Binance Boosts Crypto Access In West, Central Africa Through Mobile Money Integration

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Binance, a global leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure, has furthered its commitment to innovation and broader cryptocurrency accessibility in Africa.

Through local partnerships, users in West and Central Africa, specifically Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, and Senegal, can now purchase crypto directly using mobile money payments.

“Binance remains dedicated to advancing financial inclusion and providing user-friendly solutions for crypto adoption across Africa,” said Samantha Fuller, a Binance spokesperson.

She added, “This expansion into West and Central Africa is a significant step toward our mission of increasing crypto adoption, offering millions more people direct access to the global digital economy.”

Currently, this new service supports only BUY transactions, simplifying the entry point for new crypto users in these regions and offering a reliable, secure platform to acquire digital assets.

Experts believe this new feature strengthens Binance’s commitment to providing simple and secure cryptocurrency access for users across the continent, reinforcing the platform’s vision of financial inclusion.

According to the firm, this move is fully aligned with Binance’s vision of promoting financial inclusion in Africa. By enabling mobile money payments, the platform aims to significantly overcome barriers to entry for potential crypto users.

Mobile money is widely used in many African countries, providing a convenient and accessible way for people without traditional banking services to participate fully in the digital economy.

Binance is the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, offering a comprehensive suite of financial products, including the largest digital asset exchange by volume.

Trusted by millions worldwide, Binance is dedicated to increasing financial freedom for users and features an unmatched portfolio of crypto products and offerings, including trading and finance, education, data and research, social good, investment and incubation, decentralization and infrastructure solutions, and more.

Nigerian Table Tennis Star, Quadri Aruna Out Of African Champs Due To Injury

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Nigerian table tennis star, Quadri Aruna, has been forced to withdraw from the Men’s Singles event at the 2024 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Championships in Addis Ababa due to a thigh injury and fatigue.

***Quadri Aruna, Nigerian Table Tennis Star***

Despite leading Nigeria to a gold medal in the team event against Algeria on October 14, Aruna had to pull out of his second-round match against Benin Republic’s Dodji Fanny.

Aruna explained, “I’ve been playing in various tournaments for the past two months, often in different time zones. I was in India, Macau, China, and then Saudi Arabia for league matches. After a brief rest at home, I went to the French League for a training camp. Immediately after, I traveled to Ethiopia, which was exhausting. The high altitude in Addis Ababa made it even harder to acclimatize.”

He added, “During the team event, I felt pain in my buttock and tightness in my hamstring. It’s crucial to rest now to avoid worsening the injury.”

With several tournaments still ahead this year, including two more World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions and leagues in Saudi Arabia and France, Aruna emphasized the importance of recovery. “I need to rest to ensure I don’t aggravate the injury,” he said.

Aruna will stay with the team to support the younger players and will depart Addis Ababa with them this weekend.

Vantage Capital Closes €66 Million Mezzanine Investment In Camusat

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Vantage Capital, Africa’s largest mezzanine fund manager, announced today that it has closed a €66 million mezzanine investment in Camusat Holding S.A.S. The proceeds will be used to refinance debt and fund the capital expenditure required for expansion of the group’s AktivCo division.

Vantage Capital’s investment is part of a global financing package of €81 million provided in consortium with Eurazeo, a leading European investment group. This transaction represents Vantage Capital’s 39th investment across four generations of funds with its portfolio of investments spread across eleven African countries.

Speaking shortly after announcing the deal, Richard Thomas, CEO of Camusat, expressed his appreciation for the conclusion of the transaction.

“We are very pleased to have concluded the transaction with Vantage Capital. This financial and strategic partnership comes at a time when we are further expanding our presence in Africa, and we are confident that Vantage Capital’s extensive network and expertise on the continent will be a great support in achieving our objectives,” Richard Thomas said.

Luc Albinski, Executive Chairman at Vantage Capital, pointed out that Vantage Capital is proud to partner with such a leading and dynamic group as Camusat.

“Throughout the process, we have been impressed by management’s deep knowledge of the telecom industry, but also their firm commitment to help increase connectivity in parts of Africa where network coverage remains underdeveloped,” Luc Albinski said.

Thibaut de Rodellec, Deputy CEO of Camusat, said, “We were convinced from our very first discussions that Vantage Capital and Camusat would be a great fit. We always look beyond the financial aspect when forming new partnerships, and we were glad to discover that our firms share common ethics, vision and dedication. We will ensure this partnership is a success for all stakeholders.”

