Connect with us

Finance

Wema, Access, Flutterwave, others win Accenture Nigeria Innovation index 2018

Published

on

In today’s highly competitive markets, innovation is critical for competitive advantage.

Ideas are the new currency, but having good ideas is not enough, said Accenture Nigeria as outliners for its 2018 Nigeria Innovation Index were unveiled.

Organisations who will retain and grow market share are those who generate better ideas and implement these ideas at a faster pace, Accenture reiterated.

Against the backdrop of disruption, driven by digital, only organisations that seamlessly integrate innovation into everything they do will achieve sustainable growth and retain competitive advantage.

Banks and Fintechs participated in the maiden Accenture Nigeria Innovation Index, providing insight on how they leverage innovation to stabilize and drive growth for maximum benefit.

“On average, organizations invest 35 percent of annual revenues in innovation and realise a 40.5 percent return.

However, a few outliers invest 22 percent of revenues and achieve returns of 61 percent – 1.5x the market average” said Accenture Nigeria Country Managing Director, Niyi Yusuf.

“We are calling these organizations Innovation Leaders. As we dug deeper to understand what they do differently to achieve such returns on their innovations, a number of key themes stood out as differentiating factors. Strategy, Innovative Culture, Talent, Collaboration, Business Intelligence and Digital; Innovation Leaders scored significantly higher across these areas than other organizations,” he further explained.

Leadership make significant investments in innovation strategy and lay a solid foundation for a high performing innovation culture, ensuring a steady flow of ideas from an engaged workforce.

“Innovation Leaders prioritise projects, foster a strong collaboration culture central to their innovation strategy, use digital as a business enabler and revenue generator, leverage the power of ecosystems to gather intelligence and apply insights that help them differentiate offerings in the market.” said the Managing Director – Financial Services at Accenture Nigeria Toluwaleke Adenmosun.

The Index indicates that Innovation Leaders are cultivating their people to be innovative – encouraging employees to share ideas openly and promoting the use of interactive tools and digital platforms for collaboration.

95 percent of Innovation Leaders are giving more control to their employees to ideate and offer strong incentives as a reward for innovative ideas.

Rewards include: opportunities to collaborate with different business units, professional development, varied work assignments, personal recognition and financial grants.

Only 56 percent of all organisations recruit new people with specific skill sets to support innovation-related activities, versus 100 percent of Innovation Leaders.

Another differentiating theme is collaboration, the ability to break down silos and collaborate within and outside the organization gives Innovation Leaders a distinct edge in ensuring long-term success.

13 banks and 17 Fintechs participated. Table by TechEconomy.ng.

There is a stark contrast in how Innovations Leaders and the rest of organizations generate ideas.

“100 percent of Innovation Leaders make use of dedicated multi-functional innovation teams as well as external platforms and channels to generate new ideas compared to 28 percent of other organizations. Innovation Leaders clearly see opportunities in leveraging the broader ecosystem: 85 percent look to academia, clients, customers and suppliers to crowdsource information to innovate,” said Adenmosun.

Innovation Leaders leverage Business Intelligence and Analytics to drive their innovation agenda.

The explosion of data and, importantly, analytical solutions to help make sense of the data, has significantly improved how organizations make decisions; enabling them to approach opportunities, risks, partnerships, and customers differently – with foresight not previously available. 70 percent of Innovation Leaders (others 14 percent) emphasize Business Intelligence and Analytics.

Complementary use of traditional data-gathering methods and newer digital platforms provided the opportunity to tap into big data and social media channels to stay in touch with market perceptions, see what competitors are doing, generate ideas and react with precision.

Digital technologies are adopted by Innovation Leaders to drive efficiencies and operational excellence.

All Index participants indicate that Innovation investments focus on business improvements, especially process modification and/or automation (100 percent).

Organizations are beginning to weave innovation into the fabric of how they think and serve customers; focusing on improving existing products, adding new products to their portfolio and delivering a positive end-to-end customer experience which translate into significant cost efficiencies.

