For years, Akwantuo Express has been the go-to transport service for students moving between campuses in Ghana. Known for affordable fares and reliable service, the company has built a loyal following. But as bookings grew, payments became harder to manage.

Cash handling, third-party glitches, and reconciliation delays were putting pressure on both the team and their customers. To keep its promise of convenience, Akwantuo needed a new way forward. 

READ ALSO: How Azar Transformed 100 Years of Service with Hubtel USSD 

That’s when the company turned to Hubtel’s Direct Debit API — and the impact has been transformative. 

Key Outcomes at a Glance 

• Significant revenue growth since adoption with steady monthly increases 

• 80% of transactions now processed through Hubtel’s API 

• 100% decreases in revenue leakages. 

• Instant payment confirmations build student trust 

• Simplified reconciliation saves time and reduces errors 

About Akwantuo Express 

Founded in 2016, Akwantuo Express started with a simple mission: to make student travel affordable, safe, and stress-free. What began as a campus-based service has grown into a trusted travel partner for thousands of students and travellers across Ghana. Today, Akwantuo is known not only for its reliable buses but also for its commitment to making every part of the journey enjoyable. 

Staying Ahead Meant Rethinking Payments 

As demand grew, Akwantuo realised that their biggest challenge wasn’t just collecting money, it was keeping track of it. With agents handling cash, money sometimes went missing. Add in the mix of different third-party providers, and reconciliation became a nightmare. 

“Sometimes the money collected didn’t add up to the tickets issued,” recalls Derrick Smith, Team Lead at Akwantuo Express. “Other times, it would take forever to match transactions across different systems. It slowed us down and made it hard to trust the numbers we were seeing.” 

The pressure was even worse during peak travel seasons when students rushed to campuses. Payments got messy, and the team spent more time chasing after transactions than focusing on their customers. 

It became clear that if Akwantuo wanted to stay on top, it needed a simpler, more reliable system — one that could secure every cedi and make reconciliation effortless. 

A Better Way with Hubtel 

In its search for a better system, Akwantuo discovered the Hubtel Direct Debit API. Already familiar with Hubtel’s reputation in Ghana’s e-commerce space, the team trusted it could deliver. 

The integration was straightforward, and the benefits were visible. 

“Now, when a student books, the payment reflects instantly,” Derrick shared. “The Hubtel merchant dashboard tracks everything automatically. There is no stress and no chasing reports.” 

The Impact 

Since adopting Hubtel’s Direct Debit API, Akwantuo has seen a major shift in how payments flow through the business. 

• Faster settlements: Payments reach the business quickly, giving better control over cash flow. 

• Reduced revenue leakages: Missed or delayed payments are minimised, ensuring every transaction is captured. 

• High transaction adoption: Over 80% of bookings are now paid through Hubtel. 

• Simplified reconciliation: The finance team no longer spends hours tracking mismatches. 

• Improved customer experience: Students receive instant confirmation, boosting trust and confidence in the brand. 

• Revenue growth: Consistent collections and fewer payment drop-offs support steady month-on-month business growth. 

“It’s changed the way we run our operations,” Derrick adds. “Cash flow is steadier, our team spends less time fixing issues, and students trust the process more. That trust is what keeps them coming back.” 

READ ALSO: Now, Pay Small Small for the Things You Love 

Growing With Hubtel 

With payments under control, Akwantuo is setting its sights on expansion. The company plans to extend its services to more campuses and regions, knowing Hubtel will scale with them. 

“Hubtel has given us control over our payments,” Derrick concludes. “It’s reliable, simple, and it allows us to focus on what really matters — making student travel stress-free.”

Kokomlemle, Accra – September 11, 2025 – Hubtel, Ghana’s leading payment service provider, today announces the appointment of Simon Poole and Marjorie Saint-Lot to its Management Advisory Council, strengthening its vision to expand across Africa and reinforce its position as one of the continent’s most trusted digital commerce and payment enabler. 

The addition of Simon Poole and Marjorie Saint-Lot to its advisory leadership brings extensive expertise in finance, governance, capital markets, digital transformation, and cross-border expansion. 

