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Uganda Fintech Weekly Buzz, Volume 22 (7th - 12th June 2026)
This week’s Fintech Weekly Buzz highlights strong momentum in artificial intelligence, digital payments, financial inclusion, and digital transformation across Uganda, Africa, and global markets. In Uganda, mobile money continued its rapid growth, surpassing Shs392.7 trillion in annual transaction value with 36.7 million active accounts, while new initiatives from MTN Uganda, Centenary Bank, and Mukuru reinforced efforts to expand access to digital financial services. Research also highlighted the need to close persistent financial inclusion gaps affecting young women, even as fintech innovation continued to reshape enterprise operations through the launch of AI-powered business platforms such as Tyms AI.
Across Africa, governments, financial institutions, and technology providers accelerated investments in digital infrastructure, connectivity, cybersecurity, and public sector digitalisation. Strategic partnerships between telecom operators, payment providers, banks, and development institutions advanced cross-border payments, digital identity, e-government services, and financial inclusion in countries including Nigeria, Zambia, Namibia, Angola, Liberia, Gabon, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the same time, MTN's fintech restructuring, airtel Zambia's market milestone, and growing investment in digital ecosystems reflected increasing confidence in Africa's digital economy.
Globally, fintech innovation continued to evolve through stablecoins, AI-powered enterprise solutions, programmable payments, embedded finance, and stronger digital governance. New partnerships expanded access to African payment infrastructure for global merchants, while regulators and international institutions strengthened collaboration on cybersecurity, financial literacy, consumer protection, and digital asset oversight. Together, these developments underscore a rapidly advancing fintech landscape where innovation, interoperability, resilience, and inclusive digital finance remain central to economic growth.
Tyms AI Launches Human-First Platform to Redefine Enterprise Workflows
Tyms AI has launched a human-first artificial intelligence platform designed to help medium and large enterprises automate routine tasks across finance, sales, marketing, customer service, and compliance. Rather than replacing employees, the platform uses AI agents to handle repetitive processes, enabling teams to focus on strategic decision-making and innovation.
Founded by Ugandan entrepreneur Allan Rwakatungu, the company aims to boost business productivity by combining AI-powered automation with human expertise. The launch reflects the growing adoption of enterprise AI solutions to improve operational efficiency while keeping people at the center of business transformation.
Mukuru Celebrated for Enabling Fast and Secure Cross-Border Money Transfers
Mukuru has been recognised as First Runner-Up in the Digital Payment Solutions category at the Service Excellence Awards Malawi 2026, highlighting its contribution to secure, reliable, and accessible cross-border remittance services.
The recognition underscores Mukuru's continued commitment to improving customer experience and expanding trusted digital payment services that enable families to receive financial support quickly and safely across borders.
MTN Uganda Links Sports and Digital Payments Through Pro Golf Initiative
MTN Uganda has launched the Pro-Tee Series, a professional golf initiative that integrates digital payments by delivering tournament winnings directly through mobile money. The programme aims to support athletes while promoting secure and convenient digital financial services.
The initiative reflects MTN Uganda's broader strategy of combining sports development with financial inclusion by showcasing the role of digital payments in improving efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
Stanbic Uganda Winds Up FLYHUB Digital Innovation Subsidiary
Stanbic Bank Uganda Holdings has announced the closure of FLYHUB Uganda Limited, ending a five-year effort to develop the subsidiary into a standalone digital innovation business after it failed to achieve scale.
The decision allows Stanbic to refocus on strengthening digital innovation within its core banking operations while continuing to expand its broader financial services strategy through the Group's established business units.
Study Finds Young Women Continue to Face Financial Inclusion Gap in Uganda
A new study by Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSD Uganda) reveals that young women remain among the country's most financially excluded groups despite Uganda's formal financial inclusion rate rising to 68% in 2023.
The findings highlight persistent gender disparities in access to financial services and call for targeted interventions to ensure young women benefit equally from the country's expanding digital financial ecosystem.
Mobile Money Transactions Reach Shs392.7 Trillion as Active Accounts Grow
Uganda's mobile money sector recorded Shs392.7 trillion in transaction value during the year ending March 2026, while active mobile money accounts increased to 36.7 million, demonstrating continued growth in digital financial services.
The figures reinforce mobile money's central role in financial inclusion, digital commerce, and access to essential services across Uganda.
Centenary Bank Expands Financial Access with New Bukwo ATM
Centenary Bank has installed a new deposit-enabled ATM in Bukwo District to improve access to banking services for residents who previously travelled long distances to reach the nearest branch.
The new facility supports deposits, withdrawals, and other banking transactions, advancing financial inclusion through expanded alternative banking channels.
MTN Completes Fintech Restructuring Ahead of Mastercard Investment
MTN Group Management Services (Pty) Ltd has completed the separation of its fintech businesses in Uganda and Nigeria into a standalone entity following Mastercard's US$200 million investment.
The restructuring strengthens the independence of MoMo from MTN UG's mobile money operations and supports the company's long-term strategy to expand digital financial services and prepare the fintech business for future growth opportunities.
Safaricom Business Strengthens Logistics Through Digital Solutions
Safaricom Business has reaffirmed its partnership with logistics firm INTRASPEED ARCPRO (KENYA) LIMITED by providing connectivity, digital payment solutions, and technology services that improve operational efficiency across regional supply chains.
The collaboration will expand to include AI-powered solutions, secure digital platforms, and enhanced payment technologies to support cross-border trade.
