Konga Health Signs MoU With Nigeria’s Private Medical Association

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Konga Health Signs MoU With Nigeria’s Private Medical Association

Konga Health, an ambitious, technology-driven healthcare solutions company, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) to boost access to quality healthcare services in Nigeria, including the delivery of genuine drugs and medical supplies.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at the company’s corporate headquarters at Yudala Heights on Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos.

KONGA HEALTH KONGA HEALTH

Present during the signing of the partnership agreement was Co-CEO, Konga Group, Mr. Nick Imudia; Vice President, Konga Health, Mr. Festus Akinola; National Portfolio Manager, Mr. Cornelius Umanze and Group Company Secretary, Barr. Chris Eze Ozims, among others. Also present were members of the Executive Council of ANPMP, led by its President, Dr. Ugwu Iyke Odo; Vice-President, Dr. Kay Adesola and General Secretary, Dr. Ned Okoro and other executive members of the association.

konga health konga health

The landmark partnership will see Konga Health – a digitally-driven healthcare company –  boost standards across verticals in the Nigerian health sector.

Specifically, the company intends to achieve this by improving access to quality healthcare for the reached, under-reached and unreached members of the populace through the importation and timely delivery of certified pharmaceutical products and medical supplies across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria through a wide chain of distribution centres.

konga health

Furthermore, the development will guarantee the gradual eradication of the incidence of fake drugs, while also providing a credible and robust platform for local and international donor agencies, government, non-governmental institutions as well as philanthropic and public-spirited individuals who wish to support access to quality Medicare with clear data to the remotest part of Nigeria.

‘‘We are delighted and see it as a privilege to have finally signed this very strategic partnership between Konga Health and ANPMP which will positively change the face of healthcare delivery in Nigeria,’’ disclosed Imudia, Co-CEO, Konga Group.

‘‘This is another important milestone recorded by the Konga Group. It is also in line with our other disruptive efforts, including launching the world’s first composite e-commerce company, our CBN-certified mobile wallet, advanced digital logistics company, frontline travel booking agency and much more.’’

Also speaking, the President of ANPMP, Dr. Odo described the partnership with Konga Health as a much-needed development that will transform the fortunes of the Nigerian healthcare delivery system.

“This MoU will change the dynamics of the healthcare delivery system. At a time in the world when everything is changing and medical practice has shifted in the direction of technology, this understanding between the Konga Group, an ICT and logistics conglomerate and the Nigerian private doctors who cater for the healthcare needs of over 70% of Nigerians, could not have come at a more desirable season.

“This partnership is a bold step at the concept and vision of integrated private sector synergy aimed at revamping our health sector and bringing global best practices home. The MoU has given hope to the dire need to build a reliable database in the healthcare space, integrate local and international content in raising advocacy for the actualization of Universal Health Coverage, development of a functional network of electronic health record systems, elevating public-private partnership to its prime place in the healthcare delivery structure, inspiring infrastructural development, training, intellectual tourism, research and institutional quality monitoring and evaluation as well as drive programme and projects that connect and benefit private doctors across the land in an engagement effort that aggregates into a new national orientation in healthcare development in Nigeria,” he said.

On his part, VP, ANPMP, Dr. Adesola, also hailed the partnership with Konga Health as one that will greatly benefit Nigerians and improve standards in the healthcare sector, even as he lauded the company’s reach, capacity and future outlook.

This point was further espoused by Akinola, VP, Konga Health, who explained that the collaboration will further deepen the role of Konga Health in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and delivery.

“The collaboration between Konga Health and ANPMP is a welcome development. Nigerians should expect the best from this partnership. The partnership will help Konga Health to actualize its mission of making healthcare accessible to all, the “unreached” and the “under-reached” in society.

It will also transform the system and reduce the incidence of fake drugs and medical devices supplies through the introduction of its strategically positioned distribution infrastructure,” Akinola said.

Also commenting on the partnership, National Portfolio Manager, Umanze cited the prevalent danger of fake drugs, noting that the partnership between Konga Health and private medical practitioners will change the narrative for many Nigerians.

“Statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has shown that the incidence of fake and adulterated drugs is frightening, especially in developing countries, with an urgent need for businesses to step in to tackle the ugly trend. For us at Konga Health, this is not just a business, but also a social responsibility to save an adulterated drugs-challenged society like Nigeria from the dangers associated with this trend,” he said.

He concluded by expressing confidence in the strategic importance of the partnership, especially in making quality healthcare accessible through private hospitals.

“Through this collaboration, we are bridging that gap so that our clients do not only have their necessary medicines at the right time but also that they have such supplies in genuine and unadulterated form,” he disclosed.

