Ecobank (www.Ecobank.com), the pan-African Bank, has announced the top finalists for the first-ever and inaugural 2024 Ecobank Fintech Challenge Hybrid Semi-Final event held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. The finalists were selected from a cohort of 40 highly competitive Fintechs that made it to the semi-final stage of the competition. This year’s challenge attracted over 1,550 applications from 70 countries in Africa and other global regions.

The finalists will showcase their innovative solutions at the Ecobank Fintech Challenge Grand Finale, scheduled for 27 September 2024, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo. The event will be streamed live on Ecobank Group’s social media channels, allowing a global audience to participate. Finalists of the challenge will compete for the US$50,000 ultimate prize during this highly anticipated event. 

Speaking at the Semi-Final, Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group, remarked, “The finalists in this year’s Ecobank Fintech Challenge have showcased exceptional talent and innovation; and we look forward to welcoming them to the Finale. At Ecobank, we’re committed to collaborating with these business builders to develop products and services that will benefit our customers and contribute to our continent’s progress”.

Showcasing the future of African fintech, here are the exceptional finalists of the 2024 Ecobank Fintech Challenge:

BuuPass, Kenya
Daba Finance,Ivory Coast
EasyEquities, South Africa
Exuus, Rwanda
Melanin Kapital Neobank, Kenya
MiaPay, Togo
PaySika, Cameroon
PROBOUTIK, Senegal
Sawport Video Banking as a Virtual Branch, Nigeria
Sproutly, Nigeria
Vaultpay, Democratic Republic of the Congo
YMO Africa, Guinea

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge, a flagship initiative of the Ecobank Group, organised for seven consecutive years, continues to serve as a premier continental platform for promoting innovation and collaboration between Fintechs and the pan-African Bank’s cross-border markets spanning 35 countries. The challenge remains a significant event, attracting key players within the fintech ecosystem and beyond. It provides a unique opportunity for fintech entrepreneurs to address challenges such as reaching scale, navigating an uncertain regulatory environment, and managing scarcity of funding. In addition to financial rewards, the challenge offers Ecobank’s expertise in diversified market operations and the right solutions to scale across its pan-African footprint and international presence.

Since inception, 60 fintech startups have been inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship.

The Ecobank Fintech Challenge is designed in partnership with international advisory firm Konfidants and is supported by various partners including Huawei, Proparco, TechCabal, BlueSpace, Afrilabs, Africa Fintech Network, MEST Africa, Naija Startups, Expand In Africa and Founders Africa.

This year’s Grand Finale will bring together fintechs, regulators, investors, financial institutions, global technology companies, tech hubs, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.

Ecobank invites all key stakeholders within the Fintech ecosystem, and members of the general public to register for the Grand Finale via this link: https://apo-opa.co/4cndn5H.

Streaming platforms:

YouTube: Ecobank Fintech Challenge&Ecobank Group
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3WO7Q21

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

Media Contact:
Christiane Bossom
Group Communications
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
Email: groupcorporatecomms@ecobank.com
Tél.: +228 22 21 03 03
Web: www.Ecobank.com

About Ecobank Group (or ‘Ecobank Transnational Incorporated’ or ‘ETI’):
Ecobank Group is the leading private pan-African banking group with unrivalled African expertise. Present in 35 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as France, the UK, UAE and China, its unique pan-African platform provides a single gateway for payments, cash management, trade and investment. The Group employs over 14,000 people and offers Consumer, Commercial, Corporate and Investment Banking products, services and solutions across multiple channels, including digital, to over 32 million customers. For further information, please visit www.Ecobank.com.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni have today welcomed the King of Eswatini, His Majesty, Mswati III at Entebbe International Airport.

His Majesty, Mswati III who is in Uganda for a three-day State Visit at the invitation of President Museveni was accompanied by his wife, Queen Inkhosikati Make Lamashwama and other high-level delegates.

At Entebbe International Airport, President Museveni was flanked by Ministers and service chiefs.

Upon arrival, the visiting King was accorded a 21-gun salute and inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

President Museveni later received his guest at State House Entebbe and held discussions focusing on enhancement of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In their discussions, President Museveni emphasised a clear vision for African prosperity, rooted in his experience as a student activist in the 1960s, a liberation leader, and now as a head of state.

“If Africans want prosperity, it comes from producing goods or services and selling them,” President Museveni stated.

He underscored the need for African nations to access larger markets to maximise economic benefits, highlighting Uganda’s internal market of 46 million people as insufficient on its own.

“The fragmentation of the African market is a big disaster,” President Museveni warned.

He compared the continent’s potential with that of Latin America, which, despite abundant natural resources, struggles with poverty due to its fragmented markets.

“I always tell my Ugandans here that if you want to be like Latin America, you are welcome because if you look at them, despite their wealth in natural resources, they still run to the USA for prosperity to get medical care, education, and other benefits,” he said.

The President argued that Africa’s success lies in integrating markets across the continent, similar to how the United States operates with a vast and unified market.

He called for a model where African nations not only produce but also own and share in the benefits of their resources, rather than relying on foreign investments that often exploit the continent’s wealth.

The President highlighted the need for African countries to collaborate on capital-intensive projects.

He also gave the example of Uganda’s petroleum sector, where East African nations are invited to co-invest in infrastructure such as pipelines and refineries.

“It’s not common sense that I produce, and you only buy. You can’t say that to a brother,” President Museveni remarked, emphasising the importance of shared ownership.

President Museveni lauded the East African Community (EAC)’s progress in rebuilding and expanding to include eight member states, addressing both economic and political integration.

Beyond economic integration, President Museveni stressed the need for political federation in East Africa, which he views as crucial for establishing a strong military defence for the continent.

