Izzy Okeke

Pioneered financial inclusion in Africa through innovative fintech solutions

Izzy Okeke is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and founder of Flutterwave, a financial technology company that has transformed payment processing across Africa. Born in the late 1980s, she grew up witnessing the challenges of cash-based economies and the lack of accessible financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her groundbreaking work addresses the continent's $650 billion informal economy by creating platforms that connect businesses with millions of unbanked individuals. Flutterwave's infrastructure now processes over $30 billion annually, powering transactions for companies like Uber and Airbnb across 30+ African countries.

Okeke's vision extends beyond profit - she co-founded the Africa Fintech Foundry to nurture 100+ startups through mentorship programs. Her 2019 TED Talk (link) explains how blockchain and mobile money can leapfrog traditional banking systems. Forbes named her one of Africa's 50 Most Influential Women in 2021.

Her 2020 book <《Building for Billions》> details strategies for scaling tech solutions in emerging markets. Okeke's innovations have enabled digital payment systems for essential services like healthcare and education, directly impacting over 100 million users. This makes her a pivotal figure in Africa's digital transformation, bridging the gap between informal and formal economies.