Covid-19: Digital finance experts to discuss solutions for SMEs at Virtual Innovation Series
Amidst the on-going disruption of business by COVID-19 and fintech advancements, experts in digital finance and payments will meet to deliberate on apt financial solutions for businesses in Uganda and the rest of Africa.
The fintech gurus from different industries will convene on June 4th, at 10:00 am at the first virtual edition of Innovation Series, a thought leadership event by brainchild BCW (Burson Cohn and Wolfe), an affiliate of BCW, Africa’s largest PR network, in Uganda.
Through Innovation Series, brainchild BCW aims to promote innovation in business through thought-provoking discussions and a showcase of innovative products and services that can be harnessed by different firms to support their growth and sustainability.
Unveiling the 5th edition of Innovation Series today, Walter Wafula the Business Unit Head, brainchild BCW said, the first virtual edition will be held under the theme; COVID-19: Appropriate Digital Finance & Payment Solutions for Businesses in Africa.
Speakers at the conference will include; Beatrice Lugalambi, the General Manager Corporate Communications and Marketing, Centenary Bank, Catherine Denis, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Numida Technologies, Nielsimms Sangho, the Country Manager, Flutterwave Inc -Uganda and Ricky Rapa Thompson, the Co-founder and Director of Operations – SafeBoda Holdings.
“It’s not everyday that we host virtual events, but under the current circumstances, we recognise that it’s important to host the 5th edition of Innovation Series, to stand with the many businesses that are facing very challenging times, by responding to one of their present and future intellectual needs,” Wafula said.
He added that the uptake of fintech solutions in Uganda and the rest of Africa has spurred financial inclusion and timely service delivery among some businesses.
However, the interim and new normal for many businesses calls for an urgent shift to digital finance and payment solutions because of the ease of accessibility, convenience and safety that these options extend to users.
Digital financial integration, Wafula added, in most cases leads to operational efficiency and excellence because of the numerous gains it brings in business especially during times like these where human mobility and person-to-person contact is restricted.
Today, Uganda has 25 mobile phone users and more mobile money phone subscribers according to the Uganda Communications Commission.
The total number of transactions as at Sept 2019, was Shs 721 billion while the value of transactions registered through mobile money transactions was Shs 19.3 trillion.
This growth has been boosted by the introduction and proliferation of new digital financial services by banks, telecoms and payment integrators in the economy.
The event will be free and open for all to attend and will be streamed live via the brainchildbcw social media platforms; Twitter and Facebook @brainchildbcw.
