Adesuwa Urey

Nigerian fintech pioneer democratizing financial access for African women

Adesuwa Urey is a Lagos-based fintech innovator who created Sakuko Finance, a mobile banking platform designed specifically for women in underserved African markets. Launched in 2022, the app now serves 2 million users across 15 countries, providing microloans, savings products, and financial literacy resources in local languages. Her "3-6-3" model (3% interest rates, 6-month repayment terms, 3-language support) has enabled 800,000 women entrepreneurs to start businesses.

Adesuwa's 2023 invention of "VoicePay" technology allows users to conduct transactions via voice commands in indigenous languages, bypassing illiteracy barriers. This innovation earned her the African Economic Outlook's Technology for Inclusion Award. She partnered with Mastercard in 2024 to integrate blockchain-based remittance services, reducing transfer costs by 70%.

Her 2025 book "Banking Beyond Borders" details how mobile finance can empower marginalized communities. Adesuwa's work has been highlighted by the World Bank's Women, Business and the Law report and the BBC's 100 Women 2024 campaign. She recently launched the African Women's Economic Empowerment Fund, aiming to raise $500 million for women-led startups.