Mastercard Appoints Folasade Femi-Lawal as Country Manager for West Africa, Driving Digital Innovation and Financial Inclusion
In a strategic move to strengthen its presence and drive digital innovation in West Africa, Mastercard has named Folasade Femi-Lawal as the Country Manager and Area Business Head. With an extensive background encompassing over 25 years of experience in financial services, management consulting, telecommunications, and business advisory services, Femi-Lawal is poised to lead Mastercard’s endeavors in the region.
“We warmly welcome Folasade to the Mastercard family. With extensive experience in the digital payments ecosystem, she brings valuable assets to our West Africa operations. Her arrival comes at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s shift toward a cashless society through digital innovation. Folasade will collaborate closely with public and private sector partners to advance this transformation,“ Mark Elliott, division President for Sub-Saharan Africa at Mastercard, said.
Femi-Lawal’s prior experience at First Bank, Nigeria, where she led Mobile Financial Services and Digital Banking Strategy initiatives, highlights her proficiency in navigating the digital payments ecosystem. Her arrival comes at a significant juncture as Nigeria and the broader West African region undergo a digital payments revolution.
Mastercard’s strategic partnerships further solidify its commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the payments sector. Collaborations with industry leaders like Circle and Crypto.com signify Mastercard’s foray into digital currencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), catering to evolving consumer preferences. Moreover, partnerships with institutions like Goldman Sachs aim to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing tailored financial products and payment systems.
In assuming her new role, Femi-Lawal said, “I am honored to assume the role of Country Manager, West Africa, at Mastercard. Excited to collaborate with the exceptional Mastercard teams, customers, and partners, I aim to contribute to shaping the future of payments, driving digital transformation, and supporting the Nigerian government’s agenda for a robust, inclusive, and secure digital economy. Eager to enhance our presence and deliver unparalleled value.”