Most global platforms are built for bank card users, sidelining those who rely on mobile money for their day-to-day transactions.

That’s where RippleWave, a Malawian FinTech startup, is making waves. Designed with the realities of Africa in mind, RippleWave offers a mobile-money-first crowdfunding platform, enabling people to raise and donate funds seamlessly without needing a bank account or credit card.

“Most of our target users are unbanked and underserved. We wanted a solution that works for them. That’s why we made RippleWave accessible through both a mobile app and USSD for low-end phones,” says Abigail Musenge, CEO and Co-Founder of RippleWave.

Whether it’s a small business owner, a community raising funds for an orphanage, or a woman seeking support for healthcare needs, RippleWave makes it possible for anyone to mobilize support from their networks right from their mobile phones.

The platform’s strength lies in its commitment to financial inclusion. Beyond its tech infrastructure, RippleWave was nurtured and refined during the 2025 COMESA Women in FinTech Hackathon, where it stood out for its innovative approach to localized crowdfunding. Alongside 15 other teams from Zambia and Malawi, the RippleWave team went through rigorous training on product development, pitching, and inclusive finance design.
“We learned how to align our platform with Level One Project principles and ensure it meets the needs of people in rural areas,” adds Mwansa Mwansa, a co-founder. “Our key differentiator is simplicity and accessibility.”

The hackathon, organized by HiPipo and the COMESA Business Council (CBC) with support from the Gates Foundation, was instrumental in shaping RippleWave’s solution and gave the team a platform to collaborate, innovate, and connect with like-minded peers.

Now featured on Day 34 of the #40Days40FinTechs initiative, RippleWave joins a growing list of African FinTechs that are using technology to close inclusion gaps. The initiative, which began in East Africa and has now expanded to Zambia and Malawi, celebrates FinTechs that are driving meaningful impact across the continent.

By prioritizing mobile-first innovation and community empowerment, RippleWave is not just solving a technical problem it’s giving voice and financial power to the very people who’ve long been left out of the crowdfunding conversation.

Watch more here: https://youtu.be/0h_Zlae5kQQ

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