by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, commerce, financial services, loans, money
-
Safaricom PLC declared that M-Pesa services would be temporarily halted on Monday, March 24, due to planned maintenance.
-
The announcement ignited discussions in Kenya, particularly amongst M-Pesa users who expressed worries about the Fuliza borrowing caps.
-
A client stated that they have an Okoa Jahazi airtime credit worth up to KSh 1,000; however, their Fuliza limit is only KSh 100.
The LIFEHACK.co.ke correspondent Wycliffe Musalia boasts more than six years of expertise in areas such as finance, commerce, tech, and environmental issues. This wealth of knowledge provides him with significant perspectives on both Kenya’s and international economic patterns.
Kenyan citizens keep expressing their worries about the Safaricom Fuliza borrowing cap and who can qualify for it.
The top telecommunications company and mobile financial services leader in the nation announced that their overdraft loan feature is accessible to all M-Pesa clients and is provided by the respective banking institution.
What Safaricom stated regarding increased Okoa Jahazi charges and reduced Fuliza limits
An M-Pesa user vented on social media about the company mistakenly allocating her KSh 1,000 for Okoa Jahazi (airtime credit), even though she was only qualified for a Fuliza limit of KSh 100.
“Hear me clearly, I gave you an Okoa Jahazi worth KSh 1,000 but your Fuliza still stands at KSh 100,” the customer exclaimed.
As a result, Safaricom advised the customer to meet certain criteria so she could obtain an increase in her Fuliza limit, which is determined by the bank.
The telecommunications company stated that customers should regularly utilize Safarcom services such as M-Pesa, data packages, Okoa Jahazi, and airtime top-ups.
A different customer raised a similar issue, mentioning that their Okoa limit is set at KSh 2,500, but they have no Fuliza loan limit whatsoever.
Hellen Mukuna sighed, ‘My Okoa limit is KSh 2,500, yet I have no Fuliza limit at all,’ she said.
Safaricom replied:
Hello Helen, apologies for the inconvenience. Each one has distinct terms and conditions; these must be met for qualification, which explains the variation.
What initiated the discussion around the Fuliza loan limits?
Following the announcement, the telecom firm declared that M-Pesa services would be temporarily suspended for planned maintenance starting on Monday, March 24.
Safaricom stated that all M-PESA services would experience an outage for approximately half an hour; however, other services such as voice calls, text messages, and data packages will remain operational.
Kenyan citizens turned to social media platforms to voice their discontent with several services provided by the telecom company, such as Fuliza, M-Shari, and the internet access.
Why you might want to avoid opting out of Fuliza
The telecommunications company claimed that continuing to use its services increases customers’ likelihood of qualifying for and raising their credit limits.
If a customer is already enrolled in Fuliza, choosing to opt out might affect their limits.
In January 2025, a Kenyan man expressed disappointment when he tried to cancel his overdraft facility but wanted to increase his credit limit instead.
The M-Pesa client expressed interest in raising his Fuliza limit to KSh 30,000 from KSh 9,500.
Nevertheless, Ufa’s disappointments intensified when he decided to rejoin the service, only to find himself assigned a zero loan limit, down from KSh 9,500.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | buses, business, infrastructure, public transportation, transportation
The Transportation Department of Ho Chi Minh City has suggested setting up bus stops within the new domestic terminal T3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and plans to create 20 bus routes for passenger convenience.
In a recent submission to the Ministry of Construction, ACV, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the department stated that with the introduction of Terminal T3 in May, which will become functional then, the overall passenger capacity at the airport is set to increase to 50 million annually.
The department has suggested that the airport allocate particular areas in front of the new terminal for buses picking up and dropping off passengers. Additionally, they have sought authorization from the Ministry of Construction to run approximately 20 bus routes that will transport passengers directly to Terminal T3.
Based on the present timetable, Terminal T3 will handle domestic flights for Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. Meanwhile, other domestic airlines such as Vasco, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, and Pacific Airlines will keep using Terminal T1.
In conjunction with the urban bus network expansion, Tan Son Nhat Airport is introducing a shuttle service designed to move travelers between the current terminals and the recently finished T3 facility.
