Introduction
At the LHoFT, we strongly believe that financial technology is crucial to advancing financial inclusion, empowering groups that have been left behind by the traditional financial system. Whether it’s financing for rural farmers, point of sale technology for underbanked merchants, or specialised insurance products, the positive impact being driven by entrepreneurship is improving lives around the world. As such, Financial Inclusion is a key focus of the LHoFT Foundation.
Building on the success of the 2018, 2020 and 2021 editions of CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa, we are excited to launch a special edition, CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa, which will be delivered in Dubai.
Developed by the LHoFT Foundation, the program targets companies focusing on financial inclusion in Africa and the MENA region, aiming to build bridges with Luxembourg’s Microfinance Industry, highlighting their initiatives and very much aligned with the sustainability goals of Luxembourg’s finance centre.
This special edition of CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa will once again leverage Luxembourg’s Inclusive Finance and Fintech ecosystem to support selected firms in developing their businesses and achieving their inclusion goals. In addition, firms will get unique exposure to the Dubai finance and Fintech ecosystem with the support of DIFC Fintech Hive Dubai.
The 3-day program will end with a pitching session and evening gala at the Luxembourg Pavilion at the World expo 2020, in the presence of Luxembourg’s Minister of Economy and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, H.E. Franz Fayot.
Catapult: Inclusion Africa – 3 Days
In person, in Dubai
March 21st to 23rd, 2022
3-day boot camp – Costs are fully covered
Catapult: Inclusion Africa 2021 Coverage
Catapult: Inclusion Africa 2021 reveals selected startups
iTOne: Ugandan Fintech Emata wins "Catapult: Inclusion Africa 2021"
Catapult: Inclusion Africa 2020 Coverage
Ventureburn: "Here are the 13 African fintechs selected for LHoFT’s bootcamp in Luxembourg"
Disrupt Africa: "Kenya’s Pezesha wins CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa 2020 bootcamp"
Catapult: Inclusion Africa 2018 Coverage
Finextra: "Luxembourg fintech hub entertains Africa startups"
Ventureburn: "Ugandan fintech wins Best Catapulter Award at Catapult: Inclusion Africa"
Why Luxembourg
► Luxembourg is the European leader in responsible investment fund assets, accounting for 31% of funds and 39% of all assets under management, and has an extensive ecosystem of supporting initiatives and institutions
► The Luxembourg government is committed to the eradication of extreme poverty and support for sustainable development
► Luxembourg has exceeded official development assistance aid donations set by the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, committing an average 1% of gross national income over the past 5 years
► Luxembourg facilitated the establishment of the European Microfinance Platform and has spearheaded field research in the inclusive finance sector
► The Luxembourg government, together with the European Investment Bank and six other partners from the civil and private sectors, set up a Responsible Investing fund labelling agency, LuxFLAG
► Fintech in financial inclusion is a strategic focus area for the LHoFT aligned with the goals of Luxembourg
► The 2019 European Microfinance Award on “Strengthening Resilience to Climate Change” has been delivered on the 21st November 2019 in Luxembourg
Eligibility Criteria
► Selected firms will have, at least, a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (“MVP”) and will likely be in the pre-seed to seed stage of funding.
► Companies must be active in the financial inclusion field, helping underserved and unbanked populations in Africa and the MENA region get access to financial products and services.
► Companies will submit all necessary information to the LHoFT in order to assess the viability of the project, company, background of owners and key shareholders to limit the risks of non-compliance or doubtful application to the program.
► Companies must agree and shall provide on-going performance metrics and business status for a period of three years post programme completion to the LHoFT for the purposes of programme evaluation.
► The selected firm must guarantee that a founding team member, typically the CEO, will attend the programme for the duration of the 3 days.
► We are particularly interested in hearing from firms in payments and related services.
ALL COSTS ARE COVERED:
► LHoFT will reimburse reasonable travel costs to reach Dubai, using Economy Class Airline Carrier, up to 2000€ per person/company (or equivalent).
► The participants will be hosted in one of the best hotels in Dubaï, for the duration of the program.
► Breakfast and lunches will be provided. Probably some dinners as well.
Sponsors & Strategic Partners
Program Partners
Strategic Partners
