Credit stands as a crucial driver for economic advancement in any country. However, in Nigeria and much of Africa, obtaining credit remains a significant hurdle fraught with numerous obstacles. Financial institutions grapple with elevated default rates, fraudulent activities, and disjointed repayment mechanisms, while borrowers face prolonged application procedures, unclear credit evaluation methods, and inflexible repayment terms.
In response to these challenges, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative solution.
A new generation of fintech pioneers is integrating AI into lending frameworks to create systems that are more intelligent, efficient, and user-centric. Among these innovators is Gideon Adeyemi, co-founder and head of product at Yana Finance, who is spearheading this revolution in Nigeria.
The significance of this innovative approach cannot be overstated, especially given that traditional lending in Africa has long been hampered by outdated methodologies. Conventional lending relies heavily on manual credit assessments, uniform repayment plans, and risk models that often overlook the complexities of informal economic activities.
Adeyemi advocates for a paradigm shift-one that transcends rigid, transactional credit models.
“Agentic AI operates proactively rather than reactively,” he stated. “It anticipates borrower needs, predicts potential risks, and offers tailored guidance. This proactive intelligence is the cornerstone of Yana’s lending experience.”
This agentic AI framework positions artificial intelligence not as a mere enhancement but as the fundamental basis for a reimagined lending journey. Yana Finance leverages machine learning (ML) throughout the entire credit process-from loan origination to repayment-crafting a system that adapts and anticipates.
Yana’s innovative approach to credit as a service
Yana Finance’s philosophy centers on creating a transparent credit ecosystem that benefits both lenders and borrowers. For financial institutions, this translates into improved operational efficiency, fewer defaults, and reduced costs. For borrowers, it means quicker loan approvals, adaptable repayment options, and respectful financial engagement.
“AI at Yana isn’t just a tool to accelerate outdated workflows,” Adeyemi emphasized. “It’s embedded deeply in how credit is originated, evaluated, managed, and repaid.”
A standout feature of Yana’s platform is its AI-driven Collections Engine, recently introduced in Nigeria. Debt collection has traditionally been a major challenge in African lending markets, often relying on inflexible debit attempts that fail when funds are insufficient.
Yana’s solution is more nuanced. Utilizing machine learning, the engine monitors multiple financial accounts and digital wallets, enabling partial repayments and optimizing timing based on borrower behavior. The system learns when borrowers are most likely to have available funds, enhancing recovery rates.
“This approach not only boosts lender recovery but also reduces stress for borrowers,” Adeyemi noted.
This breakthrough has attracted considerable attention within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, fostering greater trust between lenders and borrowers.
Revolutionizing credit assessment and underwriting
Yana Finance is also transforming credit evaluation methods. Traditional credit scoring often lacks transparency and fails to accommodate the varied income sources prevalent in African markets.
By harnessing AI, Yana accelerates approval times from days to mere minutes, while providing borrowers with clear visibility into their credit scores and actionable advice for improvement.
Advanced predictive models help lenders identify potential defaults early, allowing for proactive loan restructuring. Borrowers receive personalized repayment support, including reminders aligned with their income cycles and suggestions for partial payments when full repayment is challenging.
Beyond technology, Adeyemi stresses the importance of changing societal attitudes toward borrowing in Africa.
“Borrowing has long been stigmatized,” he said. “Our goal is to break down that stigma by crafting credit experiences that are discreet, supportive, and empowering.”
Yana’s design ethos prioritizes dignity and openness, redefining credit as a catalyst for growth rather than a source of shame. The platform delivers seamless, empathetic interactions that normalize borrowing as a viable financial strategy and a gateway to opportunity.
Looking ahead, Adeyemi envisions a future where credit in Africa is shaped by a fusion of technological intelligence and human empathy. AI and ML will drive speed, foresight, and efficiency, while thoughtful user experience design will ensure interactions remain transparent, trustworthy, and compassionate.
“The future of lending in Africa will be defined by the synergy of intelligence and empathy,” he affirmed.
Yana Finance is rapidly establishing itself as a pioneer in Africa’s fintech landscape. Its AI-driven innovations demonstrate that technology can do more than streamline operations-it can fundamentally transform credit into an empowering experience.
By embedding machine learning at every phase of the credit lifecycle, Yana addresses inefficiencies, diminishes stigma, and fosters trust.
For lenders, this means improved recovery rates and minimized risk. For borrowers, it offers swift approvals, flexible repayment options, and a lending experience that feels personalized and supportive.
As Africa’s fintech sector continues to evolve, Yana’s approach signals a shift toward lending systems that are not only intelligent but also empathetic-an evolution that could profoundly impact millions of Africans striving to overcome financial barriers.
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