GET TO KNOW are highly valued, including real-time updates, alerts on credit report changes, and insights into factors affecting their scores.
Users seek practical budgeting and debt management tools to help track income, expenses, and develop effective repayment strategies, such as the debt snowball or avalanche method. Transparency and trust are crucial, meaning they expect no hidden fees, misleading claims, or unclear data policies.
Which generic technologies and innovations can make a difference to your end customers business?
In financial and credit wellness, AI-driven advisors provide personalised recommendations for credit improvement, debt reduction, and budgeting. Meanwhile, in background screening, AI automates identity verification, detects fraud, and ensures greater accuracy in reports. Blockchain technology further enhances transparency by offering secure, tamperproof financial histories and digital identity verification, reducing fraud in both financial transactions and background checks.
They connect farmers with vendors and consumers through a mobile app, optimising the supply chain, reducing food waste, and increasing the income of local farmers. This use of technology has streamlined procurement, distribution, and payments, while also providing real-time market data to both producers and consumers.
Which aspects of your job role do you find rewarding and which are challenging?
Thwane finds creating seamless, engaging, and efficient digital experiences that solve real customer pain points highly rewarding. Driving innovation by shaping the platform’ s vision and strategy, introducing new technologies, and optimising user experiences provides a strong sense of accomplishment.
Positive customer feedback, increased platform adoption, and business growth serve as motivating factors, reinforcing the value of efforts. Additionally, the challenge of solving complex problems, balancing user needs with business objectives, makes the role intellectually stimulating and fulfilling.
Automation and AI-powered chatbots enhance user experience by providing instant financial advice and guiding users through complex financial decisions. Similarly, in background screening, chatbots assist applicants and employers by answering queries, tracking applications, and ensuring compliance.
Big Data and fintech have disrupted the financial sector and significantly altered the credit reporting ecosystem, leading to new technologies, alternative lenders and new scoring techniques.
Which non-competitive business in the region do you admire for innovative usage of technology?
In the Southern African region, one non-competitive business that Thwane admires for its innovative use of technology is SolarAid, a non-profit social enterprise operating primarily in Malawi, Zambia, and other African nations. SolarAid leverages solar technology to provide affordable, renewable energy solutions to off-grid communities
Another example is Twiga Foods, a Kenyan-based tech-driven supply chain company. Although not a direct competitor in the same market, their innovative use of technology to improve agricultural logistics has been impressive.
However, the role also comes with its share of challenges. Managing multiple stakeholders with competing priorities – customers, executives, engineers, and business units, requires strong negotiation skills and patience.
The responsibility of ensuring platform reliability, meeting key performance indicators, and driving revenue growth can be demanding. Handling customer complaints, service disruptions, or negative feedback in high-pressure situations requires resilience and quick decision-making.
The ever-evolving nature of digital technology means constant adaptation to new trends, competitors, and market shifts. Additionally, working within resource and time constraints while striving to deliver high-quality digital experiences can be both exhausting and stressful.
How do you best like to de-stress and re-charge off work?
I love to de-stress and recharge by spending time outdoors – whether it’ s hiking scenic trails, sightseeing, or exploring new places through travel and exploring different food. Playing padel with friends and family keeps me active and energised, while quality time at home allows me to relax and enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones.
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