Spotlight: Analysis

Deep dives into the companies, deals, and markets shaping Africa’s economy. We go beyond the headlines to examine how businesses actually work, what drives industry trends, and why certain strategies succeed or fail. Data-driven investigations that help you understand the mechanics behind Africa’s most important business stories.

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Diamonds in the diaspora: How startups are building for African communities worldwide

Africa-focused innovators should explore embracing the global African diaspora as a business strategy, and here are five startups doing just that.

January 2023
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Earned wage access, explained: The on-demand economy meets fintech & HR tech

EWA, a new frontier of fintech at the intersection of payroll and the on-demand economy, is spreading across the West and emerging markets in Asia & Africa. Here's a primer.

November 2022
Money

Why fintech in Africa is attractive to investors & innovators

Here are three reasons why fintech leads all venture capital funding on the continent.

September 2022

Offline agent networks are driving Africa’s digital development

Agent networks across Africa are increasingly being used beyond mobile money as a last-mile channel for various traditionally digital businesses.

August 2021
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How Africa’s super app landscape is evolving

Super apps are trending across the African continent; here's a primer on who, what, where, and why.

July 2021
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Blitzscaling in African markets: Opera’s OPay optimizes its operations

After some setbacks in sub-Saharan Africa, the Sino-owned super app changes its strategy.

July 2020