ATF 2021: The rise of African super apps

This panel discussion at Africa Tech Festival 2021 was a deep dive into the world of super apps which are rising in popularity across Africa and becoming a one-stop-shop for local users.

Super apps offer different services from ordering food, to e-commerce, ride hailing or accessing financial services like payments, remittances and loans – all in one app.

The panel was hosted by Connecting Africa editor, Paula Gilbert, who was joined by Mariam Cassim, Vodacom's financial and digital services chief officer; Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, CEO of M-Pesa Africa and financial services chief officer at Safaricom; and Raphael Dana, co-founder of Gozem.

The panelists shared their experiences of launching three different super apps for the continent, expansion plans going forward and discussed the role super apps can play in improving digital and financial inclusion in Africa.