Industry experts at the Algeria Fintech & E-Commerce Summit – African Startup Conference have called for a more balanced and realistic approach to the development of fintech across Africa, warning against narratives that oscillate between excessive optimism and undue pessimism.
Speaking on a fintech-focused panel at the conference, held under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic of Algeria, technology and financial inclusion professionals examined the current state of Africa’s fintech landscape, highlighting both tangible progress and persistent structural challenges.
Panel discussions covered a wide range of issues, including digital payments, financial inclusion, regulatory frameworks, data quality, and funding constraints. Speakers emphasized the importance of focusing on long-term impact rather than short-term hype, noting that while fintech innovation has accelerated across the continent, significant gaps remain in infrastructure, policy alignment, and access to sustainable capital.
Participants also compared approaches adopted in key African markets such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt, underscoring that successful models in one country may not translate seamlessly to another. According to the panelists, replicating solutions without regard to local market realities often limits effectiveness and scalability.
The session concluded with a shared view that deeper, more honest conversations are critical to building resilient fintech ecosystems capable of competing globally. Panelists stressed that sustained collaboration between regulators, innovators, investors, and policymakers will be essential to unlocking inclusive growth across Africa’s financial technology sector.
The summit brought together founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers from across Africa and beyond, reinforcing the growing role of cross-border dialogue in shaping the continent’s digital and financial future.