Revolutionizing Financial Inclusion in Africa
Empowering Millennials and Gen Z with AI-powered payment solutions that make financial services accessible, affordable, and enjoyable.
Winner of the 2023 Asper Student Startup Prize in Apps, Software and Computer Science category.
Read Award Article
Award-Winning Innovation
Buffr took home first place in the Apps, Software and Computer Science category at the first-ever Asper Student Startup Prizes competition at Brandeis International Business School.
Founded by George Nekwaya, MBA'24 and Evan Goddard, MSF'24, Buffr aims to transform the financial landscape in Southern Africa, beginning with Namibia.
About Buffr
Addressing Critical Financial Inclusion Challenges
Our Mission
Buffr is an innovative fintech startup addressing the critical challenge of financial exclusion across Namibia and Southern Africa. Our mission is to empower Millennials and Gen Z by making financial services accessible, affordable, and enjoyable through an AI-powered platform. We will begin with the launch of Buffr Lend, providing payday loans through employer-based salary deduction agreements, and will integrate additional features to enhance our offerings.
The Challenge We're Solving
- In Namibia, approximately 42% of the adult population remains unbanked
- 25% face barriers due to lack of access to affordable financial services
- Traditional banking systems often fail to meet the needs of younger generations
- Financial exclusion perpetuates inequality and limits economic participation
Strategic Alignment with National Initiatives
Buffr is strategically positioned to complement the Bank of Namibia's Instant Payment Project, which aims to modernize the country's payment infrastructure. As the central bank works to implement real-time payment capabilities and interoperability standards, Buffr serves as a consumer-facing interface that leverages this evolving infrastructure.
Professional Experiences
Highlighting key events that shape my fintech journey.
FinTech Junction 2023
Attended Israel's premier fintech conference, FinTech Junction 2023, held at the Hilton Tel Aviv. This event brought together over 1,000 attendees from 25 countries, including leaders from banks, fintech startups, and venture capital firms. I gained insights into global fintech trends, particularly in AI-driven innovation and digital payments, and had the opportunity to network with industry leaders, enhancing my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the fintech landscape.
Black in eCom 2023
Attended the Black in eCom Conference 2023, a pivotal event focused on empowering Black entrepreneurs and professionals in e-commerce and technology. The conference aimed to amplify Black voices in e-commerce, celebrate their contributions, and address industry challenges through networking, education, and empowerment initiatives.
MIT FinTech Conference 2024
Engaged with innovators and professionals at the MIT FinTech Conference 2024. The conference addressed pressing issues in fintech, including real-time payments and AI applications in finance. I participated in discussions led by industry leaders from Visa and PayPal, gaining valuable insights into the future of financial services and the role of technology in enhancing customer experiences.
MIT FinTech Conference 2025
Continued my engagement with cutting-edge fintech discussions at the MIT FinTech Conference 2025. This conference focused on the impact of open banking, AI, and digital currencies on financial services. I participated in networking opportunities, discussing strategies for navigating the evolving financial ecosystem and the importance of customer trust in adopting new technologies.
Connect With Us
Currently in stealth mode as we build our innovative financial platform. We're selectively connecting with strategic partners and investors.
Connect with me directly:
george@buffr.ai