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Investment Bank Predicts Africa’s Remittance Market to Reach $500bn by 2025

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Increased competition, stakeholder collaboration and investment in financial infrastructure can all contribute to lower global remittance fees, says Risana Zitha, Managing Director and Head of Africa at DAI Magister.

Remittances comprise a significant portion of African Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the total value of remittances across the continent reaching nearly $100 billion in 2022 − $20 billion of which was intra-African flows.

Despite the importance of remittances to the African economy, the cost of sending money to the continent remains very high. The UN Sustainable Development Goals state that remittance fees should be less than 3% by 2030, but data from the World Bank suggests that at present the global average is twice this target, with the figure as high as 20% in some parts of Sub-Saharan Africa

According to Zitha, mobile money has emerged as a game-changer in tackling the challenge of high remittance costs in Africa. He expects increased mobile money interoperability, better financial literacy and streamlined legal frameworks to further drive down fees across the region.

Zitha said: “Looking ahead, the growth of remittances in Africa is expected to continue. Based on the CAGR of 12.1% between 2019 and 2022, the formal African remittance market, valued at $100 billion in 2022, could potentially reach $283 billion by 2035.

“The informal remittance market is estimated to be between 35% and 75% of the total value of formal channels, with Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing a higher proportion of informal transactions than the global average. As a result, the total remittance market in Africa could be worth $500bn by 2035.

“To fully capitalise on the opportunities in the continent’s remittances sector, stakeholders must collaborate to address the challenges and barriers that hinder growth and development.

“Reducing remittance costs should be a primary focus, which can be achieved by promoting competition, improving regulatory frameworks and investing in financial infrastructure.

“This will allow remittance providers to offer more affordable services, benefiting both senders and recipients and contributing to economic growth and development.

“Improving access to digital remittance services is another crucial aspect. While mobile money has made significant strides in Africa, there is still room for expansion.

Governments and private sector stakeholders should invest in digital infrastructure, such as mobile networks and internet connectivity, to ensure that more people can access digital remittance services.

Promoting financial literacy and education can also help individuals understand and trust digital remittance channels, encouraging adoption and usage.”

Zitha concluded: “The ability to harness remittance flows is particularly important at a time when the Sub-Saharan region is experiencing acute hard currency shortages. By addressing the challenges and barriers, and leveraging the opportunities presented by technology and innovation, Africa can harness the transformative power of remittances for sustainable development and economic growth.”


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E-Financial

MoneyMaster PSB Celebrates Customers at Owode Onirin Market

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In commemoration of the 2024 Customer Service Week, an annual celebration by businesses to appreciate customers’ loyalty and patronage, the MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank team on Friday visited the leaders of Owode Onirin iron and steel market in Lagos.

The team used the opportunity to educate traders and visitors on financial literacy and savings. Various banking channels and services were also introduced to them, while new account holders and transaction were rewarded with airtime and gifts.

Julius Arhebun, Head of Agency Business, MoneyMaster PSB, who spoke on Customer Service Week said: “As a customer-centric financial services brand, MoneyMaster is committed to delivering exceptional services, impactful lifestyle products and financial advisory services that help our customers to achieve their financial goals”.

He added that “As a digital bank, service is a competitive pivot for us and we pride ourselves as a beacon of excellence in customer experience. The bank will continue to introduce initiatives to reward and celebrate the millions of account holders who continue to trust us with their heard earned money”.

Alhaji Gafaru Waheed, Owode Onirin Market leader, praised MoneyMaster’s performance and support: “I’m delighted to associate with MoneyMaster. They’ve been supportive, and I enjoy our banking relationship.”

A leading digital financial services provider, MoneyMaster PSB is committed to deepening financial inclusion, bridging gaps between banked, underbanked and unbanked populations and transforming lives through innovative products and services.

 


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PalmPay MD Urges Fintech Leaders to Boost Investor Confidence for Increased Investment Across Africa

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PalmPay, an African-focused fintech company, has underscored the need for founders within the fintech ecosystem to boost investors’ confidence to drive more investment across the continent, saying that working closely with investors is vital to creating value.

Speaking at the recently concluded 2024 Nigeria Fintech Week in Lagos, Nigeria, held on October 8th and 10th, 2024, Managing Director, PalmPay Nigeria, Chika Nwosu stated that “The fintech ecosystem is not saturated but founders need to be mindful of building investor’s confidence amid currency devaluation and rising interest rates.

“We have seen that most of the currencies of sub-Saharan Africa have plummeted against the US dollar, including the Egyptian pound, Naira, Rand, Cedi, Congolese franc, and Kenyan shilling. This devaluation is impacting the value of investments, which in turn, lowers investor confidence and makes it difficult for fintech startups to secure funding.

Nwosu, who participated in a high-profile panel discussion themed “Safeguarding the Funding Pipeline for Fintech in Africa”, stated that founders can mitigate these challenges by diversifying their revenue streams and expanding into multiple geographical regions.

He noted that relying solely on one market can expose companies to regional economic volatility.

“By entering diverse markets, fintechs can spread their risk and minimize the impact of instability in any single region,” he said.

He gave the example of Palmpay being operational not only in Nigeria but also in Tanzania, Ghana, and other markets.

The 2024 Nigeria Fintech Week held under the overarching theme “Positioning Africa’s Fintech Ecosystem to Accelerate Growth,”  with a key focus on seeking more investors who see the long-term value of investing in Africa. The conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to chart the future of Africa’s financial technology landscape.

According to the President of FintechNGR, Ade Bajomo, “Investments in the fintech sector in Africa declined significantly, dropping 77% to US$186 million from US$826 million in H1 2023. The number of deals decreased 30% year-on-year and average deal size fell to US$4 million in H1 2024 from US$10.5 million in H1 2023. However, we still have many growth opportunities in the continent.”

The panel session also weighed in on the need for founders to continuously engage with policy makers and regulators to stay informed.


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9 Payment Service Bank Celebrates 2024 Customer Service Week with Impressive Activities

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9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Nigeria’s leading digital payment service bank dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, celebrated the 2024 Customer Service Week, themed: “Above and Beyond.”

The celebration featured recognition of top performing Service Location Partners, an informative webinar for staff and partners, alongside cultural activities that underscored the bank’s dedication to exceptional customer service.

The week-long celebration, which took place from October 7th to 11th, united organizations worldwide to recognize the essential role of customers and partners in driving business success.

At the closing ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Branka Mracajac highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, which aligns with 9PSB’s mission to provide outstanding banking services.

“We are proud to join organizations around the world in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our customers and Service Location Partners for their steadfast support and loyalty,” Mracajac stated.

“Our commitment to going ‘above and beyond’ is reflected in our innovative and tailored banking solutions. Our customer experience team is dedicated to ensuring that every interaction is positive and fulfilling.

Mracajac further remarked, “Today, we honour our customers and recognize our exceptional partners whose contributions have been integral to our success. Your efforts are invaluable, and we remain committed to delivering quality and outstanding service as we collectively strive to bridge the financial inclusion gap through our mission to Bank9ja.’”


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