On the Ground Through African Cities: Exploring Africa Through Tech, Banking, Electricity,and Logistics

It is 4 A.M, and I have to prepare to leave.

I haven't slept a wink, I won't lie.

I am excited, yet, incredibly anxious.

This is the first time I am heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo in more than 2 decades.

The last time I glanced over the streets of this nation that is where my ancestors come from, I was a little girl.

So, you can imagine the wave of emotions when I set foot in Congo.

I shed tears.

I couldn't stop them from coming down my cheeks

My goal in the next year is to gain a first-hand account and understanding of the market in Africa.

As I ventured through Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), I witnessed firsthand the enormous potential—and persistent challenges—across the technology, banking, and logistics sectors.

While each country presents its own unique set of circumstances, they share a common thread: a rapidly evolving landscape poised for growth. However, to unlock this growth, the right systems need to be in place.

Why should this matter to you?

Well, if you are reading this, you are at least curious about Africa or love this land.

You also probably are aware that Africa represents one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, yet many regions remain underserved or inefficiently served. For businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs, understanding these pain points can lead to lucrative opportunities, while for locals, these innovations could significantly enhance their quality of life.

This newsletter edition seeks to illuminate key sectors where challenges persist, but opportunities abound.

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Africa’s Hidden Treasure Troves (If Only We Could Find the Keys)

Alright, let’s get real for a minute. Africa is often described as this untapped goldmine of opportunities—one big, glittering treasure chest. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, if you’ve lived in places like South Africa or traveled through Zimbabwe, Zambia, or the DRC as I have, you know it’s not always that simple.

Yes, the potential is there, but much like trying to find good Wi-Fi on a road trip through Limpopo, getting to that treasure is another story altogether.

As someone who has spent most of her life in South Africa (and let's be honest, survived a few too many power outages), I’ve learned that while the challenges are real, so are the opportunities.

Many industries are evolving fast, but they’re also riddled with inefficiencies that make you want to shake your head and laugh—if only to keep from crying.

Mobile Money & Financial Inclusion: The Backbone of African Financial Services

Banking in the DRC: A Cash-Only Economy in the Digital Age

Living in South Africa, I’ve gotten used to a decent banking system (aside from those endless queues at the bank, but I digress). But in the DRC, cash is still king.

Only about 10% of the population has access to formal banking, which means most transactions are done with hard cash. Coupled with the fact that most people would rather change their money in dollars and keep it at home than put it in a bank because they do not trust the banks to be there tomorrow is an interesting phenomenon.

I found it interesting how I could walk into Kin Marche to buy goods with my USD bills and walk out with Congolese Francs.

If you have a few dollars to change, well there is a cambiste ( a person to whom you go change foreign currencies) around almost every corner.

People change their USD and then go about making purchases at the local markets.

Imagine carrying wads of cash around in 2024—feels like stepping back in time, right?

When you ask Locals why they don't put all their money in the bank, they ask you " What does the bank do for me?"

For many, banks aren't exactly institutions they want to deal with

An entrepreneur I spoke with in Lubumbashi shared that she only puts money in the bank when she is saving towards a goal, and then when she has reached her target, she promptly takes her money out.

"Tanya, you can't trust banks here in Congo. One minute they are here, the next they close, oko tuna Ngulu mbongo na yo" (you will ask the pig where your money is)

This is to say, you have no recourse to get your money back.

One shared how she lost USD$10 000 with Biac's closure.

When I spoke with a shop owner in Kinshasa, she told me how frustrating it is to access loans. The paperwork alone takes months, and by the time you get approved, you’ve probably lost the will to expand your business anyway. And don’t even get me started on the fees. It’s like the banks are trying to keep people out rather than bring them in.

Most entrepreneurs leverage Makelembas, also known as Stokvels in South Africa and Susu in Nigeria when planning business expansions.

This is a form of crowdfunding where people come together, pool money, and each receives money on his or her turn.

You find groups of 20,30,50, to even 100 participants.

Why does this matter? Because a cash-driven economy isn’t just inconvenient—it’s inefficient.

Without access to formal banking, entrepreneurs and small business owners can’t grow their operations. And for a country as resource-rich as the DRC, that’s a massive missed opportunity.

I think we need another conversation on the ease of opening a business account. It isn't there. It is frustrating, which contributes to the problem.

The silver lining? There’s huge potential for fintech disruptors to come in and change the game.

Digital banking services could sidestep the bureaucracy and give people the tools they need to succeed.

