Research on World Agricultural Economy

Leveraging FinTech Solutions for Efficient, Resilient, and Sustainable Food Systems in Africa

Emmanuel Ndhlovu

University of Johannesburg

Daniel F Meyer

Univdersity of Johannesburg

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v7i2.2268

Received: 5 June 2025; Published: 14 April 2026

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Abstract

African food systems are at a crisis point. Climate change, rapid population growth, hyperinflation, wars, conflicts, and pandemics are among the causes of this disarray. Deliberations on transforming the system and empowering it to meet its mandate are ongoing. This article contributes to these ongoing deliberations by exploring the diagnostic potential of financial technology (FinTech) to improve African food systems, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This is achieved by identifying the challenges of SSA food systems and exploring how FinTech can be used to address these challenges. The review article draws from a content analysis of secondary literature on food systems and FinTech, focusing on the possibilities of intersection. The article shows that Fintech can help streamline financial processes in SSA food systems, facilitating digital payments and lending, making it easier for food system actors to access credit and insurance, thus improving their operations. FinTech solutions like blockchain can also improve supply chain transparency and traceability. FinTech enables AI-powered tools for monitoring crop and animal health and optimising operations, ultimately contributing to food systems' efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Despite several challenges, the article concludes that FinTech wields much potential to transform SSA food systems by improving financial access, enhancing transparency, promoting sustainability, and optimising operations across the food chain.

Keywords: FinTech; Food Systems; Resilience; Sustainability; Transformation

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