Financial inclusion is often discussed as a policy objective, but its real impact is measured by the businesses it enables and the opportunities it creates. Across Africa, a new generation of fintech innovators is developing solutions that connect individuals, farmers, merchants and small enterprises to financial systems that have long remained out of reach.
The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) has announced the 15 companies selected for the 9th edition of Catapult: Inclusion Africa, its flagship acceleration programme dedicated to advancing financial inclusion across Africa. The startups were chosen from more than 250 applications and represent some of the continent’s most promising innovators in fintech, agriculture, digital payments, financial management and sustainable mobility.
The fully funded programme will bring together companies from 10 countries and six innovation segments, all working toward a common objective of expanding access to financial services for underserved populations while supporting economic participation and business growth.
Participants will begin the programme in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from June 29 to July 3, 2026, before attending a second session in Luxembourg from November 9 to 13, 2026. The programme combines mentorship, masterclasses, networking opportunities and investor engagement designed to help participating companies scale their solutions and increase their impact.
This year’s edition marks a significant milestone for the initiative. For the first time, the African Development Bank Group and the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI) have joined Catapult: Inclusion Africa as strategic partners. Their involvement strengthens the programme’s ability to connect African innovators with funding opportunities, industry expertise and international networks.
Powered by LHoFT in partnership with ADA – Appui au Développement Autonome and FIT – Financing Innovation Tool, with support from Luxembourg’s Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, the programme continues to position itself as an important platform for strengthening Africa’s financial inclusion ecosystem.
Fintech and Innovation Solutions Addressing Real Economic Challenges
The selected companies are tackling a wide range of challenges that continue to limit financial access and economic participation across Africa.
ALPAY NEOBANK from Algeria is providing freelancers, small businesses and individuals with digital banking and payment services that simplify money transfers, payment collection and financial management. By reducing traditional banking barriers, the company is helping more people participate in the formal economy.
Ayewo from Côte d’Ivoire is creating opportunities for smallholder farmers through an integrated farm-to-finance-to-market model. By financing agricultural inputs, monitoring crop performance and connecting farmers to buyers, the company is helping farmers build financial records that can improve their access to financing and markets.
BFT GROUP from Benin is focused on digitalising financial services through technology solutions designed specifically for African markets. Its work aims to improve financial wellbeing while contributing to community development and greater inclusion.
ClinicAgro from Cameroon is using digital technology to connect farmers with agricultural solutions that improve productivity and resilience. Its vision of becoming a leader in agricultural data services could help farmers make better decisions while strengthening climate-resilient agriculture.
Djomy from Guinea is simplifying payment collection and management for African businesses through an electronic payment aggregation platform that provides practical tools for monitoring and managing transactions.
Farms Solution, also from Cameroon, addresses one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: post-harvest losses. Through renewable-powered storage and preservation systems, the company helps farmers maintain product quality, reduce waste and increase earnings.
FinClub from Mauritius is improving access to credit through its peer-to-peer lending platform. By combining artificial intelligence, alternative data and automated credit assessment tools, the company is helping underserved consumers gain access to affordable financing.
Jèko from Côte d’Ivoire is building payment infrastructure that enables merchants of all sizes to accept multiple forms of payment through a single platform. Its solution supports the growth of digital commerce while making financial services more accessible.
Building the Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth
Several members of the cohort are focused on strengthening the financial and economic infrastructure needed to support long-term development across Africa.
Kalbe from Mauritania is working to simplify online and international payments, helping individuals and businesses gain easier access to global financial services.
KRYPTAPAY from Benin is creating a unified platform that combines mobile money, European banking services, stablecoins and business payouts into a single compliant system. The company aims to make financial operations easier for businesses operating across multiple markets.
Mbay Mobility from Senegal is combining financial innovation with sustainable transport. Its lease-to-own electric vehicle model enables drivers to increase their earnings while supporting cleaner urban mobility and reducing emissions.
NALDCCAM S.A from Cameroon is advancing agribusiness development through a broad ecosystem approach that promotes innovation, sustainability and economic growth while addressing multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Sako, based in France and serving African markets, is leveraging stablecoin technology to lower the cost of remittances and international money transfers. Its platform makes it easier for diaspora communities to send money home and access additional financial services.
Smartfin Patrimoine from Côte d’Ivoire is helping individuals strengthen their financial health through digital budgeting, savings, investment and financial advisory tools designed to improve personal financial management.
niirPay from Senegal is supporting the transition toward a cashless economy through an invoice integration and payment platform that helps businesses streamline collections and improve operational efficiency.
Together, the 15 selected companies reflect the growing maturity and diversity of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. While their business models differ, they share a common objective: expanding access to financial services and creating economic opportunities for individuals and businesses that have historically been underserved.
As these companies progress through the Catapult: Inclusion Africa programme, they will gain access to expertise, partnerships and networks that can help accelerate their growth. In doing so, they are expected to contribute not only to stronger fintech ecosystems but also to broader economic development across the continent.