DRC is Where Mobile Money Just Can’t Catch a Break

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where mobile money isn’t quite living up to its potential. Despite the availability of Airtel Money and Orange Money, adoption rates are low.

Why? For starters, the infrastructure is a mess.

Service outages are frequent, and the trust in digital payments just isn’t there yet. It’s like trying to convince someone to use Wi-Fi at a café when they’ve been burned by unreliable connections before. They’re not buying it.

In Kinshasa, I met a business owner who told me that mobile money could revolutionize her retail operation—if it worked reliably. But with service dropping every other day and a lack of support from telecom providers, she sticks to cash. It’s the old story of potential unrealized. The DRC could be a mobile money powerhouse, but it needs infrastructure upgrades and, quite frankly, better customer service.

The DRC is a cautionary tale of how missed opportunities can pile up when the basics aren’t in place. And for anyone looking to get involved, there’s a clear opportunity: fix the infrastructure, build trust, and watch the market explode.

Related Article: 10 Misconceptions about Africa That Aren't True and Keeping You from Traveling to the Continent

Zambia: Revolutionizing Daily Transactions with Mobile Payments

In Zambia, mobile money has emerged as a cornerstone of the financial ecosystem. Traditional banking services remain inaccessible for much of the population, especially in rural areas. Mobile money services, such as Mpesa and Airtel Money, have filled this gap, giving people the ability to transfer funds, pay bills, and even save—all through their mobile phones.

During my visit, I met a businessman Peter, who lives just outside Lusaka, and frequently comes to South Africa to buy goods.

Peter shared how mobile money transformed his ability to run his business. Before adopting mobile money, he had to travel several miles to the nearest bank to handle transactions, but also go around to collect payments for goods he gave out on credit, which ate into his profits and time. Now, he can receive payments instantly, all from his phone. For Peter and millions like him, mobile money isn't just a financial service, it's completely changed things for them.

Interestingly enough, how Mobile Money is used in Zambia, mirrors a bit the DRC as you have agents wherever who can send you money.

It is giving olden days Kin Express, but just faster without having to go too far.

Why is this significant? Mobile money allows people in rural areas to participate in the broader economy, fostering greater financial inclusion. More importantly, it creates a pathway for economic growth in places where traditional banking systems have failed.

Just the other day, someone in Lubumbashi wanted to send me money,and the WhatsApp came in " Do you have Airtel or Orange Money?"

In these countries, Telcos seemed to have taken the place of banks.

Even on Yango, which is very similar to Uber in these regions, it is easier to link your Telco Wallet than your bank card.

Kenya: M-Pesa’s Unprecedented Success and Impact

When discussing mobile money in Africa, Kenya’s M-Pesa is the shining example. Launched in 2007, M-Pesa revolutionized how people in Kenya manage money. Today, M-Pesa accounts for over 50% of the country’s GDP. People use it to pay for everything—from groceries to school fees to utility bills. What makes Kenya’s case particularly interesting is how quickly M-Pesa has integrated into daily life, creating an ecosystem where traditional banks have been sidelined by a more efficient, accessible option.

In Kenya, mobile money is no longer just an alternative to banking; it is banking. I visited a family in Nairobi who explained how they use M-Pesa to send remittances to relatives in rural areas. This ease of transferring money has empowered people across Kenya, reducing poverty and allowing small businesses to thrive by streamlining payments.

The key takeaway here is that Kenya’s model could be replicated in other African nations where financial inclusion remains low. Countries looking to boost their economies can learn valuable lessons from M-Pesa's success, making it clear that mobile money is more than just a convenience

What Telcos Know That They Aren't Telling Banks

In the financial landscape of Africa, there’s a dramatic showdown taking place it is not the fintechs I thought would be gaining ground. Instead, it is mobile money services from Telcos that are rapidly gaining ground, while traditional banks seem to be dragging their feet.

It’s almost like watching a high-speed chase where one car is cruising effortlessly, while the other is stuck in traffic. Mobile money services like Orange Money, Airtel Money, and M-Pesa are cruising at top speed, while banks, with their outdated practices and sluggish adaptation, are left in the dust.

So, what’s fueling this race?

For starters, mobile money has become the financial lifeline for millions across Africa, especially in areas where a bank branch is as rare as a unicorn. Picture this: in rural Zambia, where the nearest bank could be a day’s journey away, people are conducting their financial transactions using nothing more than their mobile phones. It’s not just a convenience, it’s a game-changer. M-Pesa in Kenya has made financial transactions so seamless that it’s practically become a verb—“M-Pesa it!” If only traditional banks could catch up with this kind of innovation.

