Beyond the Grid: How Runteller Is Bringing Financial Inclusion to Every Corner of Africa
In a continent where internet connectivity remains a luxury rather than a norm, the digital economy often leaves behind those who need it most. For Temitayo Gbadebo and Ediomi Udoh, co-founders of Runteller, this reality became personal after witnessing traders unable to close deals and students stranded without funds—all because of “bad network.” These everyday moments of exclusion inspired a powerful mission: to build a payment platform that works anywhere, anytime, even without the internet.
Runteller isn’t just another fintech startup, it’s a bridge to financial inclusion for millions across Africa. In this exclusive conversation with Techtrends Africa, the founders share their journey from identifying a pervasive problem to engineering an offline-first solution that empowers users beyond the limits of connectivity.
What Sparked the Birth of Runteller?
Temitayo Gbadebo, Co-founder/CEO: Growing up in Nigeria, I’ve always seen how something as simple as sending or receiving money can become a major challenge when there’s no internet or banking infrastructure nearby. I met traders who couldn’t close a deal because “the network was bad” and students who couldn’t receive funds from their parents in time. These moments stuck with me. I started Runteller to bridge that gap, to build a payment platform that works anywhere, anytime, even without internet access. For me, it’s not just about technology; it’s about inclusion.
Which Problems Are You Solving with Runteller?
We’re tackling the problem of financial exclusion caused by poor internet access and limited banking infrastructure. Our primary focus is on individuals, students, and small businesses, especially those in underserved or remote areas. These are the people who need reliable payment systems the most but often have the least access.
How Does Runteller Function?
Runteller is an offline-first payment platform. Users can make transactions through QR codes, Bluetooth, and soon NFC, sound waves, and SMS, no internet required. Transactions are encrypted, stored securely, and synced using distributed ledger technology. You don’t need a bank account to start; all you need is your phone number. Businesses can also link multiple devices through our POS app to accept payments from anywhere.
What Has Been Your Toughest Challenge as a Founder?
One of our biggest challenges has been navigating regulatory requirements while keeping the user experience simple. For example, some KYC processes require unique NIN identifiers, which can slow onboarding, especially for young people. We’ve had to balance compliance with innovation, working closely with regulators and banking partners to create a smooth and trustworthy experience.
How Is Runteller Making a Real Difference for Users?
For our users, Runteller isn’t just another payment app, it’s a lifeline. We’re giving students the ability to pay and receive funds without worrying about “no network.” We’re helping market traders accept digital payments even in areas without internet. We’re supporting small businesses to operate smoothly and grow without being held back by infrastructure challenges. Every transaction we process is one more step toward breaking down barriers to financial inclusion.
What Goals and Milestones Are You Targeting Next?
In the short term, we’re preparing for our official MVP launch in Nigeria and rolling out additional offline payment features. A big focus is our Runaz Campus Ambassadors Program, which will empower students to be champions of financial inclusion on their campuses, and even earn while doing it. Long term, we aim to expand across Sub-Saharan Africa, connecting millions more people to digital payments.
What Trends Do You Foresee Will Shape Africa’s Fintech Future?
I see three big trends: offline-first solutions, more companies will design products that work without internet to serve the majority, not just the connected few; cross-border interoperability — payment systems will increasingly talk to each other; and deep mobile money integration as mobile penetration grows, we’ll see payment solutions embedded in everyday apps and services.
What Advice Do You Have for Aspiring African Founders?
Build from the ground up, start with the problems you see every day, not just the ones that look exciting on paper. Adapt quickly; Africa’s markets can change overnight. And most importantly, build partnerships early. They can open doors, speed up your growth, and help you navigate challenges you didn’t see coming.
How Can People Support or Connect with You?
We’re always open to collaboration. You can download our Android app, join our referral program, visit our website, or connect with us on LinkedIn. Whether you’re a student, business owner, investor, or simply passionate about financial inclusion. there’s a role for you in this journey.
- Android App: Download on Google Play Store
- Website: www.runteller.com
- LinkedIn: Runteller, Temitayo Gbadebo, Ediomi Udoh
Editor’s Note:
At Techtrends Africa, we believe stories like Runteller’s remind us that innovation in Africa is not just about technology, but about resilience, purpose, and the courage to solve problems that matter. Founders like Temitayo and Ediomi are shaping a future where everyone can participate in the digital economy — no matter where they are or what connectivity they have.
Have a story to share? Know an African founder making waves? Pitch their story to [email protected] and let’s tell it to the world.
