Africa’s Digital Payments and Mobile Money Growth: Driving Financial Inclusion Across the Continent
February 25, 2026
Beyond Mobile Money: Africa’s Shift Towards an Integrated Digital Economy
Africa’s digital finance ecosystem is evolving beyond traditional mobile wallets. Governments and private players are implementing interoperable platforms that connect banks, fintechs, and mobile money services, making payments smoother and more inclusive across borders.
This integration is expected to accelerate financial inclusion, expand e-commerce, and support regional trade as more Africans gain access to reliable digital payment systems.
Source: The Africa Report
Safaricom Introduces Stock Trading via M-Pesa in 2026
Kenya’s Safaricom has launched a stock trading feature on M-Pesa, allowing users to invest directly from their mobile wallets. This development expands digital finance beyond payments, linking mobile money with investment opportunities.
The move is expected to increase financial literacy and offer new pathways for wealth creation while reinforcing the central role of mobile wallets in everyday financial transactions.
Source: Reuters
Digital Payments Gain Ground as African Firms Go Cashless
More than 50% of African companies are now embracing cashless payments, integrating mobile money and fintech platforms into their operations. This trend reflects the growing reliance on digital tools for commerce and financial management.
The shift to cashless systems is helping businesses reduce costs, improve efficiency, and participate more fully in the digital economy, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
Africa’s Instant Payments Hit 64 Billion Transactions
A recent report shows that Africa’s instant payment systems processed 64 billion transactions, growing at an average annual rate of 35 % since 2020. These real‑time payment platforms are making it easier for both individuals and businesses to send and receive money quickly and securely across the continent.
This surge in volume underscores how digital infrastructure is supporting entrepreneurship, enabling faster settlements, and fostering a vibrant digital economy where payments are frictionless and widely accessible.
Source: Forbes Africa
Recent Comments