The AfricaNenda Foundation has officially opened submissions for creatives, photographers, and visual artists to contribute the official cover design for the highly anticipated State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems in Africa (SIIPS) 2026 Report. This exciting Request for Proposals (RFP) presents a unique opportunity for African visual storytellers to showcase their creativity, celebrate Africa’s diversity, and gain international visibility while competing for a USD 500 prize.
The selected cover image or concept will become the visual identity of the SIIPS 2026 Report, a publication that highlights the progress, innovation, and future of inclusive instant payment systems across Africa. The initiative aims to visually communicate Africa’s digital transformation, entrepreneurship ecosystem, financial inclusion efforts, and regional connectivity through authentic African imagery.
Applicants are encouraged to review previous SIIPS reports to better understand the storytelling style and visual direction expected for the 2026 edition.
About the SIIPS 2026 Report Cover Opportunity
The SIIPS report is recognized as an important publication documenting Africa’s evolving instant payment systems landscape. By contributing to the official report cover, photographers and creatives have an opportunity to position their work before policymakers, financial institutions, development organizations, fintech stakeholders, and audiences across Africa and beyond.
AfricaNenda is specifically looking for visually compelling and professional concepts that reflect:
- Africa’s map and continental identity
- Authentic African faces and communities
- Africa’s cultural richness and regional diversity
- Innovation and financial inclusion
- Digital transactions and connectivity
- Trade and entrepreneurship
- Movement, networks, and human connection
- A modern and professional aesthetic suitable for a continental report
The organization welcomes creative interpretations that combine storytelling, visual symbolism, and originality while remaining aligned with the report’s professional and policy-oriented audience.
Prize for the Selected Cover Design
The selected submission will receive:
- USD 500 cash prize
- Recognition through inclusion in the SIIPS 2026 Report
- Exposure to international development and financial inclusion stakeholders
- An opportunity to contribute to a major pan-African publication
Selected contributors will later be required to submit original high-resolution non-watermarked files and sign a simple licensing agreement before payment is processed.
Submission Requirements for Applicants
Applicants must carefully follow all submission instructions to ensure eligibility.
What to Include in Your Submission ZIP Folder
All submission materials must be compiled into a single ZIP folder containing:
- Watermarked preview images in JPEG or PNG format
- Original photographs only
- A submission sample document in text, Word, or PDF format containing:
- Proposed cover
- Photographer’s full name
- Country where each image was taken
- Image captions or descriptions where possible
- Contact information including:
- Email address
- Phone number or WhatsApp number with country code
Important Rules and Conditions
AfricaNenda has outlined strict originality and ownership requirements for all entries.
Key Conditions Include:
- AI-generated images are strictly prohibited
- All submissions must consist of original photographs taken by the entrant
- Submitted images must not have previously won or been accepted in photography competitions
- Photographers must own full rights to all submitted work
- Images featuring identifiable individuals must include signed consent or release forms
Failure to meet any of these conditions may lead to disqualification.
Why This Opportunity Matters for African Creatives
This competition is more than just a photography submission call. It is an opportunity to visually shape conversations around financial inclusion and Africa’s digital economy.
The SIIPS report reaches a broad network of:
- Financial institutions
- Policymakers
- Fintech companies
- Development organizations
- Investors
- Researchers
- Technology and payment ecosystem stakeholders
Having your work featured on the report cover can significantly boost professional visibility and strengthen your creative portfolio.
Deadline for Applications
The deadline for submissions is:
15 June 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid technical issues or last-minute delays.
How to Submit Your Entry
All submissions must be sent via email to: communications@africanenda.org
Applicants are advised to carefully review all requirements before submission and ensure that all materials are complete, professional, and properly organized.
The SIIPS 2026 cover competition offers African creatives a rare opportunity to merge artistic storytelling with Africa’s digital transformation narrative while gaining continental recognition for their work.
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