Our Team
We believe in the strategic use of direct investments for development impact, and the power of targeted advisory services to strengthen resilience.
Africa Ahead was founded by Hawa Diallo and Denise Ntonta, out of a strong desire to provide a reliable, diverse source of funding for Sub-Saharan Africa’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and advisory services that deliver real, long-lasting impact to the various partners in the region.
We leverage our network of local experts to build sustainable solutions and growth.
Hawa Diallo
Co-Founder
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With more than fifteen years of experience in the financial and fintech sectors, Hawa is an energetic, results-oriented leader, passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship and capacity building. She has extensive experience in managing all levels of complex and multiple stakeholders’ projects from design to implementation.
As part of her commitment to sustainable transformation and development, she provides financial and technical support to SMEs in Europe and Africa. She is also a member of Digital Boost, a mentorship program for small businesses.
Hawa is currently responsible for the product development and product strategy at AIM Bloomberg. She is an expert in modelling, financial product development, portfolio valuation and investment process improvement. Prior to joining Bloomberg Hawa held various positions including EMEA Head of Product and Strategy, Team Leader and Project Manager at various fintech and investment banks such as IHS Markit and Morgan Stanley.
Hawa holds an MBA in Finance and Investment from the European School of Economics in London, a Certificate in Investment Banking from the New York University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Econometrics from the Université of Quebec in Montreal.
Denise Ntonta
Co-Founder
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Denise is a seasoned leader with over seventeen years of cross-sectoral experience in Europe, the USA, and Africa. She is an expert in strategy and business development, and a specialist in operational and financial optimisation, and transformation programs.
Denise is also a strong advocate of African economic and social transformation, and committed to empowering people and businesses to achieve their highest potential. As part of her commitment to economic and social transformation, Denise has been supporting private institutions, SMEs, Development Agencies and Charities globally in an advisory capacity.
She started her career at Société Générale Corporate and Investment Bank before joining AXA Investment Managers where she held various positions during her 10 year tenure, including Chief Operating Officer for Rosenberg Equities, the quantitative equity investment platform. Her most recent position was at PPC Barnet in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where she led the company’s transformation, managing several strategic projects.
Denise holds a MSc in African Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science in London, an MBA from the European School of Economics in London, and a Law Degree from the University Pantheon Assas in Paris.
Our Goal is to take Africa Ahead.