Empowering Financial Inclusion through Tech: GRIT Hub at AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024

Our CEO, Marshall Grant, participated as a panelist at the prestigious AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024 in Cape Town. This year’s event, themed “Uniting Innovation,” brought together key players across Africa’s innovation ecosystem to share ideas, foster collaborations, and tackle some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Marshall joined an panel of leaders, including representatives from the Visa Foundation and other champions of financial inclusion, for the session titled “Tech-Enabled Financial Inclusion: Empowering Women and Minorities.” The discussion, moderated by AfriLabs' Jennifer Okeke-Ojuidu, focused on how technology can address systemic barriers to financial access for underserved groups, particularly women and minority communities.

During the session, Marshall addressed three critical questions shaping the conversation around inclusive innovation:

How can technology hubs play a pivotal role in bridging the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship, particularly for women from underserved backgrounds?
Marshall emphasized that hubs like GRIT Hub serve as safe, accessible platforms for women to gain digital skills, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support. By offering tailored programs and opportunities, hubs can dismantle systemic barriers, ensuring women have the resources and networks needed to thrive in the tech economy.

What specific metrics do you use to assess the impact of your initiatives on gender inclusion within your innovation ecosystem?
Marshall shared that GRIT Hub tracks metrics such as female participation rates in programs, entrepreneurial outcomes, and the growth of women-led ventures. These data points help measure progress and ensure accountability while refining programs to meet the needs of underrepresented groups.

How can collaboration between technology hubs and traditional financial institutions enhance access to funding for women entrepreneurs?
Collaboration, Marshall noted, is key to bridging the funding gap. By partnering with financial institutions, technology hubs can help design gender-sensitive funding mechanisms, provide financial literacy training, and connect women entrepreneurs to opportunities, unlocking access to capital that is often out of reach.

The conversation also showcased inspiring examples of tech-driven solutions—ranging from fintech platforms and mobile wallets to microfinance services—that have successfully improved financial access across Africa. Panelists stressed that sustained collaboration between innovation hubs, policymakers, and businesses is essential for driving inclusive economic growth.

The AfriLabs Annual Gathering, recognized as Africa’s largest convening of innovation enablers, creates an invaluable platform for cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing. With over 400 member hubs across the continent, AfriLabs plays a pivotal role in nurturing Africa’s innovation economy. This year’s event spotlighted the critical role technology plays in fostering inclusivity and economic independence.

GRIT Hub remains committed to building pathways for inclusive innovation in the Garden Route and beyond. By creating accessible, empowering opportunities for underserved groups, we aim to drive real, measurable change. Events like AfriLabs 2024 remind us that through collaboration, we can unlock Africa’s full potential and ensure that tech truly is for all.