For years, conversations around financial technology (fintech) innovation were dominated by headlines from Silicon Valley, London, or Singapore. But the tide has shifted. Today, emerging markets—especially across Africa—are not just catching up; they're leading.
The unique challenges and opportunities in these regions have created fertile ground for innovative, scalable financial solutions that solve real-world problems. At Aurea Via, we’ve seen this growth firsthand as we support merchants and businesses across the continent with tailored payment services.
Let’s explore why Africa is now at the forefront of fintech transformation.
1. A Mobile-First Ecosystem
Unlike many developed markets that transitioned from desktop to mobile, much of Africa leapfrogged straight into mobile finance. With limited access to traditional banking infrastructure, mobile phones became the default tool for both communication and commerce.
This shift gave rise to mobile money platforms like M-Pesa in Kenya, which revolutionized peer-to-peer transfers and digital wallets. Today, mobile money services are used by over 500 million people across the continent, laying the foundation for fintech innovation to flourish.
2. Underbanked Populations Drive Digital Solutions
More than 60% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa are either unbanked or underbanked. Traditional financial services simply didn’t reach these customers—or weren’t designed for their needs. This financial gap created an opportunity for agile fintech startups and PSPs to step in.
Aurea Via is proud to support businesses working in these high-growth environments by offering digital payment infrastructure that supports 180+ currencies, including many African markets. Our tools are built to help merchants reach their customers through secure, mobile-optimized platforms.
3. A Young, Tech-Savvy Population
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with over 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. This demographic isn’t just using digital tools—they’re creating them. Young developers and entrepreneurs are building fintech solutions that reflect local realities, from microloans to online lending and crypto wallets.
And with growing access to smartphones and 4G, there’s a surge in demand for modern, real-time financial services that meet the needs of this emerging middle class.
4. Regulatory Support & Innovation
Governments across the continent are beginning to embrace fintech as a pathway to economic development, launching innovation sandboxes, digital ID frameworks, and mobile money policies that allow for safe experimentation and scalable growth.
Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt have become regional fintech hubs, attracting record-breaking investment over the last few years.
5. Fintech Funding is on the Rise
African fintechs raised over $2 billion in funding in 2023 alone, with payment infrastructure and cross-border platforms leading the way. As global investors recognize the potential of the continent’s unbanked and underbanked population, this momentum will only grow.
PSPs like Aurea Via are critical partners in this expansion, enabling African businesses to grow globally by offering fast settlements, secure payment tools, and integrations for mobile-first commerce.
Aurea Via’s Role in Africa’s Fintech Ecosystem
At Aurea Via, we’re proud to support the rise of Africa’s fintech economy. We partner with businesses in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, and beyond, helping them:
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Accept global and local payments
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Integrate digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay
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Offer seamless checkout and billing tools
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Process transactions in 180+ currencies
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Manage fraud and compliance challenges with ease
We believe Africa isn’t the future of fintech—it’s the present.
Power Your Business in Emerging Markets with Aurea Via
If you're operating in Africa or other emerging markets, and you need a reliable, secure, and scalable PSP, Aurea Via is built for you.
📩 Reach us at info@aureavia.com
🌐 Explore our solutions at www.aureavia.com
Let’s grow the future of global payments—together.