As African economies accelerate their shift toward digital systems, sustainable development, and borderless trade, few leaders are as embedded in that transformation as Fasil Solomon. At the helm of Real-Time Business Group PLC, a fast-rising Ethiopian enterprise, Solomon is not simply adapting to change—he’s engineering it.
From non-collateral financing models that empower underserved entrepreneurs to cutting-edge AI and blockchain solutions that reimagine what is possible across sectors, Solomon’s approach is rooted in real-world impact. His company has evolved into a multi-industry force, bridging the gap between finance, logistics, and technology across Africa and beyond.
Where It All Began
“Maintaining a business in Africa is not easy,” Fasil says plainly, without dramatics or embellishment. “You need to understand politics, finance, marketing, and, most importantly, your market. At first glance, everything looks promising, but once you dive in, challenges surface.”
What kept him going through those unpredictable waters was not blind optimism but strategic vision. “My belief in delegation and strategic partnerships,” he continues. “I was fortunate to collaborate with reputable partners from India, Qatar, Holland, Greece, and several African countries. My analytical skills and ability to see potential in complex markets also became key tools in building sustainable businesses.”
From those early experiences emerged Real-Time Business Group PLC, a company grounded in problem-solving, driven by innovation, and laser-focused on providing access where there was none.
Beyond Trade and Finance
At its core, Real-Time Business Group offers financing solutions, global trade services, and business support but in practice, it does much more. It finances essential products such as phones, electric vehicles, household goods, and even affordable housing. It connects Ethiopia to global markets through exports in agriculture, mining, and leather. It enables business growth through trade finance and monetization services.
But the real transformation came when Fasil and his team moved beyond traditional models and became a “Real-Time Solution Provider.”
“We have evolved from being an industry financial supplier to a comprehensive Real-Time Solution Provider,” he says. “We don’t just trade and finance, we create solutions, foster partnerships, and enable growth for a brighter, more innovative future.”
A Journey Forged Through Fire
Every empire has its scars, and Fasil’s journey is no exception. “I’ve faced government penalties, had my ideas stolen, lost money and documents, and even had business partners betray me,” he shares. “These struggles impacted my work-life balance and cost me personally.”
One of the most powerful reflections in his journey is not about markets or margins, but about meaning. “Balance is everything. Success in business is meaningless if it destroys your family.”
His hardships didn’t harden him. They refined him.
“I also learned to build solutions based on real market needs, not just money. If your product fills a persistent gap and is scalable, you’re building something valuable.”
Building the Unseen
Among Fasil’s proudest accomplishments is an innovative hybrid lending system that few would have dared attempt and even fewer could pull off.
“I’m proud of pioneering a Pan-African lending system with non-collateral micro-lending. We created a unique hybrid: Buy-Now-Pay-Later + Payday Loans + Subscription Financing + Salesforce Management,” he explains.
That innovation didn’t just sit in spreadsheets, it changed lives. “We enabled remittance-backed lending for families abroad supporting local businesses.”
And the projects keep coming: “I’m also proud of investing in the green economy through EV car manufacturing in Ethiopia with our Qatar partners. With JD.com from China, we’re launching a super app competing with national telecoms. We’ve also launched telecom VAS, airline services, healthcare tech, and scalable digital products. Our gaming, vast infrastructure, and trading platforms serve multiple African countries.”
A Visionary’s Edge
So what makes Real-Time Business Group truly different?
“We’ve built the first fully integrated platform that blends finance, logistics, product sourcing, and digital services,” says Fasil. “We were the first to roll out device financing in our market.”
But perhaps most transformative is their refusal to rely on collateral.
“Our fintech model doesn’t rely on collateral, which opens access to millions of SMEs,” he emphasizes. “Our services range from mobile financing and car loans to large-scale supply chain credit for shops.”
It’s an ecosystem approach, powered by real-time data, real-world partnerships, and relentless execution.
The Future is Intelligent
Looking forward, Fasil is pushing the frontier once again.
“We’re developing an AI & Blockchain Excellence Center focused on mining-backed cryptocurrency as financial security,” he says. “We’re also building IoT platforms for transport, education, and home automation.”
Education is another area of disruption. “In partnership with Chinese firms, we’re creating a pan-African edtech platform to teach AI, Web3, and blockchain. By 2026, we aim to launch these projects across several countries.”
These aren’t just buzzwords for Fasil. They’re blueprints.
A Sector on the Move
Fasil sees a wave of change coming, one he helped set in motion.
“Non-collateral lending is becoming mainstream. SMEs and youth are getting more attention from banks and fintechs,” he says. “I’m proud we pioneered device and shop credit financing in the region.”
Tech startups are addressing real needs, and that’s a trend Fasil welcomes. “Our IoT and AI projects aim to be the next disruptors. It’s exciting to see the ecosystem growing and competitors validating the paths we helped build.”
On Staying Grounded
Through all the expansion, how does he stay centered?
“Three things: clarity of purpose, learning from failure, and staying grounded in values,” he answers. “Delegating to the right people and aligning with long-term partners also helps. I try to maintain balance, stay humble, and always adapt.”
Behind all the complexity is something simple, impact.
“Seeing youth and SMEs empowered. Knowing our services give real people access to tools that change their lives,” Fasil says. “Whether it’s EV transport, financial tools, or digital inclusion, I’m happy when I see impact.”
Even competitors excite him. “When I see others entering the same sectors, it means we’re building something sustainable and needed.”
Lessons Etched in Time
When asked for the single best lesson he’s learned, Fasil doesn’t hesitate.
“Never give up. I’ve failed more times than I can count. Each company I closed gave me new wisdom.”
He stresses patience and purpose over perfection. “It takes at least five years to truly see if a business is profitable. Focus on the impact your product brings, not just the money. In tech, don’t wait for perfection, start small, improve continuously. Ideas are everywhere; execution is rare. Be willing to make mistakes, that’s where the real learning and opportunity come from.”
Final Words, First Principles
Before ending the interview, Fasil offers this note to aspiring entrepreneurs, not as a motivational soundbite, but as lived truth.
“To every aspiring entrepreneur: Focus on real problems, build scalable solutions, and don’t chase quick wins. Resilience, adaptation, and impact-driven thinking are your best assets. Africa is full of opportunity but it takes vision, patience, and action to lead.”
