Three fintech companies with African roots—Moniepoint, Flutterwave, and Tyme Group—have been named to the 2025 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential companies. Published annually by Time magazine, the list recognizes organizations that are making a global impact across various sectors, including finance, technology, politics, and culture. Their inclusion highlights Africa’s growing importance in the global digital finance landscape.
Moniepoint: Empowering Nigeria’s Informal Economy
Moniepoint, formerly TeamApt, has been recognized as the fastest-growing fintech in Africa and the fourth fastest-growing company on the continent overall. Based in Nigeria, the company has made major strides in supporting the country’s 40 million SMEs—most of which operate in the informal sector—by providing digital banking and payment solutions. With over 10 million individual and business customers and more than 1 billion transactions processed monthly, Moniepoint’s infrastructure underpins a large share of Nigeria’s point-of-sale ecosystem.
From Startup to Unicorn in a High-Growth Market
Moniepoint achieved unicorn status in October 2024 following a $110 million funding round, reflecting investor confidence in its scale and impact. The company’s focus on financial inclusion and practical tools for small businesses has been key to its rapid growth. As digital banking continues to expand in emerging markets, Moniepoint stands as a model of how fintech can drive economic development from the ground up.
Flutterwave: Building Africa’s Digital Payment Rails
Also founded in Nigeria, Flutterwave has built a payment infrastructure that supports merchants and service providers across Africa. The company claims to process over 500,000 transactions daily, serving more than one million businesses with solutions that include card payments, mobile money, POS, and USSD channels. Its client roster includes major global brands such as Uber, Microsoft, and Wise, and its operations span multiple African markets.
Positioning for Profitability and a Public Offering
Valued at $3 billion, Flutterwave has raised more than $475 million to date and is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering. In 2025, the company is aiming to achieve profitability while expanding its reach across new markets and service categories. Its inclusion in the TIME100 list acknowledges its role as a key enabler of Africa’s digital economy.
Tyme Group: Inclusive Banking Across Continents
Rounding out the African trio on the TIME100 is Tyme Group, a digital banking firm focused on underserved populations in emerging markets. Through its banks in South Africa (TymeBank) and the Philippines (GoTyme), the company has developed a unique branchless model that uses kiosks in retail locations to deliver accessible financial services. With around 17.5 million customers and 500,000 new users joining each month, Tyme is demonstrating that inclusion and scale can go hand in hand.
Global Presence with African Roots
Although headquartered in Singapore, Tyme Group has strong operational ties to Africa and maintains technology hubs in Vietnam, India, and China. It became a unicorn in December 2024 after raising $250 million, reaching a valuation of $1.5 billion. Tyme’s success underscores the potential of African fintechs to build models that can be exported and adapted globally.
A Defining Moment for African Innovation
The inclusion of Moniepoint, Flutterwave, and Tyme Group alongside global giants such as Coinbase, Fiserv, and Plaid reinforces the credibility and influence of Africa’s fintech sector. These companies not only serve millions but also address deep-rooted challenges like financial exclusion, inefficient payment systems, and limited access to credit. Their recognition is not just a regional milestone but a signal that African innovation is now shaping the global fintech narrative.
The 2025 TIME100 list is a moment of validation for Africa’s fintech ecosystem and the companies leading its transformation. As Moniepoint, Flutterwave, and Tyme Group continue to scale, they are setting benchmarks for how technology can be used to create inclusive, scalable, and globally relevant financial services. Their influence is a testament to the continent’s growing role in the future of global finance.