Saqib Nazir is a seasoned fintech entrepreneur with a distinguished record of founding and scaling inclusive digital platforms across Africa. His work spans digital payments, pension systems for the informal sector, national-scale telecom infrastructure, and strategic investments in early-stage African technology ventures.
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Saqib has lived in Ghana since 1979. He is an alumnus of Ghana International School and the University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned a degree in Computer Science and Physics in 1996. He went on to an MSc in Information Systems Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1998.
After his graduate studies, Saqib returned to Ghana and began his career in technology distribution and systems integration. In 2009, he shifted his focus toward building proprietary technology solutions, leading to the launch of foundational infrastructure platforms:
- PXS Ghana – Mobile Number Portability Clearing House (2011–Present): Since its launch in 2011, the platform has facilitated secure, seamless number portability across telecom networks, serving as critical infrastructure for consumer choice and telecom competition in Ghana.
- Interpay (2013–2021): Saqib founded Interpay to streamline digital payments in emerging markets. The platform played a pivotal role in digitizing services such as Ghana’s National Health Insurance premium collections and was acquired by Emergent Payments in 2019.
- People’s Pension Trust (2016–2024): Saqib leads this inclusive pension platform designed for Ghana’s informal workforce. It enables flexible contributions and integrates complementary services like savings, insurance, and upskilling. The Trust was recognized with the Women’s World Banking Global Innovation Award in 2021.
- Mojo Payments Ltd. (2023–Present): Licensed by the Bank of Ghana as an Enhanced Payment Service Provider, Mojo Payments extends Saqib’s fintech footprint into digital value-added services across the region.
- Angel Investor & Advisor: Saqib actively supports start-ups across Africa, particularly in fintech, digital identity, MSME development, land documentation, and unsecured lending—offering both capital and advisory expertise.
Saqib is a frequent speaker at industry events such as the MT4D Summit, where he advocates for the role of digital public infrastructure in enabling inclusive economic growth. His contributions have been recognized with several industry honours:
- Outstanding Contribution to Ghana’s Fintech & Telecom Sector – GITTA Awards, 2018
- Ghana Fintech CEO of the Year – Ghana CEO Excellence Awards, 2019
- Global Innovation Award – Women’s World Banking, 2021
Guided by the belief that technology must be locally relevant and impactful, Saqib’s work is rooted in solving real-world problems using technology and capital as forces for good. He sees innovation not just as a tool for inclusion and resilience, but as a means of making the world a better place—by extending access, uplifting underserved communities, and creating opportunities within Africa’s vast informal economy.
Saqib is married to Felicia Afia Ansaa Nazir, a fellow University of Ghana graduate from the School of Administration (Class of 1997). They are proud parents of three children.
