This collaboration will grant users across Gebeya’s Talent Cloud platforms access to O’Reilly’s expansive library of over 5,000 tech-focused courses.

Developed by industry experts, these resources cover a wide range of in-demand skills, including data analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and more.

“We’re excited to partner with Gebeya on this impactful initiative,” said Alexia Pedersen, Senior Vice President International at O’Reilly.

“Our comprehensive learning solutions, offered in various formats like books, videos, and online courses, will equip African talent with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in the evolving tech landscape.”

Gebeya’s AI-powered talent cloud platform allows partners to curate talent ecosystems, source candidates, assess skills, and build communities.

This partnership empowers Talent Cloud owners to offer O’Reilly’s content at a reduced cost and in local currencies, expanding accessibility for African learners.

“By integrating O’Reilly’s resources, we’re arming African professionals with the skills to excel in the digital economy,” said Martin Ndlovu, Chief Growth Officer of Gebeya.

This collaboration further strengthens Gebeya’s existing partnership with Microsoft, aiming to establish the largest Microsoft Talent Cloud dedicated to Africa.

Launching next week, Microsoft.gebeya.com will leverage O’Reilly’s curated Microsoft-aligned courses to bolster skill development for sought-after tech roles.

Learners who complete these programs will earn industry-recognized badges certifying their Azure competencies.

Additionally, they will gain access to practical resources like Azure labs, sandbox environments, and practice exams, preparing them to meet the demands of Microsoft partner talent needs.

This partnership leverages Visa’s expertise in facilitating cross-border transactions, bolstering LemFi’s ability to serve its growing user base.

The collaboration comes on the heels of LemFi’s appointment of industry veteran Allen Qu, formerly COO of Opay, to spearhead its China expansion efforts.

The agreement strengthens LemFi’s existing relationship with Visa, which has provided debit and prepaid debit cards to over 250,000 of its users in the UK and EMEA region. Visa will also remain LemFi’s preferred partner for e-payments and foreign exchange services.

Founded in 2020 by Ridwan Olalere, LemFi, formerly known as Lemonade Finance, empowers immigrants with a multi-currency account solution.

This innovative platform allows users to manage, transfer, and receive funds seamlessly between their home and host countries’ currencies. LemFi currently facilitates money transfers to over 30 countries worldwide.

“Our combined expertise and robust technology platform position us perfectly for international expansion,” said Olalere. “Visa’s established network, transparency, and scalability will be instrumental in extending our services globally.”

LemFi’s international ambitions gained momentum in August 2023 with its U.S. launch, supported by an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) license obtained through its subsidiary, RightCard Payment Services Limited, from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The company further bolstered its position that same month with a $33 million funding round aimed at streamlining remittance services for immigrants.

Continuing its strategic growth trajectory, LemFi partnered with ClearBank, a UK-based clearing and agency banking platform, in December 2023.

This collaboration aims to provide enhanced international payment services for immigrant communities across North America and Europe through agency banking solutions.

In February 2024, LemFi successfully resumed operations in Ghana, two months after a temporary suspension following regulatory clarifications by the Bank of Ghana.

With a robust partnership with Visa and a clear vision for global expansion, LemFi is set to become a leading player in the international money transfer market, empowering immigrants with seamless financial solutions.

The agreement leverages M-PESA’s mobile money transfer service, accessible to Ethiopians following Safaricom’s acquisition of a Payment Instrument Issuer License in 2023.

This paves the way for Ethiopians to receive remittances directly through M-PESA.

“This partnership offers Ethiopians in the diaspora a seamless channel to support their loved ones,” said Paul Kavavu, General Manager at Safaricom Ethiopia.

Remittances are a significant contributor to Ethiopia’s economy, generating around $5 billion annually.

Kavavu emphasized that integrating international money transfers into M-PESA aligns with their goal of simplifying payments.

The significance of remittances in Africa was highlighted by Mohammed Endris, Director General of the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency.

He noted that remittances can reach up to 50% of GDP in some countries. World Bank data confirms this, with sub-Saharan Africa receiving $53 billion in remittance inflows in 2022

Endris aims to double Ethiopia’s remittance rate, which currently sits at around 5% of GDP.

Onafriq, formerly known as MFS Africa, brings a vast network to the table.

Founded in 2009, the company facilitates digital payments across 40 African markets, connecting over 500 million mobile money wallets and 200 million bank accounts.

According to a 2022 GSMA report, mobile money contributes significantly to GDP.

Countries with mobile money services boast a 1.5% higher GDP compared to those without. This collaboration between Onafriq and M-PESA is expected to further unlock the potential of mobile money in Ethiopia.