Call for Entries: Season Five

HiPipo recently announced the opening of registrations for the fifth season of the renowned 40 Days, 40 FinTechs initiative. This annual programme has consistently been at the forefront of championing financial inclusion and technological innovation across Africa.

A Catalyst for Change

Since its inception, 40 Days 40 FinTechs has emerged as a powerful platform for showcasing the continent’s most promising FinTech startups.

By providing mentorship, training, and exposure, the initiative has nurtured a thriving ecosystem of innovators dedicated to addressing the financial needs of underserved populations.

Key objectives of the programme include:

• Promoting financial inclusion: Empowering low-income individuals and businesses through accessible and affordable financial services.
• Fostering innovation: catalysing the development of cutting-edge FinTech solutions to address Africa’s unique challenges.
• Building partnerships: Creating opportunities for collaboration between FinTechs, investors, and industry stakeholders.

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A Proven Track Record

Over the past four seasons, 40 Days 40 FinTechs has achieved remarkable success:

• 2020 and 2021: Lay the foundation with over 200 submissions and 85 participants, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2022: Expanded its reach to the East African region, featuring 47 startups from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
• 2023: Explore deep into the experiences of end-users, showcasing the transformative impact of FinTech on individuals, businesses, and communities.

Season Five: A Focus on Innovation

Building on the success of previous seasons, Season Five of 40 Days 40 FinTechs will spotlight the latest innovations in the FinTech space.

This will give the panel the opportunity to discover how FinTechs are leveraging technology to create more inclusive, accessible, and affordable financial solutions.

Key focus areas for this year include:

• Innovation: Identifying and showcasing groundbreaking FinTech products and services.
• Impact: Assessing the potential of these innovations to drive financial inclusion and economic growth.
• Customer experience: Evaluating how FinTechs are delivering exceptional user experiences.
• Security and affordability: Ensuring that financial solutions are safe, secure, and accessible to all.

Building a Strong Ecosystem

40 Days 40 FinTechs fosters a supportive environment for FinTech innovation by connecting startups with potential investors, partners, and industry experts.

Through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, the programme equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.

Driving Gender Equality

The initiative is dedicated to creating a level playing field for women in the FinTech industry. By encouraging the participation of women-led startups and promoting gender diversity in leadership positions, 40 Days 40 FinTechs is working to ensure that the benefits of financial innovation are shared equitably.

Through its focus on innovation, collaboration, and financial inclusion, the 40 Days 40 FinTechs initiative is playing a vital role in shaping the future of Africa’s financial landscape.

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How to Participate

To apply for the 40 Days 40 FinTechs Season Five, interested FinTechs must submit their registration before July 30, 2024. Participants will be selected based on the innovation and potential impact of their solutions.

Important Dates:

• Registration: July 15-30, 2024
• Participant Profiling: August 5-September 20, 2024
• FinTech Landscape Exhibition: September 27, 2024

We encourage FinTechs from across Africa to seize this opportunity to showcase their work, connect with potential partners, and contribute to a more inclusive financial future.

For more information and to register, please visit the official 40 Days 40 FinTechs website.