Why are mobile money services thriving while banks seem to be stuck in a time warp?

For one, mobile money is all about accessibility and affordability. Mobile money platforms charge a fraction of what banks do and process transactions in real time. Imagine having to wait days for a bank transfer to clear when you need funds immediately.

Mobile money eliminates that waiting game, making transactions as quick and painless as sending a text message. Meanwhile, banks often pile on hidden fees and lengthy procedures that can make accessing your own money feel like pulling teeth.

On the flip side, banks are grappling with outdated systems and a bureaucratic mess, coupled with just horrible customer service that would make even the most patient person cringe.

Many banks still operate on legacy systems that are as modern as dial-up internet. Upgrading these systems is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—expensive and complicated. It’s no wonder banks are struggling to keep pace with the digital age.

Even the worst bank in SA feels like a luxury trip with what I have experienced.

Banks here can do better, but I wonder if it is a lack of will.

Now, let’s talk about why telcos are smashing it with mobile money. It’s all about their agility and customer-centric approach.

Telcos are used to rapid innovation and constantly evolving their services to stay competitive. They’re not just offering financial services, they’re revolutionizing them. Orange Money and Airtel Money are not just jumping on the bandwagon—they’re driving it.

They use their existing infrastructure to roll out services quickly and effectively, and their data-driven approach allows them to tailor their offerings to exactly what their customers need.

So, what can banks do to turn things around?

First, they need to ditch the outdated tech and embrace digital transformation. There are so many things People should not need to go to the bank for, to be honest, but still do.

It’s not just about keeping up, it’s about leading the charge. Investing in modern technology and simplifying processes can make banking more user-friendly and efficient.

Banks need to focus on their customers' needs, enhance accessibility, and offer competitive pricing. In other words, they need to stop treating their customers like a number on a ledger and start treating them like valued clients.

They have focused their efforts on Fintechs that they felt were encroaching, meanwhile, they didn't see mobile money coming.

Kinda like the guy you underestimated because you know him who steals your girlfriend.

Mobile money is not just a financial service—it’s a lifeline for millions. It’s efficient, user-friendly, and accessible, which is why it’s leaving traditional banking in the dust. If banks don’t wake up and smell the digital revolution, they risk becoming obsolete in a landscape that’s rapidly moving forward.

So here’s a challenge to banks: adapt, innovate, and evolve, or watch as mobile money continues to accelerate ahead, leaving them far behind in the rearview mirror.

Related Article: A Modern Development Challenge for the African Continent

Logistics: Africa’s Achilles Heel

Zambia and Angola: The Trade That Almost Isn’t

Now, logistics. If there’s one thing that unites nearly all of Africa, it’s the logistical nightmare of trying to move goods across borders.

Case in point: Zambia and Angola. You’d think that being neighbors would make trade between them smooth, right? Wrong.

It’s so complicated that traders often bypass Angola and ship through Namibia instead—because why go the direct route when you can make things 10 times harder?

I spoke to Wamulume Beele, the Co-founder of SolarPoint in Zambia who explained the insanity of it all.

Poor infrastructure, bureaucratic red tape, and sky-high transport costs make moving goods across these borders a headache of note. The irony? If you could streamline trade between these two countries, the economic potential would be massive. But for now, it’s a case of "could have been."

Why should this bother you? Without efficient logistics, businesses suffer, and costs go up. And when the price of getting goods to market is higher than the profit margins, nobody wins.

Kinshasa: A Case Study in Chaos

If you think Zambia and Angola have it tough, wait until you hear about Kinshasa. The city’s population is over 14 million, and yet the roads are in such poor condition that just moving goods from one side of town to the other is an ordeal. I visited a store owner who imports goods, and the price he pays for basic items is ridiculous.

Getting anything into Kinshasa involves navigating potholes that could swallow a small car and dealing with port delays that make the Suez Canal look like a smooth ride.

And did I mention the Traffic?

If it misses you in Limete, Tshangu Ndjili, Erataka te!

You can be stuck in traffic for hours, and when you couple it with the fact that if you have to account for the time your driver will be stuck as well as the headache of getting anything into Kinshasa, I don't even blame the business owners. They need to recoup costs.

