Breaking Banks Africa

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, Matteo Rizzi sits down with Selma Ribica, founder of First Circle Capital, to explore Africa’s evolving fintech and venture capital landscape. Ribica reflects on her journey from M-Pesa to investing, highlighting how mobile money demonstrated the potential for technology to bring financial services to underserved populations. She explains why First Circle Capital focuses on early-stage fintech founders and how regulation, talent, capital and market maturity shape opportunities across Africa. The discussion also covers regional differences, developing entrepreneurial talent, helping startups scale, and the realities of building and fundraising for a first-time African venture capital fund.

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, host Matteo sits down with Mikhail Velichko, CEO of AccèsBanque Madagascar (ABM), to explore how innovation is driving financial inclusion in one of the world’s most underserved banking markets. With fewer than 10% of adults using formal banking services and most businesses operating informally, Madagascar presents unique challenges for lenders and entrepreneurs alike. Mikhail shares how ABM leverages AI, chatbots, alternative data, and automated credit processes to expand access to finance for MSMEs while maintaining sustainable growth. He also discusses the importance of financial education, local talent development, and community-based outreach in building trust and bringing more people into the formal economy. The conversation also previews Mikhail’s participation in the Global SME Finance Forum, where he will discuss the role of AI in advancing financial inclusion.

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, host Matteo Rizzi sits down with Waleed Sadek, Founder and CEO of Fintra Holding and Paysky, to explore how interoperable payment infrastructure is transforming financial ecosystems across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Waleed shares the vision behind his group’s four businesses, from national payment systems and cross-border payment networks to digital banking platforms and Banking-as-a-Service. The conversation also examines the future of payments, digital banking, stablecoins, and financial inclusion, highlighting the importance of connecting emerging markets through scalable technology. The episode also previews Waleed’s participation as a speaker at the Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum, taking place in Uzbekistan from 24–26 August, where he will discuss how emerging economies can accelerate financial innovation through interoperable infrastructure, digital banking, and cross-border collaboration, while building stronger bridges between Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, host Matteo Rizzi sits down with Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), to explore how digital payment infrastructure is transforming Africa’s largest economy. Premier shares how NIBSS powers Nigeria’s payment ecosystem behind the scenes, driving interoperability, resilience, and innovation through instant payments and open APIs. The conversation covers the launch of the National Payment Stack, the role of digital public infrastructure, and why zero-cost instant payments could accelerate financial inclusion and economic growth. They also discuss the importance of trust, digital identity, financial literacy, and collaboration between banks, fintechs, regulators, and entrepreneurs. Looking beyond Nigeria, Premier outlines the actions needed to strengthen cross-border payments and build a more connected African financial ecosystem. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of payments, inclusion, and fintech innovation across the continent.

In a media partnership with the 3i Africa Summit, and supported by CXO Conversations, Breaking Banks Africa brings you a special live episode from the heart of Accra. Host Matteo Rizzi sits down with two leading voices shaping Africa’s talent and innovation future: Adewale Yusuf of AltSchool Africa, and Rosy Fynn of the Mastercard Foundation. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping education, why Africa must leapfrog traditional systems, and how skills development and entrepreneurship can unlock large-scale youth employment. From digital learning to scalable work opportunities, this episode unpacks the systems needed to turn Africa’s demographic potential into real economic power.