Why embracing of Digital Financial Services is key? #DIAA2017 Digital Brand of the Year nominees reviewed!

Why embracing of Digital Financial Services is key? #DIAA2017 Digital Brand of the Year nominees reviewed!

Three african kids playing together on tablet.

Three african kids playing together on tablet.

 

Digital Impact Awards Africa #DIAA2017 conducted research in which companies were assessed for their digital embrace and innovation. 6 companies emerged as the finalists with a Digital Index score between 2.81 and 3.92 out of 5 and thus are the leading contenders for “Digital Brand of the Year”. These are:

  1. Airtel Uganda
  2. Centenary Bank
  3. DSTV
  4. MTN Uganda
  5. Stanbic Bank
  6. Standard Charted Bank

Commenting about the “Digital Brand of the Year” category, Innocent Kawooya, CEO HiPipo, noted that “The contenders for this award category are organizations and brands that fulfill their objectives through the most imaginative use of digital platforms, including websites, mobiles, apps, social media, digital financial services, internet of things with effective integration of the digital communication and observance of cybersecurity for their digital presence.”  He added that “Digital Brand of the Year Award category is for brands that showed exemplary use of integrated digital innovations, campaigns and set great examples to follow in the digital space. The 6 nominees are innovative organizations that have also greatly embraced digital financial services.”

During the previous Digital Impact Awards Africa events, The Governor, Bank of Uganda – Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile officiated as Guest of Honour represented by Mr. Richard Mayebo, Executive Director of Information Technology (IT), Bank of Uganda. In his remarks on the theme “Regulatory Challenges in the use of ICTs to promote Financial Inclusion “ the Governor noted  that Bank of Uganda looks forward to innovations that  will promote financial inclusion, as well as the efficiency and safety  of financial transactions.” Safety of financial transactions is embroiled in effective use of best cybersecurity practices and innovation in using digital financial services or promotion of financial inclusion are observable traits of digital brand of the year nominees.

While congratulating this year’s Digital Brand of the Year nominees on this achievement, Hon. Karubanga David (State Minister for Public Service and Member of Parliament for Kigorobya) noted that “Innovation, Use of Digital Financial Services, Promotion of Financial Literacy, Consumer Protection, and Good Cybersecurity Practice are key attributes of leading organizations. If these organizations continue to effectively deliver digital services and promote financial inclusion, they would sustainably contribute to the NRM government Operation Wealth Creation campaign.”

The 4th Digital and Financial Expo (#DiFiExpo) featuring Digital Impact Awards Africa (#DIAA2017), is scheduled for 21-22 September 2017 at Kampala Serena Hotel.   The project includes an exhibition of innovations for products and services in the digital and financial services space and their application to the different economic sectors and industries such as agriculture, health, education, travel, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, utility services etc.