Africa-Press – Eswatini. Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg says Africa stands at a defining moment, where rising mobile connectivity and digital platforms present a powerful opportunity to transform economies and expand access to financial services.
Rijkenberg, speaking at the African Union Mission to the United States, outlined how digital and financial inclusion can unlock job creation at scale across the continent.
“Digital growth is Africa’s biggest opportunity,” said Rijkenberg.
He explained that financial inclusion enables individuals and businesses to save, invest and manage risk, while digital inclusion connects them to markets, services and opportunities that improve productivity.
Rijkenberg said when small and medium enterprises gain access to digital platforms, payments and credit, they are able to grow and employ more people, driving economic transformation.
He said Africa’s young population should be viewed as a major strength, noting that by 2050 one in four people in the world will be African.
“We must shift the narrative and see young people as champions of transformation,” he said.
The minister said sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, digital agriculture and the creative economy present strong opportunities to create jobs quickly and at scale.
Rijkenberg said Africa is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, population growth and economic integration, but must act decisively to ensure growth is inclusive and accessible to all.
He outlined five key strategies to accelerate progress, including investing in digital infrastructure to ensure affordable internet access, especially in rural areas.
Rijkenberg said interoperable financial systems are critical to enable seamless transactions across mobile money platforms, banks and borders, supporting trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He said governments must adopt forward-looking policies that support innovation while protecting consumers and strengthening data security.
The minister said access to finance remains essential for micro, small and medium enterprises, which are central to economic growth. He said expanding digital lending and innovative financing solutions will unlock opportunities for businesses, particularly those led by youth and women.
“We need smarter and more impactful ways to channel resources to MSMEs,” he said.
Rijkenberg added that building digital skills is vital to ensure that citizens can fully participate in the digital economy.
He said digital transformation requires investment in education, technical training and entrepreneurship development so that no one is left behind.
The minister also emphasised the importance of partnerships between governments, private sector players and development institutions to mobilise resources and scale solutions.
Rijkenberg announced that Eswatini has invested in the Africa Strategic Investment Alliance and will host its regional headquarters, positioning the country as a key player in industrial development and trade on the continent.
He said the initiative will support business growth, strengthen value chains and expand export opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“The pathways are clear. The tools are available. The urgency is undeniable,” he said.
Rijkenberg said Africa must now focus on turning policy into action, innovation into inclusion and inclusion into jobs.
He said accelerating digital and financial inclusion will unlock economic potential, create jobs and improve livelihoods across the continent.
The minister concluded by calling for unity and bold action to ensure Africa achieves sustainable growth and shared prosperity for all.
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