Ecobank Launches Fintech Challenge 2018 for African Startups

Ecobank launches its Fintech Challenge 2018, an initiative aimed at providing African Fintech entrepreneurs an avenue to partner with the bank and promote their solutions across the African and global market.

it's back ! Do you have a fintech solution that has the potential to challenge the status quo and #ShakeUpTheWorld? Apply to the #EcobankFintechChallenge, and pitch your solution to Africa’s largest banking network. Apply now @ https://t.co/O8xMigD2SC pic.twitter.com/dpsoAu2I03

— Ecobank Fintech (@ecobank_fintech) April 23, 2018

Currently in its second edition, the challenge is aimed at supporting Fintech startups through commercial partnerships to grow and scale into successful pan-African and global businesses. 10 startups Finalists will be selected from all over Africa to participate in an Awards and Innovation Fair at the bank’s Headquarters in Lome, Togo in July 2018.

The finalists would be requested to present their pitches to a panel of judges which will select the top three winners. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd top startups will receive cash prizes worth $10,000, $7,000, and $5,000 respectively. Aside the cash prizes all 10 finalists will also be conferred Ecobank Fintech Fellows and will have access to mentoring from leading industry experts, roll-out your ideas in several countries, become a service provider partner within Ecobank’s ecosystem.

For a chance to join the revolution, visit https://t.co/O8xMigD2SC #ShakeUpTheWorld #EcobankFintechChallenge2018 https://t.co/np2CWyDZWP

— Ecobank Fintech (@ecobank_fintech) April 23, 2018

Speaking on the challenge, Mr. Ade Ayeyemi, Group CEO, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, stated that,

We, at Ecobank, believe that the current winds of change led by technology and innovation will redefine how banks do business, and indeed the relationships people have with their money. We want to be at the forefront of this change, in partnership with Africa’s rising start-ups, and that is why we created the Ecobank Fintech Challenge.

The Fintech Challenge is in partnership with the advisory firm, Konfidants and is supported by partners across Africa and globally. Applications for the competition will close on 20th May, 2018. Interested startups can make their submissions here.