Ecobank offers $50k Fintech prize

The 2024 Ecobank Fintech Challenge has opened applications for early-stage and mature startups to partner with Ecobank across its 35 African markets.

The 7th edition of the annual competition invites early-stage and mature fintech startups to partner with Ecobank, offering a grand prize of US$50,000 and a chance to scale their solutions across Ecobank’s  network spanning 35 African countries.

Despite the fintech eruption in the African continent, a McKinsey report reveals that fintech start-ups in Africa are still facing several challenges such as reaching scale, navigating an uncertain regulatory environment, or managing scarcity of funding. The Ecobank Fintech Challenge provides an opportunity for Fintech entrepreneurs to address these challenges by not only offering financial rewards but by also providing Ecobank’s expertise in diversified markets operations.

“Building partnerships with fintechs is a catalyst for driving financial inclusion in Africa, said Ecobank CEO Jeremy Awori. “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.”

Last year’s competition attracted 1,490 entries. Successful applicants reaching the Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony in October 2024 will have the chance to join the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship programme, with the overall winner receiving a cash prize of US$50,000.

Ecobank Fintech Fellows will gain access to numerous opportunities through collaboration with Ecobank and its partners, potentially including:

• Multinational product rollout: an opportunity to integrate their solutions with Ecobank, opening doors to potential product launches within Ecobank’s expansive 35-country Pan-Africannetwork.
• Service provider partnerships: Selected fintechs may become Pan-African service partners within the Bank’s ecosystem.
• Access to Ecobank’s Pan-African Banking Sandbox: Fellows will receive exclusive access to Ecobank’s cutting-edge APIs, enabling them to test and develop their products for the Pan-African market.
• Priority access to Ecobank’s Venture Capital partners for funding exploration.

Since 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.

Applications for the 7th Ecobank Fintech Challenge can be made at: EcobankFintechChallenge.com by 7 July 2024.