By Andrew Maren, Founder and CEO of ProfitShare Partners
As the curtain closed on the Finance Magnates Africa Summit (FMAS) 2025 in Cape Town, the buzzwords were out in full force — from AI-powered platforms to embedded finance and the rise of so-called “super apps.” But amidst the hype, South African alternative finance pioneer ProfitShare Partners (PSP) offered a refreshing counter-narrative: Africa doesn’t just need shinier tech — it needs meaningful financial solutions that reach real entrepreneurs.
Since launching in 2017, PSP has disbursed over R 1.2 billion in Funding to South African SMEs, with over 90% of recipients being previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs. At FMAS 2025, the company used its platform to call for a renewed focus on inclusive, results-driven fintech — not just innovation for innovation’s sake.
“Fintech Must Serve the Many, Not the Margins”
“There’s always noise in fintech,” said Andrew Maren, CEO and founder of ProfitShare Partners.
“But millions of African SMEs still can’t access the capital they need to grow. We believe the next big shift in fintech must be about inclusion, not just infrastructure.”
PSP’s message was clear: if fintech is to drive the continent forward, it must close the access gap — not widen it.
A Smarter, Simpler Way to Fund Growth
Unlike traditional banks that rely on credit scores, collateral, or trading history, PSP’s model is transactional and practical. It funds SMEs based on verified contracts or purchase orders, helping them act quickly on real opportunities.
This agile, deal-by-deal approach means entrepreneurs can deliver, scale, and share profits with PSP — not wait months for approvals. The result? Many SMEs saw growth of over 1,000% in just a year, while PSP’s own portfolio grew by an average of 292% annually.
“We never aimed to replace banks,” said Maren.
“Our goal has always been to act as a bridge — getting SMEs contract-ready, helping them grow, and eventually become bankable.”
Cutting Through the Hype: It’s Time to Rethink Priorities
While many conversations at FMAS 2025 focused on the future of financial services, PSP grounded theirs in immediate, practical needs: liquidity, not luxury.
“Yes, super apps and embedded finance are part of the ecosystem,” said Maren.
“But without capital flowing into them, they’re just window dressing. Africa’s true growth engine is its SMEs — and they need Funding that is fast, fair, and flexible.”
PSP also demonstrated how it’s leveraging AI and real-time data to make smarter, faster Funding decisions — without recreating the barriers that excluded so many in the first place.
Scaling with Purpose, Not Just Code
Looking ahead, PSP revealed that it is upgrading its technology stack to integrate with procurement APIs, compliance tools, and embedded finance solutions. This will allow SME Funding to become even more seamless, trackable, and inclusive across sectors and geographies.
“The best fintech doesn’t just dazzle — it delivers,” Maren concluded.
“As the summit wrapped up, we hoped the conversation would shift from what’s possible to what’s urgent. Because until we fix access to SME finance, the inclusion gap will continue to grow — no matter how advanced the tech stack.”
Africa’s fintech revolution can’t just be built on buzzwords and apps. If the sector is serious about transforming economies, it must start with the real entrepreneurs on the ground — and give them the tools and Funding to thrive.
