MOMO FinTech Lab backs young innovators in northern Ghana

MOMO FinTech Lab is supporting young innovators in northern Ghana by providing them with the chance to transform ideas into technology-driven solutions for local challenges. The initiative aims to nurture talent beyond Accra and cultivate the next generation of financial technology entrepreneurs. Among the top-performing teams from the northern zone, four have earned spots at the National Demo Day in Accra, where they will collaborate with mentors to enhance their projects before presenting them to investors and stakeholders.

Shaibu Haruna, the Chief Executive Officer of MOMO FinTech, revealed that the company initiated the program after recognizing that FinTech businesses primarily exist in Accra, despite a wealth of talented young people scattered across the country. The company's goal is to create opportunities for young individuals to develop ideas addressing local needs, with the potential to compete nationally and internationally.

Haruna stated, "We took it upon ourselves to say there are so many talented young men and women across the length and breadth of Ghana who have great ideas and who can be groomed to solve for their local needs."

Over 1,000 entries came from nationwide, with submissions from the northern region constituting 14 percent of the total. Participants in the northern zone engaged in a four-day intensive program under the guidance of experts, refining their ideas through practical testing, market research, and technical assistance. The program is expected to create pathways for partnerships and investments, enabling promising innovators to transform their concepts into viable, market-ready solutions.

Haruna further mentioned that selected participants would be offered internships with organizations to deepen their technical expertise and gain practical work experience.