Verto, the global fintech specializing in cross-border payments and foreign exchange for businesses, has unveiled the finalists for its Verto Awards 2025, a program designed to spotlight promising startups across Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.
Since applications opened on 6 February, the initiative has attracted early-stage companies operating for roughly two years, offering them visibility, recognition and resources to accelerate growth.
“The awards extend our mission by equipping promising founders with tools and recognition to compete on a global stage,” said Ola Oyetayo, Verto’s co-founder and CEO. “The world today is more connected than ever and for startups, access to global markets isn’t just an advantage it’s a game changer. Payments are at the heart of this, and at Verto, we’ve spent years breaking down financial barriers, enabling businesses to send and receive money effortlessly while connecting Africa and other emerging markets to the world. The Verto Global Business Award takes this a step further, equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs with the resources and global recognition they need to scale and compete on a global stage.”
He has consistently argued that global connectivity is a decisive advantage for early-stage companies, with payments at the very center of that connectivity. Verto’s role in removing barriers to international money movement gives these young firms the infrastructure to expand beyond their home markets.
A program with continental scope
Positioned as a celebration of innovation shaping Africa’s economic transformation and the wider regional ecosystem, the Verto Awards spotlight startups tackling real market frictions. This year’s cohort spans fintech, agritech, healthtech and digital commerce a testament to the breadth of solutions emerging across the continent. The initiative ties directly to Verto’s core mission: enabling businesses to send and receive funds seamlessly across borders, thereby unlocking new markets and partnerships.
Nigeria: health, energy and inclusion
Nigeria’s shortlist reflects the diversity of its entrepreneurial landscape.
Health Forever Product Ltd addresses chronic illnesses with Jobelyn, a clinically validated plant-based supplement.
Powerbox Energy Systems Ltd advances locally manufactured solar solutions to expand reliable power access.
AquaTrack Ltd deploys AI-driven tools to help small-scale fish farmers.
ZER Consulting Africa Ltd supports SMEs and social enterprises in scaling sustainably, while Royal Pearls Resources Ltd promotes women-led agro-processing.
Growwr connects vetted African tech talent with employers, and Dingpay’s Ding Wallet offers an all-in-one platform for asset storage, management, and contactless payments.
Kenya: product momentum and sustainability
Kenya’s cohort captures the energy of its digital economy.
Fixo and Grofunder represent the market’s drive for innovative product-building. They are joined by Goflow and Thorium Organic Foods, as well as TrainYourBrain and RN.
WissenWelle and Green Voyage round out the list, with propositions rooted in digital services and sustainability.
South Africa: infrastructure and enablement
South Africa’s shortlist leans toward enterprise solutions and services.
Evolutica Technologies and Innova Networks focus on infrastructure.
SyncDiscovery and SkyRocket Marketing showcase data-led and go-to-market expertise.
Henko Group, EduVance, and Ethicore Group highlight the country’s strength in services, education, and professional enablement.
From finalists to winners
The 2025 finalists will now undergo evaluation by an expert panel of business leaders and product specialists. Each venture will be assessed on impact, scalability and sustainability, to validate product-market fit and readiness for regional or global expansion.
The winners will be announced on 21 November 2025 in Lagos, with cash awards of $10,000 for first place, $3,000 for the runner-up and $2,000 for the second runner-up. More importantly, the recognition promises to streamline cross-border operations for participating startups, with Verto’s infrastructure and network providing the backbone for growth.
The 2025 Verto Awards finalists capture the practical ambition of African founders building in markets where necessity fuels creativity. From healthtech in Nigeria to agritech in Kenya and enterprise solutions in South Africa, the program reflects a common thread: entrepreneurs confronting real frictions with pragmatic, scalable innovation.
As attention shifts to the November announcement, one fact is clear: Africa’s entrepreneurial energy is no longer confined to local markets. With the right infrastructure, recognition and support, these ventures are positioning themselves not just to solve regional challenges but to claim their place on the global stage.
