Precious Okafor

Nigerian fintech pioneer democratizing financial access through mobile banking innovations

Precious Okafor is the co-founder and CEO of Flutera, a groundbreaking Nigerian fintech platform that has enabled over 3 million unbanked Africans to access financial services since its 2020 launch. Her team's mobile app eliminates traditional banking barriers through zero-fee transactions and biometric authentication for those without formal IDs. The platform's unique 'pay later' feature allows farmers and small traders to manage cash flows with flexible payment schedules, a lifeline during the 2022 global inflation crisis.

A 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, Okafor's work has transformed Nigeria's agricultural supply chains. By integrating blockchain technology, her system provides transparent pricing and instant payments for farmers selling crops, cutting out exploitative middlemen. The UNDP cited Flutera as a model for financial inclusion in their 2024 Africa Human Development Report, noting a 40% increase in women entrepreneurs using the platform.

In 2023, Okafor launched the Girls Grow Academy, a coding school providing free fintech education to 500+ girls annually across West Africa. Her TED Talk "How fintech can end extreme poverty" has become required viewing for global development organizations. Recent innovations include cryptocurrency integration for cross-border remittances and disaster relief funds distribution through the platform's emergency wallet feature.