The Politics of Payments PAPSS, AI Power & M Pesa Privacy |

Описание: In this week’s #AliTalksTech Weekly Round-Up, we explore how payments, regulation, and artificial intelligence are reshaping power in the global financial system.

Africa’s Cross-Border Payments Go Political
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is now the official settlement platform of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With Africa losing around $5B annually clearing through USD and EUR rails, PAPSS represents a strategic shift toward continental payment sovereignty. The system is already live across 19 countries, 160+ banks, and 14 switches.

CBK’s Big Bang for Fintech Regulation
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is reviewing the CBK Act and Banking Act, potentially reshaping oversight for payment aggregators, embedded finance platforms, crypto services, and payroll rails. The outcome could define the next phase of fintech growth in Kenya.

AI, Military Power & Corporate Conscience
A growing tension between AI companies and governments highlights a deeper question:
Are AI companies independent technology stewards - or strategic vendors to the state?

M-Pesa Phone Number Masking Approved
After 18 years, M-Pesa transactions will no longer expose full phone numbers. The Central Bank of Kenya has approved phone number masking, reducing SIM swap risks and fraud vulnerabilities.

Privacy isn’t a feature.
It’s infrastructure.

From continental payment rails
To fintech regulation
To AI geopolitics
To data privacy in everyday payments

This week’s episode asks one core question:

Who controls the rails - and who writes the rules?

Subscribe for weekly insights on African fintech, payments, regulation, and digital infrastructure.

Follow us on Social Media for More Updates:
📱 X: https://x.com/alihkassim/
📸 Instagram:   / alitalkstech  
🔗 LinkedIn:   / alihkassim  
🌍 TikTok:   / alitalkstech  
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Uklxlu...