UBA America’s Post

What Trends are Empowering Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs?   At #FII8 by Future Investment Initiative, Mr Haytham ElMaayergi, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President for Global Trade Bank, joined the The Tony Elumelu Foundation panel to discuss how African entrepreneurs can scale, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth.   Through initiatives like Pan-African Payment & Settlement System - PAPSS and the innovative African Trade Gateway (ATG), Afreximbank is simplifying market access, boosting trade efficiency, and reducing costs for businesses trading within Africa. These digital tools are unlocking unprecedented opportunities for Africa’s young visionaries. ➡️ Watch this panel in full here https://lnkd.in/e-tdERmB #Afreximbank #EmpoweringAfrica #YouthEntrepreneurs

We had an enlightening panel discussion at the #MSMEForum focused on navigating the various funding options available to African entrepreneurs. The session brought together industry experts to explore both traditional banking and innovative financing solutions tailored for the unique challenges faced by African SMEs. Key Highlights: 1: Diverse Funding Options: Panelists discussed a range of financing avenues, from microfinance and mobile banking to venture debt and impact investing, showcasing how these options can empower entrepreneurs. 2: Innovative Solutions: We explored how fintech is revolutionizing access to financial services across the continent, making it easier for SMEs to secure the funding they need. 3: Challenges and Opportunities: The discussion addressed the barriers many SMEs face in accessing finance, including regulatory hurdles and infrastructure limitations, while also highlighting promising new models like blended finance and green bonds. 4: Call to Action: Experts emphasized the importance of creating a supportive business environment to attract more private investment and improve access to capital for African entrepreneurs.

In an era where digital transformation dictates market survival, the evolution of #fintech in Africa offers unparalleled insights. While we celebrate technological advancements worldwide, are we doing enough to foster innovation within our own borders? At the recent Strathmore Business School (SBS) 2nd Annual Fintech Breakfast at Strathmore Business School, the air buzzed with potential. It was a melting pot of ideas, strategies, and connections, signifying a leap towards nurturing home-grown solutions in the fintech space. The presence of Fintech Founders and Association of Fintechs in Kenya Board Members Christine Kitale and Mary Mwangi underscored the collective aspiration towards revolutionizing financial services in Kenya and beyond. This gathering wasn’t just about networking over breakfast; it was a clarion call to action. As we dissect global trends and successes, let’s champion local initiatives and entrepreneurs propelling our region forward. How can we leverage this momentum to catalyze further innovation in African fintech? Your thoughts and contributions are not only welcome but necessary for shaping our shared digital future. #FinTech #AfricaTechEcosystem #Innovation

An insightful discussion focused on funding options for African entrepreneurs, bringing together experts to explore traditional and innovative financing tailored for SMEs. Key Highlights: Diverse Funding: Panelists covered microfinance, mobile banking, venture debt, and impact investing, empowering entrepreneurs with varied options. Innovative Solutions: Fintech’s role in expanding access to financial services for SMEs was highlighted. Challenges & Opportunities: Barriers like regulatory hurdles and infrastructure gaps were discussed, along with emerging models like blended finance and green bonds. Call to Action: Emphasis on fostering a supportive business environment to attract private investment and improve capital access for African SMEs.

Kifiya Financial Technology PLC 👏 👏Impact beyond borders🌍 I am really proud to celebrate winning the Product Innovation of the Year Award with the Kifiya team. It is not a small feat. There were 265 submissions in 5 categories and the recognition speaks volumes about the long held commitment to drive real, sustainable impact through cutting-edge technology. At the heart of Kifiya's innovation is a team dedicated to empowering MSMEs, smallholder farmers, individuals with AI-powered, data-driven solutions that transform access to finance. The power of financial inclusion is to uplift traditionally marginalized communities, such as young women, and stimulate economic growth. This award validates our efforts to bridge the gap in financial services across Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Thank you to our founder and CEO Munir Duri, the incredible Kifiya team and partners who continue to support this journey. We remain committed to advancing digital finance and market access ensuring that our innovation leads to a better, more inclusive future for all. 🌍 #FinancialInclusion #InnovationForImpact #AIForGood #SMEFinance #AfricaRising #DigitalTransformation #GlobalImpact #Kifiya #AwardWinningInnovation

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...

