Author: Andrew Springate

As long as cash still dominates the payments landscape in Africa, it remains a stumbling block to much-needed technological progress and innovation, particularly for SMEs. Things are starting to shift as Africa’s digital payments race begins and true financial participation and inclusion becomes a reality. The continent is on the cusp of some exciting developments. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a greater acceptance of online digital payments, which has prompted financial institutions to ramp up their digital offerings to support growing consumer comfort and demand for cashless services. Across sub-Saharan Africa, the World Bank reports an unbanked population of 350…