For fintech entrepreneurs and innovators around Africa, this is a critical time to foster collaborative efforts and to promote dialogue. To this end, the second annual African Fintech Unconference (AFU18) will be held on 25 & 26 September 2018 at Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
This key industry event will be co-convened by African fintech pioneers Nomanini, MFS Africa and Tugende. As with the inaugural AFU held in March 2017, this year’s Unconference agenda will be guided by African fintech innovators, thought leaders and entrepreneurs. Importantly, AFU creates a space for open, dynamic dialogue and valuable interactions. Ahead of the event, Nomanini has announced its two Scholarship awardees for 2018: Antony Mayodi, Executive Director, Rafode; and Paul Damalie, CEO, Inclusive.
The African Fintech Unconference offers a number of scholarships to early-stage fintechs. This enables younger players in the industry to learn from and connect with leading financial services and fintech experts in Africa and participate in driving and shaping the ecosystem. At the same time, it provides a more inclusive overview to identify potential overlaps and opportunities to partner. The scholarship covers the event ticket, accommodation at the event venue and return flights to Cape Town.
Rafode is a growing non-deposit taking microfinance firm headquartered in Kisumu, Kenya. It leverages Information Communication Technology (ICT) to manage its operation efficiently - and to scale in rural areas.
“We are thrilled to be part of the AFU scholarship programme, which will be a powerful catalyst towards driving Rafode’s growth and fulfilling our vision of greater African financial inclusion,” says Mayodi.
The second recipient, Inclusive, strives to connect the ordinary African to the global economy - hence improving their economic opportunities. The company is doing this through their flagship product, Inclusive ID, which is a pan-African financial data API that powers financial services to onboard, verify and monitor identities remotely.
“The fintech events that we have experienced across Africa are always a top-down affair, with corporates always discussing hype topics - instead of the real work that fintechs are doing to impact lives,” notes Damalie of Inclusive. “I like the fact that AFU is an event created by fintechs, discussing the real issues and fostering solutions together. This is what Africa needs.”
To apply for a scholarship, fill out this form.
Application deadline is Friday, 14 September 2018.
To learn more and register for AFU18, please visit www.africanfintechunconference.com.
Follow the conversation on Twitter via the event hasthtag #AFU18 and #Finnovation and #Finclusion.