Category: Finance

Finance insights covering banking, fintech, investment, financial services and market developments shaping Africa’s economy.

Making Capital Work for African Women: Closing the gender financing gap alongside the African Development Bank Group

This article explores the critical role of financial institutions in closing the gender financing gap in Africa, focusing on the partnership between Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). It highlights the transformative impact of integrated financial and non-financial support for women entrepreneurs, illustrated by the success story of South African business leader Busisiwe Mdletshe. With reference to recent gender parity data and large-scale investment initiatives, the article emphasizes the importance of combining capital access with human development to achieve inclusive economic growth. The article outlines landmark financing packages aimed at supporting women-led SMEs and advocates for continued collaboration between development finance institutions and private sector banks to scale impact across the continent.

Digital empowerment takes root in Zimbabwe with EFTCorp and EmpowerBank Limited

Digital financial inclusion is gaining momentum in Zimbabwe through a strategic partnership between EFTCorp and EmpowerBank Limited, a youth-focused microfinance institution. Together, they are building a robust digital ecosystem that supports underserved communities—particularly young people and women—by providing accessible banking infrastructure, youth microloans, financial literacy programs, and entrepreneurship support. EmpowerBank’s grassroots development initiatives are complemented by EFTCorp’s cutting-edge digital payment technologies, enabling mobile-first, scalable, and secure financial services. This public-private collaboration exemplifies how digital transformation can foster economic empowerment and sustainable development from the ground up.

South Africa high on the list for Global HFT Firms

High-frequency trading (HFT) firms are increasingly eyeing South Africa as a prime destination for their algorithmic trading operations. Driven by the country’s highly liquid markets, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strategic position as a gateway to Africa, South Africa presents compelling advantages for HFT players. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has significantly evolved, with key enhancements like the Millennium IT platform and colocation services, offering ultra-low-latency access for traders. Coupled with an uptick in retail trading and competitive exchanges like A2X, South Africa’s capital markets are becoming more sophisticated, presenting a dynamic environment for both local and global HFT firms. This shift is contributing to the modernization of the market and furthering innovation in Africa’s financial landscape.

Why microlenders are under the regulatory spotlight

Microlenders in South Africa play a crucial role in financial inclusion, offering small loans to individuals and businesses who lack access to traditional financial services. However, they face increasing regulatory scrutiny under both the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) and the National Credit Act (NCA). This article explores the compliance challenges microlenders face and the role of technology in helping them meet regulatory requirements while continuing to support underserved communities.