Africa Fintech Festival’s Post

Once again, I had the privilege of attending Nigeria Fintech Week 2024 at the Landmark Center, Lagos, and it’s been a thought-provoking experience so far. This year's theme, "Positioning Africa's Fintech Ecosystem to Accelerate Financial Inclusion," resonates deeply with me. The keynote speeches, fireside sessions, and panel discussions have explored critical areas such as regulatory frameworks, data, AI, cloud infrastructure, and security; important building blocks for an inclusive financial landscape. However, as I reflect on the remarkable growth in Nigeria's fintech space; from just a handful of players a decade ago to over 200 today, I find myself asking: Has this rapid growth truly translated into greater financial inclusion for the millions of Nigerians still unbanked? The percentage of financially excluded Nigerians has not shifted as drastically as one might expect. The gap between technological innovation and real-world impact seems to persist. This year’s experience feels more personal and reflective. I find myself considering three questions that I hope to explore in the remaining days of the conference: 1. What role should fintechs play in bridging the divide between innovation and grassroots adoption? 2. Is the current regulatory framework truly enabling inclusion, or are there unseen barriers holding us back? 3. How can we better leverage data and AI to reach the underserved communities that have been historically left out? As I look ahead to more insightful sessions, I’m grateful for the opportunity to re-evaluate where we stand and how we can create a more inclusive financial future; not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. The answers may not come easily, but the journey toward understanding is one I’m eager to continue in the days ahead. #NFW2024 #Fintech #FintechNGR #FinancialInclusion #FintechAfrica #Innovation #DigitalTransformation 🤔

Calling all African Fintech / Digital Finance Innovators!!! We are building The Africa Fintech Platform and we need YOUR help to shape it! The Africa Fintech Platform is going to be an inclusive digital platform that will provide resources and facilitate networking to grow Africa’s fintech / digital finance ecosystem. Fintechs play a crucial role in enabling Africa’s transition into a more inclusive digital future, but most face formidable challenges to growth.  Although there are initiatives that offer technical assistance and acceleration support to fintechs, they often overlook emerging markets and primarily focus on seed-stage ventures, leaving significant knowledge gaps. The Africa Fintech Network (AFN) in partnership with Cenfri and the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI) are working to address these barriers by developing a digital platform that will enable fintech / digital finance associations across Africa to pool knowledge and strengthen relationships and partnerships. To ensure the Africa Fintech Platform addresses the real needs of its users, we are conducting a needs assessment that includes the identification of needs and opportunities for female-led or female-owned fintechs. Your input will help us tailor the platform to support gender-inclusive innovation and empower fintech / digital finance associations, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders. The deadline for responses is 1 March 2024. You can take the survey here. https://lnkd.in/dPEFKMAt Segun Aina, Ali Hussein Kassim, Benazeer Saïdoo, Martin Kwame Awagah 🇬🇭🌍, Alex SEA, Patrick Saidu Conteh PhD, FCCA(UK), MBA, BSc(Hons). Chilekwa Banda, Tavonga M., Abderrahim HANSALI, Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Ph.D., Ernest Kayinamura, Kagisho Dichabe, Joëlle Sow, Reuben Mwatosya, Dr. Amira Kaddour 🇹🇳, Josephine Olok, Andualem Hailu, Seun FOLORUNSO, PMP Babatunde Obrimah Fintech Association Of Nigeria, Ghana Fintech and Payments Association, Digital Finance Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe, Association of Fintechs in Kenya, Fintech Association of South Africa (FINASA), Tanzania FinTech Association (TAFINA), FINTECH.MZ - Mozambique Fintech Association, Alliance of Digital Finance Associations, Wave Mobile Money, Ripple, Cedar Capital & Cedar-IBSi FinTech Lab, Provenir, FinTech IberoAmérica, findexable, Elevandi ELEVANDI Japan, One ASEAN Fintech Movement, The FutureList #fintech #innovation #Africa #digitaltransformation

🎺 Countdown begins to another knowledge piece for all Africa fintechs - navigating regulations. please read on below & ensure to signup!

In case you are wondering why it is important! When the African #fintech community comes together, a myriad of opportunities open up for the entire continent's ecosystem. The Africa Fintech Festival is a prime example, which brings together various stakeholders in the fintech industry across Africa such as #Founders and #CEOs, #investors, #regulators, customers, #banks, and #mobile #money to learn, connect, and collaborate. The event is happening next week at Enashipai Resort in Naivasha, Kenya, on June 12th-15th. Here are some positive impacts the event has on the African Fintech ecosystem; 1. Strengthens the African fintech community, promoting a unified and robust ecosystem that facilitates #collaboration, #partnerships, and #expansion. 2. Enhances the visibility and #credibility of African fintech companies, boosting their global competitiveness, and fosters connections between investors and fintech startups, potentially leading to funding opportunities and growth. 3. Provides a platform for #knowledge #sharing and learning, enabling attendees to stay updated on industry #trends and best practices for African fintech. 4. Encourages regulatory and #policy discussions, promoting knowledge sharing and benchmarking which results in a supportive environment for fintech development. Register at (africafintechfestival.org) to join us at this year's edition of the largest convergence of fintech stakeholders and thought leaders from across Africa and be a part of something transformative. Africa Fintech Network Association of Fintechs in Kenya Tanzania Fintech Association (TAFINA) Fintech Association Of Kenya Fintech Insider FinTech LIVE Fintech Talks

