Nairobi, September 30, 2025 – One promising African startup will soon walk away with a USD 10,000 grand prize, as Verto, a leading global fintech company, announces the finalists for the 2025 Verto Awards. The prestigious awards recognise high-impact, early-stage startups transforming cross-border payments, foreign exchange, and digital commerce across Africa.
The initiative, which opened for applications on February 6, 2025, attracted a strong pool of applicants from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Startups were required to have been operational for approximately two years, with solutions tackling critical challenges in fintech, agritech, healthtech, climate, and commerce.
Speaking during the announcement, Ola Oyetayo, Co-Founder and CEO of Verto, said the awards are part of Verto’s continued commitment to driving Africa’s participation in the global digital economy.
“In today’s hyperconnected world, access to global markets is not just a benefit, but a game changer. We have worked to eliminate financial barriers for businesses across emerging markets. Through the Verto Awards, we are equipping the next generation of African entrepreneurs with global visibility and tangible resources to scale,” said Oyetayo.
Kenya’s Innovation Powerhouses Among Finalists
Kenya’s thriving tech ecosystem is well-represented among this year’s shortlisted ventures. The country’s startups are solving challenges in mental health, inclusive finance, sustainable agriculture, and digital services.
Here are the finalists for the Verto Awards 2025:
• Fixo Solutions Ltd – A digital platform linking verified handymen with clients across urban centres.
• Grofunder Africa Ltd – A peer-to-peer agri-financing platform connecting investors with smallholder commercial farmers.
• Train Your Brain (TYB) – A tech-driven mental health platform offering affordable, accessible therapy online.
• Thorium Organic Foods – Builders of a traceability platform for verifying sustainable farming practices.
• Ndeza Collective (Braiding Nairobi) – A tech-based marketplace offering on-demand, professional at-home hair braiding.
• JengaPay – A remittance aggregator simplifying cross-border payments for African users and businesses.
• WissenWelle LLC – A global learning marketplace enabling doctors to deliver health education across 12 countries.
• Finite Pay International – A fintech platform offering multi-currency accounts to facilitate Africa’s global trade ambitions.
• Green Voyage – A climate tech startup helping organisations manage and monetise carbon offset projects.
What’s Next?
The finalists will proceed to the final evaluation stage, where a panel of seasoned business leaders and industry experts will assess each startup based on impact, scalability, and sustainability.
Winners will be revealed at an awards gala in Nairobi on November 27, 2025, with cash prizes to help propel their global expansion:
• Winner – USD 10,000
• 1st Runner-Up – USD 3,000
• 2nd Runner-Up – USD 2,000
The Verto Awards are part of the company’s broader mission to accelerate Africa’s digital economy by removing cross-border financial friction and supporting scalable, sustainable innovation.
About Verto Awards
The Verto Awards is an annual initiative that celebrates African startups that are revolutionizing industries and fostering inclusive economic opportunities throughout the continent. It recognizes eligible startups that demonstrate diverse market operations and strong ties with international suppliers, evaluating them based on their market impact, innovation, and potential for business growth.
About Verto
Verto is a B2B payments company that empowers businesses to move money seamlessly across borders, faster, smarter, and more cost-efficiently than traditional banks. With a specialization in high-value, time-sensitive trade transactions, Verto provides global reach with local strength, offering trusted expertise in emerging markets corridors across Africa, and the Middle East
Learn more at www.vertofx.com
