This session aimed at creating space for peer learning, open dialogue, and concrete insights into how ESOs can better leverage existing innovations to accelerate the growth of young businesses.
Embedding Fintech in Entrepreneur Support: What’s Next for BDS-Fintech Partnerships?
A key component of the IYBA-SEED programme is thematic learning exchanges among Actors of Entrepreneurship Ecosystems. We consider that exchanges help build communities, address shared challenges, and identify opportunities to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
In partnership with Hwefa Consulting, we have launched 12 Learning Exchange sessions to foster practical, peer-informed learning across the IYBA-SEED countries: Benin, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Togo.
A new series of exchanges around "Information and Technology"
Across Africa, startup-led fintech and digital platforms are transforming how early-stage businesses manage their operations, engage customers, and access financial services. From payment integration tools to digital bookkeeping apps and mobile credit platforms, many of these products are widely available. Yet their adoption by Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) remains uneven.
This peer exchange brought together fintech startups, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), and ecosystem facilitators from Kenya and South Africa to explore why startup-led digital tools are not more widely integrated into ESO programming, and how we can build stronger, mutually beneficial partnerships.
During this peer exchange participants:
- Shared examples of successful ESO–fintech collaborations and lessons learned.
- Discussed common challenges and hesitations from both sides.
- Identified what a “win-win” partnership could look like.
- Explored practical ways to adapt and integrate fintech solutions for diverse contexts.
Grounded in real experiences from across IYBA-SEED partner countries, this session started with brief talks from fintech founders and ESO leaders, followed by a small-group “peer clinic” to share insights from participants’ own context.
Watch the recording of the first part of the session, including presentations by our speakers from Somo (Kenya) and Womhub (South Africa).
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