Innocent Isichei

Innocent Isichei is an accomplished policy professional with extensive experience working with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors across Africa. He currently serves as a Director at ACIOE Associates, where he assists clients in entering new markets in Africa. His role involves shaping policy discourse on critical issues, such as fostering the growth of the payment ecosystem in key African markets. Additionally, Innocent supports the regulatory and government engagement efforts of clients, enhancing their understanding of the policy environment in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya.

Innocent is also a Senior Policy Adviser to Paystack Payments and a Partner at Ventures Platform, one of Africa’s leading venture capital firms. He previously served as the Director of Policy for Paystack Payments, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and regulatory compliance.

Before his current roles, Innocent was an Assistant Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). During his tenure at the CBN, he contributed to initiatives aimed at improving financial access for unbanked Nigerians. Notably, he helped develop the National Collateral Registry, which allows SMEs to leverage movable assets for credit access, and the establishment of Payment Service Banks, enabling Mobile Network Operators to offer limited banking services.

Prior to his work at the CBN, Innocent was the Head of Governmental Policy (West Africa) for IBM. In this capacity, he strengthened IBM’s public sector engagement across key West African markets.

Innocent holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.

Innocent’s extensive experience and strategic insight make him a valuable asset in navigating and influencing the policy landscape in Africa’s dynamic markets.