The seventh edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge has announced its 12 finalists, showcasing the best of African fintech innovation.
This prestigious competition offers a substantial cash prize of $50,000 (KES 6,449,500) and the opportunity for startups to partner with Ecobank, a leading pan-African banking group.
Ecobank: Pioneering Pan-African Banking
Ecobank stands as a prominent independent banking group with operations spanning 35 African countries. Serving over 32 million customers across consumer, commercial, and corporate banking sectors, Ecobank has established itself as a continental leader.
The Fintech Challenge, now in its seventh year, is an annual event that not only identifies innovative startups but also provides them with the chance to scale their solutions across Ecobank’s extensive network of 33 countries.
Ecobank Fintech Challenge – Seventh Edition
This year’s challenge attracted an impressive 1,550+ applications from 70 countries, both within Africa and beyond. This overwhelming response underscores the growing interest and competitiveness in the African fintech landscape.
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The selection process was rigorous, with 40 startups initially chosen to participate in a hybrid semi-final event. From this pool, 12 outstanding startups emerged as finalists, representing the cream of innovation across the continent.
Meet the Finalists
The 12 finalists of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge represent a wide array of countries and innovative solutions:
- Kenya: BuuPass and Melanin Kapital Neobank
- Nigeria: Sawport Video Banking as a Virtual Branch and Sproutly
- Ivory Coast: Daba Finance
- South Africa: EasyEquities
- Rwanda: Exuus
- Togo: MiaPay
- Cameroon: PaySika
- Senegal: PROBOUTIK
- DRC: Vaultpay
- Guinea: YMO Africa
These startups are set to present their groundbreaking solutions at the upcoming Ecobank Fintech Challenge Grand Finale, each vying for the top prize and the chance to revolutionize African fintech.
The Grand Finale
The climax of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge is set for September 27 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo. This highly anticipated event will be broadcast live on Ecobank Group’s social media channels, allowing a global audience to witness the competition firsthand.
During this showcase, the finalists will compete for the ultimate prize of $50,000 (KES 6,449,500), presenting their solutions to a panel of esteemed judges and industry experts.
Shaping the Future of African Fintech
The Ecobank Fintech Challenge continues to be a vital platform for driving fintech innovation across Africa. By supporting startups and offering them the opportunity to scale their solutions, Ecobank is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of financial services on the continent.
As the African fintech ecosystem continues to evolve and grow, initiatives like the Ecobank Fintech Challenge play a pivotal role in nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for collaboration between established financial institutions and emerging startups.
The success of this challenge not only benefits the participating startups but also contributes to the broader goal of financial inclusion and technological advancement across the African continent.
