In a landmark moment for African entrepreneurship, Benjamin Fernandes, Founder and CEO of NALA, has been recognised as the Africa CEO Disruptor of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Africa CEO Forum.

This award, contested by over 3,000 CEOs from across the continent, highlights leaders who are not only pushing the boundaries of innovation but also delivering tangible, socially impactful solutions that shape the future of Africa.

Fernandes’ recognition is a testament to his transformative leadership in building a payments infrastructure tailored for African realities.

At the top of both NALA and its subsidiary, Rafiki, he has driven forward a bold, tech-driven vision to simplify financial access for Africans and the global diaspora.

From reducing remittance costs to enabling seamless cross-border payments, his work reimagines financial inclusion at a time when many are still underserved by traditional banking systems.

What sets Fernandes apart is not only the scale of his ambition but also the depth of NALA’s impact. The award selection process, known for its rigour, evaluates companies on criteria such as innovation, social and environmental value, resilience, performance, and geographic reach.

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NALA’s inclusion and ultimate win reflect its unparalleled rise in the African fintech space. Fernandes attributed this milestone to “the incredible teams at NALA and Rafiki”, emphasising the collaborative effort behind the company’s achievements.

Driving Financial Inclusion and African-Led Innovation

The recognition of Fernandes aligns with a broader trend in African tech: solutions built in Africa, by Africans, for Africans.

Under his leadership, NALA has not only expanded its footprint across multiple African countries but also served the needs of diaspora communities seeking more affordable, reliable ways to send money home.

This mission-driven focus on accessibility, affordability, and usability has made NALA a standout player in a crowded fintech field.

To be eligible for the Disruptor of the Year award, contenders must have raised funding within the last 12 months and operated for less than a decade.

This positions NALA among a class of young, dynamic companies shaping Africa’s digital economy. Fernandes now joins the ranks of past winners from pioneering companies like mPharma and KASHA leaders who have similarly disrupted entrenched systems in healthcare, retail, and logistics.

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What’s Next for NALA?

Fernandes’ message to the continent was clear:

“We’re just getting started.”

With ambitious growth plans and an unwavering commitment to solving real problems, the NALA team continues to drive forward Africa’s financial evolution.

By putting the needs of everyday Africans first and backing this with secure, innovative technology, NALA is helping to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and tech-forward future for Africa.

As fintech continues to play a crucial role in Africa’s economic transformation, the spotlight on leaders like Benjamin Fernandes offers hope and inspiration.

His journey is a compelling reminder that disruption is not just about technology; it’s about impact, resilience, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.