Access to credit is critical for economic growth and development, but in many parts of Africa, credit is scarce. Only 34% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa have bank accounts, and only 6% have access to credit from a formal financial institution. To address this gap, Olugbenga Agboola, CEO, and co-founder of Flutterwave, a leading African fintech startup, is working to build credit infrastructure in Africa that is accessible to everyone.
The Importance of Credit Infrastructure
Access to credit is essential for entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow and expand. However, in many parts of Africa, access to credit is limited due to a lack of infrastructure and regulation. Without credit, many businesses are unable to invest in their operations or expand into new markets, hindering their growth and development.
Olugbenga Agboola recognizes the importance of credit infrastructure for Africa’s economic development. As the CEO and co-founder of Flutterwave, Agboola has been working to build a credit infrastructure that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. By providing access to credit, Flutterwave is helping businesses to invest in their operations, grow their customer base, and ultimately contribute to the growth of the African economy.
Building Credit Infrastructure through Technology
To build credit infrastructure in Africa, Agboola is leveraging technology to create innovative solutions that address the challenges facing the continent. One of the most significant challenges facing the African credit market is the lack of data on borrowers’ creditworthiness. Without this information, lenders are hesitant to provide loans, making it difficult for businesses to access credit.
Flutterwave is addressing this challenge by leveraging data and technology to build a credit infrastructure that is accessible to everyone. The company has developed a platform that enables businesses to access credit based on their transaction history. By analyzing transaction data, Flutterwave can determine a business’s creditworthiness and provide them with access to credit. This approach is more inclusive and enables businesses that would not typically have access to credit to access the funding they need to grow.
Another way that Flutterwave is building credit infrastructure in Africa is by partnering with established financial institutions. Through these partnerships, Flutterwave is leveraging the infrastructure and experience of these institutions to build a more robust credit market in Africa. For example, Flutterwave has partnered with Visa to launch a virtual card that enables African consumers to make online purchases on international websites.
The Importance of Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion is a critical component of economic development, and Agboola is committed to promoting financial inclusion in Africa. By building credit infrastructure that is accessible to everyone, Agboola is working to ensure that all African entrepreneurs and small businesses have the resources they need to grow and contribute to the continent’s economic development.
In addition to building credit infrastructure, Agboola is also working to promote financial literacy and education in Africa. Through initiatives such as the Flutterwave International Women’s Day Grant, the company is providing funding and resources to women entrepreneurs across Africa. By promoting financial literacy and providing access to funding, Agboola is helping to create a more inclusive financial system that benefits everyone.
Conclusion
Olugbenga Agboola is a visionary entrepreneur who is committed to promoting financial inclusion in Africa. Through his work at Flutterwave, he is building credit infrastructure that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. By leveraging technology and partnering with established financial institutions, Agboola is creating innovative solutions that address the challenges facing the African credit market.
