As Mauritius moves ahead with plans for open banking, stablecoins and tokenised real-world assets, Pulse of Fintech is returning for a second edition in Moka on 10 September. The invitation-only forum brings together investors, founders, institutions and policy observers to discuss how financial technology is evolving in Mauritius and across African markets. Fabrice Boulle, Managing Partner at Equitable Ventures, discusses the rationale behind the event and the themes likely to shape this year’s conversations.
Q: Why bring Pulse of Fintech back for a second edition?
A: The first edition showed that there is value in convening a focused group rather than a very large audience. We had investors, founders and institutions engaging directly on practical questions, not just broad trends. For the second edition, the intention is to keep that format but make the discussion more structured. Participants should leave with useful contacts, but also with a clearer view of the technologies, business models and regulatory developments that are starting to matter in the region.
Q: Investors have been more selective in African technology markets. Why does fintech still stand out?
A: The market is certainly more selective, but the underlying case for fintech remains strong. African startups raised about US$1.44 billion in the first half of 2026, broadly in line with the same period last year, although the number of disclosed deals fell significantly. That suggests capital is still available, but it is concentrating in fewer companies. Fintech remains one of the main areas of investor interest, with reported sector funding of around US$556 million in the first half. Recent fintech exits and secondary transactions are also helping to build confidence that liquidity pathways are becoming more visible for investors in the sector. The reason is simple: financial infrastructure, payments, credit and digital settlement remain central constraints across many African markets. At the same time, investors are looking more closely at business quality, unit economics and credible routes to liquidity. That discipline is healthy for the sector.
Q: What makes the Mauritius context important this year?
A: Mauritius is moving from aspiration to implementation. The 2026–2027 Budget points to an Open Banking Framework, rules for stablecoin issuance, tokenisation of real-world assets, and changes to support fintech governance and licensing. These measures are important because they point to the type of infrastructure a modern financial centre needs. The question now is not only what the policy says, but how quickly and effectively it can be implemented. That is where dialogue between regulators, operators, investors and institutions becomes useful.
Q: Who should attend, and what might each type of participant take from it?
A: The event is designed for people who need to understand where fintech is going rather than simply follow it from a distance. For founders, it offers access to investors and institutions that can challenge or support their models. For investors, it is a way to engage with operators before opportunities become widely visible. For pension funds and institutional allocators, it provides a practical introduction to areas such as open banking, stablecoin settlement and alternative credit scoring, without turning the discussion into a technical seminar.
Q: What will be on the agenda?
A: The programme is built around three panels. The first will look at open banking and Banking-as-a-Service, including what secure data sharing could mean for customers and financial institutions. The second will focus on stablecoins and digital-asset settlement, with attention to both the efficiency gains and the regulatory safeguards required. The third will examine credit and lending, particularly how SME finance could be expanded through merchant-funded lending, alternative data and AI-driven credit scoring. The panellists include Nehal Helmy of Flend, Alon Stern of Turnstay, Greg van der Spuy of Spendl, Kolawole Olajide of Sava Africa, Maz Chaponda of CrossFx and Supesa, Wesley Billett of Happy Pay, and Ido Sum of Africa AI Group, who will moderate the sessions.
Q: How can interested parties get involved or learn more?
A: Pulse of Fintech will remain invitation-only to preserve the quality of the discussion. Interested participants can register via the Luma page, with confirmations expected by the end of August subject to availability. Further information is available through the Equitable Ventures LinkedIn page. The second edition is supported by Ascent and NIC at Gold level, Omnicane Management & Consultancy and Blink by Emtel at Silver level, and TGH Holdings, MIPS and ER Group at Bronze level.
