Banking the Unbanked & Electrifying Ethiopia: How Tech Is Leapfrogging the Future
Tue Feb 03 2026
How Mobile Money and Open Tech Are Bringing 1.3 Billion People Into the Financial System
Technology isn’t just evolving - it’s rewriting the rules of entire economies. In this episode of Somewhere on Earth, we explore how mobile technology, open-source payments, and digital finance are helping to “bank the unbanked.” With around 1.3 billion adults still without access to a bank account, we look at how mobile money and open systems are leapfrogging traditional infrastructure and giving millions their first real access to savings, payments, and opportunity.
Why Ethiopia’s Bold Ban on Petrol Cars Could Redefine Transport Across AfricaEthiopia has become the first nation to ban the import of petrol and diesel vehicles, pushing full speed into an electric future. From battery-swapping motorcycles to renewable-powered transport, Ethiopia is betting on clean tech to transform its economy and environment. We connect the dots between financial inclusion and electrification — and ask how emerging tech ecosystems are reshaping lives, cities, and nations.
The programme was presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.
SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/
Production manager: Liz Tuohy
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus.We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.
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How Mobile Money and Open Tech Are Bringing 1.3 Billion People Into the Financial System Technology isn’t just evolving - it’s rewriting the rules of entire economies. In this episode of Somewhere on Earth, we explore how mobile technology, open-source payments, and digital finance are helping to “bank the unbanked.” With around 1.3 billion adults still without access to a bank account, we look at how mobile money and open systems are leapfrogging traditional infrastructure and giving millions their first real access to savings, payments, and opportunity. Why Ethiopia’s Bold Ban on Petrol Cars Could Redefine Transport Across AfricaEthiopia has become the first nation to ban the import of petrol and diesel vehicles, pushing full speed into an electric future. From battery-swapping motorcycles to renewable-powered transport, Ethiopia is betting on clean tech to transform its economy and environment. We connect the dots between financial inclusion and electrification — and ask how emerging tech ecosystems are reshaping lives, cities, and nations. The programme was presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Production manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus.We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing. 🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials: ➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co) ➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769) ➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb) If you like our show please rate and review us.