Flutterwave founder and CEO Olugbenga “GB” Agboola has been selected as a jury member for the Payments Award category at the inaugural Money20/20 Awards, a high-profile recognition platform aimed at honoring excellence in fintech and financial services globally. This milestone not only celebrates Agboola’s personal achievements but also signals the increasing influence of African innovators in shaping the future of global finance.
The Money20/20 Awards, launched as part of the world-renowned Money20/20 fintech conference, are designed to spotlight groundbreaking work and thought leadership across a rapidly evolving digital finance landscape. Agboola’s inclusion among an elite panel of international jurors reinforces the growing stature of Flutterwave and affirms Africa’s expanding impact on global commerce and technology.
A Global Honor for African Innovation
In its announcement, Money20/20 organizers described the jury as a panel of industry heavyweights who represent the “biggest names in the game” and possess the “sharp eyes, high standards, and serious flair for spotting brilliance” required to evaluate trailblazing achievements in payments.
Agboola will serve alongside notable executives and innovators from major global players such as Mastercard, Adyen, Stripe, GCash, Checkout.com, Nium, and Global Payments Inc., among others. The jury’s collective insights will guide the awards process leading up to a live ceremony at Money20/20 USA, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas this October.
This honor adds another layer to Agboola’s growing global profile as a fintech leader who bridges continents, cultures, and markets. As the founder of Flutterwave, a Nigerian-born payments technology company now operating across over 30 African countries and collaborating with businesses worldwide, Agboola has been pivotal in transforming cross-border payments for businesses in and out of Africa.
Championing Africa on the Global Stage
Agboola’s appointment is not just a personal achievement—it carries broader significance for the visibility of African talent on the global stage. In recent years, Africa’s fintech sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic globally, attracting billions in venture capital and producing unicorns like Flutterwave, Chipper Cash, and Interswitch.
Flutterwave itself has achieved unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $3 billion, and continues to expand its footprint across Africa, the Middle East, and even North America. Through a series of innovative solutions—including digital payment gateways, e-commerce support, and currency exchange services—Flutterwave has empowered businesses of all sizes to scale their operations and access new markets.
The selection of Agboola for the Money20/20 jury represents a recognition of these efforts and underscores the role African companies and leaders now play in shaping global fintech conversations.
A Track Record of Thought Leadership
This latest accolade joins a growing list of prestigious appointments and roles that highlight Agboola’s thought leadership in finance, technology, and global economic development.
Earlier this year, Agboola was named to the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C. His inclusion on the board signals a commitment to promoting African culture and innovation beyond business, extending into arts, heritage, and education. Flutterwave described this appointment as reflecting Agboola’s dedication to “supporting and celebrating African excellence across various sectors.”
He also serves as Vice Chair of the US-Africa Business Center Board, where he helps guide dialogue between American investors and African markets. In addition, Agboola represents Flutterwave at the Milken Institute’s Africa Leaders Business Council, a platform that brings together influential leaders to craft policy recommendations and promote investment across the continent.
Together, these roles position Agboola as a prominent figure in the global intersection of finance, innovation, and development. His contributions extend beyond corporate success to include advocacy for improved infrastructure, better financial inclusion, and stronger digital ecosystems in emerging markets.
A Bright Future for Flutterwave and African Fintech
Agboola’s appointment to the Money20/20 Awards jury is expected to further enhance Flutterwave’s global visibility and cement its reputation as a leading innovator in digital payments. It also reflects a broader shift as African fintech companies move from regional success stories to global influencers.
This visibility matters not only for Flutterwave but for the wider African tech ecosystem. As more leaders like Agboola gain international recognition, global investors and partners are likely to pay closer attention to African startups, leading to more funding, partnerships, and innovation on the continent.
Looking ahead, the Money20/20 Awards in Las Vegas will serve as a platform not just to recognize excellence but also to elevate new voices, perspectives, and regions in global finance. With Agboola at the table, African innovation will have a powerful advocate helping to define the next chapter of the fintech revolution.
