The article “Future-Fit Financing for African Mining Hinges on ESG” discusses the increasing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in securing financing for African mining operations. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that ESG considerations present for the industry’s future.
Category: Finance
Finance insights covering banking, fintech, investment, financial services and market developments shaping Africa’s economy.
Shelter Afrique Development Bank and the African Union Sign Historic MOU to Strengthen Housing and Urban Development in Africa
Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and the African Union (AU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address Africa’s housing and urban development challenges. The partnership aims to reduce the housing deficit, promote sustainable urbanization, and foster economic growth across the continent. By leveraging innovative solutions, policy development, and resource mobilization, this collaboration is set to have a transformative impact on Africa’s housing and urban infrastructure needs.
Year in Review: Key trends in the South African retail payments industry
Physical retail is as important as ever, which means that in-person payments continue to play a pivotal role in South Africa’s retail landscape. In light of this, continued investment has been directed toward in-person payment innovation, a trend that is expected to persist well into the foreseeable future.
ATIDI, African Solidarity Fund sign deal to promote investment and trade in Africa
African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) and African Solidarity Fund (ASF) have signed a framework cooperation agreement, paving the way for further strategic collaboration to promote economic development and mitigate the risks associated with investment and trade in Africa.
Benchmarking financial inclusion through innovation
Explore the importance of benchmarking financial inclusion through innovation in Africa. Learn how data-driven strategies and emerging technologies like AI and geospatial mapping are advancing financial access, tackling challenges, and bridging the digital divide to create equitable financial solutions.
Digitisation as Africa’s Great Equaliser in Financial Services
Access to financial services in Africa had for decades been defined by disparities—between rural and urban areas, between men and women, between small businesses and larger enterprises. It meant that millions, especially the continent’s most vulnerable populations, were excluded from the formal economy, curbing entrepreneurship, restricting access to credit, and stifling upward financial mobility for far too long.
Ecentric Wins Fintech Innovation of the Year at 2024 Africa Tech Festival Awards
Ecentric, a leading omnichannel payments provider, and its partners were awarded Fintech Innovation of the Year at the 2024 Africa Tech Festival for their pioneering […]
Absa Closes Significant Trade Finance Facility with BII
Absa has successfully secured a $150 million facility from British International Investment (BII) PLC as part of its mission to help close the trade finance gap in Africa.
Is cash dead? If your answer is yes you’re missing the point… and millions of customers
Is cash truly dead? With the rapid rise of fintech innovations and digital payment solutions, one might think so. Yet, despite the digital revolution sweeping across African societies, cash remains very much alive—and for millions, it is still the preferred way to transact. In the article, Cat Denoon-Stevens, Head of Product Incubation at Mukuru, discusses how cash remains an essential element of financial inclusion for millions. Fintechs must embrace this reality, offering flexible solutions that meet customers where they are—whether in the physical or digital realm.
MIGA and ATIDI collaborate to streamline African investments
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a member of the World Bank Group Guarantees, and the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) have signed a three-year partnership to accelerate foreign direct investment throughout Africa.