#40Days40FinTechs Zambia and Malawi Edition – Day 10 Access to credit remains a critical challenge for millions of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa. Without collateral, formal records, or traditional bank accounts, many entrepreneurs are locked out of the financial system—unable to secure working capital to grow their businesses. This is the gap […]
In Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, an innovation hub is playing a pivotal role in transforming dreams into sustainable enterprises. BongoHive, one of the country’s leading technology and innovation spaces, has been nurturing start-ups and driving financial inclusion for over 14 years. With many African innovators struggling to overcome high operational costs, lack of access to office […]
Across Africa, informal cross-border trade remains a lifeline for millions—and women are at the helm. According to reports, women constitute between 70% to 80% of all informal cross-border traders, driving local economies and supporting households. Yet, the journey for many of these traders is riddled with challenges: from exploitation and harassment to poor market access […]
Across Africa, informal cross-border trade is dominated by women—accounting for up to 70% of traders, according to the African Development Bank. Yet, these women often navigate a landscape riddled with unique challenges—from harassment and exploitation to lack of market information and limited access to financial tools. Recognizing these barriers, the COMESA Federation of Women in […]
Accessing credit has long been a major challenge for many in Malawi—especially low-income earners and the unbanked. Traditional loan processes are slow, complicated, and often demand collateral that many simply don’t have. But one Malawian start-up is changing this narrative through the power of Financial Technology. Credit Line Limited, featured on Day 5 of the […]
As Zambia pushes forward on its digital transformation journey, Bridging Gap Solutions (BGS), a homegrown tech company, is emerging as a major enabler of financial inclusion and digital access. Founded 16 years ago, BGS has evolved into a multi-solution provider offering cutting-edge services in FinTech, secure systems integration, ERP, CRM, and ICT hardware solutions. Its […]
Thousands of people across Africa, especially women and youth, rely on Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) for their livelihoods. However, this sector continues to face numerous challenges, including limited access to forex, formal financial services, digital tools, consumer protection, and tailored financial products. High transaction costs, complex account opening procedures, and cultural barriers further compound the […]
