Africa’s future lies
in entrepreneurship and in harnessing its resources, both material and
human, this is according to Abdirashid Duale, the chief executive officer of the African
leading money transfer company, Dahabshiil.
Speaking during the Africa Business Conference at Harvard, Duale said with a rapidly expanding youthful workforce, Africa has an
unparalleled opportunity to lead in technological and financial innovation in
the world.
The conference dubbed “Beyond Border” brought together
leading financial, and business leaders, politicians, diplomats, policymakers and
entrepreneurial experts from Africa among them former Central Bank of Kenya
governor Patrick Njoroge.
He said in sectors like mobile payments, the continent has
already set global benchmarks but the challenge now is to sustain and scale
this momentum.
“It is important that as a continent Africa comes up with
strategies that aim not only to improve on what has been achieved but also how
to effectively match the rest of the world if not go beyond,” said Duale.
The event was aimed to redefine the continent’s economic and
investment landscape, with a special focus on building robust pan-African
financial systems.
Duale, who recently attended the inauguration of America’s
47th president Donald Trump at Capitol Hill in January, was challenged to
talk about whether Africa can truly move beyond borders.
He said that already several financial service providers
like Dahabshiil are at the forefront of technological innovation, navigating
complex regulatory landscapes while expanding financial access.
“Just as Africa leapfrogged landline telephony to embrace
mobile connectivity, the continent’s financial transformation is following a
similar path. This is a clear indicator that Africa can indeed move beyond
borders,” stated Duale.
His insights centred on the pivotal role of financial
inclusion, technology, and regulatory compliance in unlocking Africa’s economic
potential.
With 57% of Africa’s population still unbanked, he said,
fintech solutions—particularly mobile money—are bridging the gap.
As the leader of Africa’s largest money transfer network,
Dahabshiil has spent decades facilitating seamless financial connectivity
across borders, ensuring that millions—from entrepreneurs to humanitarian agencies—can
move funds efficiently.
Duale emphasized how financial service providers like
Dahabshiil are at the forefront of technological innovation, navigating complex
regulatory landscapes while expanding financial access.
Dahabshiil’s platforms have played a critical role in
providing lifeline remittances and investment capital to communities in some of
the world’s most challenging environments.
However, Dahabshiil’s impact extends beyond financial transactions.
Through its MicroDahab initiative, the company is delivering
microfinance solutions that empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly
in underserved regions.
By fostering local economic opportunities, these initiatives
help reduce migration pressures and drive sustainable community development.
The 2025 Africa Business Conference left attendees optimistic about the continent’s future.
The presence of high-profile private sector leaders underscored the immense potential of Africa’s business and financial ecosystems to drive its development.
If the discussions at Harvard
are any indication, Africa’s next chapter will not be limited by its
borders—but defined by its ability to transcend them.
