Introducing Mayokun Owolabi, the Vice President of Global Expansion & Payment Partnerships for Anglophone Africa at Flutterwave, a leading fintech powerhouse based in Nigeria.
With over 14 years of expertise in IT, Mayokun excels in managing key accounts, forging strategic partnerships, driving sales, overseeing projects, and providing business support. She is renowned for her ability to enhance profitability by leveraging digital payment solutions and fintech innovations.
Her academic background is as robust as her professional journey. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Management from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, complemented by an MBA from Edinburgh Business School in Scotland. Additionally, she has sharpened her skills through executive programs at prestigious institutions such as Lagos Business School and Harvard Business School.
Mayokun’s qualifications include certifications as a Business Data Analyst, Project Management Professional, and SAP MM Consultant, among others. At Flutterwave, she leads the charge in expanding payment channels across the company’s largest markets by cultivating strategic alliances.
Before joining Flutterwave, she was the Strategic Senior Key Account Manager at Nigeria Inter-bank Settlements Systems PLC (NIBSS), where she contributed significantly to transformative payment initiatives that reshaped Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
In 2025, a pivotal year marked by Flutterwave’s commitment to profitability and sustainable expansion, Mayokun’s role transcends mere growth. She ensures that every new payment corridor, partnership, and infrastructure complies with regulations, operates efficiently, and resonates with local market needs.
Read also: Top 10 Nigerian Women Driving Fintech Growth in 2025
A Consumer-Centric Approach: Highlights from TechCabal’s Moonshot
At the TechCabal Moonshot event, Owolabi shared insights into her strategic role in Flutterwave’s ambitious expansion plans.
“My responsibility at Flutterwave involves steering partnerships and geographic growth, determining payment methods, and identifying key collaborators. We build payment networks by partnering with banks, fintech firms, and other essential stakeholders,” she explained.
She emphasized the critical importance of understanding the diverse African consumer base when developing technology solutions tailored to various markets.
From the user’s standpoint, Owolabi highlighted three non-negotiable expectations: ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and speed.
“Consumers seek simplicity. They don’t want to be burdened with the complexities behind the scenes-how we connect partners or manage transactions. Their priority is that the service just works,” she noted.
This philosophy is embodied in products like the Send App and Flutterwave for Business, which facilitate seamless, affordable payments, including cross-border transactions such as paying tuition fees in local currencies abroad.
She further stressed affordability: “Users want to avoid exorbitant fees when sending or receiving money internationally.”
Lastly, speed is paramount. “Consumers demand instant gratification. For example, if someone in Nigeria sends money to the U.S., they expect the recipient to receive it immediately,” she added.
Building Trust, Delivering Value, and Driving Innovation
For a fintech company like Flutterwave, meeting these consumer demands requires more than just technology-it demands reliability and trustworthiness. Owolabi pointed out that convenience is deeply tied to consumer confidence.
“Trust is fundamental. Flutterwave holds the distinction of being the most licensed non-bank financial institution in Africa, which reassures customers about our credibility,” she said.
She explained that maintaining technical control involves ensuring that both internal systems and external partners adhere to strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs), guaranteeing a smooth end-to-end payment experience.
Regarding the challenge of keeping instant payments affordable despite multiple intermediaries, Owolabi shared a key insight.
“Consumers are willing to pay for services that deliver genuine value. If the product meets their needs effectively, they accept the cost,” she remarked.
Mayokun Owolabi stands out as a visionary leader and vital connector, playing a significant role in shaping the future landscape of African e-commerce.
Read also: Women Operate 35% of Nigeria’s Informal Businesses but Earn the Least – Report