The HiPipo 2024 Digital Impact Awards Africa concluded on November 15, showcasing the best of Uganda’s fintech innovations. The awards celebrated the strides in digital excellence, with a special spotlight on startups transforming Uganda’s financial landscape. Held amidst great fanfare, the awards brought together industry leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, artists, etc, to recognize and celebrate the creativity and impact of some of Uganda’s leading fintech players.
Five outstanding fintech startups—Fido, Kawu, PayTota, PesaJet, and Zimba Technologies—were nominated for the Fintech Startup of the Year award. Each nominee represents a beacon of innovation addressing diverse challenges in financial inclusion, accessibility, and digital efficiency. Their efforts underscore the role of technology in driving economic growth and empowering communities across the country.
Of the five nominees, only two emerged victorious in the prestigious Fintech Startup of the Year category. Kawu clinched the coveted Diamond award, earning the top spot with its groundbreaking contributions to financial services.
“This recognition underscores our commitment to revolutionizing financial inclusion for students in Uganda. By providing digital debit cards and innovative financial solutions, we empower students to manage their finances securely and efficiently,” Kawu wrote in a post on their LinkedIn page. “This award motivates us to continue our mission of enhancing financial literacy and inclusion among the youth.”
Meanwhile, PayTota was awarded the Gold, recognizing its exceptional advancements in the sector.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Erasmus Okurut, CoFounder and CEO of PayTota “This accolade is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our talented team, as well as the trust and support of our customers. We remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of payments.”
The awards were presented by Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for ICT, who commended both winners for their transformative role in Africa’s digital economy.
In addition to the startup awards, the Fintech of the Year accolade was awarded to ClinicPesa, a platform making waves in healthcare financing. In a post on LinkedIn, ClinicPesa wrote, “Proud to be recognized as FinTech of the year with a diamond award at the Digital Impact Awards Africa 2024 by HiPipo. Huge thanks to our team for revolutionizing healthcare financing. The journey continues”
ClinicPesa provides a lifeline to individuals and families by enabling them to save and access affordable healthcare services. This innovation has bridged a crucial gap, ensuring healthcare inclusivity for underserved populations. Hon. Ssebugwawo also presented this award, lauding ClinicPesa for its invaluable contributions to the health and financial sectors.
The achievements celebrated at the 2024 Digital Impact Awards Africa are a testament to fintech’s power to solve real-world challenges.
Kawu has built a finance and payment solution for students. They have developed a smart card that students use to receive money from their parents for upkeep. PayTota on the other hand is an online payment gateway solution that allows individuals and businesses to make and accept payments from local and international buyers and sellers with payment facilitators such as Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money, Banks, and Payment Cards Operators like Visa and Mastercard.
ClinicPesa’s recognition highlights the cross-sectoral potential of fintech. By integrating finance with healthcare, the platform exemplifies how technology can address critical gaps in essential services.
The HiPipo Digital Impact Awards Africa has become a cornerstone event for celebrating excellence in digital innovation. By recognizing startups like Kawu, PayTota, and ClinicPesa, the awards inspire entrepreneurs to push boundaries and drive meaningful change.
In closing remarks, Hon. Ssebugwawo reechoed the government’s commitment to achieving last-mile digital and financial inclusion noting that digitization if well used will cure most of Uganda’s problems mainly poverty and unemployment.
Full list of winners of the 2024 Digital Impact Awards Africa (here)
