In a world where financial inclusion remains a powerful lever for social and economic transformation, MTN MoMo has emerged as one of Africa’s most influential FinTech players. Born as a service tethered to a major telecom, the company has since evolved. It has become a dynamic and independent entity driving innovation across frontier markets. MTN MoMo is not just building financial infrastructure, it’s reshaping how people engage with the global economy. In regions historically left behind.
Guiding this transformation is a seasoned tech leader. His journey across two decades and multiple continents has been as diverse as the customer base he now serves. From Austria to emerging markets across Eastern Europe, Central and Southeast Asia, and now Africa, Hermann Tischendorf’s leadership is deeply rooted in adaptability, pragmatism and a strong belief in technology’s power to change lives.
MoMo: From Telco subsidiary to standalone FinTech powerhouse
MTN MoMo’s transformation over the past four years has been nothing short of radical. What began as a cost centre within the larger MTN Group – a telecom giant – is now a standalone business. With dedicated resources, a growing workforce, and a clear strategic identity.
“With strategic support from MTN, MoMo has grown.” Hermann explains. “We had to build our own ways of working.” That meant hiring new teams, investing in internal capabilities, and weaning the business off an over-reliance on external partners.
Today, MTN MoMo boasts its own internal development teams, product designers, and operations experts. All aligned under one vision: to become Africa’s leading digital financial services provider. This internal strengthening has coincided with rapid staff growth, bringing together some of the most resilient and talented professionals in the region.
Purpose at Scale: Driving Financial Inclusion
Behind the metrics – millions of users, billions in transactions – lies a profound mission. Furthermore, Hermann’s motivation stems not just from the sheer size of the business, but from what that scale enables: genuine financial inclusion where it´s needed most.
“Today, MoMo is comparable in monthly active users to some of the top ten FinTechs globally,” he says. “But working in much more complex markets.”
That complexity isn’t a challenge to be endured. It’s the very reason the work is meaningful. “Access to financial services is fundamental. Without it, people are excluded from the global economy,” Hermann adds. “Our services are the equaliser allowing individuals in frontier markets to participate in trade, store value, and ultimately improve their quality of life.”
“I’ve been in the trenches,” he shares. “I’ve experienced the infrastructure limitations, the power outages, the lack of reliable connectivity. That changes how you approach innovation – you become obsessed with what works, not just the latest trends.”
This blend of personal conviction and strategic clarity infuses everything MTN MoMo does. From product development to customer engagement, the team is driven by a singular belief: financial services should empower, not exclude.