Moniepoint has revealed that first-time access to formal credit is accelerating the growth of small and medium-sized businesses across Africa, with the fintech company disbursing more than $700 million in business loans during 2025, the majority of which went to entrepreneurs who had never previously obtained formal financing.
The findings are contained in the company’s inaugural Impact Report, titled Creating Financial Happiness, which highlights the expanding role of digital financial services in improving access to banking, payments, credit and business management tools for millions of individuals and enterprises across the continent.
According to Brandspur Banking News Desk, three out of every four businesses that received Moniepoint loans in 2025 were accessing formal credit for the first time. The report also showed that businesses supported through the lending programme recorded an average 36 per cent increase in transaction value, indicating stronger commercial activity following access to financing.
The report further highlighted significant progress in supporting women-owned enterprises. Lending to female entrepreneurs grew by more than 300 per cent during the year, with women accounting for 36 per cent of Moniepoint’s loan portfolio, above the industry average. Nearly two-thirds of the women surveyed said the loans represented their first formal source of business finance, while repayment data showed female borrowers maintained lower default rates than their male counterparts.
Moniepoint said it now serves more than 20 million people and businesses across Africa, processing transactions valued at over $250 billion annually. Beyond financial services, the company continues to invest in technology talent development, financial literacy, STEM education and youth empowerment initiatives through programmes designed to expand employment opportunities and digital skills across the continent.
The latest report underscores the growing importance of financial technology in closing Africa’s credit gap, particularly for underserved entrepreneurs. By expanding access to formal financing and digital banking services, Moniepoint aims to support business growth, improve financial inclusion and strengthen economic development across the markets where it operates.
