Month: June 2025

Ghana’s leading payment services provider, Hubtel, emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 2025 Digital Innovation Awards (DIA), clinching four prestigious awards that highlight its impact in e-commerce, SME enablement, and digital innovation. 

The company was awarded: 

• E‑Commerce Platform of the Year 

• SME Digital Enabler of the Year 

• Innovation Team of the Year 

• Technology Innovator of the Year – awarded to Alex Bram, CEO of Hubtel 

The Digital Innovation Awards (DIA), formerly known as the Ghana Information Technology & Telecom Awards (GITTA), is Ghana’s premier recognition platform for excellence in ICT, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. Since its launch in 2010, it has grown into one of the continent’s foremost innovation awards, celebrating achievements across fintech, telecom, government, health, education, and agriculture. 

Often referred to as the “Oscars of the ICT industry”, DIA is now in its 14th edition and has taken a bold step into continental space. The 2025 edition officially introduced Pan-African categories, celebrating digital leadership and innovation across countries including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Botswana, and Ethiopia. 

Speaking at the event after receiving all four awards on behalf of the company, Nana Owusu-Marfo, Head of UX & Marketing at Hubtel, shared: 

“These awards are not just a recognition of our work, they’re a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a team commits to solving real problems with heart, clarity, and consistency. From merchants to customers, our mission has always been to make everyday life a little easier and a lot more connected.” 
 
He added, “We dedicate these wins to every teammate, partner, and merchant who believes in what we’re building.” 

• E‑Commerce Platform of the Year celebrates Hubtel’s intuitive marketplace and quick-commerce innovation—bringing essentials like food, groceries, and bill payments to customers’ fingertips across Ghana. 

• SME Digital Enabler of the Year recognizes Hubtel’s continued investment in tools that help small and medium-sized businesses grow—such as POS systems, payment solutions, and messaging tools. 

• Technology Innovator of the Year, awarded to Alex Bram, affirms his role in pioneering local fintech and launching Ghana’s first AI Lab. 

• Innovation Team of the Year spotlights the engineers, product teams, designers, and delivery staff whose combined effort powers Hubtel’s ecosystem. 

As Hubtel celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, these awards come at a symbolic moment. They reinforce the company’s drive to expand nationally, launch AI‑powered tools, support local merchants, and keep innovating with impact. 
 
With these wins, Hubtel continues to lead the charge in shaping Ghana’s digital economy, and now, increasingly, Africa’s. 

What does it take for a technology company to remain relevant, impactful, and useful in Ghana for 20 years? The answer lies not just in innovation, but in consistency, bold thinking, and a deep commitment to people, especially the merchants, businesses, and everyday customers who believed in the journey. 

20 & Evolving, our 20-year journey, captures that with honesty and pride. It tells the story of a company that began with small ideas and big dreams, navigating change, near-failures, breakthrough moments, and everything in between. Told through the voices of those who lived it, the film reflects on what it truly means to build in Ghana, not just for profit, but for progress and impact.

READ ALSO: A Letter to God – Alex Bram’s Speech at Hubtel’s 20th Anniversary

For our merchants, this is your story too. You’ve been a part of every milestone, from embracing new tools to giving feedback that shaped better products to trusting us with your business every single day. We celebrate this journey with you because we couldn’t have done it without you. 

But this is not the end. As the documentary reminds us, the journey is only just beginning. The next 20 years will require even more creativity, partnership, and purpose. 

Watch the full documentary here: 20 & Evolving 

Let’s continue building something extraordinary — together. 

Onyxma, as an Oil Marketing Company (OMC), is committed to delivering high-quality fuel and energy solutions directly to customers while enhancing overall customer experience through quality service and support.

Given the nature of the industry, three key factors are crucial to its operations: the speed of transactions for efficiency at service points, a smooth system for easy service, and an exceptional customer experience that builds loyalty and satisfaction. 

READ ALSO: How Hubtel’s USSD is Improving Niobe Spa’s Customer Experience 

Decision to use Hubtel 

For Onyxma, they are continuously seeking ways to improve their efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. This is because, in the industry they operate in, these two factors account for retaining customers. A key area they aimed to improve was their payment process.    

“As part of our commitment to improving efficiency, we have focused on refining our payment processes,” explains Mr. Kumah, Manager at Onyxma. “And for us, this is where Hubtel’s USSD is most beneficial to our operations.

