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  • The 10th Annual East Africa Property Investment Summit Kicks off in Nairobi

    The 10th Annual East Africa Property Investment Summit Kicks off in Nairobi

    Real Estate investors in East Africa are upbeat about the opportunities within the region that have seen an increased interest in the sector.

    This was revealed during the 10th Annual East Africa Property Investment Summit Kicks that kicked off today in Nairobi.

    Absa Bank Kenya Managing Director, Abdi Mohammed noted that as East Africa continues to experience rapid urbanization, the demand for affordable housing will continue to soar.

    “There is also growing awareness of the importance of sustainable development with developers increasingly incorporating green technologies and sustainable building practices in their projects, meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly properties. Investors and developers who keep abreast of these trends and adapt their strategies accordingly are likely to succeed in this exciting and rapidly evolving market”, Mr. Abdi noted.

    Pricing Opportunities

     

    Additionally, the resilience and performance of the Light Industrial and Warehousing sector in the region provide a new frontier for investors to acquire new assets and increase returns in the short term. “While it is still in its infancy, A-grade industrial real estate in the region has shown outstanding performance potential to be able to weather any downturns expected,” said Donald Borthwick of London-listed Grit Real Estate Income Group.

    The region’s maturing sub-segments are also supporting allocations and strategy. These include retail, student housing and industrial which appear to exhibit a higher level of maturity than other regions in the continent except South Africa. “Nairobi’s position as the hub of East Africa has also enhanced occupier demand. So far, Kenya has seen a 9% increase quarter on quarter in the number of registered businesses in Q1 2023 resulting in 37,176 registrations in Q1 2023. Key occupiers in the financial services and tech sectors are continuing to drive demand in the commercial sector pointing to cautious optimism on the traditional real estate sectors as well.” Tilda Mwai, Research Associate at Estate Intel noted.

    Property analysts remain cautiously optimistic about middle-income residential, student housing, corporate accommodation and data centers, as well as performing retail and office sectors.

  • The Role Of Technology In Creating Personalized Home Appliances

    The Role Of Technology In Creating Personalized Home Appliances

    1.   What are some of the personalized home appliances created by Samsung technology?

     

    We have the Smart refrigerators, which are refrigerators that can be controlled and monitored remotely via smartphone apps. They feature touch screens that allow users to leave notes, make grocery lists, and check the weather forecast. We also have the Smart ovens. These are ovens that can be preheated, set to specific temperatures, and even turned off using a smartphone app. They also have built-in cameras that allow users to monitor the cooking process remotely. We can also add to the list the Smart washing machines which can be remotely controlled and monitored via a smartphone app. They also have features that allow users to customize their wash cycles, such as the water temperature, spin speed, and detergent levels and the Smart air conditioners. These are air conditioners that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. They feature sensors that detect when people are in the room, and can adjust the temperature and fan speed accordingly. Lastly, we have the Smart vacuum cleaners that can be controlled and monitored via a smartphone app. They feature sensors that detect obstacles and adjust their cleaning patterns accordingly. Some of these products are not available locally but can be purchased on order at our various Samsung stores.

     

     

    2.   How does Samsung technology enable greater customization and control over household devices?

     

    Samsung technology enables greater customization and control over household devices through the use of smart home technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms. With Samsung’s smart home platform, SmartThings, users can control and monitor their Samsung appliances from their smartphones. This allows for greater convenience and flexibility, as users can adjust their appliances from anywhere and at any time. Furthermore, Samsung also utilizes AI and machine learning algorithms in their appliances to learn user behavior and preferences. This enables the appliances to personalize their functions based on the user’s habits and needs, such as automatically adjusting the temperature in a room or optimizing the washing cycle based on the type of clothes being washed. We also have Samsung appliances that are designed with sensors and internet connectivity, which allow them to gather data on their usage and performance. This data can be used to further personalize the appliance’s functions, predict and prevent malfunctions or breakdowns, and improve energy efficiency. Overall, Samsung technology enables greater customization and control over household devices by leveraging smart home technology, AI, machine learning, sensors, and internet connectivity.

     

    3.   What is the role of Samsung’s smart home platform, SmartThings, in creating personalized home appliances?

    SmartThings is a platform that connects Samsung’s smart home devices, allowing users to control and monitor them from a single smartphone app. This integration allows for greater customization and control over household appliances, as users can set up routines and automations to suit their needs and preferences. For example, with SmartThings, users can set up a routine that turns off all the lights in the house and locks the doors when they leave. These routines can be customized to fit each user’s lifestyle and preferences. SmartThings also allows for third-party devices to be integrated into the platform, further expanding the possibilities for personalization and customization. For example, users can integrate their smart locks, and even their car’s GPS system into the SmartThings app, creating a seamless and personalized smart home experience. The role of Samsung’s SmartThings platform in creating personalized home appliances is to enable seamless integration and control of Samsung’s smart home devices and third-party devices, providing users with greater customization and control over their household appliances.

     

     

    4.   What are some of the unique features of Samsung’s personalized home appliances, and how do they benefit consumers?

    Samsung’s personalized home appliances have several unique features that benefit consumers, and this includes the AI and machine learning algorithms which Samsung’s appliances are designed with. They learn from user behavior and preferences. This allows the appliances to personalize their functions based on the user’s habits and needs, providing a more customized experience. We also have sensor technology, whereby Samsung appliances feature sensors that can detect changes in the environment, such as temperature and humidity levels. This allows the appliances to adjust their functions accordingly, providing optimal performance and energy efficiency. Samsung’s appliances are connected to the internet, allowing users to control and monitor them from anywhere using their smartphone or tablet. This provides greater convenience and flexibility, allowing users to adjust their appliances on the go. Furthermore, some of Samsung’s appliances, such as their smart refrigerators, feature touchscreen displays that can be used to leave notes, make grocery lists, and even watch TV. This provides an added level of functionality and convenience. Overall, the unique features of Samsung’s personalized home appliances benefit consumers by providing a more customized and convenient experience, optimizing performance and energy efficiency, and making it easier to interact with their appliances.

     

    5.   How does Samsung utilize AI and machine learning in their personalized home appliances?

    Samsung utilizes AI and machine learning in their personalized home appliances to learn user behavior and preferences, and provide a more customized experience. With personalized settings, Samsung’s appliances can learn the user’s behavior patterns and preferences, and automatically adjust their settings to provide the best possible experience. For example, a washing machine may learn the user’s preferred water temperature, spin cycle, and detergent level, and adjust these settings automatically. Samsung’s appliances can also use machine learning algorithms to predict when maintenance is required, and even alert the user in advance. This helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and prolongs the life of the appliance. We also have a few Samsung appliances, such as their smart refrigerators, which feature voice recognition technology that can learn the user’s voice and provide a more personalized experience. For example, the refrigerator may learn the user’s voice and recognize when they ask for specific information, such as the weather or news updates. At Samsung, we try to be very energy efficient. That is why Samsung appliances can use machine learning to optimize energy consumption, reducing energy costs and minimizing their impact on the environment. For example, an air conditioner may learn the user’s habits and preferences, and automatically adjust the temperature and fan speed to minimize energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable environment.

     

    6.   How does Samsung ensure the security and privacy of their personalized home appliances?

    Samsung takes several measures to ensure the security and privacy of their personalized home appliances through secure communication. Samsung appliances use encrypted communication channels to ensure that user data is transmitted securely between the appliance and the cloud. This helps prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. There are regular software updates where Samsung appliances receive regular software updates that include security patches and bug fixes. This helps ensure that the appliance remains secure and up-to-date. To further ensure safety we have authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the appliance and its data. For example, a smart lock may require a password or fingerprint scan to unlock the door.

    Lastly, Samsung has clear privacy policies that outline how user data is collected, used, and shared. They also provide users with control over their data, allowing them to delete or modify their data as needed

     

    7.   What are some future plans or innovations for Samsung’s personalized home appliances?

    At Samsung we are constantly working on new innovations and improvements for our personalized home appliances through enhanced connectivity of our appliances. We want to make it easier for users to control and monitor their appliances from anywhere and that is why we are improving our AI and machine learning algorithms by investing in technologies that will improve the personalization of our appliances to provide a more customized experience. As for being energy efficient, Samsung is working on developing more energy-efficient appliances that help users reduce their energy consumption and save money on their utility bills. They are exploring new technologies, such as solar power and advanced sensors, to improve energy efficiency. Samsung is committed to sustainability and is exploring new ways to use sustainable materials in their appliances. We are investing in research and development to find new materials that are eco-friendly and reduce the impact of our appliances on the environment. Our plans and innovations for our personalized home appliances demonstrate our commitment to improving the user experience and making our appliances more efficient, sustainable, and connected.

