Two Nigerian Fintech Giants Make TIME100’s Most Influential Companies List for 2025

On June 26, 2025, the TIME100 Most Influential Companies list was unveiled, highlighting global innovators making waves across industries. Among the honorees were two Nigerian fintech powerhouses: Moniepoint and Flutterwave. These companies, recognized as a "Leader" and "Titan," respectively, are changing the game in financial services not only in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond. Their inclusion in the prestigious list underscores the growing influence of Nigerian startups in shaping the future of global technology.

Let's take a closer look at how Moniepoint and Flutterwave are reshaping the financial landscape and empowering businesses across the continent.

Moniepoint: Revolutionizing Business Banking in Nigeria

Founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, Moniepoint began its journey as a provider of payment infrastructure for banks. However, recognizing the untapped potential in business banking, it pivoted to become a comprehensive platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria.

Moniepoint’s evolution took on even greater significance during Nigeria’s 2023 cash crisis, where the company played a vital role in sustaining commerce in a time of financial instability. Thanks to its innovative payment solutions, Moniepoint kept millions of businesses operational, ensuring that payment systems continued to function even during the cash shortage.

Today, Moniepoint processes over 800 million transactions each month, valued at an impressive $17 billion. The company offers a suite of tools to businesses, ranging from payment solutions to loans and expense management, making it an indispensable partner for Nigerian entrepreneurs.

In 2024, Moniepoint secured a $110 million funding round, with investors such as Google contributing to the growth. This investment helped Moniepoint achieve "unicorn" status, making it one of Africa’s rare startup successes.

According to Eniolorunda, this TIME100 recognition is a testament to the company’s mission: "This recognition by TIME is a powerful validation of the work we do every day to create financial happiness for millions of people and businesses in Africa." Moniepoint’s impact is evident in its ability to offer practical financial solutions that cater to everyday business needs—whether it's helping a shopkeeper manage expenses or providing easy access to credit for entrepreneurs.

Beyond payments, Moniepoint is committed to offering credit access and insurance, tackling real-world challenges faced by small business owners. Its user-centric approach and constant innovation have allowed Moniepoint to create a ripple effect of positive change across Nigeria's economy, driving both stability and growth.

Moniepoint also earned recognition at the 2025 IBS Intelligence Digital Banking Awards, winning two key categories: Corporate Banking and Digital Wallets.

Flutterwave: Connecting Africa to the World Through Seamless Payments

Flutterwave, recognized as a "Titan" in the TIME100, is another shining example of African fintech excellence. Headquartered in Lagos, Flutterwave has quickly become the backbone of Africa’s payments ecosystem, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions across the continent.

Operating in 17 African countries, Flutterwave processes billions of dollars in transactions every year, making it one of the most significant players in global payments. The company has transformed how businesses and consumers interact with money, enabling African businesses to connect with global markets effortlessly.

Flutterwave’s innovations have helped break down financial barriers that once limited African commerce. For instance, a South African customer can now use a digital wallet from Kenya to make purchases in Senegal, demonstrating how Flutterwave’s platform is bridging the gap between fragmented regional markets.

During the 2020 lockdowns, Flutterwave played a crucial role in helping over 20,000 small businesses transition to online platforms, facilitating $7.5 billion in transactions. Its partnerships with global brands such as Uber and a $15.7 million funding round further showcase the company’s widespread influence and growth.

Flutterwave’s platform is a one-stop solution for merchants who want to accept payments in multiple currencies, from mobile money to card transactions. This flexibility has been a game-changer in an often fragmented financial landscape. The company's rapid growth and focus on user experience have made it a dominant force in the fintech space.

Under the leadership of Olugbenga Agboola, Flutterwave is showing the world that African solutions can solve universal problems. The company’s ability to scale quickly while maintaining a focus on customer needs has positioned it as a true leader in global fintech.

Moniepoint and Flutterwave: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Though Moniepoint and Flutterwave have distinct missions, both companies are united by a shared commitment to empowering Africans through technology. Moniepoint focuses on the everyday needs of small businesses, offering tools that stabilize local economies and drive growth. Flutterwave, on the other hand, operates on a larger scale, connecting Africa’s businesses to the global marketplace through seamless cross-border payments.

Both companies are a testament to Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit and the continent’s growing influence in the global tech ecosystem. By turning challenges into opportunities, Moniepoint and Flutterwave are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive financial future for Africa and beyond.

Their TIME100 recognition is not only a celebration of their success but also an acknowledgment of their ongoing contributions to reshaping the global financial landscape.