Digital capabilities are a competitive advantage for optimizing customer value.

By investing in digital, Innovation Leaders improve their cost-to-serve and response times to customers.

These organisations use digital technologies: social media for product and service promotion and technology apps to improve service delivery and, ultimately, customer satisfaction.

“Innovation is a foundation for growth and business sustainability in a digital era, so getting the right people, business, technology and innovation structures in place is vital. Nigerian Banks and Fintechs are on the right path”, said Adenmosun.

The Innovation Index provides some insight into how organizations in the Banking sector are building strong innovation engines by investing in innovative skills, fostering a collaborative culture, leveraging digital technologies and tools, encouraging open idea-sharing and measuring impact.

The journey to turn ideas into solutions with wider economic and social impact is a dynamic one.

Organisations need to mature progressively across the Innovation Value Chain – creatively strategize, openly ideate, deeply absorb, successfully execute and continuously measure success.

Accenture winners

Representatives of the winners

“It is my hope that Accenture can partner with Banks and Fintech companies to drive their innovation agenda and engage strongly with their customers – re-imagining the future and bringing it to life” said Adenmosun.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

Finance

Flutterwave Powers Local Businesses in Ghana Through Pay With Bank Transfer

Reporter: Ikenna Ugwu

Published

on

Flutterwave Ghana
Flutterwave Ghana

Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company in Africa, has broadened its reach in Ghana through the integration of Pay With Bank Transfer, done in partnership with Affinity Bank.

With over 115 million bank transfer payments recorded in Ghana in 2023, this move will ensure that Flutterwave businesses in Ghana can now receive payments seamlessly and securely through a rapidly growing payment method. While Mobile Money leads as the preferred payment type for everyday transactions in Ghana, the recent growth in transactions for Pay With Bank Transfer symbolizes the expanding payment options available for Ghanaian businesses.  

Flutterwave has a track record of driving innovation in the African finance ecosystem, and this new development promises versatility, thereby expanding the pool of customers available to businesses. As a preferred payment method, it also promises faster payments while providing access to a more secure process of transacting which benefits both the sender and the receiver (business).

We are excited to extend our services to the Ghanaian market” says Olugbenga Agboola, Flutterwave Founder & CEOAt Flutterwave, we are driven by the vision of building Africa’s economy. By making payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer available for everyday use, we are expanding access to payments and enabling local businesses to thrive in the economy”

By establishing this strategic partnership,  Flutterwave aims to drive the adoption of the Pay With Bank Transfer option in Ghana, using virtual accounts to allow for secure and transparent payments. This will provide enterprises and small businesses with a simpler way to receive payments and give their customers a seamless process of making payments.

Geoffrey Fiador, Manager, Country Operations and Partnerships, at Flutterwave stated: “By delivering essential payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer for businesses in Ghana, we’re providing an easy way for them to increase their revenue opportunities to grow their businesses. ”

This announcement comes at the heels of Flutterwave’s recent approval by the Bank of Ghana to provide inward remittance services. With a track record of success across Africa, Flutterwave continues to be a trusted partner for businesses in over 34 countries, providing the tools and expertise necessary for success in the dynamic African market.

Continue Reading

Finance

Stanbic IBTC Capital leads Presco PLC’s ₦82.9 Billion Bond Issuance to drive West African market growth

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

Published

on

Presco and Stanbic Capital
L-r: Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital; Kenneth Ugo, Investor Relations Manager, Presco PLC; Olaronke Arigbede, Group Treasurer, SIAT Group; Reji George, Managing Director/CEO, Presco PLC; Felix Nwabuko, Group CEO, SIAT Group and Bayo Ajayi, Chief Executive Officer, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited, during the signing ceremony of Presco PLC’s ₦82.9 billion 7-year 23.75% Series I Bond held recently in Lagos.

Presco PLC (Presco or the “Company”), has achieved a significant milestone with the successful issuance of its ₦82,896,000,000 7-year 23.75% senior unsecured fixed rate Series I Bonds under its ₦150 billion bond issuance programme (the “Transaction”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited (“Stanbic IBTC Capital”) acted as the Lead Issuing House on the Programme.