  • SAMSUNG SMARTTHINGS FIND HITS NEW MILESTONE WITH 200 MILLION NODES HELPING FIND LOST DEVICES

    SAMSUNG SMARTTHINGS FIND HITS NEW MILESTONE WITH 200 MILLION NODES HELPING FIND LOST DEVICES

    Samsung Electronics announced that the SmartThings Find service has grown rapidly and now comprises more than 200 million find nodes working to help users locate their misplaced devices. Find nodes are devices that have been registered on the SmartThings Find service to help other Samsung Galaxy users to locate their lost devices.

    “We’re proud and excited to see the rapid growth of the SmartThings Find service. In less than two years, 200 million devices have opted in to help fellow Samsung Galaxy users find their misplaced devices making it one of the fastest growing services at Samsung,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ MX (Mobile eXperience) Business. “Losing a device can be stressful, but SmartThings Find makes it easier to quickly locate and recover your device. It’s just one example of how a connected ecosystem of devices creates meaningful experiences for Samsung Galaxy users all over the world.”

     

    As a rapidly growing location service, SmartThings Find enables Samsung Galaxy users to quickly locate registered Samsung Galaxy devices from smartphones, tablets, watches and earbuds to personal belongings such as keys or your wallet that have a Galaxy SmartTag or SmartTag+1 device attached. SmartThings Find leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate your item. If your device is outside of your phone’s range, other nearby Samsung Galaxy users who have opted into SmartThings Find can help you locate it. If you grant SmartThings Find permission, SmartThings Find can also alert users that they have left their device behind.

    Ensuring the security of sensitive information like location data is a top priority for Samsung. SmartThings Find encrypts user data and keeps it protected by the defense-grade security platform, Samsung Knox. A device’s location data is only revealed to other people with the user’s permission and the ID of each user’s device changes every 15 minutes and is stored anonymously. SmartThings Find also helps users identify unknown SmartTags that follow them for a certain period of time.

     

    To find out more about SmartThings Find, visit SmartThings Find website.

     

     

     

    About SmartThings:

    SmartThings is the premier technology enabling connected living and driving the future of IoT. Its open platform already supports thousands of devices across hundreds of brands and offers endless possibilities to innovators and developers seeking seamless connectivity in a vast IoT ecosystem. The company is committed to bringing smart functionality and capabilities everywhere consumers want to be, while enhancing the user experience. There are currently millions of people in more than 200 countries accessing SmartThings technology daily to create automations and control facets of their smart homes via the SmartThings App and through a range of Samsung products such as phones, TVs and digital appliances. SmartThings offers the most flexible amount of protocols, including the new IoT standard, Matter. Launched in 2012, SmartThings is headquartered in Mountain View, CA and is a founding board member of Connectivity Standards Alliance, an organization of hundreds of companies creating, maintaining and delivering open, global standards for the IoT. For more information, please visit www.smartthings.com.

  • World Animal protection condemns the brutal Killing of six Lions in Kajiado County, Kenya

    World Animal protection condemns the brutal Killing of six Lions in Kajiado County, Kenya

    World Animal Protection is deeply saddened and appalled by the recent incident in which six lions from Amboseli National Park were cruelly killed following an alleged break-in at the nearby Nashipa village in Kajiado Sub-County. This tragic event comes just days after four other lions were killed, bringing the total number of lions killed in the Amboseli Ecosystem to a devastating ten (10).

    While we understand and empathize with the losses incurred by the community, we strongly condemn the cruel act of killing lions without considering alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. We appeal to the community to demonstrate compassion and respect towards wildlife. Furthermore, we urge them to refrain from invading wildlife territories, as habitat loss and depletion of natural food sources within the ecosystem may force wild animals to seek sustenance in nearby areas.

