In a bid to further drive financial inclusion, MTN Mobile Money Limited Uganda yesterday launched a partnership with XENO Investment Management Limited to extend investment management services to more Ugandans, conveniently through the robust, accessible, and widely-used MTN MoMo platform. XENO services can be accessed by even non-smartphone users via 1655*7#.
Launched in 2017 and licensed and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) as a Fund Manager and Collective Investment Scheme Manager , XENO is a goal-based saving and investment service that helps individuals, families, groups, and institutions to plan, save, and invest for their financial goals. XENO offers a digital saving and investing platform which allows individuals to set goals and open investment accounts to save and invest towards those goals.
Following the partnership between MTN MoMo and XENO, individuals will be able to use the MTN MoMo platform to set up their investment accounts, top-up their accounts, and track their XENO accounts, with ease. Speaking at the launch of the partnership, Richard Yego, the MTN MoMo Uganda Limited Managing director said that this partnership underpins MTN’s commitment to leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
“Financial inclusion is at the core of all our innovations at MTN MoMo. We believe that through partnering with XENO Limited, more Ugandans shall get access to a life-changing financial service that will afford them financial security and growth,” Yego said.
With over 16 million customers on the MTN network, the partnership between XENO and MTN MoMo will extend investment management savings to more people who hitherto have not been able to access such services for several reasons.
Investment Expert, Aeko Ongodia, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at XENO noted that only 10% of the Ugandan working population have a basic investment account (through retirement schemes such as NSSF and other occupational schemes). He further lamented that outside of retirement accounts, less than 0.2% of Uganda’s labour force has a formal investment account that can grow their savings to help them achieve their financial goals. Until XENO came along, no fund manager was focused on designing products for the average person, something that has adversely affected the country’s saving culture and inevitably, their personal and national economic growth at large.
“XENO is therefore partnering with MTN in a bid to extend its much-needed investment management services to more Ugandans to enable them to save and grow their finances with a trusted and secure service provider,” Ongodia said.
The chief guest, Michael Atingi-Ego the Deputy Director of Bank of Uganda lauded the partnership, citing that it would drive the nation’s economic growth agenda by encouraging and supporting savings by the masses.
“I congratulate MTN Mobile Money services and XENO investments for extending such a critical and important service closer to more Ugandans. This service will secure the financial future of our people,” Atingi-Ego said.
According to Ongodia, XENO receives money from various members of the public and invests it on their behalf in carefully selected asset classes across the East African region using XENO’s unit trust funds. XENO currently manages four unit trust funds: XENO Uganda Money Market Fund, XENO Uganda Bond Fund, XENO Uganda Domestic Equity Fund and XENO Uganda Regional Equity Fund . Investors earn a return on their money per year depending on the performance of the underlying assets. However, XENO does not offer loans and credit services, as it is a fund and investment service provider and not a bank.
As of June 30, 2022, XENO had over 20,000 users registered on their platform and these had collectively invested over UGX 40 billion towards their goals.
MTN customers can join XENO by simply dialing 16557# to set up their financial goals and start saving towards them with as low as UGX 10,000/- . Additionally, they can track their investment accounts on MTN MoMo after 3 business days from the time of activating their investment accounts. XENO clients can track their investments by dialing 16557*2#, downloading the XENO Investment app on the Play Store or App Store, or logging into www.myxeno.com and using their registered MTN number to view a detailed dashboard to not only monitor their investment performance but also track the progress towards their goals.
Can I have more than one investment goal? Yes. After setting your first goal for your investment account, you can log into your investment account and add another investment goal. Note: Each goal must have a minimum of USh 10,000. How often can I deposit? You can decide how often and how much you would like to invest regularly. You may start with the minimum amount of USh 10,000 and periodically add to your investment account. We do encourage you to stay consistent to help you meet your set goals.
How long does it take to process a withdrawal? A withdrawal means we exit some of your investments, liquidate them into cash and transfer that cash to your Mobile Money wallet. This process is usually completed within three (3) business days.
How much am I supposed to leave in the account while withdrawing? To maintain your investment account, you need to have a minimum of UGX 10,000.
Can I block withdrawals from my investment account? Yes. You may block withdrawals for a specified period such as 6 months or until you hit your goal.
Will you close my account if I do not top up my account for some time? Provided your account has a minimum investment of USh 10,000, your account will stay active.
In case XENO closes, what happens to my money or investment? XENO does not hold your money, it is held in trust. The custodian bank, Stanbic Bank, holds your money and maintains an accurate record of your deposits and the investments XENO purchases for you.
Is XENO licensed and regulated? Yes. XENO Investment Management is licensed and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority as a Fund Manager (License: XENO 1819 (FM)), Unit Trust Manager (License: XENO/UT 1819 (CIS)) and URBRA (License: FM 0010).
Where can I get more information on XENO Investment and unit trusts? You can visit or contact XENO Investment: Address: 6th Floor, Workers House, 1 Pilkington Road, Kampala, Uganda Call or WhatsApp: +256 392 177 488 Email: [email protected] Website: https://myxeno.com/
How can I get customer support for my investment account? Send WhatsApp to 0772123100 Call the toll-free MTN Customer helpline at 100 Visit any of our Service Centers.
How do I refer a friend to XENO? Invite friends to XENO by sharing your referral code. Once they join XENO, fund their account with a minimum of UGX 10,000 and enter the referral code. Each of you will earn UGX 5,000 which will be credited into your XENO investment account.
Feature image: Michael Atingi-Ego, the Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda presided over the launch of the partnership between MTN MoMo and XENO
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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