Fintech startups have been invited to attend the Finnovation Africa event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on November 3 to connect with other entrepreneurs as well as investors and banks.
The event aims to tackle the most pressing questions for the progress of fintech and the positive and profitable transformation of banking in Africa, providing a platform for stakeholders to engage in creating the future of financial services on the continent.
Speakers include Barclays Africa group chief creation officer Yasaman Hadjibashi, Omidyar Network investments principal Ameya Upadhyay and Nest Africa managing partner Aaron Fu, while startups can also apply to take part in the “Wolves’ Den”, where they will have the opportunity to pitch for funding in front of an investor panel.
Another session – “Inside the Investor’s Mind”, will offer startups insights into the thought processes of leading fintech investors.
“As a result of their potent blend of trailblazing technology and disruptive innovation, fintech players have the ability to accelerate the digital transformation of financial services in Africa and, in turn, further spur the major existing banks to rapidly ramp-up their own innovative approaches to meet the financial needs of underserved markets across the continent,” the organisers said.
“Fintech players are increasingly becoming an important part of the fabric of Africa’s financial services industry. In addition, the leading banks on the continent are now harnessing innovative technology to meet market needs and are also collaborating with FinTech start-ups to better connect with underserved consumers, improve financial inclusion and provide a platform to scale much faster.”