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M-KOPA Expands To Nigeria, Appoints Babajide Duroshola As New Country General Manager

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M-KOPA, the leading connected asset financing platform, today announces it has officially expanded to Nigeria. To lead the Nigeria team, M-KOPA has named Babajide Duroshola as the new General Manager.

A part of the tech company’s broader expansion strategy, the move into the Nigerian market signals M-KOPA’s focus on offering millions of underbanked customers across Sub-Saharan Africa access to life-enhancing products and services such as smartphones, solar lighting, energy-efficient televisions, fridges and digital financial services via its financing platform. 

The company recorded pilot sales of over 20,000 devices in Lagos, and is rapidly expanding into states across the country, including Oyo.

M-KOPA has partnered with Airtel and Samsung to enable access to smartphones and broader digital connectivity. Through M-KOPA’s pay-as-you-go financing model, customers have instant access to quality 4G smartphone handsets, while building ownership over time through flexible micropayments. 

Mayur Patel, M-KOPA’s Chief Commercial Officer, added, “Nigeria is an exciting market for M-KOPA to be expanding into. It presents an opportunity for us to bring the power of our financing platform to serve more underbanked customers, who otherwise would not readily have access to smartphone devices.

Additionally, through our strategic partnerships and end-to-end solution, we are best positioned to address mobile operators’ key challenge to convert consumers from 2G/3G networks to 4G.

“We’ve had great success in our pilot by combining the best of what we’ve built as a multi-market company with a willingness to localise and adapt our offering to the unique needs of Nigerian consumers. As we scale our presence across the country, we are excited to welcome Babajide on board.

He is an exceptional leader with broad cross-functional experience and the ideal candidate to drive the growth of our team in Nigeria as we expand M-KOPA’s footprint on the continent.”

Having worked across startups, technology, banking and consulting for over a decade, Babajide joins M-KOPA from motorcycle ride-hailing platform SafeBoda Nigeria, where he was responsible for the overall business as Country Director. His career before SafeBoda included Community Manager, Technical Talent at Andela. As Country General Manager, Babajide will be responsible for leading M-KOPA Nigeria with a rapidly growing team of 50 people, expanding partnerships and scaling operations across the country.

Commenting on his new role as General Manager, Babajide Duroshola said: “Already, we have seen firsthand in Nigeria how smartphone financing is a driver of business growth and by increasing access to life-improving devices, M-KOPA has been able to deliver enormous opportunities for innovation and tangible impact within the communities it works. It is a great honour for me to be joining and advancing M-KOPA’s mission in Nigeria and I look forward to being an integral part of such a talented global team”

Founded in 2011, M-KOPA pioneered and kick-started the wider pay-as-you-go solar market in Kenya. In 2019, M-KOPA launched smartphone financing and has since expanded to one of the world’s most advanced connected asset financing platforms. To date, the company has provided over $400 million in financing that has enabled over 1 million customers to access their products and services, and sold over 1 million PAYG solar systems and 500,000 smartphones to customers in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria.

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Kingsley Adonu’s Journey: A Tale of Hard Work and Dedication in the Telecom Industry

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In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, success is often attributed to those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and hard work. Kingsley Adonu’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to these qualities, paving the way for him to become a valuable partner with MTN, a leading global telecommunications company.

Adonu’s story begins with a humble background, where he cultivated a strong work ethic from an early age. His relentless pursuit of excellence caught the attention of industry leaders, setting the stage for a career marked by determination and resilience.

One of the key factors that propelled Adonu to success was his unwavering commitment to learning and staying ahead of industry trends. He immersed himself in the dynamic world of telecommunications, acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape. Adonu’s continuous pursuit of knowledge not only enhanced his expertise but also positioned him as a visionary in the field.

As he climbed the career ladder, Adonu faced numerous challenges, but his tenacity and commitment to overcoming obstacles set him apart. His ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and capitalize on emerging opportunities made him a standout professional in the telecom sector.

Adonu’s pivotal moment came when he aligned his efforts with MTN, a global telecom giant known for innovation and cutting-edge technology. Recognizing Adonu’s track record of hard work and dedication, MTN saw a valuable partner in him. The partnership marked a significant milestone in Adonu’s career, opening doors to new possibilities and avenues for growth.

The success of Adonu’s collaboration with MTN can be attributed to his strategic vision and innovative thinking. As a partner, he played a crucial role in steering the company toward continued success, contributing to its expansion and influence in the telecommunications market.

