The pan-African group AXIAN announces the appointment of Erwan Gelebart as the CEO of its Open Innovation & Fintech division. In his new role, his mission will be to transform and develop AXIAN's fintechs to ensure a pioneering and innovative leadership position for the Group in the sector. With the support of his teams, Erwan will also lead the overall innovation strategy across the Group and all its entities, especially digital innovation.
Erwan Gelebart brings over 15 years of experience, during which he has successfully led multiple fintechs and financial institutions in Africa and Asia. He has notably developed mobile wallet portfolios for groups like Orange in Mali and Madagascar, as well as VEON in Pakistan, reaching up to 17 million active users. Previously, he also served as the Fintech Director for Telenor Asia, with the mission of aiding their subsidiaries' growth in the region. More recently, he has been involved in the development of a fintech specializing in digital loans in Africa and Asia.
"It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Erwan Gelebart as the CEO of AXIAN's Open Innovation & Fintech division. I have full confidence in his ability to assemble exceptionally talented teams, embrace innovative solutions, and make execution a top priority. With Erwan at the helm, AXIAN is poised to chart new pathways in our mission to transform society and accelerate digital, financial, and energy inclusion across the African continent. I extend my heartfelt wishes for tremendous success to Erwan in his new role within our teams." Hassanein HIRIDJEE, AXIAN Group CEO.
"I am very proud to become a part of the AXIAN group and, in my new role as CEO of AXIAN Open Innovation & Fintech, to have the opportunity to spearhead the launch of novel digital services that will enhance millions of Africans’ lives. The future holds great promise for innovation within African markets, and I am thrilled to be a part of what I see as a unique moment in time, where talent and ideas are flourishing in this part of the world." Erwan GELEBART, CEO, AXIAN Open Innovation & Fintech.
ABOUT AXIAN
AXIAN Group is a pan-African group that operates in 10 countries and specialises in 5 industries with high growth potential: namely telecoms, financial services, real estate, energy, and open innovation.
AXIAN is an engaged partner in the socio-economic growth of the countries where it operates. With over 6,900 daring and passionate staff, the group systematically ensures that its products and services have a positive and sustainable impact on the day-to-day lives of millions of Africans.
The AXIAN Group is a signatory of the United Nations’ Global Compact initiative and committed to the integration of its 10 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into group strategy, policies and operations.
Find out more about AXIAN : www.axian-group.com

Africa’s AI adoption is accelerating, but its ability to scale depends primarily on foundational i...
Development Partners International sold its 20.17% stake in Atlantic Business International for mo...
African billionaires increased their combined net worth by $21.9 billion in 2025. Nigerian b...
Africa’s energy & mining exports benefit from US tariff exemptions, cushioning trade as most other...
Flutterwave acquired Nigerian open banking startup Mono in an all-share deal valued between $...
EIB Global invested $80 million in RMBV North Africa III, becoming the fund’s anchor investor The fund targets more than $300 million in...
Plans include new pipelines, depot upgrades, and expanded logistics capacity Operators seek rail subsidies, regular supply, and price structure...
SMART Zambia Institute trained 80 trainers in digital skills The program focuses on cybersecurity, digital systems, and fintech The initiative...
Standard Chartered to sell all Botswana operations, exit market entirely Sale plan expanded after buyers sought full business, not partial...
Located at the mouth of the Senegal River, about twenty kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, Saint-Louis Island holds a distinctive place in the country’s...
Benin considers hosting a pan-African cultural event inspired by FESMAN but plans to use a different name. Culture Minister Jean-Michel Abimbola...