Their new virtual card program empowers both consumers and businesses to embrace the digital future, paving the way for financial inclusion and a thriving online economy.

Consumers can enjoy seamless online purchases, entertainment subscriptions, and more, while startups and small businesses can operate with enhanced flexibility and efficiency.

“This program addresses a crucial need in our country,” remarks Karim Nouri, GM of Illicocash.

“As a pioneer in digital payments, we’re proud to partner with Mastercard to expand financial access for the unbanked and underbanked through this innovative solution.”

For Mastercard, this partnership aligns perfectly with their global mission.

“Building a more inclusive digital economy is our top priority,” emphasizes Jean-Charles Yallet, FSSA Country Lead for MENA West at Mastercard.

“By working with local fintech leaders like illicocash, we can empower millions in the DRC and beyond to embrace the benefits of digital transactions.”

The virtual card program boasts two key advantages: speed and universality.

Cards can be issued quickly and easily, eliminating lengthy application processes. Additionally, they work seamlessly across both domestic and international websites, opening doors to a vast online marketplace.

This harsh reality has been the lifeblood of millions of African farmers, battling the whims of a changing climate with little protection.

But a ray of hope shines through the dust clouds – a $1 billion lifeline called the African Climate Risk Insurance Facility for Adaptation (ACRIFA).

Launched by the African Development Bank (AfDB), ACRIFA is a game-changer, promising financial armor against the punches of droughts, floods, and other climate nightmares.

Over 40 million farmers will finally have access to insurance, a safety net they desperately need.

“We can’t just abandon our farmers when the skies turn treacherous,” declared Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB President.

“ACRIFA isn’t just about handing out checks; it’s about giving them the confidence to face the future, knowing their hard work won’t be swept away by the next storm.”

This $1 billion war chest will come in various forms – loans, high-risk capital, and grants – ensuring different farmers get the support they need.

Beyond protecting livelihoods, ACRIFA is a shot in the arm for food security across the continent and a potential goldmine for the global insurance industry.

Last year, millions in Central and West Africa went hungry during the lean season, with their harvests ravaged by weather extremes.

ACRIFA aims to rewrite this script, turning vulnerable farmers into weather warriors, armed with the financial tools to bounce back from disaster.

“ACRIFA is like a bridge,” explains Beth Dunford, AfDB’s Agriculture and Human Development chief.

“It connects farmers to resources, builds partnerships, and ensures even the most remote communities have access to this vital safety net.”

ACRIFA isn’t just about mitigating risks; it’s about planting the seeds of hope for a future where African farmers thrive, rain or shine.

This ambitious initiative is a beacon of progress, not just for agriculture but for the entire continent’s resilience in the face of a changing climate.

The move is aimed at tackling air pollution and revolutionizing urban mobility in West Africa.

Over the next ten years, they plan to introduce 33,000 electric taxis, replacing combustion-powered vehicles with cleaner, more affordable options for both drivers and passengers.

While East Africa has seen a surge in electric mobility since 2015, West Africa lags behind.

Mbay Mobility seeks to bridge this gap, positioning these three cities as regional hubs for eco-friendly transportation.

The company successfully piloted 10 electric taxis in Senegal in 2022 and is now seeking additional financial partners to scale up the project.

“Dakar’s taxis, though few in number, contribute significantly to air pollution,” says Matthew Sellar, CEO of Mbay Mobility. “Our trials show electric vehicles work well, are loved by passengers and drivers, and offer substantial savings.”

By providing affordable, convenient electric taxis, Mbay Mobility’s vision extends beyond environmental impact, aiming to empower drivers, enhance passenger experience, and drive positive change across the region.