Solape Akinpelu: A Transformative Leader in Fintech and Gender Inclusion.

'Solape Akinpelu , the CEO and co-founder of HerVest is a force in the fintech industry, dedicated to reshaping the financial landscape for African women. HerVest, launched in 2019, is a fintech platform that provides inclusive financial services tailored specifically to the needs of African women. These services include goal-oriented savings, impact investing, and credit options for smallholder women farmers and women-led SMEs. Under Akinpelu's leadership, HerVest has grown to over 40,000 members, demonstrating the significant demand for such services and the effectiveness of her approach.

Career and Background

Akinpelu's journey to the forefront of fintech is marked by a diverse and accomplished background. She holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and has completed various executive programs, including at INSEAD and Lagos Business School. Her career began in financial marketing, where she served as Head of Marketing at Meristem Nigeria, a leading investment firm. This role provided her with deep insights into the financial sector's shortcomings, particularly regarding women's financial needs.

Leadership and Influence

Beyond HerVest, Akinpelu holds several influential positions that amplify her impact on the tech industry and gender equality:

Global Co-Chair of Marketing and Country Manager for Nigeria at the Women in Tech Global Movement, where she champions gender diversity in technology on an international stage.

Chair of Technology at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, promoting technology trade and investment between Nigeria and Britain.

Member of the Presidential High-Level Advisory Committee to the President of Nigeria on Women and Girls' Economic Empowerment, and the Gender Committee Desk at the Central Bank of Nigeria, contributing to national policies that advance women's financial inclusion.

Publications and Thought Leadership

Akinpelu is also an accomplished author. Her best-selling book, "Stripped: An African Woman's Guide to Building Generational Wealth," provides accessible financial guidance to a broader audience of African women, extending her mission beyond HerVest. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor, she frequently leads gender finance conversations both online and offline, and her insights are sought after by various media outlets, positioning her as a thought leader at the intersection of finance, technology, and gender equality.

Recognition and Awards

Akinpelu's contributions to the tech industry have been widely recognized. She has been featured in 谷歌 's #WeArePlay Campaign, highlighting her role in empowering women through financial inclusion. Her recognition as one of the top 100 women in fintech highlights the impact of her work and her position at the vanguard of financial innovation in Africa.

Impact and Vision

Through HerVest and her numerous other initiatives, Solape Akinpelu is not just participating in the fintech revolution; she is actively steering it towards a more inclusive future. Her work stands as a powerful example of how technology can be harnessed to address longstanding societal inequalities, potentially changing the economic landscape for millions of African women. As the fintech sector continues to evolve, Akinpelu's blend of technological innovation, financial acumen, and unwavering commitment to women's empowerment positions her as a key figure to watch. Her journey from financial marketing to fintech leadership illustrates the transformative power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, setting a new standard for impactful leadership in the African tech ecosystem