In a major step for digital finance in Africa, the Kenyan Stock Exchange (NSE) has launched stock trading through M-Pesa, enabling investors to buy and sell shares directly from their mobile wallets. The move is part of a growing trend of mobile-first financial services transforming access to capital markets across the continent.
Meanwhile, Nigerian fintech Raenest is expanding into Asia, launching services in India and the Philippines just four months after its U.S. debut in late 2025. Raenest, which helps African freelancers receive cross-border payments, says early demand in these markets drove its decision. The platform allows users to open dollar or pound wallets, receive payments from platforms like Upwork, and accept stablecoins that auto-convert to local currencies.
On the regulatory front, Nigerian authorities are introducing new measures to protect consumers in digital payments. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) released an exposure draft requiring banks and mobile operators to reverse airtime and data purchase errors within 24 hours. Overpurchases under ₦20,000 ($14.64) can be reversed with the recipient’s consent, while transactions above that threshold require an affidavit or notarised letter. If disputes aren’t resolved within five working days, consumers can escalate complaints directly to the regulators.
These developments reflect a broader shift in Africa toward faster, more secure, and more accessible financial services, combining mobile technology, fintech innovation, and consumer protection reforms.