- Rwanda’s Parliament approved the draft law’s explanatory memorandum to regulate virtual asset activities.
- Authorities aim to curb fraud, money laundering, and financing while protecting investors.
- The bill introduces a supervisory authority to oversee crypto service providers in coordination with the central bank.
Rwanda’s Parliament approved on Tuesday, March 31, the explanatory memorandum of a draft law designed to regulate activities related to virtual assets. The bill seeks to establish a clear legal framework for a fast-growing sector while balancing investor protection with support for digital innovation.
The draft law aims to prevent risks linked to money laundering and terrorism financing, according to the official document. It also seeks to protect consumers from the speculative nature of digital assets and to ensure market integrity and transparency.
Today, the Chamber of Deputies approved the rationale of the draft law regulating virtual assets in Rwanda. The law aims to create a safe and clear framework for this growing sector, protecting investors while supporting innovation.
— Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning (@RwandaFinance) March 31, 2026
The draft law will now move to the commission… pic.twitter.com/HmF6Oq2AiV
Moreover, the legislation aims to preserve financial stability by limiting systemic risks arising from the increasing interconnection between digital assets and the traditional financial system.
The proposal introduces a structured regulatory framework, including the designation of a supervisory authority tasked with overseeing virtual asset service providers in coordination with the central bank.
It also covers key activities such as exchange platforms, conversion services between fiat currencies and digital assets, and public offerings of crypto-assets. These offerings will now face enhanced disclosure requirements.
This initiative comes amid growing adoption and rising risks. Rwandan authorities have identified several fraud cases linked to fake digital asset projects.
Data presented during parliamentary discussions show that the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has recorded 35 cases involving pyramid schemes and scams tied to pseudo-cryptocurrencies, resulting in significant financial losses for the population.
By introducing a dedicated regulatory framework, authorities aim to secure market practices, strengthen trust in digital financial services, and position Rwanda in Africa’s emerging digital asset market.
The bill will now move to the relevant parliamentary committee for further review before potential adoption.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Nathalie Kienga leads Africa Cyber Education to expand cybersecurity awareness across vulnerable groups in Africa.
- She combines NGO leadership with senior roles in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidency and global telecom programs.
- Her initiatives target women, children, seniors, and parents to build grassroots digital resilience.
Nathalie Kienga is a Congolese expert in cybersecurity and digital sovereignty. She serves as founder and president of Africa Cyber Education, a non-governmental organization that promotes safe, inclusive, and responsible digital usage across Africa.
Africa Cyber Education, founded in 2022, delivers concrete training and awareness initiatives in cybersecurity. The organization prioritizes vulnerable groups and individuals with limited familiarity with digital tools.
The foundation structures its activities around several educational programs tailored to different audiences.
The first program, Mwasi Cyber, also known as Les Marguerites, targets women and young girls. It aims to “improve the socio-economic well-being of girls and women by offering cybersecurity training, mentorship, and internship or job-shadowing opportunities.”
The second program, Batoto, focuses on children, whom the organization considers highly exposed to online risks. It teaches them to navigate the internet safely and responsibly through awareness campaigns.
The foundation also runs Cyber Senior, a program designed for older adults. It teaches essential digital security basics, best practices, and methods to avoid online fraud.
In parallel, the Cyber Parents program supports parents in understanding digital tools and cybersecurity rules. It enables them to better guide and protect their children in digital environments.
Alongside her non-profit work, Nathalie Kienga serves as head of cybersecurity at the presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo. She also acts as national coordinator for the cybersecurity program of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
In 2021, she founded the African Institute of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (I-CSSI). The institute offers training programs for students seeking specialization in cybersecurity and information systems security.
Nathalie Kienga graduated from the School of Economic Warfare in France with a master’s degree in cybersecurity. She began her professional career in 2013 as a cybersecurity specialist at Systemis Cybersécurité.
She joined Crédit Agricole Group in Switzerland in 2019 as an information security manager. She later worked between 2021 and 2022 as project development manager at the Switzerland-DRC Chamber of Commerce.
In 2025, she received the Women in Tech Global Tech Diplomacy Award. In 2026, Forbes Africa included her among the 50 most influential African women in its Powerlist published for International Women’s Rights Day.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Selma Ndi leads Data Girl Technologies to train women in digital skills and connect them to job opportunities.