    This distressing incident serves as a stark reminder that wildlife have a right to a wild life and there can never be a peaceful coexistence between wild animals and humans if either keeps encroaching on the other’s ecosystem. To avert such tragic occurrences happening in future, we call upon the authorities tasked with the protection of wild animals to be proactive in safeguarding these magnificent creatures.

    World Animal Protection is committed to advocating for the welfare and protection of animals worldwide. We stand ready to collaborate with local communities, government authorities, and relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable practices that protect wildlife.

  • Xiaomi Redmi A2+ Device; Incredible Affordability with Outstanding Performance

    Xiaomi Redmi A2+ Device; Incredible Affordability with Outstanding Performance

    Xiaomi today announced the official launch of Redmi A2+, a great entry level device with a powerful MediaTek Helio G36 processor, 8MP AI dual camera system and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.

    With the launch of Redmi A2+, Xiaomi raises the bar for the segment by making exceptional performance available at a highly affordable price, making it a top-of-the-line contender in its bracket. The device will come in a 2GB + 32GB variant at the affordable cost of Ksh. 10,499/-

    Large 5,000mAh battery and MediaTek Helio G36 

    Powering up Redmi A2+ is a MediaTek Helio G36 processor, with an octa-core CPU up to 2.2GHz. The device is equipped with a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and 10W fast charging, that provides enough power to last you a full day.

    Large 6.52″ HD+ Dot Drop display packed into a trendy design 

    You can bring your favorite movies to life on the large 6.52″ HD+ display in a stylish flat frame design with a unibody curved back which produces a natural feel to Redmi 2A+ that other entry level smartphones can’t match. The device features a responsive rear fingerprint sensor and comes in three colours Black, Light Green and Light Blue.

    Photography with 8MP AI dual camera and 5MP selfie camera 

    Redmi 2A+ comes with an 8MP main camera for capturing and sharing your life moments and a 5MP front camera for clear selfies and a series of gallery features for a fun experience.

    The storage can be expanded to up to 1TB meaning it’s capable of storing a personal library of thousands of videos, songs and photos. Redmi A2+ comes with Android 13 (Go Edition) for a stable and engaging user experience. The devices will be available in Kenya from today.

  • Makini Schools Introduces Free Aftercare and Holiday Programme for Preschoolers

    Makini Schools, has today announced a free aftercare and holiday programme for preschoolers in their schools in Nairobi and in Kisumu. The programme is designed to support families with busy schedules while ensuring that learners stay engaged and inspired during school breaks with a primary focus on providing a safe and structured environment for children to learn and explore.

    The aftercare and holiday programme will offer a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, music, drama, sports, and technology (coding), to keep learners creatively engaged.

    Speaking on the initiative, Makini Schools’ Regional Managing Director, Mr. Horace Mpanza highlighted that the programme was specifically created to address the requirements of working parents who often find it challenging to balance their work responsibilities with their child’s school schedule.

    “We recognize the challenges faced by working parents in securing suitable childcare arrangements after school hours and during school holidays. We have listened to our parents’ concerns and in response, we believe that the aftercare and holiday programme will provide flexible scheduling options, enabling parents to fulfill their work obligations while ensuring that their children receive excellent care and gain valuable skills. This win-win situation benefits both parents and children,” said Mr. Mpanza.

    He added that the programme will be complemented by the top-of-the-line facilities and a team of well-trained and experienced teachers, at the institution. “Our schools have the necessary facilities to enable learners to access a rich and stimulating learning environment even during school breaks,” he said.

    The holiday programme will be offered in 4-6 week long sessions, with classes running for 2 hours on weekdays from 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm. Additional classes for upper grades are expected to be added throughout the year, offering a comprehensive range of opportunities for learners to learn and grow.

    Makini Schools is committed to providing quality education, support and value to its learners and families, and the aftercare and holiday programme is yet another example of this commitment.

    With its comprehensive range of activities, flexible scheduling, and cost-effective approach, the programme is sure to be a valuable resource for learners and families alike.

    Additionally, parents and guardians can rest assured that their children will be safe and supervised, as the programme is designed to provide a structured and secure environment for children.

    The programme is free of cost and open to all pre-school learners.

    Makini Pre-School learners playing with beam balances at Ngong Campus during the launch of the Aftercare and Holiday Program. The free program is meant to cater for parents with busy schedules while ensuring that learners stay engaged and inspired after school and during holidays.

