In a significant recognition of Africa’s growing fintech influence, Nigerian-born fintech leaders and have been named to the list, underscoring their transformative roles in advancing financial inclusion and digital innovation across the continent.

The , unveiled on June 26, spotlights global enterprises driving impact, innovation, and progress across their industries. This year’s selection of Moniepoint and Flutterwave marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s fintech sector, reflecting its emergence as a force shaping the future of global finance and commerce.

Recognized in the “Leaders” category, has evolved from a payment infrastructure provider into a full-service business banking platform tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Co-founded in 2015 by and , Moniepoint was instrumental during Nigeria’s 2023 cash scarcity, ensuring operational continuity for thousands of merchants through its robust digital payment network.

Today, Moniepoint processes over , with a cumulative value of approximately . Its suite of services—spanning payments, loans, expense management, and insurance—caters to over 10 million businesses. In 2024, the company achieved unicorn status after raising in funding, with strategic backing from investors including .

Moniepoint CEO Tosin Eniolorunda described the TIME100 honour as a “powerful validation” of the company’s mission to deliver “financial happiness” through inclusive, tech-enabled solutions. “We are proud of the role we play in powering dreams while transforming lives and livelihoods,” he said.

Joining the list as a “Titan,” has been at the forefront of simplifying cross-border payments in Africa since its inception in 2016. Founded by , the company enables seamless financial transactions across , breaking down barriers to regional trade and enabling businesses to reach global markets.

During the 2020 pandemic-induced lockdowns, Flutterwave enabled to launch digital storefronts, facilitating in transactions. Its consumer-focused product, the , currently operates across , with most transactions completed within minutes. Flutterwave’s strategic partnerships and emphasis on frictionless payment experiences continue to position it as a central player in Africa’s digital transformation.

The inclusion of both Moniepoint and Flutterwave in the list not only celebrates their respective achievements but also signals a broader shift in global perception—where African fintech is no longer on the periphery but at the centre of innovation and impact.

While Moniepoint focuses on empowering local enterprises with banking tools for growth, Flutterwave bridges regional gaps by enabling smooth, scalable payments across borders. Together, they exemplify how homegrown solutions are addressing global financial challenges, making Nigeria a rising powerhouse in digital finance.

Their recognition is a compelling testament to Africa’s fintech potential—and a signal to global investors and regulators alike that the continent is ready for deeper integration into the international financial system.