Kingsley Adonu’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals in the telecom industry. His story underscores the importance of hard work, dedication, and a passion for continuous improvement. Adonu’s ascent to becoming an MTN partner is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the dynamic world of telecommunications.

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Meet Kingsley Adonu

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In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, there are visionaries who not only navigate the business landscape but redefine it. Meet Kingsley Adonu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the SMobile Group, a conglomerate that stands as a beacon of excellence and diversity in the global business arena.

Kingsley Adonu is a visionary entrepreneur and the Founder of the SMobile Group, a conglomerate synonymous with excellence and diversity. As the Chief Executive Officer, he has steered the group to remarkable heights, overseeing a spectrum of businesses that span across Telecommunications, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Hospitality, Water Production, Agriculture, Technology, E-commerce, Energy, Sports, Entertainment, Education, Health, Logistics and Financial Services, with branches extending globally to UK, USA, China, South Africa, and Canada.

Under Kingsley’s astute leadership, SMobile Group has emerged as a major partner for MTN, evident in the impactful presence of the SMobile brand in the telecommunications landscape. His strategic insights and forward-thinking approach have positioned the group as a dynamic player in multiple industries.

Beyond the boardroom, Kingsley Adonu is a dedicated philanthropist, committed to making a positive impact in communities. His philanthropic efforts extend beyond business, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the responsibility of successful individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

Kingsley’s influence is not confined to national borders; he has actively participated in numerous international telecom conferences, further enriching his understanding of global industry trends and fostering valuable connections with industry leaders worldwide.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Kingsley Adonu continues to inspire and lead the SMobile Group towards new horizons, blending business acumen with a passion for positive societal change.

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MyShopLauncher (MSL) Launches to Empower African SMEs with Revolutionary E-Commerce Platform, Unparalleled Support

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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MyShopLauncher
MyShopLauncher team at the launch of the eCommerce platform for startups and SMEs in Nigeria.

Today marks a significant milestone as MyShopLauncher proudly announces its official launch, bringing forth a groundbreaking e-commerce platform designed to redefine the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa. 

According to statista, the revenue in the E-commerce market in Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2028 by in total 15 billion U.S. dollars (+48.88 percent).  

After the sixth consecutive increasing year, the indicator is estimated to reach 45.72 billion U.S. dollars and therefore a new peak in 2028. 

MyShopLauncher
L-r: Akintunde Opawole, head of Product; Tochukwu Udunwa, Product Marketing Manager, and Susan Agbor, Head of Marketing, all from MyShopLauncher, during the launch of eCommerce platform for startups and SMEs in Nigeria.

A Vision Fueled by Empathy 

Founded two years ago, MSL’s inception was rooted in the recognition of the struggles faced by African merchants managing their businesses manually.  

The MSL team embarked on a journey that involved extensive conversations with entrepreneurs, surveys, and rigorous testing of theories.  

This painstaking process led to the development of a product that not only offers a no-code e-commerce storefront free of charge but also reflects a genuine commitment to the welfare and growth of SMEs. 

More Than a Platform: A Caring Community 

At the heart of MSL’s mission is a desire to forge connections that extend beyond business transactions. Beyond providing no-cost storefronts, MSL is dedicated to creating real bonds with business owners, offering support, guidance, and the tools needed for success.  

This commitment goes beyond the conventional, embodying a genuine care and concern for the thriving of SMEs in Africa. 

MSL’s Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) – A Platform with Heart: 

  • No-Cost Storefront: MSL offers a no-code e-commerce storefront, empowering merchants without any upfront charges. 
  • Customer Centricity: Beyond transactions, MSL is driven by a deep commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each business owner. 
  • Educational Support: MSL provides free access to educational resources and coaching to accelerate the growth and development of SMEs. 
  • Real Connections: MSL fosters genuine connections, creating a community where business owners are not just clients but valued partners on the path to success. 

In an era where commerce often feels transactional, MSL stands apart as a platform with heart, a platform driven by the vision to uplift, empower, and support African SMEs. As we launch, we invite entrepreneurs to experience not just a product but a community—a community that cares deeply about their success. 

“At MSL, we believe that the success of SMEs is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships, understanding aspirations, and providing unwavering support. Our platform is not just a tool; it’s an extension of our commitment to the dreams and growth of African business owners.” — Akintunde Opawole , Head of Product of MyShopLauncher. 

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