Cladfy is a rising African fintech startup transforming microfinance through data-driven innovation. Built specifically for the continent’s underserved lending ecosystem, Cladfy empowers microfinance lenders with AI-powered credit scoring, modern loan management tools, and access to institutional financing. At the heart of this offering is CashIQ—a machine learning-based credit profiling engine that redefines how lenders assess borrower risk in Africa’s informal sector.

Closing the Credit Gap for MSMEs

Millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa remain financially excluded due to traditional credit scoring models that rely on formal banking histories and rigid risk criteria. Informal businesses often lack collateral and structured documentation, making it nearly impossible for them to access loans. Meanwhile, lenders face high default rates and limited visibility into borrower cash flow and repayment capacity.

Introducing CashIQ: Intelligent Credit Profiling for the Informal Economy

Cladfy’s flagship product, CashIQ, addresses these challenges with cutting-edge technology that interprets financial behaviour through mobile money transactions and bank statements. Rather than depending on static credit bureau data, CashIQ generates real-time cash flow reports and alternative credit scores—offering deeper, more relevant insights into borrower reliability.

Key Differentiators:

• AI-Powered Credit Scoring: Advanced machine learning models process diverse transaction data to deliver predictive credit insights.
• Financial Inclusion at Scale: Enables lenders to evaluate MSMEs previously excluded from formal finance systems.
• Seamless Integration: API-first architecture supports quick adoption by fintechs, microfinance institutions (MFIs), and traditional banks.

A Platform Built for Lenders

Beyond credit scoring, Cladfy equips lenders with digital loan management tools and data-driven pathways to loan-book financing. This end-to-end approach gives lenders the infrastructure to scale while managing risk responsibly.

By integrating Cladfy’s technology, lenders not only increase access to finance for MSMEs but also unlock operational efficiencies that drive long-term sustainability.

Driving Impact Across the Continent

Cladfy’s mission is rooted in inclusive growth. By bridging the data gap and modernising lending infrastructure, the company is catalysing a more equitable financial system. Micro and small businesses—often the backbone of local economies—can now grow, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Target Audience

Cladfy’s platform serves a wide spectrum of financial providers, including microfinance institutions, digital lenders, savings groups, fintechs, and commercial banks focused on financial inclusion. Stakeholders also include development finance institutions, impact investors, and regulators focused on expanding credit access in emerging markets.

Enabling Smarter Lending for a Stronger Africa

As digital finance reshapes Africa’s economic landscape, Cladfy is positioning itself at the intersection of innovation and inclusion. With tools like CashIQ, the startup is proving that alternative data and responsible AI can rewrite the rules of credit—giving Africa’s informal sector the financial visibility it has long deserved.