Ghana fintech adds capital markets experience and Francophone Africa expertise as it targets continental expansion
Ghanaian payment service provider Hubtel has strengthened its Management Advisory Council with the appointment of two industry veterans: finance expert Simon Poole and digital transformation strategist Marjorie Saint-Lot, signaling the company’s serious intentions for pan-African expansion.
The strategic appointments bring complementary expertise in capital markets, governance, and regional expansion as Hubtel positions itself to become what it describes as “Africa’s most useful company.”
Simon Poole: Capital Markets and Governance Expertise
Poole brings over 30 years of capital markets experience from leading financial institutions including Bank of America, Guinness Nigeria, and Celtel International. His track record includes playing an instrumental role in Celtel’s $3 billion acquisition by Zain, one of Africa’s largest telecommunications deals.
As former Operating Partner at Helios Investment Partners, Poole contributed to the IPOs of Helios Towers, Vivo Energy, and CAB Payments in London, demonstrating deep understanding of African companies’ path to international capital markets.
His board experience includes positions at major fintech companies Interswitch in Nigeria and Fawry in Egypt, providing relevant sector knowledge for Hubtel’s growth strategy. The company indicates his governance and capital markets expertise will guide sustainable growth and potential future public listings.
Marjorie Saint-Lot: Regional Expansion and Digital Strategy
Saint-Lot currently leads Francophone Africa operations for Taptap Send, overseeing $300 million in monthly transactions and managing four market launches. Her appointment addresses Hubtel’s need for French-speaking African market expertise as it expands beyond Anglophone regions.
Her operational experience includes scaling Uber’s Côte d’Ivoire operations 60 times within a year and driving profitability in Ghana. Previous senior roles at Orange Côte d’Ivoire, where she managed €300 million in acquisitions, and Digicel Haiti provide telecommunications and financial services industry knowledge.
Saint-Lot serves on Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire’s board and founded Yarey Consultancy Group, demonstrating both governance experience and entrepreneurial capabilities. At Hubtel, she will focus on digital strategy, cross-border expansion, and stakeholder engagement.
Strategic Timing for Continental Ambitions
The appointments come as African fintech companies face increasing competition and regulatory complexity while seeking to expand across diverse markets. Hubtel’s decision to add experienced advisors with specific regional and capital markets expertise suggests preparation for significant expansion or fundraising activities.
Both appointees bring experience with companies that have successfully scaled across African markets, providing practical insights into regulatory navigation, partnership development, and operational challenges that typically accompany regional expansion.
Capital Markets Preparation
Poole’s involvement particularly signals potential preparation for future funding rounds or public market consideration. His experience with African companies’ London listings could prove valuable if Hubtel pursues international capital markets access.
However, the advisory nature of these appointments means their impact will depend on how effectively Hubtel integrates their expertise into strategic decision-making and execution capabilities.
Francophone Market Entry Strategy
Saint-Lot’s current role managing $300 million monthly at Taptap Send provides direct insight into Francophone African payment flows and regulatory requirements. This experience could accelerate Hubtel’s expansion timeline and reduce execution risks in these markets.
Her telecommunications industry background from Orange and Digicel also brings valuable perspective on mobile money and digital payment infrastructure across different African markets.
Competitive Positioning Challenges
While the appointments strengthen Hubtel’s advisory capabilities, the company still faces significant competitive challenges from established players like Flutterwave, Paystack, and regional specialists in target markets.
Success will ultimately depend on execution capabilities rather than advisory expertise alone, particularly in markets with entrenched competitors and complex regulatory environments.
The advisory appointments represent strategic preparation for expansion, but Hubtel must still demonstrate ability to translate this expertise into market penetration and sustainable growth across diverse African markets.
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