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. 

Beyond metrics: Trust is crucial to brand building

Vanity metrics aside, trust plays a vital role in the longevity of global brands; with key players such as Google, Coca-Cola, and Apple – which are known for their iconic logos and substantial market shares – focused heavily on continuously building consumer trust. Ivie Media’s partnership with Tractor Outdoor and Lula highlights this approach, providing SMEs with opportunities to boost their visibility and achieve long-term growth. Amid economic challenges, marketing leaders must balance short-term performance with long-term brand building to secure sustainable success.

SME confidence on the rise as GNU promises growth

iKhokha conducted a survey which found that 79% of SMEs are now feeling confident that the economy will grow under the leadership of the GNU, with the fintech noting a 20% increase in working capital distributions in July, attributed in part to businesses recommitting to growth initiatives and investing in their futures.