    Makini School learners engage in performing arts during the launch of the Aftercare and Holiday programme at Makini Preschool campus, Ngong Road. The program’s primary focus is to provide a safe and structured environment for children to learn and explore after school.

    Makini Preschool learners taking part in exploration and adventure activity jumping on a trampoline during the showcasing of the activities at the launch of the Aftercare and Holiday program at Makini Preschool campus, Ngong Road.

    About Makini Schools

    Makini Schools was founded in February 1978 by the late Dr. Pius Okelo and Dr. Mary Okelo. Currently, the school has five r campuses: The Ngong Road (mother) campus and the Makini Junior Academy on State House Avenue in Nairobi; Makini Junior School Migosi, Makini boarding School Kibos and Makini school Kisumu.

    On its 40th anniversary in 2018, the school changed ownership from the Okelo’s and is now under the ADvTECH Group. Makini Schools aim is to become a world class Kenyan curriculum and International curriculum school in the region.

  • Worrying Trend as Donkey Numbers Plummet to alarming levels

    Worrying Trend as Donkey Numbers Plummet to alarming levels

    Concerns have been raised following the plummeting of donkey numbers countrywide.

    Brooke East Africa through the Regional Director Raphael Kinoti noted that going by the Government’s statistics, there were 1.8M donkeys as of 2009 but currently we just have 1.2M donkeys left, meaning a whooping 600,000 have been eliminated.

    “We blame all this on the Department of Veterinary Services that okeyed the trade in donkey hide thereby giving unscrupulous people a chance to burn the midnight oil eliminating the animals. The trade should be banned totally in order to give these handy animals a chance to survive,” Dr Kinoti noted.

    Dr Kinoti also highlighted the importance of community participation in weeding out the theft of donkeys.

    “The society has a critical role to play in informing the authorities any person found driving donkeys in a suspicious manner. Such a person should be reported to the authorities because he poses a great risk to the entire country.

    During a field visit to Ndeiya, Brooke East Africa assessed the magnitude of illegal donkey slaughter whereby hundreds of carcasses were evident that the cartels are posing a real threat to donkeys.

    “We have seen here today that this illegal slaughter takes place in the cover of darkness and is conducted in the bushes. The hides are quickly removed and the carcass deboned leaving just the skeleton. It’s believed that the meat is then traded in the black Market thereby posing another great health risk to members of the public. This is because donkeys are a carrier to several deadly diseases such as the Equine flu, rabies anthrax and the like,”

    Dr Kinoti noted that Brooke East Africa will continue to work with like minded institutions and the authorities in creating awareness, advocacy and enforcement in a bid to safeguard the equines.

  • Building MSES networks and benchmarking delegation commensed

    Building MSES networks and benchmarking delegation commensed

    The recent visit of the Elimika self-help group from Tana River County to the Micro Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) in Embu/Tharaka Nithi region. The purpose of the visit was to benchmark and network with established actors in the mango value chain in Embu County.

    The delegation, led by Mr. Zachary Kibara ADED of Tana River/Lamu region and Mr. Richard Mutua of CISP-rebuild project officer, had the opportunity to visit Karurumo Horticulture in the Karurumo area of Runyenjes constituency. Karurumo Horticulture serves as a hub for horticulture and produces aggregation and value addition, focusing on mangoes, bananas, and other crops. It is owned and managed by the Karurumo Aggregators and Processors Association, which has been successful in adding value to mangoes through the development of various products.

    During the visit, the two groups, representing Elimika and Karurumo Aggregators and Processors Association, had the chance to interact, exchange ideas, and share success stories and challenges related to product development, marketing, and group dynamics/management. This exchange of knowledge and experiences is valuable for both parties as it promotes learning and fosters collaboration.

    Additionally, the Elimika group had the opportunity to learn about banana value addition from both the Karurumo association and Faith Mbogo of Kikai Foods Group, located in Kirigi Manyatta constituency. This further enriched their understanding of value addition in the agricultural sector.

    Mr. Munoru Edward, the representative from MSEA Embu, emphasized the importance of embracing intercounty entrepreneurial networks and benchmarking for the sustainable growth and development of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). By fostering these connections and promoting market linkages, MSEs can thrive and contribute to the economic development of the region.