Simon Poole – Finance, Governance & Value Creation Expert 

Simon Poole is a distinguished finance and investment leader whose career spans more than three decades across Africa, Europe, and international markets. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with PwC London, where he worked on landmark privatizations and management buyouts, he joined Bank of America as Vice President of Corporate Finance, building its advisory services for telecom clients and structuring complex debt and equity deals. 

His career took him into operational finance, where he pioneered shareholder value-based performance metrics, and then at Celtel International. At Celtel, Poole held CFO roles across multiple African markets before becoming Group Financial Controller in Amsterdam. He played a pivotal role in Celtel’s growth into one of Africa’s largest telecom operators, culminating in its landmark $3 billion acquisition by Zain. 

In 2011, Poole became an Operating Partner at Helios Investment Partners, Africa’s largest private equity firm with $3.5 billion under management. For over a decade, he served on boards and committees across diverse sectors, helping to rebuild management teams, embed Lean Six Sigma operational discipline, and elevate governance standards. His leadership contributed directly to the transformation and IPOs of several major companies: CAB Payments, which grew fifteenfold and listed on the London Stock Exchange as part of the FTSE 250; Helios Towers, one of Africa’s leading telecom infrastructure companies, which also listed in London in 2019; and Vivo Energy, carved out from Shell and floated in 2018. He also chaired the board of Solevo, a pan-African agricultural inputs distributor, strengthening its route-to-market and farmer engagement before its sale to DPI. 

Poole has also contributed to the rise of Africa’s fintech sector through board positions at Interswitch in Nigeria and Fawry in Egypt, both of which have become industry leaders in payments and digital services. Across his career, he has combined capital markets expertise with governance rigor to deliver sustainable value creation in frontier and emerging markets. At Hubtel, Simon brings unmatched experience in IPO leadership, financial discipline, and risk management to help the company achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s most useful company. 

Marjorie Saint-Lot – Digital Transformation & Market Expansion Strategist 

Marjorie Saint-Lot is a global executive with more than 20 years of experience leading digital transformation, financial inclusion, and market expansion initiatives across Africa, Europe, and North America. Fluent in both English and French, she has successfully bridged cultures and markets, delivering growth and innovation in some of the world’s most dynamic and challenging environments. 

She is currently Head of Francophone Africa at Taptap Send, where she manages operations across 14 countries with transaction volumes exceeding $300 million monthly. In this role, she has spearheaded four new market launches and deepened the company’s role in connecting African families and communities to vital remittance and payment services. 

Previously, she held several senior leadership roles at Uber, where she oversaw operations in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Tanzania, and Pakistan. In Ghana, she achieved profitability amid severe macroeconomic headwinds, proving the viability of new models in frontier markets. In Côte d’Ivoire, she led Uber’s operations to achieve 60-fold growth in just 12 months. Beyond growth metrics, Saint-Lot championed inclusion as Uber’s Women’s Empowerment Strategy Leader for Africa and the Middle East, creating pathways for women drivers and co-chairing Uber SSA’s women leadership programs. 

Before Uber, she spent nearly four years at Orange Côte d’Ivoire, where she directed high-value acquisitions worth more than €300 million and integrated subsidiaries in Liberia and Burkina Faso. Her leadership also drove innovative business models across mobile money, e-commerce, energy, and banking, positioning Orange as a leading player in West Africa’s digital economy. Earlier in her career, she held operational and strategic roles at Digicel Haiti, Veolia Transdev in France, PwC in Boston, and major financial institutions in Canada. She also mobilized €30 million in development funding for Côte d’Ivoire through her work with ADDR and the African Development Bank. 

Alongside her executive roles, Saint-Lot serves on the Board of Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, where she contributes to Audit and Governance Committees. She is also the Founder and CEO of Yarey Consultancy Group, advising organizations on growth strategy and governance. She holds a Master’s in Financial & Economic Engineering from Université de La Réunion in France and a Financial Planning Diploma from George Brown College in Toronto. 

At Hubtel, Marjorie brings her proven expertise in digital strategy, cross-border expansion, and stakeholder engagement to advance the company’s mission of enabling everyone to participate fully in Africa’s emerging digital economy. 

Building Africa’s Most Useful Company 

With Simon and Marjorie on its advisory council, Hubtel is equipped with the leadership and insight to expand beyond Ghana and help shape the future of Africa’s digital economy. 

