Inlaks Appoints Charles Ifedi As New CEO
African systems integrator and ICT solutions provider, Inlaks, has announced the appointment of Charles Ifedi as its new Chief Executive Officer for its operations in Africa.
The move signals a significant step in Inlaks’ growth strategy, bringing onboard a highly respected figure with over 25 years of global experience in driving fintech innovation and delivering transformative digital solutions. Ifedi succeeds Henry Okolo, who served as interim CEO and will now return to his role as a board director at Inlaks. This leadership transition comes at a fundamental time for Inlaks as it seeks to deepen its market penetration and reinforce its position as a key player in the rapidly evolving African technology landscape.
His name is synonymous with the rise of fintech in Africa as he co-founded Interswitch Group which is now a cornerstone of the continent’s electronic transaction processing infrastructure. Furthermore, as the pioneer CEO of Verve International, Ifedi spearheaded its growth into Africa’s leading card payments brand, impacting millions of consumers and businesses. His entrepreneurial spirit further extends to the realm of artificial intelligence, as the founder of eBanqo, a company revolutionising customer engagement through conversational AI.
Mohammed Hayatudeen, Chairman of Inlaks, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment.
“We are pleased to welcome Charles Ifedi as our new Chief Executive Officer. His proven track record of building and scaling technology-driven businesses and his industry expertise align perfectly with our vision for growth and innovation,” Hayatudeen said.
Beyond his notable entrepreneurial achievements, Ifedi’s extensive career includes strategic roles at global powerhouses such as American Express, PwC, and Accenture, providing him with a broad perspective spanning African, European, and United States markets. His deep understanding of fintech, digital transformation, and business strategy positions him as an ideal leader to steer Inlaks towards its next phase of expansion and innovation.
In his statement regarding the appointment, Charles Ifedi conveyed his excitement, saying that the company is well-positioned to make significant strides in the finance and technology industry. He further said that he is looking forward to working with the team to enhance customer experiences and create lasting value for stakeholders.
With a strong academic foundation comprising a First-Class Honours degree in Computer Science, an MBA from Cranfield University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Georgia State University, Ifedi brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to his new role. Under his leadership, Inlaks is poised to accelerate its growth strategy, further penetrate key markets, and solidify its standing as an industry leader in sub-Saharan Africa’s dynamic ICT sector. The appointment of Charles Ifedi marks an exciting new chapter for Inlaks and the African technology ecosystem as a whole.
