Mobile money and lending apps have reached millions of young people across Africa who have never had a bank account.
In the first episode of the podcast Africa in Context, Prof. Dr. Thoko Kaime and Prof. Dr. Williams Iheme explore the promise and the dangers of digital finance. They discuss predatory lending apps, hidden fees, and the misuse of personal data, and ask whether the law is protecting ordinary users or lagging behind the technology. They also consider who is responsible for striking the balance between innovation and protection: governments, companies, or users. Finally, they ask whether Africa could lead the world in shaping the rules for digital finance rather than following laws written elsewhere. The episode runs about 18 minutes and is available on Spotify.
