Kaya 959 Kaya Biz

JSE Welcomes Global Fintech Leader Optasia

Loading player...
GUEST: Maurice Madiba – Head of Primary Markets, Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has officially welcomed Optasia, a global leader in AI-powered financial technology, marking one of the largest fintech listings in JSE history. With an implied market capitalisation of R23.5 billion and strategic backing from FirstRand and global investors, Optasia’s debut signals renewed investor confidence in South Africa’s capital markets and the continent’s fintech potential.

Operating across emerging economies, Dubai-based Optasia delivers real-time microfinance and airtime credit services to millions through partnerships with Vodacom, MTN, and major financial institutions. Its AI-driven platform processes over 30 million transactions daily, expanding access to financial services for over 120 million users who have traditionally been excluded from the formal banking system.
4 Nov 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

South Africa's Car Buyers Defy Economic Pressure

Despite higher interest rates, rising fuel prices and growing living costs, South Africa's vehicle market continues to show remarkable resilience. Thanda Sithole, Senior Economist at FNB and WesBank, unpacks what strong vehicle sales reveal about consumer confidence, how buyers are adapting to affordability pressures, the rise of new-energy vehicles, and…
12 Nov 12PM 13 min

The Economics of Diabetes

Ahead of World Diabetes Day, Sara Norcross, VP and General Manager of Novo Nordisk South Africa, joins Kaya Biz to discuss the growing burden of diabetes and its impact beyond healthcare. From workplace productivity and economic growth to treatment access and prevention, the conversation explores why diabetes should be viewed…
12 Nov 12PM 20 min

Protecting Yourself in the Age of Digital Scams

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly difficult to detect. Sylvia Musalagani, Head of Safety Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Meta, discusses the growing threat of digital fraud, Meta's anti-scam initiatives, and how partnerships with local institutions are helping consumers identify and avoid online scams…
12 Nov 11AM 10 min

South Africa's Capital Puzzle

South Africa has no shortage of capital, yet economic growth remains elusive. Jurie Strydom, CEO of Old Mutual, joins Kaya Biz to unpack why the challenge may not be attracting investment, but deploying existing capital into productive sectors of the economy. The conversation explores investor confidence, policy certainty, infrastructure constraints…
12 Nov 11AM 7 min

Reading South Africa's Economic Pulse

South Africa's economic activity weakened again in October, but there are emerging signs that pressure on households and businesses may begin to ease. Independent economist Elize Kruger unpacks the latest PayInc Economic Index, the fuel price outlook, consumer behaviour, business confidence and the key economic trends to watch heading into…
11 Nov 12PM 10 min
All episodes