Inlaks, a prominent systems integrator and information and communications technology (ICT) provider in sub-Saharan Africa, has appointed Charles Ifedi as its new Chief Executive Officer for African operations. This strategic appointment marks a significant step for Inlaks as it seeks to strengthen its leadership position and drive further growth within the rapidly evolving African technology landscape. Mr. Ifedi succeeds Henry Okolo, who served as interim CEO and now returns to his role as a board director.
Charles Ifedi brings over 25 years of global experience in fintech innovation and digital transformation to Inlaks. He is a recognized pioneer in the African fintech and digital payments industry, having co-founded Interswitch, a leading electronic transaction switching and payment processing company. His leadership at Interswitch laid the foundation for the company’s dominance in the African payments ecosystem, establishing it as a key player in facilitating secure and reliable financial transactions across the continent. Moreover, Mr. Ifedi served as the pioneering CEO of Verve International, successfully growing it into a prominent card payments brand within Africa. This accomplishment further solidified his reputation as a visionary leader in the African fintech space, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex market dynamics and establish successful brands.
Mr. Ifedi’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his contributions to Interswitch and Verve. He is also the founder of eBanqo, a conversational AI company focused on revolutionizing customer engagement and support operations. This venture highlights his forward-thinking approach and his commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance business processes. His experience with eBanqo provides valuable insights into the application of artificial intelligence in improving customer service and streamlining communication channels, expertise that will be invaluable in his new role at Inlaks.
Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Mr. Ifedi held strategic roles at prominent global organizations, including American Express, PwC, and Accenture. His experience at these companies, spanning across Africa, Europe, and the United States, has provided him with a broad perspective on international business practices and diverse market dynamics. This global exposure has equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in various business environments, making him well-suited to lead Inlaks in its expansion efforts across the African continent. His combined experience in technology consulting, financial services, and business strategy provides a strong foundation for guiding Inlaks’s future growth and development.
The appointment of Charles Ifedi as CEO underscores Inlaks’s commitment to innovation and its focus on expanding its presence within the African technology sector. His expertise in fintech, digital transformation, and business strategy aligns perfectly with Inlaks’s vision for growth and its ambition to solidify its position as a leading technology provider in Africa. Mohammed Hayatudeen, Chairman of Inlaks, expressed confidence in Mr. Ifedi’s ability to lead the company, highlighting his proven track record of building and scaling technology-driven businesses. This endorsement from the Chairman reinforces the strategic importance of this appointment and sets a positive tone for Mr. Ifedi’s tenure.
Mr. Ifedi’s academic credentials further solidify his expertise and leadership capabilities. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, an MBA from Cranfield University in the UK, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Georgia State University in the USA. This combination of technical expertise and business acumen positions him well to navigate the complexities of the African technology landscape and drive Inlaks towards continued success. He expressed excitement about joining Inlaks at this pivotal moment in its growth trajectory and emphasized his commitment to enhancing customer experiences and creating value for stakeholders. Under his leadership, Inlaks aims to accelerate its growth strategy, deepen market penetration, and reinforce its position as an industry leader in the African ICT sector.
