The Middle East and north Africa has some of the lowest access to financial services in the world, but work is underway to change this.
Africa
Latest articles from Africa
Nigeria’s fintech scene booms despite economic woes
December 11, 2020Investment surges as start-ups seek to tap 40% of country still unbanked amid rising internet use.
Nigeria’s banks grapple with Covid-19 and oil price slump
November 27, 2020Lenders' profitability set to weaken on the back of higher impairments and lower net interest margins.
IFC encourages the private sector in the Middle East and Africa
November 2, 2020IFC vice-president for the Middle East and Africa, Sérgio Pimenta, on Covid-19’s lasting impact on economies in the two regions.
Angolan banks battle against economic headwinds
October 5, 2020Despite entering the fifth year of a deep recession, there is hope Angola may be able to claw its way out of the slump.
The Banker's Top 100 African Banks 2020
October 1, 2020The Top 100 African Banks ranking shows strong performance for South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria.
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Can South Africa’s banks ride out economic storm?
September 22, 2020South Africa has been hit hard by Covid-19, which has had a dramatic impact on its GDP.
Jaiz Bank CEO on reaching Nigeria's unbanked citizens
September 7, 2020There's overlap between Islamic finance and the UN SDGs, says managing director Hassan Usman.
How gender bonds can reduce inequality and boost economies
August 28, 2020By investing in gender bonds and female-led businesses, development funds aim to boost economies as a whole.
Togo’s president puts faith in reform
August 12, 2020With Covid-19 upending much of the progress of recent years, Togo’s president Faure Gnassingbé talks about his reform agenda and attracting investment.