FinTech : a lever for transformation in Africa

By Samatar Abdi Osman, General Commissioner of Djibouti Fintech Forum and Director of CTID

The digital revolution continues to reshape the global economic landscape, and Africa is no exception. Among the most promising sectors, financial technology, or FinTech, holds a central position. By offering innovative solutions to meet the needs of individuals and businesses, it is becoming an essential tool to overcome challenges related to financial inclusion, capital mobility, and the efficiency of payment systems.

In a continent where a large portion of the population remains unbanked, FinTech presents a vision of a future where everyone can access inclusive and accessible financial services. Whether it’s mobile payments, micro-financing platforms, or cross-border money transfer solutions, these innovations are redefining the contours of the African economy by accelerating its modernization and diversification.

AfCFTA: A historic opportunity for African FinTech

The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) marks a decisive turning point for the continent’s economic integration. This vast project, aimed at strengthening intra-African trade, is based on the ambition to reduce trade barriers and streamline exchanges. In this quest for a single market, FinTech plays a facilitative role by providing concrete solutions to harmonize payment systems, reduce the costs of cross-border transactions, and accelerate the flow of capital.

Through interoperable technologies and innovative services, AfCFTA and FinTech form a strategic alliance. Together, they not only simplify exchanges between countries but also offer unprecedented economic development prospects for local businesses. African start-ups, in particular, find in this ecosystem the necessary tools to explore new markets and increase regional collaborations.

Djibouti: A rising technological and financial hub

In this rapidly changing landscape, Djibouti stands out with its ambition and strategic geographical position. Located at the crossroads of major international trade routes, the country is establishing itself as a key platform for trade and innovation in the Horn of Africa. By investing in digital infrastructure and developing a framework conducive to the emergence of start-ups, Djibouti aspires to become a central player in African FinTech.

Connectivity, at the heart of national priorities, enables the country to position itself as a regional technological hub. Initiatives to promote payment interoperability and integrate FinTech solutions into local financial systems reinforce this ambition. Djibouti is not only modernizing its own market, but also preparing to export its expertise and innovations to other regions of the continent, fully exploiting the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA.

The Djibouti FinTech Forum: A catalyst for a digital future

It is in this context of excitement and transformation that the 3rd edition of the Djibouti FinTech Forum takes place. This event, designed as a platform for reflection and action, highlights the links between AfCFTA and FinTech, exploring their shared potential to open new markets and boost cross-border trade in Africa.

For two days, policymakers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovation stakeholders will gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. The discussions will focus on strategic topics such as payment system harmonization, the role of public-private partnerships in the FinTech ecosystem, and expansion strategies for Djiboutian businesses across the continent.

More than just an event, the Djibouti FinTech Forum embodies an ambitious vision for Africa: a connected, inclusive, and prosperous continent, where technology and regional integration come together to build a better future. By positioning itself as a driver of this transformation, Djibouti confirms its role as a pioneer in innovation and cross-border trade.