FITSPA Uganda’s Post

Now that the Africa Fintech Festival has come to a close, it's time to #reflect on the impactful discussions that will shape the industry in the coming year, setting the stage for the 2025 edition in South Africa. The theme "Catalysing Smart Regulations, Greentech & Agritech" brought together top industry leaders to explore a diverse range of topics. The event kicked off with a round of golf at the Great Rift Valley Lodge where I had the pleasure of walking with our sponsors Victor, Vusumuzi Ndlovu and Sammy Mwangi representing Mastercard and James Mbaabu from Safaricom PLC followed by engaging discussions and networking opportunities, closing off with a heated Fireside Chat in the evening sponsored by Creditinfo Group courtesy of my good friend Kamau Kunyiha. Day 1 kicked off with a CEOs breakfast that focused on #AfricaRising and the ensuing sessions of the day delved into crucial issues such as navigating the global fintech landscape and the talent dynamics between startups and big tech, while an African-themed dinner celebrated connections and culture. The closing day featured more insightful keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions, providing valuable insights for sponsors and delegates alike. The Association of Fintechs in Kenya is working on a white paper based on the outcomes of this event to be shared with other African fintech associations through the Africa Fintech Network for conversations with regulators, fintechs, banks, the African Union and other relevant stakeholders across the continent. Looking ahead to the 2025 #Mzansi edition hosted by Kagisho Dichabe, Chairman of Fintech Association of South Africa (FINASA) where we anticipate more enriching discussions and collaborations in the dynamic fintech space. #AfricaFintechFestival #Fintech #IndustryLeaders #Collaborations Association of Fintechs in Kenya

The Africa Fintech Festival (AFF) is set to take place at the Enashipai Resort & Spa in Naivasha from 12th -15th June 2024. Organized by the Association of Fintechs in Kenya (AFIK) in partnership with the Africa Fintech Network (AFN), this event will serve as a platform for exploring how #innovation and #collaboration can address Africa's pressing challenges, leveraging the continent's rapid #fintech growth. With Africa leading in fintech revenue #growth at a staggering 32% CAGR, the AFF aims to showcase the transformative power of #technology in driving socio-economic progress. Through engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and insights shared by industry leaders, attendees will delve into key thematic areas such as green finance, policy & regulation, and capacity development for regulators in fintech and #agritech. Ali Hussein Kassim #fintech #innovation #industry #hakunamatatamedia Source: CIO Africa

🌍🌱 So excited to see the 3i Africa Summit taking place - there is amazing work being done in the #Fintech space in Africa…hopefully I will be there too… Africa with right fintech laws and policy combined with the right strategy and stimulus of patient capital can really #leapfrog the west. At Orora we want to make this happen. Access to digital cash (old speak mobile money) can be a potential catalyst for change, driving financial inclusion and economic growth across the African continent. With innovative solutions and technologies, Fintech can bridge gaps in traditional banking services, reaching the unbanked and underserved populations. This can empower individuals, entrepreneurs, and SMEs to unlock their full potential, stimulating economic development and job creation. Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya - have emerged as leaders in embracing Fintech and leveraging its transformative power. So many nations are now also experimenting with #cbdcs and the potential of #digitalassets too. Through proactive policy frameworks and robust regulations, these countries can create an enabling environment for Fintech to thrive. There is a movement here that’s growing momentum. There is recognition that by adapting laws and policy to evolve, embracing technological advancements while safeguarding consumer protection and financial stability change can happen at a pace that is amazing 🤩 The potential impact of Fintech policy and regulation in Africa cannot be underestimated. It can pave the way for groundbreaking innovations in mobile payments, digital banking, blockchain, and more. These advancements can revolutionise the way financial services are accessed and delivered, making them more accessible, affordable, and efficient. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sopnendu Mohanty and the Singapore 🇸🇬 team for building an amazing export and network from the fintech festival. In 2012 I landed in Singapore and my life changed. My eyes were opened to a world of possibilities and while working at DBS Bank I went on a wild ride to learn about #innovation and #fintech while Barclays where I worked before taught me so much, DBS and the teams I worked with and observed taught how to make change happen. I remember Neal Cross and Paul Cobban emailing me about the first Singapore fintech festival and sandbox like it was yesterday. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, we can all foster the collaboration and accelerated the adoption of Fintech across borders we need to see in Africa. This collaboration will undoubtedly amplify the positive impact of Fintech on economies and societies, #FintechRevolution #AfricaThree #SingaporeFintechFestival #TransformingAfrica #InclusiveGrowth #Collaboration #bankingonhumanity At Orora we’re quietly getting ready to make change happen too so if you’re a fintech in Africa wanting to scale or an government agency with ideas talk to us we want to help. #humanitycentredbanking

The Fintech Islands Experience (FiX), the only global fintech conference in the Caribbean, is collaborating with the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association (GFPA) to enhance connections between fintech stakeholders in Africa and the Caribbean. Scheduled for 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺 22-24, 2025, 𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘮 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥’𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘺𝘯𝘥𝘩𝘢𝘮 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘴, FiX25 aims to bring together leaders who are redefining financial services. With support from GFPA, a strong African presence is expected at the event. This collaboration reflects the growing interest in fintech services across both regions. According to the World Economic Forum's 2024 report, 57% of fintech companies operate across multiple jurisdictions, with 18% in Latin America and the Caribbean and 15% in Sub-Saharan Africa. Allison Hunte, Co-founder and CEO of Fintech Islands, highlighted the potential for growth in both regions as digital financial services advance. She noted that Africa's rapidly growing fintech sector offers numerous opportunities for collaboration with the Caribbean. The compact size of the Caribbean provides a strategic sandbox for testing new technologies before scaling. Martin Kwame Awagah 🇬🇭🌍, President of GFPA and FiX25 African Representative, will promote the event in Africa. He emphasized the value of peer learning and networking opportunities at FiX events, which have influenced policy development and strategic initiatives in fintech. FiX25 is expected to attract over 700 attendees globally, featuring deep-dive content tracks on digital transformation, AI in fintech, modernizing payments, and more. The event offers a platform for startups to connect with a broad audience and provides policymakers insights into industry needs. #Fintech #AfricaCaribbean #DigitalInnovation #FinancialInclusion #GlobalConnections