Terminal T3 will be capable of handling up to 20 million passengers each year, which would make it the biggest domestic terminal in Vietnam. Financed by ACV, this approximately VND11 trillion (USD$445 million) initiative commenced construction towards the end of 2022, with significant work on the main passenger area beginning in August 2023.
The terminal will be opened two months earlier than originally planned.
To enhance accessibility to Terminal T3, a 4-kilometer-long Tran Quoc Hoan–Cong Hoa link road will be opened as well. The purpose of this new route is to strengthen connections among vital urban infrastructures and alleviate traffic jams in the densely populated Tan Son Nhat region—one of HCMC’s most intricate traffic bottlenecks.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | asia, business, energy sector, politics, u.s. china relations
The “regressive policy shifts” implemented by US President Donald Trump concerning China’s solar industry may inadvertently damage America’s clean energy sector by prompting Chinese companies to divert their investments elsewhere, as stated in a recent report.
Chinese solar firms had committed to constructing multiple facilities for producing photovoltaic solar components in the U.S., with plans totaling more than 20 GW expected to become operational by late 2025. However, future initiatives could face challenges because of policy changes under the Trump administration, according to an analysis of worldwide solar manufacturing developments published on Monday by the Sydney-based research group Climate Energy Finance.
Since resuming his role in the administration, Trump has
raised tariffs
For all Chinese products, the tax breaks established under the Inflation Reduction Act to motivate companies to move their manufacturing to the United States were put on hold, along with Department of Energy loans being suspended. This has made Chinese solar businesses hesitant when considering investments in the U.S. market.
Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and global trends? Find your answers here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our updated platform features handpicked content including explainer articles, FAQ sections, detailed analysis, and informative infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.
“Import taxes can shield local producers, yet this comes with the drawback of higher expenses for domestic buyers,” stated Harry Martin, an analyst from the research institute.
Instead, Chinese companies will
accelerate their expansion
Into Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where authorities must rapidly increase solar power capabilities to address escalating energy needs.
“Other policymakers should pay attention: erecting trade barriers against China will merely divert investments to other areas ready to capitalize on its tech supremacy,” Martin stated.
China is the energy boon of this century – why lock the stable door? Numerous countries are already securing their positions with attractive incentives.
Last year, China’s outward investment in clean technology “turned into a major rush,” with Chinese firms pouring approximately US$140 billion into overseas projects since 2023, according to the report.
Before Trump’s presidency, Chinese firms had been actively seeking investment opportunities in the U.S. As highlighted in the report, in 2024, China-based LONGi teamed up with American clean energy firm Invenergy to launch a 5 GW photovoltaic (PV) solar panel plant in Ohio. Additionally, Jiangsu Runergy inaugurated a 2 GW PV module facility in Alabama as per the same document.
However, China’s solar sector is now redirecting its focus to other markets. The report forecasts that by 2030, Chinese firms will dominate the module manufacturing capacity in the Middle East and North Africa — just as they currently do in Southeast Asia.
In 2024, China favored forming strategic partnerships and undertaking extensive multi-phase initiatives in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the broader Global South, according to Climate Energy Finance.
The report stated that government-set renewable energy goals, utility-led auctions, incentive programs, and extended power purchasing contracts were the factors attracting Chinese firms to invest in these areas.
Through expansion into Southeast Asia, Chinese firms have the potential to serve Western energy markets by bypassing trade barriers via solar photovoltaic production primarily situated in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia, as mentioned in the report.
The report mentioned that in late 2024, the United States introduced anti-dumping and countervailing duties as high as 271 percent on panels coming from specific Southeast Asian countries. This action impacted Chinese initiatives within the area.
These additional responsibilities have imposed significant financial strain on Chinese producers and led to reduced output and idle facilities in nations such as Vietnam.
However, Chinese manufacturers have countered by relocating their production to countries like Indonesia and Laos that are exempt from these tariffs, according to Martin.
