Grey, a fintech company, has introduced UpGreyed Her, an equity-free grant initiative aimed at advancing financial inclusion for African women, coinciding with Women’s History Month 2024.
The initiative, launched on International Women’s Day, received an overwhelming response, with nearly 1000 applications from six African countries within two weeks. At the grant presentation event held in Lagos, Iheakachi Nwabueze, head of Global Marketing and Growth at Grey, announced three winners selected from five finalists.
Nwabueze highlighted the winners’ unique approaches to improving product competitiveness, developing new concepts, demonstrating sustainability commitment, and emphasizing diversity. She commended the 773 applicants who participated in the process.
UpGreyed HER aims to bridge the $42 billion funding gap faced by African female entrepreneurs. The first-place winner, Ameenah Kazeem, expressed gratitude for the support, noting the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in balancing work and home life. She shared her aspirations for her company, OfadaHub, and thanked Grey for investing in her business.
Chinazom Arinze, founder of AutoGirl Ltd, and Zigwai Fanda, founder of LadyBambooLtd, were named runners-up, winning $2,000 each.
Nishita Devanand, a judge on the panel, praised Grey’s inclusive initiative and emphasized the importance of encouragement and support for one’s dreams. She congratulated the winners, believing the grant would propel their success.
Blessing Abeng commended Grey for promoting gender diversity and inclusion, acknowledging the winners’ achievements and their potential for future growth.
The UpGreyed Her Initiative partnered with Her Network, a global media platform amplifying women’s voices and impact stories, furthering its reach and impact.
