financial inclusion

Lipaworld, a South African startup founded by immigrants who experienced the cost of cross-border transactions firsthand, has launched a stablecoin-powered Visa card targeting Africa's unbanked populations.

From credit bureau mobile platforms to enterprise network solutions, technology providers are addressing the dual imperatives of reliability and accessibility as digital infrastructure matures across the continent.

Nigerian fintech Smartcash has eliminated transaction fees on transfers and bill payments targeting unbanked populations, while Elon Musk announced X Money will enter early public access in April 2026.

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria posted N152.4 billion in housing fund collections with 48% growth, while commercial banks expanded services targeting women entrepreneurs and small businesses through infrastructure investments.

Nigeria's banking sector shows robust growth with Jaiz Bank posting 75% monthly gains following N31.3 billion profit, while Access Bank eliminates outbound transfer fees for Pan-African Payment and Settlement System transactions through April 2026.

South Africa's wine industry warns of job losses from proposed sin tax increases, while Nigeria grapples with power supply failures crippling SMEs and mortgage market exclusion affecting earners below N500,000 monthly.

The selection of Capsa Technology as a top-8 finalist by Afreximbank marks a turning point for digital factoring platforms across the continent, as traditional banking infrastructure gives way to technology-driven solutions for Africa's $120 billion trade finance gap.

Nigerian banks and telecom operators have settled a four-year dispute over mobile banking charges, clearing nearly N300 billion in accumulated debt and shifting billing responsibility to customers.

The fintech startup has secured a major funding commitment from i80 Group to expand its vehicle-secured credit card offering, marking a significant bet on alternative credit products for underbanked consumers.

Lupiya's funding extension to $11.25 million signals sustained investor confidence in African digital banking models targeting underserved populations, while Divest's platform evolution reflects the sector's maturation beyond single-product offerings.

Nigeria's banking sector has settled its massive USSD debt to telecom operators while Airtel Africa pursues ambitious expansion plans including a mobile money IPO and cryptocurrency services.

Africa's payments giant Interswitch has rolled out simplified digital payment channels for students registering for Nigeria's 2026 university entrance examinations, addressing longstanding friction points in the country's education-to-digital pipeline.

Nigerian fintech Grey has launched a dedicated business platform to streamline international transactions for African startups and small enterprises, addressing persistent foreign exchange and payment settlement challenges that have constrained regional commerce.

Guaranty Trust Bank launched a 2.95% airtime loan product while AfriGO partnered with PalmPay for in-app card requests, as financial institutions leverage mobile platforms to expand service accessibility across West Africa.

Bank of Industry and MTN Foundation commit N1 billion for women-led enterprises while National Pension Commission licenses first accredited pension agent to expand informal sector coverage.