Job Summary
Afreximbank, in line with its mandate to promote intra-African trade and financial integration, is proud to launch a pioneering initiative PAPSSCARD aimed at building Africa’s first sovereign card payment scheme and shared infrastructure. This initiative will revolutionize how individuals and businesses across the continent transact by offering a domestic alternative to global card schemes, thereby supporting regional financial independence, cost-efficiency, and digital innovation.
We are seeking a visionary, mission-driven, and technically astute leader to serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PAPSSCARD. The successful candidate will be based in Kigali, Rwanda, and will lead the design, development, and execution of this continental initiative under the strategic oversight of Afreximbank and its partners.
Key Responsibilities
The CEO will serve as the chief architect and driving force behind Africa’s regional card payment infrastructure. Key duties include:
Strategic Leadership
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Formulate and execute the long-term strategy of PAPSSCARD in alignment with Afreximbank’s mandate.
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Lead the vision to establish a continent-wide card scheme for retail, government, business, and cross-border use.
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Serve as the primary spokesperson, advocating for African financial sovereignty in international fora.
Operational Execution
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Design and launch the operational framework for Africa’s sovereign card infrastructure.
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Oversee development of issuing, acquiring, switching, clearing, and settlement systems.
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Coordinate with central banks, commercial banks, fintechs, mobile operators, and regional regulators.
Stakeholder Engagement
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Drive partnerships with key stakeholders: governments, regulators, telcos, payment service providers, and commercial banks.
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Work with Afreximbank and affiliated entities to ensure financial, operational, and policy alignment.
Product & Technology Innovation
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Oversee the development of card products (physical, virtual, QR code, biometric, mobile-linked).
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Champion digital financial inclusion and interoperability across payment ecosystems.
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Ensure compliance with international security and regulatory standards (e.g., PCI-DSS, EMV).
Governance & Financial Management
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Set and manage the organization’s budget, operating model, and KPIs.
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Ensure strong internal controls, governance, compliance, and risk management systems are in place.
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Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors on strategic direction and execution.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for an exceptional leader who combines deep industry knowledge, African context, and a passion for transforming the continent’s financial infrastructure.
Education
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Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, Economics, or a related field.
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Professional certifications in payments, digital finance, or risk management will be an asset.
Experience
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Minimum of 15 years’ experience in the financial services, payments, or fintech industry, with proven experience in card payments and transaction processing.
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At least 5 years at a senior executive level, ideally having led or contributed to a domestic or international card scheme.
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Strong experience in managing high-stakes, multi-country technology infrastructure projects.
Technical & Leadership Skills
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Expertise in the end-to-end card ecosystem: issuing, acquiring, switching, fraud prevention, and security.
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Demonstrated leadership in African markets or emerging markets.
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Understanding of central bank payment systems, interbank settlements, and cross-border payment regulations.
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Exceptional stakeholder management, political sensitivity, and public communication skills.
Position Details
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Employer: Afreximbank / PAPSSCARD Initiative
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Reporting Line: Board of Directors, PAPSSCARD
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Contract Type: Executive Leadership Role (Full-time)
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Location: Kigali, Rwanda (with continental and international travel)
How to Apply
This role is managed by Russell Reynolds Associates on behalf of Afreximbank.
To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to:
📧 responses@russellreynolds.com
Email Subject Line:Chief Executive Officer – PAPSSCARD – Ref: P2504-105L
📌 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please ensure your application clearly states the role title and reference number.