- The organization combines technical training, mentorship, and market access in Cameroon’s growing digital sector.
- Data Girl Technologies also operates as a digital agency supporting businesses with online visibility and branding.
Selma Ndi is a Cameroonian web developer and entrepreneur. She serves as chief executive officer of Data Girl Technologies, an educational and digital organization she co-founded in 2019 with Frida Eposi. The organization supports young girls and women in entering and advancing in the digital sector.
Data Girl Technologies prepares participants for careers in digital professions. The organization strengthens technical skills, builds confidence, and improves understanding of opportunities in the sector.
It also creates an environment where participants receive guidance, support, and access to internships, jobs, and professional collaborations.
The company places practical training at the core of its strategy for girls in Cameroon. Its workshops and programs cover a wide range of topics, from basic computing to advanced modules.
Participants learn website creation, programming, interface design, and other disciplines related to online solution development. The programs also address essential topics such as digital security and responsible technology use.
At the same time, Data Girl Technologies operates as a digital agency that supports businesses and project owners in improving their online visibility. It designs websites to help brands differentiate themselves and better market their products and services.
Its team develops integrated visual and digital communication solutions, working on brand identity, online platforms, and customer retention tools.
Selma Ndi graduated from the University of Buea with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2011. She later earned a master’s degree in management and marketing in 2015 from The ICT University in Cameroon.
From 2021 to 2024, she worked as a technology mentor at CareerFoundry, an online school that supports career transitions into digital professions. At the same time, she served as operations manager at Women in Blockchain Africa, a platform focused on blockchain awareness and women’s empowerment.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Senegal and Finland held political consultations to explore cooperation on digital infrastructure and AI-ready data centers.
- Dakar seeks to diversify technology partners to meet targets under its “New Deal technologique.”
- No formal agreement has been signed yet despite growing engagement.
On Thursday, March 26, Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Alioune Sall, met a Finnish delegation led by Outi Holopainen, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The meeting took place during the second session of political consultations between Senegal and Finland.
Both delegations reviewed key digital projects, including infrastructure development, the establishment of an artificial intelligence-compatible data center, and public service connectivity. They also discussed submarine cables as well as two critical issues: disinformation and media literacy.
This engagement with Helsinki reflects Dakar’s strategy to expand its network of technology partners. Senegal requires diversified partnerships to meet the deadlines set under its “New Deal technologique” and to achieve its digital transformation objectives.
In recent months, Dakar has strengthened ties with major technology companies such as Visa and Huawei. It has also engaged with international organizations including the International Telecommunication Union and the World Bank to support its digital and technological projects.
Finland has acted within the framework of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy. The EU launched this initiative in 2021 to build smart, secure, and reliable connections with global partners across sectors including digital.
The initiative aims to mobilize up to 300 billion euros ($345 billion) in investments to achieve these objectives. However, Senegal and Finland have not yet signed a formal agreement despite ongoing discussions and growing cooperation.
This article was initially published by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Rwanda prepares a phased shutdown of 2G and 3G networks to boost 4G and 5G adoption.
- Authorities assess infrastructure readiness, economic impact, and risks tied to the transition.
- Limited smartphone access and rural coverage gaps remain key challenges to inclusion.
Rwandan authorities have initiated plans to gradually phase out 2G and 3G mobile technologies. The initiative aims to accelerate broadband development and adoption as part of the country’s ongoing digital transformation.
On Thursday, March 26, Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, met device importers and private sector stakeholders. She aimed to discuss practical aspects of the transition and to identify ways to improve access to 4G- and 5G-compatible devices for all citizens.
Today, Minister @MusoniPaula met with device importers to discuss the next phase of Rwanda’s digital transition, with a particular focus on the gradual phase-out of 2G and 3G devices and the implications for both industry and citizens.
— Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda (@RwandaICT) March 26, 2026
The meeting provided an opportunity to… pic.twitter.com/HbXykEHOA8
A Transition Anchored in National Strategy
The migration to 4G and 5G networks forms part of the ICT Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, which defines Rwanda’s digital transformation framework.
