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Kampala, Uganda | PATRICIA AKANKWATSA | Ecobank Group has announced the launch of the 7th edition of its highly anticipated Ecobank Fintech Challenge. This annual competition serves as a launchpad for African fintech startups and developers, both domestic and those with a global focus on Africa, to unlock significant funding, gain invaluable expertise, and potentially scale their solutions across Ecobank’s massive network spanning 35 African countries.
The Ecobank Fintech Challenge isn’t just about recognition. The grand prize winner receives a substantial cash award of $50,000, providing a much-needed financial boost to propel their innovation forward. But the rewards extend far beyond the initial prize.
Winners are inducted into the prestigious Ecobank Fintech Fellowship program, granting them access to a network of mentors, industry leaders, and potential investors. This fellowship fosters connections, facilitates knowledge exchange, and accelerates the growth trajectory of promising fintech ventures.
“Building partnerships with Fintechs is a catalyst for driving financial inclusion in Africa. At Ecobank, we prioritize Fintechs in our Growth, Transformation, and Returns strategy “, said Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group. Ecobank are a leading pan-African financial services powerhouse,
“We have enhanced this new edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge to continue to provide fintech entrepreneurs with a premier platform to showcase groundbreaking solutions while creating unparalleled opportunities for growth and expansion across 35 markets in Africa,” he said.
The Ecobank Fintech Challenge welcomes applications from a diverse pool of talent. Early-stage and mature African fintech startups, developers from across the continent, and even established global fintech companies with a focus on the African market are all encouraged to participate.
Last year’s competition attracted 1,490 entries of real quality, which underscores the significance of this pan-African challenge. Successful applicants reaching the Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony in October 2024 will have the chance to join the highly coveted Ecobank Fintech Fellowship programme, with the overall winner receiving a cash prize of US$50,000.
Since its inception, 60 fintech startups have been inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship.
The Ecobank Fintech Challenge is designed in partnership with international advisory firm, Konfidants, and is supported by various partners.
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Applications for the 7th Ecobank Fintech Challenge are now open to Fintechs and developers from across Africa, as well as global Africa-centered Fintechs. Interested parties can find out more about the competition and submit their applications through the official website: Ecobankfintechchallenge.com. The deadline for entries is 7 July 2024.
