Fatoumata Ba (born 1986) is not just a name in African tech, she is a force of transformation, a visionary shaping the future of the continent.
A tech entrepreneur, venture capital powerhouse, and CEO, Fatoumata has earned her place as one of Crest Africa’s Under 40 most influential leaders in technology and investment.
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Janngo Capital, she is at the helm of a pioneering pan-African venture capital firm and tech ecosystem builder.
Fatoumata’s passion lies in empowering enterprises that do good while doing well, tech-for-good ventures that combine strong business models with inclusive social impact.
Under her leadership, Janngo has become one of Africa’s largest gender-balanced funds, driving opportunities for digital ventures across fintech, healthtech, agritech, and digital services, while creating jobs and championing women’s economic empowerment.
Before charting her own path with Janngo, Fatoumata was instrumental in the rise of Jumia Group, Africa’s first tech unicorn to list on the New York Stock Exchange.
Her journey at Jumia was nothing short of transformational. She founded and led Jumia Ivory Coast, later became Managing Director of Jumia Nigeria, and joined the Group Executive Committee, steering performance across 130+ operations in over 30 African countries.
Her work directly enabled more than 500,000 SMEs to thrive across the continent, a testament to her commitment to tangible impact.
Fatoumata’s leadership resonates far beyond business metrics. She is a celebrated thought leader in African tech and economic development, recognized with numerous accolades: a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, a Choiseul 100 Africa “Economic Leader of Tomorrow”, a Forbes Africa “30 Under 30” honoree, and recipient of the Aenne Burda Award for her visionary leadership, optimism, and courage.
Her influence extends to global boards and advisory councils, including SouthBridge Investment Bank, the Board & Investment Committee of Creadev Africa, the Council of Women in Africa, and the Global Future Council on the New Economic Agenda, reflecting the respect she commands across African and international business ecosystems.
Fatoumata Ba is more than a leader; she is a beacon of possibility—a reminder that African tech and innovation are not just stories of today, but powerful narratives of what’s yet to come. Her vision, courage, and heart are shaping a continent—and inspiring a generation.
Image Credit: Empower Africa
