Launched on July 1 by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the MTN Cloud Accelerator was built as a “real engine for scale,” not a ceremonial initiative, said Ayham Moussa, chief operating officer, MTN Nigeria, in his opening remarks.

“Africa’s next unicorn will be built by founders who deeply understand the continent, supported by local infrastructure that can scale globally,” Moussa said. “Build fast, build lean, and design for resilience from day one.”

A ₦100 Million Commitment to Startup Growth

Delivering the keynote address, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, chief enterprise business officer (CEBO) at MTN Nigeria, highlighted the company’s intentional investment in Africa’s digital future.

She stated that MTN’s ₦100 million in direct funding to the cohort was strategically deployed to help startups overcome two major barriers: infrastructure gaps and market access.

Beyond funding, founders gained seamless access to local and scalable MTN infrastructure including:

• MTN Cloud for local, reliable and predictable computing power
• MoMo Payment Solutions for easy integration of payment collections
• Chenosis APIs for faster development cycles

“Acceleration is more than technology, it requires exposure, structure and clarity,” she said. “Our founders are leaving sharper, more confident, and better equipped to scale.”

Startups also participated in ecosystem tours and intensive masterclasses covering investor readiness, product design, CX, go-to-market strategies, sales execution and founder wellness.

Founders Celebrate Transformative Experience

Speaking on behalf of the 20-startup cohort, valedictorian Dr. Joseph Olowe, founder of Doktor Connect, described the programme as “nothing short of transformative.”

He celebrated MTN’s leadership, speakers, mentors and programme managers, Cynthia Chisom, programme manager, Cloud Accelerator and Napa Onwusah, managing partner, B4B Partners, for their hands-on support.

He also highlighted real-world business impacts, including product improvements, revenue opportunities and collaborative wins among participating startups.

“We are leaving as better businesses and a connected community,” Olowe said. “One idea shared in a demo session added an estimated $3,000 per user in annual revenue. That is the kind of bottom-line impact this accelerator created.”

MTN Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Africa’s Innovation Agenda

In her closing remarks, Njideka Jack, general manager, Enterprise Marketing at MTN Nigeria, applauded the founders, investors, mentors and global partners who contributed to the success of the programme.

“This is an exciting time for Nigeria and Africa,” she said. “We must move from potential to actual, building solutions in Africa, by Africans, for Africans. MTN will continue enabling these opportunities.”

Founders received mentorship from some of Africa’s most respected technology leaders, including Mitchell Elegbe (Interswitch), Funke Opeke (MainOne), Adewale Yusuf (TalentQL), Atinuke Idowu (Termii), Tomie Balogun (Twelve Inc.), Cynthia Alabi, and Nubi Kay (Paystack).

The MTN Cloud Accelerator Demo Day showcased innovative solutions across fintech, sustainability, logistics, health, agriculture, cybersecurity, and more, reaffirming MTN’s commitment to driving Africa’s digital and entrepreneurial growth.

As a revenue growth expert with dynamic expertise in driving the profitability of SaaS businesses, she has enhanced customer experience and retention. She has a track record of building businesses and generating over a million dollars in revenue.

Hello Cynthia, it’s good to have you here. Most people have a unique tech transition story. How has yours been?

So, I first transitioned into sales before transitioning fully into tech, which has influenced my career choice as a Tech and SaaS sales professional. My transition story stemmed from my deep passion for helping people.

I started in the sciences and earned my first degree in Biochemistry from Uniben. I was even going for a Master’s degree in the same course before I happened to have a turning point with a coursemate who had recently transitioned into tech. Talking with him opened my eyes to the opportunities available in tech and other areas. I didn’t immediately pursue a tech career, but I realised I wanted something different from the opportunities I was afforded by my course of choice in school.

That was how I began exploring other options that appealed to me and landed my first role in an Airline as a call centre representative. Working as a call centre rep brought me face to face with people’s challenges in the travel industry.

I have always had this great need to help people and would work overtime to ensure the obstacles clients faced were resolved. Imagine someone booking a flight for a critical engagement only to find out their bookings didn’t reflect, and hence, they would not be able to meet up with their crucial engagements. This fueled my desire to help, leading to so many satisfied clients.

My management noted my outstanding contributions, and within 6 months, I was transferred to the corporate sales department to serve corporate bodies.

That was how I got into sales and, over time, found it to be my pulse! Not to forget the attractive commissions and compensations that came with sales(laughs).

