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GTCO Launches Take on Squad Hackathon 3.0 to Boost Africa’s Digital Innovation

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Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has launched the third edition of its “Take on Squad” Hackathon, inviting developers, designers and entrepreneurs across Nigeria to create technology solutions for real-world challenges.

The initiative, announced on 2 April 2026 in Lagos, is part of the group’s broader strategy to support innovation and digital transformation across Africa.

Now in its third year, the hackathon will focus on the theme “Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy,” challenging participants to design data-driven tools that improve how people and businesses interact with money.

Applications are currently open via the official portal: https://squadco.com/hackathon

Why it matters

Africa’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, with fintech innovation reshaping how people access financial services.

By bringing together tech talent to build solutions in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, commerce and digital inclusion, GTCO aims to bridge gaps in access and efficiency.

The programme also highlights the growing role of private sector-led innovation in addressing systemic challenges in emerging markets.

Driving innovation through collaboration

Participants in the hackathon will work in teams, using Squad’s application programming interfaces (APIs) to develop scalable tools for businesses and individuals.

The event is organised by HabariPay, GTCO’s fintech subsidiary, which focuses on enabling digital payments and supporting businesses in an evolving economy.

Speaking on the initiative, Eduophon Japhet, Managing Director of HabariPay, said:

“Today’s dynamic, digitally driven world demands continuous innovation, which is shaping how economies grow, how businesses scale, and how societies evolve.”

He added:

“Through ‘Take on Squad’ Hackathon, we are deliberately investing in the ideas and talent that will define the future.”

“Our objective is not simply to encourage innovation, but to enable its translation into scalable solutions that deliver real and measurable impact.”

Industry and ecosystem impact

Hackathons like this are increasingly seen as pipelines for startup growth and digital talent development in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

Experts say such initiatives provide young innovators with exposure, mentorship and tools needed to turn ideas into viable products.

They also help financial institutions like GTCO stay competitive by tapping into grassroots innovation and emerging trends.

About HabariPay and Squad

HabariPay Ltd, a subsidiary of GTCO, is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and provides digital payment solutions to businesses of all sizes.

Its offerings include Squad, a payment platform that enables seamless in-person and online transactions.

The company has received industry recognition, including Mastercard’s Innovative Mobile Payment Solution Award at the Technology Innovation Awards (TIA) 2022 for its SquadPOS solution.

More details about Squad can be found at: http://www.squadco.com

What’s next

Successful participants are expected to develop solutions that could scale beyond the hackathon, potentially contributing to Africa’s broader digital transformation.

With applications now open, attention will turn to the ideas generated and whether they can translate into practical tools that reshape everyday financial interactions.

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JMG Clima Installs High-Efficiency HVAC System for Lagos-Based Snacking Company

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Industrial HVAC system installed in Lagos commercial facility

A prominent Nigerian snacking company has upgraded its cooling system with a high-efficiency HVAC installation delivered by JMG Clima, the climate solutions division of JMG Limited.

The project, completed at the company’s corporate facility in Lagos, was designed to address the challenges of maintaining stable indoor temperatures in the city’s high heat and humidity.

Following a detailed cooling load analysis and system audit, JMG Clima installed and commissioned a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system alongside TRANE ODYSSEY commercial units, built to meet global performance standards from Trane Technologies.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s industrial and commercial sectors are increasingly investing in energy-efficient climate control systems to reduce operational costs and improve productivity.

In sectors like food production, consistent temperature control is critical for product quality, worker comfort, and equipment performance.

System upgrade and performance

According to JMG Clima, the upgraded HVAC configuration is designed to deliver:

More consistent cooling across all operational zones

Improved airflow and indoor air quality

Reduced strain on systems during peak demand

Lower maintenance requirements over time

While exact energy savings depend on usage patterns, the company says the system aligns with global efficiency benchmarks for modern commercial buildings.

Industry perspective

Across Nigeria, demand for reliable HVAC contractors and energy-efficient cooling systems continues to rise.

Businesses are increasingly prioritising long-term value, sustainability, and lifecycle cost optimisation, especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.

What JMG Clima says

Mr Hussam Aziz, Sales Manager at JMG Clima, said the goal was to go beyond installation and deliver measurable improvements.

“Our objective was not just to install an HVAC system, but to deliver measurable performance improvement,” he said.

“The Trane solution now provides greater cooling stability, improved energy utilization, and long-term value for the client.”

Broader market trend

The project reflects a wider shift in Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape, where companies are adopting advanced engineering solutions to cope with climate conditions and rising energy costs.

JMG Clima says it continues to provide tailored climate control systems across sectors, including corporate offices, hospitals, factories, and hospitality developments.

As the authorised dealer of Trane Technologies in Nigeria, JMG offers commercial chillers, air handling units, and turnkey HVAC installations supported by nationwide after-sales service.

What’s next

Experts say continued investment in energy-efficient systems could play a key role in reducing operational costs and improving sustainability across Nigeria’s commercial sector.

For more information about JMG Clima’s solutions, visit:

https://jmglimited.com/clima

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JMG Marks World Creativity Day with Solar, Data Centre Projects Driving Impact in Nigeria

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As the world marks World Creativity and Innovation Day 2026, JMG Limited has highlighted a series of projects it says demonstrate how innovation can address real-life challenges across Nigeria.

