The CFOs Behind Africa’s $480 Billion Unicorn Tech Companies

Africa’s tech ecosystem is buzzing with energy, innovation, and growth. Valued at an incredible $480 billion, it’s one of the most exciting places for technology and entrepreneurship in the world. From fintech to e-commerce, healthtech, agritech, and beyond, startups across the continent are breaking barriers and creating solutions that impact millions of lives.

Even though funding for African startups dipped slightly in 2024, with $2.2 billion raised compared to $2.9 billion the previous year, the ecosystem remains strong. Many startups have grown into unicorns—companies valued at over a billion dollars—proving Africa’s tech potential is unstoppable.

But who are the financial wizards making sure these unicorns thrive? Let’s meet the CFOs, the brilliant Chief Financial Officers behind Africa’s top unicorn tech companies.

Chris Eddy – Senior Vice President, Finance, Chipper Cash

Chris Eddy oversees finance and strategy at Chipper Cash, one of Africa’s most prominent fintech companies. With over 20 years of experience, he has built financial systems for tech companies and led teams across multiple countries.

Before Chipper Cash, Chris worked as a financial consultant and held leadership roles at Osterhout Design Group. His expertise in corporate strategy and financial operations has helped Chipper Cash grow as a key player in Africa’s tech ecosystem.

Chinomso Nwachukwu – CFO, Interswitch (Nigeria)

Chinomso Nwachukwu is a powerhouse in financial leadership. As the CFO of Interswitch, she plays a key role in driving the company’s financial strategies in Nigeria.

With over 13 years of experience, Chinomso has built a career that spans finance management and auditing. She honed her skills at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, where she worked for nine years before joining Interswitch in 2015.

Chinomso’s expertise includes compliance, financial reporting, and business analysis. She holds a degree in Biochemistry from Imo State University and is a Chartered Accountant in Nigeria. She’s also furthering her knowledge with a Global Executive MBA from Imperial College London.

Omar Elhamawy – CFO, MNT-Halan (Egypt)

Omar Elhamawy is the financial brain behind MNT-Halan, Egypt’s leading fintech unicorn. Joining in 2023, Omar brought over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and investment banking.

Before MNT-Halan, he served as CFO at SODIC, one of Cairo’s top property developers. Omar’s leadership has been critical to MNT-Halan’s growth, helping the company secure $400 million in funding in 2023 and becoming Egypt’s first unicorn.

A CFA charterholder, Omar also has a degree in Business Administration from the American University in Cairo. His work ensures that MNT-Halan stays at the forefront of fintech innovation in Africa.

Mitesh Popat – CFO, Flutterwave (Nigeria)

Mitesh Popat joined Flutterwave as CFO in 2024, bringing over 20 years of global financial experience. With previous roles at Citi, he led financial planning for businesses generating $5 billion annually.

Mitesh has a CFA designation and holds a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. At Flutterwave, he focuses on expanding financial services across Africa, ensuring the company stays a leader in the fintech space.

Anne Bastock – Head of Finance, Tyme (South Africa)

Anne Bastock has been with Tyme since 2018, leading financial management and investor relations for the digital banking group. With experience across Asia and Africa, Anne is a seasoned expert in financial strategy and risk management.

She holds a Master’s in Taxation from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University. At Tyme, Anne ensures the company remains a leader in digital banking innovation.

Bayo Olujobi – CFO, Moniepoint (Nigeria)

Bayo Olujobi became the CFO of Moniepoint in 2024, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in financial management. He previously served as CFO of Stanbic IBTC Bank and has a proven track record of driving financial success.

A Certified Treasury Professional, Bayo holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Lagos State University. His leadership continues to strengthen Moniepoint’s position as a leader in financial services.

Aboubacar Sidiki Kamagaté – CFO, Wave (Senegal)

Aboubacar Kamagaté is the Head of Finance at Wave Mobile Money, the first unicorn from Francophone Africa. He joined Wave in 2023 after a successful career at Jumia, where he held CFO roles in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.

With expertise in cost optimization, risk management, and system integration, Aboubacar is instrumental in Wave’s operations. His education includes a master’s degree in Corporate Finance and Tax from Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah-Fès.