    Overall, the visit and exchange of ideas between the Elimika self-help group and the mango value chain actors in Embu County are positive steps toward strengthening the agricultural sector and promoting entrepreneurship. The sharing of experiences and knowledge will contribute to the growth and success of MSEs in both the Tana River and Embu/Tharaka Nithi regions.

  • Kiambu MP addresses mental Health wellness to combat stigma

    Kiambu MP addresses mental Health wellness to combat stigma

    Kiambu Woman Representative is actively working to address mental health wellness and combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues in Kiambu County. Mental Health Awareness Month provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health.

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which has been observed since 1949. This annual event serves as a platform to raise awareness about mental health and to combat the stigma surrounding Mental Health Issues.

    The stigma surrounding mental health has often prevented individuals from seeking help and discussing their psychological issues openly. As a result, many cases of family breakups, suicides, homicides, and substance abuse have occurred unnecessarily. By addressing these issues early and professionally, such tragedies can be prevented.

    Honorable Ann Muratha recognizes the importance of education, advocacy, and support in creating a more understanding and compassionate society for those facing mental health challenges. It’s worth noting that a significant portion of diseases, about 85%, have psychosomatic origins, highlighting the crucial connection between mental and physical health.

    As the Mama County of Kiambu, Honorable Ann Muratha is committed to promoting mental health and wellness across the 60 wards in the county. Her vision includes establishing counseling and wellness units in each ward to provide psychological services and support to the public. By bringing these services closer to the community, individuals in need will have easier access to the help they require.

    Honorable Ann Muratha emphasizes the importance of seeking help when needed and encourages individuals to embrace the natural cycle of life, which includes experiencing both ups and downs. By taking care of ourselves and supporting one another, we can work together to build a healthier and happier society for all. Sharing problems and seeking support is an effective way to address mental health challenges, as it helps in finding solutions and alleviating burdens.

    Honorable Ann Muratha’s efforts to prioritize mental health and wellness are commendable. By promoting awareness, advocating for support, and establishing accessible counseling and wellness units, she is contributing to a society that prioritizes mental well-being. This dedication will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in Kiambu County.

  • Governors of Central Banks Meet for Harmonization of Remittance Policies

    Governors of Central Banks Meet for Harmonization of Remittance Policies

    By Steve El Sabai

    May 15, 20The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is hosting a meeting for Governors of Central Banks from IGAD Member States.

    The objective of this two-day meeting is to review, discuss and endorse an action plan for the implementation of the regional roadmap for the harmonisation of remittance policies across IGAD member countries.

    In that endeavour, the meeting will receive an update on the progress made in the implementation of the Regional Harmonization of Remittance Policies Project since its inception in  2021.

    The initiative aims in unlocking the huge potential of migrant’s remittances for sustainable development.

    The meeting will receive a debrief on the meeting that endorsed the regional roadmap for the implementation of the harmonization of remittance policies, its implementation approach, timelines, and performance indicators.

    The bottlenecks to the smooth inflows of remittances within and to the region will also be deliberated on by the governors.

    Remedial actions to reduce the impacts of those challenges will be proposed for future consideration.

    The Governors of Central Banks discussed and agreed to appoint a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) from each of the Member States for the day-to-day implementation of the action plan and a Regional Steering Committee constituted by one member from each of the Member States.

    Harmonisation for this project entails all the processes by which policies, regulatory frameworks and standards concerning approved remittances/ payment infrastructures establish similarity of processes and services or a mutual understanding of the information provided according to these policies, regulations, standards, and payment interoperability infrastructures.

    The processes may include aligning similar laws, regulations and standards and/or determining equivalence focusing on core issues in the areas of licensing and authorization regimes; electronic money (especially mobile money); payout networks on agencies; customer on boarding on risk-based know-your-customer (KYC); consumer protection; foreign exchange regulations and interoperability of payment infrastructure.

    Regional harmonisation of remittance policy and regulatory frameworks provides opportunities to deepen financial markets, make monetary policy more successful, reduce supervision and implementation costs, and open remittance service access to a broader population, thereby fostering economic growth.

    Moreover, it provides for more streamlined supervision, better interconnected financial services, and the proliferation of new technology as cross-border remittance service providers (RSPs) transfer know-how to other Member States.