About Hubtel 

Hubtel is a leading technology company licensed by the Bank of Ghana as an Enhanced Payment Service Provider. 

The company makes it easy for people to find and pay for everyday essentials from local businesses of all sizes. Hubtel’s payment processing, messaging, and feature-rich platform enable users to pay bills, make payments, order food, and purchase everyday essentials. 

The Financial Times of the UK named Hubtel as Ghana’s fastest-growing company for the 2022 financial year. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Forbes Magazine have also previously featured the company. 

Hubtel operates 23 offices across Ghana and has about 700 direct employees. Founded in 2005, Hubtel’s mission is to drive Africa forward by enabling everyone to find and pay for everyday essentials. The company aims to be Africa’s most useful company, building a platform on which everyone can find, pay, and easily partake in the emerging digital economy across the continent. 

For over 50 years, Rabito Clinic has been a leader in dermatology and skincare in Ghana, delivering world-class outpatient services across 19 branches. However, as the clinic grew, managing payments became increasingly complex. What started as an operational challenge soon became an opportunity for transformation, thanks to Hubtel. 

The Struggle with Payment Systems 

Before Hubtel, Rabito Clinic’s payment system was a mix of cash and credit payments. With 70% of transactions being cash-based, the clinic relied on third-party providers to handle card and MoMo payments, but these systems were far from ideal. Payment issues were a constant bother for both staff and patients. 

“Before Hubtel, we’d often face payment glitches. Clients would sometimes be debited twice, or they’d have to wait a long time because the system was glitching. It was frustrating for both our patients and the team,” said the accountant. 

Tracking transactions was equally challenging. “With the other providers, it wasn’t that flexible. Sometimes we had to place calls to get reports,” noted the finance team. 

READ ALSO: 20 & Evolving: The Hubtel Journey

Finding the Right Solution 

When Hubtel’s team first introduced the All-in-One POS to Rabito Clinic, leadership was immediately impressed by its functionalities. They recognised that the POS had exactly what was needed to run their daily operations well. 

The Rabito Cosmetic Centre (RCC), which had struggled most with payment issues, was chosen as the pilot site for the All-in-One POS. The feedback from RCC was outstanding. The cashiers mentioned that the Hubtel POS performed better than any system they had used before.

RCC, and now Rabito at large, benefits from a simple, user-friendly dashboard, real-time access to funds, and the ability to track and download transactions instantly. Moreover, Hubtel’s competitive 1% transaction fee was a welcome change from previous providers. 

Transforming Payments with Hubtel’s All-in-One POS 

Implementing the All-in-One POS was a straightforward process. Within a week, Rabito Clinic had fully integrated Hubtel into its RCC branch and the impact was transformative. The team highlighted a few advantages: 

• Real-Time Access to Funds: Unlike previous systems that delayed settlements, the Hubtel POS allowed Rabito Clinic to access funds instantly. “We can log in immediately to push our funds and even automate settlements at the close of business. This level of control was a game-changer for Rabito.” 

• Simplified Reconciliation: Hubtel’s user-friendly dashboard eliminated the need for external support. “We don’t have to call anyone for transaction reports anymore. With Hubtel, we set things up ourselves,” the accountant said. 

• Enhanced Customer Experience: “As of last month, 61% of POS transactions were processed through Hubtel’s All-in-One POS, a big shift from our previous reliance on cash. Customers now enjoy the convenience of paying with their card or mobile money, and we have not received any complaints.” 

The Results: Efficiency and Happy Staff 

The difference was night and day. The Front Desk Manager shared, “Before Hubtel, we would usually get payment issues or glitches when clients were paying. They’d either be debited twice or have to wait a while because the system had an issue.” Now, patients can easily pay and get instant confirmation. 

Staff members are also able to track every transaction. “Even if I forget to print out a receipt or note a particular transaction, I can easily go back to the transaction history to refer.” 

It is evident from the expressions of the staff that the introduction of the All-in-One POS has made their work easier. Payment visibility has improved, reconciliation is now simple, and the clinic’s staff can focus on delivering exceptional patient care. 

