By Charlotte Neeza- HiPiPo Foundation
Across the COMESA region, financial technology is transforming how we transact and who participates in the economy. For me, this transformation is deeply personal. I serve as the FinTech Manager and Women in FinTech Initiatives Lead at HiPipo, where I work at the intersection of digital innovation, financial inclusion, and policy influence, ensuring that women and underserved communities are not left behind. I am also a techpreneur and Chief Operations Officer at PesaJet, building solutions that expand access to financing across agriculture, education, merchant ecosystems, and essential services.
My journey into FinTech began with curiosity and determination rather than certainty. With a background in information technology from Kampala International University and certifications in digital money, digitising humanitarian and social assistance, and gender equity, I built my foundation step by step. The defining moment came in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown when I participated in the HiPipo Women in FinTech Hackathon. That experience opened my perspective, strengthened my skills in product design and innovation, and gave me the confidence to see myself as a leader in this space. From then on, I committed to continuous learning, practical application, and driving impact.
Today, my work focuses on empowering women and youth to actively participate in the digital and financial ecosystem. Through HiPipo’s initiatives, I have trained over 5,000 women and young people, particularly cross-border traders and entrepreneurs, equipping them with skills in financial management, the adoption of digital tools, product design, and business growth. These efforts are about more than numbers; they are about enabling livelihoods, strengthening businesses, and supporting inclusive economic growth across the region. In COMESA, where women are central to trade and community economies, advancing their digital and financial capabilities is essential for sustainable development.
Despite this progress, women remain under-represented in FinTech, especially in leadership and decision-making roles. This gap means that many financial solutions are developed without fully understanding the realities of those most affected, particularly women in the informal sector. My passion for supporting women in FinTech comes from the belief that inclusion must go beyond participation to influence. We need more women designing products, shaping policies, and leading institutions so that financial services are truly responsive to the needs of all. At HiPipo, we are intentional about creating platforms such as hackathons, training programmes, and leadership initiatives that equip and elevate women across the ecosystem.
Like many women in technology, I have faced moments of doubt and the perception that this field is not for us. However, I have learned that these barriers are not permanent; they can be challenged and overcome. Africa, and particularly the COMESA region, presents a unique opportunity to build inclusive systems from the ground up. We have the chance to ensure that inclusion is embedded in the design of our digital economies, not added later.
To every young woman aspiring to join FinTech, my message is simple: do not let limiting beliefs define you. Thoughts like “I am not cut out for this” or “it is too late” are not realities; they are barriers that can be broken. Believe in your ability, start where you are, and keep moving forward. It is not about being perfect but about being determined. When you choose to believe that you can, you are already on the path to success. So start doing it.
As I continue this journey, my vision is to see a FinTech ecosystem where women are equally represented, actively shaping innovation, influencing policy, and driving growth across Africa. Through my work at HiPipo and beyond, I remain committed to unlocking opportunities and ensuring that financial technology serves everyone, because true progress is only possible when no one is left behind.