A new World Bank study has highlighted how digital payments are becoming a powerful gateway to business financing, especially for small and informal enterprises in emerging markets. The report shows that digital transaction histories are increasingly helping lenders assess creditworthiness and expand access to loans for businesses traditionally excluded from formal banking systems.
According to the study, digital payments create financial data trails that allow fintechs, banks, and digital lenders to better evaluate risk and offer tailored financial products. This is particularly important for SMEs and microbusinesses that often lack formal credit records or collateral.
For Africa’s tech ecosystem, the findings reinforce why mobile money, fintech infrastructure, and digital commerce are becoming central to economic growth strategies. As more businesses move transactions online, payment data is evolving into a critical financial asset that can unlock credit, scale operations, and drive inclusion.
The report also underscores a broader industry shift: digital payments are no longer just about convenience. They are rapidly becoming foundational infrastructure for credit systems, financial identity, and broader participation in the digital economy.
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