Tapiwa Guevara

Zimbabwean fintech pioneer revolutionizing access to financial services in Africa

Tapiwa Guevara (born 1975) is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur and innovator whose work has transformed financial inclusion across Africa. As founder of e-finance, he developed groundbreaking mobile payment systems that enable millions of unbanked Africans to access financial services. His early career as a software engineer at IBM in South Africa (1998-2003) laid the foundation for his later innovations.

In 2005, Guevara launched e-finance with a vision to bridge Africa's financial divide. The platform now operates in 12 countries, processing over $2 billion annually through mobile money solutions. His TED Talk 'Banking Without Banks' (2012) explains how his technology empowers rural communities. Key partnerships include collaborations with UNICEF and the African Development Bank.

Guevara's innovations have reduced transaction costs by 70% and enabled 8 million users to access loans, insurance, and savings products. His 2016 Africa Business Leader Award recognizes this impact. Current projects include blockchain-based remittance systems and AI-driven credit scoring for small businesses.