M-Pesa Africa MD Sitoyo Lopokoiyit joins Absa as Chief Executive

Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, the Managing Director of M-PESA Africa, is set to join Absa Group.

Absa Group on Wednesday announced Lopokoiyit’s appointment as Chief Executive: Personal and Private Banking, effective April 1, 2026.

“This appointment represents an important step in Absa’s ongoing focus on delivering integrated, customer-centric solutions across its Personal and Private Banking franchise, while also exploring new growth opportunities,” the bank said in a statement to newsrooms.

With over 12 years of experience in the fintech sector, Lopokoiyit also held the position of Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom, where he led the strategy and growth of Africa’s largest fintech platform.

He joined Safaricom in 2011 and has held several senior leadership roles, including Head of M-PESA Strategy and Business Development, and has led operations in Tanzania. He has driven the launch of major innovations such as the M-PESA Super App, Fuliza, and strategic partnerships with global platforms, including PayPal and AliPay.

AbsaGroup Chief Executive Officer Kenny Fihla said Lopokoiyit’s appointment is in line with Absa’s mission to “deliver integrated, customer-centric solutions across our Personal and Private Banking franchise while unlocking new growth opportunities.”

The bank announced other leadership changes, including Prabashni Naidoo, currently serving as Group Chief Internal Audit Executive, taking over the Group Chief Governance Officer role.

Rushdi Solomons has also been promoted to Group Chief Internal Audit Officer. He served as the Managing Executive: Compliance Strategy, Regulatory Relations and Governance, a role he has held since June 2025.

In the leadership changes, Fatima Newman has been appointed Chief Compliance Officer.