The proceeds from the Transaction will enable the Company fund its acquisition of a 100% equity stake in Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC), further supporting its strategic expansion objectives.

Speaking on the transaction registration, Mr Reji George, Managing Director / CEO, Presco PLC commented:

“The successful completion of our Series 1 Bond issuance solidifies Presco’s foundation for continued growth and expansion. Aligned with our strategic objectives of increasing our planted area of palm oil and, to lead Africa in the fully integrated edible oil and fats business in the nearest future, the proceeds from this issuance will be primarily directed towards the acquisition of a majority equity stake in the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC).

This not only enhances our operational efficiencies, It also solidifies our market presence and competitive advantage in the palm oil sector beyond Nigeria. Most importantly, this will enable us to better serve our valued customers and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders. We extend our sincere gratitude to Stanbic IBTC Capital and all our advisors for their support throughout this process.”

Also speaking on the transaction registration, Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, said:

“Stanbic IBTC Capital is proud to have advised Presco PLC on the successful issuance of its ₦82.9 billion Series 1 bond. As the largest local currency corporate bond issuance in the Nigerian market in recent years, this milestone underscores our deep expertise in capital markets and our commitment to delivering innovative, high-impact financial solutions.

Beyond reinforcing Presco’s strategic growth, this transaction enhances funding diversification within the agricultural sector, driving sustainable industry expansion. We appreciate Presco PLC’s trust in Stanbic IBTC Capital and the consortium of advisors who contributed to the successful execution of this landmark deal.

Continue Reading

Finance

Flutterwave Activates American Express Payments for its Merchants in Nigeria

Published

on

Olugbenga GB Agboola, CEO Flutterwave
Olugbenga GB Agboola, CEO Flutterwave

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has announced today that its online merchants in Nigeria can now accept American Express payments.

American Express Card Members – with consumer, business, or corporate cards – will be able to make payments directly to e-commerce businesses using Flutterwave in Nigeria.

This service will also be available to Flutterwave merchants in other countries including Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Uganda in the near future.

This collaboration facilitates online transactions and offers a range of benefits for both merchants and online shoppers:

  • Flutterwave merchants can attract business from a new customer base of American Express Card Members in Africa and around the world. This includes consumers with personal cards and spenders with business or corporate products. Terms and conditions apply.
  • For shoppers, there is more choice when it comes to being able to select their preferred method of payment when transacting with Flutterwave merchants. This collaboration strengthens the American Express global network and increases the number of locations across Africa that can be used by American Express Card Members to purchase a range of different goods and services.

Speaking on the development, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave, said:“At Flutterwave, we’re always looking for ways to connect the world to Africa through payments. This is one of our initiatives to ensure that more people across the world can pay using Flutterwave in Africa. We understand the value of providing shoppers with payment methods that work for them, as well as helping businesses to expand their customer bases. This collaboration also provides more options of where to shop and what to buy to American Express card holders across the globe. By offering American Express as a method of payment, Flutterwave will make the payment process faster and simpler for American Express card holders, and improve the experience for e-commerce businesses using Flutterwave, helping them to start locally and sell globally.”

On his part, Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, said: “American Express continues to expand in Africa to enable greater payment choice for businesses and consumers. Through the agreement with Flutterwave, a trusted payment provider, we are giving e-commerce merchants in Nigeria the opportunity to reach American Express Card Members around the world. The collaboration is a win-win because it also increases the number of places where our Card Members can use their Cards in Nigeria.”

Flutterwave and American Express share similar visions; to enable businesses across the world to expand their operations in Africa and other emerging markets through a platform that enables local and cross-border transactions via one Application Programming Interface (API).

Flutterwave has processed over 630M transactions in excess of USD $31B, serves global and African customers like Uber, Air Peace, Bamboo, PiggyVest, and across various industries. On the other hand, American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

Continue Reading

Trending