Coura Tine Sène, Wave Mobile Money

Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, African Business is collecting the experiences of women leaders in African businesses and asking them how future progress can be assured.

In this interview, we hear from Coura Tine Sène, regional and public affairs director of Wave Mobile Money.

AB: Is the glass ceiling becoming easier to break through for women?

The glass ceiling is still there, but it is gradually cracking thanks to the resilience and determination of African women, supported by more assertive inclusion policies and changing mentalities. In Senegal and in Africa more broadly, we are seeing more and more women rising to leadership positions in finance, technology and entrepreneurship, something that was unthinkable a few decades ago.

In the fintech sector, the evolution is notable, but challenges remain, particularly in terms of access to funding and recognition of skills. At Wave Mobile Money, we are fortunate to operate in an environment where meritocracy is paramount. Women make up around 52% of our workforce, which demonstrates that when a framework is designed to be inclusive, women naturally thrive in it.

AB: Which female leaders inspire you or have inspired you? Who have been your mentors on your journey to the top?

I am deeply inspired by figures like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who has been able to navigate complex environments to become the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. She embodies the strategic intelligence and tenacity that women need to succeed in traditionally male spheres.

I have also been fortunate to have had female mentors and allies in my family, among my colleagues and in my professional circles. These women have taught me to be bold, to not censor myself and to take my place without waiting for it to be given to me.

AB: What have been the biggest obstacles you have had to overcome in your career?

There are many obstacles, but the biggest challenge is the perception that women constantly have to prove their legitimacy.

Another challenge is balancing work and personal life. Societal pressure on women is still high, and you have to learn to set your own boundaries and define your priorities without feeling guilty.

Finally, the lack of female role models in certain sectors makes the journey more lonely. That is why I am actively committed to supporting young women who aspire to leadership roles.

AB: What has surprised or shocked you the most in your career?

What has struck me the most is the resilience of women in the face of adversity, but also the obstacles that sometimes come from… other women. We talk a lot about sisterhood, and it does exist, but it needs to be strengthened. It is essential that women who reach positions of power do not reproduce the patterns of exclusion that they themselves have suffered, but rather strengthen other women through mentoring and sharing experiences.

Another point that struck me is the reluctance of some organisations to really empower women, beyond talk and quotas. It is not enough to have women around the table, they need to have a voice and real influence.

AB: What would you say to your 20-year-old self?

I would tell them: ‘Dare, even when you have doubts.’ Ambition is not a flaw, and you shouldn’t be afraid to aim high.

I would also remind them that failure is part of the journey and that you shouldn’t waste time striving for perfection. What matters is to move forward, to learn and to have an impact despite the obstacles.

AB: If you were 20 today, which sector would you launch yourself into and what skills would you seek to acquire?

I would definitely go into technology and digital finance, as these are sectors that are transforming Africa and offering huge opportunities.

I would seek to develop skills in data science, blockchain and artificial intelligence applied to finance. These are areas where innovation is key and where women need to be more present so as not to be left behind in the digital revolution.

This dynamic is also part of a broader ambition of the Senegalese authorities, particularly through the National Digital Council, a strategic body recently unveiled by the President of the Republic, as part of the ‘New Technological Deal’. As a member of this Council, I have the honour of contributing to the reflections and recommendations that will shape the digital future of Senegal.

AB: Is the increased representation of women in the business world and on boards of directors a struggle that you continue to wage?

Absolutely. Diversity in corporate governance is not just a question of fairness, it is also a lever for performance. Studies show that companies with inclusive governance are more profitable and more innovative.

At Wave, we have a corporate culture that values skills above all else, which is why we have a significant proportion of women in key positions. But we need to go even further and ensure that the presence of women on boards of directors is not just symbolic, but has a real impact.

The fight does not stop once a certain level has been reached. We have a responsibility to pave the way for future generations and create an ecosystem where they can develop without having to fight for every opportunity.