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.
Tag: Mukuru
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.
Fintechs need to overcome regulatory barriers that limit access to financial services for underserved communities
Nikki Kettles, Licences and Payments Regulation Executive at Mukuru, discusses how regulatory barriers often limit fintech innovation and hinder access to financial services for these communities. She highlights the importance of collaboration between fintechs and regulators in overcoming barriers to innovation and expanding access to financial services for underserved communities. Mukuru’s success in holding 49 licenses across 15 countries underscores its deep commitment to working closely with regulators while expanding financial access.
Fintech’s transformative potential: Empower customers through self-education
The most powerful thing a fintech can do is enable its customers to educate themselves. Mukuru, a leading next-generation financial services provider, started out as a remittance company but has evolved into a platform with a suite of different financial products and services. Mukuru CEO, Andy Jury, says that formalised financial education obviously plays a crucial role in a fintech’s business, but customers that trust and repeatedly use a new product or service, such as a digital store of money, go through a natural learning process and are then more comfortable being exposed to more sophisticated products.
Fintechs are aiding financial inclusion across sub-Saharan Africa
Fintechs are driving financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa by providing safer and more affordable solutions for cross-border remittances, reducing costs by 50% in the past decade. These fintechs are enabling people to join the formal economy and access a range of financial services, contributing to lasting financial inclusion in the region.
In the race to digital wallets, don’t forget cash
Success in the digital payment space will hinge on the ability of new players and incumbents to converge the physical and digital experience into a seamless continuum for the customer. Extending the digital solution to a cash-based customer requires a “phygital” approach, writes Juan Seco, Chief Growth Officer at Mukuru.
Tough economic headwinds provide exciting opportunities for agile, customer-centric fintechs
By offering personalised experiences and innovative solutions, fintechs can navigate the evolving tech and business landscape, transforming the way money is stored, used, and moved in South Africa. Amid challenging economic headwinds, South African fintechs have the potential to excel by prioritising customer-centric approaches and strategic partnerships, while embracing digitisation and regulatory changes. Andy Jury, CEO of Mukuru shares insights into the fintech trends for 2024, while looking at where we are now.
Bridging the gap: Using a multi-faceted approach to combatting financial inequality
To address the rampant inequality in many African economies today, companies are demonstrating a customer-centric approach that drives formal financial and economic inclusion. In this article, Mukuru CEO, Andy Jury, shares a multi-faceted approach to addressing barriers to formalisation and how to create a more inclusive and equitable landscape in South Africa – offering accessible, low cost remittance services and digital solutions while maintaining a physical presence.
Harnessing the power of data to drive financial and economic inclusion
Data analytics can facilitate economic and financial inclusivity in Africa by tailoring fintech solutions to meet the specific needs of communities, as exemplified by Mukuru.