It makes payments easy for our customers because, regardless of their network, they can easily dial the code and pay, even without the need for the internet.” 

“I would say it is a win-win situation for both us and our customers because payments are processed faster for us, and customers can make easy payments without additional costs.” 

No Hidden Costs, No Charges 

Initially, Onyxma was cautious about signing up for Hubtel’s USSD due to concerns about potential costs. However, they quickly realized that onboarding and usage came with no hidden charges. 

As Mr. Kumah explains, “We assumed there would be extra expenses involved, but discovering that Hubtel’s USSD service has no hidden costs or charges for onboarding, and that the transaction fee was capped at 1% made our decision easy.” 

Real-time transaction monitoring and easy reconciliation 

The benefit of using Hubtel’s USSD for Onyxma was not just how it made it easy for their customers to pay. It also provided other advantages, such as real-time transaction monitoring, as well as making reconciliation easy. 

“The web dashboard that accompanies the USSD also allows us to monitor daily transactions as they happen. With this, we have a clear overview of all transactions processed by Hubtel, making it impossible for any theft risk,” says Mr. Kumah. 

He adds, “Additionally, the back office provides in-depth insights through the sales reports we generate. This makes reconciliations easy, as transactions are recorded in real time, eliminating the need for manual bookkeeping and the errors that come with it. This effectively addresses issues of miscalculations and missing funds.”  

Hourly settlement 

The hourly settlements that Hubtel provides also benefit the company’s operations. Given the nature of how OMCs operate, they often need readily available funds to manage their entire supply chain—from import to sale at the pump—to ensure smooth station operation.  

Highlighting the significant impact this has on their operations, Mr. Kumah stated that: “One of the key factors that convinced us to adopt Hubtel was the speed at which transactions are processed and reflected in our accounts.

Previously, delayed settlements created challenges for restocking and managing urgent expenses. Now, with settlements processed within an hour, funds are promptly transferred to our designated account for immediate operational needs.” 

The outcome: Enhancing Onyxma’s service operations with Hubtel USSD 

The decision to use Hubtel’s USSD has been particularly impactful for Onyxma. This is because the speed at which customers can pay has enhanced their overall experience, eliminated the risk of theft, and significantly improved operations. 

“I can confidently say that the ease of making payments has contributed to our steady progress,” says Mr. Kumah. “With 32 stations currently in operation, the benefits of using Hubtel’s USSD have been significant for both our customers and us.

While it may take time for all our customers to adopt it, the convenience and speed of Hubtel’s USSD make it a worthwhile move. Customers who currently use the USSD for payments are happier with the process,” Mr. Kumah concludes. 

Final Reflection 

Onyxma’s experience with Hubtel’s USSD demonstrates how digital payment solutions can transform operations in the oil marketing industry and across various industries.

By eliminating extra charges, enhancing transaction tracking, and enabling rapid hourly settlements, Hubtel has significantly improved both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

This digital shift not only minimizes risks associated with cash handling but also equips businesses with the agility needed to thrive in an ever-evolving market. 

At Niobe Spa & Salon, luxury is not just about the services offered—it is the entire experience, from the moment a client walks in, to the moment they leave. Niobe has built a reputation for delivering the finest in self-care, creating a calming experience for clients.  

However, its payment process did not quite match that ease, occasionally adding discomfort for both staff and clients. Recognizing the importance of every touchpoint, the team sought to enhance the payment process to match the comfort clients feel throughout their visit. 

READ ALSO: Bakeshop Classics’ Recipe for Success

“We promise our clients relaxation and ease, but our payment system was doing the exact opposite,” says Miss Ampong, Front Desk Manager. “Clients would finish their treatments feeling refreshed, only to be delayed at the payment stage. It was frustrating, and we knew we had to fix it.” 

The Payment Problem 

Before Hubtel, Niobe Spa & Salon relied on different payment platforms, many of which had recurring issues. Internet connectivity problems and system failures meant that transactions often took longer than expected, leaving clients waiting unnecessarily. This was particularly frustrating for those who preferred digital payments, as they expected a quick and convenient experience. 

“It was embarrassing when a client could not complete a payment because the system was down,” Miss Ampong explains. “People expect smooth service from start to finish, and payment delays were taking away from that experience.” 

