In a bold and transformative step toward deepening financial inclusion in Africa, Visa has appointed Aminata Kane Ndiaye as Senior Vice President and Head of Western and Central Africa, effective September 4, 2025. This landmark appointment positions her to lead Visa’s newly established sub-regional team overseeing 23 markets from four strategic offices, Abidjan, Accra, Kinshasa, and Lagos.
With this role, Aminata enters a new chapter in her career, yet remains firmly rooted in her lifelong mission: leveraging technology to empower people, especially women and youth, across the continent. It is a mission she embodies not just with strategy, but with heart.
A Trailblazer with Purpose
From the moment she entered the corporate world, Aminata Kane has walked a path defined by courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive growth. Her academic journey took her from HEC Paris to the MIT Sloan School of Management, and her leadership acumen has earned her recognition as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and one of the Top 100 Women CEOs in Africa.
But degrees and titles tell only part of her story. At the heart of her journey is a woman deeply invested in Africa’s digital future.
Before joining Visa, Aminata made waves as CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, where she turned the telecom company into a symbol of transformation. Under her leadership, Orange Sierra Leone not only rose to market leadership but also launched life-changing services like mobile money microcredit, Orange Energy, and e-Education. These innovations reflected her unique understanding of Africa’s needs and her ability to turn challenges into solutions.
Later, as CEO of Orange Money Group, she managed fintech operations across 17 countries, championing inclusive financial services through Orange Money and Orange Bank Africa. In these roles, Aminata Kane wasn’t just leading—she was building systems of access, equity, and opportunity.
Championing Women and Youth Through Innovation
Throughout her journey, Aminata has remained a powerful advocate for youth and women’s empowerment. During her time in Sierra Leone, she established the Orange Foundation and the Orange Digital Centre, two groundbreaking initiatives focused on building digital skills, fostering leadership, and creating a new generation of African changemakers.
These initiatives stand as a testament to her belief that empowerment is the engine of transformation and that access to education, mentorship, and technology can truly shift the destiny of entire communities.
A Vision Aligned with Purpose
Now at Visa, Aminata’s vision for the continent is clear and urgent. Speaking about her new appointment, she shared:
“I am deeply honoured to join Visa at such a pivotal moment for Africa’s digital transformation. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a more inclusive, innovative ecosystem that reflects the talent, ambition, and potential of the region. I look forward to collaborating closely with our teams, partners, and public sector stakeholders to expand access, empower businesses, and deliver trusted, impactful payment solutions that drive sustainable growth and opportunity for all.”
Her words reflect not just optimism, but action. They echo the voice of a woman who has walked alongside communities, listened to their needs, and crafted solutions with care and intentionality.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Aminata’s career trajectory from Goldman Sachs, to McKinsey & Company, to executive leadership at Orange and now at Visa—is not just a professional success story. It is a beacon of inspiration for young African women aspiring to break barriers and lead with both brilliance and empathy.
She brings more than corporate experience to the table; she brings emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, and visionary thinking. Whether serving as a Senior Advisor to the Amadou Mahtar Mbow Association, sitting on various boards, or investing in African tech startups, she leads with a sense of duty to elevate others.
What Her Appointment Means for Africa
In a region where millions still lack access to formal financial services, Visa’s expansion, under Aminata’s leadership, signals a commitment to inclusion and innovation. According to Andrew Torre, Visa’s Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa:
“Aminata’s leadership and deep expertise in digital financial services will be instrumental in driving Visa’s mission to expand financial inclusion across Western and Central Africa. Her strategic vision will help enhance our efforts to create more accessible and innovative digital payment ecosystems.”
Her appointment aligns perfectly with the continent’s shift toward digital economies, where mobile money, fintech, and cross-border solutions are rapidly reshaping how people work, trade, and thrive.
A Salute from Amazons Watch Magazine
At Amazons Watch Magazine, we take pride in celebrating the achievements of women whose work uplifts not only economies, but people, especially those on the margins. Aminata Kane is one such woman. Her leadership exemplifies what it means to rise with purpose and to lead with both strength and sensitivity.
To every young woman reading this: let Aminata’s story remind you that your dreams are valid, your voice is powerful, and your leadership is needed. Whether you are building a startup, learning to code, or leading a team, know that the future belongs to those bold enough to shape it.
Aminata Kane didn’t wait for permission; she paved her way. And now, as she helps shape the digital economy of an entire region, she does so not just as a woman in leadership, but as a woman of impact.
Amazons Watch Magazine congratulates Aminata Kane on this historic achievement. We stand with her and with every woman across the continent who dares to lead, dares to innovate, and dares to dream big. Together, we rise.
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