Financial inclusion across Africa is advancing as banks, fintech companies and mobile network operators increasingly collaborate to deliver financial services to underserved populations.
Industry experts say such partnerships are helping millions of previously unbanked Africans access credit, payments and other essential services through mobile phones and digital platforms.
The growing shift toward collaboration was highlighted during the Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF) 2026 in Kigali, where leaders across the financial ecosystem stressed the importance of partnerships in expanding financial access.
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Experts noted that relying solely on traditional bank branches has proven insufficient in many African markets, particularly in low-income economies where building physical banking infrastructure is costly and rural communities often remain underserved.
Zahid Mustafa, Managing Director of I&M Bank Tanzania, said the limitations of conventional banking structures have forced financial institutions to rethink how they reach customers.
