Sabine Mensah On Pioneering Digital Financial Inclusion And Bridging The Gender Gap

Spending just a few minutes with Sabine Mensah, Deputy CEO of AfricaNenda, is enough to leave you with profound insights into Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). In this conversation with a CIO Africa reporter, Sabine Mensah shares her inspiring career journey and observations on the world of digital financial inclusion.

With a strong commitment to empowering vulnerable populations and bridging the gender gap in technology, Mensah has built a remarkable career spanning banking, remittances, and international development. Her journey has been shaped by a relentless passion to provide financial services where they’re needed most and advocate for inclusive digital economies.

As a leader in the fast-evolving world of DPI, Mensah has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the financial ecosystem. From her experiences in diverse roles across various countries to her leadership at AfricaNenda, her story is marked by dedication, resilience, and a strong belief in the transformative power of access to finance. In this conversation, she reflects on her personal journey, the evolution of financial inclusion, and her vision for an equitable future in technology and finance.

Read through as we explore the motivations and strategies driving Mensah’s work, as well as the broader implications for digital financial services in Africa and beyond.

Who is Sabine Mensah?

I am currently the Deputy CEO at AfricaNenda Foundation. From an early age, I’ve been a passionate advocate for digital financial inclusion and gender equality. My journey began in 1997 as a financial analyst at a bank, driven by a belief in the transformative power of financial inclusion. I witnessed its impact firsthand when access to finance shaped the trajectory of my education and career in a different direction from some of my peers.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration (Finance) and an MBA. My professional career spans over 15 years working with Western Union across Africa, the U.S., and Canada, where I eventually became the Regional Director for Global Remittances. Witnessing Kenya’s mobile money evolution inspired my move to consulting for the industry in 2013. Later, I joined the United Nations Capital Development Fund as Regional Manager for Digital Inclusive Economies, and in 2021, I took on my current role at AfricaNenda.

For me, financial inclusion is not just about banking—it’s about making relevant services accessible to people, wherever they are, to help them achieve their goals and improve their lives.

What is your role at AfricaNenda, and what does a typical day look like?

At AfricaNenda, my role centers on policy, advocacy, capacity development, and communication. I lead teams that collaborate with governments, private sector players, and development actors to accelerate financial inclusion in Africa. Our work involves building resources, conducting research, and influencing policymakers and regulators to create inclusive financial ecosystems.

A typical day begins with reviewing data and researching trends in the digital economy and financial services. I often engage with my team and external partners through group or one-on-one calls before diving into my daily tasks, such as project deadlines or strategic planning.

How did you navigate your path to leadership?

My leadership journey began as a financial analyst in a bank, where I realized that decision-making often didn’t align with analytics. After six months, I left, prioritizing an enabling work environment that aligned with my values. This bold step led me to Western Union, where I grew into leadership roles by continuously building expertise and showcasing my skills.

Leadership, to me, is about walking the talk, staying true to your values, and leveraging opportunities to share your vision. It’s also about creating an environment where others are inspired to work toward shared goals without needing constant direction.

Was AfricaNenda your first experience with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

While the term DPI is relatively new, its building blocks—identity, payments, and data exchange—have been part of my career for over 25 years. At Western Union, I worked on enabling instant payments, a key component of DPI.

At AfricaNenda, my work has deepened as we bring these building blocks together to create holistic solutions that benefit governments, businesses, and individuals.

What challenges have you faced as a female leader in the DPI space, and how have you overcome them?

The challenges fall into three areas:

1. Regulatory and policy environment: Ensuring inclusivity and interoperability across financial ecosystems requires advocacy with policymakers. My team and I work tirelessly to create enabling environments for financial inclusion.
2. Building awareness: As a relatively new organization, getting stakeholders to understand our philanthropic mission of universal financial access by 2030 was initially difficult. However, we’ve built partnerships with several African countries and regional payment systems.
3. Representation: As a woman, I’ve encountered glass ceilings and pay disparities. I’ve experienced less qualified male counterparts being promoted over me, which prompted me to leave and pursue bigger opportunities. I’ve also fought for fair compensation and stood firm in asserting my expertise.

These experiences underscore the importance of knowing your value and standing up for it, despite systemic challenges. They have also strengthened my resolve to mentor young women and advocate for a more inclusive industry.

Is this situation the same worldwide?

Yes, these issues—glass ceilings, pay gaps, and lack of representation—are global. However, their severity varies. Women must advocate for themselves, understand their professional worth, and demand equitable opportunities.

As a leader, I mentor women to overcome these barriers, encouraging them to take their rightful place at decision-making tables.

What improvements have you seen at AfricaNenda over the past three years?

We’ve made progress but still have work to do. Our goal is for every African country to have an inclusive instant payment system, a key driver of financial inclusion. The improvements so far show that this vision is achievable.

What strategies do you use to promote diversity and inclusion, especially for women?

From the start, AfricaNenda prioritized representation and gender balance. Our current team of 21 has more women than men, and we’ve achieved equal representation among regional directors.

We also produce an annual State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems report, which includes insights on barriers to gender-sensitive digital financial inclusion and actionable recommendations for regulators and development actors.

Additionally, I mentor young women, sharing my experiences to encourage more female leaders in the industry.

How do you stay updated on emerging technologies and trends?

I subscribe to newsletters focusing on digital technology, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and central bank digital currencies. I also participate in working groups and attend events like the Global DPI Summit to interact with experts and stay informed about industry developments.

Staying updated is challenging in such a fast-paced field, but consistent engagement helps AfricaNenda adopt cutting-edge solutions.

What has been your proudest career moment?

One of my proudest achievements is the State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems report, first published in 2022. The report defines inclusivity in payment systems and introduces the “Inclusivity Spectrum,” which categorizes systems as basic, progressive, or mature.

Having the opportunity to present the first inaugural SIIPS report to H.E. President Paul Kagame on the margins of the launch event in Kigali in October 2022 was a highlight. The report has since become an annual contribution to the ecosystem, providing valuable insights and driving innovation across Africa.

What advice would you give to aspiring women technologists?

1. Hone your expertise: Master your field and leverage opportunities to showcase your skills through panels, working groups, or publications.
2. Stay true to your values: Integrity and ethics are vital in professional ecosystems.
3. Build networks: Seek mentorship and expand your sphere of influence to access opportunities and make an impact.

What are AfricaNenda’s opportunities and challenges for 2025?

We aim to ensure that every African country recognizes AfricaNenda as a key resource for building inclusive payment systems. Expanding our partnerships and accelerating progress toward universal financial access is a top priority.

Another goal is advancing regulatory harmonization across borders. By working with the African Union and other stakeholders, we aim to enable seamless instant payments across the continent. This will foster a conducive environment for fintech innovation and tailored financial solutions.

What drives you, Sabine?

I am inspired by the values instilled by my parents: persistence, dedication, and the belief that the sky is not the limit, so dream big and strive for it.

I am driven by the potential to create meaningful change, whether through financial inclusion, building DPI, or mentoring future leaders. Seeing the impact of my work on people’s lives motivates me daily.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

By 2030, I aim to:

1. Influence DPI discourse and decision-making for inclusive digital transformation.
2. Inspire more women to join and lead in the digital payments ecosystem.
3. Conduct impactful research at the intersection of financial inclusion and innovation.

What do you do in your free time?

Family is my top priority, and I enjoy spending as much quality time as possible together with mine. I also like exploring historical monuments, listening to music, dancing, and reading for relaxation.