EP #38 (S02): Innovation and Fintechs: Paulo Oliveira on Angola's Challenges and Solutions

Oct 10, 2025

In this enlightening conversation, Paulo Oliveira, an Angolan fintech leader and academic, shares his journey of connecting local startups with international ecosystems. He discusses the duality of his roles as an entrepreneur and university coordinator, highlighting the importance of community in driving innovation. Paulo identifies internet access as a major barrier to fintech growth and advocates for locally adapted solutions. He stresses the need for collaborative efforts and resilience among young African entrepreneurs, urging them to embrace partnerships and avoid isolation.

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ANECDOTE

Founder Challenges And Ecosystem View

Paulo describes facing most challenges as a founder because he must manage vision, salaries, products, and marketing.
His coordinator role exposes him to other founders and helps him see broader ecosystem needs.

INSIGHT

Global Exposure Reshaped Mindset

Global programs (SUSI, YALI) shifted Paulo's mindset about age and capability in entrepreneurship.
He learned that strong networks and context-aware solutions matter more than lone effort.

ANECDOTE

Meeting Driven Young Innovators Abroad

At the University of Washington Paulo met highly driven peers aged 19–22 working on impressive initiatives.
That exposure convinced him youth can lead global solutions and prompted his mindset shift.

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