#Mobilepayments in Sub Saharan Africa - its impact, normalisation & opportunities. #SeamlessAfrica Working on the Seamless Africa showcase this year, I have had the chance to go through my weekly research on our keynote topics discussed and was quickly impressed on data that the Sub-Saharan Africa leading the world in mobile money transactions, both in volume and value, accounting for nearly 66% of global transactions. (data from Satista's article published on 30 June 2024.) This presents vast opportunities for financial inclusion through digital payment adoption among the masses. At the upcoming 10th edition of #SeamlessAfrica in #Johannesburg this October, we're diving deep into the world of mobile payments among other conversations. Startups focusing on #mobilepayments, #financialinclusion especially for the unbanked, #Fintech, #bankingtechnologies are invited to participate in our complimentary startup showcase. This is your chance to network with key players in #banking, #finance, and #retail, attend premium conference sessions, share your insights in our startup stories space, and secure a complimentary space at the event. If your startup is less than 3 years old, generates less than $1 million in revenue, and is based in Sub-Saharan Africa, we want to hear from you! Sign up your interest to join the showcase by filling out the form here https://lnkd.in/dap5JiiR or emailing prima.castelino@terrapinn.com. Let's drive innovation and financial inclusion together at Seamless Africa! 🌍💳 #Innovation #Fintech #StartupShowcase #Africa #Subsaharan Don't forget to follow all things Seamless Africa on our LinkedIn page!

🌍 Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up 95% of all registered businesses and contribute around 50% to the GDP of sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, these entrepreneurs face significant obstacles to growth. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for fostering a prosperous Africa. 💼 About 40% of formal SMEs in developing countries struggle with access to finance, highlighting a critical disconnect between financial service providers and SMEs. Many small businesses are deemed too risky by incumbent institutions due to a lack of collateral or cash flow data, a result of information irregularities in financial markets. 🚀 InclusionFS is currently innovating with two banks in emerging markets to successfully bridge this gap. If your institution or fintech is embarking on an inclusion-focused initiative, I would love to share our learnings bryan@InclusionFS.com #FinancialInclusion 💪🌎 #MSMEs #EconomicDevelopment #EmergingMarkets #Innovation #PovertyReduction

Highlights from Last Week’s Afreximbank SME Workshop! Last week, alongside our partner Woodhall Capital, we gathered African entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financiers to empower the backbone of Africa’s economy: SMEs! The Afreximbank SME Development Workshop in Lagos provided the tools, insights, and networks that African businesses need to drive sustainable growth. Key Highlights: Day 1: The event launched with influential voices from policy and finance, setting a proactive agenda for SME financing and export challenges. Day 2: A dynamic day full of insights and interactive sessions! Panel Discussions: Manufacturing for Export: Navigating Policy and Regulatory Landscape addressed manufacturers' challenges and mapped pathways to global competitiveness. - The Creative Economy as a Force for Economic Transformation demonstrated how Africa’s creative sector is reshaping the continent’s economy. Insight Sessions: - Export Market Access for Local Manufacturers highlighted the role of Quality Assurance Centres and Export Trading Companies in helping local brands expand globally. Promoting Trust and Effective Governance offered strategies to overcome non-financial export barriers through the Africa Trade Gateway. Masterclasses: Building a resilient organisation inspired adaptability in fast-changing markets. Practical masterclasses on Presenting Your Business to Commercial Lenders, Strategies for Growth and Cross-Border Expansion, and Alternative Financing Sources for SMEs gave SMEs essential tools to secure funding and scale. From valuable insights to transformative networking, the Afreximbank SME Workshop was a major step towards empowering African SMEs. Here’s to advancing African enterprise! #Afreximbank #AfreximbankSMEDevelopment #AfricanEntrepreneurs

Flutterwave CEO, Olugbenga Agboola Named Vice Chair of US-Africa Business Center Board “Flutterwave is at the forefront of the digital revolution in Africa. Their leadership and vision in the digital economy sector exemplify why Africa is a key player in the global economic narrative. We are eager to explore Africa’s digital transformation and to advance the US-Nigeria business initiative announced at UNGA,” said the organisation. https://lnkd.in/eQvKdXac #fintech #finance #banking #paytech #payments #fintechnews #paymentsnews