So…yeah! I rose to the rank of Corporate Sales Manager for West and Central Africa before transitioning into Tech Sales at Uber for Business. The idea of companies using ride-hailing services for ground transport was fascinating and innovative, and I jumped on board. I rose to the rank of Territory Manager before pivoting from Logistics Tech to FinTech in TransactWorld as the Head of Customer Experience.

That is a unique and encouraging story right there. You were a salesperson from the start, before fully getting into Tech and SaaS sales. Did you experience any challenges doing that? Was there a contrast between the two variations of sales?

Yes, there was. In fact, my major challenges stemmed from the contrast. We may have a different story now, but back then, traditional salespeople were not exposed to the utility of technology, and we did the bare minimum with software.

Transitioning into Uber for Business, I realised that the tech ecosystem thrived on and was maintained on Tech fuel!…that is the only way I can put it. In SaaS sales, we used many other software, such as CRM and collaboration tools; there were also plenty of meetings and a need for back-to-back status updates.

This was a big cultural difference to which I had to adapt. So I was grappling with learning the ropes in my new job, an untapped niche, and knowing the tools I needed to work effectively.

I always ran into trouble with documentation and status updates until I got better(laughs). This repeated scenario was where I chased down deals and successfully closed them without effectively documenting them on the CRM. On record, I was lagging in my tasks, which made my bosses unhappy. I would have to explain to them what exactly I was doing, and I just had to shape up after some time.

The other contrast is the difference in products. For traditional sales, service was the deliverable. Once the client has travelled, that’s it; mission accomplished.

However, in SaaS sales, products are subscription-based, so you need to work on customer experience due to its recurring nature of sales.

So, I hear you on your transition into tech. Let’s just imagine you were to repeat the journey. What do you think you would do differently?

I am grateful for my journey, but if I’m to try doing this again, firstly, I would seek out mentorship. When I got into Tech sales, it was a relatively novel niche, and this meant there were not many people within your immediate circle who could mentor you or even a community to join and maybe gain peer-to-peer mentorship.

This is why I’m very passionate about mentorship in communities and contribution through thought leadership.

Additionally, I would have upskilled, both in knowledge and skills acquisition. This is also tied to the first point because if I had a mentor, I believe this is part of what I would have learnt.

In retrospect, I don’t think I was well prepared for the transition. I believe if I had taken a course on Tech sales, I would have been exposed to those tools earlier, practised their use, and hence made my transition easier.

Also, I would be easy on myself. Looking back, I put myself under a lot of pressure, which led to certain decisions I believe I could have made differently.

You have mentioned it, and I think we should explore it. How are you working to close these gaps of lack of mentorship in the Tech Sales industry, as you have rightly observed in the tech Business development sector?

As I mentioned earlier, I am very passionate about helping people, starting from my family and then on a professional basis.

Over the years, I have provided my knowledge and industry expertise through mentorship and advice. I mentor at ReWork, ADPList, RevWit, amongst many others, providing guidance to people who are exploring career opportunities in Business development and sales.

In 2024, I was listed as one of the top 1% mentors in Sales/BD at ADPList. For the past 2 years, I have also provided my expertise as a trainer at ReWORK.

These experiences have been rewarding, as I have seen my mentees progress to secure attractive roles in SaaS sales and other tech sales.

Also, aside from mentoring individuals, I mentor startup founders. I was one of the mentors for the startup circle at the just-concluded Africa Startup Festival. This area of mentorship is dear to my heart because I help founders ensure their ideas are valuable even before launch. I have observed that one of the challenges experienced by sales professionals is being employed by startups with products that do not meet a genuine need in the target market.

You are an acclaimed AI preacher. Why are you on this chosen mission?

Seeing how AI could relieve me of some repetitive tasks and focus on the complexities of innovative thinking and strategy is one of my fascinations.

It is currently the game changer in almost every facet of life, from health to agriculture, down to our niche of Fintech. With its unprecedented ability to analyse vast data and track customer habits, we are in a place where we can maximise our customer experience strategies and enhance customer loyalty and retention.

AI can also be integrated with various software to improve revenue generation through maximising pricing and sales strategy.

With the AI market in the Middle East and Africa projected to reach a revenue of USD 166,328 million in the next 5 years, as well as expected to contribute around USD 1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP, it is undeniable that AI has come to stay. Furthermore, with Machine learning projected to account for 71% of AI by 2030 in Africa, it is a niche I would recommend any fintech enthusiast explore. It is already making rounds with various Fintechs leveraging it to ensure financial inclusion for the unbanked on the continent.

I have heard some people worry about AI taking over human jobs, but I am not scared. I think AI would free human beings to do the harder tasks involved in business growth.

What’s your perspective towards industry and community collaborations in the digitech ecosystem?