In November 2024, the government, in partnership with Germany, launched a call for expressions of interest to conduct a technical assessment of the phased shutdown of 2G and 3G networks. The study aims to evaluate infrastructure readiness and the maturity of the technological ecosystem.
Moreover, the assessment examines the consequences of failing to transition, including rising maintenance costs for legacy networks, declining manufacturer support, and increased risks related to security and compliance. It also analyzes the impact on coverage, particularly in rural areas, and evaluates the ability of 4G and 5G networks to deliver inclusive, affordable, and high-quality connectivity.
The evaluation also addresses economic factors, including changes in average revenue per user (ARPU), potential revenue losses for operators, user migration conditions, constraints related to access to compatible devices, and effects on pricing and competition. It further considers regulatory challenges and energy efficiency requirements.
Rwandan telecom operators have already started to prepare for the transition. Airtel Rwanda announced in December 2024 its plan to phase out 3G by the end of 2025 and 2G by 2026, aligning with global trends and national broadband ambitions.
Emmanuel Hamez, then chief executive of Airtel Africa’s Rwandan unit, stated that the shift is “not only necessary, but inevitable,” as the operator builds a modern network capable of meeting the demands of a connected and digital society.
An Inevitable Shift Amid Digital Growth
Demand for high-speed connectivity continues to grow rapidly, and 3G has become too slow for many applications, particularly as user numbers and bandwidth needs increase. Rwandan authorities consider the transition essential to keep pace with global trends and the rise of data-driven applications, while gradually reducing reliance on traditional voice services.
Rwanda aims to leverage new technologies to reduce the digital divide, improve connectivity quality nationwide, and stimulate a sustainable and inclusive digital economy. The National Broadband Strategy highlights improved broadband access as a driver of productivity, innovation, efficiency, and job creation.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, many operators still maintain 2G networks to serve users without smartphones, ensure voice services in underserved areas, and support SMS. However, operators globally have begun phasing out 3G and early 4G generations to free up spectrum and support advanced 4G LTE and 5G deployment.
The World Bank estimates that shutting down legacy wireless networks can improve the efficiency of telecom investments in Africa by enhancing coverage and service quality. It states that maintaining these networks represents inefficient capital expenditure because their ARPU remains lower than that of 4G and 5G. It adds that retiring legacy networks allows operators to reallocate spectrum to more efficient technologies that deliver higher speeds and better service quality.
Persistent Challenges in Digital Inclusion
Despite the expected benefits, the transition to ultra-fast broadband raises concerns about digital inclusion. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union, 2G and 3G networks covered 98.8% of the population in 2024, a level comparable to 4G coverage. However, gaps may persist in certain rural or peripheral areas where newer networks remain uneven in quality and availability.
Beyond coverage, usage presents another challenge. Rwandan authorities reported that mobile broadband subscriptions reached 54% of the population in 2024, indicating incomplete adoption. Limited access to compatible devices remains a major constraint. Smartphones, which are essential to fully utilize 4G and 5G networks, were owned by only 45% of the population in 2024.
Additionally, data costs, digital literacy levels, and the relevance of available content continue to affect adoption.
Furthermore, 2G and 3G networks still support specific professional uses, particularly machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Devices such as electronic payment terminals, ATMs, smart meters, and certain industrial and transport systems continue to rely on these technologies. Consequently, stakeholders must address their capacity to migrate to reliable alternative solutions.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The Royal Academy of Engineering has selected 16 innovators from 11 African countries for the 2026 edition of its Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, with a total prize pool of £85,000 ($112,774).
Their projects cover sectors including healthcare, digital education, public transportation, clean energy, water and waste management. The grand prize winner will receive £50,000 (over $66,000), while additional prizes will go to the most promising runners-up.
The investment firm Novastar Ventures has closed its third fund, worth $147 million, to back high-impact African startups, particularly in climate, clean energy, mobility, and logistics.
Backed by major Japanese investors and development finance institutions, the fund aims to accelerate the growth of companies delivering both financial returns and social and environmental impact.
South Africa is modernizing its ID card application process by offering it through selected banks. Citizens can either start the process online and complete it at a branch or, at selected banks, complete the entire process on-site using digital services. Applicants must bring their ID documents, proof of address, and pay the required fees; they will receive a text message once their card is ready for collection.
