The 2024 Sierra Leone Innovates – Tech Summit came about on the Bintumani Auditorium, bringing collectively main gamers from the expertise sector to debate innovation and the important position of expertise in Sierra Leone. The occasion was a major gathering for tech leaders to converge, collaborate, and share insights.
Ecobank Sierra Leone’s Managing Director, Sebastian Ashong Katai , was a distinguished panellist on the summit. In his tackle, he emphasised the substantial position Ecobank performs in supporting start-ups and advancing tech finance throughout Africa. He highlighted Ecobank’s devoted method to the tech sector, presenting it as a pivotal associate moderately than a competitor to fintech firms.
Banking as a Platform
Mr. Sebastian Ashong Katai unveiled Ecobank’s modern technique often called “banking as a platform.” This initiative leverages Ecobank’s in depth tech platform, which spans 33 African international locations, to help tech corporations in testing and growing their options. This method underscores Ecobank’s dedication to fostering a collaborative tech ecosystem.
FinTech’s as Companions
“At Ecobank, we view fintech as companions, not opponents,” Mr. Sebastian Ashong Katai acknowledged. He elaborated on Ecobank’s technique to collaborate with fintech firms, selling mutual development and technological innovation.
Ecobank Fintech Problem
A spotlight of his speech was the Ecobank Fintech Problem, an annual enterprise competitors that started in 2016. Mr. Sebastian Ashong Katai inspired tech start-ups from Sierra Leone to take part, noting the presence of Sierra Leonean representatives in previous editions. The competitors is greater than a contest; it presents fellowships with mentorship and networking alternatives, connecting members with friends throughout Africa and offering entry to new markets.
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Sandbox Program
Ecobank additionally presents Sandbox program, a programming house the place varied entities can check their options. This sandbox is especially useful for start-ups growing fee or assortment options, permitting them to make the most of Ecobank’s infrastructure for real-world testing and growth.
Modern Options and Help
One of many key improvements that has gained traction amongst tech start-ups is the Categorical Account, a digital account or digital pockets. Mr. Sebastian Ashong Katai defined that Ecobank’s specialist fintech group helps start-ups elevate finance, achieve loans, and entry fairness markets. This complete help goals to empower tech entrepreneurs and facilitate their development.
Conclusion
Mr. Sebastian Ashong Katai concluded his speech by reaffirming Ecobank’s dedication to supporting tech innovation in Sierra Leone and throughout Africa. He invited all tech start-ups to leverage Ecobank’s assets and take part within the varied packages designed to foster development and innovation.