I am pro-collaboration. No man is an Island; as the saying goes, you go further when you go with people. That is why I get involved as much as the demands of my day job allow. For example, I was part of the extraordinary work that Heels and Tech just initiated through their FemNest Incubator programme, through which they are raising the next generation of innovators in FemTech and FamilyTech by sitting as one of their pitch judges. They are doing revolutionary work, and I am delighted to have been part of it.

How have you optimised these collaborations and opportunities for thought leadership over the years?

Over the years, I have been invited and engaged in peer-to-peer speaking opportunities in some of the foremost tech events such as Africa Start-up Festival, Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS), Techeconomy Business series debuts and many others.

I also own a visionary project, Your Business Development Girl, where I drive thought leadership, sharing my insights and experiences on tech sales and customer service topics.

I also engage in YourBDGirl Comeback outreach to my Alma Mater(UniBen). I am starting from the grassroots to raise the next generation of professionals in Tech Sales and the No-Code Tech Sector. This work led to my recognition with the ‘TECHLIFE Excellence for No-code Roles’ award at the WEETS Summit, 2024.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I see myself leveraging innovation more effectively to provide unique solutions in Business development and Sales; owning a consulting company and advising scale-ups and start-ups on becoming more service-conscious, and not just focusing on product sales.

I also see myself getting more involved in training career professionals in customer success and customer experience. This vision is not just to create career opportunities for people but also to ensure that businesses give their customers a unique experience.

Overall, I plan to advocate more for a quality customer experience from the point of improved consciousness in service professionals and organisations.

In 2021, Nigeria ranked sixth in the world’s most developed real-time payments markets, with 3.7 billion real-time transactions.

As of 2023, Africa’s fintech market is valued at approximately $31 billion and is projected to reach $54 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.2%, in line with Statista’s 2023 report.

Furthermore, Nigeria accounts for about 27% of this market, with a robust payment services sector driven by mobile payments and digital wallets.

The Central Bank of Nigeria promotes financial inclusion and digital payments, attracting significant investments; for instance, Nigerian fintechs raised over $1.5 billion in 2021, according to TechCrunch, 2021 report.

With increasing access to digital financial services, Nigeria continues to play a crucial role in the African fintech landscape and is expected to expand further.

The above must have informed the position of Cynthia Alabi, a Revenue Growth Expert when airing her views at the Techeconomy Business Series.

Cynthia noted that Nigeria’s tech industry has been at the forefront of innovation and facilitating the realization of financial inclusion in Nigeria and Africa.

In her words:

“In the last decade, during which I have been privileged to be in the tech industry, I have seen a lot of innovation in the industry. I will say that technology has driven a lot of things. For instance, in the payment space, we all know how cumbersome it was for us to move money and handle collections, especially with traditional banks. But having some fintechs come in, we have seen what can be done in space, and they have done a beautiful job in that regard, which has then given birth to a lot of players.

“I am proud of what we have achieved in terms of innovation, especially in the payments sector. One can say Nigeria has one of the best systems in terms of payment and innovation in the tech space. We are doing a lot more in terms of payment than many countries.

Especially in the payment and technology space, we have moved forward, and we are getting better. I have also seen innovation in other industries, like logistics. I remember when the some fintech came in, and we have seen others as well. Nigerian entrepreneurs are starting similar initiatives and making transportation much easier. Now we see the Lagos State Government starting LAGRIDE.

There are a lot of successful startups, and while many have yet to progress to the IPO stage, almost a billion or more is being generated by the likes of Moove, which is also doing great things in logistics and contributing to the economy. I think the startups in Nigeria have also helped in terms of employment, but we can do more, especially in terms of expansion. So I would say that we have companies like startups emerging; we have many of them, and they are coming up. I think we can do more, especially in terms of managing investments and ensuring that the growth we have achieved is sustained. I would also like to see software-as-a-service companies emerging in the startup space.

I believe that we are going to improve, and the reason for this is that while we are seeing more government support, we are also seeing individuals taking the bull by the horns. If we continue, I think a lot will happen in the future for Nigeria. We would reach a point where Nigeria would be referred to as a place of opportunities in technology. Some opportunities are already being tapped, and in the distant future, we will start seeing people reap the rewards of these opportunities.

Artificial Intelligence will be a game changer, and there is going to be a lot happening where tech companies will excel beyond traditional companies. I believe that is where we will see much innovation, with people creating more things that AI can do for them, making life easier and better for us as a country. Yes, the future of technology is bright in Nigeria, and in terms of game changers, I think Artificial Intelligence is worth looking out for.

