Access to finance: the missing link for growth

Across Africa, many small businesses struggle to access formal credit because they lack traditional collateral or formal financial histories. New AI-driven fintech models are changing that by using alternative data and platform signals to assess credit risk.

How AI enables more inclusive lending

AI models can combine sales history, mobile payments, supplier behavior and even delivery punctuality to build a reliable credit profile; without formal bank statements. Platforms that integrate lending into merchant workflows can offer working capital at the point of sale.

Wider benefits for SMEs

• Faster decisions: instant credit decisions mean businesses can restock and capitalize on demand.
• Tailored offers: small, short-term loans designed for inventory purchases reduce overborrowing.
• Better repayment tracking: integrated platforms track cash flow and trigger gentle reminders, reducing defaults.

Market momentum

Fintech lending is growing rapidly across the continent as lenders and platforms innovate to reach underserved SMEs. These innovations are already shifting how merchants access working capital. OECD

Why platform-level finance works best

When a merchant’s sales data, invoices, and inventory are stored in one system, lenders receive high-quality signals and can underwrite loans more precisely. That leads to lower rejection rates and faster disbursement.

Qart’s role

By keeping clean sales and transaction histories in one place, Qart makes it easier for merchants to access embedded credit when they need it; and for lenders to offer fair, data-driven products.

Conclusion

AI-enabled fintech won’t replace careful financial planning, but it makes short-term working capital accessible for more entrepreneurs, measurably accelerating growth.