About

Jean-Charles Fourrier

Jean-Charles Fourrier is a seasoned telecom and fintech executive with over 20 years of international leadership experience.

He is the founder and president of Rubycom, a fast-growing fintech operating in 20 countries across Africa and the Middle East. Since 2019, he has led Rubycom’s expansion, making it a key player in financial inclusion and digital innovation across emerging markets.

Prior to founding Rubycom, Jean-Charles held senior executive roles in major telecom operators. He served as Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Côte d’Ivoire (2016–2019), Vice President at Etisalat in the United Arab Emirates, and Director at Orange UK (2005–2011). His work has consistently focused on leveraging technology to deliver impactful, scalable solutions in underserved markets.

Jean-Charles graduated from Télécom Paris (2000) and INSEAD (MBA, 2006). He is known for his strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to building inclusive digital ecosystems.

Xavier Akossi

Xavier Acossi is a French-educated engineering graduate with over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications and digital services industry. He has spent the majority of his career at MTN Group, holding key roles across group operations and in Ivory Coast, where he most recently served as Senior Manager of Digital Services.

Throughout his time at MTN, Xavier played a pivotal role in the company’s digital transformation, leading the design and launch of innovative digital solutions tailored to the evolving needs of African consumers. His work focused on expanding value-added services, mobile financial platforms, and digital engagement tools, combining technological innovation with deep market insight.

Xavier is recognized for his ability to scale impactful digital products and drive strategic growth across diverse markets. He has successfully introduced new digital ecosystems in areas such as mobile entertainment, fintech, and customer experience, contributing to MTN’s broader vision of digital inclusion and revenue diversification.

Today, Xavier continues to drive innovation in telecommunications and fintechs across the African continent, focusing on expanding client portfolios and delivering forward-thinking digital solutions that empower users and foster sustainable growth.

Vivek Sharma

Vivek Sharma is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience driving growth and innovation across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered strategic and operational value in value-added services, fintech, and next-generation telecom solutions. Vivek has held leadership roles across diverse markets, where he has successfully launched scalable digital platforms, built cross-border partnerships, and led multicultural teams through complex transformations.

His deep understanding of both emerging and mature markets—combined with strong commercial instincts and a hands-on leadership style—has made him a trusted figure in the digital and financial services space across three continents. Vivek’s work is driven by a passion for inclusive innovation, customer-centric design, and creating sustainable impact in high-growth environments.

Adebisi Idowu

Adebisi is a highly accomplished and forward-thinking executive with over two decades of experience in the telecommunications and digital finance sectors. He has held senior leadership positions in some of the most prominent telecom groups across Africa and the Middle East, including Etisalat, where he played a key role in driving market growth, digital transformation, and customer-centric innovation.

Throughout his career, Adebisi has demonstrated a rare ability to blend strategic vision with hands-on operational expertise. His deep understanding of both mature and emerging markets has enabled him to lead large-scale commercial initiatives, build high-performing teams, and deliver sustained business impact in highly competitive environments.

In addition to his telecom achievements, Adebisi is recognized as a pioneer in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem. He has been instrumental in shaping the convergence between telecom services and digital financial solutions—empowering underserved populations, accelerating mobile money adoption, and opening new pathways for inclusive growth. His work at the crossroads of connectivity and financial technology continues to influence how digital services are designed, delivered, and scaled across the continent.

Known for his leadership, resilience, and commitment to innovation, Adebisi is deeply passionate about unlocking Africa’s potential through technology and entrepreneurship. He continues to serve as a trusted advisor, board member, and mentor within the broader tech and telecom ecosystem.