Key Findings
- 1From M-Pesa to instant payments rails — mapping the infrastructure that will power Africa's digital economy.
Overview
Africa's payment landscape is the most dynamic in the world. No other continent has leapfrogged legacy infrastructure as dramatically, moved as quickly from cash to mobile, or created as much innovation in payment technology.
"Nigeria's instant payment system (NIBSS) handles 4 billion transactions per year."
57% of Sub-Saharan African adults remain unbanked — representing the world's largest financial inclusion opportunity.
Mobile-first fintech platforms are uniquely positioned to capture this 350M+ person market.
The Current State
Africa processes over $800 billion in mobile money transactions annually. Nigeria's instant payment system (NIBSS) handles 4 billion transactions per year. South Africa's real-time clearing system processes R2.5 trillion monthly. The infrastructure is mature and scaling.
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