Countering Disinformation to Build Trust in Africa’s Digital Payment Systems for Sustainable Development

Andrew Heffernan
September 22, 2025

Disclaimer: This policy brief has been reviewed by the Future of Digital Finance conference organizers but has not been through CIGI’s formal editing process.

Mobile money platforms like M-Pesa, MTN MoMo, and Nigeria’s eNaira have positioned Africa as potential a global leader in digital payment innovation, enabling rapid financial inclusion and supporting climate-aligned development. False narratives about Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), green finance, and climate-fintech programs risk eroding public trust, stalling adoption, and undermining cross-border cooperation. Many African countries lack robust infrastructure, policies, and coordination mechanisms to counter financial and environmental disinformation, leaving citizens and markets vulnerable. Combining regulatory innovation, public education, and coordinated fact-checking systems can strengthen digital trust and accelerate sustainable development. Regional hubs, climate-fintech literacy campaigns, cross-border cooperation, and public-private partnerships are essential to protecting both financial systems and environmental progress.