The fintech industry in Africa is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the sector projected to reach a market value of 65 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 321.5 billion in funding, accounting for nearly 40% of all startup investments on the continent. This rapid expansion is driven by the need for innovative solutions to address financial inclusion, as over 350 million adults in Africa remain unbanked. Women are at the forefront of this transformation, breaking barriers and creating groundbreaking solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities. From blockchain-based platforms to inclusive financial ecosystems, these emerging female founders are revolutionizing the industry. Here are six trailblazing women making waves in fintech across Africa and beyond:
1. Gold Sylvester – Co-founder/CEO, Traddify
Gold Sylvester is a fintech entrepreneur and the co-founder & CEO of Traddify, a financial services platform designed to support businesses and individuals in digital trade. Traddify offers tailored solutions, including credit facilities, payment services, business accounts, and invoice financing, to optimize trade transactions for its users. Gold’s passion for financial inclusion and her deep understanding of the challenges faced by SMEs have driven her to create innovative solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the global market. Under her leadership, Traddify is revolutionizing cross-border payments and trade finance, making it easier for SMEs to access the resources they need to grow.
2. Cynthia Wandia – Co-founder/CEO, Kwara
Cynthia Wandia is a Kenyan electrical engineer, polyglot, and entrepreneur who co-founded Kwara, a digital banking platform for financial cooperatives, credit unions, and community banks. With a mission to modernize financial services for underserved communities, Kwara provides a seamless online and mobile banking experience. Cynthia’s leadership has positioned Kwara as a key player in Kenya’s fintech ecosystem, enabling financial institutions to offer better services to their members.
3. Evelyn Chilomo Kaingu – Co-founder/CEO, Lupiya
Evelyn Chilomo Kaingu is a Zambian economist and the co-founder of Lupiya, a fintech startup that simplifies access to financial opportunities for individuals and businesses in Zambia. Lupiya offers three loan programs: Personal Loans, Lupiya for Business, and Lupiya for Women, catering to diverse financial needs. Evelyn’s vision is to make financial services more inclusive and accessible, particularly for women and small businesses.
4. Ife Durosimi-Etti – Founder, Herconomy
Herconomy is Nigeria’s first fintech company dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs and professionals through financial services, capacity building, community, and opportunities. Starting as a community for women to access opportunities and grants, Herconomy has evolved into a paid community of 1,500 members, focusing on empowering women to take control of their finances and secure their financial future through savings.
5. Judy Njogu Mokaya – Co-Founder/CEO, VunaPay
Judy Njogu Mokaya is a Kenyan entrepreneur and technology expert who founded VunaPay, a cutting-edge fintech company that provides management solutions to small-holder farmers in Africa. VunaPay is revolutionizing the agricultural sector by digitizing the remuneration system for farmers in East Africa’s cooperative societies. Since its launch in 2023, the platform has registered over 20,000 farmers and facilitated approximately KES 70 million in payments.
6. Jess Anuna – Founder and CEO, Klasha
Jess Anuna is the Founder and CEO of Klasha, a San Francisco and Lagos-based technology company transforming cross-border African commerce. Klasha makes consumer goods and services more accessible online in Africa, benefiting both consumers wanting to make international payments and merchants wanting to sell into Africa. Jess has grown Klasha rapidly, attracting support from international investors like Amex Ventures and Greycroft.
These six emerging female founders are redefining the fintech landscape across Africa and beyond. From blockchain-based platforms to inclusive financial ecosystems, these leaders are driving change and creating opportunities for millions. Their innovative solutions address critical challenges such as cross-border payments, trade finance, financial inclusion, and access to credit, empowering individuals, businesses, and underserved communities.
Gold Sylvester, in particular, stands out as a young and promising leader in the fintech space. Her work with Traddify demonstrates her commitment to financial inclusion and her ability to develop solutions that address real-world challenges faced by SMEs. As the fintech ecosystem continues to grow, leaders like Gold Sylvester will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future. Africa, watch out—these are the names you’ll be hearing for years to come.
