Qena Won the 1st runner up at the Visa Everywhere Initiative Ethiopia 2023
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Qena Digital Lending, a leading fintech company, emerged as the 1st runner-up at the highly anticipated Visa Everywhere Initiative Ethiopia 2023 finals. The competition, held at the prestigious Addis Ababa Science Museum on September 15, showcased innovative startups pitching their groundbreaking solutions to address future payment challenges in Ethiopia.
The Visa Everywhere Initiative Competition, is a global fintech initiative, attracted over 170 applications for the 2nd VEI Ethiopia Edition. Only the top four startups passed into the final rounds to present their solutions in front of esteemed judges, speakers, and invited guests. Qena Digital Lending stood out with its transformative Digital Lending solution, which captivated the audience and impressed the judges.
“We are incredibly proud and thrilled to be recognized as the 1st runner-up at the Visa Everywhere Initiative Ethiopia 2023,” said Ato Giuliano, General Manager of Qena. “This achievement is a testament to our team’s relentless pursuit of fintech excellence. We remain committed to pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and shaping the future of digital lending.”
As a result of their performance, Qena Digital Lending have won the 1st runner up and received a monetary prize of $15,000 USD. The overall winner was Kacha awarded $25,000 USD, while Smile Pay secured the third-place position, earning $10,000 USD. Beyond the monetary rewards, all VEI winners will gain access to Visa’s extensive network of partners in the banking, merchant, venture capitalists, and government sectors, providing invaluable exposure and opportunities for collaboration.
The recognition garnered by Qena Digital Lending at this esteemed competition further solidifies their position as a leading player in the fintech industry. With a commitment to innovation and an unwavering focus on delivering cutting-edge solutions, Qena is poised to make a lasting impact on the financial landscape.