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, the conveners have announced its two Scholarship awardees for 2018: Njavwa Mutambo, CEO, Musanga Logistics; and Hayden Roney, CEO, Speedy Tuk Tuk.
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.
Musanga is an on-demand delivery app that is transforming the way goods are transported in cities across Zambia. They use data to connect users with shippers in real time. Musanga is powering the future of African Logistics by helping business of any size ship parcels of all sizes anywhere.
''I am excited about meeting and learning from people that are transforming Africa'' says Mutambo.
The second recipient, Speedy Tuk Tuk provides emerging market equipment financing - specifically "lease-to-own" tuk tuk financing for tuk tuk drivers in Madagascar. Tuk tuk drivers often rent for years on end without access to capital to own their own tuk tuk. The drivers' income triples when they own their own tuk tuk instead of rent.
“When we here at Speedy Tuk Tuk heard Tugende was helping put on the African Fintech Unconference, we knew we wanted to find a way to attend. Tugende inspired the creation of Speedy Tuk Tuk! We are big fans,” says Roney. “We look forward to "unconferencing" with brilliant, proven and up-and-coming business minds in Africa!”
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.