Catapult:
Inclusion Africa

6th Edition | OCT 2023 | Togo

October 16th to 20th 2023

The LHoFT —
Luxembourg
House of Financial
Technology

Applications CLOSE

Winner of this edition

COVA AFRICA

Financial Inclusion

At the LHoFT, we strongly believe that financial technology is crucial to advancing financial inclusion, empowering groups that have been left behind by the traditional financial system. Whether it’s financing for rural farmers, point of sale technology for underbanked merchants, or specialised insurance products, the positive impact being driven by entrepreneurship is improving lives around the world. As such, Financial Inclusion is a key focus of the LHoFT Foundation.

Building on the success of the previous editions of CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa since 2018, we are thrilled to announce that the 6th acceleration bootcamp will be run in French and will be hosted in Togo between 16th and 20th October 2023.

Supported by the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs and developed by the LHoFT Foundation, the programme targets companies focusing on financial inclusion in Africa, aiming to build bridges with Luxembourg’s Microfinance industry while highlighting their initiatives in alignment with the sustainability goals of Luxembourg’s finance center.

This 6th edition will once again leverage Luxembourg ‘s Inclusive Finance and Fintech ecosystem to support selected firms in developing their businesses and achieving their inclusion goals. In addition, firms will participate in the African Micro Finance Week (SAM) thus gathering with the whole Micro Finance community while making meaningful connections with entrepreneurs, VCs, IMFs and many more.

Participants

Program reminder

5 days, in person, in Togo

What?

A 5-day intensive training and networking bootcamp delivered in English and fully funded by the Luxembourg Government. It is structured around 3 pillars: Impact, Scaling & Funding.

When?

The 7th edition of Catapult: Inclusion Africa commences on Monday, November 11th until November 15th 2024 in Luxembourg. The 10 selected Fintechs will participate and engage in the European Microfinance Week, a significant event in the Financial Inclusion sector and a unique meeting point for microfinance and financial inclusion professionals working worldwide.

Who?

10 selected Fintech companies operating in any country across the African continent, regardless of their headquarters. Applicants must be engaged in the field of financial inclusion, working to provide underserved and unbanked populations with access to financial products and services.

How?

Delivered in collaboration with key stakeholders from the microfinance, sustainable finance and traditional finance sectors, the bootcamp encompasses classroom tutorials, customer discovery sessions, challenges, pitching sessions, mentoring engagements and networking events, including the European Microfinance Week.

Why?

To connect financial inclusion Fintechs from Africa with key stakeholders—such as Microfinance Institutions, investors, and industry experts—and to help these firms to become more efficient and effective in reaching and serving underserved market segments with sustained impact.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Selected firms will have, at least, a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (“MVP”) and will likely be in the pre-seed to seed stage of funding.

  • Companies must be active in the financial inclusion field, helping underserved and unbanked populations in Africa get access to financial products and services.

  • Companies will submit all necessary information to the LHoFT in order to assess the viability of the project, company, background of owners and key shareholders to limit the risks of non-compliance or doubtful application to the programme.

  • The selected firm must guarantee that a founding team member, typically the CEO, will attend the programme for the duration of the week.

  • Companies must agree and shall provide on-going performance metrics and business status for a period of three years post programme completion to the LHoFT for the purposes of programme evaluation.

  • We are particularly interested in hearing from firms in payments and related services.

  • Participants must be fluent in French (as the programme will be run in French).

Covered Costs

  • LHoFT will reimburse reasonable travel costs to reach Lomé in Togo, using Economy Class Airline Carrier, up to 2000€ (VAT included) for one person/company (or equivalent). One additional person/company can attend the bootcamp but at their own costs.

  • The participants will be hosted in the hotel selected by the LHoFT, located in Lomé in Togo and for the duration of the programme.

  • Breakfast and lunches will be provided.

Applications CLOSE

More infos about the program?

Participants, Sponsors, Mentors & Guests: 
If you have any questions or would like to send us a comment, contact our Head of Acceleration Programs

(ZOHO FORM)

Program News