Verto, the global fintech focused on cross-border payments and foreign exchange for businesses, has named the finalists for the Verto Awards 2025. Applications opened on 6 February 2025 for early-stage startups operating for roughly two years in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. The program is designed to surface high-potential companies and give them visibility, resources, and recognition to accelerate growth.
Program scope and goals
Positioned as a celebration of innovation shaping Kenya’s economic transformation and the wider regional ecosystem, the awards spotlight startups tackling real market frictions. Finalists span fintech, agritech, healthtech, and digital commerce, reflecting the breadth of solutions emerging from the three markets. Verto’s role in simplifying international money movement underpins the initiative’s push to help founders reach customers and partners beyond their home countries.
Leadership perspective
Verto co-founder and CEO Ola Oyetayo has framed global connectivity as a decisive advantage for early companies. He argues that payments sit at the center of that connectivity, and that Verto has worked to remove barriers so startups can send and receive funds with ease. The awards extend that mission by equipping promising founders with tools and recognition to compete on a global stage.
Nigeria finalists
Nigeria’s shortlist includes Health Forever Product Ltd, which addresses chronic illnesses with the clinically validated plant-based supplement Jobelyn. Powerbox Energy Systems Ltd focuses on locally manufactured solar technology that expands access to reliable power in underserved markets. Rounding out the cohort are AquaTrack Ltd with AI-powered tools for small-scale fish farmers, ZER Consulting Africa Ltd supporting sustainable growth for SMEs and social enterprises, Royal Pearls Resources Ltd advancing women-led agro-processing, Growwr connecting vetted African tech talent with employers, and Dingpay, the all-in-one Ding Wallet for asset storage, management, and contactless payments.
Kenya finalists
Kenya’s list features Fixo and Grofunder, two ventures emblematic of the market’s product-building momentum. They are joined by Goflow and Thorium Organic Foods, alongside TrainYourBrain and RN. WissenWelle and Green Voyage complete the Kenyan cohort, reflecting a mix of digital services and sustainability-driven propositions.
South Africa finalists
South Africa’s shortlist begins with Evolutica Technologies and Innova Networks, signaling a focus on infrastructure and enterprise solutions. SyncDiscovery and SkyRocket Marketing add data-led and go-to-market capabilities to the mix. Henko Group, EduVance, and Ethicore Group round out the lineup, underscoring the country’s depth in services, education, and professional enablement.
Judging and evaluation
All finalists now move to the last stage of judging by an expert panel of business leaders and product specialists. Entries will be evaluated on impact, scalability, and sustainability to identify ventures with durable fundamentals. The process aims to validate product-market fit and operational readiness for regional and global expansion.
Prizes and event timeline
Winners will be announced in Lagos on 21 November 2025, with cash awards of 10,000 dollars for first place, 3,000 dollars for the runner-up, and 2,000 dollars for the second runner-up. Beyond funding, the visibility conferred by the program is expected to help teams streamline cross-border operations. Verto’s financial infrastructure and network are positioned to support the acceleration that follows recognition.
The 2025 Verto Awards finalists capture the practical ambition of founders building in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. By linking innovation to the mechanics of global trade and finance, the program offers a realistic path from local traction to international reach. Attention now shifts to the final judging, where a handful of teams will convert shortlisting into a platform for scale.