Mastercard Names Folasade Femi-Lawal as Country Manager and Business Head for West Africa

Mastercard has announced the appointment of Folasade Femi-Lawal as its new Country Manager and Area Business Head for West Africa.

With over 25 years of vast experience spanning financial services, management consulting, telecommunications, and business advisory services, Folasade brings a wealth of experience as a trusted senior executive, having displayed her ability to consistently achieve business growth objectives in start-up, turnaround, and rapidly changing environments. She has successfully led initiatives in Mobile Financial Services and Digital Banking Strategy at First Bank, Nigeria, over the past decade, and significantly grew the card subscriber base and market share as the Head of Cards & Messaging Business.

As Country Manager, Folasade will be responsible for strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, and advancing the company’s mission of building a more connected and inclusive digital economy in West Africa.

Commenting on the appointment, Mark Elliott, division president for Sub-Saharan Africa at Mastercard said, “We are delighted to welcome Folasade to the Mastercard family. Folasade’s vast experience across the digital payments’ ecosystem will be a huge asset to the Mastercard business in West Africa. She arrives at a pivotal time when digital innovation is transforming the country’s payments landscape, moving Nigeria toward a cashless society. Folasade will work closely with various private and public sector stakeholders in the country to help further this transformation. Her proven track record of leadership, innovation, and dedication to driving positive change and results aligns perfectly with our vision for the region”.

Speaking on her appointment, Folasade Femi-Lawal, new country manager, West Africa said, “Mastercard’s unwavering commitment to excellence, cutting-edge solutions, partnerships, and initiatives have consistently set industry standards as it concerns financial inclusion, economic empowerment, digital transformation, and innovation.  As such, I am extremely honoured to take on this role and I look forward to partnering with the amazing Mastercard teams, as well as its customers, clients and partners, as we work together to shape the future of payments and drive digital transformation and inclusion. I am eager to support the Nigerian government’s agenda for developing a powerful, inclusive and secure digital economy, while I welcome the opportunity to further elevate our presence and deliver unparalleled value to our clients and customers”.

She is renowned for her commitment to fostering inclusive growth and empowerment, particularly for women and children, as evident through her extensive philanthropic endeavours and mentorship roles with organizations like Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WimBiz), the United States, White House Initiative – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and FirstBank Women Network.

Beyond professional pursuits, she enjoys singing, writing, and spending quality time with her family.