By 
In a significant recognition of Africa’s growing fintech influence, Nigerian-born fintech leaders Moniepoint Inc. and Flutterwave have been named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2025 list, underscoring their transformative roles in advancing financial inclusion and digital innovation across the continent.
The TIME100 list, unveiled on June 26, spotlights global enterprises driving impact, innovation, and progress across their industries. This year’s selection of Moniepoint and Flutterwave marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s fintech sector, reflecting its emergence as a force shaping the future of global finance and commerce.
Moniepoint: Empowering Small Businesses Across Africa
Recognized in the “Leaders” category, Moniepoint Inc. has evolved from a payment infrastructure provider into a full-service business banking platform tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Co-founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, Moniepoint was instrumental during Nigeria’s 2023 cash scarcity, ensuring operational continuity for thousands of merchants through its robust digital payment network.
Today, Moniepoint processes over 800 million transactions monthly, with a cumulative value of approximately $17 billion. Its suite of services—spanning payments, loans, expense management, and insurance—caters to over 10 million businesses. In 2024, the company achieved unicorn status after raising $110 million in funding, with strategic backing from investors including Google.
Moniepoint CEO Tosin Eniolorunda described the TIME100 honour as a “powerful validation” of the company’s mission to deliver “financial happiness” through inclusive, tech-enabled solutions. “We are proud of the role we play in powering dreams while transforming lives and livelihoods,” he said.
Flutterwave: Connecting Africa to the Global Marketplace
Joining the list as a “Titan,” Flutterwave has been at the forefront of simplifying cross-border payments in Africa since its inception in 2016. Founded by Olugbenga Agboola, the company enables seamless financial transactions across 17 African countries, breaking down barriers to regional trade and enabling businesses to reach global markets.
During the 2020 pandemic-induced lockdowns, Flutterwave enabled 20,000 small businesses to launch digital storefronts, facilitating $7.5 billion in transactions. Its consumer-focused product, the Send App, currently operates across 49 U.S. states, with most transactions completed within minutes. Flutterwave’s strategic partnerships and emphasis on frictionless payment experiences continue to position it as a central player in Africa’s digital transformation.
A Global Validation of African Ingenuity
The inclusion of both Moniepoint and Flutterwave in the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2025 list not only celebrates their respective achievements but also signals a broader shift in global perception—where African fintech is no longer on the periphery but at the centre of innovation and impact.
While Moniepoint focuses on empowering local enterprises with banking tools for growth, Flutterwave bridges regional gaps by enabling smooth, scalable payments across borders. Together, they exemplify how homegrown solutions are addressing global financial challenges, making Nigeria a rising powerhouse in digital finance.
Their recognition is a compelling testament to Africa’s fintech potential—and a signal to global investors and regulators alike that the continent is ready for deeper integration into the international financial system.
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