The Ecobank Fintech Challenge has announced its 12 finalists for the 2024 edition, showcasing a diverse range of startups that are poised to make significant strides in Africa’s fintech ecosystem. The challenge, which seeks to identify and support innovative fintech solutions, attracted a competitive field of 1550 applicants from 70 countries in Africa and other global regions.
The finalists, selected for their potential to scale and transform financial services in Africa, include startups focused on areas such as digital payments, financial inclusion, and blockchain technology, and will showcase their innovative solutions at the Ecobank Fintech Challenge Grand Finale, scheduled for September 27, 2024, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo.
Among the notable finalists are Kenya’s BuuPass, a digital platform simplifying transportation bookings, and Melanin Kapital, a financial platform aimed at empowering underserved communities. These startups, along with their fellow finalists—Daba Finance from Ivory Coast, EasyEquities from South Africa, Exuus from Rwanda, MiaPay from Togo, PaySika from Cameroon, PROBOUTIK from Senegal, Sawport Video Banking as a Virtual Branch from Nigeria, Sproutly from Nigeria, Vaultpay from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and YMO Africa from Guinea will compete for the top prize of $50,000, as well as the opportunity to partner with Ecobank to further develop and scale their solutions across the bank’s 33 African markets.
This year’s challenge reflects the growing momentum of fintech innovation in Africa and Ecobank’s commitment to fostering homegrown solutions that address the continent’s unique financial challenges.
The competition not only offers financial rewards but also provides a platform for startups to gain exposure, mentorship, and potential integration with Ecobank’s banking ecosystem.
The journey of the finalists will culminate in a grand finale, where the announcement of the winner will showcase the next generation of fintech leaders shaping Africa’s financial future.
Read also: TotalEnergies Startupper of the Year Challenge 2024, Applications Now Open.
A diverse range of partners, including Huawei, Proparco, TechCabal, BlueSpace, Afrilabs, the Africa Fintech Network, MEST Africa, Naija Startups, Expand In Africa, and Founders Africa, actively support this initiative. The Ecobank Fintech Challenge, developed in collaboration with the international advisory firm Konfidants, leverages this extensive network to drive innovation and growth.
About Ecobank: Ecobank is the leading pan-African banking group with an unmatched presence across 35 sub-Saharan African countries. Leveraging its unique pan-African platform, Ecobank provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including payments, cash management, trade, and investment solutions, serving over 32 million customers. With a workforce of more than 14,000 employees, Ecobank offers consumer, commercial, corporate, and investment banking services across multiple channels, including digital platforms, and extends its reach to key global markets such as France, the UK, UAE, and China.
Notably, since its inception, 60 fintech startups have become part of the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship.
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