Add Row
Add Element
Add Element
  • Channel
    • VIRTUAL EVENTS BILLBOARD
    • CONFERENCES & CONVENTIONS
  • Featured
    • THE VORTEX VISIONARY VIEW
    • African Changemakers
    • Future of Africa
    • Sustainable Africa
    • Women Vortex
    • Vortex Global Pulse
    • Habitat Trails
    • InterContinental Issues
    • Intracontinental Currents
    • #FUTURE FEATURE INVITATION
August 01.2025
2 Minutes Read

Discover How Brydge Aims to Transform Intra-African Trade Using Fintech Solutions

Smiling young man in blue suit, Brydge fintech solutions feature.

Revolutionizing Intra-African Trade: Brydge's Mission

Despite Africa's impressive potential with a GDP surpassing $3 trillion and a population exceeding 1.4 billion, intra-African trade remains critically low, with only 17% of total trade happening within the continent. This stark reality poses a significant challenge for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), who face an array of barriers, from high tariffs to complex currency conversions and limited visibility into market opportunities.

Brydge: An Engine for Change

Brydge, a Nigerian startup founded by Nathan Agama, aims to tackle these obstacles head-on. Backed by Mastercard, Brydge positions itself as a crucial player in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. By acting as a B2B platform, it connects SMBs with verified suppliers and logistics partners while enabling seamless cross-border settlements. This startup has already made strides, processing ₦4.8 billion (around $3.1 million) in transactions and providing ₦100 million ($61,000) in trade financing to support 42 local businesses.

Identifying the Challenges: A Founder’s Journey

Nathan Agama's journey to founding Brydge stemmed from personal challenges faced in international trade. Experiencing firsthand the complexities that plague African SMBs, he uncovered three critical barriers: a pervasive trust deficit, the stranglehold of difficult currency conversions, and a lack of market visibility. With stories of disappearing suppliers and plagued payments as common narratives, building trust is paramount in fostering intra-African commerce.

Solutions for Streamlined Payments

Apart from trust, currency conversion issues complicate trade operations. Central banks prioritize major currencies, pushing traders towards costly black-market transactions. Brydge addresses these pain points directly by streamlining cross-border payments, facilitating transactions that once took days or even weeks into mere minutes.

The Future of African Trade: What Lies Ahead?

As Brydge rolls out its platform, the prospects for African trade look brighter. By reducing transaction costs and enhancing trust, Agama's platform could significantly boost intra-African trade. With the right technological support and commitment from stakeholders, the dream of a thriving continental marketplace could finally come to fruition.

Investors and entrepreneurs alike should keep their eyes on platforms like Brydge, which embody the potential of fintech solutions in revolutionizing the African economic landscape. Embracing digital transformation and automation, we are witnessing a pivotal moment where innovation meets need, inviting a new era for Africa’s economic future.

Tech & AI Disruptors

2 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts

ntel's Board Restructuring Paves the Way for a Thriving 2026 Relaunch

Update ntel's Strategic Shift: A New Board for a New Era In an exciting turn for Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, NatCom Development and Investment Limited, trading as ntel, has announced a complete restructuring of its board ahead of a revival set for January 2026. The company has appointed experienced professionals, including Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, Ayodeji Joshua Richards, and Maryam Mutallab, among others, to spearhead revitalization efforts and utilize their diverse expertise to enhance ntel's operations. A Pulse on Nigeria’s Digital Future The formation of the new board signifies ntel's determination to solidify its standing in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy. As a key player, ntel aims to explore fixed wireless home broadband—a move that could precede launching mobile virtual network operations. This strategy reflects a keen awareness of current technology trends, including AI in Africa and fintech solutions that amplify connectivity and digital payments. Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow In its bid to ensure a thorough recovery, ntel's leadership underscores the importance of governance. With industry leaders bringing years of experience in telecommunications, finance, and governance, the new team is well-equipped to restore investor confidence and deliver on its promises of innovative services. Soji Maurice-Diya, the incoming CEO, emphasizes the transformative potential of smart technologies in reshaping the Nigerian tech landscape. Linking Legacy to Innovation This board overhaul not only focuses on new strategies but also aims to monetize existing assets, showcasing a balance between leveraging historical strengths and embracing innovation. The new members bring expertise that aligns perfectly with the growing trends of automation in Africa and blockchain technology. Their combined knowledge could potentially streamline ntel's transition to become an investor-friendly enterprise, setting a benchmark for other African startups aiming for growth. The urgent push for digital transformation in Africa is now more than ever pertinent as companies strategize to tap into technological advancements. As we keenly await ntel’s relaunch, the collaboration between these new leaders may very well pave the way for a promising future in Nigeria’s telecom sector. Join us in witnessing ntel’s journey to re-emergence and stay informed about more exciting developments in Africa’s tech ecosystem!

