Nigeria: Ecobank to Host First-Ever Fintech Challenge Semifinal in Lagos, Nigeria

Ecobank, the pan-African banking leader, has announced that the inaugural semifinal event of its Fintech Challenge will take place in Lagos, Nigeria. The hybrid event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, and will be hosted at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos.

This year’s Ecobank Fintech Challenge saw an overwhelming response, with over 1,550 applications from 70 countries, out of which only 40 semi-finalists were shortlisted. Following a rigorous evaluation process, a jury has selected the top finalists, who will be unveiled during the semifinal event. These finalists will proceed to the Grand Finale, where they will compete for a $50,000 prize and a prestigious spot in the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship program—an opportunity that promises to accelerate their innovative solutions.

Ecobank Fintech Fellows will gain access to a host of benefits, including collaboration opportunities with Ecobank and its partners, as well as the potential to integrate their solutions across Ecobank’s expansive 35-country Pan-African network. Additionally, selected fintechs could become Pan-African service partners within the bank’s ecosystem. Fellows will also have exclusive access to Ecobank’s cutting-edge APIs, which they can use to test and refine their products for the Pan-African market. Moreover, they will enjoy priority access to Ecobank’s Venture Capital partners for potential funding opportunities.

Djiba Diallo, Senior Fintech Advisor at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), praised the quality of this year’s applicants, highlighting the remarkable talent and innovation emerging from across Africa. “I extend my congratulations to the semi-finalists and eagerly look forward to the semifinal event in Lagos, Nigeria, where we will announce the top finalists,” she said.

Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, expressed his pride in the Nigerian affiliate hosting the semifinals and announced an inspiring panel discussion with the Nigerian fintech community as a prelude to the hybrid event.

“Hosting this year’s Fintech Challenge semifinal is a great honor for us. We are excited to welcome leading fintech innovators from across the continent and are particularly proud of the strong participation from Nigerian fintechs. Their contributions are vital to Africa’s financial integration and economic growth. We encourage Nigerian fintechs to take advantage of the panel discussions, network, and explore partnership opportunities that will support their growth,” Lawal stated.