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Thunes and Vodacom Tanzania Unite to Power Cross-Border M-Pesa Payments Across China and Uganda

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Collaboration revolutionises trade & financial convenience for Tanzanian merchants and consumers

SINGAPORE, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, has joined forces with Vodacom Tanzania, the country’s leading telco company, to transform cross-border trade and digital financial inclusion with Vodacom’s new M-Pesa Global Payment solution. Thanks to the collaboration, Vodacom customers in Tanzania can now seamlessly pay merchants in Uganda and China directly from their mobile phones.

This milestone solution responds to growing demand from Tanzanian traders who engage in commerce with Ugandan and Chinese markets but often face challenges with costly, slow, and insecure payment methods. With this innovation, leveraging the Thunes Direct Global Network, Vodacom aims to bridge those gaps, offering secure, real-time digital payments across borders and reinforcing its leadership in mobile money innovation in Africa.

The solution supports trade with two key markets for Tanzania. For eight consecutive years, China has been Tanzania’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade hitting $8.8 billion in 2024. In the same year, bilateral trade between Tanzania and Uganda reached approximately $2.23 billion, an increase of 64% on the previous year.

Epimack Mbeteni, M-Pesa Director at Vodacom Tanzania said: “This is more than just a payment feature, it is a catalyst for economic empowerment and a gateway for small and medium businesses and entrepreneurs in Tanzania to compete and thrive in regional and global markets. Through Thunes’ expansive and trusted Network we are enabling seamless, secure, and affordable cross-border payments that empower people, fuel trade and place M-Pesa at the center of Africa’s digital commerce future.”

Through Thunes’ Direct Global Network, customers can now send payments to merchants in Uganda using MTN MoMo and to Chinese merchants through the Alipay network, all through the M-Pesa USSD menu or the M-Pesa Super App. The process is secure, user-friendly, and eliminates the burden of traditional banking barriers for everyday traders and businesses.

Dawei Wang, SVP Network at Thunes, added: “Vodacom Tanzania joining the Thunes Direct Global Network to digitise cross-border payments is a game changer for local businesses. By combining Vodacom’s technology with Thunes’ trusted and proprietary Network, Tanzanian customers can pay partners in China and Uganda in real time. This innovation accelerates interoperability along with international trade and business growth and supports our vision of connecting the next billion end users to the global economy.”

This initiative stands as a strategic enabler for consumers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who need reliable and quick financial tools such as mobile money. A 2025 GeoPoll survey on Tanzania Financial Services and Usage found that 94% of the survey’s respondents use mobile money.

The Thunes and Vodacom Tanzania alliance is set to transform the lives of millions of consumers by dismantling cross-border barriers. By hyper-connecting Tanzania to global powerhouses like China and streamlining intra-African trade, the collaboration is helping to build an inclusive economy and grow Tanzania’s role as a force in the global market.

About Vodacom Tanzania

For more information, visit: https://www.vodacom.co.tz/

About Thunes

For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2831061/Thunes_Logo.jpg

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AARP Mississippi Applauds Passage and Signing of law to Protect Consumers from Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud

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JACKSON, Miss., May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AARP Mississippi applauds passage and signing of House Bill 1625, landmark legislation that establishes statewide oversight and consumer safeguards for cryptocurrency kiosks (commonly known as crypto ATMs). The bill, passed during the 2026 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves, delivers meaningful protections against fraud and financial exploitation—particularly for older Mississippians. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

The measure enacts new statutory consumer protection regulations for virtual currency kiosks, addressing a growing avenue for scams that disproportionately impact adults age 50 and older. The law establishes comprehensive guardrails, including licensing and oversight requirements, mandatory consumer disclosures and fraud warnings, transaction receipts and improved traceability, and daily transaction limits.

“AARP Mississippi is proud to have helped advance this critical consumer protection,” said AARP Mississippi State Director Kimberly L. Campbell, Esq. “Crypto kiosk–related scams have caused devastating losses, especially for older adults. This law brings common-sense safeguards that reduce risk, improve transparency, and strengthen accountability.”

The law’s protections are designed to curb financial exploitation while empowering consumers to make informed decisions. By improving disclosures, setting transaction limits, and enhancing traceability, the law strengthens enforcement and helps prevent irreversible losses associated with crypto kiosk fraud.

About AARP 
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org, aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Contact: Ronda Gooden
601-898-5417, 601-209-1812

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aarp-mississippi-applauds-passage-and-signing-of-law-to-protect-consumers-from-cryptocurrency-kiosk-fraud-302778264.html

SOURCE AARP Mississippi

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QBit Semiconductor Shares Surge to USD$18 on Debut, Driving Market Capitalization to USD$700 Million

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Fueling the Edge AI revolution, the Arm-backed SoC innovator sees robust investor demand as it officially lists on the Taiwan Emerging Stock Board (TWO: 7913).

TAIPEI, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — QBit Semiconductor Ltd. (TWO: 7913), a fabless semiconductor company, was officially listed on the Taiwan Emerging Stock Board on May 15. Strong investor demand drove the stock price to an intraday high of USD$18(NT$530), bringing the company’s market capitalization to approximately USD$700 million. This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s expansion toward global capital markets and reinforces its position in high-performance silicon solutions.

Led by Chairman Simon Shen, QBit’s R&D team is composed of industry veterans from global giants such as Qualcomm and CSR. The company specializes in System-on-Chip (SoC) development, integrating three core functions—Intelligent Image Processing, Precision Motion Control, and Energy-Aware Sensing Management—into its flagship products. QBit’s technology is widely adopted in Multi-Function Printers (MFP), photo and barcode printers, and medical imaging-related solutions, with potential to scale into Edge AI and Physical AI applications such as drones and robotics.