Driss Benabdeslam, Partner at Vantage Capital, said, by investing in Camusat, Vantage is backing a group that is engaged in a vital and buoyant industry and constantly strives for operational and corporate excellence.

“Camusat has incorporated best-in-class ESG practices and implemented various CSR measures directed at supporting local communities and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from the telecom sector. We are thrilled to support the group in creating more value and generating an even greater positive social impact over the years to come,” he said.

Camusat is a leading telecommunications player managing fully integrated and sustainable business models for the deployment and management of telecom infrastructure while championing the decarbonization of mobile network operators (MNOs).

Partnering with major investment funds that support green investments, Camusat is pursuing its ambition to become the leading “Infra as a Service” partner for the mobile telecom industry, with a broad presence in emerging markets, especially in Africa.

The group operates across twenty countries (including fifteen on the African continent) and through two synergistic divisions, AktivCo and OpCo.

Vantage Capital, established in 2001, is Africa’s leading fund manager with over $1.6 billion in assets. Its Mezzanine division has invested in 39 companies across 11 African countries since 2006, and its GreenX division has funded 15 renewable energy projects in South Africa.

Cameroonian Journalist, Leocadia Bongben Wins Health Technologies Media Award

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Leocadia Bongben, a Cameroonian freelance journalist specialized in science and solutions, has won the Grand Prize of the 2nd edition of the Health Technologies Media Award of Excellence.

***Leocadia Bongben*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The award was recently bestowed upon her for her article, “Made in Cameroon: The Locally Fabricated Incubator Designed to Give Pre-term Babies a Fighting Chance,” published in Nigeria Health Watch.

Organized by the Platform for Dialogue and Action on Health Technologies in Africa (Health Tech Platform) and the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), the award recognizes exceptional journalism that raises public awareness and understanding of emerging health technologies (EHTs) in Africa.

Speaking after the announcement, Leocadia Bongben said, “I am honoured to emerge as Grande Prize of this prestigious award. It is an encouragement to unearth more underreported solutions.”

“I dedicate Award to Nigeria Health Watch for encouraging rigourous journalism as one of the early pioneers of Solutions Journalism.”

Leocadia Bongben’s article seek to showcase innovation in health techologies through a solution, how it works but also the limitations.

In the Print category, Afeez Hanafi emerged as the winner, while Abdel Aziz Nabaloum was the runner-up. In the online category, Derick Matsengarwodzi took the top spot, with Richard Wetaya as the runner-up.

In the Radio category, Dajie Odok was the winner, and Kevin John Brandt was the runner-up. In the TV category, Portia Garbor won, while Emmanuel Raphael Samani was the runner-up.

The annual EHTs Media Award aims to promote quality reporting on emerging health technologies being developed for use in Africa.

It also seeks to raise public awareness, understanding, participation, and local ownership of these technologies.

The award focuses on emerging health technologies prioritized by the African Union as having the potential to significantly impact disease and health in Africa if well developed, tested, and deployed.

These technologies include gene drives and monoclonal antibodies for malaria control, drones, microgrids, artificial intelligence, gene editing, and next-generation medicine.

Ngannou Faces Ferreira In A Battle Of Giants October 19

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Mixed Martial Arts, MMA world is abuzz with anticipation as two of the most fearsome heavyweights, Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira, prepare to collide in a titanic clash on October 19th. This highly anticipated showdown, dubbed the “Battle of the Giants,” promises to be a spectacle of raw power and skill.

***Francis Ngannou aka “The Predator”***

This epic showdown will take place in the PFL SmartCage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will be making his highly anticipated return to MMA to face the reigning PFL heavyweight champion, Renan Ferreira.

After a brief hiatus that saw him venture into the world of boxing, Francis Ngannou is making a triumphant return to the mixed martial arts arena. Known for his devastating knockout power, Ngannou has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. As the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, he brings a wealth of experience and a burning desire to reclaim his throne.

Renan Ferreira, the reigning PFL Heavyweight Champion, has proven his dominance in the cage with a series of impressive victories. With his powerful strikes and submission skills, Ferreira has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. As he enters the octagon to defend his title against Ngannou, he will be looking to cement his legacy as one of the top heavyweights in the world.