According to the report, Chinese firms are making significant advances in the Middle East and North Africa, drawn by factors such as free trade zones, reasonably priced land, exemption from tariffs, substantial governmental backing, increasing domestic consumption, and their pivotal role for accessing both burgeoning and European-American markets.
“Saudi Arabia
is leading the region
In terms of luring investments from Chinese solar photovoltaic firms, the area is witnessing multibillion-dollar commitments from these enterprises,” stated Martin.
More Articles from SCMP
What is 6G and why is China racing ahead of US and Europe with the technology?
8 participants from the Hong Kong study group traveling to mainland China contracted norovirus.
AI specialist Guo-Jun Qi moves from the US to China
Rolling out the red carpet for ASEAN guests is indeed the appropriate move.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets US Senator Daines: calls for frankness, deeper trust
The article initially appeared on the South ChinaMorning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China andAsia.
Copyright © 2025. South ChinaMorning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, commerce, economics, global economy, international trade
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): According to DHL, India is poised to significantly contribute to worldwide trade growth over the coming five years, securing the third position in terms of total trade increase.
Trade
Atlas 2025 report.
It is anticipated that the nation will contribute 6 percent to the increased worldwide trade during this timeframe, coming right after China (with 12 percent) and the United States (at 10 percent).
The document underscored India’s increasing significance in global commerce, along with other rising economic powers like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These nations are predicted to rank within the top 30 for rapidity and magnitude of trade activities.
It was stated that over the coming five years, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are expected to be ranked within the top 30 countries for both the pace and volume of trade expansion. Additionally, India is highlighted as having the third highest predicted increase in total trade volumes.
In recent times, India’s trade record has stood out significantly. As of 2024, it ranked as the world’s 13th biggest trader; however, it achieved an impressive compound annual trade growth rate of 5.2 percent between 2019 and 2024. By comparison, this pace considerably surpassed the global trade increase rate of merely 2 percent over those five years.
The report credited India’s swift expansion in trade to its robust economic stability and increased participation in international trading systems.
A significant pattern highlighted in the report is the growing participation of nations not closely allied with either the U.S. or China in worldwide commerce. This proportion climbed from 42 percent in 2016 to 47 percent in 2024.
According to the report, countries such as the United Arab Emirates, India, Vietnam, Brazil, and Mexico have notably boosted their involvement in international trade, solidifying their roles as major actors in the developing worldwide economic scene.
Moreover, commerce with nations regarded as neutral—those not aligning closely with either the U.S. or China—has increased, rising from 15.4 percent in 2016 to 17.5 percent in 2024. This development underscores a move toward a more varied and multi-pole trading landscape.
Given its robust economic foundation and growing engagement in international trade, India is excellently poised to maintain its positive momentum in global commerce. In the upcoming years, India is anticipated to strengthen its position as one of the quickest-expanding trading countries globally. (ANI)
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, economics, exports, international economics, manufacturing
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): With worries surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump,
Trump
According to a report by Motilal Oswal, India’s tariff policies present an opportunity to bolster its local manufacturing sectors.
The report stated that although the tariffs present difficulties like increasing expenses, variations in currency values, and possible declines in export revenues, they simultaneously create opportunities for India to emphasize self-sufficiency and enhance domestic manufacturing.
“Despite ongoing worries about rising expenses, fluctuating currency values, and possible effects on exports, India has the opportunity to leverage trade disputes and strengthen its local businesses,” the report stated.
In recent years, the United States has implemented significant tariffs on goods coming from India. Specifically, in 2018, a tariff rate of 25 percent was applied to $761 million worth of steel imports from India, along with a 10 percent duty on $382 million worth of aluminum products.
The increased expenses rendered Indian goods less competitive in the US market, resulting in a 46 percent decrease in steel exports over the course of a year. As American purchasers chose more affordable options, Indian companies experienced financial losses.
A major worry for India is how trade tensions affect its currency. Additionally, the report noted that India imports 87 percent of its crude oil, which requires payment in U.S. dollars.
A depreciating rupee because of capital outflows caused by worldwide trade conflicts would increase the expense of oil imports, exerting pressure on India’s economy. The report cautions that an extended tariff dispute might reduce India’s GDP by 0.3 percent.
