# A new model of microfinance for Africa, and beyond

- Institution: TED
- Department: TED@BCG Toronto
- Speaker: Viola Llewellyn
- Year: 2018
- Level: For everyone
- Language: English
- Subjects: Economics
- Source: [TED](https://www.ted.com/talks/viola_llewellyn_a_new_model_of_microfinance_for_africa_and_beyond)
- Licence: [CC BY-NC-ND 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) (Non-commercial use only, and no changed versions.)
- Who can watch: Tweens profiles and older (sources give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the source's own words)

Financial institutions often impose Western models of risk assessment, which are often ill-fitted for diverse global markets -- especially in Africa, a continent made up of thousands of ethnic and cultural groups and more than 2,000 languages. Fintech entrepreneur Viola Llewellyn is determined to properly tap into the continent's potential for wealth. Her firm, Ovamba, combines AI and local knowledge to develop custom risk models and algorithms, designed for Africa but applicable beyond. Llewellyn's work means previously overlooked entrepreneurs now have the opportunity to access vital capital to grow their businesses. "In digitizing our future, we will preserve the beauty of our culture and unlock the code of our best wealth traits," she says. "Becoming global citizens gives us a seat at the table as equals."

## Lectures

1. [A new model of microfinance for Africa, and beyond](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/ted/viola_llewellyn_a_new_model_of_microfinance_for_africa_and_beyond/841b0d245b4f), 12 min (TED's player)