About Clayton Hayward

Passionate about revolutionizing the financial services landscape in Africa, Clayton Hayward is the CEO of Ukheshe, the leading fintech company spearheading digital transformation across the continent. With a relentless drive for innovation and a deep understanding of the financial needs of the underserved, he has successfully propelled Ukheshe to become the fastest-growing fintech in Africa. Under his leadership, Ukheshe has disrupted traditional banking models by leveraging cutting-edge technology and mobile platforms to empower individuals and businesses with seamless financial solutions. Their mission is to foster financial inclusion and bridge the gap between the unbanked and traditional financial services, unlocking unprecedented economic opportunities for millions. Drawing on his extensive expertise in the fintech industry, Clayton Hayward has built a talented team of professionals and forged strategic partnerships to expand their reach and deliver transformative solutions. Through Ukheshe, they have created a robust ecosystem that facilitates secure payments, digital banking, and merchant services, facilitating economic growth and empowering individuals to participate fully in the digital economy. Clayton Hayward is deeply committed to driving social impact and promoting sustainable growth. By harnessing the power of technology and financial innovation, they are breaking down barriers, unlocking access to financial services, and driving economic empowerment across Africa. As a thought leader in the fintech space, he actively engages with industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to shape the future of finance in Africa. He is also passionate about mentoring and nurturing young talent, encouraging the next generation of innovators to pursue their aspirations. He invites you to connect with him to explore collaboration opportunities, discuss industry trends, or share ideas that can further advance financial inclusion and transform lives across Africa. Clayton Hayward has co-founded and led several multinational technology startups over the last 25 years, showcasing his extensive experience in the tech and fintech industries. In 2018, he co-founded Ukheshe, a company that collaborates with banks, telcos, and financial service providers to enhance financial inclusion and streamline digital transactions. Under his leadership, Ukheshe has achieved significant milestones, including the acquisition of Mastercard’s Masterpass network in South Africa in 2021 and later EFTCorp in early 2024. Hayward was also instrumental in securing capital partner DPI as a strategic growth partner to support Ukheshe’s expansion. Recently rebranded to EFT Corporation, the business is now a well-established financial services provider operating in 35 African markets and serving over 100 financial institutions.