StartupsNov 7, 2026, 10:09 AM UTC·1 min read

Optasia moves beyond airtime credit as microfinance drives growth

Optasia is expanding from airtime advances into AI-powered microfinance, aiming at consumers and small businesses that traditional lenders leave underserved.

Optasia is expanding beyond airtime advances and into AI-powered microfinance, as the digital lending company looks for its next stage of growth.

The move targets consumers and small businesses that traditional lenders have left underserved. Rather than relying only on short-term airtime credit, the company is building out a broader lending business, with microfinance now a key driver of its growth.

Why it matters

Airtime credit has been a simple entry point to digital lending: small advances that help people stay connected. Microfinance reaches further, offering credit that can support household needs and the day-to-day operations of small businesses. Both groups often struggle to get loans from conventional banks and lenders.

By applying artificial intelligence to its lending, Optasia is positioning itself to serve these customers through digital channels. The shift shows how lenders that began with narrow, mobile-based products are now moving toward fuller financial services.

What comes next

Optasia is continuing to expand its digital lending business, with microfinance at the centre of that effort. How quickly the new products scale will determine how far the company can reduce its dependence on airtime advances.

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Tags:optasiamicrofinancedigital lendingairtime creditfintechai