e-commerce its important you note this, if you know them already, it could serve as a reminder.

1. B2C (Business to consumer): Business sells to individuals who are the consumers.
2. B2B (Business to Business): Business sells to other businesses, which sells to the final consumers.
3. C2B (Consumer to Business): consumers sells to business.
4. C2C (Consumer to Consumer): consumers sells to consumers. Online market place like eBay, Ali Express, Amazon connects consumers to consumers.
5. B2G (Business to government): Here, business sells to government agencies.
6. C2G (Consumer to Government): Consumers sell to government agencies.
7. G2B (Government to Business): This is where the government agencies sell to businesses.
8. G2C (Government to Consumers): Government agencies sell to consumers.

All the models above have challenges when transactions are initiated. Starting from the gateways to process payments, network issues in third-world countries, processing International payments, etc.

Also, with the blockchain payment gateways, you don’t have issues processing international transactions, there won’t be need to insert any confidential certificate to process your transactions, and also, transactions are validated within seconds since you are making use of crypto currency which is built on the blockchain.

Lastly, there won’t be issues like card got declined. All you need to do is to connect your wallet and initiate your payment. Please also have a special wallet that will be for your e-commerce activities to avoid being drained through phishing links.

Remittance is a lifeline for many communities in Africa, and the Igbede community is no exception. Like many other rural communities in West Africa, Igbede relies on the money sent back home by family members working abroad. But the high cost of remittance and payment fees meant that much of that money was being lost to fees and currency conversions, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.

But in Igbede, a group of determined individuals decided to take matters into their own hands and find a way to overcome the challenges of high remittance fees. They began by researching different remittance providers, comparing fees and exchange rates, and exploring alternatives to the traditional remittance channels.

Their search led them to a local fintech startup that offered low-cost remittance services. The startup had a transparent fee structure, competitive exchange rates, and a user-friendly app that made it easy for community members to send and receive money. The Igbede community leaders were impressed with what they saw and decided to partner with the startup.

To promote the new remittance service, the community leaders organized informational meetings and workshops, teaching people how to use the app and explaining the benefits of low-cost remittance. They also set up kiosks in local markets and other gathering places, where people could learn more and sign up for the service.

Slowly but surely, the word began to spread, and more and more community members began using the new remittance service. As more people signed up, the volume of transactions increased, and the provider was able to lower its fees even further, making it even more affordable for people to send and receive money.

Today, the Igbede community is a model for others seeking to overcome the challenges of high remittance fees. By taking matters into their own hands and partnering with a low-cost provider, they have been able to reduce the cost of remittance and put more money back into the hands of families and communities.

This story is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in Africa. With determination, resourcefulness, and a willingness to try new things, communities like Igbede can overcome the challenges of high remittance fees and build a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones. By working together and exploring new solutions, they can turn the tide and unlock the full potential of remittance in Africa.

In today's digital world, remittance and payment transactions have become a norm, with millions of people sending and receiving money globally. With the increasing use of digital platforms for remittance and payment services, security and fraud risks have become a growing concern. As such, enhancing security and mitigating fraud risks has become a top priority for stakeholders in the remittance and payment industry.In today's digital world, remittance and payment transactions have become a norm, with millions of people sending and receiving money globally. With the increasing use of digital platforms for remittance and payment services, security and fraud risks have become a growing concern. As such, enhancing security and mitigating fraud risks has become a top priority for stakeholders in the remittance and payment industry.

The common  fraud risk are:

1. Phishing scams: Fraudsters send fake emails, text messages, or phone calls, posing as legitimate remittance or payment service providers, asking for personal information or directing users to a fake website to obtain sensitive information.

2. Identity theft: Fraudsters steal personal information, such as names, addresses, and account numbers, to conduct fraudulent transactions.

3. Money mules: Fraudsters use unsuspecting individuals to transfer money on their behalf, often by offering them incentives or pretending to be a legitimate business or charity.

4. Ponzi schemes: Fraudsters lure unsuspecting victims to invest in a fraudulent investment scheme, promising high returns and payouts, but eventually collapse, leaving investors with significant losses.

5. Hacking: Cybercriminals breach security systems of remittance or payment service providers, accessing sensitive information or manipulating transactions.

The good news is that there are measures that can be taken to ensure safe and secure transactions.

 The few measures are:

 1.  implementing robust security protocols.

2. Remittance and payment service providers can utilize multi-factor authentication. 

 3. end-to-end encryption to secure transactions and protect customer data. Additionally, service providers can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to monitor and detect fraudulent activities.

Another crucial measure is customer education. Remittance and payment service providers can educate their customers on the importance of verifying recipient information, avoiding sharing sensitive information with third parties, and reporting any suspicious activities to the service provider or relevant authorities.

Governments and regulatory bodies can also play a vital role in enhancing security and mitigating fraud risks. They can establish regulations and guidelines for remittance and payment service providers, which would ensure that service providers comply with the set standards.

In recent years, blockchain technology has emerged as a game-changer in the remittance and payment industry. It offers a decentralized, transparent, and immutable platform that reduces fraud risks significantly. Blockchain technology can be leveraged to create secure, tamper-proof, and transparent payment systems that reduce transaction costs and improve security.

In conclusion, enhancing security and mitigating fraud risks in remittance and payment transactions is crucial in the digital era. Remittance and payment service providers, governments, and regulatory bodies must work collaboratively to implement robust security protocols, educate customers, and leverage technology to reduce fraud risks. With the right measures in place, we can ensure safe and secure remittance and payment transactions, and build trust among users.

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