Nigerian startup, Nearpays wins fintech and blockchain prize at Gitex Africa

Nigerian fintech startup, Nearpays emerged winner of the fintech and blockchain category of the Supernova Challenge at Gitex Africa, held in Morocco. 

Key Quote  

Nearpays founder, Victor Daniyan told Techcabal:  

“I’m super excited that it brings opportunities for start-ups in Nigeria, and we all have access to a better future. It shows that we can get to the top with the right platform.” 

Zoom in  

• According to Victor Daniyan, founder of Nearpays, the $10,000 prize will assist the company in obtaining its payment card system license, which costs around $15,000.  
• The Gitex Africa Supernova Challenge is the largest startup pitch competition in Africa, offering a substantial cash prize of $100,000 across various categories including Cybersecurity, AI and Digital Cities, Health Tech, and Sustainability and Agritech. 
• Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), praised Nearpays for bringing recognition to Nigeria on a global scale. He expressed that the victory was a proud moment for Nigeria and a testament to the founders and team's hard work and dedication. 

What was said  

Kashifu Inuwa commented: 

“The government’s policies have helped to attract investments in the Nigerian digital economy sector and have led to the growth of a number of thriving startups, such as Nearpays. The government’s continued support for the sector is helping Nigeria to become a leading hub for talent and innovation in the world.” 

Zoom out  

• The shortlist for the startup pitch competition was selected from over 300 applicants from across the globe, including other African countries such as Cameroon, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia.