Abiola Jimoh is a distinguished fintech leader, legal strategist, and policy expert with a formidable track record of driving financial innovation and inclusion across Africa. As Co-founder and Co-CEO of XchangeBox, he leads one of Africa’s most innovative payment service providers, revolutionizing financing for the agro-market value chain and SMEs. He is also Co-founder and Director of PAYREP Microfinance Bank, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing financial access for underserved communities.

A trained lawyer from Obafemi Awolowo University and the Nigerian Law School, Abiola has honed his expertise at the intersection of law, finance, and policy. He holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, equipping him with the strategic foresight to shape regulatory frameworks and drive impactful financial policies.

He is a certified Microfinancing Expert (Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria) and a Digital Financial Expert (Digital Frontiers Institute & Tufts University), reinforcing his leadership in financial technology and inclusion.

Strategic Expertise & Industry Influence

Abiola’s expertise spans multiple dimensions of fintech, policy, and business growth:

• Financial Systems Leadership – Architecting and scaling innovative payment and lending solutions that power businesses and economies.
• Regulatory & Policy Navigation – Influencing financial sector reforms, ensuring compliance, and mitigating regulatory risks.
• Strategic Growth & Market Expansion – Engineering high-impact business strategies that drive revenue, scale, and long-term sustainability.

Board Memberships & Advisory Roles

A sought-after advisor and board member, Abiola provides strategic oversight to high-growth companies, ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance:

• Unlimint – Payment Gateway (Board Member)
• Falgates Foods (FalRice) – Board Member
• PennPromise Ventures – Strategic Advisor
• Extension Africa (AgriTech) – Strategic Advisor
• App Global Technologies (EMR & Payments) – Advisor

Thought Leadership & Policy Impact

As a recognized authority on fintech regulation, digital finance, and financial inclusion, Abiola’s research and policy contributions shape the financial landscape in Africa. His published works are frequently referenced in industry and academic circles:

• Legal Provisions and Missing Links in Child Online Protection in Nigeria (Read more)
• Regulatory Challenges for Africa’s E-commerce Startups (Read more)
• Consolidation of the Mobile Payment Industry in Nigeria (Read more)
• Balancing Freedom of Expression and Security Concerns Online (Read more)

Recognitions & Industry Distinctions

A highly decorated fintech leader, Abiola has received multiple prestigious awards for his contributions to digital finance and financial inclusion:

• Recognized as One of the 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy
• Alliance for Financial Inclusion – Startup Awardee Finalist, 2024
• World Food Forum – Startup Innovation Award Semifinalist, 2024
• GITEX Africa Morocco Startup Competition Semifinalist, 2024
• 2024 Cascador Fellow
• 2024 AXA Mansard Innovation Exchange Fellow

Leadership in Fintech & Policy Engagement

As a key figure in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem, Abiola is actively shaping the future of financial services through strategic governance and industry engagement:

• Governing Council Member, Fintech Association of Nigeria (2024 – Present)
• Member, National Financial Inclusion Working Group – Special Interventions (IDPs & Disabilities)
• Member, Technology Adoption Working Group, Enterprise Support Organization (2024 – 2026)
• Nigeria Fintech Week Organizing Committee (2021 – Present)

Mentorship & Capacity Building

A committed advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation, Abiola has mentored startups and emerging business leaders across various accelerator programs, including:

• HiiL Justice Accelerator
• Innovation2Market (FCDO & University of Lagos, Nigeria)
• Rome Business School Nigeria
• 15 Wins Academy/Accelerator
• Magna Curia Chambers, Osun State University

Social Impact & Philanthropy

Dedicated to bridging the financial inclusion gap, Abiola serves as Country Director of Skill Drive Inc, leading interventions for internally displaced persons in Nigeria through skills development and financial literacy programs.

When not shaping the fintech landscape, he engages in precision sports—archery and axe throwing—a reflection of his relentless focus and competitive drive.