Canal+'s Acquisition of MultiChoice: A Game Changer for Africa's Media Future

Update The Evolution of Africa's Media LandscapeIn a landmark move for the continent, Canal+ has completed its takeover of MultiChoice, solidifying a transformative shift in Africa's media landscape. This 20-month journey reshapes how global media interacts with Africa, promising a future where local content thrives alongside international narratives. With MultiChoice's extensive reach—40 million subscribers across 70 countries—Canal+ aims to create a hybrid powerhouse that combines global resources with local insights.Understanding the Takeover TimelineThe timeline of this acquisition is a testament to strategic maneuvering. Starting with an initial bid of ZAR 105 per share in February 2024, Canal+ faced hurdles including regulatory challenges and the necessity to navigate ownership caps. Ultimately, the successful restructuring allowed the company to maintain its global strategy while satisfying the legal framework in South Africa.Creating a Media SuperpowerThis merger is more than just a corporate transaction—it's a declaration of Africa's media potential. By investing in local content and technology, Canal+ seeks to shift the narrative from exploitation to empowerment. This transformative commitment will not only elevate content creation but also foster a robust creative economy, generating new job opportunities for African talent.Implications for Future TrendsThe integration of Canal+ and MultiChoice heralds the dawn of a 'super app' for media services, combining traditional pay-TV with digital streaming solutions like Showmax. By leveraging Canal+'s technological capabilities alongside MultiChoice’s established infrastructure, this partnership is uniquely positioned to outperform both local competitors and global giants like Netflix and Disney+.What This Means for African StartupsThis acquisition could serve as a blueprint for further transformative partnerships across Africa. Startups in sectors like fintech and automation can learn from this merger, leveraging insights on how to attract foreign investment while retaining local control. As Canal+ commits to bolstering the African creative sector, similar investments in tech can lead to innovation and sustained growth across various industries.Embracing a New Era of CooperationAs Canal+ and MultiChoice embark on this new chapter, the implications for Africa's economic landscape are profound. No longer viewed merely as a market, Africa is emerging as a collaborator in the global media narrative. This merger emphasizes the potential for symbiotic relationships that favor local talent and stories,, paving the way for a bright future for Africa in the global entertainment arena.

MultiChoice Slashes DStv Decoder Prices: What This Means for Viewers

Update MultiChoice’s Bold Move to Retain Subscribers On November 1, 2025, MultiChoice will implement a significant price cut for DStv decoders, with reductions reaching up to 40%. This is part of a concerted effort to mitigate the alarming decline in subscribers that has seen approximately 2.8 million users drop off the platform over the past two years. The price adjustments are a response to consumer feedback and changing media consumption patterns, particularly as streaming services gain more traction across Africa. Why Subscribers Are Key to DStv’s Strategy The challenging pay-TV environment, particularly in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, has prompted MultiChoice to reassess their strategy. The company lost an estimated 1.2 million subscribers in South Africa alone just this year, translating to a concerning 8% decrease. By making their decoders more affordable and accessible, MultiChoice hopes to attract new viewers while also reviving interest among those who have drifted away due to rising costs. Opening Up Opportunities for Viewers The price reduction lowers the entry barrier, encouraging families and individuals who had previously been hesitant to adopt DStv due to costs. Alongside the new prices, DStv is initiating a limited-time promotion dubbed the Open Time Weekend from November 7-9, which grants all subscribers access to premium content at no additional cost. Existing DStv Premium customers will benefit from extra device streams until December. Canal+’s Strategic Push Against Streaming Rivals With Canal+ at the helm, this decision is not merely a reaction to subscriber losses; it's an objective to innovate and reclaim market share. Canal+ aims to position DStv as an affordable and high-value entertainment option that can hold its ground amidst the growing competition from over 560 streaming platforms. By targeting middle-income families, Canal+ is attempting to lure back those viewers who have turned to cheaper on-demand services. What This Means for Future Tech Trends This strategic pricing overhaul represents a broader trend within the African tech landscape, where traditional media and streaming platforms are increasingly competing for audience attention. Companies focused on digital transformation in Africa will benefit from these developments, as MultiChoice’s initiatives underline a significant shift in consumer behavior toward both affordability and diverse content offerings. Conclusion - An Invitation to Explore As the African tech landscape evolves, keeping abreast of these changes is vital for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders alike. The shift in DStv's pricing strategy not only highlights consumer preferences but also signifies the necessity to adapt to market dynamics in a rapidly changing digital world. Stay engaged with emerging trends in AI, fintech, and digital transformation to harness new opportunities. Follow the latest insights as African tech continues to innovate and disrupt traditional models.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*