The launch of the inaugural Verto Award marks a significant milestone in the growth trajectory of African startups aiming to make a mark on the international stage.
Organized by Verto, a leading global B2B payments platform, this pioneering initiative aims to empower promising early-stage ventures by providing both financial support and strategic cross-border assistance.
The event, held in Lagos on November 21, spotlighted three innovative startups. Dingpay, AquaTrack and Growwr, whose groundbreaking solutions exemplify Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit and technological potential, were the winners.
A New Era for African Startups
The Verto Award represents a strategic effort to bridge the gap between emerging African startups and global markets. Unlike traditional funding programs, the award combines monetary prizes with practical support designed to help startups scale efficiently across borders.
This approach recognizes that capital alone is insufficient; startups also need infrastructure, market access, and partnerships to thrive internationally.
By facilitating connections with global suppliers, financial institutions and potential clients, Verto’s initiative aims to accelerate growth for these ventures and foster a more integrated African startup ecosystem.
Dingpay: Revolutionizing Digital Transactions in Low-Connectivity Environments
Taking the top prize of $10,000, Nigerian fintech Dingpay emerged as a clear standout with its offline-first digital wallet. Designed to unify cards, IDs, tickets and payments within a single platform, Dingpay addresses a critical pain point in African markets—reliable internet connectivity.
Its offline capability ensures that users can perform transactions and access essential services even in areas with limited or unstable network coverage.
This feature makes Dingpay not just a digital wallet but an infrastructure layer that supports everyday financial and identity verification needs.
With the prize money and Verto’s support, Dingpay is well-positioned to expand its reach, forge partnerships with international financial providers and develop solutions that meet the continent’s unique infrastructural challenges.
AquaTrack: Harnessing AI to Boost Aquaculture Efficiency
AquaTrack, awarded second place with $3 000, exemplifies innovative application of artificial intelligence to address aquaculture. The platform helps fish farmers monitor vital variables such as water quality, feeding schedules and fish health, enabling them to optimize operations and reduce waste.
By providing real-time insights, AquaTrack aims to improve yields and operational efficiency, tackling longstanding issues of resource mismanagement in African fisheries.
As it gains access to Verto’s network, AquaTrack can scale its technology beyond local markets, partnering with international aquaculture firms and investors eager to tap into Africa’s growing food production sector.
Growwr: Connecting Tech Talent with Global Opportunities
Third place went to Growwr, receiving $2 000 for its AI-powered hiring and workforce management platform. Focused on Africa’s burgeoning tech talent pool, Growwr aims to connect skilled professionals with regional and international employers.
In a continent marked by a young, tech-savvy population, Growwr’s platform addresses the critical need for efficient talent matching, helping companies access the right skills and individuals discover opportunities beyond borders.
With Verto’s support, Growwr can enhance its platform, expand its network of employers and contribute to building a more integrated and dynamic African tech ecosystem.
Empowering Africa’s Future Through Strategic Support
The Verto Award exemplifies a holistic approach to startup development by combining financial backing with strategic international integration. For Dingpay, AquaTrack and Growwr, the award provides not just capital, but a platform to showcase their solutions globally, forge meaningful partnerships, and scale their innovations.
As these startups leverage the support from Verto’s network, they are poised to accelerate Africa’s technological advancement, create jobs and contribute to economic growth.
The success of this inaugural award signals a promising future where African ingenuity is recognized and empowered on the world stage.
