Pioneering Women Transforming Financial Inclusion in Nigeria
In Nigeria, a nation historically challenged by financial exclusion, a cadre of visionary women is spearheading transformative initiatives to enhance financial inclusion. Leveraging technology, policy advocacy, and community-centric solutions, these leaders are extending financial services to underserved demographics, notably women and small-scale entrepreneurs. According to a survey by Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate rose to 74% in 2023 from 64.1% in 2020, with a target of 80% by 2030. The number of excluded adults decreased by 9.2 million between 2020 and 2023, indicating progress despite challenges like internet accessibility, financial literacy, and regulatory constraints.
Foyinsola Akinjayeju – CEO of EFInA
Foyinsola Akinjayeju leads EFInA, a prominent financial inclusion advocacy organization in Nigeria. With over two decades of cross-functional experience encompassing strategy, business management, and consulting, she has been instrumental in driving business growth and sustainability across various sectors. Her career includes significant roles in education delivery, oil and gas services, and corporate strategy, with extensive experience across Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Japan. At EFInA, Akinjayeju’s strategic vision is pivotal in advancing financial inclusion and economic development.
Folasade Femi-Lawal – Country Manager for West Africa, Mastercard
Folasade Femi-Lawal serves as the Country Manager and Area Business Head for West Africa at Mastercard. Her extensive 25-year career spans financial services, management consulting, telecommunications, and business advisory services. Notably, she played a crucial role in digital banking transformation at First Bank Nigeria, leading mobile financial services and digital banking strategies. Her career also includes key positions at United Bank for Africa, PwC, and Airtel, where she managed regional balanced scorecards across eight regions. Femi-Lawal is also a passionate mentor and advocate for women’s empowerment, actively engaging with organizations like Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WimBiz) and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).
Ifeoma Uddoh – CEO, SheCluded
Ifeoma Uddoh is the founder and CEO of SheCluded, a fintech company dedicated to empowering women through tailored financial services. With over a decade of experience in consulting, analytics, and seed funding, her previous roles at PwC and IROKO Partners Limited have equipped her with a robust foundation in finance and technology. Uddoh is a recognized authority in gender-lens financing, frequently contributing to discussions and masterclasses hosted by institutions like First Bank, Johns Hopkins University, and Tekedia Institute. Under her leadership, SheCluded is making significant strides in enhancing financial inclusion, investment opportunities, and business growth for women across Nigeria.
Uche Uzoebo – CEO of SANEF
Uche Uzoebo is the Managing Director and CEO of the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited. With over 20 years in banking and financial services, her expertise lies in financial inclusion and digital transformation projects. Prior to her current role, Uzoebo served as the Chief Distribution and Stakeholder Engagement Officer at SANEF, collaborating with regulators, banks, and financial service providers to expand financial access points and digital services. She holds certifications as a Product Manager and Licensed National Business Development Service Provider and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. Uzoebo has also contributed to economic inclusion and digital transformation projects, sharing her insights at various finance industry conferences.
Ebehijie Momoh – CEO of AfriGOPay
Ebehijie Momoh leads AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited (AFSL), overseeing Nigeria’s national domestic card scheme designed by a subsidiary of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). With a career spanning over 30 years in the financial services industry, Momoh began at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and has held strategic leadership positions at Diamond Bank Plc (now Access Bank Plc), First City Monument Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and most recently, as Senior Vice President and Country Head, West Africa at Mastercard. Her extensive experience positions her to drive the strategic direction of AfriGOPay, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and digital payment solutions in Nigeria.
Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni – Founder and CEO of Tech Herfrica
Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni is the founder and CEO of Tech Herfrica, a non-governmental social impact organization established in February 2023. Tech Herfrica focuses on the digital and financial inclusion of women and girls in rural areas of Africa, providing them with digital tools, literacy training, and resources to enhance their livelihoods. The organization operates in six African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, and has been recognized for its innovative approach to bridging the digital divide. Under Bibowei-Osuobeni’s leadership, Tech Herfrica has trained thousands of farmers and traders, distributed mobile devices, and increased the income of its beneficiaries by an average of 50%.
These pioneering women are not only transforming Nigeria’s financial sector but also setting a precedent for future generations of female leaders in finance, technology, and policy making. Their efforts are instrumental in steering Nigeria towards a more financially inclusive society, embodying progress and innovation in the realm of financial services.