The MoU is one of the recent collaborations Konga Health has recorded since its incorporation. A tech-driven healthcare aggregator, Konga Health supplies quality medicines and diagnostic equipment to hospitals and other clients through its strong online and offline outlets.

Konga Health also provides a range of services, including the provision of genuine medication, medical devices, ultra-modern equipment, pharmaceuticals, among other health-related essential services. Since the advent of the dynamic company, it has remained in the forefront for pharmacies seeking access to quality pharmaceuticals, as well as medical and diagnostic equipment.

The latest collaboration with the ANPMP is expected to further redefine medical operations in Nigeria and bequeath hitch-free, data-driven quality healthcare services to millions of Nigerians.

#TheAuraExperience: Transcorp Hotels Set Date To Unveil “Aura”

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#TheAuraExperience: Transcorp Hotels Set Date To Unveil “Aura”

Transcorp Hotels Plc as part of its commitment to continue to redefine hospitality, will on 8th July 2021, host #TheAuraExperience at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, one of its choice properties in Nigeria.

The leading hospitality Company which softly launched Aura by Transcorp Hotels earlier in the year is using the experiential event in Abuja to officially launch the digital hospitality platform, introducing the world to an app that connects them to unique accommodation, great food, and experiences to treasure, in grand style and to suit your budget.

#TheAuraExperience will have guests enjoy the different possibilities Aura brings over two days of curated experiences covering homes and hotels, food and restaurants, as well as tours and different leisure activities.

“Our goal is to become the most important platform and ease to help people find the best place to stay on their travels and doing the things they love whilst creating memories,” said Dupe Olusola, MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc.

“Aura is all about the experience of guests, regardless of the touchpoint, we will always make it top-notch. It starts from #TheAuraExperience happening on 8th July, which will be a microcosm of the everyday reality of the larger Aura community,” Olusola added.

According to her, apart from the guests invited to Abuja for #TheAuraExperience, others can stand a chance to attend the launch physically to stay at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja by downloading Aura by Transcorp Hotels on Google Play or iOS and following @aurabytranscorp on social media.

Prospective guests can also sign up at aura.transcorphotels.com

Transcorp Hotels Plc is one of Africa’s leading hospitality companies, committed to redefining service standards across the continent while remaining truly and authentically African.

Aura is Africa’s best platform for connecting travellers to unique accommodation, great food, and memorable experiences. The platform is also an avenue for people with unoccupied homes, hotels, restaurants, or different skill sets that may interest others to earn an income by becoming hosts.

IITA Research Fellows To Partner National Research Institutes For Development

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IITA Research Fellows To Partner National Research Institutes For Development

The International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF) at IITA went on a working visit to selected national research institutes (NRIs) in Nigeria on 8-10 June.

The educative tour sought to identify challenges, opportunities, and possible innovative solutions to transfer knowledge for national development. The tour also served as an opportunity to meet IITA alumni working in such institutions and get success stories of IITA’s impact on their career journey.

The IARSAF team selected five key research institutes in Ibadan that play significant roles in ensuring sustainable food production and that could partner with IITA to achieve the mandate of transforming Africa’s agriculture as a pilot.

The institutes were the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NAGRAB), National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), and Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T).

The institutes warmly received the team, and sessions for constructive deliberations took place. The group visited the institutes to see ongoing activities and identify gaps they could leverage for collaboration with IITA.

At NAGRAB, the team visited the gene bank and the tissue culture and molecular biology laboratories. At NIHORT, the team went on a tour of the mushroom production unit, product development laboratory, citrus nursery and orchard, floriculture, and the soil laboratory. At FRIN, the team visited the entomology unit, dry and wet laboratory, value addition laboratory, production showroom, sericulture unit, and animal husbandry.

IITA research fellows at NIHORT banana germplasm collection-Brand Spur Nigeria
IITA research fellows at NIHORT banana germplasm collection-Brand Spur Nigeria

The cocoa plantation nursery field, flavor laboratory, cashew farm, and tea fields were visited at CRIN; while at IAR&T, after a brief meeting with the Executive Director, the team visited the seed bank.

The visit revealed that most NRIs need continuous upscaling in staff capacity development and require more funding to fulfill their mandate. During the interactive meetings, the Directors of each institute expressed an interest to partner with IITA in areas that need technical backstopping, such capacity development.

Dr Anthony Okere, the Deputy Director for Research and Development, NAGRAB, highlighted the need to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to seal a partnership, while Prof. Adeshola Adepoju, the Director-General of FRIN, and an IARSAF alumnus, emphasized the need for collaboration, after expressing excitement over the youth’s show of interest to explore and practice what they have been learning as early-career scientists. “We need you, young people, to change the narrative of the country’s economy,” he said.

