Unveiling the premiere cohort of the timbuktoo fintech hub

July 17, 2024
a group of people standing in front of a crowd posing for the camera

 

New York City - July 17, 2024  

The United Nations Development Programme and the timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation unveiled the premiere cohort of fintech startups at the launch of the timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos, Nigeria. These innovative startups, chosen from over 800 applicants across 40 African countries, represent a diverse range of fintech solutions addressing critical development challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The selected startups span various sectors, including financial inclusion, agriculture, healthcare, education, clean energy, and climate action. Their innovative solutions aim to tackle pressing issues such as poverty reduction, economic growth, and reduced inequalities across the continent. These innovations are solution driven enterprises with alignment to the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 1 - No Poverty, SDG 2 - Zero Hunger, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG - 5 Gender equality, SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities, SDG 13 - Climate Action, SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Guardian of the timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, at the launch of pan-African Fintech Hub emphasized the transformative power of innovation during the unveiling ceremony. "In the last 5 years in Nigeria, we have seen dramatic proof of the power of innovation. It is this energy, this spirit of innovation, that will power the Africa of our dreams".

The premiere cohort will benefit from comprehensive support including mentorship from leading African fintech experts and entrepreneurs, access to state-of-the-art facilities at the pan-African Fintech Hub based in Lagos, Nigeria, connections to investors and potential partners, tailored support to refine products and scale operations, and equity-free funding up to $25,000 USD. 

Meet the premiere cohort of the timbuktoo Fintech Hub: 

timeline

Photo profile of the premiere cohort of the timbuktoo Fintech Hub

UNDP Nigeria

 

The timbuktoo Fintech Hub, located at the UNDP Innovation Center in Lagos, is the first of its kind in Africa. It serves as a nexus for fintech entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, designed to catalyze innovation, foster collaboration, and drive growth within the Pan-African fintech ecosystem.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in UNDP's commitment to harnessing technology for sustainable development and positioning Africa as a global leader in fintech innovation.

About timbuktoo

The timbuktoo initiative was launched in January 2024 at the World Economic Forum in Davos. timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation is registered and headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda. Inspired by the historic city of Timbuktu in Mali, it is a multi-stakeholder initiative bringing together governments, the private sector and academia to power Africa's socioeconomic transformation through innovation. timbuktoo is not about supporting one sector, or one country. It is about bringing together the power of the collective to create the conditions for scale and impact for the whole of Africa.

Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and powered by UNDP, timbuktoo leverages Africa's youth, finding them where they are and getting them ready to lead the fourth industrial revolution as a pathway to creating exponential wealth and jobs and thereby impacting communities at scale.

For more information visit: timbuktoo