Global financial technology firm Verto has announced the finalists for the 2025 Verto Awards, spotlighting early-stage startups from Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa that are redefining innovation across key sectors.

The awards, which opened for entries on February 6, 2025, celebrate young businesses that have been operating for around two years. According to Verto, the initiative seeks to recognise groundbreaking work in fintech, agritech, healthtech, and digital commerce — industries driving Africa’s next phase of economic growth.

Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Speaking with The PUNCH, Verto’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Ola Oyetayo, said the awards were created to help connect African startups to global markets and opportunities.

“The world today is more connected than ever, and for startups, access to global markets isn’t just an advantage — it’s a game changer,” Oyetayo said.
“Payments are at the heart of this, and at Verto we’ve spent years breaking down financial barriers, enabling businesses to send and receive money effortlessly. The Verto Global Business Award takes this further, equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs with the resources and recognition they need to scale globally.”

Finalists Across Three Countries

This year’s finalists reflect a diverse range of African innovation stories:

• Health Forever Product Ltd (Nigeria) – tackling chronic illnesses through Jobelyn, a clinically validated plant-based supplement.
• Powerbox Energy Systems Ltd (Nigeria) – advancing locally produced solar energy solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa.
• AquaTrack Ltd (Kenya) – offering AI-powered farm management tools for small-scale fish farmers.
• ZER Consulting Africa Ltd (Kenya) – helping SMEs and social enterprises achieve sustainable growth.
• Royal Pearls Resources Ltd (Nigeria) – a women-led agribusiness transforming agro-processing and empowering rural women.
• Growwr (South Africa) – an AI-driven hiring platform connecting vetted African tech talent to global companies.
• Dingpay (Nigeria) – creator of Ding Wallet, an all-in-one digital payment solution supporting QR-based transactions and asset storage.

Grand Finale Set for Lagos

The shortlisted startups will compete in the final round, where a panel of business leaders and product experts will evaluate their solutions based on impact, scalability, and sustainability.

The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony in Lagos on November 21, 2025, with $10,000 for first place, $3,000 for the runner-up, and $2,000 for third place.

Celebrating Innovation and Inclusion

Now in its annual cycle, the Verto Awards continue to celebrate African startups that are driving industry transformation and fostering inclusive economic growth.

By shining a spotlight on these emerging ventures, Verto says it hopes to inspire more collaboration, investment, and innovation across the continent’s fast-evolving startup ecosystem.