IARSAF President Olakunle Sansa said “IARSAF is determined to open doors for the NRIs, particularly through the provision of facilitators and capacity development for NRI staff and initiating research activities.” He said this is expected to help improve the activities of the NRIs and foster collaboration with IITA to meet the goals of agricultural transformation in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Mercedes And Lewis Agree Two-Year Contract Extension

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Mercedes And Lewis Agree Two-Year Contract Extension

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is delighted to announce a two-year extension to its partnership with the reigning seven-time World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton, continuing a relationship that has become the most successful team and driver pairing in Formula One history.

Lewis will drive for Mercedes in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, his 10th and 11th with the Brackley-based team.

As F1 enters a new era in 2022 with wholesale technical regulation changes, Mercedes and Lewis will forge new ground in a collaboration that has spanned his entire F1 career, first powered by Mercedes-Benz with McLaren-Mercedes and then with the works Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, which he joined in 2013.

Since joining the works team, Lewis has claimed six World Drivers’ Championships, 77 race victories and 74 pole positions to date.

Lewis Hamilton commented: “It is hard to believe it’s been nearly nine years working with this incredible team and I’m excited we’re going to continue our partnership for two more years. We’ve accomplished so much together but we still have a lot to achieve, both on and off the track.

“I’m incredibly proud and grateful of how Mercedes has supported me in my drive to improve diversity and equality in our sport. They have held themselves accountable and made important strides in creating a more diverse team and inclusive environment. Thank you to all the dedicated and talented individuals at Mercedes whose hard work makes it all possible and the Board for their continued trust in me.

“We’re entering a new era of car which will be challenging and exciting and I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together.”

Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal, continued: “As we enter a new era of F1 from 2022 onwards, there can be no better driver to have in our team than Lewis. His achievements in this sport speak for themselves, and with his experience, speed and race-craft, he is at the peak of his powers.

“We are relishing the battle we have on our hands this year – and that’s why we also wanted to agree this contract early, so we have no distractions from the competition on track. I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants.”

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research, Mercedes-Benz Cars Chief Operating Officer and Non-Executive Chairman of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, said:

“I am very pleased that Lewis Hamilton will continue to race for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in the upcoming next two F1 seasons. Lewis’ ambition and commitment for winning, always striving for improvement, have played an essential role for our team and brand to become as successful as we are today.

“And he is not only a very talented driver but also a socially engaged and caring person who wants to make an impact in society. Together, we are dedicated to continuing our joint success in the future.”

Agriculture: The Key To State-Level Development In Nigeria

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Agriculture: The Key To State-Level Development In Nigeria

IITA Director General Nteranya Sanginga has highlighted the need for state governments in Nigeria to prioritize investment in agriculture to develop and revitalize state economies.

He said this in a presentation at the recent PDP Governors’ Forum, which took place in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking to the 12 Governors in attendance, DG Sanginga highlighted the recent partnership between Oyo State and IITA as an example. He cited two partnership agreements—the STEP-Oyo project and the OYO-IITA Youth Agribusiness Incubation Center at Awe.

Agriculture: The Key To State-Level Development In Nigeria

IITA Director General Nteranya Sanginga speaking with the Governors on revitalizing state economies through agriculture.

He spoke about how the Oyo State Government has invested in both the STEP project and Awe agribusiness center and how IITA has used both its technical and human resources through existing projects to complement some of these partnership projects.

Governor Seyi Makinde, the host Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, responded that they would ensure that this approach piloted in Oyo State will be a primary development focus among peer states.

STEP-Oyo and the Awe agribusiness center are engaging schoolchildren and other youth in agriculture, thereby ensuring the State’s present and future food security. Moreover, successfully implementing these projects will boost the commercial and educational sectors in the State for many years to come

TeamApt Announces Successful Series B Funding Round

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TeamApt Announces Successful Series B Funding Round

Nigerian Fintech startup, TeamApt, which provides financial services for the underserved mass market in Africa has announced the completion of its series B funding round.

Led by Novastar Ventures with participation from FMO, Global Ventures, CDC, Oui Capital, Kepple Africa Ventures, Soma Capital, and a syndicate of local angel investors including Gbenga Oyebode, the funding will see the company extend their offerings directly to customers and micro-SMEs, giving them access to the financial access lifelines they need to succeed, while expanding its solutions beyond Nigeria.

