XChangeBOX Wins Catapult: Inclusion Africa in Historic Nairobi Finish
Nairobi, Kenya | 17.10.2025 – The dynamic landscape of African financial technology witnessed a major milestone this week as the 8th edition of Catapult: Inclusion Africa concluded at the SAM – African Inclusive Finance Week in Nairobi. Stealing the spotlight from a field of exceptional innovators, XChangeBOX, led by Co-Founder & Co-CEO Abiola Jimoh, was crowned the 2025 champion.
The victory for XChangeBOX (MTN ’25) spotlights the company’s potent solution and its commitment to democratizing financial access, promising a significant impact on financial services across the continent.
A Catalyst for Change in the Cradle of Fintech
Hosted in Kenya—a global pioneer in mobile finance—the program leveraged its location to immerse the ten finalists in an intense, week-long acceleration bootcamp. This year’s Catapult was not merely a competition but a strategic hub designed to bridge Luxembourg’s financial expertise with Africa’s vibrant tech scene.
The core mission, supported by the LHoFT and key partners, was to equip these pioneering fintechs with the tools to scale their inclusive financial solutions, moving from promising startup to high-impact enterprise.
Over five transformative days, the “Catapulters” underwent rigorous training focused on the critical elements of successful scaling in emerging markets:
- Investment Readiness: Mastering refined fundraising strategies to attract capital.
- Proof of Impact: Learning to rigorously measure and articulate the socio-economic benefits of their services.
- Community Building: Forging a robust network among innovators, investors, and essential partners—creating a powerful community dedicated to accelerating financial access.
Strategic Partnerships Powering the Vision
The LHoFT’s ability to execute this high-level program is fundamentally rooted in strong international collaboration. Crucial support was provided by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, cementing Luxembourg’s role as a force multiplier for global development.
The essential partnership with ADA – Appui au Développement Autonome further reinforced the program’s focus, ensuring the innovations developed are directly relevant to the microfinance and financial inclusion sectors. The program also highlighted the indispensable role of its exceptional speakers and mentors, whose shared wisdom fueled the passion and purpose of every participant.
Beyond the Trophy: Inspiring the Future Cohort
While XChangeBOX took the ultimate prize, the LHoFT celebrated all nine finalists, emphasizing that their commitment already marks them as true drivers of change. The exceptional cohort included: Credit Jambo Ltd., Dots for Inc., eQUB, nesti, Pepea Capital, PressPayNg, Smart Ikigega, and (Yna Kenya) Her-Go Ride.
This group of companies represents the next wave of disruptive solutions addressing everything from savings and credit access to mobility and community finance.
The week culminated with a clear message: the collaborative journey, stretching from #Nairobi to #Luxembourg, will continue. Together, this powerful ecosystem is actively building the future of inclusive finance across Africa. 🚀🌍
THE HIGHLIGHTS
