In a strategic move to advance Africa’s digital economic development, the Africa Fintech Network (AFN) has unveiled its newly appointed Board of Directors for the period 2023 – 2026.
The board comprises accomplished professionals drawn from various disciplines across the continent, reflecting AFN’s commitment to catalyzing Africa’s fintech landscape.
AFN’s Mission and Milestones
Founded in 2019, AFN acts as a unifying platform for fintech leaders, organizations, and stakeholders across Africa. Its core mission revolves around facilitating the exchange of information, promoting innovative technologies, and advocating for the digital finance ecosystem. Notably, AFN has played a pivotal role in championing collaborations and partnerships, earning recognition as the ‘Voice of Fintech’ in Africa. The network’s membership spans 40 countries, with strong support from key partners like Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and the Africa Development Bank.
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Introducing the New Board Members
The newly appointed members of the AFN Board bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. The composition includes professionals with strategic insights into the fintech landscape, representing various regions and disciplines critical to AFN’s objectives. The board members are:
Dr Segun Aina, President
Chilekwa Banda, VP, South Africa
Ali Hussein Kassim, VP, Eastern Africa
Alex Sea, VP, Francophone & Lusophone Africa.
Dr Patrick Conteh, Board Secretary/ CEO
Dr Jameelah Sharrief Ayedun – Member
Carlos Valetine Mondle – Member
Kagisho Dichabe – Member
Reuben Mwatosya – Member
Andualem Hailu – Member
Martin Awagah – Member
Josephine Olok – Member
Gerald Nyakwawa – Member
Benazeer Saldoo – Member
Ernest Kayinamura – Member
Tavinga Muchuchuti – Member
Dr Amira Kaddour – Member
Dr Amria Kaddour – Member
Dr Aberrahim Hansall – Member
Joelle Sow – Member
Dr Patrick Conteh – Member
AFN’s Vision for the Next Five Years
Looking ahead, AFN outlines an ambitious agenda for the next five years, aiming to elevate fintech and digital finance across Africa. The organization targets doubling the current average of financial and economic inclusion on the continent. The vision encompasses various focus areas, including:
Hard Infrastructure: Strengthening financial and technological foundations.
Digital Infrastructure: Enhancing the digital backbone for seamless transactions.
Financial and Digital Literacy: Promoting awareness and understanding of financial and digital concepts.
Digital Trust: Establishing trust in digital financial transactions.
Women-in-Tech: Encouraging and supporting increased participation of women in the tech sector.
Innovative Policies and Regulations: Advocating for policies conducive to innovation.
Regtech and Suptech: Leveraging regulatory and supervisory technologies.
ESG Mainstreaming: Integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations.
AFN’s commitment to driving these initiatives underscores its pivotal role in shaping Africa’s fintech landscape, fostering financial inclusion, and contributing to the continent’s economic development. The diverse backgrounds of the new board members reflect a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the fintech sector across Africa. The board is well-positioned to guide AFN in achieving its goals and further solidifying its role as a catalyst for Africa’s digital economic growth.
