Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA)’s Post

I am thrilled to share our recent publication entitled "Unveiling Financial Inclusion Dynamics: Fintech's Resonance in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)" in the International Journal of Finance and Economics. This is part of a project sponsored by the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) with Professor Dao Ha. By aggregating data from the four Global Findex surveys (2011, 2014, 2017, and 2021), we find that fintech is a game-changer in promoting financial inclusion for ASEAN, where levels of financial inclusion in most countries still lag behind those of other regions. However, there is an age threshold for the impact of fintech on financial inclusion in this region. https://lnkd.in/ebBY3rXW

“Africa’s youthful population is not just a statistic; it’s a reservoir of untapped potential that could drive the continent’s digital revolution and shape the global future of finance." This insight sets the stage for our latest whitepaper, "Africa’s Digital Renaissance: Unlocking Talent and Digital Skills for the Future of Finance," co-published with Elevandi. This report is a clarion call to harness the energy and creativity of Africa’s youth, equipping them with the digital skills needed to transform the continent’s financial landscape. Informed by the discussions at the 3i Africa Summit 2024, the whitepaper explores key topics such as leveraging Africa’s youthful demographic for growth, transforming the workforce through strategic academia-industry partnerships, and aligning regulations to drive digital advancements. This isn’t merely about adaptation; it’s about leadership. Africa has the potential not just to catch up but to set the pace for fintech innovation on a global scale. The future of finance is unfolding now, with Africa’s digital renaissance at its forefront. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative journey. We extend our gratitude to Yong Liang Mun and his team from Elevandi, Professor Olayinka David-West and Tolulope Christos OYENIRAN from Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, as well as Michael Low and Wen Han CHONG from SMU Academy, and the roundtable speakers for their insightful contributions. Explore the whitepaper here: https://lnkd.in/gfdNmeTj #SgSMU #SMUAcademy #ProfessionalEducation #LifelongLearning #ContinuingEducation #Whitepaper #FutureOfFinance #FintechInAfrica #FinTech #Innovation

💸 Strong financial systems and robust #CapitalMarkets are key to unlocking and maximizing the economic potential of #SubSaharanAfrica. SSA countries face a complex set of economic challenges, such as inflation, exchange-rate pressures, and lack of capital markets infrastructure. However, they also have opportunities to leverage their natural resources, young population, and digital transformation to achieve growth and sustainability. In this whitepaper, Pruthvi K N and Jigar Dedhia, ACA, FRM take a look at the issues facing a subset of countries in Africa and analyze how they are managing risks and accessing economic growth. 💾 Download Finastra's report to get a peek into the near- and long-term outlook for the region. https://okt.to/QsPyBo

With a political sea change in South Africa, Joel Burnette's latest article in HedgeNews Africa explores the dynamic shift in the region’s investment landscape. In a new coalition government, investment managers must navigate an uncertain political and regulatory environment. Find out more about: 1. Optimism Amid Change - The positive outlook among investment managers despite political complexity 2. Diversification Demand - The need for asset, domicile, and client diversification 3. Technological Advancements - Leveraging data analytics and SaaS platforms for ops efficiency Read the full article below. #Finance #InvestmentStrategies #TechnologyInFinance #SouthAfrica #Enfusion #HedgeFunds

We believe your Leaders are your greatest Investment. Find out why by speaking to one of our team from Executives in Africa at the AFSIC - Investing in Africa Conference next week #Africa #Banking #FinancialServices #ExecutiveSearch

We believe your Leaders are your greatest Investment. Find out why by speaking to one of our team from Executives in Africa at the AFSIC - Investing in Africa – Investing in Africa Conference next week

https://lnkd.in/eGTN6xAd We believe your Leaders are your greatest Investment. Find out why by speaking to one of our team from @Executivesinafrica at the @AFSIC – Investing in Africa Conference next week

📈 Did you know over 350 million adults in African countries are financially excluded? (Source: AfricaNenda.) How can we bridge this gap and unlock financial inclusion? RiskSeal's latest blog, by our CEO Artem Lalaiants, dives into “The Three Tips on How to Lend More to Emerging Markets.” Discover innovative strategies to integrate alternative data into credit models, expanding financial inclusion. 🌍💼 #creditscoring #financialinclusion #emergingmarkets #scoringmodel #alternativecreditscoring #alternativedata #digitalfootprint #digitalfooprintanalysis #creditrisk #riskmanagement #fintech 

Journal Article Published: Breaking Through Limits: Exploring Factors Hampering Growth in Zambia’s Capital Markets-Lusaka Securities Exchange Perspective. URL: https://lnkd.in/d5jV-qq6 This study is significant as it identifies and addresses the key factors hampering the growth of Zambia's capital markets, specifically focusing on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LUSE). By investigating limited retail investor participation and the influence of macroeconomic factors such as government policies, economic stability, and currency fluctuations, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the barriers to market growth. Through regression analysis, it highlights the importance of investor education, technological innovation, and sustainable development initiatives in fostering market resilience and inclusivity. The study's recommendations, including the integration of ESG criteria, promotion of fintech solutions, and leveraging digital platforms for educational content, offer a strategic framework for improving market operations. These insights are valuable for policymakers, enabling informed decision-making to anticipate economic conditions and guide investment strategies. Additionally, the findings pave the way for future research into regulatory frameworks and the long-term effectiveness of policy interventions. By addressing these challenges, the study suggests that Zambia's capital markets can significantly contribute to the country's GDP and sustainable growth

One of the main challenges that Africa's Fintech must address is the lack of reliable internet infrastructure in many parts of the continent. 🌍💳 In fact, Sub-Saharan Africa is the only region in the world where mobile broadband coverage continues to outpace mobile usage. 📱 How does this usage gap affect Fintechs in Africa? Discover more by watching our insightful video: 🔍 👇 🔗 【 https://lnkd.in/gtAn7yVn 】 #LucidityInsights #Fintech #Africafintech #InternetInfrastructure #DigitalEconomy #TechInnovation #FinancialInclusion #MobileTechnology #DigitalTransformation #ConnectivityChallenge #EmergingMarkets #TechAdoption #FinancialAccess #InnovationHub #TechSolutions #SubSaharanAfrica #frontiermarkets #mobileconnectivity #SouthAfrica #Nigeria #Kenya