Fintech for good: How M-Kopa is unlocking financial inclusion across sub-Saharan Africa
In our series highlighting innovative fintech companies driving positive change in areas like sustainability, social impact, and financial inclusion, this month we spotlight UK-based start-up M-Kopa, which provides digital financial services to underbanked consumers in sub-Saharan Africa.
In an interview with FinTech Futures, Nena Sanderson, chief product officer (CPO) at M-Kopa, explains that the firm began operations in 2011 in the Kenyan solar market. Since then, it has expanded its offerings and footprint, providing smartphone financing, digital loans, and health insurance across a number of countries in Africa.
Ghana: Government Prepares 15 New Laws to Strengthen the Digital Economy
Ghana’s digital economy is growing rapidly, with increasing reliance on fintech, e-commerce, and digital transactions. Strong legal frameworks are essential to protect businesses and consumers from cyber threats and ensure compliance with international data protection standards.
Ghana’s Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI) has announced plans to introduce 15 new digital laws aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, data protection, and digital economy regulation. The announcement was made on June 8 during a two-day workshop with Parliament’s Select Committee on Information and Communications, where the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and collaboration in shaping the country’s digital future.
REGULATION | Morocco Nabs Alleged Mastermind Behind French Crypto Kidnappings
A24-year-old French-Moroccan man, believed to be one of the masterminds behind a string of crypto-related kidnappings in France, has been arrested by Moroccan police following a request from French authorities.
He is one of the ten most wanted French citizens in the world. And for good reason: his shadow looms over the series of ultra-violent kidnappings for ransom in the cryptocurrency world in the first six months of 2025.
The suspect, Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, was apprehended by Morocco’s national police and intelligence services in the northern Moroccan city of Tangier. He is a native of Le Chesnay west of Paris. Authorities reportedly found him in possession of multiple sharp weapons and several mobile phones during the arrest.
Read more: https://bitcoinke.io/2025/06/morocco-nabs-alleged-mastermind-behind-french-crypto-kidnappings/
EAC Pushes for FinTech Integration to Power Cross-Border Trade, Financial Inclusion
The East African Community (EAC) is taking a bold path toward deeper economic integration through financial technology, as leaders and stakeholders from across the region convene in Kampala for the Peer-to-Peer Conference 2025 on financial services.
The high-level meeting has underscored the urgent need to harmonize regulatory frameworks, strengthen digital infrastructure, and enhance interoperability to unlock the full potential of FinTech in boosting cross-border trade, financial inclusion, and productivity across the East African Community.
Speaking at the conference, the Acting Executive Director of the East African Business Council (EABC), Adrian Njau, highlighted the significance of integrated financial services in driving sustainable economic growth and regional integration.
J.P. Morgan and EY Open Applications for Fintech Forward UK Accelerator
J.P. Morgan, in collaboration with EY, has announced that applications are now open for the Fintech Forward Programme, a 12-week accelerator designed to support early-stage founders and business leaders developing technology-driven solutions in financial services.
The initiative forms part of JPMorganChase’s broader work to expand access to resources and opportunities within the innovation economy.
The programme aims to support those who may face barriers to funding and networks, particularly individuals and businesses committed to addressing challenges faced by underserved communities in the UK.
Read more: https://fintechnews.ch/london/jp-morgan-ey-fintech-forward-programme-2025/76778/
XTransfer Partners with BNP Paribas to Simplify Eurozone-China Trade Payments
XTransfer, China’s B2B cross-border trade payment platform, and BNP Paribas have signed a MoU to collaborate on cross-border financial services.
The agreement was formalised during the Money20/20 Europe event in Amsterdam and aims to reduce the cost and processing time of international payments, particularly for businesses operating between China and the Eurozone.
The partnership will enable Chinese clients of XTransfer to collect payments in Euros more efficiently by making use of BNP Paribas’ network across Europe.
Read more: https://fintechnews.ch/payments/xtransfer-bnp-paribas-partnership/76774/
