𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀 (2025)

06/10/2025

In this issue, Adedeji’s insights reveal a bold, pragmatic approach to innovation in finance. From scaling credit for small businesses to designing lending systems, he is not just building products—he is architecting the future of finance through impactful initiatives such as .

Don’t miss out! Click the link in bio for more 👆🏾

06/10/2025

📢 It’s finally here! The latest edition is now available featuring Adedeji Olowe , one of Africa’s leading finance visionaries. As the founder and CEO of Lendsqr, he is building one of the world’s most advanced lending software ecosystems, while also serving as chairman of Paystack, one of Africa’s most celebrated fintech success stories, acquired by Stripe. He also co-founded Open Banking Nigeria, laying the foundation for API-driven open finance across the continent.

In our conversation, he shares how Lendsqr empowers lenders to operate faster, smarter, and more efficiently, bridging critical gaps in Africa’s financial landscape. He also reflects on the importance of partnerships between fintechs and traditional banks, the risks and opportunities in Africa’s fintech ecosystem, and the role of entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and local engagement in building businesses that last.

This edition also spotlights Feven Tsehaye , founder of , who is leading Africa’s regenerative natural products industry while showing how sustainability, community empowerment, and profitability can thrive hand-in-hand. Plus, stay informed with trailblazing initiatives , , economic news, radiant eats & retreats - and much more!

Click the link in bio for more 👆🏾

06/10/2025

The 15th edition of Spotlight in Africa Digital Magazine is officially out, with Adedeji Olowe❗️

In this issue, we sit down with Adedeji —a fintech pioneer transforming how money moves across Africa and beyond. As the founder and CEO of Lendsqr, he is building one of the world’s most advanced lending software ecosystems, while also serving as chairman of Paystack, one of Africa’s most celebrated fintech success stories, acquired by Stripe.

He also co-founded Open Banking Nigeria, laying the foundation for API-driven open finance across the continent. With expertise spanning banking, venture capital, and financial regulation, and experience managing cards and payments across 19 African countries, Adedeji is redefining the infrastructure that underpins modern finance.

This interview is a must-read for anyone interested in fintech, entrepreneurship, and creating systems that leave a lasting impact across Africa and beyond.

Click the link in bio for more👆🏾

05/10/2025

Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to stable assets such as the U.S. dollar, a local currency, or commodities, designed to minimize volatility and preserve value. Across sub-Saharan Africa, their use is expanding rapidly, with on-chain transaction volumes up roughly 52% year-on-year. Stablecoins are increasingly used for remittances, e-commerce, and payroll, filling gaps left by costly or unreliable banking systems. Nigeria leads adoption, with billions in transactions helping people hedge against currency swings and move money across borders. Uptake is also rising in Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Uganda, as citizens seek stability amid inflation and local currency pressures.
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This African surge mirrors a global trend. The market capitalization of stablecoins has soared from $5 billion in early 2020 to $230 billion by May 2025, cementing their role in digital finance. In Africa, over 70% of users rely on stablecoins for remittances and savings, while others use them for payroll, crop insurance, and tuition. In markets like South Africa and Kenya, they’ve overtaken Bitcoin for everyday transactions—reflecting a shift toward stable, dollar-linked currencies as practical alternatives to volatile fiat money.
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Regulatory progress is building. In Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s 2025 framework officially classifies stablecoins as regulated securities, paving the way for innovation under clearer rules. The launch of the cNGN, Africa’s first regulated stablecoin by the African Stablecoin Consortium, marks a key milestone. At the continental level, voices are calling for local-currency-backed stablecoins to reduce dollar reliance and promote monetary sovereignty—ensuring these assets strengthen rather than destabilize local economies.
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Challenges remain around infrastructure, compliance, and fiscal management. Without sound regulation, widespread dollar-pegged use could weaken national currencies and tax bases. thoughtful oversight and innovation, stablecoins could anchor a more inclusive, low-cost digital payment ecosystem — turning Africa into a leader in borderless, next-gen finance.
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✅ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ !

26/09/2025

Dr. Ola Orekunrin Brown is a British-Nigerian medical doctor turned healthcare entrepreneur whose work has transformed emergency medical services across West Africa. She founded Flying Doctors Nigeria, the region’s first air-ambulance service, born out of personal tragedy—her younger sister’s inability to receive urgent care due to lack of transport inspired Ola to bring critical care closer to remote and underserved communities. Beyond transport, Flying Doctors provides urgent care logistics, pre-hospital care, medical evacuation, health facility management, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical services.
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Building on that foundation, Ola expanded into investment and infrastructure through HealthCap Africa (also known as Flying Doctors Healthcare Investment Group) and co-founded Greentree Investment Company, aiming to support startups in healthtech and fintech and to drive large-scale infrastructure projects in clean energy, clean water, and healthcare. Her companies have built a portfolio of dozens of early-stage startups and maintain a pipeline of nearly a billion dollars in infrastructure projects—endeavours that reflect her belief that health innovation and investment go hand in hand.
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Dr. Ola’s trailblazing efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with numerous awards, including being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, featured among Forbes’ 20 Young Power Women in Africa and 30 Under 30, and awarded the Extraordinary Business Achievement Award by Silverbird Group—the youngest person ever to win that honor. She was also conferred the Nigerian national honor Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari. Through her work she continues to reshape emergency medicine, health infrastructure, and investment in Africa.
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👉🏾 ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ɪɴsᴘɪʀɪɴɢ ᴇɴᴛʀᴇᴘʀᴇɴᴇᴜʀs ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɴᴋ ɪɴ ᴏᴜʀ ʙɪᴏ
✅ ʟɪᴋᴇ, sʜᴀʀᴇ & ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ!

22/09/2025

Generative AI (gen AI) is fast emerging as one of the most powerful tools for Africa’s economic transformation. Estimates suggest the technology could add between $61 - $103 billion annually to Africa’s GDP if deployed at scale. Gains would be strongest in retail, banking, and telecommunications, but nearly every industry could benefit. Already, more than 40% of African institutions have begun experimenting with gen AI. For Africa, this is less about incremental efficiency and more about leapfrogging traditional development paths to claim a stronger place in the global digital economy.
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Practical applications are multiplying. In education, Kenya is piloting AI platforms that deliver personalized learning tailored to individual students. In South Africa, financial AI tools are helping small businesses better manage capital. AI-driven translation services are bridging the continent’s 2,000+ languages, improving communication and regional integration. Startups are also exploring uses in healthcare diagnostics, crop monitoring, and yield forecasting. These examples show how AI can target Africa’s unique challenges while building scalable businesses.
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But challenges remain. Infrastructure gaps—from unreliable power to limited high-performance computing—make scaling difficult. Skills shortages and high costs further limit adoption, with most advanced expertise and compute resources concentrated outside Africa. Regulatory uncertainty is another barrier. Without clear governance, businesses may hesitate to invest heavily, and citizens may worry about bias or misuse.
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The way forward lies in building strong AI ecosystems. Africa needs investment in digital infrastructure, local talent, and regulatory frameworks that support both innovation and safeguards. Partnerships between governments, telcos, and startups can speed adoption, while financing from development institutions can ease barriers for smaller players. If these conditions align, gen AI could power growth in retail, logistics, and education—and help solve enduring challenges like financial exclusion and healthcare access. Done right, it could become a cornerstone of Africa’s digital leap.
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Source: McKinsey

