Cross Switch, a provider of class-leading payment solutions, has strengthened its African presence by officially launching services in Kenya and partnering with licensed local payment provider Pesawise.

This collaboration makes the most of Pesawise’s solid regulatory standing and trusted reputation, allowing Cross Switch to establish it’s footprint and, together with Pesawise, immediately deliver robust payment solutions to businesses, merchants and charitable organisations throughout Kenya.

Cross Switch brings to the partnership a highly scalable global payments infrastructure, allowing merchants simple and frictionless acceptance across multiple payment channels, including Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, mobile money and bank platforms.

Through Cross Switch’s unified platform, businesses can now take advantage of simplified payment processing, significantly reduced costs and faster transaction settlements.

The Cross Switch solution is tailored to support businesses of every shape and size, driving financial inclusion while at the same time empowering social impact organisations.

Numerous merchants across multiple sectors, including hospitality, e-commerce and delivery services and crypto (in approved markets) are already using Cross Switch’s innovative solutions on the African Continent and across Latin America. The confidence the Kenyan market has already shown in Cross Switch has already shown immediate effect in Kenya with the with Pesawise partnership.

Cross Switch has a powerful track record of success, and it relies on Pesawise, a nimble locally licensed payment provider with a young and dynamic management team, to contribute meaningfully to Cross Switch’s growth ambitions and customer-focused philosophy.

Cross Switch CEO Tim Davis said: “During the establishment phase of this partnership it is refreshing to see a shared common set of values with Pesawise, to provide our customers with best-in-class service levels and straightforward solutions. And a common mission to democratize technology and drive social impact across Africa. With their exceptional team and proven ability to provide relevant value-added services, we believe Pesawise will excel in the fast-moving fintech space.”

Pesawise, a fully regulated and authorised Payment Service Provider, is in good standing with the Central Bank of Kenya, ensuring rigorous compliance and secure handling of merchant funds in trusted Tier-1 banks.

Jamal Khan, CEO of Pesawise, said: “We’re thrilled to take this next step in our journey with Cross Switch as our technology partner. Their deep knowledge and robust technology solutions will enable us to provide innovative solutions tailored to the needs of emerging markets. Together, we aim to strengthen the digital payments ecosystem in Kenya. We’ve already secured key wins together—including supporting merchants like Glovo Kenya—through a combination of Cross Switch’s expertise and our dedicated local team.”

Extended partnership announced ahead of next week’s Unity Cup tournament in London

Leading African sportsbook Bet9ja has renewed its support for the Nigeria national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bet9ja collaborated with Nigerian Football Federation partners Sportdotcom for AFCON 2023 to launch the first ‘Let’s Do It Again’ campaign – in reference to the fact Nigeria are hunting for their fourth continental title.

The partnership has now been extended for AFCON 2025 after Nigeria booked their place at the tournament, which kicks off in Morocco in December. The Super Eagles have been drawn alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C of the tournament.

The announcement comes ahead of next week’s Unity Cup tournament, in which Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago will go head to head at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. The tournament sees semi-final matches on May 27 and May 28, ahead of the final on May 31.

Bet9ja is Nigeria’s leading sportsbook and is powered by Logifuture, global leader in B2B operations providing state-of-the-art iGaming products and services.

Bet9ja chairman Kunle Soname said: “We’re proud to renew our support for the Super Eagles as they ramp up their preparations for another tilt at the AFCON title. After lifting the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013 we’re backing them to go all the way again – Let’s Do It Again for 2025!

“Football is a unifying force across Africa and our partnership reflects our deep commitment to the game, the fans, and the future of Nigerian sport. This renewed partnership is about more than just brand alignment – it’s about national pride and shared ambition.

“By supporting the Super Eagles once again, Bet9ja aims to rally fans across Nigeria and beyond, reigniting the spirit of belief and unity that football brings to the nation.”

Toyosi Oyetunji, Senior Partner at Sportdotcom Limited, said: “At Sportdotcom, we are proud to once again partner with Bet9ja on the Let’s Do It Again campaign for the Super Eagles as they head to AFCON 2025 in Morocco. The buzz we created together during the last tournament was only the beginning. This time, we’re taking it to the next level – with more energy, more passion, and an unshakable belief in our team. As the Super Eagles chase a historic fourth title, we’re rallying Nigerians everywhere to dream big and stand united. Let’s Do It Again… Naija 4 the win!”

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has renewed its partnership with Hollywoodbets, ensuring the continued support and growth of the Hollywoodbets Super League.

This milestone reinforces Hollywoodbets’ unwavering commitment to advancing women’s sports in South Africa and beyond. The Hollywoodbets Super League stands as a beacon of progress, providing female athletes with a platform to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level.

This renewed partnership between Hollywoodbets and SAFA reflects a shared vision to elevate women’s football, fostering a league that is both competitive and inspirational while paving the way for South Africa to become a dominant force in global women’s football.

SAFA CEO Ms Lydia Monyepao said: “The renewal of sponsors in a tough economy must be applauded in the growth of women’s football. Our recent launch of the South African Women’s Football Strategy demonstrates our focus in this area and Hollywoodbets has put their money where their mouths is in supporting women’s growth through football. Our aim is to be in the forefront in developing girls who play a role in our society into women, and through this league we have seen more players and more women leaving our shores to work as players, coaches etc. This is a testament of the value partners add into the lives of women in football. Through the SABC, over 50 matches will be seen live on SABC 1 and more on the Sport Channel, including SABC+. This has created a great platform for our players to inspire the next generation.”

“Hollywoodbets is proud to renew its partnership with SAFA, a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to the growth and professionalisation of women’s football in South Africa, This continued partnership underscores our dedication to inspiring young girls across the country, showing them that with passion and perseverance, they too can become stars like the heroes they look up to,” said Hollywoodbets spokesperson Zandile Dlamini.