- Founded in 2024, JumlaJumla builds an integrated commerce and logistics platform in Tanzania.
- The company connects retailers directly with manufacturers and wholesalers to streamline supply chains.
- The platform combines order management, delivery coordination and electric-bike logistics to improve efficiency.
David Mallya is a Tanzanian entrepreneur and the co-founder and chief executive officer of JumlaJumla, a technology-driven commerce and logistics platform. The company develops digital infrastructure to facilitate the purchase, sale and transportation of goods.
Founded in 2024, JumlaJumla aims to operate as a comprehensive ecosystem that brings together consumers, retailers, suppliers and logistics partners on a single platform. This integrated approach reduces intermediaries, streamlines transactions and optimizes operations from initial order to final delivery.
For retailers and small businesses, the platform offers a wholesale purchasing system that connects manufacturers directly with wholesalers. This structure improves product access, secures supply chains and enables better management of volumes and costs.
On the logistics side, JumlaJumla relies on a system that combines order management, delivery coordination, route planning, service-level tracking and incident management. The company uses electric bicycles for deliveries, demonstrating its intention to combine operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.
Before founding JumlaJumla, David Mallya served as executive director of Gadgets Tanzania from 2019 to 2025. The company specializes in the repair and supply of IT and telecommunications equipment nationwide. It supports individuals, businesses, organizations and public institutions by providing technology solutions designed to enhance efficiency and productivity.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Nigeria commits 12 billion naira ($8.6 million) to a national digital economy research program.
- The initiative supports a broader $2 billion plan to deploy 90,000 km of fiber optic infrastructure.
- Authorities target ICT contribution of 22% of GDP by 2027.
Nigerian authorities plan to allocate 12 billion naira ($8.6 million) to a national research program on the digital economy. The program aims to strengthen institutions and ensure that the digital transition benefits the entire society by relying on scientific evidence rather than short-term decision-making.
The program, called the National Digital Economy Research Clusters (NDERC), forms part of the BRIDGE project, a national initiative that plans to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure across the country to improve connectivity and support the development of a modern digital economy. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced a call for expressions of interest on Sunday, March 29.
Today my heart is filled with deep joy as we announce the Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters— a ₦12 billion research funding scheme designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) March 28, 2026
This… pic.twitter.com/UfDrbPVHUX
“As we deepen our digital infrastructure coverage , thoughtful evidence based approaches are required to be deployed in society to ensure everyone benefits from this significant investment. Too often, the ideas shaping digital policy come predominantly from markets and political cycles rather than from research, evidence, and long-term thinking,” the minister said in a statement published on his social media channels.
The NDERC plans to establish six research clusters covering strategic areas, including connectivity, digital public infrastructure, digital skills and education, digital economy and employment, security and consumer protection, as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The program will mobilize 36 professors from 36 Nigerian universities in collaboration with international academic partners. It will also involve more than 200 researchers to produce rigorous scientific work that policymakers can directly use.
The program aligns with the Nigerian government’s ambition to use digital technology as a driver of socio-economic development. The government expects information and communication technologies to contribute 22% of gross domestic product by 2027.
Meanwhile, authorities expect the BRIDGE project to create new employment opportunities, including up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, while also stimulating innovation. The project should increase GDP per capita by 1.5% and raise the country’s GDP from $472.62 billion to about $502 billion within four years.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
More...
- Orange launches the 16th edition of POESAM and opens applications until May 10.
- The competition prioritizes projects using artificial intelligence, big data and cybersecurity.
- Winners receive up to €25,000 and access to funding and network support.
Orange announced on Monday, March 30 the opening of applications for the 16th edition of POESAM. Young entrepreneurs from the 17 countries where the telecom group operates have until May 10 to submit their projects through the dedicated platform.
For this edition, the initiative highlights projects that rely on technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and cybersecurity. The program specifically targets solutions developed in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and the environment, as these areas concentrate a significant share of Africa’s innovation needs.
The competition follows a two-phase structure. First, organizers conduct a national selection to identify the best projects in each country. Then, selected candidates advance to an international phase where the Grand Prize and a dedicated Women’s Entrepreneurship Prize are awarded.