The matchup between Ngannou and Ferreira is a dream fight for many MMA fans. Both fighters possess exceptional striking abilities, and their encounter is expected to be a thrilling display of power and technique. The outcome of this battle will have significant implications for the heavyweight division and could potentially reshape the landscape of the sport.

Ngannou, “The Predator” last fought in the UFC in January 2022 before pursuing a career in boxing. Following defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Ngannou joined the Professional Fighters League, PFL on a multi-fight deal. This will be Ngannou’s first test in the PFL.

Ferreira, the 6ft8 giant known as “Problema” has proven to be a dominant force in the PFL SmartCage. Renan Ferreira’s four-fight winning streak, culminating in the 2023 PFL heavyweight title, underscores his fearsome reputation.

Despite not competing in MMA for nearly three years, Francis Ngannou remains a formidable favorite entering the contest. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion boasts an impressive record of 17 wins in 20 MMA bouts, with a staggering 12 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His reputation as a devastating striker and his recent training regimen make him a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.

Despite being the underdog, Ferreira has proven time and again that he can deliver stunning upsets. With a record of 13 wins out of 19 professional MMA fights, Ferreira has established himself as a formidable opponent. As he prepares to face the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Ferreira will be looking to prove that he is more than capable of pulling off another upset.

In addition to the highly anticipated main event, the Battle of the Giants card features a number of other exciting matchups. Cris Cyborg is looking forward to defend her Women’s Featherweight World Title against Larissa Pacheco, as well as a thrilling Bellator Middleweight World Title bout between Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards.

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions Secures Spot In 2025 AFCON

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have secured their place in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament to be held in Morocco.

***Boris Enow celebrates his goal*** *(Photo Credit: FECAFOOT)*

A solitary goal from Boris Enow in the second half was enough to seal a 1-0 victory over Kenya in their Group J match in Kampala, Uganda. This win extended Cameroon’s lead at the top of the group to 10 points, effectively securing their qualification.

Despite early pressure from Kenya, Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, remained composed. The match remained goalless at halftime, despite both teams having chances.

The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Enow’s free-kick found the back of the net. Cameroon pushed for a second goal, but Kenya nearly equalized late in the game. However, Olunga’s shot was deflected for a corner.

Speaking after the game, Andre Onana said, “I think we’re already qualified. We came here to win, we did. Happy for the victory because we have shown that we are a great team. Am happy with how we played Now we are moving forward.”

He added, “Playing for the Cameroon national team is a great honor and also a great responsibility. Playing with this jersey is something extraordinary. We must always be prepared, I am very confident.”

With this victory, Cameroon has qualified for the 2025 AFCON with two matches still to play. They remain undefeated in the group.

Cameroon currently leads Group J with 10 points, followed by Zimbabwe with 5 points. Kenya is in third place with 4 points, and Namibia is at the bottom with no points.

BSFC Honors Colombe of Dja and Lobo Captain, Randy Kwalar

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Randy Kwalar, the captain of Colombe of Dja and Lobo Division, has been recognized by the Bui Sports Fans Competition (BSFC). The recognition was bestowed upon Kwalar on October 13th in Yaoundé during the fifth day of play of the ongoing 2024 edition of the BSFC.

***Bui Strikers Veteran President, Hyginus Sakah (L) and BSFC Coordinator, Godlove Meye (R ) honouring Randy Kwalar (middile)*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Kwalar was celebrated for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment in leading Colombe to their historic first-ever Cameroon Cup Trophy. Speaking during the ceremony, Hyginus Sakah, the President of Bui Strikers, praised Kwalar for his leadership and dedication.

“We are immensely proud of you,” Sakah said. “This is just the beginning of great things to come. Continue in this spirit.”

***Bui Strikers Veteran President, Hyginus Sakah (L) and Randy Kwalar (R)*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Colombe of Dja and Lobo Division clinched their first-ever Cameroon Cup trophy with a 1-0 victory over Aigle Roya of Menoua on September 29th. In the ongoing 2024 edition of the BSFC, Randy Kwalar plays for Promise Enterprise FC, which has qualified for the second round of the competition.

Kwalar has been a key player in the South Regional team, which has been performing well in the Cameroon Elite One Championship. Before joining Colombe, Kwalar played for Yong Sport Academy of Bamenda, where he was also the team captain. He has also played for several other elite one and two teams in the country including Kumbo Strikers N. FC.

