As Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem continues to grow, leaders with deep operational experience and a track record of execution are becoming more vital than ever.
One such figure is Adekunle Adebiyi, whose career spans over two decades across the telecom and fintech sectors is known for his expertise in commercial strategy and building high-impact distribution systems at scale—driving growth, access, and operational excellence across complex markets.
From his time as Chief Sales and Distribution Officer at MTN Nigeria, Adebiyi has been at the forefront of building the infrastructure and strategy that now powers much of Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem. His leadership helped restructure MTN’s nationwide distribution framework, expand electronic recharges beyond 50%, and onboard over one million Nigerians onto the national identity database within just six months—a milestone that earned MTN the NIMC Mobile Operator Award.
However, Adebiyi’s leadership journey has not been without its challenges. During his tenure at MTN, he faced allegations that led to internal and external investigations, including claims of misconduct. These allegations were thoroughly reviewed, and Adebiyi was ultimately cleared of all charges.
Despite the professional and personal toll such challenges often bring, Adebiyi maintained his focus on ethical leadership, resilience, and operational excellence. The experience, though difficult, only solidified his reputation as a leader who upholds transparency and remains focused on delivering value under pressure.
“Challenges are part of leadership,” Adebiyi has said. “But integrity and execution will always define the outcome.”
Following his departure from MTN, Adebiyi has remained at the forefront of innovation and industry transformation. His fintech leadership has focused on delivering financial services to Nigeria’s underbanked and underserved, especially in rural areas where mobile penetration far exceeds banking coverage. His work in agent banking, digital identity integration, and strategic partnerships has helped thousands gain access to essential financial tools.
Recent market data affirms the impact of his work. Between 2014 and 2024, cash transactions in Nigeria declined by 59%—the sharpest drop globally. This dramatic shift reflects the growing adoption of digital payments and mobile financial services, a transformation Adebiyi has helped shape through his unique experience across both the telecom and fintech sectors
Today, he continues to consult for global telecom and fintech brands, advising on how to leverage mobile infrastructure for scalable impact. He advocates for deeper integration between telecom operators, fintech innovators, and regulatory frameworks to ensure digital solutions are not only built but also used, trusted, and accessible to all Nigerians.
For Adebiyi, the formula remains simple but powerful: execution over hype, infrastructure over noise, and impact over image.
“The future of financial inclusi8on won’t be driven by buzzwords. It will be built by people who understand how to scale—efficiently, ethically, and sustainably,” he notes.
