Mitchell Elegbe

Mitchell Elegbe: Nigerian Entrepreneur and FinTech Pioneer Mitchell Elegbe is a Nigerian entrepreneur and business executive widely recognized as the founder and Group Managing Director of Interswitch, one of Africa's leading technology-driven companies focused on digital payments. His efforts in championing electronic payments have made him a key figure in the continent's financial technology landscape, often referred to as "Africa's Mr. Cashless." Early Life and Education Elegbe displayed entrepreneurial qualities from an early age while pursuing his education. He graduated from Delta Steel Technical High School and went on to attend the University of Benin, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. In addition to his technical background, Elegbe is an alumnus of advanced executive programs, including the IESE/Wharton/CEIBS Global CEO program, highlighting his continuous commitment to leadership development. Career Progression Elegbe's professional career began with technical roles at multinational companies. He worked with Schlumberger Wireline and Testing and later with Telnet, an ICT engineering and consulting company. These experiences honed his skills in technology and business operations. In 2002, Mitchell Elegbe founded Interswitch, driven by a vision to revolutionize the payment system in Nigeria and across Africa. Interswitch was established to process, switch, and connect electronic payments between financial institutions and other organizations. Under his leadership, Interswitch grew exponentially, becoming a vital infrastructure provider for the region's burgeoning digital economy and eventually achieving a valuation of over $1 billion. Major Achievements and Awards As a pioneer in African FinTech, Elegbe has amassed significant recognition for his contributions to payment innovation and entrepreneurship. He is a Bishop Desmond Tutu Fellow of the African Leadership Institute. Notable awards include: * All African Business Leader for West Africa (CNBC & Forbes) * EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2023 West AfricaCurrent Status Mitchell Elegbe continues to serve as the Founder, Group Managing Director, and a member of the board of directors at Interswitch. He is actively involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs as a member of the board of Endeavor Nigeria, focusing his interests on pushing the frontiers of electronic payments across Africa.