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Global Fintech Trends - AFN

Global Fintech Trends – 27th August, 2024

Fintech For Economic Inclusivity And Empowering Women-Led SMEs

“A vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more.”

This quote by Rosabeth Moss Kanter encapsulates the driving force behind Buhle Goslar’s journey in the fintech world, challenging long-held notions of the financial sphere as a ‘boys club’ and offering an inspirational vision of hope for the future.

Goslar’s deep understanding of how capital allocation and technology drove economic inclusivity enabled her to rise to prominence in business and perfectly positioned her for the role as chairperson at SME services provider Lula.

Read more here: https://techfinancials.co.za/2024/08/26/fintech-for-economic-inclusivity-and-empowering-women-led-smes/ 


MEST Africa and Norwegian Embassy Launch 6th AgriTech Challenge for West African Entrepreneurs

The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa), in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy, proudly announces the launch of the 6th edition of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC). This year’s challenge seeks to identify and support exceptional AgriTech entrepreneurs who are addressing critical agricultural challenges in West Africa. 

In the rapidly evolving world of AgriTech, innovation needs the right conditions to flourish. While many African entrepreneurs possess bold visions, they often face challenges in accessing the necessary resources and networks to bring their ideas to fruition. MAC 2024 is here to bridge that gap, offering startups the opportunity to “Find Their Soil” by providing critical support, funding, and mentorship. 

“‘Find Your Soil’ is a call to action for AgriTech innovators to discover the ideal environment where their vision can flourish. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we aim to support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor, MEST Africa. 

Read more here: https://www.techafricanews.com/2024/08/26/mest-africa-and-norwegian-embassy-launch-6th-agritech-challenge-for-west-african-entrepreneurs/ 


Transforming Intra-African Trade: The Role of Fintech in Revolutionizing Cross-Border B2B Payments

The landscape of intra-African trade is currently undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the modernization of cross-border B2B payments. This evolution is reshaping the continent’s economic dynamics and unlocking new opportunities for businesses across Africa.

A recent report from Duplo, the leading provider of payment, spend, and vendor management solutions for African Businesses,  delved into the pivotal role that Fintech is playing in revolutionizing intra-African cross-border B2B payments. As fintech innovations take center stage, the report highlights that the future of intra-African trade is becoming increasingly digital, efficient, and inclusive.

The report titled “The State of Cross-Border Payments in Africa and its Impact on Trade”, noted that the evolution of payment, using different Fintech platforms, is reshaping Africa’s economic dynamics as well as creating new opportunities for businesses across Africa.

Read more here: https://www.tekedia.com/transforming-intra-african-trade-the-role-of-fintech-in-revolutionizing-cross-border-b2b-payments/ 


78% of Indian consumers choose digital banking over cash transactions

New Delhi: 78 per cent of consumers now prefer to do most of their banking digitally through mobile apps or websites, according to the Alkami report.

This shift is part of a broader trend towards cashless transactions and contactless payments, which have become the default for many, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the report, nearly 80 per cent of financial institutions have seen an increase in cashless transactions over the past two years. This change has been accelerated by the pandemic, with many consumers opting for digital payments to avoid handling cash. About 60 per cent of these institutions noted that the volume of cashless transactions has surged by more than 20 per cent.

Read more here: https://www.zawya.com/en/business/fintech/78-of-indian-consumers-choose-digital-banking-over-cash-transactions-mzoiggcn 


Banking on innovation: South Africa’s fintech revolution

Fintech, or financial technology, refers to the integration of technology into offerings by financial services companies to improve their use of financial services. The fintech landscape in South Africa has undergone significant transformation over the past few years, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. As traditional financial institutions grapple with the rise of fintech companies, the sector presents a unique blend of disruption, regulatory challenges, and growth opportunities.

The rise of fintech in South Africa

In South Africa, fintech has emerged as a vital force, providing innovative solutions that challenge conventional banking practices. With the increasing adoption of mobile banking and digital payment systems, fintech companies are reshaping how consumers interact with financial services.

Read more here: https://itweb.africa/content/Pero3MZ3Dk9qQb6m 


ADCB Egypt partners with PaySupp to offer supply chain financing solutions

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank – Egypt (ADCB Egypt) has partnered with financial technology company PaySupp to provide innovative financing solutions for corporate supply chain vendors.

The agreement, signed by Ihab El Sewerky, Managing Director and CEO of ADCB Egypt, and Ahmed Alaa, CEO of PaySupp, in the presence of senior executives from both parties, aims to help companies manage their working capital more effectively and ensure business continuity amid economic challenges.

The new platform’s early payment service provides flexible and integrated financial facilities, enabling suppliers to receive their deferred payments more quickly and on more favourable terms. Companies benefit from improved payment terms, which help reduce operating costs, enhance operational efficiency, improve cash flow, and foster stronger collaboration with suppliers.

Read more here: https://www.zawya.com/en/business/fintech/adcb-egypt-partners-with-paysupp-to-offer-supply-chain-financing-solutions-mfb7sr8b 


Paywatch Recognised as the Only Malaysian Fintech on Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch List

Paywatch, an earned-wage access (EWA) service provider, has emerged as the only Malaysian fintech to have earned a spot on Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch 2024 list.

Now in its third year, this list highlights emerging small companies and startups across the Asia-Pacific region that have piqued investors’ interest with their innovation and potential for growth.

Paywatch’s platform allows employees to access their earned wages in real time, aimed at reducing reliance on high-interest loans and improving financial stability.

Read more here: https://fintechnews.my/45967/fintech-lending-malaysia/paywatch-forbes-asia-2024-list/

Global Fintech Trends - AFN