When Technology Crosses Borders but Culture Says ‘Not Yet’
WeChat Pay conquered China.
It changed how millions live, pay, and interact.
But when it entered Nigeria, it didn’t land.
Not because the tech was weak, but because the culture was different.
In China, mobile payments fit a society already sprinting toward digital-first living.
In Nigeria, trust still lived in human connections, cash, and agent networks.
WeChat Pay arrived ready to scale, not ready to adapt.
No deep partnerships with telcos, banks, or regulators.
No empathy for local pain points, from data costs to the love for USSD simplicity.
The Lesson:
Fintech doesn’t fail because people resist technology.
It fails when technology resists people’s realities.
Global products win locally when they stop assuming and start listening.
Series: Fintech and Culture – How Innovation Meets Identity in Africa
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Violet Nswana Kaponda
Fintech thought leader and speaker passionate about empowering Africa through technology and innovation. With expertise in digital transformation and women in tech, Violet is driving change across the continent.