Winners receive financial support, with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €25,000 for the top three awards, and €20,000 for the International Women’s Prize. In addition, the program provides support through Orange’s ecosystem, including networking opportunities and access to development resources.
Since its inception, POESAM has recorded more than 17,000 applications and has recognized numerous startups across the region. The initiative forms part of a broader effort by major telecom groups to support innovation in Africa and the Middle East, as technology ecosystems continue to expand.
Entrepreneurs can submit their applications online via the dedicated platform: https://POESAM.Orange.com/.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- HoneyCoin enables businesses to manage, convert and transfer funds across more than 22 markets.
- The platform provides liquidity of up to $5 million per day for large-volume currency transactions.
- The company integrates local payment systems, digital assets and APIs to streamline international financial flows.
David Nandwa is a Kenyan technology entrepreneur and the founder and chief executive officer of HoneyCoin, a digital startup specializing in financial solutions for businesses.
Founded in 2020, HoneyCoin provides finance teams with a comprehensive tool to manage, convert and execute payments in foreign currencies. The platform aims to simplify and secure international money flows.
The platform allows users to hold balances in local currencies and digital assets while using local payment methods across more than 22 markets to collect or settle transactions. It also enables users to manage funds, receive payments via bank accounts or mobile money services, send payments to local accounts or wallets on demand and convert currencies instantly within the same wallet.
For businesses handling large volumes, HoneyCoin offers a dedicated service for currency conversion and settlement. This service provides access to liquidity pools across multiple markets, reaching up to $5 million per day for exchanges between local currencies, stablecoins and U.S. dollars.
The platform also allows companies to issue virtual cards in their name, which facilitates team expense management. Moreover, for companies seeking direct integration, HoneyCoin provides a full application programming interface (API), including well-documented endpoints, automated event notifications and ready-to-use libraries for multiple programming languages.
David Nandwa earned a mobile technology certificate in 2020 through the Google Africa Developer Scholarship. He also graduated from Arden University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
He began his professional career in 2016 as a software engineer. He collaborated with Zapata Drinks, an e-commerce beverage platform based in Tanzania, and Eleza, an agricultural technology solution in Kenya. Between 2020 and 2021, he led the integration of Flutterwave technologies within development teams and partner companies.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Kukubela offers courses in African languages including Kimbundu, Kikongo and Lingala.
- The app has surpassed 35,000 registered users, with strong adoption among African diaspora communities.
- Founder António Nicolau launched the platform in 2023 to combine language learning with cultural preservation.
Kukubela operates as an online learning platform developed by an Angolan startup. The platform offers courses in several languages spoken in Angola and Central Africa, including Kimbundu, Kikongo, Umbundu, Tshokwé and Lingala.
The application relies on content designed by native speakers, and it aims to deliver both linguistic and cultural learning. The startup, based in Luanda, was founded in 2023 by António Nicolau.
“Engagement remains strongest among diaspora users who seek to reconnect with their cultural identity, as well as among Angolans who want to formalize their knowledge of languages they heard growing up but never formally studied,” Nicolau said.
The application is available on iOS and Android, where it has recorded more than 5,000 downloads on Google Play. Unlike traditional apps that focus on grammar, Kukubela adopts an immersive approach. The modules incorporate cultural elements such as proverbs, traditional stories and everyday dialogues to contextualize learning.
The platform also offers interactive features, including an integrated dictionary, a translator, audio content for pronunciation and a community space that allows users to interact with teachers and other learners. The application targets mobile usage and relies on short learning formats of a few minutes per session to adapt to user constraints. It already reports tens of thousands of users worldwide, particularly within African diaspora communities.
“We currently count more than 35,000 registered users across Angola and the African diaspora abroad, mainly in Portugal, Brazil, the United Kingdom and France. We have around 220 active paying subscribers in Angola and within the diaspora, as well as a small number of trial users,” Nicolau added.
Beyond language learning, Kukubela aligns with a broader effort to promote African cultural heritage. By digitizing languages that remain underrepresented in technology solutions, the platform supports their preservation while facilitating their transmission.