Today, It’s imperative for every member of our ecosystem to engage and get connected.🤝🤝   Achieving inclusive growth means not only expanding our economy but also ensuring that the benefits are equitably distributed among all segments of society. This requires active participation from everyone.   Speaking last week during the Nigeria Fintech Week, our MD, ‘DeRemi Atanda, made a rallying call for social action, to position the fintech ecosystem as a rail where all businesses can discover opportunities to drive their growth further by connecting.   True growth cannot happen in isolation. To advance from financial inclusion to broader economic prosperity, we must think beyond our environment.🚀🚀   At Remita, we are committed to empowering everyone, everywhere to opportunities for growth. The future we envision is ambitious, but through connection and collaboration, we can collectively build a vibrant and prosperous digital ecosystem that empowers Africa.🌍 Let’s keep Connecting for Inclusive Growth!   #ConnectWithRemita #RemitaAtNFW24  #AcceleratingInclusiveGrowth #TechEvent #ConnectToGrowWithRemita #NFW24 #FintechInnovation #PaymentsMadeEasy #FintechEvent #NigeriaFintechWeek #simplifyingpayments

How have you benefitted from Fintech Associations in Africa ❓ 🌍 Fintech Associations play a pivotal role in shaping the future of payments, especially across #African regions. ☑ These associations serve as a bridge between #regulatory bodies, #financialinstitutions, and #fintech innovators, fostering collaboration and creating an enabling environment for the growth of digital payments. ☑ These Associations organize #hackathons, #awards, #conferences, #seminars, contributing to engagement #forums, and participating in national financial #policies. ⭕ As of 30th September 2024, #Kenya tops the African Fintech Groups on #LinkedIn with the highest number of followers 75K. 1️⃣ Kenya -75K 2️⃣ Ghana -14K 3️⃣ South Africa- 12K 4️⃣ Nigeria - 8K 📍 The result? A booming fintech ecosystem that’s empowering businesses and individuals, transforming payments, and fueling economic development in key areas such as: ⏩ Improving financial services via mobile money and digital wallets ⏩ Enhancing regulatory frameworks ⏩ Improving cross-border payments ⏩ Collaborating with non-regional firms to improve Fintech solutions As the fintech movement grows, associations ensure that Africa is not just a participant but a leader in the global financial revolution. ❓ How have you benefitted from Fintech Associations in Africa? Share your opinion in the comments section #Fintech #Payments #Africa #MENA #FinancialInclusion #DigitalTransformation #EmergingMarkets #Innovation Fintech Association Of Kenya Fintech Association of South Africa (FINASA) Ghana Fintech and Payments Association Fintech Association Of Nigeria Fintech Association of Botswana Niger Fintech Association FINTECH.MZ - Mozambique Fintech Association COTE D'IVOIRE FINTECH ASSOCIATION Tanzania Fintech Association (TAFINA) Egyptian FinTech Association Albert YIGA FinTech Magazine FinTech Futures Innocent Kwame Kpornu Innocent Orikiiriza Matilda Amponsah Edzai Zvobwo Edrissa Mass Jobe Massimo Cirasino Aftab Masood Qureshi Visa KPMG Finn Ripp Cecilia Ihrivbogbe Adebayo Ogunjobi Moses Kemibaro Kemi Ogunremi Steve Murigi

Last week's 12th Africa Fintech Summit was truly a spectacular event and the first major Pan-African tech conference to take place at the brand new JW Marriott Nairobi in Westlands! There were a LOT of conversations but here are just a few of the top insights we can take from #AFTSNairobi 🤔 ✅ Despite a slow down in venture capital funding, there is still money flowing throughout the African tech community. Founders shouldn't let the news of "funding downturn" keep them from innovating and moving forward. ✅ African fintech is no longer nascent. It is moving into a stage where it impacts EVERY SECTOR of the economy. Agriculture, cross-border trade, capital & debt markets, and every-day-life are being revolutionized by financial technology solutions. ✅ Partnerships remain the way forward for all industry stakeholders! Banks, fintechs, and traditional finance players should work together (or in a state of collaborative competition) to ensure that Africa's financial ecosystem continues to grow, provide better services, and remain both safe and stable. ✅ Regulators across the continent have remained slow to enact policy that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation (some countries have been more progressive than others). As industry players, we must continue to push for better regulation so that founders can focus on building and not on navigating inefficient bureaucracy. What lessons did you take from #AFTSNairobi? Add your comments below so that we can crowdsource a way forward for African fintech 👇 Zekarias Amsalu Dubale, FCCA Charles Isidi Henri Zietsman Erick Asuma Eric Wainaina Kirill Gertman Nubi Kay' Rachel Balsham Tanya Alvis Taha Jiwaji Ed Ibekwe Brenda Mbathi Adam Wakefield Zinhle Phakathi, (MPhil) Cheri Blair Alumni Takondwa Mwendera, MSc Nginda N. Kenn Abuya Frank Molla Mohab Aboueita Samke S. Mhlongo Eloïne Barry (She/Her) Mwau Brian Mikiyas Tamerat Peace Itimi and many others...

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

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 🤔

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