Bridging the Financial Inclusion and Digital Divide in Africa: Insights and Reflections on Business and Human Rights
摘要
The internet, financial technology (Fintech), and digital economy are leading areas of innovation, and global and regional business competition that determine national competitiveness, economic growth, and development. They define modern society, shape the quality of life and the ability of people to pursue human development, participate in and equitably benefit from political, economic, and social activity. Most people in Africa, are poor, and not only lack access to sustainable financial services, the internet, and the digital economy, but they are also financially and digitally illiterate. With FinTech, the digital economy, and Artificial Intelligence, producing disruptive and transformative societal changes, the exclusion is compounded. The gap between the rich and the poor, and even between nations is widening, further exacerbating the social and economic disparity. The divide between the digital and technology “have’s” and “have not’s” is also widening and being accentuated. How can economically and socially sustainable growth be promoted in Africa by financially and technologically empowering all segments of society? What are the roles and responsibilities of a business? This chapter attempts to answer these questions by exploring the notions of the social contract, social justice, human rights, human development, and philosophies of Ubuntu and Africapitalism, as well as a critical review of policy, legislation, regulation, and business practices across different African business environments.