In a context of rapid growth in online learning platforms across Africa, Kukubela illustrates an emerging trend: African startups are targeting cultural niches to deliver solutions tailored to local realities and diaspora needs.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Despite its leading role in advancing financial inclusion on a continent where banking penetration remains low, mobile money still faces major structural barriers that limit its full potential. Yet the service, which continues to expand with new offerings, particularly in banking, has the capacity to transform household economies and the broader financial landscape in Africa.
Africa's mobile money sector recorded strong growth in 2025, yet barriers to full adoption persist for millions across the continent.
Nearly $1.432 trillion flowed through mobile money accounts in Africa in 2025, up roughly 27% from 2024, according to the "State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2026," published Tuesday, March 24, by the GSMA, the global association of mobile network operators.
The continent accounted for nearly 66% of the $2.091 trillion in global mobile money transaction value, which itself rose 23% year on year. Africa also represented around 74% of the 125 billion mobile money transactions recorded worldwide, roughly 92 billion operations, up 16% from 2024.
The report also noted that Africa is home to 52% of mobile money accounts globally. At end-2025, the continent had approximately 1.2 billion accounts, up 18% from 2024, with 347 million active on a monthly basis. Worldwide, total accounts reached around 2.3 billion, up 13%, with 593 million active over a 30-day period.
Africa remains the epicenter of mobile finance. But this success masks a growing contradiction: the service is expanding rapidly while full adoption across the population and its real impact remain limited.
Barriers to inclusion
The first barrier is access to devices. The World Bank notes that 84% of adults in developing countries own a phone, but roughly one quarter of them still use a basic handset, "more affordable, with limited features and no internet browser." Only two-thirds of adults therefore own a full smartphone enabling access to apps and browsers. In sub-Saharan Africa, that figure drops to 33%. In that region, as in South Asia, the most commonly cited reason for not owning a smartphone is cost. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has also highlighted that across the African continent, one of the main obstacles to the adoption of digital services remains affordability, particularly that of devices.
The second barrier is digital financial literacy. The GSMA's 2026 mobile money report is explicit: low digital financial literacy remains a major obstacle to the adoption and use of the service. In African countries surveyed where uptake gaps persist, the data are clear. In Ethiopia, among people who are aware of mobile money but do not have an account, 60% of women and 54% of men say they do not know how to use the service; 45% of women and 50% of men say they struggle to use a phone or fear making mistakes. In Egypt, this barrier affects 21% of women and 15% of men; in Nigeria, 22% of both women and men. Compounding this, in Ethiopia, 24% of women surveyed cite the lack of a SIM card or phone as an obstacle.
Beyond the service, a human impact
A clear paradox emerges: mobile money first took hold through the most basic handsets. But its new frontier now demands more than a simple mobile phone. The range of use cases has expanded, and service providers increasingly rely on super-apps rather than USSD codes to deliver greater value, including bill payments, government social transfers, micro-insurance, micro-credit and micro-savings. The most dynamic segments are now merchant payments, up 42% to $155 billion in 2025, and interoperable transfers between banks and mobile wallets, at $167 billion. In other words, the sector has moved well beyond the simple peer-to-peer transfers of its early days, advancing into a more sophisticated phase where users must navigate interfaces, options, QR codes, virtual cards, security features and transaction records. Without adequate devices or basic digital fluency, a portion of Africans risk being confined to the most elementary uses as the ecosystem moves toward more complex services.
This divide is also social and gendered. Without suitable phones and basic digital skills, millions of Africans remain on the margins of what mobile money can offer. In low- and middle-income countries, the GSMA estimates that women remain 14% less likely than men to use mobile internet, leaving 885 million women still unconnected, of whom approximately 60% live in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This creates the risk of a two-speed financial inclusion, uneven in practice.
Unlocking the full potential of mobile money in Africa therefore requires more than a commercial response. It must be industrial, educational and regulatory. The ITU advocates for cheaper entry-level smartphones, purchase options facilitated through microcredit or installment payments, lower costs for handsets and data, and the integration of basic digital skills into school curricula and training programs. The GSMA report echoes this view, stressing the need for digital financial literacy initiatives targeting women, rural populations and older people. The World Bank notes that cost, ease of use and security must be addressed together. The real challenge for Africa is no longer to prove that mobile money works, it is to ensure that everyone can genuinely use it.
Muriel Edjo