Yuno Partners Onafriq to Expand African Payment Access for Global Merchants
Global payments platform Yuno has partnered with Onafriq to provide merchants worldwide with seamless access to Africa's extensive payment infrastructure through a single API integration.
The partnership connects businesses to nearly one billion mobile wallets, 500 million bank accounts, and thousands of payment corridors, simplifying cross-border commerce across 43 African markets.
Crossmint and Paga Build Stablecoin Payment Bridge for Africa
Crossmint and Paga have partnered to create a bi-directional stablecoin payment infrastructure linking Africa with global financial markets through integrated fiat and digital asset services.
The collaboration will support enterprise payouts, consumer wallets, and programmable digital payments, helping accelerate stablecoin adoption across the continent.
IMF Urges Nigeria to Strengthen Stablecoin Regulation
The International Monetary Fund has called on Nigeria to strengthen oversight of stablecoins and crypto-assets, warning that rapid adoption could pose risks to monetary sovereignty and financial stability.
The recommendations come as Nigeria remains one of the world's largest cryptocurrency markets, with stablecoins playing an increasingly important role in digital payments and cross-border transactions.
Namibia and Angola Strengthen Digital Transformation Partnership
Namibia and Angola have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation in ICT, media development, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. The agreement establishes a framework for joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, and collaborative digital projects between the two countries.
The partnership reflects both governments' commitment to accelerating digital transformation, improving regional connectivity, and fostering innovation as key drivers of socio-economic development.
Gabon Unveils 82 Billion CFA Franc Digital Economy Investment Plan
Gabon has announced an ambitious 2025–2030 digital development strategy backed by an investment plan worth 82 billion CFA francs to strengthen digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation, and public service digitalisation.
The initiative positions digital transformation as a strategic pillar for economic diversification, competitiveness, and sustainable national development.
Liberia Secures US$125 Million to Accelerate Digital Transformation
Liberia has secured US$125 million in financing from the The World Bank Group to support infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation projects, including cybersecurity, digital governance, innovation, and e-commerce.
The investment is expected to improve digital connectivity, strengthen public services, and expand opportunities for entrepreneurship and digital financial services.
Zambia Advances E-Government Reforms to Expand Digital Inclusion
The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital public services through e-government reforms designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
Officials said the country's digital transformation agenda prioritises inclusive access to technology while strengthening governance and service delivery for citizens.
Yas Tanzania Launches Managed SD-WAN Service for Businesses
Yas Tanzania has introduced the country's first fully managed Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) service, enabling enterprises to improve connectivity, network performance, and cybersecurity across multiple business locations.
The solution combines broadband, LTE, and MPLS technologies to help organisations manage increasingly complex digital operations more efficiently.
Unitel Expands Angola's Digital Infrastructure Through Strategic Partnerships
Angolan telecom operator Unitel has signed new strategic agreements to strengthen broadband connectivity, artificial intelligence applications, geospatial technologies, and digital innovation.
The partnerships support Angola's broader efforts to expand digital infrastructure, improve connectivity, and accelerate technology-driven economic growth.
Airtel Zambia Surpasses US$1 Billion Market Capitalisation
airtel Networks Zambia has exceeded a market capitalisation of US$1 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's growth and continued expansion of digital connectivity and financial services.
The milestone reinforces Airtel Zambia's position as one of the country's leading telecommunications and digital financial services providers.
Vodacom Tanzania Supports Cooperative Digital Transformation
Vodacom Tanzania has partnered with the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission to strengthen the digital capacity of cooperative societies by providing digital tools and technology support.
The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery for cooperatives serving farmers and local communities.
Nigeria's Southwest States Launch Five-Year Digital Transformation Partnership
Nigeria's DAWN Commission and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have signed a five-year agreement to accelerate digital transformation across the country's southwest region.
The partnership will expand digital literacy, innovation hubs, startup development, and technology infrastructure while aligning regional initiatives with Nigeria's national digital economy strategy.
Ericsson and Dubai Digital Authority Partner on Digital Innovation
Ericsson and Digital Dubai Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on digital transformation initiatives supporting Dubai's smart city ambitions.
The partnership will explore advanced connectivity solutions and emerging digital technologies to enhance public services and innovation across the emirate.
Proparco Invests in Nigerian Agritech to Expand Financial Inclusion
Proparco has backed Nigerian agritech company Agriarche LLC to expand technology-enabled agricultural value chains, improve market access, and strengthen financial inclusion for smallholder farmers.
The investment will support digital agriculture, job creation, and broader economic development across multiple Nigerian states.
Orange DRC Unveils Digital Transformation Strategy
Orange DRC has presented a new roadmap to accelerate digital inclusion in the Democratic Republic of Congo through expanded fibre infrastructure, improved connectivity, and greater smartphone affordability.
The strategy also advocates for policy reforms that reduce taxes on telecommunications equipment to make digital services more accessible nationwide.
UN Opens First Dedicated Cybersecurity Office in Riyadh
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has established its first dedicated cybersecurity office in Riyadh to strengthen global cyber resilience through training, research, and policy development.
The new office will support governments and institutions worldwide in building stronger cybersecurity capabilities and international cooperation.
World Bank and UAE Central Bank Expand Financial Inclusion Partnership
The Central Bank of The UAE and the The World Bank Group have agreed to deepen collaboration on financial literacy, consumer protection, financial inclusion, and digital fraud prevention.
The partnership will also support initiatives to strengthen financial health and improve access to safe, inclusive financial services across the region.
