News
Fintech Farm Raises Late Seed Round of $7.4M to Launch Neobanks in 8 Countries

Fintech Farm, a British fintech company creating neobanks in emerging markets, has raised a $7.4M investment to develop its new project. The company is going to launch neobanks in 8 countries during the next two years.
The round was led by Flyer One Ventures and Solid, while Jiji, TA Ventures, u.ventures, and AVentures Capital also participated.
Fintech Farm creates neobanks providing customers with user-friendly mobile apps and credit products for mass audiences and even clients with thin credit histories. In November 2021, Fintech Farm launched Leobank in Azerbaijan, and 100,000 cards have already been issued. Over the next two years, the company plans to enter eight emerging markets spread across Africa and Asia.
Fintech Farm partners with local banks to enter the new market instead of getting its banking license. In each country, neobanks are launched with new names but the same design and mascot — a funny lion with a lilac mane.
Dmytro Dubilet, a co-founder of Fintech Farm, commented: ‘We have a theory that today digital banks have to be not only useful and simple but even entertaining. So we’ve developed our app with beautiful design, useful functions and made it fun to use.
“There is a cool lion that you meet in the app. Also, there are a lot of nice micro-interactions that bring the UX to the next level. On the other hand, we have one of the best data science teams globally, so we can launch neobanks with credit products from Day 1 and issue credits even to clients with a thin credit history.’
Nigeria is the next market on the company’s radar, where they expect to launch in the coming months.
Nick Bezkrovnyy, a co-founder of Fintech Farm, said: In terms of the credit product, we see an opportunity for a “mass credit card” in Nigeria. Currently, credit cards issued by traditional banks are limited to the upper-middle class. At the same time, APRs of credit offerings from neobanks and alternative lenders may well be over 100%. We are going to fill this gap and accept those customers neglected by traditional banks and offer them fair interest rates.’
Along with financial support, Flyer One brings extensive operational expertise in Africa and other emerging markets. Vladimir Mnogoletniy, Flyer One partner and CEO of Genesis, a tech group, which operates a leading African e-commerce platform Jiji, will be joining Fintech Farm’s board.
Vladimir Mnogoletniy, said: ‘We firmly believe in the long-term potential of emerging markets. Over the past 7 years, we had tremendous success building Jiji — the largest e-commerce platform (on the GMV basis) on the continent and the only sizable e-commerce player in Africa operating near profitability.
“We were looking for the right partner to enter the second most interesting market — neobanking — on the continent. We believe that Fintech Farm, with its extensive experience, is the right team for the move, and we’re delighted to announce this strategic investment.
News
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria

In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
News
EFCC Witness Admits Writing Off Arik Air’s $2.3M Debt Amid N76Bn Fraud Trial


- Telecom3 days ago
Glo, Huawei, Communications Ministry Bring Digital Services to Abuja Village
- E-Financial3 days ago
SEC Alerts Public on Silverkuun, Trending Dubious Investment Schemes
- General News3 days ago
Tripoint Travels Hosts Pre-GEC Brunch for Nigerian Delegates Ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2025
- News3 days ago
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria
- E-Financial3 days ago
Africa Cross-border Payments Set to Hit $1 trillion by 2035
- Telecom3 days ago
Experts @ ABoICT 2025 Warn of Digital Disaster Risks in Nigeria Without AI Governance
- E-Financial3 days ago
SANEF, CIBN Partner to Expand Agency Banking Certification
- General News2 days ago
Uche Uzoebo, SANEF CEO Makes Case for More Financial Inclusion Strategies Targeting Women