Naa Sika Comes Top at the NextGen Fintech Accelerator Program

The second edition of the Ghana Digital Innovation Week (GDIW) came to a close with a fierce pitching session in which 12 startups from the first NextGen Fintech accelerator program presented their ideas to investors and the public. Among the top three fintech companies was Naa Sika, an e-micro bank and payment platform that aims to help people in the informal sector manage their money.

The NextGen Fintech Accelerator Program

The NextGen Fintech Accelerator Program was organized by Stanbic Bank with support from GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) and facilitated by Growth Africa. This program brought together 12 promising fintech startups, providing them with mentorship, resources, and the opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors and the public.

The program was designed to support early-stage fintech companies in Ghana, helping them develop their business models, refine their pitches, and connect with potential investors and partners.

Ghana Digital Innovation Week 2022

The three-day event took place at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre. The GDIW encompassed a range of workshops designed to produce concrete outcomes, such as:

• ✓ Road maps for digital innovation
• ✓ Capacity-building plans
• ✓ Recommendations for policy and development
• ✓ Business opportunities and partnerships

The event brought together policymakers, digital and technology professionals, and enthusiasts from all walks of life. It celebrated the accomplishments of Ghana's digital innovation environment and aimed to build momentum towards a shared vision for its future development.

Naa Sika's Achievement

Naa Sika was recognized as one of the top three fintech companies in the accelerator program. This achievement reflects our commitment to creating innovative financial solutions for Ghana's informal economy.

In an interview with CEO Ralph Menz, he expressed gratitude to the event organizers and was happy with the support and learning process during the program. The accelerator provided valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and feedback that helped refine Naa Sika's approach to serving the informal sector.

The Pitching Session

The final pitching session was a highlight of the GDIW, with all 12 startups presenting their ideas to a panel of investors and a public audience. The presentations showcased the diversity and innovation within Ghana's fintech ecosystem, with each startup addressing different aspects of financial inclusion and digital financial services.

Naa Sika's pitch focused on how our platform helps people in the informal sector manage their money through familiar communication channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, and USSD—without requiring users to download new apps.

"The NextGen Fintech Accelerator Program provided us with invaluable support and learning opportunities. We're grateful to Stanbic Bank, GIZ, and Growth Africa for creating this platform for fintech innovation in Ghana."

Impact on Ghana's Digital Innovation Ecosystem

The GDIW and the NextGen Fintech Accelerator Program represent important steps in building Ghana's digital innovation ecosystem. By bringing together startups, investors, policymakers, and technology professionals, these initiatives:

• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Provide platforms for startups to showcase their innovations
• Connect entrepreneurs with potential investors and partners
• Build momentum for digital transformation in Ghana
• Create opportunities for capacity building and mentorship

Looking Forward

Being recognized as one of the top fintech companies in the NextGen Accelerator Program is both an honor and a responsibility. It validates our approach to financial inclusion while motivating us to continue innovating and serving Ghana's informal economy.

We're committed to building on this achievement and continuing to develop solutions that make financial services more accessible to everyone, especially those in the informal sector who have been traditionally underserved by traditional banking.