What this life looks like
You are the most senior financial leader in an organisation. Chief Financial Officers own the company's financial strategy, capital allocation, investor relations, risk management, and overall financial health. It is one of the most powerful and well-compensated executive roles in any organisation — and Africa's growing corporate sector is creating more CFO opportunities than ever before.
What she actually does
You lead all financial functions — accounting, treasury, tax, financial planning and analysis, and investor relations. You advise the CEO and board on financial strategy, manage relationships with banks and investors, oversee the annual budget process, lead fundraising rounds or bond issuances, present results to shareholders, and represent the organisation to financial markets.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Listed Companies | Dangote Group, MTN Africa, Zenith Bank, Old Mutual — every listed company has a CFO |
| Fintech Unicorns | Flutterwave, Chipper Cash, Wave — fast-growing fintechs need experienced CFOs for growth rounds |
| Development Finance | African Development Bank, Afreximbank, TDB (Trade and Development Bank) |
| Multinationals | Every multinational operating in Africa — Unilever, Shell, Nestle, Google — has a regional CFO role |
Why it matters in Africa
As African companies grow, list on stock exchanges, and attract international investors, the need for world-class CFOs has never been greater. The continent's expanding private equity scene, growing capital markets, and increasing number of multinational expansions into Africa all require financial leaders of the highest calibre.
Your pathway in
- Qualify as a chartered accountant (ACCA, ACA, ICAN) and build 15+ years of progressive finance experience
- Work across multiple finance disciplines: accounting, treasury, FP&A, investor relations
- Consider an MBA from a top school to accelerate your path to the C-suite
- Build a track record of successful fundraising, financial transformation, or IPO experience
- Develop exceptional communication skills — CFOs spend as much time with investors and boards as with spreadsheets
Skills you will need
- Financial strategy
- Capital markets and fundraising
- Investor relations
- Risk management
- Executive leadership
- Board communication
A woman in this field
Abosede Alimi
Nigeria
Abosede is a fintech CFO, blockchain entrepreneur, and CEO of the African Digital Asset Framework. She has served as CFO of multiple financial services and technology companies in Nigeria and is one of Africa's leading voices on digital finance, cryptocurrency regulation, and women's leadership in financial services. She speaks globally on financial inclusion and Africa's digital economy.
Take your first step
- Research the career paths of three African CFOs — how did they get there? What qualifications did they pursue?
- Study what investor relations means — read the investor relations section of any listed African company's website
- Practise presenting financial information clearly and confidently — this is the CFO's most essential non-technical skill
- Talk to a finance professional in your community about what they wish they had known when starting out