It takes 1hr plus for my Dosta to get to me,whereas Uber Eat would probably be 30 minutes in Johannesburg.

Poor logistics don’t just affect businesses—they affect people. The higher the transport costs, the higher the price of everyday goods. This isn’t just a business problem, it’s a human problem.

The Billion-Dollar Opportunity in African Logistics

Here’s the thing: solving Africa’s logistics problem is one of the biggest business opportunities on the continent.  I have seen a few companies that are already making moves, using tech to streamline trucking routes and cut down on delays. And trust me, this is only the beginning.( They ain't sponsoring this newsletter,and I ain't giving free publicity-askies)

The African Development Bank estimates that improving logistics could increase intra-African trade by 33%. That’s a mind-boggling figure when you consider the size of Africa’s market. For entrepreneurs and investors looking for their next big move, this is it.

Wondering what I am driving at?

If you’re in logistics, tech, or trade, Africa is calling. The gaps in the system are big enough to drive a truck through—literally. Fix the infrastructure, cut the red tape, and you’ll have an entire continent’s worth of opportunity at your feet.

Related Article: Why Africa Is the Next Frontier for Entrepreneurs of Caribbean and African Descent, Including African Americans

We Need Electrification as In Yesterday

Yes, this deserves an honorary mention because after having to battle Wifi for close to 3 hrs, after days of electricity acting like we are in a Situationship coming in at 11 pm and leaving before 6 am, I learned the meaning of James 1:3-4:

"Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Africa’s electricity crisis is where the lights are as unpredictable as your neighbor’s Wi-Fi, and candlelit dinners are less "romantic" and more "please, let the power come back on before I eat cold leftovers again."

I’m currently in the DRC, where the grid operates in pure chaos—completely unpredictable.

One minute you’re charging your phone, and the next you’re lighting candles like you’re at a never-ending séance. And let’s not forget Zambia, where the power outages have turned into a regular feature of life, only getting worse by the day.

Though things in South Africa have settled down for now (For how long, we don't know)—This is a full-blown regional issue.

From Kinshasa to Lusaka, electricity is elusive, and the consequences are serious for everyday life and businesses trying to survive.

But the solutions still stand: renewables, decentralized grids, and proper energy storage can offer some much-needed stability. And let’s be honest, waiting for the government to fix it? That’s like waiting for the lights to come back on mid-blackout—it’s anyone’s guess when that’ll happen. Time for us to take control—power to the people, literally!

Electricity isn’t a basic right here—it’s a luxury item, like avocado toast, but far less satisfying. I mean, how many times can you reorganize your life around Eskom’s mood swings before you start to think maybe you are the problem?

It’s easy to point fingers at Eskom, Snell, or Zesco, these Africans much-maligned electricity providers, or even daydream about China riding in on a solar-powered white horse to fix everything.

But let’s be honest: load shedding is as much a part of life as biltong and braais.

It’s practically on our calendars—"Oh, can’t meet at 3 PM, that’s when the power goes out for the fourth time today." Beyond the personal inconveniences (like missing your favorite show because, shocker, no power), the real impact hits businesses, economies, and livelihoods hard.

Running a business with no power for hours a day? That’s not resilience—that’s pure, unfiltered frustration.

And when you step out of SA, you will thank Eskom for that schedule.

So, let’s not kid ourselves. Load shedding is just the beginning of the headache. Power shortages and unreliable energy grids are issues plaguing multiple African countries.

Why? Oh, just a fun mix of outdated infrastructure, fossil fuel dependency, and the special combo of inefficiency, corruption, and mismanagement that seems to thrive in the energy sector. Add in a lack of diversified energy sources, and it’s a wonder we ever see the light of day (literally and figuratively).

So, what’s the fix? Well, first off: renewables. Yeah, yeah, I know, “green energy” sounds like a hipster’s Instagram caption, but hear me out. Africa’s got resources in spades—sunshine, wind, water—you name it. Harnessing these natural resources could transform the power landscape. Kenya and Ethiopia are already leading the way with solar, wind, and hydroelectric plants. So, come on, rest of Africa, it’s time to join the party. Renewables can provide a more stable energy supply and, crucially, give us a shot at energy independence. I mean, wouldn’t it be nice to not have to rely on a 20-year-old coal plant for a change?

And yeah, yeah, before someone hits me with we need all forms of energy. I agree, but like most Africans, I don't really care where it comes from. I want to wake up in the morning and not have to wonder if I can cook with my stove today. We can all co-exist. It doesn’t have to be a this or that for Africa, we literally can’t afford it.

