In this episode, Matteo Rizzi sits down with Artur Pereira — entrepreneur, speaker, SWIFT specialist, and CEO of D-Evo — to explore Africa’s journey from legacy banking systems to digital excellence. Drawing from his extensive experience in Portugal, Angola, and across the continent, Artur unpacks the unique challenges and opportunities in African payments: from interoperability gaps and cross-border complexities to the promise of instant payments, blockchain, and stablecoins. The conversation dives into the role of the African Union in setting standards, the power of data and unified IDs, and why regulatory collaboration is key to scaling FinTech. Artur shares success stories like M-Pesa and Karingo, while advocating for sustainable investment models that empower local talent and entrepreneurs. Together, they highlight why innovation, trust, and regional cooperation are the cornerstones of Africa’s next leap in financial services.

In this third episode, we welcome Nadine Zoro as she makes her debut as a podcast host, co-hosted by Matteo Rizzi. Our guest, Divine Muragijimana, brings her expertise in brand storytelling, product marketing, and fintech growth to the conversation. She shares insights on how strategic branding empowers African entrepreneurs, the intersection of media and fintech marketing, and key takeaways from #IFF2025. Matteo also leads a discussion on the role of talent upskilling in driving fintech innovation. With an integral (no cuts) for Nadine’s first episode, join us while diving into an insightful discussion on African fintech’s evolving landscape.



Follow Divine:




https://www.linkedin.com/in/divinemuragijimana

In the first episode of Breaking Banks Africa, we explore the transformative impact of digital assets and CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) on financial inclusion and regulatory frameworks across Africa. Our guest Carmelle Cadet - CEO & Founder of EMTech, shares insights into the role of regulators in adapting to innovation, using tools like the sandbox to manage risks without waiting for full legislation. Highlighting real-world examples, we discuss the Bahamas' blockchain solution for island-wide financial access and Ghana's CBDC initiative to streamline government payments. The conversation delves into the unique opportunities for Central Banks to issue digital currencies, fostering financial inclusion without requiring traditional banking infrastructure. The discussion also touches on the evolving regulatory landscape, with a focus on Africa's potential to lead in fintech innovation. Acknowledging the challenges of trust and currency volatility, the episode emphasizes how blockchain and tokenization may offer solutions, creating a more resilient financial system for the continent’s future.