“We now have payment visibility, and we get real-time access to our funds and can move them whenever we want,” the finance team explained. “This allows us to focus more on what truly matters: our patients.” 

Expanding Success Across Branches 

The success of Hubtel’s All-in-One POS at the RCC branch was just the beginning. Impressed by the efficiency and reliability of the system, Rabito Clinic has since expanded All-in-One POS to five additional branches. Today, six branches are using the Hubtel All-in-One POS, with plans to roll out the solution even further. 

READ ALSO: How Azar Transformed 100 Years of Service with Hubtel USSD

“We have seen how Hubtel has transformed our payment processes. The feedback from our teams has been very positive and we are looking forward to collaborating more,” the finance team shared. 

A Partnership Built on Trust 

“Hubtel has been a reliable partner, and we are grateful for the efficiency they have brought to our operations. With this solution, Rabito Clinic can focus on what we do best: helping patients feel confident in their skin,” the finance team concluded. 

Azar is a name that has lived in Ghanaian homes for generations. Established in 1921, the brand has become synonymous with quality paints and coatings. Today, its showroom is a busy hub where customers stream in daily for paints, hardware, tools, and waterproofing solutions. 

Now, imagine running such a place with only cash payments. That was Azar’s reality in the early years when digital payments were not so popular. Customers who came with their cards had to find the nearest ATM to withdraw cash, and sometimes, they never returned. 

Later, Azar introduced POS machines to collect payments, but this also came with its own set of problems. “Sometimes the payment would go, but it would not appear on our system,” recalls Mr. Jesse Eglow, Senior Salesman at Azar. 

These challenges didn’t just frustrate customers; they cost sales. 

A Better Way to Pay 

Switching to Hubtel’s Unique USSD felt like a breath of fresh air. Customers no longer had to depend on cash or cards. Payments could now be made instantly from any mobile device, without worrying about internet or network failures. 

“The time for processing is just within 20 seconds, and it’s done,” Jesse explains. “Before, you’d be standing there for two minutes or more. The speed has helped us serve more customers in a day.” 

For Mr. Marc Jarjoura, Assistant Showroom Manager, the ease of use makes a big difference. “At the end of the day, when we’re closing, I just access my dashboard and check the sales done for the day. It’s very easy to navigate.” 

More Than Speed 

Beyond convenience, security has been another big win. With mobile money fraud on the rise, Hubtel’s system gives Azar extra peace of mind. Payments go straight into the Hubtel wallet; traceable and protected. Fraudsters don’t even get the chance to call or trick anyone. 

Customers have noticed the change and embraced it. At first, some needed a little guidance, but before long, many preferred it. “Our regular customers have seen the improvement and are enjoying using the USSD,” Jesse says. 

Standing Out Through Service 

For Azar, one thing that has always been non-negotiable is quality service. In an area filled with competing shops, standing out is essential. 

“We like to have the most advanced system in serving our customers,” says Marc. “This area is full of shops, so you need something different. Customers come here and say the service we give; they don’t see it anywhere else.” 

With Hubtel’s Unique USSD, Azar has been able to serve customers faster, reduce stress at the counter, and strengthen its reputation for excellent service. 

When asked to describe the payment solution in one word, Jesse said “Speed.” Marc added, “Efficiency.” 

For a company that has served Ghanaians for more than 100 years, embracing payment solutions like Hubtel’s Unique USSD shows that Azar is not just keeping up with the times, but setting the pace for what excellent customer service should look like. 

Walk into Baatsona Total Mart on a weekday evening and you’ll find it buzzing. Customers shopping for up groceries, grabbing household essentials, or stopping by for a few imported treats on their way home. Over the years, the mart has become part of daily life in the Baatsona community. 

But behind the checkout counters, things weren’t always this smooth. Payments used to be a pain point. Customers who preferred to pay electronically often grew frustrated with delays, failed transactions, or waiting in line at one counter just to complete their purchase. And soon, they started comparing their experience. 

“Some customers would say, when we go to other marts, it’s much easier to pay than when we come here,” recalls Stella, the mart supervisor. “It was frustrating because they expected us to match up.” 

