At a pivotal moment for African financial inclusion, UK-based startup Verto, with operational roots across Africa, has won the $1 million Grand Prize of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech. Its cross-border B2B payment platform offers a strategic solution for millions of African SMEs, enabling transactions in 49 currencies without intermediaries or excessive fees.
Verto’s victory was announced at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference and marks a decisive step toward the pan-African dream of a digitally interconnected economy—one free from barriers and overreliance on external institutions. By removing friction from international payments, Verto empowers African small businesses to compete on equal footing in global trade.
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More than 3,000 entrepreneurs from 126 countries joined the challenge, but only three reached the final stage: Chumz (Kenya), Oze (Ghana), and Verto. Their presence underscores the rise of an African fintech ecosystem that not only responds to local needs but leads with globally impactful solutions. The jury highlighted the finalists’ scalability, equity, and ethical commitment.
“African economic integration is not a utopia—it is an urgent necessity. Fintech is helping erase colonial borders that still shape our trade structures. Rewarding initiatives like Verto means recognizing the transformative power of African talent when given the means and visibility,” said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder of the Motsepe Foundation.
Since 2021, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Program has committed over $6 million to support bold, sustainable ideas emerging from the Global South. Backed startups have attracted additional investment, empowered communities, and strengthened Africa’s entrepreneurial fabric.
The next edition of the prize, focused on artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, is already underway. It seeks solutions that strengthen Africa’s supply chain resilience through technology, creating jobs and accelerating the continent’s self-reliance. Applications are open until July 31, 2025. Africa is ready to lead the next industrial revolution—this time, on its own terms.