Over 50% of Nigeria’s 99 million adult population are financially underserved, comprising 36M unbanked and 14.5M underbanked people with distrust and access cited as key drivers of this exclusion. Operating in Nigeria’s 36 states, TeamApt is tackling this exclusion profitably with its hybrid solution – bridging the gap through a current distribution network of over 100,000 agents and reliable technology-enabled payment solutions.

TeamApt has in less than two years rapidly scaled its agent banking product, Moniepoint, overtaking long time incumbents and in the process serving 29 million previously-underserved individuals who had limited access to financial services.

Through Moniepoint – and payment gateway Monnify – TeamApt has processed $17.5 billion worth of transactions in the past 12 months, a 1,081% increase from the previous year; with an average of 68 million transactions performed on its platform every month. With this raise, it will further leverage this agent network to provide wider financial services to the underserved consumers and businesses in Nigeria.

The company also has its sights on other markets in Africa where there are significant opportunities for leveraging technology and offline distribution to provide financial services to the mass market.

“Universal access to financial services is key to the advancement of any society. We built Moniepoint because we believe everyone deserves to enjoy financial happiness and this can only happen when they can access financial services effortlessly.” said Tosin Eniolorunda, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TeamApt.

According to him, “This fundraise is happening at a significant time in our growth as a company. In the past years, we have exceeded several strategic milestones without external funding, helping accelerate the Central Bank of Nigeria’s target of 95% financial inclusion by 2024, but as the hurdles of financial access are not unique to Nigeria, this funding allows us to extend our solutions to other parts of Africa”.

Speaking on the news, Brian Waswani Odhiambo, Head of West Africa at Novastar Ventures, said, “TeamApt has swiftly and successfully established its agency network to become the leading operator in Nigeria, a testament to the team’s capabilities and the platform’s superior user experience. We are glad to catalyze their vision by providing TeamApt with sufficient capital to pursue its new phase of growth.”

“TeamApt’s promise to deliver ‘financial happiness’ for the underserved mass market in Africa makes the company an excellent fit with FMO’s Ventures Program. We are excited to contribute to closing the financial inclusion gap in Nigeria – and invest in the company alongside FMO investee fund manager Novastar Ventures and other like-minded investors”, said Jaap Reinking, Director Private Equity at FMO.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we are partnering with TeamApt on their mission to bank the unbanked and underbanked across Africa. Tosin and the team’s mission-driven and product focused approach has translated into the development of an optimized POS and one of the largest agent networks in Nigeria in a relatively short span of time.

We are excited to back TeamApt, alongside this consortium of investors, to support the company on its ambitious expansion plans focused on driving value across the financial services chain.” adds Noor Sweid, Founder and General Partner of Global Ventures.

TeamApt continues to extend its impact in the lives of many Nigerians. The company has consistently improved the livelihood for its over 100,000 agents by increasing their income earning opportunity, where a majority previously had none due to the country’s high unemployment rate.

President Buhari Approves N1bn Take-Off Grant For Aviation University

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President Buhari Approves N1bn Take-Off Grant For Aviation University

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of an African University of Aerospace and Aviation to be located in Abuja with a one billion naira take-off grant.

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika made this known when he led the management team of the Aviation Ministry to a working visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission in Abuja.

He disclosed that N1 billion has been budgeted for the take-off of the specialised university which will be dedicated to research and development in civil aviation and aerospace technology.

He explained that the University is unique as Nigeria is the first country in the African continent to establish such an institution which motivated the name ‘’African University of Aerospace and Aviation.”

The minister noted that Aerospace and Civil aviation has been expanded with new frontiers that need the attention of experts that Nigeria will begin to play a role and participate effectively.

‘’An example is the development of drones or unmanned vehicles that are now taken over the space delivering cargo, delivering mails, delivering things and very soon delivering human beings.

This is a new frontier in civil aviation that needs to be developed, we started with Brazil in the area of civil aviation, today Brazil is producing aircraft, and we aren’t producing a pin. So I think we should be able to have this University that is dedicated to aerospace and aviation in addition also the production of high-level manpower,’’ Sirika said

The minister affirmed that graduates of the University will venture into all aspects of civil aviation and aerospace.

Speaking on the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, Kaduna, viz a viz the new University, Senator Sirika said the College is a skill acquisition centre, to acquire skills to become an air traffic controller, a pilot, or an aircraft engineer and stressed that aviation has gone beyond just skill acquisition.

He noted that the University will be a research centre primarily on aerospace and civil aviation matters.

Wakanow Appoints Adenike Macaulay As Chief Commercial Officer

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Wakanow Appoints Adenike Macaulay As Chief Commercial Officer

Wakanow has appointed Adenike Macaulay as the Company’s Chief Commercial Officer, effective 5th July 2021.

