In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, two powerful models have emerged as game-changers for underserved populations: microfinance and digital banking. Both aim to bring financial services to those excluded from traditional banking systems, but they do so in fundamentally different ways. As technology advances and the demand for inclusive financial solutions grows, the question arises: What…
Mobile money, a cornerstone of Kenya’s financial landscape, has seen a sharp decline in transactions, dropping by 14.5%. This marks a significant shift in a sector that has long been heralded as a driver of financial inclusion and economic growth. The downturn, coupled with government plans to trace transactions, signals both challenges and opportunities for…
PawaPay, a leader in mobile money payment systems in Africa, has surpassed $1 billion in transactions. This is a major milestone for a company dedicated to enhancing mobile financial services across Africa. While PawaPay has gained prominence by working with Africa’s “Big Four” economies—Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt—its future strategy appears to shift toward…
Omniscient, a prominent South African fintech company, recently received the Finovate 2024 Excellence in Financial Inclusion Award, recognizing its innovation in delivering financial services to underserved communities. This achievement highlights the growing importance of fintech in bridging the financial divide globally, particularly in developing markets like Kenya. Kenya too has made remarkable progress in financial…
The Mobile Revolution Kenya, with over 32 million smartphones in use, is undergoing a financial transformation. Mobile money platforms like M-Pesa have revolutionized transactions, allowing many Kenyans to save, send, and receive payments without traditional banking. This change has been pivotal for 44% of the population previously excluded from formal banking services. Now, a new…
M-Pesa, a leading mobile money service, has signed an agreement with Dahabshiil, a major money transfer firm, to facilitate direct remittances to Ethiopia. This move is set to enhance financial inclusion and ease the money transfer process for Ethiopians living abroad. Convenient RemittancesThe collaboration aims to simplify how the Ethiopian diaspora sends money home, offering…