The frequent delays not only affected customer satisfaction but also had an impact on the spa’s operations, as staff had to spend extra time resolving payment issues instead of focusing on delivering exceptional service. These challenges disrupted the flow of service and did not align with the spa’s commitment to providing a smooth and relaxing experience. 

The Hubtel Discovery: A Solution That Offered Convenience 

Niobe Spa & Salon needed more than just another payment option—they needed reliability, speed, and simplicity. The ideal solution had to work efficiently at all times, regardless of internet connectivity. This would enable every client to make payments without disruptions. 
 
“We wanted something that just worked no matter the time of day, no matter the network, and without our staff having to troubleshoot,” Miss Ampong says. “It wasn’t just about making payments; it was about protecting the service our brand is known for.” 

Through a recommendation, Niobe Spa & Salon was introduced to Hubtel’s USSD. Initially starting as a trial, it quickly became a fundamental part of their operations. Transactions became quick and reliable, eliminating the frequent downtimes they had previously faced. Best of all, the payments no longer depended on internet availability. 

“The first time we used Hubtel, we immediately saw the difference,” Miss Ampong recalls. “A client completed their payment in seconds, and the transaction was quickly processed. No more waiting, no more apologizing for system failures just a straightforward, efficient process.” 

From Payment Delays to Instant Transactions. 

Since adopting Hubtel’s USSD, Niobe Spa & Salon has seen a significant improvement in their payment process. The switch has not only simplified operations but also enhanced the overall customer experience.  

“Switching to Hubtel’s USSD service has brought clear and immediate benefits for us and our clients. Now, our customers can quickly complete their payments without unnecessary waiting, thanks to the fast processing of payments through USSD. What’s even better is that they do not need to rely on Wi-Fi or mobile data, so payments can be made from all branches, at any time” Miss Ampong remarked. 

Beyond Payments: Strengthening Customer Trust 

By addressing payment-related challenges, Niobe Spa & Salon has been able to improve both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. With a payment solution that aligns with the spa’s commitment to convenience, clients leave feeling relaxed—not just from their treatments, but from a smoother experience that supports their trust in the spa. 

“Hubtel is more than a payment provider to us—it is a partner in our business,” Miss Ampong says. “We no longer stress about payments. We can now focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional service to every client who walks through our doors.” 

Embrace the Future of Payments Today 

By choosing Hubtel’s USSD service, the spa not only improved its payment process but also created a smoother experience for both clients and staff. With faster payments, and easy tracking, Hubtel offers a solution that aligns with the need for convenience and reliability. When we simplify operations, it becomes easier for customers too. Ready to make your business operations easy? Sign up now and transform your business experience. 

To mark Hubtel’s 20th anniversary, we came together for a night that was nothing short of unforgettable. Codes After Dark was all about connecting, letting loose, and simply having a blast. We shared good food, great music, electric performances, and a fireworks finale to remember. 

Here’s a quick look back at a night of pure bliss 

• Guests arrived from 6:30 PM 

• Welcome champagne at the entrance 

• Photo booth  

• Champions League match live streaming 

• Party kicked off with MCs and DJ Sleek 

• Artist performances  

• Fireworks  

• Goat soup to end the night 

Performing Artists

Why we chose these artistes to celebrate Hubtel at 20 

When a company turns 20, the world expects celebration. 
But we didn’t want confetti and speeches. 
We wanted something more, something that would tell our story. 

Because at Hubtel, we haven’t just been building software. We’ve been building something human. A company grounded in Ghanaian ingenuity, resilience, and heart. And what better way to tell that story than through music? 

So when it came time to choose who would perform at our 20th anniversary staff party, we didn’t just pick artistes based on popularity. We chose voices that resonated with different moments in Hubtel’s journey, from our first fragile Friday nights to the reinventions that have kept us relevant. 

This wasn’t just a playlist. It was a timeline. 
Here’s what each artiste meant to us: 

Lasmid — Our Friday Nights in Code 

In 2006, when our founding team was just ten people, Friday nights weren’t for chilling, they were for surviving. Surviving long deployments, delayed MoMo integrations, and proposals that had to be reprinted five times. 

When Lasmid’s “Friday Night” came out, it gave a voice to what our Fridays used to feel like. Chaos, exhaustion… and the quiet satisfaction of another week lived and built. 

His performance wasn’t just nostalgic, it was a tribute to the early grind. 

