Global fintech heavyweight Montran has handed the reins of its African operations to seasoned Kenyan strategist Wohoro Ndohho, signaling a bullish pivot toward locally-led financial modernization.

The appointment places a Nairobi-based executive at the center of a continental race to upgrade the critical infrastructure—from real-time payments to securities trading—that underpins billions of shillings in daily economic activity.

Rewiring the Continent’s Financial Plumbing

Ndohho, bringing over two decades of experience in finance and investment advisory, steps into the role of Regional Executive Director at a pivotal moment. As African economies increasingly digitize, the pressure on legacy banking systems has intensified.

Montran is not a consumer-facing brand, but its technology is the invisible engine room for many of the region's financial institutions. The firm specializes in the high-stakes software that allows banks to talk to each other.

According to the company, Ndohho will oversee the rollout of critical systems, including:

• Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS): The backbone system used by central banks for high-value transactions.
• Instant Payment Systems (IPS): The technology enabling immediate transfer of funds between individuals and businesses.
• Central Securities Depositories (CSD): The digital ledgers that track ownership of government bonds and shares.

“Wohoro’s appointment underscores our belief that Africa’s financial modernization deserves both global expertise and local leadership,” said Alexander Esca, CEO of Montran. He emphasized that the move is designed to align global tech capabilities with the specific nuances of African markets.

A Strategic Hub in Nairobi

By establishing this leadership role in Nairobi, Montran is betting on Kenya’s reputation as the Silicon Savannah to serve as a launchpad for the wider region. The move mirrors a growing trend of multinational tech firms localizing their command centers to better navigate regulatory landscapes and cultural nuances.

Ndohho noted that his mandate goes beyond mere sales; it involves building the architecture for a more connected African economy. He pointed to the urgent need for systems that are not just modern, but interoperable—meaning they can communicate seamlessly across borders.

“This expanded presence reflects a stronger focus on supporting African institutions working to build modern and interoperable payment and market-infrastructure systems,” Ndohho stated regarding his new portfolio.

As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains traction, the demand for robust cross-border payment rails is projected to surge. With Ndohho at the helm, Montran is positioning itself to be the primary architect of this financial integration, ensuring that the flow of capital keeps pace with the continent's ambitions.