Job Purpose Statement

LOOP DFS is anchored on platform strategy that aims to scale throughout Africa and be a mobile-based payment and financial services platform connecting consumers and merchants, with ambitions to be in six (6) new countries by 2026.

The platform offers a variety of services, such as credit, marketplace, mobile money transfers, bill payments, P2P lending, and digital wallets for merchants to receive payments.

The platform leverages the growing use of mobile phones and the increasing demand for financial services in Africa to attract and retain customers. To further scale the platform, LOOP DFS will partner with established financial institutions, mobile network operators, and other relevant companies to offer a comprehensive suite of financial services.

Additionally, the platform will use data analytics to better understand customer needs and tailor its offerings to meet those needs. By building a strong network of consumers and merchants, the platform will also provide valuable insights into spending patterns and purchasing behavior, allowing merchants to make informed decisions about their businesses.

The Head of Market Development is responsible for driving LOOP’s strategic growth across Africa through the identification, planning, and execution of new market and product expansion initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the role leads a dedicated Market Launch Team and collaborates cross-functionally to bring LOOP’s fintech offerings to new geographies.

The Head of Market Development will be accountable for conducting market assessments, aligning on regulatory readiness, shaping localization strategies, and developing strong public and private sector partnerships that enable rapid and sustainable growth. The successful candidate will combine strategic acumen with operational execution, and act as the orchestrator of market readiness across product, legal, compliance, distribution, and customer support. The role holder will develop business cases and implement expansion initiatives that align with the company’s long-term vision, ensuring sustainable growth and competitive positioning.

This senior position plays a crucial role in ensuring that growth objectives match the company’s strategic direction, leading initiatives from ideation through execution to maximize market penetration, customer acquisition, and partner engagement across all key markets. It is central to LOOP’s ambition of becoming a leading pan-African fintech platform, enabling financial inclusion and innovation at scale through direct and partner-led market pathways.

Job Specifications

Desired personal attribute:

Relentless in your pursuit of growth and want to disrupt the FinTech industry

Academic:

A bachelor’s degree in computer science or business-related fields.

MBA or a master’s degree in a business field is desirable.

Work Experience:

10+ years in fintech, digital financial services, or digital platforms with at least 5 years in an expansion, business development, or GTM leadership role across multiple African markets.

Proven track record launching B2C, B2B, or PaaS financial services platforms in emerging markets — experience with payments acquiring, mobile money, credit, or savings platforms is an advantage.

Exposure to API-driven product ecosystems or PaaS business models.

Skills & Competencies

Strong cross-functional leadership and ability to mobilize teams without direct authority.

Commercial acumen and partnership negotiation skills.

Deep understanding of African regulatory environments, especially in payments, lending, and platform business models.

Strong market analysis, opportunity sizing, and go-to-market execution capability.

Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, regulators, and external partners.

Entrepreneurial mindset, high adaptability, and bias for action.

Location & Travel

Role is based in Nairobi, with up to 40% travel across African markets.

• Driving LOOP’s strategic growth across Africa through the identification, planning, and execution of new market and product expansion initiatives.
• Leading a dedicated Market Launch Team and collaborating cross-functionally to bring LOOP’s fintech offerings to new geographies.
• Conducting market assessments, aligning on regulatory readiness, shaping localization strategies, and developing strong public and private sector partnerships.
• Developing business cases and implementing expansion initiatives that align with the company’s long-term vision.
• Leading initiatives from ideation through execution to maximize market penetration, customer acquisition, and partner engagement across all key markets.

• Strong cross-functional leadership and ability to mobilize teams without direct authority.
• Commercial acumen and partnership negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of African regulatory environments, especially in payments, lending, and platform business models.
• Strong market analysis, opportunity sizing, and go-to-market execution capability.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, regulators, and external partners.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, high adaptability, and bias for action.

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science or business-related fields.
• MBA or a master’s degree in a business field is desirable.
• 10+ years in fintech, digital financial services, or digital platforms with at least 5 years in an expansion, business development, or GTM leadership role across multiple African markets.
• Proven track record launching B2C, B2B, or PaaS financial services platforms in emerging markets — experience with payments acquiring, mobile money, credit, or savings platforms is an advantage.
• Exposure to API-driven product ecosystems or PaaS business models.