In response to global demands for edge device security, QBit has preemptively integrated Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) technology into its SoCs. Its QB7 series achieved certification from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program (CAVP) in 2025. This specialized expertise solidifies the company’s technical differentiation in an era of increasingly stringent cybersecurity standards.

Furthermore, QBit is expanding its footprint in Security Chips and ASIC services. Evolving from a pure controller chip supplier into a comprehensive provider of consumable authentication, secure architecture, and differentiated module designs, QBit has significantly enhanced its platform value and fostered long-term customer loyalty.

Strategically, QBit maintains deep partnerships with leading international brands. In addition to backing from Taiwan’s National Development Fund, QBit secured a strategic investment in early 2026 from Arm, the global semiconductor IP leader within the SoftBank Group ecosystem.

As AI applications and cybersecurity demands continue to surge, QBit Semiconductor is committed to strengthening its R&D and deepening its market presence to support future growth opportunities following the tremendous success of its public debut.

Media Contact: Ms. Hsu
Email: media@qbitsemi.com
Tel: +886-2-7755-7688 ext. 11068 / +886-911-687-913
Company Websites: 
QBit Semiconductor: https://www.qbitsemi.com/ 
Arm: https://www.arm.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/qbit-semiconductor-shares-surge-to-usd18-on-debut-driving-market-capitalization-to-usd700-million-302777558.html

SOURCE QBit Semiconductor LTD.

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INTOUCH INSIGHT ANNOUNCES Q1 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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OTTAWA, ON, May 20, 2026 /CNW/ – Intouch Insight Ltd. (“Intouch” or the “Company”) (TSXV: INX) (OTCQX: INXSF), a provider of customer experience measurement solutions, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

Key Highlights for Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025

Total revenue increased 6% to approximately $6.7 million.Gross margin dollars increased by $123,762.SaaS revenue increased by 11% and recurring services increased by 5%.Adjusted EBITDA1 was $352,624, compared to $557,748, reflecting planned strategic investments in sales, marketing, and technology.

Note 1: EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is calculated as net income before interest expense, income taxes, financing costs, depreciation, and amortization.

Recent Operational Highlights

Announced a strategic expansion into the grocery sector, highlighted by an upcoming featured speaking engagement at the GroceryNEXT conference in Chicago.Published proprietary thought leadership studies on the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, identifying a “Transactional Gap” in customer experience and revealing key drivers for mobile ordering success.Advanced key merchandising initiatives to actively build the sales pipeline and establish a foundation for expected long-term revenue expansion.Enhanced software and technology offerings, including investments in AI automation to improve platform functionality and client outcomes.Expanded sales and marketing capabilities to target new verticals and accelerate organic growth.

Cameron Watt, President & Chief Executive Officer of Intouch Insight, commented:

“The first quarter of 2026 progressed in line with our strategic plan, delivering solid top-line growth across every single product line, including an 11% increase in our SaaS revenue. We are confident in the immediate market opportunities in front of us and we are willing to trade near-term profitability, even operating at a potential loss, to fund our commercial expansion. We are intentionally prioritizing top-line growth and market share today because we believe our underlying unit economics are strong. By rapidly scaling our recurring revenue base now, we are expecting to accelerate our path to a tipping point of improved operating leverage and growth in earnings power.”

Watt added:

“Our sales pipeline is converting, highlighted by recent contract signings and exciting momentum with expected upcoming RFP’s for both SaaS and Services. Within our merchandising business, while large-scale rollouts naturally involve extended sales cycles, we remain focused on our target of generating over $1 million in revenue this year, supported by active opportunities and potential scope expansions. With these near-term catalysts in play, we are confident in our trajectory toward double-digit growth for the full year, making this a pivotal time to be part of our growth story.”

Q1 Earnings Conference Call Information

To participate in this event, register and log-in approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the call.

Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. eastern time
Register for the live webcast and access on-demand recording: click here.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

Revenue

$    6,670,446

$    6,319,663

Cost of services

3,356,169

3,129,148

Gross margin

3,314,277

3,190,515

Total operating expenses

3,130,742

2,819,164

Income from operating activities

183,535

371,351

Non-operating expenses  (earnings) 

76,230

82,097

Income tax expense (recovery)

76,652

Net income (loss)

$       107,305

$       212,602

About Intouch Insight
Intouch Insight offers a complete portfolio of customer experience management (CEM) products and services that help global brands delight their customers, strengthen brand reputation and improve financial performance. Intouch helps clients collect and centralize data from multiple customer touch points, gives them actionable, real-time insights, and provides them with the tools to continuously improve customer experience. Founded in 1992, Intouch is trusted by over 300 of North America’s most-loved brands for their customer experience management, customer survey, mystery shopping, mobile forms, operational and compliance audits, geolocation data capture and event marketing automation solutions. For more information, visit intouchinsight.com.

Certain statements included in this news release including those related to the Company’s quarterly results, future products, opportunities and cost initiatives, strategies, and other statements that are predictive in nature that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws.  Forward looking statements that are made as of the date hereof, which by their nature are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events, and are based on information currently available to the Company and on hypotheses which it considers to be reasonable; however, management cautions the reader that hypotheses relative to future events which are beyond the control of management could prove to be false, given that they are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company’s most recent annual MD&A and the Company’s continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Intouch Insight Ltd.

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