New digital technologies are revolutionizing the financial services industry around the
world. Africa has been an innovation hub in this area, due to its rapid adoption of mobile
communication networks. How might the explosion of fintech platforms and applications
be tapped to foster greater financial inclusion, especially for women, who are underserved
by traditional banking? This scoping paper explores available evidence on the uptake of
fintech in Africa, and how it is changing the financial landscape. It highlights examples
that illustrate the potential benefits of fintech for women, while pinpointing ways in which
these emerging technologies need to be better tailored to the specific barriers that African
women face if they are to be truly empowering.
