EcoBank Fintech Challenge: Call for Innovators and Developers
Ecobank, a leading pan-African banking group, invites African tech entrepreneurs and innovators to participate in the 2024 Ecobank Fintech Challenge.
EcoBank Fintech Challenge is extending an invitation to developers and innovators to present their groundbreaking financial technology ideas. This initiative seeks to identify Africa’s next major fintech solution. Successful technopreneurs can win up to $500,000 by pitching the most compelling and feasible solutions.
Application Deadline: 7th July, 2024
Eligible Countries:
African countries
Event Location: Selected teams will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas at the Ecobank Innovation Fair, hosted at the Ecobank global headquarters in Lomé.
Eligible Fields: Teams are encouraged to submit applications that address one or more of the following areas:
- Customer Experience
- Financial Inclusion
- Credit Scoring
- Ecosystem Aggregation
- Internal Tools
- Payments
- Other Relevant Product Categories
About the EcoBank Fintech Challenge
The Ecobank Fintech Challenge aims to identify and partner with fintech companies ready to scale, providing support and access to opportunities across Ecobank’s 33 African markets. The objective is to nurture these fintechs into successful Pan-African enterprises.
The challenge is open to all fintech companies across the African continent. Interested participants can apply by submitting details of their products and a demo. These products should address specific pain points outlined here.
Finalists will participate in the Ecobank Fintech Innovation Fair, with the top three finalists receiving cash prizes. All finalists will be inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship, granting them access to potential deals, integrations, and commercial partnerships with the Ecobank Group.
Type: Contest
Eligibility:
- All African startups and technology innovators are eligible to apply. Applicants must choose from the listed areas of interest and provide a demo; those without a demo will be disqualified.
- The challenge is open to both teams and individuals.
- Teams can submit solutions for multiple challenges but are limited to one entry per challenge.
- Individuals cannot participate in multiple teams. Team changes post-application are not permitted. Ecobank will cover travel and accommodation costs for up to two participants per team.
Value of Contest:
- Become a Finalist: Get inducted as an Ecobank Fintech Fellow and explore the following opportunities:
- Multinational Product Roll Out: A unique chance to integrate with Ecobank and potentially launch products across its 30+ African markets.
- Cash Prizes: The ultimate winner will receive a cash prize of $50,000.
- Service Provider Partnerships: Start-ups may be chosen as local country-level partners within Ecobank’s 33-country ecosystem.
- Access to Ecobank’s Pan-African Banking Sandbox: Fellows will have access to a dedicated team to support testing Ecobank’s APIs, helping them enhance their products for the Pan-African market.
- Access to Partner Network: Fellows will gain access to a vast network of global and African accelerators, potential investors, and mentors.
- Integration with Ecobank Digital Offerings: Opportunities for fintechs to integrate with Ecobank’s existing digital platforms, such as Ecobank Omni, Ecobank electronic financial supply chain (eFSC), Ecobank Xpress, Ecobank Mobile App, USSD, MasterPass™ QR, mVISA™ & mCash. Applicants are encouraged to pitch how their solutions can add value to these offerings.
How to Apply for the EcoBank Fintech Challenge:
