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In a groundbreaking move to accelerate financial inclusion across South Africa, TransUnion Africa, in partnership with MTN and its digital platform business Chenosis, has launched the TransUnion Telco Data Score. It is a first-of-its-kind credit scoring solution that leverages mobile phone call data to assess creditworthiness.
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The innovation is designed to empower New-to-Credit (NTC) consumers—individuals with limited or no formal credit history. It works by offering a new data-driven pathway to affordable financial services. The scoring model uses Call Data Records (CDRs), which reflect mobile usage behavior. This serves as a proxy to determine financial reliability, making it possible for lenders to assess credit risk with greater accuracy.
Unlocking Credit for the Underserved
According to TransUnion, over 1.4 million credit-invisible South Africans open new credit accounts each year. Yet, many are excluded from traditional scoring systems. Over 16 million adults in the country remain outside the formal credit economy. Notably, about 35% of new-to-credit consumers are under 25, often using credit for basic needs like clothing and work essentials.
The integration of telco data into the financial ecosystem aims to bridge this gap. Estimates show that bringing more consumers into the formal credit system could contribute up to R173 billion to South Africa’s GDP.
“With over 500 million people across Africa excluded from financial systems, the challenge is vast. Traditional credit models fail to reflect African realities,” said Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa. “With innovations like the TransUnion Telco Data Score, we’re responsibly harnessing mobile data to enable inclusive growth and reshape Africa’s financial landscape.”
Data Privacy and Compliance Built In
The new model is POP Act-compliant (South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act). This ensures that mobile data usage is subject to explicit user consent. MTN oversees the consent process, while Chenosis, its secure API marketplace, facilitates seamless and secure integration with TransUnion’s data systems.
“This is a powerful example of how secure, customer-centric data use can support financial innovation,” said Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial Officer at MTN Group.
Driving Better Lending Outcomes
Pre-launch testing across retail and banking sectors has shown that the TransUnion Telco Data Score outperforms traditional alternative data models by 25–35% in predicting consumer credit behavior. The system enables responsible lending practices by helping financial institutions prevent overexposure and guide borrowers along healthier financial journeys.
“With Chenosis, we’re enabling trusted collaboration between telcos and fintech providers, while maintaining high standards of security and compliance,” added Waseem Amra, GM of Products and Platforms at Chenosis.
Redefining Financial Access in Africa
This collaboration marks a bold step in leveraging mobile network intelligence to democratize access to credit. It enables financial institutions to extend services to underserved populations. The model ensures consumers gain visibility, trust, and access to opportunities previously beyond reach.
“We are setting the standard for how technology can drive transformation,” said Naik. “By turning mobile data into meaningful opportunity, we’re building a future where every South African, regardless of their financial history, can be seen, trusted, and empowered.”
