The atmosphere was electric at the 13th Annual All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) as Lincoln Mali, CEO of Lesaka Technologies, was honoured with the prestigious Business Leader of the Year 2025 award. The accolade recognises exceptional leadership, innovation, and transformative impact on the African business landscape.

Still absorbing the moment, Mali expressed deep gratitude:

“I’m humbled… I’m still numb. This award is a tribute to our team.”

From Loss-Making to Industry-Leading

Lesaka Technologies — previously struggling and loss-making — has, under Mali’s leadership, become a profitable, community-driven fintech powerhouse.

Lesaka serves some of the most overlooked sectors in South Africa:

• Township and village merchants

• Spaza shops and taverns

• Grant beneficiaries

• Underserved consumers excluded by traditional banking

“We deal with people who are often ignored by mainstream institutions,” Mali said. “We wanted to show them dignity — to show they are valued customers. They repaid us with loyalty.”

A Leadership Approach Rooted in Respect

Mali’s philosophy is people-centric:

 “Respect and dignity matter. My colleagues must trust me, and I must trust them. I always communicate the WHY. Our why is the unseen and underserved customer.”

This clarity of purpose has played a vital role in Lesaka’s turnaround.

AABLA Recognition as a Platform for Inspiration

Beyond personal achievement, Mali sees the award as an opportunity to inspire young Africans.

 “We’ve never fully told the Lesaka story,” he said. “Tonight I shared it, and I hope it inspires the next generation of leaders.”

His message carries weight, given his own journey:

“At 18, I had been expelled from school. I was in and out of jail. I saw no future.”

Today, he leads a fintech listed on both the Nasdaq and the JSE.

 “Your past cannot determine your future,” he told the youth. “It’s the fire inside you that matters. I believe in you.”

Continuous Learning as a Superpower

Asked about the role of education, Mali stressed the importance of lifelong learning:

“Education matters — not for certificates, but for knowledge. The world is changing fast. To make an impact, you must keep learning.”

AABLA 2025 Marks a Milestone for Lesaka

As applause filled the room, it was clear that Mali’s leadership — grounded in humility, service, and dignity — is shaping not only Lesaka’s success but inspiring leadership across the continent.

For Lesaka Technologies and the communities it serves, this award marks a powerful milestone and the beginning of an even greater chapter.

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