Cape Town-based tech startup, Loop, emerged victorious at the highly anticipated Sentech Africa Tech Week, securing the prestigious Pitch Den Award against 6 other top African finalists.
Africa Tech Week is one of the continent’s largest gatherings of technology leaders, innovators, and industry experts, dedicated to showcasing groundbreaking technological solutions driving Africa’s growth.
Loop CEO, Imtiyaaz Riley, impressed the judging panel with the company’s bold approach to digital payments and mobility in emerging markets. He explained how Loop’s chat-based system allows users to pay or get paid directly through WhatsApp. The technology enables instant, no-cost transactions — all without the need to download any additional apps or the need for a point of sale device.
Loop is changing the game for small businesses and transport providers to enter the digital ecosystem, enabling access to finance and mitigating risks associated with carrying physical cash. The adoption by the market, business profitability and most importantly, the growth and expansion plans through Africa- set Loop apart from the other finalists.
Loop’s win underscores Cape Town’s rising prominence as a hub for innovation and technological problem-solving. The startup’s cutting-edge fintech and mobility solutions have positioned them as a pivotal player in the digital transformation of Africa’s economy, particularly by empowering small businesses and facilitating the shift from cash-dominated transactions to secure digital payments.
“Our win at Africa Tech Week is more than a trophy — it’s a signal that Africa is ready for real, homegrown innovation,” said Riley. “Loop was built in the heart of Cape Town to solve challenges we’ve lived through. We’re not just digitizing payments — we’re rewriting how value moves in communities that have long been excluded. This recognition strengthens our resolve to scale meaningful tech across the continent, unlocking opportunity where it’s needed most.”
The victory at Africa Tech Week continues Loop’s impressive trajectory, following an exciting global showing at GITEX Europe in Germany and reinforces our trajectory as a fast-growing force in Africa’s tech and fintech space. Loop’s success is also a testament to Cape Town’s thriving amd dynamic tech ecosystem — one that nurtures bold innovation, global ambition, and homegrown excellence. Cape Town has increasingly been recognized for nurturing startups with solutions of significant continental and global relevance.
Loop’s success reinforces the importance of digital mobility payments and the critical role technology plays in bridging systemic gaps across African markets. As the continent continues to embrace digital transformation, Loop is opening a round for investment to scale through Africa. They remain at the forefront, shaping an inclusive, connected future.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Kris Simpson
Kris@loopapp.co.za
081 748 9798