Across Africa, millions of people and businesses have historically faced barriers to accessing financial services. Equity Bank is changing that narrative by leveraging finTech solutions to make banking more inclusive, seamless, and accessible across its regional markets.

With 98 per cent of transactions happening outside the bank’s branches, this is reshaping the financial landscape. But behind these numbers are real people, small business owners, farmers, students, and entrepreneurs, whose lives are being transformed through accessible and affordable financial services.

Expanding access: Bringing banking closer to the people

For decades, traditional banking systems made it difficult for people in rural and underserved areas to access financial services. Long distances to bank branches, complex account opening processes, and high transaction costs discouraged many from joining the formal banking system.

This company is solving these challenges through digital and agent banking. Across its markets, a good percentage of the banking agents operate in rural or hard-to-reach areas, enabling people to deposit, withdraw, and transfer money without the need for a bank branch. For those with smartphones or feature phones, mobile banking provides a fast, secure, and convenient way to manage finances.

One customer, Aline, a small business owner in a rural area, shared her experience: "Before this service introduced agent banking in my village, I had to travel two hours to reach the nearest bank branch. Now, I can send and receive money, pay suppliers, and even access credit from my phone. It has made running my business so much easier.”

Empowering lives: Transforming businesses and individuals

Fintech is not just about technology, it’s about impact. This company is empowering individuals and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing access to affordable credit, seamless digital payments, and financial literacy training.