Dahabshiil CEO champions Africa's financial future at Harvard Business Conference

Africa's future lies in entrepreneurship and harnessing its own resources, both material and human, according to Abdirashid Duale, chief executive officer of money transfer company Dahabshiil.

Speaking at the Africa Business Conference at Harvard, which brought together leading financial and business leaders, politicians, diplomats, policymakers and entrepreneurship experts from Africa, including former Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge, Mr Duale said that with a rapidly growing youthful workforce, Africa has an unparalleled opportunity to lead the world in technological and financial innovation.

He said the continent has already set global benchmarks in areas such as mobile payments, but the challenge now is to sustain and scale this momentum.

"It is important for Africa to come up with strategies that aim not only to improve on what has been achieved but also to effectively catch up with the rest of the world, if not surpass it," Mr Duale said during the conference, dubbed "Beyond Borders".

The event aimed to redefine the continent's economic and investment landscape, with a particular focus on building robust pan-African financial systems.

Mr Duale, who recently attended the inauguration of America's 47th president, Donald Trump in January, was asked to talk about whether Africa can truly transcend its borders.

He said that some financial service providers like Dahabshiil were already at the forefront of technological innovation, navigating complex regulatory landscapes while expanding financial access.

"Just as Africa leapfrogged landline telephony to embrace mobile connectivity, the continent's financial transformation is following a similar path. This is a clear indicator that Africa can indeed move beyond borders," said Duale, whose insights focused on the central role of financial inclusion, technology and regulatory compliance in unlocking Africa's economic potential.

With 57% of Africa's population still unbanked, he said, fintech solutions - particularly mobile money - are bridging the gap.

Dahabshiil has spent decades facilitating seamless financial connectivity across borders, ensuring that millions of people - from entrepreneurs to humanitarian organisations - can move funds efficiently.

He emphasized how financial service providers like Dahabshiil are at the forefront of technological innovation, navigating complex regulatory landscapes while expanding financial access.

Dahabshiil's platforms have played a critical role in providing lifeline remittances and investment capital to communities in some of the world's most challenging environments.

But Dahabshiil's impact goes beyond financial transactions. Through its MicroDahab initiative, the company provides microfinance solutions that empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved regions.

By fostering local economic opportunities, these initiatives help reduce migration pressures and promote sustainable community development.

The 2025 Africa Business Conference left participants feeling optimistic about the continent's future. The presence of high-profile private sector leaders underscored the immense potential of Africa's business and financial ecosystems to drive its development. If the discussions at Harvard are any indication, Africa's next chapter will not be limited by its borders - but defined by its ability to transcend them.