Finding a payment solution that works 

In 2023, the mart switched to Hubtel’s All-in-One POS, and for the staff, the experience has been a turning point. “For me, it was the stability of the network,” says Nii Okai, another supervisor. “Payments no longer cut halfway. Customers can pay right at the counter without waiting or worrying.” 

The difference was visible for both staff and customers. Queues began moving faster, reconciliation at the end of the day was easier, and customers noticed the improvement. “Our regular customers saw it,” Stella adds. “They no longer had to struggle with payments. It makes a big difference.” 

Keeping service first 

For Baatsona Mart, good service has always been non-negotiable. Alongside stocking the right products and keeping prices competitive, the team knows convenience is what keeps customers coming back. “Customer service is non-negotiable for us,” Stella explains. “And having Hubtel’s POS helps us deliver on that promise.” 

A system you can rely on 

Today, both customers and staff enjoy the ease and reliability that Hubtel’s All-in One POS brings. Payments feel less like a struggle and more like part of the service. Transactions go through without stress, customers don’t have to wait as long, and the staff can focus on helping shoppers instead of battling with failed payments. 

“If another business asked me, I’d definitely recommend Hubtel,” says Nii Okai without hesitation. “Because it makes payments smoother for customers and keeps your operations running.” 

For Baatsona Mart, that reliability has made all the difference. 

When you walk into Tekled’s showroom, you’re greeted with rows of bright lights and modern electrical fittings that instantly catch the eye. The space reflects exactly what Tekled stands for: quality, and reliability. 

Tekled began its journey in Ghana in 2017, opening the very first branch of the global brand in Africa. In just a few years, it has grown into a trusted name for electricals and lighting, serving homeowners, contractors, and businesses across Accra. 

But as the customer base grew, so did the realities of handling payments. In the early days, transactions were mostly through cash, card, or mobile money. While these worked, they came with limits. Cash carried its risks, some customers avoided card payments, and mobile money charges made high-value purchases less appealing. “Day by day, you need to provide more options for the clients,” says Mr. Fatih Sultan, Finance Manager at Tekled. “You have to make it easy for them to pay.” 

Cutting down the cost of payments 

The search for a better solution led Tekled to Hubtel’s Unique USSD. For Fatih, the biggest advantage was avoiding extra charges. At the time, the E-Levy had been introduced, and many customers disliked using digital transfers because of the added cost on every transaction. Hubtel USSD gave them a better option. “Customers didn’t like the digital transfers because of the E-Levy charges, but with Hubtel, they didn’t have to pay that,” Fatih explains. “That helped our customers, and the business as well.” 

For a business selling high-value items, this was a big shift. Customers who once hesitated to pay large amounts digitally now felt comfortable using Hubtel. 

Serving customers beyond the showroom 

Beyond saving on charges,  Hubtel’s Unique USSD brought convenience in transacting. Customers no longer needed to be physically present to do business. “Now, customers who are not even in Accra, who cannot come to the showroom, can directly transact with us,” Fatih explains. “They can pay with the USSD from wherever they are, and we will send their order to them.” 

This flexibility has helped Tekled serve more customers, improve convenience, and build stronger trust. 

Payments made easy 

For Fatih, as a finance director, another merit has been transparency. “The dashboard helps me track payments easily. I can check everything instantly,” he says. In the past, reconciling payments through telcos required long, formal requests. “Before, you had to write an official letter to get statements,” Fatih recalls. “Now, with Hubtel, everything is available immediately.” We can log into the merchant dashboard and see all transactions in real time. It shows who paid, how much, and so reconciliation is easy.  

Looking forward 

At its core, Tekled has always been about quality and reliability, and those values extend beyond its products to how it serves customers. With Hubtel’s Unique USSD, the company is not only keeping payments simple and secure but also opening new ways to connect with customers far beyond its showroom doors. 

“It’s about making things easier for the customer,” Fatih sums up. “Hubtel helps us do that.” 

Following the publication of the 2024 Auditor General’s report, public commentary has raised questions about whether Hubtel received GHS 75 million from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) without a governing contract.  

For the record, we wish to clarify as follows; 

Accordingly, payments to Hubtel – including the GHS 75 million referenced in media reports – are fully covered by binding instruments approved by ECG’s Board and executed by both parties.  

Assertions to the contrary are factually unfounded. 

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.