Financial Services Innovators (FSI) has marked six years of building Africa's innovation and startup ecosystem, highlighting sustained progress in talent development, startup incubation, and collaborative partnerships across Nigeria and beyond.
As Africa's digital economy accelerates, FSI says its next growth phase will focus on scalable innovation programmes, sector-focused accelerators, and deeper industry collaboration to strengthen the continent's enterprise pipeline.
FSI Marks Six Years of Ecosystem Impact
Financial Services Innovators (FSI) has marked its sixth anniversary, underscoring six years of efforts to strengthen Africa's innovation ecosystem through talent development, startup incubation, and technology-driven enterprise support. The organisation, founded in 2019, says its work has focused on closing the gap between innovation, practical skills, and real-world problem-solving across African markets.
The milestone was announced in Lagos on December 9, 2025, as FSI reflected on programmes delivered in partnership with tertiary institutions, startups, mentors, sponsors, and ecosystem stakeholders.
Building Skills, Startups, and Market Access
Over the past six years, FSI reports that it has trained and inspired thousands of students and young professionals across Nigerian tertiary institutions, while supporting early-stage startups through incubation, acceleration, mentorship, and market exposure initiatives.
The organisation says its model links talent development directly with enterprise growth, aiming to ensure that innovation efforts translate into viable businesses and measurable socio-economic impact.
Leadership Perspective on the Milestone
Speaking on the anniversary, FSI's Executive Director, Dr Aituaz Kola-Oladejo, said the organisation's progress reflects long-term collaboration rather than short-term wins.
"Six years on, we are proud of how far we have come, but even more excited about what lies ahead. Our journey has always been driven by the belief that Africa's challenges can be solved by empowered talent and innovative enterprises," she said.
She added that the organisation's achievements were made possible by sustained support from partners, mentors, board members, sponsors, and donors.
FSI at Six
| Framework Stage | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Attention | Six-year milestone highlights ecosystem maturity |
| Interest | Talent training, startup incubation, partnerships |
| Decision | Shift toward scalable, sector-focused programmes |
| Action | Expand accelerators and regional collaboration |
| Path Forward | Build future-ready African innovation economy |
Looking Ahead: Scaling Innovation Programmes
As it enters its next phase, FSI says it plans to deepen its focus on scalable innovation programmes, sector-focused accelerators, and industry partnerships, while expanding regional collaboration across Africa.
The organisation says its strategy positions young Africans not merely as beneficiaries of opportunity but as creators of solutions capable of addressing economic and social challenges.
Path Forward – Scaling Talent-Driven Innovation
FSI's next phase centres on scaling innovation programmes that link skills development to enterprise growth, while deepening sector-specific accelerators and industry partnerships.
By strengthening regional collaboration and startup support, the organisation aims to expand Africa's pipeline of sustainable, innovation-led businesses and future-ready talent.
