Will AI risk analysis really expand access to credit in Africa?

Traditionally, African lenders use credit bureau scores, assessing, for instance, if a customer has a history of missed credit card payments. When no history exists, they evaluate social demographics: is the customer female – in which case they are likelier to repay – do they work in a stable job market and can they prove a regular income? But this can put those who are unbanked or informally employed at a disadvantage. Michele Tucci, chief product officer at fintech company Credolab said: "African lenders lack data to make good credit decisions and social demographic data can bring you only so far." He estimates that African lenders cannot obtain credit bureau scores for 70% of customers and simply reject them.