***Promise FC team mates celebrating with Randy after BSFC recognition (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)***

Kwalar has a history of success in the BSFC, an annual football tournament aimed at identifying and promoting talented players from Bui Division in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Since 2007, the competition has played a crucial role in spearheading community development through sports.

Players from Bui Division who have participated in the BSFC have gone on to achieve great success both in Cameroon and abroad, with some even representing the country at the senior national team level. The competition also fosters peace and social cohesion.

BSFC 2024: Nso Boys FC, Promise Enterprise FC Secure Second Round Berths

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Nso Boys FC and Promise Enterprise FC have both secured their spots in the second round of the ongoing 12th edition of the Bui Sports Fans Competition (BSFC) in Yaoundé. The two teams qualified on October 13th after their final Group A matches.

***Nso Boys FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

In the first match of the day, Takijah FC, despite a 3-0 victory over Nso Boys FC, were unable to advance to the next round. Nso Boys FC benefited from their previous wins. However, the match served as a showcase for Takijah FC’s skills, as they aimed to finish the competition on a high note.

Takijah FC started the match with a with 10 players but dominated the early stages, taking the lead in the eighth minute through a goal from Perez Dimale. Despite Nso Boys FC’s efforts to equalize, Takijah FC maintained their lead, going into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

**Nso Boys FC and Takijah FC battling for supremacy** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

In the second half, the light rain did not deter either team’s determination. Nso Boys FC continued to press for an equalizer, but Takijah FC’s defense held firm. In the 65th minute, Lawrence Njodzeka doubled Takijah FC’s lead, and Innocent F. sealed the victory with a third goal in the 88th minute.

The second match of the day was a highly anticipated clash between Promise Enterprise FC and NDECA FC. Both teams tied on points needed a win to secure their place in the second round. The match was a tense affair, with both teams creating numerous chances.

***Promise Enterprise FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

However, Kelly Fru broke the deadlock for Promise Enterprise FC in the 30th minute, giving his team a slender lead at halftime. NDECA FC fought back in the second half, equalizing through Nicodemus Makeje in the 69th minute.

Nevertheless, Promise Enterprise FC regained the lead just fifteen minutes later through a penalty from Macgregor Veraloh. Veraloh again completed his brace with another goal in the 88th minute, putting Promise Enterprise FC firmly in control. NDECA FC managed to score a consolation goal in extra time, but it was not enough to prevent their elimination as Promise FC sealed the day with Fonyuy Platini.

***Promise FC and NDECA FC during their last Group match*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Nso Boys FC and Promise Enterprise FC (Group A) have therefore qualified for the second round of the BSFC. Their impressive performances have set them up for exciting challenges in the next stage of the competition.

Environmental Leaders Chart Data-Driven Path for Sustainable Biodiversity Management

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Environmental leaders from across Africa have outlined strategies to promote the sustainable management of the continent’s biodiversity and ecosystems through data-driven approaches. This was the outcome of a three-day event held from October 8 to 11 in Dakar, Senegal.

***Participants at the first Annual Meeting of the Regional Centres of Excellence for Biodiversity and forests in Africa.*** *(Photo by Gilberte Koffi/CIFOR-ICRAF.)*

The First Annual Meeting of the Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodiversity and Forests in Africa brought together 50 participants from governments, donors, multilateral organizations, regional bodies, research institutions, and other key environmental stakeholders.

The aim was to develop a transformative roadmap for the sustainable management of Africa’s vast environmental resources and rich biodiversity, including forests, water bodies, and wildlife.

Stakeholders stressed the need to ensure that Africa’s forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity are sustainably managed. This will enable them to continue providing essential services, such as food, water, fuel, and shelter, that contribute to the well-being of local populations while supporting rapid economic growth and development across the continent.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Prof. Daouda Ngom, Senegal’s Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, expressed Senegal’s gratitude for hosting the first Annual Meeting of the Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodiversity and Forests in Africa.

He added, “This is a great initiative that will enable African countries to access quality data and share best practices for the effective management of the continent’s environmental resources, forests, biodiversity, and ecosystems, which are vital for our well-being and economic development.”

Jean-Marc Pisani, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Senegal, stated, “This Regional Centers of Excellence initiative seeks to strengthen the Africa-EU partnership on science, technology, and innovation, with a special focus on the science-policy interface.”

He added, “We are committed to enhancing the technical capacity of the centers to deliver data, knowledge, and expertise across thematic areas that include biodiversity, forests, food security, agroecology, water, oceans, as well as climate and disaster resilience.”

