Comoros Builds Fintech Sector Around Mobile Money and Digital Lending

Morocco’s fintech sector is emerging from a broader effort to modernise a diversified economy spanning manufacturing, agriculture, phosphates, autos, aerospace, tourism and services. Casablanca, supported by Casablanca Finance City, anchors the country’s role as a financial bridge between Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean. Fintech is therefore central to Digital Morocco 2030, which links digital public services, financial inclusion, startup formation and exports as the kingdom seeks to build a scalable ecosystem of its own.

The Fintech Times reported on May 13, 2026, that estimates range from more than 40 active fintech solutions to about 95 companies, reflecting different market definitions. Bank Al-Maghrib data showed 58% of adult residents had at least one active bank account at end-2024, up from 54% a year earlier. The government aims for 1,000 startups in 2026 and 3,000 by 2030. The central bank is also examining a CBDC with the IMF and World Bank after Governor Abdellatif Jouahri said in late 2024 that draft crypto-asset legislation was advancing.

Mauritius has developed one of Africa’s more mature fintech markets by combining an established offshore financial sector with regulatory clarity and international connectivity. The Indian Ocean nation has more than 1.27 million people, an estimated gross domestic product of about $16 billion and GDP per capita of roughly $12,000. Its diversified economy and Port Louis financial center underpin ambitions to connect African growth opportunities with global capital, cross-border finance and digital assets.

The Fintech Times reported on May 8, 2026, that Mauritius hosts an estimated 100 fintech-related firms across payments, wealth management, regtech and digital assets. The Financial Services Commission introduced its Known to the Commission initiative in 2026, while MauCAS provides round-the-clock transfers between banks and non-banks; usage in some sectors reached about 18% in 2025. More than 90% of adults have access to formal financial services, and the government also launched a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and FAIR guidelines this year.

Eritrea’s financial system is centrally managed by the Bank of Eritrea, while retail services rely largely on the state-owned Commercial Bank of Eritrea. More than 70% of the population is unbanked, and online banking, ATMs and mobile financial services remain scarce. Digital payments are therefore a key foundation for narrowing the financial-services gap and advancing Eritrea Vision 2030.

The Fintech Times reported on March 30, 2026, that Eritrea had fewer than five fintech or digital financial-services providers and less than $10 million in annual online commerce transactions. Digital payments and e-commerce transactions, however, are estimated to be growing by 15%–20% a year. A mobile wallet from state-owned telecom operator EriTel is emerging as a gateway, but independent startups, venture capital and Open Banking remain almost entirely absent.