how do new technologies such as artificial intelligence,machine learning,block chain and cloud computing benefit small businesses?

Unlocking SME potential through the power of emerging technology The role of super-apps in Africa's financial inclusion drive What are Super-Apps? Essentially, they are multi-function tools that offer a single location from which a person can engage in diverse commercial transactions, from calling a taxi and buying groceries, to paying an electricity bill - or applying for a loan, which is especially useful for small businesses and micro merchants. Over the past decade, super-apps such as WeChat and AliPay in China have led the field. But SubSaharan Africa has a number of promising players too. In Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, Gokada, a courier service, established its own super-app allowing users to send packages, order food and hail cabs in one platform. SafeBoda, a Ugandan-based ride-hailing firm, also recently expanded into super-app territory. MTN Group, a telecoms provider headquartered in South Africa, is bundling instant messaging with m-commerce (transactions carried out via mobile phones) and entertainment in its Ayoba super-app. A study commissioned by Mastercard and carried out by Economist Impact, from online bazaar to onestop-shop: The rise of super-apps, examines this progress. It explains how various factors like population growth, digital access, connectivity, a diverse demographic, increasing trust, and affordability are contributing to the rapid progress of super-apps in the region. Ngozi says: "With Africa already the youngest continent, and soon among the most populous, the continent presents a wealth of customer data, which regional players could leverage to add value for all stakeholders. Mastercard is that single technology provider of choice that can connect diverse players such as telcos, digital e-tailers and fintechs to become super-apps, enable a superior digital experience and drive greater financial inclusion for people and small businesses across Africa." Digital inclusion through pay-on-demand Africa is ahead of other regions when it comes to using mobile money and deploying related solutions. According to GSMA, nearly half the world's mobile money transactions happen in Africa. "To advance financial inclusion in Africa, it's crucial that we advance digital inclusion - enabling all African consumers and businesses to participate in this growing digital economy," says Ngozi. "When small business owners are connected to a mobile device, they are also connected to better credit access opportunities." Mastercard's Pay-on-Demand platform, built by Mastercard Labs, brings convenient financing opportunities to underserved consumers, entrepreneurs and merchants across Africa, helping to combat the socioeconomic problems they face from restricted access to financing. One initiative that benefits from the innovative Pay on Demand platform is the digital partnership between Mastercard, Samsung, Airtel and Asante Financial Services Group. Samsung makes the mobile devices available at a low upfront cost, Airtel coordinates delivery of the product through its reach, and Asante facilitates the loan with affordable payments distributed over time. As the product is used, the individual or business will establish a digital transaction history, which can be leveraged for making other financing solutions accessible, such as credit, savings, investments and insurance. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, this is particularly beneficial as it offers opportunity to obtain financing to drive their business forward as well as build digital capabilities for their everyday business