Peter Minang, CIFOR-ICRAF Director for Africa, highlighted the numerous threats facing Africa’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems, such as deforestation, land degradation, climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and environmental pollution. He emphasized that the Regional Centers of Excellence are crucial for the continent as they will enable the development of data-driven solutions to address these challenges.

Dr. Cheikh Mbow, Director General of the CSE (Senegal), noted that the Ecological Monitoring Center has the privilege of hosting the Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Ecosystems in West Africa. He expressed the center’s eagerness to collaborate with other centers of excellence in Africa to actively contribute to the monitoring and implementation of global biodiversity commitments, particularly through the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans.

The Regional Centers of Excellence initiative is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) in collaboration with the Ecological Monitoring Centre (CSE) in West Africa, the Central Africa Forest Observatory (OFAC) in Central Africa, and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Eastern and Southern Africa, among other partners.

The Regional Centers of Excellence program supports three units in Africa, based in West Africa, Central Africa, and Eastern and Southern Africa. The centers are hosted by CSE, OFAC, and RCMRD respectively.

At MINPOSTEL Working Visit: CAMTEL Unveils Strategies To Combat Infrastructure Vandalism

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

National incumbent operator, Cameroon Telecommunications, CAMTEL has said, they have taken up strategies aimed at combating the rampant vandalism of its infrastructure.

***CAMTEL GM, Judith Yah Sunday (L) welcoming Minister Minette Libom Li Likeng (R)*** (*Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The strategies were announced on October 11 in Yaoundé by CAMTEL’s Director General, Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi, during a working visit by the Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng, and her team.

Speaking during the visit, Judith Yah Sunday emphasized that CAMTEL has faced numerous challenges in recent months, particularly regarding service quality.

Fully aware of Cameroonians’ expectations and its responsibilities, she stated that immediate corrective measures were taken to address these inconveniences. According to her, CAMTEL is committed to finding lasting solutions to strengthen its resilience in the face of these crises.

***CAMTEL GM, Judith Yah Sunday (L) and Minister Minette Libom Li Likeng (R)*** ***during the working visit*** (*Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

“Several external factors have contributed to this situation,” she explained. “Acts of vandalism targeting our infrastructure, especially optical fiber, have increased significantly in recent months.”

She added, “These acts of sabotage directly impact service continuity and disrupt user experience. In response, CAMTEL has intensified its collaboration with relevant authorities to protect its strategic infrastructure and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

In addition to vandalism, she pointed out that power supply challenges, including prolonged power cuts that affect technical equipment stability, and uncoordinated public works, have also caused damage to critical cables and equipment.

Despite these obstacles, the Director General said, CAMTEL has continued to implement initiatives to improve service quality. She stated that, the recent handover of the fiber optic cable deployed by ENEO is a significant step forward in optimizing connectivity nationwide.

***Minister Minette Libom Li Likeng visiting CAMTEL’s infrastructure***s (*Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

“CAMTEL has also signed an agreement with CAMWATER and is exploring opportunities with CAMRAIL to utilize rail corridors for fiber deployment. These initiatives aim to pool and leverage national infrastructures for the benefit of all,” she added.

The CAMTEL boss also stressed that these efforts can only be successful with the collective participation of public authorities and citizens in preserving infrastructure.

“Optical fiber, the backbone of the telecommunications network, must be considered a national asset, requiring collective vigilance,” she said.

Meanwhile, during a press conference after the working visit to CAMTEL, Orange Cameroun and MTN Cameroon, Minister Libom Li Likeng noted that the field mission was prompted by a resurgence of complaints related to service quality, including frequent network interruptions, slow internet connections, and poor voice quality.

***Minister Minette Libom Li Likeng speaking after visiting infrastructures*** (*Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Going by her, the visit aimed to ensure that mobile operators are fulfilling their commitments made in 2023, especially as telecom service quality in Cameroon has deteriorated in recent months.

After listening to the problems and solutions presented, the Minister in the press conference said, there is need for strengthened dialogue and synergy among stakeholders to address the identified issues promptly.

She however, called on the Telecommunications Regulatory Board, ART to strengthen and modernize its system for monitoring and controlling operators’ contractual commitments, ensuring their full compliance with obligations.

She said, this requires the implementation of more rigorous monitoring and evaluation tools, including automated monitoring of network performance and appropriate sanctions are applied in the event of non-compliance.

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