Author: Robert Ogundiran

In the vast, diverse landscape of Africa, where nearly 60% of the adult population remains excluded from formal financial services, a silent revolution is underway. This revolution isn’t one led by governments or global financial giants but by innovative, daring fintech startups that are on the front line, battling financial exclusion in Nigeria and across the continent. Imagine, for a moment, the frustration of being excluded from access to banking, loans, or even the ability to save securely. Now, imagine that you are living in a country like Nigeria, where over 45 million people still do not have access to…

The African fintech scene is on fire — and Nigeria is at the heart of this financial revolution. In fact, between 2019 and early 2024, Nigerian fintech companies secured over $2.6 billion in funding across more than 300 deals. But it’s not just about money — it’s about real change. These startups are helping everyday people access loans, make digital payments, and send money across borders more easily than ever. Today, we’ll walk through the top fintech hotspots in Nigeria and Africa, plus highlight the startups making waves. I’ve written this so simple for you to understand, and it’s packed…

In the dynamic world of digital finance, where innovation meets necessity, Cellulant has emerged as a beacon of transformation. As Africa’s largest fintech company, Cellulant’s mission transcends mere transactions; it’s about fostering financial inclusion and empowering businesses and individuals alike. But how did Cellulant amplify its brand presence across a diverse and expansive continent? The answer lies in a meticulously crafted Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy that not only elevated its online visibility but also solidified its position as a thought leader in the fintech space. But you need to understand one thing. It didn’t start will a roller-coaster thing…

Africa’s fintech space has exploded in recent years, transforming how we save, spend, invest, and move money. From Lagos to Nairobi, fintech startups are solving real problems — bringing financial services to the unbanked, making payments faster, enabling cross-border trade, and even introducing cryptocurrencies to everyday life. But here’s the truth many founders and investors are quietly worried about: innovation without clear regulation can be dangerous. Without strong legal frameworks, fintech companies can easily run into issues like government crackdowns, hefty fines, or sudden bans. So, let’s break it down. What does the regulatory landscape for fintech look like across…

Not too long ago, if you needed a loan in Nigeria, you had to brave long queues at a bank, shuffle through piles of paperwork, and pray your request didn’t get declined for not having “enough collateral.” But those days are fading fast. Welcome to the digital lending revolution—where access to credit is just a few taps away. But now things have changed, thanks to the revolution in fintech and technology in Nigeria. Digital lending platforms are changing the game. They’re not just modernizing how loans are disbursed—they’re democratizing it. For the first time, millions of Nigerians who were invisible…

Do you know what it feels like to pour your heart into a harvest—only to have banks slam the door on you when you need a loan? Or worse, to lose everything to a drought with no safety net in sight? This is the everyday struggle of millions of African farmers. But something powerful is changing… A quiet revolution is sweeping across Africa’s fields—and it’s coming from the most unexpected place: your mobile phone. Now, imagine standing in a sun-drenched field in rural Kenya, the soil warm beneath your feet, and the future of your harvest uncertain. Then picture a…

Let’s get real for a moment. We live in a country where millions hustle daily—selling, buying, trading, and working hard to make ends meet. Yet, here’s the brutal truth: many Nigerians still don’t understand how money really works. Yes, we earn it. We spend it. But do we grow it? Do we protect it? Do we make it work for us? Not nearly enough. In fact, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria, only about 4 in 10 Nigerian adults are financially literate. That means the majority of our population is navigating life’s toughest challenges—raising families, building businesses, planning for…

Let’s talk about something that’s quietly shaking the table in Africa. And no, it’s not another dance trend or political drama. It’s banking. But not the “sit-at-the-bank-for-4-hours-waiting-to-collect-your-own-money” kind of banking. I’m talking about Neobanks. Digital-only banks that live inside your phone—and they’re rewriting the rules. Remember when banking felt like punishment? Long queues. Missing forms. Rude customer service. The moment you step into a branch, it’s like your time stops counting. That era? It’s dying. Because a new wave of banks—neobanks—are showing up with one mission: Make banking simple, accessible, and even… enjoyable. And it’s not just a tech fad.…

Let’s not sugarcoat this… Right now in Africa, your personal data is more valuable than your bank balance. And guess what? Many fintech companies know it. Some protect it. But others? They’re selling it, abusing it, or leaving it wide open for hackers like a goat tied to a stake in the lion’s den. Let me break it down… The Fintech Boom Nobody Saw Coming Africa is on fire with digital finance. In Nigeria alone, fintech deals hit $1.2 billion in 2021. And platforms like Flutterwave, Chipper Cash, and Opay are now household names. People are saving, investing, transferring money—all…

Why It’s The Smartest Move You’ll Make This Year? Imagine this… You’re sitting in your living room in Ibadan. The generator just kicked in, your fan is whirling, and you’re sipping cold malt after a long day. But you’re not in traffic. You’re not standing in line at a banking hall with sweat dripping down your back. You’re not listening to that voice shout, “Next customer please!” Yet, right from your phone, you’ve just opened a fully functional bank account… Funded it. Sent money to a friend. And even ordered a debit card. All without stepping foot outside. That’s the…