Africa’s new era of fintech finesse and BRICS bucking the dollar?
a QCX Africa publication
Hi QCX People!
Kenya's fintech leaps, Zambia's financial zest, and BRICS' audacious endeavours. Curious?
We’re shining a light on some transformative movements across the continent and, as always, providing some tips to take full advantage of them for your activities in Africa.
🚀 Lipa Later’s landmark leap (Disrupt Africa)
Why it actually matters: Lipa Later’s international recognition is a significant milestone for the African fintech scene as a whole! It signifies a vote of confidence in African entrepreneurship. This fuels global trust and spotlights Africa’s untapped potential.
Summary: Kenyan fintech firm, Lipa Later, has gotten the thumbs-up from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to raise funds from the public in the US. Through Republic, a global fintech company, Lipa Later aims to supercharge their integrated platform − offering consumer credit, working capital and e-commerce solutions for African businesses. CEO Eric Muli is excited about empowering global investor to support African businesses. Big things are happening!
Marketing insight: Lipa Later’s success in the US market highlights an opportunity for brands to craft compelling digital narratives around African fintech achievements. Using this story as content for social media campaigns, webinars, and blog posts can drive engagement and position brands as global thought leaders.
🏦 Zambia’s Lupiya is breaking barriers (Ventureburn)
Why it actually matters: Lupiya's funding triumph isn't just dollars and cents—its proof that Zambia is a leader in reshaping the global financial conversation. It’s also a huge step towards a more financially inclusive, gender-equal, and economically empowered society.
Summary: It’s big news from Zambia – Lupiya, the innovative neo-bank – just scored a whopping $8.25m in Series A funding! Spearheaded buy the gender-focussed Alithea IDF Fund, with major contributions form INOKS Capital and KfW DEG, Lupiya’s mission of bridging the financial gap for the underbanked has been boosted. Heavyweights like Mastercard and Google are backing them and VP Kamala Harris has even given them a shoutout. CEO Evelyn Chilomo Kaingu is thrilled about being able to expand their reach and provide even better financial solutions.
Marketing insight: Lupiya’s rise offers a chance for brands to tap into Zambia’s fintech enthusiasm. Digital marketers should consider geo-targeted ad campaigns, localised content, and partnerships with Zambian influencers to enhance digital reach.
🌍 The BRICS power play (Africanews)
Why it actually matters: More countries banding together means a stronger collective power and a stronger voice in global economic decisions. We are all interconnected, and decisions made in any part of the globe can have a far-reaching impact.
Summary: It seems the BRICS nations are making big moves in the financial world. They’ve expanded to include six new countries and aim to reduce the reliance on the US dollar-dominated financial system by introducing a new currency. This could potentially mean a shift to a more balanced global economy, with BRICS nations, who represent a whopping 31.5% of global GDP, having more say.
Marketing insight: The evolving economic stance of BRICS nations offers a dynamic digital content opportunity. Brands should employ real-time social listening tools to track conversations around BRICS and related economic changes.
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Fact: ‘Q’, ‘C’ and ‘X’ are the English denotations for the 3 most common linguistic clicks in African languages. If you can say all three clicks, three times in a row fast, you can legally call yourself African.
Loving this Substack. A pleasure to read and I know more about what's cracking in Africa in 3 mins.