Even with these difficulties, India has the potential to transform this scenario into an advantage. Traditionally, India has kept tariffs higher compared to other significant economic powers. Through careful implementation of import taxes and by bolstering local businesses, India could lessen its reliance on products from abroad.
The report indicated that the trade dispute ought to drive India toward achieving manufacturing independence and increasing exports in areas less impacted by tariff measures.
Trump
The country’s strategies strive to strike a balance between protective measures and sustaining American competitiveness in international markets. Despite the resulting uncertainties, according to a report, India could leverage the circumstances by boosting domestic manufacturing, attracting local investment, and enhancing trade deals with other countries. (ANI)
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, commerce, news, outages, telecommunications
-
Safaricom PLC has declared planned system upkeep for its services, set to take place on Monday, March 24, 2025.
-
The top telecommunications company stated that all M-Pesa services will experience an outage for approximately half an hour during this maintenance period.
-
The news ignited discussions among Kenyans, particularly Safaricom subscribers, who voiced worries about the telecom’s various offerings.
The journalist Wycliffe Musalia from LIFEHACK.co.ke boasts more than six years of expertise in areas such as finance, business, technology, and climate reporting. This extensive background provides him with significant understanding of both Kenya’s and worldwide economic patterns.
Customers of Safaricom faced a half-hour disruption in services after a planned system maintenance was carried out.
The top telecoms and mobile banking company stated that these maintenance activities are part of their dedication to improving services for their clients.
What Safaricom services encountered issues?
On Saturday, March 22, Safaricom issued a statement to the public announcing that all M-PESA services would experience disruptions during the maintenance work planned for Monday, March 24.
Part of the notification stated, ‘All other Safaricom services such as calls, data, and SMS will remain continuously accessible.’
The telecommunications company stated that the maintenance schedule has been planned to minimize disruption for customers, and apologized to those who might experience issues as a result.
How did Kenyans comment on Safaricom’s maintenance?
Nevertheless, this announcement ignited discussions amongst Kenyans, with several individuals expressing dissatisfaction over restricted or non-existent access to certain M-Pesa features such as Fulaja and M-Shwari loans.
They contended that as long-term customers, their SIM cards had never been eligible for an upgrade or a higher loan limit.
Kipngeno Josphat Bett asked:
Safaricom has decided to discontinue some of their loan services like Fuliza M-Shwari. What factors should be considered regarding this decision?
Kârtêlÿ KE wondered:
Since I last saw my friend, they have been lending me money for more than three years now.
Wekesa Dennis Simiyu asked:
My line has been active for more than 10 years, yet I can use Fuliza 00. Why is that?
Gi Tau Jo Hn pleaded:
Could you please assist me in increasing my Fuliza limit since mine consistently stays at zero?
Sammie Wales wrote:
Safaricom ndio ninasoma kwamba kutoka kwa Fuliza, unaokosa ni muhimu kukubaliana na usalama au hata uweze hatari zenye chanzo bado zipo.
Safaricom internet services
Other customers reported issues with Safaricom’s internet services, specifically mentioning the Safaricom Home Fibre.
Fridah Weish asked:
What’s happening with the home fiber? It keeps turning on and off. In the next room, it’s completely out of order…
Thomas Mnang’at claimed:
Leo kulingana asubuhi, tafuta data ambayo imeshululiwa mara kadhaa za siku iliyopita ikiwa haijafanyika tena mapema mumetemelia pesa zangu.
Millie Jeps Rutto requested:
There seems to be an issue with our network here; could you please send us a booster?
Ceci Solai wondered:
Alafu network siku hizi inatetesha vizuri sana kama hivi mara la Tukielezeza Ni Kwa Nini?
Charlez Parsankah Didaz asked:
Sasa siku hizi linetelevishwa kwamba maelezo ya mtandao yasiyo sahihi yanatumika.
Shiko Irene argued:
I purchased data packages last week, but the network disappeared until the bundles expired without any notice. Although I did not raise an issue at that time, dealing with your debt has become a hassle that troubles me greatly; thus, please compensate me, guys.
