The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Youth Council has appointed Segun Aribisala as a Youth Ambassador and conferred on him the prestigious Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity. The award recognizes Aribisala’s impactful contributions to financial technology innovation and youth empowerment across the West African region.
The Council praised Aribisala’s track record as a visionary leader who has combined financial services and technology to create meaningful opportunities for young people. In a statement, the Council said the appointment honours his “exemplary leadership, commitment to youth development, and innovation within the financial services ecosystem.”
Currently serving as Head of Professional Services and Delivery at Union Systems Limited—a leading Nigerian fintech company specializing in trade finance automation—Aribisala has over 15 years of experience spanning banking and technology. His work focuses on simplifying and modernizing operations in trade finance, FX transactions, structured trade, and treasury solutions across African financial institutions.
At Union Systems, Aribisala leads a diverse team responsible for business analysis, client engagement, product delivery, and support services. Under his leadership, the company has implemented transformative automation projects for major banks both within and outside Nigeria, driving innovation in trade and treasury management.
Reacting to the honour, Aribisala described the award as a validation of efforts to make fintech more inclusive and transformative. “This recognition is a reflection of the work we’re doing to make financial technology more efficient, inclusive, and forward-looking. It also speaks to the potential of our region’s youth,” he said. “I’m encouraged to keep contributing to systems that open up opportunities for others.”
The ECOWAS Youth Council noted that the selection process for the award is rigorous and based on nominations, peer endorsements, and assessments by panels of credible institutions. Only a handful of professionals across the region meet the criteria for the Nelson Mandela Award, underscoring its prestige.
Aribisala’s academic background includes advanced degrees in Economics with specialisations in Quantitative Economics, Industrial Economics, and International Trade. His career has spanned roles in customer service, domestic and foreign banking operations, business analysis, and product leadership.
Observers say his appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a nod to the growing relevance of fintech in shaping West Africa’s economic transformation. By championing innovation and inclusive growth, Aribisala represents a new generation of leaders using technology to accelerate regional integration and development.
