In 1992, amidst the peak of the HIV/AIDS crisis, my father, armed with a fresh PhD in medical anthropology, established a foundation focused on prevention programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the world was fixated on finding a cure in the 80s and 90s, he embarked on a different path, engaging community leaders, stakeholders, traditional healers, and local chairpersons in transformative discussions aimed at redefining development ‘aid’. It was an acknowledgment that the West’s solutions were not always the answer.

In 2005, the local Ugandan team was encouraged to take a bold step and establish a micro-finance program, offering small loans to the ‘unbanked’, those marginalized by the traditional banking system. Surprisingly, local data revealed a remarkable 99% repayment rate—without the need for credit scoring, complex algorithms, or fancy technology.

I was inspired by the approach of listening to the stories, as I embarked on a journey to explore the relevance of this data in our increasingly tech-driven world. Initially, I was overwhelmed by the influx of companies striving for ‘financial inclusion’ through cutting-edge technologies. I was convinced that technology held the key to revolutionizing systems like micro-finance. However, over time, I found myself drawn to the deeper meaning behind ‘financial inclusion’ beyond just trendy buzzwords.

After all, in Africa, the ‘unbanked’ were thriving, repaying micro-loans, establishing community banks, and fostering local lending networks without relying on technology. Their resilience was truly remarkable and seemingly tech-proof. Embracing this insight, my investigation evolved from merely scrutinizing the financial inclusion movement to witnessing a quiet revolution.

However, I couldn’t help but question whether this ‘revolution’ had relevance in a Western context, or if I was merely indulging in fantasy. Amidst filming during a pandemic, I found solace in reflecting on my father’s research, also done during a pandemic. Despite the challenges in collecting stories that challenged the status quo, this reflection fueled my determination to press on.

While filming, I couldn’t ignore the economic turmoil unfolding back home: bank collapses, crypto market volatility, interest rate hikes, and discussions about central bank digital currencies. It felt as though the world, particularly the West, was descending into chaos. Yet, one by one, the touted economic innovations and proposed solutions began to falter, challenged by volatility, technological glitches, or a lack of steadfast belief.

As my perspective expanded, I found myself pondering: were we in the West the ones in need of assistance? How did Africans maintain a sense of calm amidst the chaos?

As my investigation pressed on, I continually found myself asking the question: “Can Africa Save the West?”

And here we are, seven years later, with an emerging hypothesis. Despite the flood of new solutions, my father’s database of African development may still hold merit, yet our transition from traditional wisdom to technology presents a dilemma.

UNBANKABLE delves into this paradox. Does it cover every aspect of the financial inclusion landscape? No. And yet, my hope is that it captures a vital slice of the conversation, urging all sectors to navigate the futuristic realm of technology while staying grounded in our humanity.