🌍 Exciting News!! 🌍 Our CEO, Mark O'Sullivan, will be attending the Africa Fintech Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4-6, 2024! This prestigious event gathers thought leaders, innovators, and investors from across the globe to explore the future of fin-tech in Africa. With topics ranging from the impact of fin tech on climate change to building infrastructure for carbon credits and the future of digital trade under the AfCFTA, this summit is a must-attend for anyone passionate about the transformation of financial services on the continent. If you are attending the conference. Lets connect to discuss and share some insights on how IPT Africa is contributing to the growth of the fin-tech ecosystem in Africa. Stay tuned for updates from the summit! 🚀 #AfricaFintechSummit  #FinancialServices #CrossBorderPayments #FintechAfrica #IPTAfrica #Africa   

CALL TO ACTION 🚀💼  Our partner Africa Fintech Network and Cenfri are conducting a needs assessment for the Africa Fintech Platform. Your insights are crucial to ensure it meets user needs. 🗓️ Act fast - deadline: March 1, 2024. 🔗 Take the survey: https://lnkd.in/dPEFKMAt #AllianceDFA #AFN #Cenfri #FintechInnovation #EmpowerHerInFintech #AfricaRising 

Calling all African Fintech / Digital Finance Innovators!!! We are building The #Africa #Fintech #Platform and we need YOUR help to shape it! The Africa Fintech Platform is going to be an inclusive digital platform that will provide resources and facilitate networking to grow Africa’s fintech / digital finance ecosystem. Fintechs play a crucial role in enabling Africa’s transition into a more inclusive digital future, but most face formidable challenges to growth.  Although there are initiatives that offer technical assistance and acceleration support to fintechs, they often overlook emerging markets and primarily focus on seed-stage ventures, leaving significant knowledge gaps. The Africa Fintech Network (AFN) in partnership with Cenfri and the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI) are working to address these barriers by developing a digital platform that will enable fintech / digital finance associations across Africa to pool knowledge and strengthen relationships and partnerships. To ensure the Africa Fintech Platform addresses the real needs of its users, we are conducting a needs assessment that includes the identification of needs and opportunities for female-led or female-owned fintechs. Your input will help us tailor the platform to support gender-inclusive innovation and empower fintech / digital finance associations, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders. The deadline for responses is 1 March 2024. You can take the survey here. https://lnkd.in/dPEFKMAt Segun Aina, Ali Hussein Kassim, Benazeer Saïdoo, Martin Kwame Awagah 🇬🇭🌍, Alex SEA, Patrick Saidu Conteh PhD, FCCA(UK), MBA, BSc(Hons). Chilekwa Banda, Tavonga M., Abderrahim HANSALI, Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Ph.D., Ernest Kayinamura, Kagisho Dichabe, Joëlle Sow, Reuben Mwatosya, Dr. Amira Kaddour 🇹🇳, Josephine Olok, Andualem Hailu, Seun FOLORUNSO, PMP, Dr. Babatunde Oghenobruche Obrimah - FNIM, PMP, Fintech Association Of Nigeria, Ghana Fintech and Payments Association, Digital Finance Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe, Association of Fintechs in Kenya, Fintech Association of South Africa (FINASA), Tanzania FinTech Association (TAFINA), FINTECH.MZ - Mozambique Fintech Association, Alliance of Digital Finance Associations, Wave Mobile Money, Ripple, Cedar Capital & Cedar-IBSi FinTech Lab, Provenir, FinTech IberoAmérica, findexable, Elevandi, ELEVANDI Japan, One ASEAN Fintech Movement, The FutureList #fintech #innovation #Africa #digitaltransformation

CALLING ALL AFRICAN FINTECH INNOVATORS We need your input to help shape the Africa Fintech Platform to provide resources and facilitate networking to grow Africa’s fintech ecosystem. The Africa Fintech Network in partnership with Cenfri and the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI) are working to address these barriers by developing a digital platform that will enable fintech associations across Africa to pool knowledge and strengthen relationships and partnerships. To ensure the Africa Fintech Platform addresses the real needs of its users, we are conducting a needs assessment that includes the identification of needs and opportunities for female-led or female-owned fintechs. Your input will help us tailor the platform to support gender-inclusive innovation and empower fintech associations, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders. You can take the survey here: https://lnkd.in/dPEFKMAt. #digitalfinancialinclusion #africa #fintech #innovation

I had the privilege of attending a two-day International Conference on Financial Technology and Business Innovation at Academic City University College. Themed Fintech Fusion - Bridging Borders, Empowering Inclusion, the event brought together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to discuss the future of finance in Africa. With key sponsors Letshego and Joy FM, and representatives from Bank of Ghana, GCB, VicemenTV, and many more, the conference emphasized how Africa is rapidly embracing digital transformation. As we move toward a cashless society, both locally and globally, digital innovation is reshaping business transactions, offering faster, more secure, and transparent solutions compared to traditional banking. One of the highlights was a thought-provoking insight from Mr. Amah Tetteh, CEO of Letshego, who shared a powerful story of how digital finance, through quick loans, empowered a local business owner and impacted his son’s education at UG. This demonstrates the transformative power of technology and collaboration across sectors. An engaging discussion also revolved around Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), where it was emphasized that rather than replacing mobile money, CBDCs will complement it, offering new opportunities for financial inclusion. The second day was equally enriching, featuring presentations from financial researchers, whose work was evaluated by expert panels. It was an insightful experience, showcasing the potential of research to drive innovation. My key takeaway from the event: Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat. Collaboration across sectors is crucial as Africa continues to advance in the digital space. #Fintech #FinancialInclusion #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #CashlessSociety #AfricaForward

In the most recent Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 36) published yesterday, Kigali has secured the 2nd position in Africa for FinTech, showcasing the Kigali International Financial Centre’s (KIFC) aspirations to establish Rwanda as a leading hub for FinTech in the region. Additionally, Kigali retains its overall 2nd place ranking in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Global Financial Centres Index evaluates the competitiveness and appeal of financial centres around the globe. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/dSPfxV4a