RISING WOMAN 2025; Angelica Pesha: Digital finance pioneer inspiring women in leadership

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, recognising women who have shattered the glass ceiling, one name stands out in Tanzania’s corporate and fintech landscape—Angelica Pesha.

A transformative leader, digital financial services expert, and champion of women in leadership, Angelica’s rise to the C-suite is a testament to her intentionality, resilience, strategic brilliance, and the power of innovation.

Transforming the digital finance ecosystem

At the helm of Mixx by Yas as its chief executive officer, Angelica Pesha has transformed the platform from a remittance service into a full-fledged digital financial ecosystem. Under her stewardship, Mixx by Yas now serves over 19 million users, providing seamless financial solutions that go beyond transactions—they transform lives.

Through her bold leadership, Mixx by Yas has empowered over 200,000 mobile financial agents, enabled 450,000 merchants, and facilitated 3,000 SMEs and corporate businesses, generating billions in Tanzanian shillings in revenue.

But for Angelica, these figures represent more than just business growth; they symbolise a movement toward financial empowerment, equipping entrepreneurs and small businesses with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Her mantra, “It’s not done until it’s done,” speaks volumes about her relentless pursuit of excellence. She believes in not just meeting targets but redefining them—turning mobile money into a lifestyle necessity that enhances financial accessibility for millions.

Breaking barriers in leadership

Angelica’s story is one of breaking barriers. Having spent over a decade in leadership roles at Millicom (now part of the Axian Group), she became the first woman to be internally promoted to a C-suite position in the company’s history. She is also the first woman to lead a mobile money business unit at Yas and Tanzania at large, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the fintech industry.

Her journey has not been without challenges. In an industry where leadership is predominantly male, she has had to prove time and again that competence, vision, and strategic thinking is what defines a great leader—not gender.

Her ability to drive business growth, navigate complex financial ecosystems, develop teams and introduce innovative digital payment solutions has positioned her as a role model for many aspiring women in tech and finance.

A catalyst for women’s empowerment and mentorship

Beyond the boardroom, Angelica is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and mentorship. She believes that true leadership is measured not just by individual success but by the number of leaders one creates in the process.

Through structured mentorship programmes, workshops, and personal coaching, she has directly impacted hundreds of young women in the fintech, telecommunications, and business sectors. She regularly speaks at industry forums nationally and globally, inspiring and encouraging young professionals and students, to take on leadership roles and break the glass ceiling.

Angelica has spearheaded initiatives that equip young women with digital and financial literacy skills, bridging the knowledge gap that often prevents women from advancing in the financial sector. Under her mentorship, many have gone on to pursue leadership roles, launch startups, and take control of their financial futures.

She is also a key contributor to women-in-tech programs, offering training, networking opportunities, and career guidance. By leveraging her experience and influence, she is actively working to build an ecosystem where women not only participate in fintech but also lead it.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Angelica has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Management Africa (WIMA) in 2023, a Forty Under 40 Africa Trailblazer in 2024, and one of Tanzania’s Top CEOs in 2024. These accolades reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence and transformation.

Driving inclusive innovation and sustainable growth

For Angelica, innovation is not just about technology; it’s about solving real life problems. She envisions a future where financial services are not only accessible but also fully inclusive, ensuring that even the most marginalized communities benefit from digital finance.

Her leadership at Mixx by Yas continues to shape the fintech landscape in Tanzania and beyond, with a strong focus on leveraging digital solutions to drive economic growth. She actively advocates for collaborations between fintech firms, regulators, and governments to create a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.

Beyond fintech, Angelica is passionate about sustainable economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth. She is working on initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, financial independence, and access to capital, ensuring that financial inclusion is not just a concept but a reality.

Looking Ahead: The future of digital finance and inclusion

For Angelica, the best is yet to come. Her vision is to continue revolutionizing financial services, making digital payments more inclusive, seamless, and indispensable. She envisions a future where women are taking on more leadership roles in fintech, driving innovations that solve real societal challenges.

As International Women’s Day embraces the theme of “Inspire Inclusion,” Angelica’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not just about representation—but taking action and creating impact. She stands as a beacon of hope, proving that when women lead, industries transform, businesses thrive, and societies advance.

Angelica Pesha is more than just a leader—she is a movement, inspiring the next generation to keep soaring higher.

Supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation