Back to articles

Uganda Fintech Weekly Buzz, Volume 28 (19th - 24th July 2026)

Daniel Tusiimkye

daniel@fitspa.ug

Jul 24, 2026

This week’s Fintech Weekly Buzz highlights continued growth in digital finance, financial inclusion, AI, digital payments, and innovation. Across Uganda, Africa, and global markets, banks, fintechs, telecom operators, and technology firms launched new digital solutions, expanded strategic partnerships, strengthened cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, and accelerated investments in digital infrastructure to drive a more inclusive and connected digital economy.

Uganda Must Maintain Strong Anti-Money Laundering Systems, Musasizi Tells FIA

Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has urged the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) to strengthen Uganda’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems to safeguard the integrity of the financial sector and ensure continued compliance with international standards.

Britam Uganda and Airtel Money Partner to Expand Mobile Insurance Access

Britam Uganda and Airtel Money Uganda have partnered to deliver insurance and investment products through mobile channels, making financial protection more accessible by leveraging Airtel Money’s nationwide digital platform and agent network.

Airtel Money Uganda Celebrates Watu Credit’s One Million Smartphone Milestone

Airtel Money Uganda has celebrated Watu Credit’s financing of its one millionth smartphone, highlighting the milestone as a significant contribution to expanding digital inclusion and enabling more Ugandans to access digital financial and online services.

Interswitch Uganda and Hamilton Telecom Partner to Expand Paxtel Services

Interswitch East Africa has partnered with Hamilton Telecom to distribute Paxtel airtime and data services through the Quickteller platform, improving nationwide access to telecommunications services via its extensive agent network.

Africa’s Fintechs to Watch: How Uganda’s Service Cops Is Quietly Building a Continental Digital Powerhouse

Uganda-based Service Cops Group is emerging as a leading African fintech and enterprise technology company, expanding its software and business process solutions across multiple markets while connecting financial institutions, telecoms, businesses, and consumers through locally developed digital innovations.

How U.S. AI Platforms Are Accelerating Uganda's Digital Transformation

Artificial intelligence technologies from U.S. companies are increasingly supporting Uganda’s digital transformation by improving public services, expanding digital connectivity, driving innovation across sectors, and creating new economic opportunities.

MTN MoMo and Next Travel Launch Digital Flight Booking Platform

MoMo from MTN UG and Next Travel have launched Travel by MoMo, a digital platform that enables customers to search, compare, and pay for international flights directly through mobile money, making travel booking more convenient and accessible.

Pride Bank Launches Finance Facility to Support Schools, Religious Institutions with Cash Flow Solutions

Pride Bank Limited has introduced the Pride Bridge Finance Facility to provide short-term financing for private schools and religious institutions, helping them manage cash flow challenges while ensuring continuity of operations and long-term sustainability.

Centenary Group, MicroPay Partner to Expand Digital Access to Education, Healthcare, Insurance Services

Centenary Group and MicroPay Uganda Ltd have partnered to develop digital solutions that improve access to education, healthcare, and insurance services, supporting greater financial inclusion through innovative technology.

Why Nigerian fintech Duplo is turning to banks to distribute its software

Nigerian fintech DuploCloud is partnering with banks to distribute its financial operations software, using established banking platforms to reach more businesses while reflecting a growing trend of collaboration between banks and fintech companies across Africa.

Nigeria’s biggest tax reform turns business invoices into real-time economic data

Nigeria is implementing a nationwide electronic invoicing system that will allow tax authorities to receive business transaction data in real time, modernising tax administration and strengthening the country’s digital economy.

“I’m an African”: Why MTN says migration matters to South Africa’s digital future

MTN Group has warned that rising anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa could undermine regional integration by restricting the movement of skilled professionals and businesses that support Africa’s growing digital economy.

Airtel Africa’s Mobile Internet Growth Drives Revenue Surge as Data Usage Expands

Airtel Africa reported strong growth in its Mobile Services business, with revenue rising to US$607 million during the quarter ended June 2026, driven by increased smartphone adoption, higher mobile internet usage, and a growing customer base of 86.5 million subscribers across its markets.