Next up: decentralizing the grid. Let’s be real, the idea of relying on a centralized grid is about as outdated as dial-up internet. Microgrids and off-grid systems—especially those powered by renewables—could be the answer, particularly for rural areas. I’m looking at you, Limpopo. You can’t wait for the national grid to finally show up like a long-lost relative. Microgrids can bring reliable power without the bureaucratic backlog that makes waiting for the train feel like a breeze.

Of course, all this renewable talk doesn’t work unless we address storage. We all know the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t blow on cue, so high-capacity batteries are a must. Tesla and LG Chem are already on the case, as well as Omnivat are cooking up energy storage solutions that can hold the day’s energy for use at night. Imagine that—power when you need it, not just when the grid decides you deserve it!

And now for the tough love: the private sector needs to step up. Waiting for the government to sort this out is like waiting for your Wi-Fi to reconnect during load shedding—it’s just not going to happen.

Private companies generating and selling power directly to consumers?

Now that is the future. South Africa’s allowing more independent power producers (IPPs), which is a great start, but we need to go further. The private sector brings innovation, cash, and, let’s be honest, a lot more motivation to get things done.

Last, but definitely not least: policy reforms. I know, not exactly the most riveting subject, but without some smart policies to encourage investment in energy projects, all this talk of renewables and microgrids won’t get very far. Governments need to cut through the red tape and make it easier for energy projects to get off the ground. Because, let’s face it, even China’s fat wallet won’t save us if our policies are more tangled than a ball of old Christmas lights.

So, what’s the takeaway? The solutions to Africa’s electricity crisis are right there, but we need to actually, you know, do something. Renewable energy, decentralized grids, private sector hustle, and some well-placed policy changes can fix this. It’s time to stop waiting for a hero and start lighting the way ourselves—preferably before the next load shedding hits.

Conclusion: Africa’s Future Is Bright—If We Can Get Out of Our Way

So, what’s the final takeaway from all this?

Africa stands at the edge of a transformative era with immense potential in tech, banking, and logistics. Yet, we’re also facing some significant hurdles that need to be tackled head-on. The good news? These challenges are not insurmountable, and the rewards for those who rise to the occasion will be nothing short of transformative.

Having lived in Africa for most of my life, I've experienced both the highs and lows of this vibrant continent. I’ve been caught up in the maze of inefficient systems that seem to move slower than molasses in winter, and I’ve also felt the exhilarating rush of emerging opportunities that promise to revolutionize our lives. Africa is undeniably at a crucial turning point.

The convoluted routes and inefficiencies in cross-border trade are a glaring issue, but solving these challenges could unlock unprecedented economic opportunities. Imagine a future where moving goods across borders is as seamless as a local transaction. That future is within reach if we focus on innovation and strategic investments.

The electricity crisis is another pressing concern that can’t be ignored which I didn't get to discuss as much as it deserves its own edition. Yes, China and other international investors are part of the solution, but we need more than just external funding. Sustainable and home-grown solutions are crucial.

From investing in renewable energy sources to enhancing local power infrastructure, there are multiple avenues to address the crisis. Community-driven initiatives and technological advancements can pave the way for a more reliable and affordable energy future.

Here, we need to look at our local talents as well. The solution is within.

Africa’s future is bright, but it requires us to confront our challenges with determination and creativity. We need to free ourselves from outdated practices and embrace the innovations that can propel us forward. The potential is there, but it’s up to us to seize it.

As we look to the horizon, it’s clear that Africa’s journey is far from over. With a little more grit, ingenuity, and collaboration, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and write a new chapter of success for our continent.

The road ahead may be bumpy, but the destination promises to be worth every mile.

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About The Author

Tanya Kabuya is an international speaker and skilled entrepreneur specializing in revenue growth and sustainable business scaling for tech-enabled companies. As the founder and CEO of a firm focused on revenue optimization, she helps businesses achieve profitable growth through effective strategies and high-performing teams.

She is also the Editor-in-Chief of Business Creed Magazine, a LinkedIn Influencer, and founder of the Afripulse MSMEs Network, A peer-to-peer community and an alternative investment club where entrepreneurs of African descent, their allies, and friends converge to ignite innovation and drive growth in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as in the tech ecosystems in Africa and the diaspora.

Her work promotes economic development in Africa and her commitment to showcasing Africa's rich culture.