Nearpays has been named the winner of the AI for Good Innovation Factory 2026 at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, earning global recognition for its AI-powered fintech solution that is expanding financial inclusion across Africa.
Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the AI for Good Innovation Factory is the United Nations’ startup acceleration and pitching platform, supporting innovative AI solutions that address global challenges across sectors including financial inclusion, healthcare, education, agriculture and climate.
After progressing through a year-long international competition featuring startups from around the world, Nearpays emerged as the overall winner for its AI-powered SoftPOS platform, which transforms ordinary smartphones into payment acceptance devices. The solution enables small businesses and informal merchants to accept digital payments without traditional point-of-sale terminals while using artificial intelligence to automate payment operations and generate valuable business insights.
By helping cash-based merchants create digital financial records, the platform improves access to credit and supports greater participation in the formal digital economy, strengthening financial inclusion across underserved communities.
Nearpays received the Innovation Factory’s US$20,000 cash prize, along with access to a global network of investors, policymakers, researchers and industry partners. During the awards ceremony, musician, entrepreneur and AI for Good advocate will.i.am announced he would personally match the prize money for each of the three finalists, increasing Nearpays’ total award to US$40,000.
The recognition further positions Nearpays to scale its AI-powered financial technology solutions while advancing digital payments and economic inclusion across Africa.
