Digital Tools for Real People: Building Fintech That Serves Everyone

South Africa’s informal economy is R1 trillion strong.

Businesses such as spaza shops, salons, taxis, and takeaways drive growth in communities and consequently create large-scale jobs.

📍 R190bn in spaza shops

📍 R90bn in township fast food

📍 R50bn in the taxi industry

📍 R44bn circulating in stokvels

📍 R2bn/month in informal POS payments through Lesaka alone

These are transformational figures.

The opportunity here goes far beyond tipping, and into unlocking financial inclusion where value already exists by supporting businesses and the people behind them with the tools they need to thrive in a digital-first future.

The line between formal and informal is blurred. And for those of us building fintech for good, the message is clear: Don’t underestimate the informal economy. Partner with it, learn from it and build for it.

-Kimlynn Temple-tipped Founder and CEO 2025