(lavoixdesentreprises.info) – On August 14, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, 12 African fintech startups were selected for the final phase of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge 2024. This competition, now in its seventh edition, aims to promote innovation and financial inclusion across the African continent.
The competition, open to emerging firms in the African financial sector, received over 1,500 applications from 70 countries. Among the finalists is PaySika, a Cameroonian fintech offering banking services on popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram.
The Ecobank Fintech Challenge highlights the significance of innovation in the African financial sector. The contest aims to encourage the development of innovative solutions that contribute to financial inclusion and the digital transformation of the continent.
« I am proud to see the immense potential of the African fintech landscape, » stated Gwendoline Abunaw, Managing Director of Ecobank Cameroon, during the finalist selection ceremony. « Cameroon has played a major role in the history of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge, having produced the first and only winner of the competition so far. »
The Ecobank Fintech Challenge provides selected startups with a unique launch platform. They gain access to Ecobank’s pan-African banking sandbox, allowing them to test and refine their products with the bank’s advanced APIs. Additionally, the selected fintechs have the opportunity to collaborate with Ecobank’s venture capital partners to explore funding opportunities.
« Ecobank Cameroon has established a fintech office to help startups explore partnership opportunities with Ecobank in the Cameroonian market, » Ms. Abunaw added. « I would like to invite fintech startups, especially today’s semi-finalists, to explore partnership and market opportunities with our fintech office. »
Since its inception in 2017, the Ecobank Fintech Challenge has enabled many startups to partner with the bank to launch innovative products in various African markets. The contest has played a crucial role in transforming the digital landscape in Africa and promoting financial inclusion.
« It is through these partnerships that we can create truly transformative solutions for our clients and drive financial inclusion across the continent, » emphasized Ms. Abunaw.
The future of the African financial sector is promising, and the Ecobank Fintech Challenge plays a vital role in enabling startups to develop innovative solutions that contribute to economic growth and social development on the continent.
Sorelle Ninguem
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