The Mojaloop Foundation has named Jean Bosco Iyacu as its next chief executive officer, bringing in a Rwanda-based digital finance leader to guide the nonprofit as it scales its open-source payments infrastructure across emerging markets.
Iyacu will assume the role on June 1, 2026, succeeding Paula Hunter, who is retiring after overseeing the organization’s development as it expanded adoption of its interoperable, real-time payment technology. The transition is expected to focus on continuity while accelerating deployments in regions working to expand access to formal financial services.
Mojaloop develops open-source software designed to help governments, central banks, and financial service providers build interoperable payment systems. Its platform is used as foundational infrastructure for real-time digital payments in markets where financial inclusion remains limited or fragmented.
Iyacu joins at a time when digital public infrastructure is increasingly being positioned as a core component of financial inclusion strategies, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The foundation works with public and private stakeholders to support payment systems that allow money to move seamlessly across banks, mobile money providers, and other financial networks.
Based in Kigali, Iyacu brings more than 15 years of experience in digital finance and financial inclusion systems. He currently serves as CEO of Access to Finance Rwanda, where he has overseen donor-funded programs aimed at expanding financial access and strengthening market systems. He also chairs the Financial Sector Deepening Network Council, which coordinates collaboration across nine African countries.
In addition, he serves on advisory and governance bodies including the CGAP FinEquity Technical Advisory Committee and holds private sector board roles, including with Salvo Grima Africa Distribution.
Iyacu said Mojaloop’s work sits at the intersection of technology and economic development.
“Inclusive finance is one of the defining challenges and opportunities of our time,” Iyacu said. “Mojaloop has already demonstrated the power of open, interoperable infrastructure to transform economies and improve lives. I’m excited to build on this momentum.”
Kosta Peric, chairperson of the Mojaloop Foundation, said Iyacu’s appointment reflects the organization’s focus on scaling its global footprint while deepening its engagement in regions where digital payments infrastructure is still developing.
“Jean Bosco brings an exceptional combination of regional insight, leadership experience and deep understanding of Digital Public Infrastructure,” Peric said. “This marks an important step in Mojaloop’s evolution as we continue to scale our global impact.”
The foundation’s model is built around maintaining Mojaloop as a public good through open-source software, allowing governments and financial institutions to adopt and adapt the system for local payment ecosystems. Its goal is to reduce barriers between financial systems and improve interoperability across providers, a challenge that remains central to expanding digital financial inclusion.
As Iyacu takes over leadership, the organization is expected to focus on sustaining funding, expanding adoption across new markets, and strengthening partnerships with central banks and ecosystem participants. The leadership transition comes as interest grows globally in interoperable payment infrastructure as a foundational layer for digital economies.
by citybiz.co
