Sitoyo Lopokoiyit’s M-PESA Africa exit marks the end of an era for the mobile money giant as the managing director steps down on March 31, 2026, to chase a new opportunity outside the Vodacom Group. Safaricom announced the move quietly, praising his years turning the service into a continent-wide powerhouse serving millions daily.
Lopokoiyit took the helm in April 2021 and grew M-PESA to eight countries strong, touching over 60 million customers and more than 5 million businesses.
What started as simple as sending cash phone to phone became a full money hub – payments, savings, loans, merchant tools, and even cross-border and global transfers.
He joined Safaricom back in 2011, heading strategy, and climbed roles like director in Tanzania and chief for financial services. Executive committee spots let him shape big wins everybody remembers.
Before Green Jersey, he worked in sectors like advising at Chevron Kenya. Early days helped build the agent model now copied worldwide – corner shops turning phones into banks. Under him, partnerships bloomed with giants like Visa, PayPal, Microsoft, and Huawei – putting Africa at the forefront of money innovation.
Praise poured quick. Lawyer Donald Kipkorir tweeted warm words calling him a friend and legend. “His story of a Pokot boy… to bestride the financial sector in Kenya is a story of legends!” he wrote, quoting Shakespeare on life’s stage exits and entrances.
M-PESA transformed daily behaviour, from paying mama mboga to school fees and groceries with just a touch away. Lopokoiyit’s touch expanded that reach, making inclusion and underserved real for the unbanked. Company vows smooth handover, service steady.
His early agent ideas shaped global mobile money. Partnerships opened doors worldwide. The executive role hit milestones steadily. Diverse background, clear vision – fintech for everybody.
A tweet from Kipkorir captures the spirit: from village-known cattle rustling to leading Kenya’s money revolution. Inspiring climb, quiet strength.
Safaricom thanks contributions public, eyes future bright. Lopokoiyit leaves a strong legacy – M-PESA. More than an app, a lifeline for millions. A new role waits outside the group; details are private. Kenya watches gratefully, wishing well. Money moves forward; his mark stays.
