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fintechlatest news & developments
AFRICAN GIANT: Given its unique position in terms of technological advancement, South Africa stands to be
the industry leader on the continent. Photo: Freepik

How South Africa can shape the continent’s digital future

As one of Africa’s most industrialised and connected economies, the country is in a unique position to lead by example by building a tech ecosystem that benefits everyone

Optasia celebrating its listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Photos: Standard Bank

African-founded firm, Optasia, becomes most extensive fintech JSE listing

Optasia is targeting new markets in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines as it aims to secure a billion customers worldwide

Traditional banks need to figure out a way to serve small businesses.

How banks can better serve small businesses in Africa

Traditional banks must work on customised products and services that address their unique needs, potentially through partnerships with fintech

In Africa, where women make up 45% of entrepreneurs — the highest rate globally — gender disparity in access to funding remains a significant barrier to economic equity and growth.
(Getty Images)

Q&A: Can gender bonds unlock Africa’s potential?

Proponents claim that gender bonds represent a powerful tool for addressing gender inequality and unlocking Africa’s economic potential

Jeff Parker, CEO of Paymentology.

Revolutionising payments: How Paymentology is shaping the future of global transactions and financial inclusion

Learn more about Paymentology at stand D16 at Seamless Africa in Sandton on 16 and 17 October 2024

The digital platforms the sector could contribute as much as R91.4 billion to the economy by 2035 and has increased its share to 1.38% from 0.02% in 2022.

Growing the digital platforms sector could boost the economy significantly, study shows

The study published by Naspers says problems with infrastructure, access, costs and regulations are slowing South Africa’s progress towards digital transformation

Over the next three years, Africa’s fintech industry is projected to hit record-breaking revenues for startups in the financial sector and herald a new growth phase characterised by more advanced financial services.

African fintech is evolving rapidly

However, report notes that startups on the continent will face a number of hurdles

Kenya’s microfinance banks are the target of fintech firms from abroad seeking to sidestep stringent regulatory perimeters for digital lenders

Fintech firms ramp up investments in Kenya’s microfinance space

Kenya’s microfinance banks are the target of fintech firms from abroad seeking to sidestep stringent regulatory perimeters for digital lenders

The solution isn’t always about developing cutting-edge technology. Sometimes it’s about using existing technology in clever ways

Fintech’s unique applications in emerging markets

The solution isn’t always about developing cutting-edge technology. Sometimes it’s about using existing technology in clever ways

New era: Standard Bank’s new business model  includes it being a platform for other services and partnerships. Photo: THEGIFT777

Banks battle for relevance in the platform era

While Standard Bank and FNB ward off fintech disruptors, their digital-only competitors battle on the fringes

The government’s sudden ban of Twitter could jeopardise one of the country’s most promising industries

Nigeria’s tech community was booming. Now it’s in shock

The government’s sudden ban of Twitter could jeopardise one of the country’s most promising industries

The pandemic is providing mobile phone network operators with a unique chance to partner with fintech firms and banks to deliver clever e-commerce solutions to the informal sector in Africa

E-payments for the unbanked are booming

The pandemic is providing mobile phone network operators with a unique chance to partner with fintech firms and banks to deliver clever e-commerce solutions to the informal…

Innovation and sustainability are the current buzzwords and entrepreneurs in the fintech industry are coming up with new, exciting ideas to solve the problems of their target market.

Putting the fin into tech

Fintech entrepreneurs are finding practical solutions for banking Africa’s unbanked

Lifesaver: Dineo Skosana, owner of the Sandwich Baron in Hatfield, Pretoria, took a loan from Fundrr after her business had a few bad months and large financial institutions turned her down. (Oupa Nkosi/M&G)

Fintech fills the funding gap

New companies are plugging the funding gap for small businesses, especially in townships

(John McCann)

Africa is fertile ground for fintech

With so many unbanked citizens and alternative approaches to money, there’s plenty of room for innovation

The solution isn’t always about developing cutting-edge technology. Sometimes it’s about using existing technology in clever ways

Africa is fertile ground for fintech

With so many unbanked citizens and alternative approaches to money, there’s plenty of room for innovation

A protest to mark the first anniversary of the Delhi gang rape

​Cheeky upstart challenges the JSE

A fintech pioneer is speeding up trades, cutting costs and making it easier to list.