From Uber's launch of its Tuk Tuk service, Lori Systems' expansion to MTN's partnership with Mastercard and UBA, here's a round-up of today's activity.
1. MTN partners with MasterCard to launch mobile money virtual card
MTN Uganda has today announced a partnership with Mastercard and United Bank for Africa (UBA) aimed at enabling its mobile money users to make payments online. The service – dubbed MTN MoMocard – will allow one to create a virtual card using USSD. Then, they will be able to use that card to make online payments to all platforms that accept MasterCard. The virtual card will act the way a debit card is. Full story on Digest Africa.
2. Uber Tuk Tuks launch in Dar Es Salaam, Mombasa as uberPOA
Uber has today launched its latest product, uberPOA, a Tuk Tuk service after a similar launch in Dar Es Salaam, in Mombasa. The launch comes days after Uber and Taxify drivers in Nairobi put down their tools for poor pay and a new platform launched in the market targeting women and children. Full story on TechMoran.
3. Lori Systems Expands into Uganda, Rwanda & South Sudan; Partners Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway
According to TechMoran, Lori Systems, a tech-enabled trucking logistics platform has launched into Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan after winning multiple bids associated with the newly built $4B railroad system in East Africa, with the joint goal of driving down the costs of goods in the region and unlocking the region’s growth potential. Though, Lori Systems has been operating in Uganda for at least six months having appointed Bill McNeely as the head of the Uganda office earlier in the year. Full story on TechMoran.
4. Here's the state of e-hailing services in Ghana
Techpoint has an up and close look at the state of the ride-hailing space in Ghana. Full story on Techpoint.
5. Consultation begins on Senegal Startup Act
Online consultation has begun on the Senegal Startup Act, a stakeholder-led initiative aimed at creating a better environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in the West African country. Full story on Disrupt Africa.