Based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Kane will head Visa’s newly created sub-regional structure, overseeing operations across 23 markets with key offices in Abidjan, Accra, Kinshasa, and Lagos. Her appointment reflects Visa’s growing commitment to expanding its footprint and deepening financial inclusion in the region.
A respected voice in digital financial services and telecommunications, Kane brings more than a decade of leadership experience from the Orange Group, where she most recently served as Regional CEO of Orange Money Group. In that role, she led digital banking and mobile money services across 17 African countries, helping to scale financial solutions for underserved populations.
Throughout her career, Kane has demonstrated a passion for inclusive innovation, particularly in empowering youth and women through technology. She spearheaded the creation of the Orange Digital Centre and the Orange Foundation in Sierra Leone, initiatives that focus on digital skills training and leadership development.
A Strategic Appointment to Advance Financial Inclusion
Visa’s Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Andrew Torre, praised Kane’s appointment, describing her as a visionary with the right mix of experience and insight to guide Visa’s strategy in the region.
“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,” Torre said. “We are excited to have her lead this dynamic region and believe that her strategic vision will help enhance our efforts to create more accessible and innovative digital payment ecosystems.”
A Career Shaped by Finance, Strategy, and Innovation
Kane began her professional journey at Goldman Sachs, before joining McKinsey & Company as a consultant in Paris, where she advised on financial strategy and market growth. She holds degrees from HEC Paris and the MIT Sloan School of Management, and is widely recognized for her impact in both the public and private sectors.
She has been honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and listed among the Top 100 Women CEOs in Africa.
In her remarks following the announcement, Kane expressed excitement about the opportunity to lead at a crucial juncture in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
“I am deeply honoured to join Visa at such a pivotal moment for Africa’s digital transformation,” she said. “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.”
A Boost to Visa’s Regional Ambitions
Kane’s appointment marks a significant step in Visa’s broader African strategy, as the company seeks to leverage technology, partnerships, and financial innovation to reach millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals across the continent.
Her leadership is expected to accelerate the rollout of digital payment solutions tailored to local markets, while also reinforcing Visa’s commitment to long-term, inclusive economic development in Western and Central Africa.