Kwaw Kese — The Madness We Believed In 

Starting a tech company in Ghana in 2005 with no capital, no office, and a cracked laptop sounds like a bad idea. But we believed in it. 

That kind of belief? It’s a little mad. 
Just like Kwaw Kese’s “Abodam”, which became an anthem for every misfit who dared to dream differently. 

When we pitched SMS billing to banks in dusty shoes, that song played in our heads. 
It reminded us that boldness doesn’t always look pretty, but it always pushes the boundaries. 

Dancegod Lloyd — Our Design in Motion 

At Hubtel, design isn’t just how something looks, it’s how it moves. And nobody embodies movement like Dancegod Lloyd. 

Our UX and Design teams have turned chaos into clarity. Over the years, we’ve evolved from “kelewele-sized buttons” to fluid, world-class interfaces. We’ve made mistakes, taken feedback, and grown. 

Dancegod Lloyd reminded us that like great design, dance can say everything, without saying a word. 

Samini — The Legacy We Still Stand On 

Some teams at Hubtel don’t seek the spotlight. Infrastructure. Finance. Internal Affairs. These are the foundations. The reason the app works, the lights stay on, and salaries land on time. 

Samini’s career, rooted in Ghanaian tradition, yet constantly evolving, mirrors that quiet strength. He’s adapted through eras, reinvented his sound, but never lost his identity. 

Like our backend teams, he is the proof that strength isn’t loud, it’s enduring. 

Guru — Our Hustle from the Streets Up 

Our Commercial and Major Accounts teams are not in fancy boardrooms. They’re in markets, gobe and waakye joints, convincing business owners that “click and deliver” is better than “cash and carry.” 

Guru, who is now also the SRC president at the University of Ghana, represents that same street grit. His career is a masterclass in showing up and staying relevant, no matter where you start. 

Kwesi Arthur & KelvynBoy — The Fight to Stay Relevant 

Ask our Product and QA teams, and they’ll tell you: it’s not hard to build something. 
What’s hard is keeping it great. 

Customers expect more with every update. The app that worked yesterday? It’s old news today. 

Kwesi Arthur and KelvynBoy know this feeling. They’ve both had to keep evolving, musically, personally, professionally to stay ahead. 

Their performance reminded us: reinvention isn’t a phase. It’s a habit. 

Wendy Shay — The Power Behind the Curtain 

At every company, there are people who make sure things are working, logistics, facilities, admin, support. Their names may not be in the headlines, but without them, the company would grind to a halt. 

Wendy Shay understands that life. Her career, built through silence and strength, reflects the reality of many women in music, powerful, consistent, under-credited. 

She was a perfect tribute to the Clare Agyekums and Augustina Barnors of Hubtel, the glue that holds it all together. 

Sarkodie — The Standard of Excellence 

If there’s one thing our Engineering and Marketing teams agree on, it’s this: success is not a one-time thing. You have to keep proving yourself. 

Like shipping a great app and marketing it well, Sarkodie’s career is built on consistent delivery. Every drop is better than the last. Every release is a performance. 

He is not just a rapper. He is a reminder of the power of focus, craft, and staying power, values we hold dearly at Hubtel. 

EL — The Art of Reinvention 

EL’s career speaks to a truth we know well at Hubtel: success doesn’t last forever. 

You can be on top today, and in the shadows tomorrow. What matters is what you do next. EL didn’t stop after his peak. He kept experimenting, kept going, kept showing up. 

His performance reminded us that when our season of silence comes, and it will, we too must find a new rhythm and keep moving. 

Fameye — The Humility of a New Beginning 

After COVID, when the world was figuring out what really mattered, a quiet voice emerged. Fameye. 

His songs weren’t loud. They were honest. And they spoke to something we were building too, the Hubtel Quick Commerce App. 

We didn’t just want to deliver jollof. We wanted to deliver a future, a world-class, proudly Ghanaian app that says: we can build great things here. 

Not from Silicon Valley. From Accra. 
Not by outsiders. But by us. 

Peter leba. Fameye reminded us, the future is already here. 

King Promise — Our Name Is Also a Promise

King Promise closed the night. And it was perfect. 

He is Ghana’s Artiste of the Year. Polished. Consistent. World-class. 
But like us, he took his time. And like us, he never compromised on quality. 

That’s what Hubtel is about now. Not just growth but greatness. 
Not just features but meaning. 
Not just technology but impact. 