19/09/2025

Founded in 2020 by Congolese entrepreneur Félix Maroy, FYATU is on a mission to break down Africa’s toughest payment barriers. The fintech platform gives anyone—even those without a bank account—the ability to issue and use virtual debit cards for global online transactions. Whether it’s paying for streaming services, e-commerce, or managing peer-to-peer transfers, FYATU bridges the gap between mobile money systems and international payment rails. Its “API-first” approach also allows entrepreneurs to embed these services directly into their own businesses, creating new opportunities for digital inclusion.
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What started as a bold idea in the Democratic Republic of Congo has quickly scaled into a solution with 158,000 active users spread across 48 countries. FYATU generates thousands of new virtual cards every month, helping users who would otherwise be shut out of digital commerce participate confidently in the global economy. Farmers, freelancers, and small businesses alike are using the service to receive payments, manage subscriptions, and transact internationally—turning a pain point into a pathway for growth. The company has also reported supporting transaction volumes that highlight the untapped demand for reliable digital payment infrastructure across Africa.
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FYATU’s rapid adoption proves the demand for payment tools built for Africa’s realities. Now recognized as one of the DRC’s most promising fintech ventures, the company is scaling cross-border and positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation.
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👉🏾 ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ɪɴsᴘɪʀɪɴɢ ᴇɴᴛʀᴇᴘʀᴇɴᴇᴜʀs ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɴᴋ ɪɴ ᴏᴜʀ ʙɪᴏ
✅ ʟɪᴋᴇ, sʜᴀʀᴇ & ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ!

14/09/2025

Founded by Zweli Mfundisi and Thebe Tsatsimpe, Empowered Homes is a South African energy startup tackling the country’s rolling blackouts with smart, affordable solar solutions. The company makes going solar simple by helping homeowners choose the right mix of panels, batteries, and grid access, arranging installation, and giving them real-time tools to monitor and manage their energy use. At its core, Empowered Homes is about turning unreliable electricity into reliable, clean power—while giving families control over their energy future.
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Founded by Zweli Mfundisi and Thebe Tsatsimpe, Empowered Homes is a South African energy startup tackling the country’s rolling blackouts with smart, affordable solar solutions. The company makes going solar simple by helping homeowners choose the right mix of panels, batteries, and grid access, arranging installation, and giving them real-time tools to monitor and manage their energy use. At its core, Empowered Homes is about turning unreliable electricity into reliable, clean power—while giving families control over their energy future.
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Since launch, Empowered Homes has built early traction among middle-class homeowners and positioned itself in a market worth over $1.6 billion. The company isn’t stopping there—it plans to expand into other emerging markets struggling with energy insecurity, including Nigeria, Mexico, and Indonesia. Along the way, Empowered Homes has earned recognition in Stanford’s innovation ecosystem and caught the attention of global investors. For Zweli and Thebe, the mission is clear: happier customers, cleaner power, and a future where reliable energy is no longer a luxury.
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👉🏾 ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ɪɴsᴘɪʀɪɴɢ ᴇɴᴛʀᴇᴘʀᴇɴᴇᴜʀs ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɴᴋ ɪɴ ᴏᴜʀ ʙɪᴏ
✅ ʟɪᴋᴇ, sʜᴀʀᴇ & ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ!

10/09/2025

Africa’s presence in outer space is gaining real momentum. As of mid-2025, 18 African countries have launched 67 satellites, including 11 by commercial entities. Egypt, whose Nilesat-101 became Africa’s pioneer satellite in 1998, continues to lead with major investments, including the construction of Africa’s largest satellite manufacturing facility in “Space City.” Most recently, Botswana joined the space club with the launch of BotSat-1 on 15 March 2025.-These satellites are purpose-built to address real-world challenges, from precision agriculture and disaster response to climate tracking and internet connectivity. Kenya has boosted crop yields by up to 20% using satellite data, while Algeria’s Alcomsat-1 connects thousands of schools and hospitals. Morocco’s Mohammed VI satellites support both civil and military applications, tracking agriculture, borders, and disasters. The continent-wide Digital Earth Africa platform is projected to unlock $2 billion in annual value through Earth observation insights.-Driving this evolution is the African Space Agency (AfSA), headquartered in Cairo, which began coordinating space policy and capacity-building across the continent in 2023. AfSA’s role is to foster collaboration among national space programs, streamline partnerships with global players, and centralize Africa’s space governance. UNCTAD notes that space technologies—particularly Earth observation—could deliver billions in socio-economic benefits, from boosting food security to enhancing disaster resilience and weather forecasting.-Yet the surge in activity comes with strategic complexities. China, for instance, has embraced African space engagements aggressively—building satellite plants, launching dual-use (civil-military) satellites, and forging partnerships with 23 countries. While these investments boost local capabilities, they raise questions about data sovereignty, geopolitical influence, and Africa’s long-term autonomy in space. Ensuring Africa maintains control over its data and strategic direction—through institutions like AfSA—will be key to realizing the full promise of its space ambitions.-✅ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ !

