Breaking Banks Africa

The African Edition of Breaking Banks dives into the vibrant world of African fintech and entrepreneurship, showcasing the continent’s groundbreaking innovations and transformative stories. With a spotlight on the challenges, untapped opportunities and triumphs of African entrepreneurs, it’s a journey through the heart of Africa’s economic evolution, hosted by some of the most inspiring voices in the space. Produced in cooperation with Timepledge.org.

Episode 18: Inclusive by Design: Transforming Banking in Madagascar (August 2026)

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, host Matteo sits down with Mikhail Velichko, CEO of AccèsBanque Madagascar (ABM), to explore how innovation is driving financial inclusion in one of the world’s most underserved banking markets. With fewer than 10% of adults using formal banking services and most businesses operating informally, Madagascar presents unique challenges…

Read More

BBA 17: Building Bridges Across Emerging Markets (July 2026)

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, host Matteo Rizzi sits down with Waleed Sadek, Founder and CEO of Fintra Holding and Paysky, to explore how interoperable payment infrastructure is transforming financial ecosystems across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Waleed shares the vision behind his group’s four businesses, from national payment systems and cross-border…

Read More

Episode 16: From Cash to Code: Powering a Digital Nation (June 2026)

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, host Matteo Rizzi sits down with Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), to explore how digital payment infrastructure is transforming Africa’s largest economy. Premier shares how NIBSS powers Nigeria’s payment ecosystem behind the scenes, driving interoperability, resilience, and innovation through instant payments and…

Read More

Episode 15: Inside 3i Africa: Education, Capital, and the Next Generation of Builders (May 2026)

In a media partnership with the 3i Africa Summit, and supported by CXO Conversations, Breaking Banks Africa brings you a special live episode from the heart of Accra. Host Matteo Rizzi sits down with two leading voices shaping Africa’s talent and innovation future: Adewale Yusuf of AltSchool Africa, and Rosy Fynn of the Mastercard Foundation….

Read More

Episode 14: From Payments to Platforms: Building Africa’s Fintech Ecosystem at Scale (March 2026)

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, Matteo Rizzi sits down with Dr. Stanley Jacobs, President of Fintech Nigeria and VP for West Africa at the Africa Fintech Network. They explore Nigeria’s fintech evolution, the rise of unicorns, and the opportunities shaping Africa’s youthful, tech-savvy population. From ecosystem building and cross-border innovation to talent development…

Read More

Episode 13: Building Resilient Tech Ecosystems in Emerging Markets (January 2026)

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, host Matteo Rizzi interviews Martin Labbé, a development and tech ecosystem specialist at the International Trade Centre (ITC). Labbé shares his journey from marketing and trade promotion into global tech ecosystem development, focusing on emerging markets across Africa. The conversation explores how ITC supports entrepreneurship by strengthening innovation…

Read More

Episode 12: Shaping Climate Innovation in Africa: From Finance to Tech (December 2025)

In the last episode of 2025 of Breaking Banks Africa, Matteo Rizzi interviews Shirley Mburu, Director of Advisory at BFA Global, to reflect on impact, innovation, and financial inclusion across the continent. Based in Nairobi, Mburu shares her journey into development finance and explains BFA Global’s work as a development consulting and venture-building firm supporting…

Read More

Episode 11: Redefining Community, Mentorship & Growth (November 2025)

This episode of Breaking Banks Africa features Anie Akpe, founder of LumoHubs.com and African Women in Technology (AWIT). The conversation explores how Lumo Hubs is shaping the future of work in Africa by partnering with universities to equip students and communities with hands-on digital, vocational, and AI-driven skills. Anie highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous…

Read More

Episode 10: From Vision to Execution: Driving Digital Growth in Emerging Markets (October 2025)

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, Executive Producer Matteo Rizzi sits down with Sandra Yao, Group Head: Cross Border Remittance, Payments & BaaS (Fintech) at Ecobank. With 20 years of experience driving fintech and payment innovation across Africa, Sandra brings a unique “builder’s mindset” into one of the continent’s largest financial institutions, operating in 39 markets. From pioneering…

Read More

Episode 9 – Breaking Barriers to Everyday Finance (September 2025)

In the new episode of Breaking Banks Africa, host Nadine Zoro explores how Wave, a mobile money company, is breaking barriers to financial inclusion across Francophone West Africa. Guest Coura Carine Sene, General Manager WAEMU Region, Wave Mobile Money, shares her journey from studying and working in France to returning to Senegal to drive change. Wave prioritizes affordability and simplicity—lowering transaction…

Read More

Episode 8. Building Ventures, Building Futures (August 2025)

In episode 8 of Breaking Banks Africa, host Matteo Rizzi speaks with Kigali-based entrepreneur Philip Ngarambe, now Entrepreneur in Residence at ALX Ventures. Philip recounts his journey with AC Group, the company that transformed urban transport in Rwanda by introducing digital “tap & go” bus payments. What began as a mobility solution quickly evolved into a driver of financial inclusion,…

Read More

Episode 7: From Legacy Systems to Digital Excellence: African Banking’s Evolution (July 2025)

In this episode, Matteo Rizzi sits down with Artur Pereira — entrepreneur, speaker, SWIFT specialist, and CEO of D-Evo — to explore Africa’s journey from legacy banking systems to digital excellence. Drawing from his extensive experience in Portugal, Angola, and across the continent, Artur unpacks the unique challenges and opportunities in African payments: from interoperability…

Read More
[shows-menu]