After 20 years, we still believe that Ghana can build the best apps, the best platforms, and the best companies, right here. 

We believe that Hubtel is not just a name. 
It’s a promise. 

Moments We Loved 

Cheers to 20 Years🎉

To the entire Hubtel team  
You made it unforgettable. 
Thank you for the energy, the laughter, and the love. 

It’s Just Recreating the Job Market — and Ghana Is Just Getting Started 
By the Hubtel AI Lab 

In recent months, artificial intelligence (AI) has become the center of global conversation — and with it, a wave of fear. From Accra to Silicon Valley, people are asking the same question: “Is AI coming for my job?” 

As a team working at the forefront of AI research and implementation in Ghana, we’d like to say this clearly: AI is not here to take your job. It’s here to make your job better. Faster. Smarter. 

In fact, what AI is really doing is recreating the job market — and it’s giving countries like Ghana a unique opportunity to leap ahead, not fall behind. 

When AI Enters the Room, Work Becomes Faster 

Not long ago, a real estate contractor told us how long it takes to complete just six houses. The issue wasn’t materials or manpower — it was delays due to disorganization and lack of clarity on the ground. 

Imagine AI interpreting architectural drawings, mechanical layouts, and plumbing plans — and turning them into clear, step-by-step daily instructions for workers. Suddenly, confusion is replaced with momentum. Deadlines are met. Productivity skyrockets. 

This is how AI transforms work. It doesn’t replace the builder. It supercharges the builder’s speed and precision — and in a country where housing demand far exceeds supply, speed matters. 

Lawyers, Teachers, and Other Professionals Are Already Seeing the Benefits 

We’ve seen it ourselves: legal teams using AI to draft documents in minutes rather than days. Educators summarizing lesson plans or grading patterns instantly. AI doesn’t eliminate expertise — it frees up time for higher-value thinking. 

AI helps you work smarter. Not harder. 

Ghana’s Youth + AI = A Massive Opportunity 

Ghana has a young, ambitious population hungry for growth. AI can dramatically accelerate learning and skills development: 

• Vocational training becomes easier with AI-led visual guides and simulations. 

• Students in underserved areas gain access to smart tutors in local languages. 

• Coders and tech learners receive real-time feedback and project support. 

• Professionals in trades like plumbing, welding, or painting can use AI to plan projects and avoid costly mistakes. 

The outcome? A more skilled, adaptable workforce — built faster than traditional systems can support. 

READ ALSO: Hubtel Opens Ghana’s First AI Lab 

AI Can Power Smarter Governance 

AI’s potential extends beyond the private sector — into the heart of national development. 

Here’s what’s possible: 

• Urban planning with AI simulations that model roads, drains, and power needs before concrete is poured. 

• Public health monitoring, identifying trends before outbreaks escalate. 

• Smart budgeting, helping ministries prioritize funds based on data, not guesswork. 

• AI assistants for citizens, providing 24/7 access to services without long queues. 

• Cross-agency intelligence, using centralized data to identify waste, fraud, and duplication. 

With the right policy framework and data-sharing culture, Ghana can use AI to govern more effectively and spend more wisely. 

AI for Business: Your Free Consultant 

For Ghanaian entrepreneurs and business owners, AI is like hiring a brilliant assistant — free of charge: 

• Analyze customer complaints and sales trends. 

• Draft business emails, ads, or contracts. 

• Translate documents or summarize reports. 

• Identify gaps in inventory or operations. 

You don’t need a data scientist. You just need to start using the tools. AI levels the playing field for small businesses and startups — helping them think like big companies. 

READ ALSO: HubtelWay AI: An Artificial Intelligence Solution to Enhance Organizational Culture 

Final Thoughts: Relax, But Don’t Sleep 

AI is not a threat. It’s a tool. 

It will eliminate repetitive work. It will accelerate productivity. It will create new jobs that don’t exist yet. And it will allow developing countries like Ghana to leapfrog challenges we’ve struggled with for decades. 

But we must start now. To the youth, the professionals, the policymakers, the entrepreneurs — relax. AI isn’t here to take your job. It’s here to help you do more, do better, and move faster. 

And Ghana? 

We’re just getting started. 

This article was written by the research and engineering team at Hubtel’s AI Lab — a unit dedicated to exploring and applying artificial intelligence to local problems across commerce, public services, and digital infrastructure in Ghana.