Women in Fintech: Empowering the Next Generation at the 2024 Digital Pay Expo
The 2024 Digital Pay Expo held in Lagos recently was a vibrant gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and advocates, all united under the theme of ‘Redefining Payment.’ Among the standout sessions was the panel discussion titled ‘Women in Fintech,’ which featured an impressive lineup of female leaders in the financial technology sector. The panel included Yemi Keri, CEO of Heckerbella Limited; Markie Idowu, CEO of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited; Lehle Balde Cameron, an advocate for economic inclusion and gender equity; Branka Mracajac, MD/CEO of 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB); Ronke Kuye, CEO of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF); and Kemi Okunsanya, CEO of Hydrogen.
Addressing Gender Disparity in Fintech
Branka Mracajac, the managing director and CEO of 9PSB, opened the discussion by highlighting the ongoing efforts within Nigeria’s fintech industry to tackle gender disparity and promote inclusivity. She emphasized the importance of creating equal opportunities for women in the financial ecosystem. “We need more prominent professional women leaders in fintech to inspire young girls,” she stated, reflecting on the changes that have occurred since her early career. Mracajac’s call to action resonated with many attendees, as she encouraged women to remain focused, connected, and proactive in seeking opportunities to advance their careers.
Mentorship and Empowerment
The panel session was designed not only to celebrate the achievements of women in fintech but also to mentor female undergraduates from various higher education institutions in Lagos. Mracajac pointed out that women have made significant strides in the fintech sector and in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in recent years. She urged participants to adopt a growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of hard work, continuous education, and networking. “Women are founding many business entities and SMEs; it is crucial to have the right mindset and to seek out mentors who can guide you,” she advised.
The discussion also touched on the vital role of mentorship in career development. The panelists shared insights on how young women can leverage relationships with mentors who have successfully navigated their careers. They encouraged participants to build rapport, enhance their social capital, and utilize social media as a tool for communication and networking.
Building Relationships and Adding Value
In addition to mentorship, the panelists stressed the importance of building and maintaining relationships within professional networks. They advised attendees to offer their best efforts in any role they undertake and to be ready to add value to prospective organizations. “Your ability to communicate your capabilities, competencies, and experiences is key,” said one of the panelists, reinforcing the idea that effective communication can open doors to new opportunities.
The Impact of Millennials and Gen Z on Payment Solutions
The broader theme of the Digital Pay Expo, ‘Redefining Payment,’ focused on understanding the payment habits of Millennials and Gen Z, the largest generational groups today. The panelists discussed how these demographics are shaping the future of payment solutions and the importance of developing innovative strategies to capture their loyalty. The insights shared during the expo highlighted the necessity for fintech companies to adapt to the evolving preferences of younger consumers.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The Digital Pay Expo serves as an annual platform for industry regulators, fintech executives, and innovators to collaborate and drive the industry forward. It provides a unique opportunity for participants to discover new technologies and innovative practices that can accelerate growth in the fintech ecosystem. The emphasis on inclusivity and empowerment for women in this space is a testament to the ongoing transformation within the industry.
As the panel concluded, the collective message was clear: the future of fintech is bright, and women are at the forefront of this evolution. By fostering mentorship, building relationships, and embracing innovation, the next generation of female leaders is poised to make a significant impact in the financial technology landscape.