Aside from business and innovation, especially for those from non-technical industries, I always mention in every space I speak that they should not think that because they are non-technical, they do not add any value to how Nigeria is growing or to the tech industry. There are many opportunities, but it may require learning more about the industry and products. You do not have to be a founder to start a business. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to build and contribute in the tech space, whatever field you are working in, you can easily transition into tech and add value.

While noting that Artificial Intelligence will set the pace for future innovation, Cynthia also predicted that the Nigerian tech industry is going to improve with government support. “Artificial Intelligence will be a game changer, and there will be a lot happening with tech companies compared to what we have seen with traditional companies.

I think there will also be much innovation as people create more things that AI can do for them, making life easier and better for us as a country. Yes, the future of technology is bright in Nigeria, and in terms of game changers, I think Artificial Intelligence is worth looking out for.

The reason for this is that while we are seeing the government becoming more supportive, we are also witnessing individuals taking the initiative. If we continue, I think a lot will happen in the future for Nigeria.

We will reach a point where Nigeria will be referred to as a place of opportunities in technology because there are opportunities already being tapped. In the distant future, we will start seeing people reap the rewards of these opportunities.”

The organizers of WEETS 2024 selected Cynthia Alabi for the prestigious award based on her expertise in the tech industry, particularly in tech sales, customer experience, customer success, and product design.

“We are thrilled to announce Ms. Cynthia Alabi as this year’s TECHLIFE Excellence for No-Code Roles award winner,” said Ugochi Emmanuel, convener of the summit, which focuses on empowering women and promoting digital inclusion in Nigeria.

After a rigorous selection process from five shortlisted candidates, Cynthia Alabi was chosen for her over a decade of experience driving growth in technology-driven companies.

Upon receiving the award, a surprised and excited Cynthia Alabi expressed her gratitude and commitment to continue working hard in the industry. “I am thrilled and motivated to work even harder,” Cynthia, who was also part of a panel session on ‘AI Leadership: Navigating the future of women in businesses said.

With a unique blend of skills in sales, marketing, and business development, Cynthia Alabi has a proven track record of supporting and creating customer-centric brands, services, and solutions. She emphasized the importance of empowering women, noting that when a woman is empowered, the family and society benefit as a whole.

Cynthia’s exceptional ability to foster business growth in startups is fueled by her expertise in non-technical roles, including customer success, account management, customer service, and enterprise sales.

Differentiation means more than just coming up with innovative ideas; it’s about truly understanding your customers and offering solutions that genuinely improve their lives.

Customers don’t just want another digital wallet or payment app. They want financial solutions tailored to their lives, addressing genuine challenges and providing tangible value.

Across Africa, 57% of people are still unbanked, small businesses struggle to access credit, and cross-border transactions remain a headache.

FinTech companies that effectively solve these fundamental issues by prioritising accessibility, security, and excellent user experiences will naturally stand out.

Beyond Innovation: Creating Real Value

Innovation alone won’t guarantee success. Today, Africa’s leading FinTech brands focus on simplifying financial processes, clearly addressing customers’ pain points, and building genuine relationships with their users.

Key Factors Driving FinTech Success

Personalised Solutions: Companies using data analytics and AI to deliver personalised financial experiences stand out. Tailored recommendations, user-friendly interfaces, and targeted communication significantly increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Seamless Access: Easy access through mobile apps, USSD codes, or agent networks helps FinTech companies reach more people, particularly in underserved communities.

Trust and Security: Building trust is crucial, especially with limited financial literacy. FinTech providers who invest in robust security, transparent policies, and reliable customer service earn long-term trust and loyalty.

Customer Experience: The Decisive Factor

Regardless of how advanced a FinTech product may be, users won’t stick around if they find it complicated or frustrating. Africa’s most successful FinTech companies focus on delivering seamless, enjoyable customer experiences. Easy onboarding, responsive support, and intuitive interactions build customer loyalty, turning users into brand ambassadors.

Key CX Differentiators:

Proactive Support: Immediate, multilingual customer support and effective chatbot technology help users feel valued and understood.

Frictionless Onboarding: Simple and quick registration directly encourages higher adoption rates.

Financial Education: Companies that provide financial education build trust and loyalty, especially among new FinTech users who appreciate guidance.

Big Opportunities in FinTech

Despite impressive growth, Africa’s FinTech sector still has notable gaps. Companies strategically addressing these areas have significant opportunities for further success:

Financial Inclusion: Offering accessible and affordable financial services to underserved communities is essential in bridging existing gaps.

SME Financing: Small businesses account for around 80% of African employment. FinTech solutions that offer quick and flexible financing options significantly boost economic growth.

