In the past two years, two trips changed how I see Africa’s financial landscape. Are you ready for a story? I promise it won’t take long.
The first was the shock I experienced when cash became an inconvenience in Nairobi. Paying for things with the dominant mobile money service, Mpesa, was the norm. I asked about fintechs and banks and heard a story completely different from what I was used to. Coming from a country where cash is king and bank transfers raise eyebrows, I got those same puzzled looks in Kenya when I wanted to pay with cash.
The second trip was to Amsterdam, where every cross-border payment app I tried left me pulling my hair. Frustrated, I attempted to open a neobank account with Revolut, only for my documents to be a problem.
Then, within Nigeria, I’ve seen rapid changes in how we spend, save and bank. Walking through markets, I noticed buyers and sellers adapting. Traders were casually slipping POS devices into their handbags, treating them like smartphones.
The world thrives on information, and every professional working and doing business in Africa needs a reliable platform for news, stories, and insights about financial services across the continent. That’s what led us to Finance in Africa.
What is Finance in Africa?
Finance in Africa is a publication under the Businessfront umbrella, created to make sense of the intricate, dynamic world of finance across the continent. From the bustling markets to the boardrooms of Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Johannesburg, and beyond, we’re here to tell stories that matter about Africa’s economies.
We’re a team of former journalists, communication professionals and lawyers, who understand the importance of context, clarity, and storytelling in the financial sector.
Think of Finance in Africa as your daily go-to platform: the place to outsmart your colleagues, competitors—or better still, learn how to collaborate with them to win big. Whether you’re an investor evaluating your next deal, a manager deciphering the latest regulations, or simply curious about the future of finance, we’re here for you.
What We’re About
Our mission is simple:
- Decode Africa’s financial sector: Deliver stories that go beyond the headlines to uncover the “why” and “how” of finance in Africa.
- Bridge global and local narratives: Highlight how global policies shape Africa and how African markets impact the world.
- Celebrate innovation and resilience: Spotlight fintech startups, informal markets, and the people transforming Africa’s financial landscape.
Why We’re Excited About the Future
Africa’s financial story is just beginning. As technology transforms access to capital, regulations reshape markets, and businesses chart new paths for growth, we’re here to document it all. We aim to provide professionals with not just news but actionable insights to make informed decisions.
This launch is just the start. Expect sharp news coverage, deep sector dives, opinion pieces from thought leaders, and innovative storytelling formats.
Follow us on Twitter @FinanceInAfrica and join us as we reshape how Africa’s financial story is told.
Welcome to Finance in Africa!