A Seasoned Leader Joins Mastercard

Mastercard, the global payments technology giant, has appointed Folasade Femi-Lawal as the Country Manager and Area Business Head for West Africa. With over 25 years of diverse experience spanning financial services, management consulting, telecommunications, and business advisory services, Femi-Lawal brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

Driving Transformation in West Africa

Mark Elliott, Division President for Sub-Saharan Africa at Mastercard, emphasized Femi-Lawal's pivotal role in collaborating with various stakeholders in the private and public sectors to drive transformation in West Africa. Her proven leadership, innovation, and dedication align perfectly with Mastercard's vision for the region.

Digital Innovation in Payments Landscape

Femi-Lawal's extensive experience in the digital payments ecosystem, particularly her tenure at First Bank Nigeria spearheading Mobile Financial Services and Digital Banking Strategy initiatives, positions her as a valuable asset for Mastercard in West Africa. Her appointment comes at a significant juncture as digital innovation reshapes Nigeria's payments landscape, propelling the country towards a cashless society.

Strategic Partnerships and Innovation Initiatives

Mastercard's global strategic partnerships underscore its commitment to driving innovation and staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving payments sector. Collaborations with industry leaders like Circle and Crypto.com aim to bridge the gap between traditional fiat currencies and digital assets, offering enhanced accessibility and usability for consumers and businesses.

Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Furthermore, Mastercard's partnership with Goldman Sachs signifies its dedication to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing tailored financial products. Through co-branded credit cards and B2B payment systems, Mastercard aims to facilitate economic growth and support the growth trajectory of SMEs in West Africa.

Pioneering Change in Payments Landscape

Femi-Lawal's appointment as Country Manager for West Africa marks a significant milestone for Mastercard as it continues to lead innovation and drive positive change in the payments landscape of the region. With her leadership and Mastercard's strategic partnerships, the company is poised to unlock new opportunities and shape the future of digital payments in West Africa.