NMG among Forbes 10 most innovative firms

• NMG’s newest money transfer service, NationHela, which enables Kenyans to send funds online, directly from their Debit or Credit Card, was one of the key innovations recognised.
• In addition, NMG’s online classifieds site N-Soko, and travel site, Twende Twende, which help users search for airline agencies with the best deals by comparing fares from over 700 travel sites were acknowledged.
• Other companies that have been recognised are Safaricom for its M-Pesa money transfer service and Okoa Jahazi that offers subscribers airtime on credit.

Nation Media Group (NMG) has been ranked as one of Africa’s 10 most innovative companies that continue to set industry standards, according to Forbes website.

The company has been credited for innovatively transforming itself into an internet and financial services powerhouse in the media and entertainment industry in Africa and drastically changing the two sectors.

NMG’s newest money transfer service, NationHela, which enables Kenyans to send funds online, directly from their Debit or Credit Card, was one of the key innovations recognised.

The firm is known for publishing the Daily Nation, the highest-circulating newspaper in East and Central Africa and the Business Daily.

The company also owns TV and radio stations that continue to rank top among African viewers and listeners.

In addition, NMG’s online classifieds site N-Soko, and travel site Twende Twende, which help users search for airline agencies with the best deals by comparing fares from over 700 travel sites, were acknowledged.

Other companies that have been recognised are Safaricom for its M-Pesa money transfer service and Okoa Jahazi that offers subscribers airtime on credit.

The two products have seen Safaricom still emerge as East Africa’s largest mobile telecommunications provider.

In the foods and beverages industry, East African Breweries Limited (EABL) was lauded and remains the leading brewer in the country producing, distributing and selling beer, spirits and soft drinks.

South Africa's Nando’s boasts of having over a thousand locations in 30 countries in five continents while Famous Brands, which houses restaurants like Debonairs Pizza, Wimpy, Steers and FishAways has over 1700 franchised restaurants.

Mobile telecoms operator MTN, with its innovative MTN InternetOnTV, a device that allows users to browse the web from their TV at 3G speeds and MTN Traveller, topped the chart.

MTN Traveller is a mobile App that allows mobile users to browse for, and book accommodation and car rental services using their phones.

Also on the list was Zimbabwe’s dominant mobile telecommunications company Econet, Nigeria’s Iroko TV, South Africa’s retail companies Woolworths and Pick and Pay.

Econet recently launched an innovative solar power device expected to light up many African homes, charge mobile phones and enable Africans use energy at relatively cheaper costs compared to existing solar energy devices.

All these companies creatively exploited new ideas, products and services to produce dynamic and lucrative new businesses in the continent.