Fintech firm to transform Africa’s financial inclusion with AI-powered credit scoring platform

Dar es Salaam. Tausi Africa, a local fintech firm, is set to transform the financial landscape with its AI-powered credit scoring platform, Manka.

The platform aims to make financial services more accessible, affordable, and inclusive.

The Director of Research and Development at Tausi Africa, Dr Said Baadel, said the company leverages advanced technology to remove barriers to financial growth in Tanzania and beyond.

“We aim to match global advancements in lending services, as seen in other countries in Africa and around the world,” Dr Baadel said.

Dr Baadel’s comments followed the company’s recent participation in the Future Technologies Conference in London, where he presented a paper titled "Holistic Artificial Intelligence Approach to Credit Scoring Using Informal Data for a Sustainable Micro-Lending Economy in Africa." The paper emphasized using AI to improve financial inclusion for unbanked and underbanked populations.

The Manka platform facilitates data sharing between Financial Service Providers (FSPs), enabling lenders to assess the creditworthiness of individuals without traditional banking histories.

It analyzes user-consented data from banks, mobile money services, utility bills, and other sources, while incorporating fraud detection mechanisms to ensure accuracy.

Dr Baadel likened the impact of AI in lending to the revolution brought by SIM cards in mobile communication.

“This technology will drive economic growth by enabling capital to flow efficiently and responsibly,” he said.

Tausi Africa’s CEO, Derick Kazimoto, highlighted the firm’s partnership with Credit Info, a global credit information provider.

The collaboration aims to empower microfinance institutions and lenders to adopt data-driven credit decisions and improve operational efficiency.

Kazimoto also announced plans to launch a “Credit SIM Card” within five years to expand credit access to underserved populations across Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This tool will help unlock financial services for millions, particularly those excluded by traditional banking,” he said.