Cross-Border Transactions: With Africa’s cross-border payments market projected to reach $25 billion by 2025, FinTech companies offering efficient and affordable solutions will lead the market.

Final Thoughts: Differentiation is the Future

Africa’s FinTech story is not simply about disrupting traditional banking. It’s about genuinely improving lives through thoughtful financial solutions. FinTech companies that successfully differentiate themselves by prioritising accessibility, trust, and outstanding customer experiences will shape the future of finance on the continent.

Since transitioning into tech sales over a year ago, Cynthia has significantly impacted Nigeria’s Sales as a Service (SaaS) landscape. Drawing from her aviation sales background, she sheds light on the key differences between traditional and SaaS sales, emphasising the evolving skill set required to succeed.

In this interview, she explores how SaaS sales differ from conventional models, the future of SaaS in Nigeria, and practical strategies for achieving sustainable growth in the industry.

Tell me a bit about yourself.

Cynthia Alabi: I am a sales professional with nearly 7 years of experience, primarily in the aviation industry. My background includes business development, marketing strategies, and customer retention. Over the past year, I’ve focused on driving the adoption of Uber for Business (U4B) while navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the ride-hailing space.

What drew you to tech sales, and how long have you been in the industry?

Cynthia Alabi: I was naturally curious about tech, and when the opportunity came to pivot, I took it. The financial prospects were also appealing. I have now been in the tech industry for over a year.

The SaaS industry is expanding globally, but Nigeria faces unique challenges. Can you shed light on the current state of SaaS sales in Nigeria?

Cynthia Alabi: Absolutely. Nigeria’s SaaS ecosystem is still developing, particularly in enterprise SaaS sales. One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of experienced SaaS sales professionals. Nigeria is still building its foundation, unlike the U.S. or Europe, where SaaS giants cultivate talent.

What’s contributing to this talent gap?

Cynthia Alabi : There are a few factors. First, we lack a strong ecosystem of successful SaaS companies where professionals can gain hands-on experience. Many SaaS salespeople in Nigeria come from entirely different industries or have worked with traditional software rather than subscription-based models.

Second, the sales strategies that work in foreign markets don’t always apply here.

Selling SaaS in Nigeria often requires offline relationship-building and a deep understanding of trust-based sales. Experienced sales professionals must create communities and mentorship programs to bridge this gap to equip newcomers with SaaS-specific skills.

How does SaaS sales differ from general sales?

Cynthia Alabi : The most significant difference is the recurring revenue model. Unlike traditional sales, where you sell a product or service once, SaaS requires continuous customer engagement and value delivery. The sales cycle involves educating customers, understanding their evolving needs, and ensuring the product remains relevant throughout their subscription period.

How are companies navigating these challenges to scale their SaaS products?

Cynthia Alabi: Successful SaaS companies in Nigeria use a hybrid approach, blending digital strategies with traditional, relationship-driven sales. Localisation is also key—many Nigerian businesses are still adjusting to subscription-based models, so companies must offer flexible payment options and tailor their go-to-market strategies to local buying behaviours.

What skills are essential for breaking into SaaS sales in Nigeria?

Cynthia Alabi: A mix of technical knowledge, adaptability, and strong relationship-building skills. Understanding the subscription-based model, customer lifecycle, and consultative selling is crucial. Additionally, knowing how to navigate local market dynamics, communicate value effectively, and leverage digital tools like LinkedIn, CRM for prospecting and engagement will give professionals an edge.

Given these challenges, what does the future hold for SaaS sales in Nigeria?

Cynthia Alabi: The future is promising. More Nigerian SaaS companies are reaching growth-stage levels and developing local sales talent. As digital adoption increases, demand for SaaS solutions will rise. Companies must invest in structured sales training and mentorship programs to build a skilled workforce ready for market evolution.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Cynthia: Leading and scaling high-performing SaaS sales teams, driving significant growth, and shaping innovative B2B sales strategies globally. I also plan to mentor the next generation of SaaS sales professionals to equip them for success in this dynamic industry.

What does a typical day look like for you as a tech sales expert?

Cynthia: My day starts around 7:30 am with prayer. Once at my desk, I check my calendar, review my weekly to-do list, and catch up on emails before meetings begin at 10 am.

My day is packed with meetings, calls, and messages from prospects, clients, and colleagues, mainly via Slack and WhatsApp.

I also analyse our sales data,  strategise with my team, conduct competitor analysis and research industry trends. It’s a fast-paced role that requires adaptability and strategic thinking. I make sure to take breaks for meals and stay hydrated.