Author: Robert Ogundiran

Have you been wondering how African fintech startups are growing so fast these days?Have you heard about AI (artificial intelligence)—but you’re not sure how it’s driving all this success in mobile banking, payments, loans, and digital wallets across Africa? Or maybe you’ve seen stories of fintech giants like Flutterwave, M-KOPA, and Paystack, and you’re thinking, “How are they scaling so fast?” If that’s you, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about AI in African fintech, how it works, and why it’s opening massive doors for entrepreneurs, founders, and even everyday…

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been hearing all the buzz about Bitcoin, Ethereum, crypto trading, blockchain, and all those fancy tech words flying around Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya — everywhere in Africa these days. Maybe you’ve even thought, “Is this crypto thing real? Should I jump in, or is it just another scam waiting to happen?” Today, I want us to sit down together, like two friends having a deep conversation, and unpack what’s really going on with crypto in Africa — the good, the bad, and the future ahead. Why Are Africans Rushing Into Crypto? Let me tell you…

In the heart of Lagos, Amina sells fruit by the roadside. She’s been doing it for ten years, yet she has no bank Account. No savings plan. No loan access. She operates entirely in cash — vulnerable to theft, price shocks, and financial instability. Now imagine this for a moment, What if Amina could instantly access tailored savings products, micro-loans, or insurance — all from her phone, even without a formal bank account? This isn’t a dream. It’s the promise of open banking — and it has the potential to transform Africa’s financial future. What is Open Banking, Really? At…

Not long ago, the fintech space in Africa felt like an exclusive club—dominated by men, with women often watching from the sidelines. Today? Women are not just in the room; they are at the head of the table—calling the shots, designing the future, and breaking centuries-old barriers. Across Nigeria and the entire continent, a new generation of female fintech leaders is rising. They are not only building powerful companies but also rewriting the rules of money, access, and opportunity for millions of women (and men) who were once left behind. Let’s talk about real change-makers. 1. Solape Akinpelu: Turning Rural…

Nigeria’s informal economy accounts for more than half of its GDP and employs over 80% of its labor force. Yet for decades, the vast majority of this population has been excluded from formal financial services. But that’s changing—thanks to fintech. With mobile technology, agent networks, and digital platforms, fintech solutions are bridging the financial gap for traders, artisans, small business owners, and gig workers across the country. Here’s how fintech is reshaping Nigeria’s informal economy. 1. Nigeria’s Informal Economy: Big, Busy, But Mostly Unbanked The informal sector is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy—from roadside vendors in Lagos to okada riders…

In a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem, where crisis often births innovation, COVID-19 catalyzed one of the most significant digital shifts Africa has ever witnessed. As the pandemic disrupted lives and economies, it also unearthed a critical need—accessible, contactless, and efficient financial services. Fintech stepped in not just as a convenience, but as a necessity. This was not merely a shift in tools—it was a shift in mindset. From mobile payments in rural Kenya to digital lending platforms in Nigeria, COVID-19 rewrote the rules of engagement for banks, consumers, and businesses across the continent. Understanding the Pre-Pandemic Landscape Before the pandemic,…

Can I ask you something personal? Have you ever wondered why, when you swipe your card at that little mama-put down your street… Part of your money quietly sneaks away? What you probably don’t realize is this: That money — those small transaction fees often go straight into the pockets of foreign companies. Yeah. Every time you tap Visa or Mastercard here in Nigeria, part of the transaction fees leaves Nigeria in dollars. And with the way our forex is shaking, you already know: that’s not a small matter. But listen carefully… Something new is rising on the horizon —…

Have you been wondering how African fintech startups are growing so fast these days? Have you heard about AI (artificial intelligence)—but you’re not sure how it’s driving all this success in mobile banking, payments, loans, and digital wallets across Africa? Or maybe you’ve seen stories of fintech giants like Flutterwave, M-KOPA, and Paystack, and you’re thinking, “How are they scaling so fast?” If that’s you, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about AI in African fintech, how it works, and why it’s opening massive doors for entrepreneurs, founders, and even…

In 2015, two Nigerian software engineers, Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi, set out to solve a problem that many African businesses faced: the difficulty of accepting online payments. Their solution was Paystack, a platform designed to simplify payment processing for merchants across the continent. Within just a few years, Paystack became a cornerstone of Africa’s digital economy. You see, Paystack’s inception was driven by the need for a seamless payment system tailored to African businesses.When Paystack launched, Nigeria’s digital payment infrastructure was fragmented and unreliable. Businesses struggled with failed transactions, security concerns, and limited integration options. Paystack tackled these issues…

SCAM ALERT… Wait, no—this one is real. For once, we’re talking about a revolution that’s not built on empty promises, fake guarantees, or jazz-like headlines. We’re talking about something solid. Something Africa has been praying for since the days of tortoise stories—fast, affordable, stress-free cross-border payments. And guess what? Fintech is the hero we’ve been waiting for. Let’s not sugarcoat it: moving money across African borders used to feel like a Nollywood horror film. You send $100 to your cousin in Ghana… Two weeks later, it arrives as $80, after passing through a maze of middlemen, hidden fees, and mysterious…