Macaulay is a dynamic leader in the Airline Industry, the first female and first Nigerian to be appointed as General Manager for Lufthansa Group in Nigeria & Equatorial Guinea.

Her career at Lufthansa spanned a period of 12 years where she held various positions across Sub-Saharan Africa overseeing diverse teams as Regional marketing manager, Senior Manager Customer Products & Marketing, Head of Sales products & programs and rose through the ranks to become the General Manager of Lufthansa Group. As the General Manager, she led the sales, marketing, servicing and commercial activities for Lufthansa in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

She holds an MBA from the University of Warwick in the UK, BSc in Systems engineering from the University of Lagos, a professional diploma from the Digital Marketing Institute, Ireland amongst other qualifications.

Over the last two years, Wakanow has been able to grow its customer base and market share despite the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic which had an adverse effect on the travel industry. The Company continues to service its customers and maintain its best value proposition with improved product offering & world-class customer service.

Macaulay is excited to take up the new responsibility as the CCO of Wakanow by helping to unlock fresh business channels and opportunities for the Company.

“I’m excited to bring my expertise home to build an indigenous brand I have watched grow, disrupt and lead the evolution in the travel industry in Africa. I look forward to contributing to the growth of Wakanow and exploring the opportunities ahead” says Mrs Macaulay.

The Board and Bayo Adedeji, CEO of Wakanow, believe that Macaulay will enhance the current significant growth trend of the company, drive incremental profitability and expand its market leadership.

About Wakanow

Wakanow is a technology-enabled leading travel agency in West Africa offering eCommerce based sales of flights, hotels, and travel-related services.

Wakanow continues to lead the travel market with innovation and easy access channels online (website, WhatsApp, social media) and in multiple locations across Nigeria, Ghana and Dubai.

Almona Emerges New LCCI Director-General As Muda Yusuf Retires

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Almona Emerges New LCCI Director-General As Muda Yusuf Retires

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has announced the appointment of Dr. Chinyere Almona as its new Director-General effective.

This follows the retirement of Dr. Muda Yusuf on the expiration of his tenure of office, having served the Chamber for a total of 24 years with the last 13 years in the capacity of the DG.

The LCCI President, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje appreciated the immense contribution of Yusuf to the effectiveness of public policy advocacy and the development of the Nigerian economy.

“He is a respected public commentator on macroeconomic issues, regulatory environment, economic reforms, policy and institutional reforms, trade policy issues and investment climate matters. He has led numerous policy reform and engagement sessions on the business environment, investment climate issues and the ease of doing business in Nigeria,” she stated.

On the appointment of Almona, Mabogunje said it is an added value to the well-established profile of the Chamber.

“She holds a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from Business School Netherlands and brings with her, about thirty years of diversified experience through her various work experience roles.

“In her previous position, she led the Africa Corporate Governance Program of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which provided a wide range of corporate governance reforms across thirteen (13) African countries.

“Before joining the IFC, she was a Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, leading the Corporate Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Practice, which she established.”

SMEs: PayHippo Raises $1 Million Pre-seed Funding To Expand Its Reach

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SMEs: PayHippo Raises $1 Million Pre-seed Funding To Expand Its Reach

Payhippo’s has raised $1m pre-seed to accelerate seamless financing for small to medium-sized African businesses.

Payhippo is looking to expand to other Nigerian cities as well as build its team of engineers.

The $1m pre-seed funding round is composed of Africa tech investors such as Ventures Platform, Future Africa, Launch Africa, Sherpa Ventures, and DFS Lab. International investors Hustle Fund and Mercy Corps Ventures also invested.

Speaking about the fundraise, co-founder of PayHippo, Chioma Okotcha said, “As a fintech company, the tech component of what we build is so important, because that’s really what drives how we can access the credit readiness of that SME and how much to give them. The tech does all this calculation in the backend, works out the underwriting, evaluates who the customer, and we’re able to give a loan that is within a safe range.”

Having identified the need and growth potential of SMEs in the country, enabling secure lending for them poses an opportunity worth seizing. The startup started disbursing its first set of loans in 2020 after the pandemic laid waste to some businesses and led to salary cuts.

Since its debut in 2020, PayHippo claims to have supplied N1.4 billion in over 2,600 loans to businesses. Most of these businesses include grocery stores and small retail stores.

About Payhippo

PayHippo was founded in January 2020 with the goal of providing SMEs with access to financing as well as help build credit scores. This is something conventional banks struggle with as they offer limited financial access to these businesses despite controlling two-thirds of the country’s economy.

 

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