August 2019 – What African business leaders think about Fintech

The Global Headhunting Firm for Africa

Recent research has shown that Africa’s fintech ecosystem has surged 60% in the last two years with $320 million in funding raised in the last four years. Homecoming Revolution spoke to Sub-Saharan African business leaders operating in the sector for comment on this unprecedented growth. Read more below.

If you’re an employer seeking scarce skill talent, be sure to take a look at this month’s featured talent or get in touch. If you’re a candidate in the market for a new opportunity, make sure we have your CV.

Don’t miss August’s Executives on the Move feature and our latest press coverage.

We hope you have a great month ahead.

Onwards & Upwards

The Homecoming Revolution Team

In 2018, 210 African tech startups raised $334.5 million. Nigeria led the investments in 2018 with 58 startups raising $94,9 million, followed by South Africa with 40 businesses that raised $59,9 million, and Kenya was third.

Homecoming Revolution spoke to some of its Sub-Saharan African business leaders operating in the sector for comment on this unprecedented growth.

Obi Okwuegbunam, Nigeria Country Manager at Mastercard
“There is a definitely an expectation of increased job creation right across the value chain from the bottom of the pyramid, as we see further penetration of financial services at the lower end of the market, and also at the top end as the need for developers, digital experts and data analytics skills take prominence.”

Kemi Okusanya, Vice President for Visa in West Africa
“The continent will continue to attract investors who will foster initiatives that will promote innovation and spur technological advancement in digital payments which will inherently translate to more jobs within the industry and encourage the development of human capital across the continent. Fintech companies are developing innovative solutions to meet the needs of the rapidly growing consumer base on the continent. The industry is bursting with passionate, entrepreneurial communities that bring new experiences to life in a secure and scalable manner.”

Idrees Kolobhai, Head of Fintech Management at Standard Bank Group
“While some losses will be experienced due to tasks being automated, new roles will be introduced. The future banker would likely need to be proficient in areas such as cloud computing, data analytics/ data sciences, user experience and user interface. For existing talent, we cannot underestimate the amount of reskilling and change management that will be required in order to change mindsets from what they once used to be.”

Schalk Nolte, CEO of Entersekt
“International experience is very valuable, as, of course, is a technology background. Resources can be scarce, and there’s great worth for companies in fostering talent and valuing employees. It’s about more than disruption or innovation for the sake of change. Fintech in Africa helps solve problems, address challenges, improve lives. That’s a key reason for the sector’s growth – and for the success fintech services have seen in terms of uptake.”

Martyn Davies, Dean Alchemy School of Management, Deloitte
“I don’t believe this is a zero-sum game of job creation. It’s not about fintech’s vs traditional banking jobs. It is thus not about jobs but rather far wider value that can be created in an economy, both domestic and regional.”

Dalene Deale, TransUnion Africa, Director Fintech & Financial Services
“We have seen incredible growth in the Fintech landscape in Africa. Beyond simple lending platforms, Fintechs are contributing to the improvement of financial literacy, removing friction in the financial services landscape as well as solving problems like financial inclusion. Fintech will play a significant role in creating employment in Africa in the next 30 years. It’s changing the future of financial services and creating opportunities for the workforce of tomorrow to create growth on our continent.”

Homecoming Revolution specializes in headhunting top talent within the fintech industry across Sub-Saharan Africa. Get in touch to find out about some of the globally experienced talent on our books.

Within her new role, this experienced marketing and communications leader will be responsible for consistent and efficient best practice advertising and communication to ensure alignment of Makro’s strategic goals.

Commenting on her recent appointment, Tracy says “I feel very privileged and fortunate to be a part of this great company and the marketing team. This role is an opportunity to take everything that has been done at Makro and to utilize my experience and expertise to further enhance Makro’s marketing and advertising objectives”…Read more.

South African EE Female – Global Chief Operating Officer – Insurance
Kenyan Male – Director of Client Solutions – Information Technology
South African EE Female – Marketing Director – Consumer Goods
Kenyan Male – Head of Business Development  – Marketing & Advertising
South African EE Male – HR Director – Healthcare/Consumer Goods
South African EE Female – Compliance Specialist – Healthcare
Nigerian Male – Chief Financial Officer – Telecommunications
Kenyan Male – Chief Digital Officer – Technology
South African EE Male – Senior Human Capital Manager – Financial Services
South African EE Male – Director – Audit & Advisory
Kenyan Female – Marketing Director – Consumer Goods
Zimbabwean Male – Principal Civil Engineer – Construction
South African EE Female – Service Delivery Executive – Information Technology
South African EE Male – Systems Analyst – Banking
Congolese Female – Director Global External Sourcing – Pharmaceuticals
Zambian Male – Strategic Information Specialist – Healthcare
South African EE Female – IT Project Manager – Logistics
Zambian Male – Chief Information Officer – Banking
South African Female – Enterprise Architect – Financial Services
Nigerian Male – Chief Financial Officer – Financial Services
South African EE Male – Senior Account Manager – Telecommunications
Kenyan Female – Senior HR Business Partner – Computer Software
Nigerian Female – Associate – Investment Banking
South African EE Male – Head of Finance – Fintech
Kenyan Male – Chief Executive – Social Investment
South African EE Male – Senior Tax Adviser – Advisory
Zimbabwean Male – Manager Private Debt & Capital Markets – Banking
Nigerian Male – Team Lead Power & Energy – Banking
South African EE Male – HR Business Partner – Consumer Goods
South African Female – Business Director – Advertising
Nigerian Female – IT Business Analyst – Information Technology

Homecoming Revolution CEO Angel Jones speaks to eNCA Anchor Shahan Ramkissoon about key findings from the 2019 Homecoming Trends Report, specifically why many South Africans who leave, ultimately return home…Click here to watch the full interview.

Angel Jones was listed as one of Thriving.Network’s Top 50 Female Founders for 2019….Click here to read more.

Advances in technology are reshaping how insurers conduct business. The Future of Insurance Talent event focused on the industry’s evolving talent needs as well as the skills and capabilities needed to navigate the changing insurance landscape.

Motla Mokgatle (Homecoming Revolution Operations Coordinator) & Celiwe Ross (Human Capital Director at Old Mutual)

Motla Mokgatle, Yolanda Mangesi (Independent Management Consultant) & Naledi Simon (Homecoming Revolution Office Coordinator)

‘We haven’t regretted a single day’

The Theron family returned to South Africa in March, after living in China for a few months and then in South Korea for almost 14 years. They visited last year with their 11-month baby to show family. As a result, they decided to move back. (Main reasons: family, air pollution & lifestyle)…Read more.