“Finance with Purpose: Unlocking Homes for South African Women” explores the transformative power of finance in bridging the gender wealth gap in South Africa, with a focus on homeownership. The article highlights the challenges women face in accessing housing due to unequal pay, limited collateral, and cultural norms, compounded by a national housing backlog. Alex Area, a Development Finance Specialist at the African Development Bank, outlines how sustainability-linked loans (SLLs) and gender-focused bonds are opening new doors for women to secure property, build wealth, and strengthen their financial independence. By tying financing to measurable social outcomes, these financial innovations not only tackle housing inequalities but also promote inclusive growth. The piece argues that gender-responsive finance, supported by institutional frameworks and rigorous monitoring, is essential to ensuring sustainable, long-term impact in closing the gender wealth gap.
Tag: financial inclusion
M-KOPA-branded Smartphones Surpass 1 Million Sales in First Year
M-KOPA, the leading fintech company focused on enhancing financial inclusion, has achieved an impressive milestone: over 1 million smartphone sales within its first year of launching its own brand. The smartphones, embedded with M-KOPA’s Smart Money Platform, provide users across Africa with access to affordable credit, health insurance, and device protection. The company’s flagship X20 model and additional devices like the X2, M10, and S34 are revolutionizing how smartphones can be used to drive financial independence, particularly in emerging markets. With an assembly plant in Nairobi, M-KOPA also contributes significantly to job creation and local economic development.
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.
DID:UNCONF AFRICA 2025: South Africa to Host Groundbreaking Internet Identity Workshop
DID:UNCONF AFRICA 2025 is a pioneering event aimed at addressing the critical need for African-led digital identity solutions. Taking place in Stellenbosch, South Africa, from February 18 to 20, this unconference brings together innovators and professionals to collaborate on the future of digital identity. Attendees will explore topics like financial inclusion, self-sovereign identity, and blockchain-based solutions, while also creating a platform for real-time discussions and knowledge exchange.
Finance App Usage and Revenue Surge in Sub-Saharan Africa – AppsFlyer & Google Report
The new AppsFlyer & Google report highlights a significant surge in finance app usage and revenue across Sub-Saharan Africa. It explores how mobile financial services are transforming the region, fueled by digital adoption, mobile banking, and increasing access to fintech solutions. The report provides key insights into market growth, regional trends, and the potential of mobile financial applications to enhance financial inclusion.
Naked Secures R700 Million ($38M) to Transform Insurance Industry
South African insurtech Naked raises $38M (R700M) in Africa’s largest insurtech funding round to revolutionize insurance with AI, automation, and transparency.
Village Capital Invests USD 150K in Rhea and Regxta, Women-Led Startups Transforming Agriculture and Financial Inclusion in Africa
Village Capital has invested USD 150K in Rhea and Regxta, two women-led startups revolutionizing agriculture and financial inclusion in Africa. Learn how these innovative companies are transforming key sectors across the continent.
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.