The transition from regulatory friction to sovereign integration requires more than just advocacy; it requires world-class institutional architecture.
As the digital asset market in Africa scales, the need for harmonized regulation, data privacy, and cross-border innovation has never been more urgent. To meet this mandate and drive the execution of strategic projects and programs, the Virtual Asset Service Providers Association (VASPA) is proud to announce its newly appointed Pan-African leadership team.
To build a robust, harmonized, and forward-looking virtual asset sector, we need leadership that reflects the diverse realities of the African market. We are thrilled to introduce the exceptional minds stepping up to steer VASPA’s mission:
Executives
The Executive Council* (April 2026-March 2028)
- Franklin Peters – Executive Chair; CEO, Boundlesspay (Nigeria) – Linkedin
- Muthoni Njogu – Executive Vice Chair (Operations & Governance); Managing Partner, Njogu & Associates (Kenya) – Linkedin
- Rume Ophi – Programs & Communications Lead; Crypto Analyst & Founder of the Cryptopreacher Academy (Nigeria) – Linkedin
- Beverley Agbakoba-Onyejianya – Learning and Development Lead; Partner, OAL (Nigeria) – Linkedin
- Epanty Mbanda – Regional Director (Central Africa); Managing Partner, 4M Legal & Tax (Cameroun) – Linkedin
- Peter Nortey – Regional Director (West Africa); CEO, Fiatsend (Ghana) – Linkedin
- Favour Uche – Assistant Lead, Policy & Regulatory Affairs; Star Associate, Infusion Lawyers (Nigeria) – Linkedin
The Secretariat* (Abuja FCT Headquaters)
- Siita Sofo Hissan – Secretary-General; President, AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF) (Ghana) – Linkedin
- Gabriel Eze – Assistant Secretary-General; Lead Associate, Infusion Lawyers (Nigeria) – Linkedin
- Prince Nwafuru – Head, Code of Conduct & Discipline; Managing Partner, The Law Suite (Nigeria) – Linkedin
- Stephen Azubuike – Legal Adviser; Partner, Infusion Lawyers (Nigeria) – Linkedin
- Japhet Johnson – Technical Operations Officer; CTO/Co-Founder, Bekonta (Nigeria) – Linkedin
- Eeman Yusuf – Membership Manager; Law Graduate & Community Manager (Nigeria) – LinkedIn
- Matthew Oduola – Secretariat Associate; Co-Founder & Content Lead, Web3 Institute and Law Undergraduate, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State (Nigeria) – Linkedin
(Supported by David Akintunde, Web Developer & Manager; and Obo Okata, Graphics Designer) – Nigeria
Non-Executives
The Board of Advisers*
- Adedeji Owonibi, Senior Partner, A&D Forensics (Nigeria) – LinkedIn
- Dr. Souhayel Tayeb, Senior Financial Regulation & Policy Leader (Tunisia) – Linkedin
- Lasbery Chioma Oludimu, Vice President, Global Operations, Yellow Card Financial Inc. and Managing Director, Yellow Card Nigeria (Nigeria) – Linkedin
- Richard Odongo, Senior Associate, Coulson Harney LLP (Bowmans) (Kenya) – Linkedin
The Board of Trustees*
- Senator Ihenyen – Founding Trustee – Linkedin
- Buki Ogunsakin – Trustee – Linkedin
*Additional appointments across Africa ongoing, including for the roles of Policy & Regulatory Affairs Lead, Funding & Partnerships Lead, Regional Director (East Africa), Regional Director (North Africa), and Regional Director (South Africa)
Honoring Our Foundation: A Tribute to the Steering Team
As we step into this new chapter, we must acknowledge the trailblazers who paved the way. Over the past year, the groundwork for VASPA was meticulously laid by our foundational Steering Team, led by Senator Ihenyen. Their relentless dedication and visionary heavy-lifting transformed this association from a shared concept into a structured, continental reality.
To ensure a seamless handover, foster collective support, and safeguard our institutional memory, several members of this pioneering team have transitioned into strategic roles within the new leadership matrix. This continuity guarantees that our next phase of growth is anchored in proven teamwork, shared experience, and the resilient spirit that started it all.
Building the Future Together
Africa’s digital economy is rapidly expanding. For VASPs, founders, policymakers, and global stakeholders interested in the African market, operating in isolation is no longer an option.
As a progressive, continent-wide advocacy group, VASPA is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the virtual assets sector and blockchain ecosystem across Africa.
We invite all stakeholders across the continent to join forces with us. Whether you are an emerging startup or established brand, an educational & research institution or technology provider, professional consultant or Web3 enthusiast, VASPA is your platform to help drive innovation, shape policy and regulatory frameworks, and build a secure, thriving ecosystem in Africa.
Join the movement. Visit us at www.vaspa.org or reach out to info@vaspa.org to learn how you can become part of the future of African virtual assets.
To view our new Leadership page, click here.
About VASPA
The Virtual Asset Service Providers Association (VASPA) is a Pan-African industry body registered as an Incorporated Trustee with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria (CAC IT: 79069970) where it is headquartered. VASPA comprises individual, corporate, and institutional members from across Africa. For more information about us, please visit our website, www.vaspa.org. To become a Patron or Partner of VASPA, visit our Membership page: https://vaspa.org/become-a-member/. Individual and corporate members are also welcomed.