GTBank Kenya begins search for new MD as Jubril Adeniji returns to Nigeria

Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya has begun the search for a new Managing Director following the recall of Jubril Adeniji by its Nigerian parent company, marking a leadership transition as the bank continues its expansion strategy in Kenya.

M-KOPA reaches 10 million customers, six years after its first million

M-KOPA has reached 10 million customers across Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, marking a major milestone in expanding access to asset financing and digital credit. The achievement reflects growing demand for inclusive financial services, with the company continuing to scale affordable financing solutions for underserved individuals and small businesses across Africa.

Safaricom’s financial services chief joins wave of senior executive exits

Safaricom PLC's Chief Financial Services Officer, Esther Waititu, will leave the company at the end of July, marking another senior leadership transition at Africa's leading telecommunications and mobile financial services provider. The move comes as Safaricom continues to strengthen its financial services strategy while appointing interim leadership to oversee the business.

South Africa wants every SIM card to become a trusted digital ID

South Africa is proposing reforms to strengthen SIM card registration by introducing real-time identity verification linked to the national population database. The initiative aims to improve digital identity, enhance financial security, reduce fraud, and support safer access to banking, payments, and other digital services.

Malawi Validates AI Readiness Report to Guide National AI Adoption

Malawi has validated its Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report, advancing efforts to build a secure, ethical, and inclusive AI ecosystem. The initiative will help guide national AI policies, strengthen digital innovation, and support the adoption of artificial intelligence across public services, education, and the broader economy.

Ethio Telecom Reports Record Revenue Growth, Tops 90 Million Customers

ethio telecom has reported record financial performance, with revenue growing by more than 33% and its customer base surpassing 90 million subscribers. The results highlight the company's continued investment in digital services and its transformation into a technology-driven business supporting Ethiopia's expanding digital economy.

TIA and W&R SETA Partner to Strengthen South Africa’s Innovation Ecosystem

South Africa's Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the Wholesale and Retail SETA have partnered to strengthen the country's innovation ecosystem by connecting skills development with entrepreneurship, technology commercialisation, and enterprise growth. The collaboration aims to create more opportunities for innovators, startups, and young entrepreneurs.

I&M Bank Launches Mastercard World Elite Metal Credit Card in Kenya

I&M Bank Kenya has introduced the Mastercard World Elite Metal Credit Card, expanding its premium banking offerings for high-net-worth customers. The new card provides enhanced security, global acceptance, and exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits while strengthening the bank's premium financial services portfolio.

African Fintech Zazu Gains Strategic Backing from Launch Africa Ventures

African fintech Zazu has secured strategic investment from Launch Africa Ventures to accelerate the growth of its financial solutions for entrepreneurs and businesses across the continent. The funding will support the company's expansion while leveraging the investor's fintech expertise and pan-African network to scale its impact.

Revolut becomes first global fintech to launch in Australia

Revolut has become the first global fintech to secure a full Australian Deposit-taking Institution (ADI) licence, enabling it to offer fully regulated banking services while expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The milestone strengthens customer protection, supports cross-border financial services, and reinforces the company's ambition to build a truly global digital banking platform.

Ant International lands $1.2bn to power cross-border payments

Ant International has raised US$1.2 billion in a Series A funding round to accelerate the expansion of its cross-border payments, merchant services, and agentic commerce capabilities. The investment will support global growth and innovation while strengthening financial solutions for businesses through its extensive international payments network.

BBVA launches Swift's global retail payments scheme in Spain

BBVA has become the first bank in Spain to launch Swift's global retail payments scheme, enabling faster, more transparent, and round-the-clock international payments for individuals and SMEs. The initiative enhances cross-border payment efficiency by offering instant settlement where available, clearer fee visibility, and end-to-end transaction tracking.

HLB Private Bank to Launch Two Global Equity and Credit Funds

HLB Private Bank is expanding its wealth management offering by launching two global private market funds that provide eligible clients with access to private equity, private credit, infrastructure, and other alternative investments. The move reflects growing demand for portfolio diversification and broader access to investment opportunities traditionally reserved for institutional investors.