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Why Fintech is Africa’s sure bet to drive economic growth in 2026

Contactless payment system. Photo by SumUp @ Unsplash
Contactless payment system. Photo by SumUp @ Unsplash

Africa’s fintech surge could unlock inclusive growth and economic resilience by leveraging funding, innovation and policy in 2026.

Africa’s financial technology sector is poised to be a key engine of economic growth and inclusion in 2026, building on strong capital flows in 2025 and transformative innovations that are reshaping how people and businesses access financial services across the continent.

Fintech dominated Africa’s startup funding landscape in 2025, with companies raising an estimated $640 million in the first half of the year alone as investors poured capital into digital payments, cross-border transfers, and lending platforms. Fintech accounted for about 45% of all startup funding across the continent in that period, outpacing other sectors like healthtech and logistics. While funding totalled nearly $3 billion in 2023, that of 2025 is estimated to surpass it.

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