VunaPay, a Kenyan fintech startup enabling instant payments for farmers, has claimed victory at the Latitude59 Pitch Competition, held in Nairobi. This achievement secures VunaPay a trip to Tallinn, Estonia, where it will participate in the Latitude59 2025 event, including fast-track access to its prestigious pitch competition.
The 2024 edition of the Latitude59 Pitch Competition drew 382 applicants from 37 countries, with ten startups reaching the final stage at the A.S.K Dome in Nairobi. VunaPay’s innovative solution for enhancing financial access for farmers impressed the jury, earning it the top prize.
The competition is part of Latitude59’s broader effort to foster global collaboration and expand its presence in Africa. Speaking after the event, Latitude59 CEO Liisi Org emphasized the focus on impact-driven solutions. “This year, three of the finalists were led by female founders, which is an encouraging sign of progress. Many participants were investment-ready, with functioning products. The decision to select VunaPay as the winner was unanimous,” she said.
Org also praised the Kenyan edition of Latitude59 for exceeding expectations. “Our understanding of the local ecosystem has deepened, thanks to incredible partners here in Kenya. We aim to establish Latitude59 as the premier startup and tech event in Africa,” she added.
The event also highlighted the growing collaboration between Kenya and Estonia. Daniel Erik Schaer, Estonian Ambassador to Kenya and South Africa, underscored the importance of cross-border partnerships: “Estonia is a small country that thrives on collaboration. Many Estonian startups are already active in Africa, and I hope this platform fosters even more connections.”
Emmanuel Kata Kimeu, ICT Secretary at Kenya’s State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, described Latitude59 as a critical bridge for Kenyan entrepreneurs. “Youth drive Kenya’s economy. Platforms like Latitude59 are pivotal in turning their ideas into thriving businesses. We’re grateful to the organizers for choosing Nairobi as a key destination,” he said.
In addition to VunaPay’s win, other notable awards were presented:
- Twiva received the “Walk the Talk” award from Infobip, which included $20,000 in platform credits.
- Contributions to the prize pool were made by organizations such as Cloudplexo, EMERGING Valley, IHUB, and SPURT GROUP, who also presented awards to startups of their choice.
The Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2024 attracted nearly 2,000 attendees, including startups, investors, and tech enthusiasts, creating a dynamic forum for collaboration. Supported by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), the event further cements Estonia’s reputation as a leader in global tech innovation.
Latitude59 is Estonia’s flagship startup and tech conference, renowned as a hub for innovation in the Baltic States and the New Nordics. Its May 2024 edition in Tallinn hosted over 3,500 participants from 65 countries, including 900 startups and nearly 600 investors. Estonia, home to the highest concentration of unicorns per capita in Europe, continues to play a pivotal role in global tech, with companies like Bolt and Admiral Markets active in Africa.
As VunaPay prepares for its Tallinn debut, the win marks a significant milestone for the Kenyan startup and highlights the potential for greater collaboration between African and European tech ecosystems.