By: Ethan Rogers
Olawale Akanbi, a seasoned strategist and thought leader in the fintech sector, is championing an approach to growth and innovation across Africa’s fintech and consumer markets. With over a decade of experience navigating the complexities of digital finance, Olawale has become an authority in identifying scalable opportunities, integrating emerging technologies, and driving sustainable economic development across the continent.
Olawale’s fintech vision centers on long-term strategy, not just technological adoption. It’s about shaping a future where businesses are empowered to leverage fintech solutions to expand market reach, enhance financial inclusion, and respond to Africa’s unique challenges. “Africa stands at the edge of a fintech breakthrough,” says Olawale. “We need to focus on creating sustainable and inclusive financial systems that can scale and adapt to future demands, empowering underserved communities, fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable access to financial services across the continent.”
As Divisional Head of Growth Marketing at Interswitch, Olawale is at the forefront of driving the company’s expansion across African markets. His expertise in growth marketing strategies, combined with his ability to understand consumer behavior, has positioned Interswitch as one of the leading digital payment solutions providers on the continent. His leadership has enabled the company to leverage cutting-edge technology while ensuring that solutions remain accessible to underserved populations, including small businesses and individuals in rural areas.
Olawale doesn’t just embrace technology, he shapes how it’s applied for impact. He is focused on how these technologies can create real change, emphasizing the integration of AI-powered tools, machine learning, and data-driven strategies. Through this approach, he is actively reshaping how businesses approach scalability and growth within the complex landscape of African markets.
“The real potential for fintech in Africa lies not only in adopting new technology but also in bridging gaps that hinder accessibility and affordability,” explains Olawale. He views the continent’s rapidly growing mobile connectivity as a crucial stepping stone, believing that the next phase of fintech growth must focus on reaching the underbanked and empowering businesses to thrive.
Apart from his work in the corporate sector, Olawale is also committed to sharing his expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Through mentorship programs and educational initiatives, he fosters a new generation of innovators and disruptors. “Empowerment is key,” Olawale says. “By guiding others and sharing insights, we can build a network of collaborative thinkers who will drive Africa’s future forward.”
With his extensive experience in both fintech and consumer market growth, Olawale is well-positioned to continue shaping the strategic direction of African fintech. He firmly believes that timely action and a willingness to embrace new solutions are critical to maintaining Africa’s competitive edge in the global digital economy.
His forward-thinking mindset and pragmatic approach to scaling businesses ensure that Olawale Akanbi remains one of the most respected voices in the fintech sector. By championing the benefits of emerging technologies, his leadership is helping to create a tech-driven ecosystem that will ultimately serve as a model for other regions of the world.
