Independent (Ashley Olson Onyango)

I am currently the Head of Financial Inclusion and AgriTech at the GSMA, a non-profit industry association that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. As part of the Mobile for Development team at GSMA, I lead our work on driving innovation in digital technology related to financial inclusion and agriculture, to reduce inequalities in our world. We work closely with the public sector to develop enabling policies to achieve national financial inclusion strategies and support rural development. We also work closely with the private sector, including mobile network operators, to innovate and scale digital innovations to reach millions and address big socio-economic issues. The work that we do contributes to 15 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Prior to joining the GSMA, I lived and worked in East Africa, championing financial inclusion and the development of agrifood systems across sub-Saharan Africa for over 11 years. During this time, I designed and managed funds, investing in agribusinesses and fintechs across the continent, with Root Capital and Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), to catalyze innovation and growth for wide impact. I also worked with Mastercard Foundation and Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSDA), managing large multi-million-dollar programmes, partnering and working with a wide array of implementing partners and key stakeholders in the industry.