From Lagos to Nairobi

A recent report by Bolt highlights a striking reality about ride-hailing in South Africa: more than 80% of trips are still paid for in cash. In a world where digital payments are rapidly expanding, this finding underscores how local context continues to shape user behavior—and why cash remains deeply embedded in many urban economies.At first…

Currency instability is often discussed in abstract economic terms, but for many Nigerians, it is deeply personal. For one entrepreneur, the sharp swings of the naira were not just headlines—they directly disrupted his family’s finances. Savings lost value almost overnight, the cost of imported goods surged unpredictably, and planning for the future became an exercise…

Africa’s rapid adoption of digital payments has reshaped how money moves across the continent. From mobile wallets to instant bank transfers, millions now rely on digital platforms for everyday transactions. This shift has driven financial inclusion, expanded access to services, and fueled innovation. Yet as digital payments become the backbone of economic activity, the next…

MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its airtime and data advance service known as Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements under Nigeria’s expanded digital lending rules, in one of the clearest early disruptions from the country’s tightening consumer credit framework. The suspension was confirmed in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange, where MTN said the move is…