The electro-mechanical solutions company said its recent work reflects this year’s theme, Harnessing Creativity for Global Progress, with a focus on practical solutions in healthcare, energy, and infrastructure.

Powering healthcare with solar energy

One of the company’s flagship projects is the installation of a solar hybrid power system at Agboyi Ketu Primary Health Care Centre in Lagos.

The system now provides uninterrupted electricity for critical services, including emergency care, maternity, immunisation, and diagnostics.

Reliable power remains a major challenge for healthcare facilities in Nigeria, where outages can disrupt essential services and put lives at risk.

Driving efficiency across industries

Beyond healthcare, JMG said it has expanded its impact across multiple sectors.

In collaboration with Lambert Electromec, the company delivered cooling systems for parts of West Africa’s largest data centre, supporting digital infrastructure critical to businesses and financial services.

It also reported cost savings from solar installations at NIPCO fuel stations, estimating annual savings of about ₦44.4 million.

At Dangote Cement, an upgraded air compressor system improved operational efficiency, while a power and cooling upgrade at Quick Buy Supermarket in Kano enhanced both performance and customer experience.

“Innovation must solve real problems”

JMG’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rabi Jammal, said the company’s approach is rooted in impact-driven engineering.

“Innovation must solve real problems. It is not enough to build systems; those systems must improve lives.”

Why it matters

Experts say such projects reflect a broader shift towards sustainable and cost-efficient solutions in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.

With rising energy costs and unreliable grid power, many organisations are turning to solar and hybrid systems to cut expenses and improve reliability.

The expansion of data centres across West Africa has also increased demand for efficient cooling and power systems to support digital growth.

About World Creativity Day

United Nations established World Creativity and Innovation Day to promote creative thinking as a driver of sustainable development.

For companies like JMG, the day serves as a reminder that innovation should translate into measurable social and economic benefits.

What’s next

JMG said it will continue to focus on clean energy, infrastructure, and engineering solutions that address everyday challenges in Nigeria and beyond.

Its core services include power generation, electrical systems, cooling solutions, vertical transportation, and renewable energy technologies.

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NCC, CBN Sign MoU to Tackle Fraud, Boost Consumer Protection in Nigeria

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NCC and CBN officials sign agreement to combat fraud in Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen consumer protection and combat fraud in Nigeria’s digital economy.

The agreement, announced on April 20, 2026, also led to the inauguration of two joint committees focused on payment systems oversight and telecom-related identity risk management.

Officials say the partnership reflects growing interdependence between telecom and financial services in Nigeria.

Why it matters

With millions of Nigerians relying on mobile phones for banking and digital transactions, fraud linked to phone numbers has become a major concern.

Regulators say closer coordination is necessary to ensure trust, stability, and security across both sectors.

How the system will work

A key feature of the collaboration is the Telecom Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) portal.

The platform will provide financial institutions with real-time visibility into the status of phone numbers.

“This means that the Financial Institutions will be able to determine when a line is active, when it has been swapped, when it has been disconnected due to inactivity and reassigned to a new subscriber, and when it has been flagged for suspicious or fraudulent activity,” the NCC said.

The system is expected to improve fraud detection, especially for scams involving recycled or compromised phone numbers.

Consumer protection in focus

The NCC said the agreement prioritises faster resolution of consumer complaints across telecom and banking services.

“Consumers who experience issues such as airtime recharges that do not deliver value can be assured of prompt resolution within the shortest possible time,” the Commission stated.

Officials added that the framework would enable coordinated policy responses and proactive action as new risks emerge.

“A milestone for Nigeria’s digital economy”

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, described the agreement as a major step forward.

“The MoU provides a structured framework for cooperation in critical areas including payment system integrity, fraud mitigation, digital inclusion, and the protection of consumers,” he said.

“It will translate into practical outcomes that strengthen trust, deepen inclusion, and support a secure and resilient digital economy.”

He added that the initiative aligns with the NCC’s broader strategy to build a safe and inclusive digital ecosystem.

Building on past collaboration

Dr Maida said the partnership builds on previous joint efforts between both regulators.

“A notable and recent example is our collective effort in resolving the long-standing USSD debt impasse—an intervention that restored confidence, preserved service continuity, and safeguarded the interests of consumers.”

CBN: Stronger system, safer economy

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, said the MoU would enhance coordination in regulatory approvals and innovation.

He noted that it would also support sandbox testing—allowing new financial technologies to be tested safely.

“Going forward, the Central Bank of Nigeria remains fully committed to working with the Nigerian Communications Commission to deliver a safer, more resilient, and more inclusive digital financial system—one that supports national productivity, protects consumers, and strengthens trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.”

Mr Cardoso also inaugurated the joint committees, stating they would place consumer protection at the centre of regulatory action.

Industry perspective

Industry analysts say the integration of telecom data into financial systems could significantly reduce fraud risks.

Fintech operators also expect improved regulatory clarity, which may encourage innovation while maintaining safeguards.

For consumers, the impact could include safer transactions, fewer failed services, and quicker dispute resolution.

What’s next

The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on how well both regulators implement the framework and enforce compliance.

Observers will be watching for measurable outcomes, including reduced fraud cases and improved confidence in digital services.

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