He highlighted the disparity in military capabilities between African nations and global powers like the United States, which boasts superior land, air, sea, and space forces.

“Africa must have the capacity to defend itself from all threats,” President Museveni asserted.

He called for a united African defence strategy as part of the broader vision for political federation.

His Majesty King Mswati III called for an enhanced cooperation between African nations, emphasising the need for unity in driving the continent’s development.

He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

He highlighted the longstanding relationship between Uganda and Eswatini, noting that it had been years since their last meeting at a Commonwealth event.

“Your Excellency, I convey greetings from the Queen Mother, the government, and the people of Eswatini, and I wish to inform you that we are ready to strengthen ties between the two nations,” the King stated.

King Mswati went on to propose that Uganda and Eswatini establish regular communication channels to avoid neglecting the friendships and agreements already in place.

He stressed that African countries must work together to achieve progress in key areas such as poverty alleviation, job creation, education, and technological advancement.

“If we work together, there is much we can achieve. But if one country moves on its own, it cannot go far,” he said.

King Mswati III pointed out that Africa possesses abundant natural resources, yet the continent has struggled to produce efficiently due to the exploitation of these resources by foreign entities.

He advocated for African nations to share expertise and technology, citing Uganda’s achievements in areas such as crude oil development as an example of successful collaboration.

“Now that we have mastered a lot of technology and expertise, we must take advantage of our resources,” the King stated.

The King further emphasised the need to promote entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange between Uganda and Eswatini, suggesting the establishment of distribution centres and routes to facilitate trade.

He also proposed increased cooperation between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community, expressing hope for a stronger economic partnership.

In terms of cultural ties, King Mswati III highlighted the similarities between the cultures of Uganda and Eswatini.

He proposed the organisation of cultural festivals to showcase these connections and attract tourists from around the world.

“We should promote our unique cultures, which are similar in many ways to support tourism and strengthen our bonds,” he added.

The King called for the opening of direct flight routes between Eswatini and Uganda to boost tourism and cargo trade.

He noted the potential for increased tourism, particularly given Uganda’s rich natural attractions such as the Nile River and mountains.

“Let us work together to promote tourism by making travel between our countries easier and more accessible,” he urged.

King Mswati III also expressed support for Uganda’s leadership in hosting the African Union’s Humanitarian Agency and congratulated President Museveni on Uganda’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and the G77+China group.

He reiterated his country’s willingness to cooperate with Uganda in various sectors, including the export and assembly of electric cars.

In Transport and Infrastructure, the two Heads of State also called for an expedition of cooperation processes regarding the creation of a hub by the Kingdom of Eswatini for marketing Kiira Motors Corporation’s “Kayoola EVS” electric buses to the SADC region, using the advantage of the Maputo harbour area.

In conclusion, King Mswati III extended an invitation to President Museveni for a State Visit to Eswatini, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration between the two nations.

“Africa needs to work together to achieve economic independence, and our partnership with Uganda is a step in that direction,” he concluded.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties:

During the visit, Uganda and Eswatini further solidified their relationship through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The agreement was signed by Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oryem Henry Okello, and Eswatini’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Senator Pholile Shakantu.

Additionally, the two countries’ agriculture Ministers discussed enhancing cooperation in the agricultural sector.

Eswatini, officially the Kingdom of Eswatini and also known by its former official name Swaziland and formerly the Kingdom of Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is bordered by Mozambique to its northeast and South Africa to its north, west, south, and southeast.

The Eswatini delegation included high-level officials such as HRH Princess Lindiwe and Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, among others.

On the Ugandan side, key ministers such as Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency, Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Mwebesa Francis, the Minister of Trade Industry and Cooperatives, and Hon. Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport were also in attendance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

Rampant raiding, revenge killings, and hate speech have ignited a wave of violent clashes in South Sudan’s Tonj region, causing immense harm to communities.

The surge in intercommunal clashes has recently led to the loss of at least 18 lives and forced over 3,000 people, including women, children and the elderly, to flee their homes.

To prevent further violence and support reconciliation and peacebuilding, a joint mission comprising representatives from the government of Warrap State and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) traveled to Romich in the East Tonj region.

They heard eyewitness testimony about the horrific impact on communities, particularly as a result of armed youth invading villages to carry out revenge attacks.

“It’s incredibly alarming. It’s shocking and distressing to witness a child or a pregnant woman lying lifeless on the ground. Women, children, and the elderly should be the most protected members of our society,” Mayen Malat, a cattle camp youth leader.

Local resident, Akur Bol Duop stressed the devastating impact of the violence on women and children.

“Violence is never the answer, and our prolonged conflict has only deepened our divisions when we should be standing united. It’s time to come together for peace,” she said.

After hearing the concerns of local communities, the Deputy Governor, Aluel Garang Garang, stressed the importance of dialogue in reducing tensions and preventing further violence.

“We must unite and confront our grievances through dialogue. Only through open communication will we find acceptable solutions to this dire situation,” she said. “We must establish peace now to prevent future suffering for our children.”

Tonj East Acting County Commissioner Samuel Gum Gak focused particularly on the importance of young men resolving disputes peacefully.

“The government is working actively to reduce tensions. Talking with each other is the best way to solve problems and help concerned communities,” he said.

The Head of the UNMISS Kuajok Field Office, Anastasie Nyirigira, stressed the crucial need to uphold the rule of law when settling disagreements.

“We have a responsibility to assist in identifying the key obstacles to lasting stability. It is crucial to uphold the rule of law and the formal judicial system to safeguard lives, properties, and rights. Retaliatory killings will only perpetuate a destructive cycle, resulting in further similar actions and claiming innocent lives.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).