EP.06 | G20 TechSprint 2025 & The South African Reserve Bank Voice on Regulation and Innovation

As co-host with the Bank for International Settlements, South African Reserve Bank is spotlighting trust and integrity in scalable, open finance. Horsley discusses the evolving role of central banks, the urgency of regulation-innovation collaboration, and Africa’s opportunity to leap forward.

G20 TechSprint Comes to Africa 

This year’s TechSprint marks its African debut under South Africa’s G20 presidency, centered on trust and integrity in open finance. Horsley calls it a chance for regulators to explore how tech can solve real policy challenges. Previous editions tackled global priorities like digital currencies and cross-border payments—this time, Africa leads. 

“This year’s TechSprint is exciting because it’s the first time it’s held in Africa, and we’re honored that South Africa is hosting. Our TechSprint focuses on trust and integrity in scalable, open finance, which we see as foundational pillars for the financial system.”
– Lyle Horsley, Head of Fintech, South African Reserve Bank (SARB) 

 Africa’s Mobile Money: Progress with Gaps 

Mobile money expanded access, but identity, data, and fraud issues remain. Horsley notes that the G20 TechSprint problem statements were crafted with Africa’s financial realities in mind. 

Digital ID: The Missing Link – Without secure, interoperable IDs, inclusion stalls. Horsley calls for a mobile-first, privacy-safe ID system backed by telcos to streamline verification. 

SME Finance: Credit Through Data – SMEs struggle to access credit due to informality and data gaps. Horsley sees secure data-sharing as key to unlocking financing and trust.

Fast Payments, Faster Fraud – As instant payment systems grow, so does instant fraud. Horsley urges real-time fraud tools to protect users and restore confidence.

Why Tech Innovators Should Join 

The TechSprint is a platform for co-creation—where innovation meets regulation. With cash prizes of $10,000 and $30,000, the real reward, says Horsley, is contributing to public good and shaping policy through collaboration.

What’s Next: A Shared Digital Future 

Horsley points to Brazil and India as models of what’s possible. She sees Africa building its own future through inclusive, public-private partnerships focused on infrastructure like identity, payments, and open finance. “No single player can do it alone,” she says.