10/09/2025

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) stands as a monumental infrastructure endeavor in Africa's narrative, signaling a significant leap towards economic progress. With an investment of $5 billion on the Blue Nile, GERD transcends being merely a dam to become a pivotal driver of economic metamorphosis.In a landscape where Ethiopia grappled with limited electricity access, fragile industrial capabilities, and agricultural susceptibility to climate fluctuations, GERD emerged as a transformative force. Noteworthy is its unique funding model, predominantly sourced from Ethiopian bonds, contributions, and public investments, embodying both self-sufficiency and a springboard for prosperity.GERD yields over 5,000 MW of electricity, effectively doubling Ethiopia's power capacity and igniting avenues for industrial growth, employment opportunities, and enhanced competitiveness. Extending its impact regionally, the dam positions Ethiopia as a key power exporter in East Africa, bolstering foreign currency reserves and fostering deeper regional cohesion.Beyond its energy prowess, GERD plays a pivotal role in water regulation along the Blue Nile, bolstering irrigation systems, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability. Notably, it redefines Ethiopia's stature in Nile-centered dynamics, endowing the nation with newfound strategic influence in regional diplomacy and commerce.The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam transcends its function as a power generator; it symbolizes an economic cornerstone, a shield of sovereignty, and a reshaper of Africa's trajectory.✅Follow us on LinkedIn✅ Follow at spotlightinafrica.com for more insights on Africa's developmental journey.

10/09/2025

Africa stood out in 2024 as one of the few regions to buck global investment headwinds. Foreign direct investment (FDI) surged by 75%, in sharp contrast to the global 2% decline. Much of this was driven by Egypt’s $35 billion Ras El-Hekma real estate megaproject, but even without it the continent still posted a respectable 12% gain—evidence of growing investor appetite for African opportunities.-The continent’s share of global FDI flows doubled to 6% in 2024, up from 3% the year before. While modest in absolute terms, this underscores Africa’s rising profile in global capital markets. Yet beneath the headlines, the picture is mixed. Greenfield project values dipped 5% even as the number of projects rose, showing investors are spreading bets across smaller ventures. -Sector trends reflect shifting investor priorities. Telecom projects nearly doubled in value, driven by Africa’s expanding digital economy and demand for mobile connectivity. In contrast, investment in extractive industries plunged by 48%—a result of lower commodity prices and increased caution around carbon-intensive projects. At the same time, UNCTAD notes that activity is heavily concentrated in real estate, infrastructure, and energy transition-linked projects, leaving development-critical areas like health, education, and water underfunded. This divergence highlights Africa’s challenge: attracting investment not just in high-profile megaprojects, but in sectors most critical to inclusive development.-The launch of AfCRA, Africa’s upcoming credit rating agency, and AU-led pushes around blended finance may help de-risk these investments. But progress will require more than institutional innovation. UNCTAD stresses the need for stronger public–private pipelines, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and smarter incentives to shift flows from real estate and extractives into SDG-aligned industries. Africa may be capturing attention, but translating momentum into impact depends on turning rising FDI into long-term, broad-based growth.-✅ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ !-Source: UNCTAD

𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀

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