Catalyzing finance to SMEs – the greatest generators of jobs, incomes, and economic impact – since 2004

Lynn Pikholz

President & CEO

Ms. Pikholz, founder and CEO of CapPlus, is an emerging economy small business finance expert and specialist in market-based poverty reduction strategies. Lynn brings over 25 years’ experience in micro and SME finance, including a focus on women entrepreneurs and the intersection of affordable education and SME finance. Currently, Lynn is leading CapPlus’ launch of EMII (Education Markets Impact Initiative) to use finance as a driver of cost effective and sustainable improvements in learning outcomes, transforming the affordable education finance market. Ms. Pikholz has developed and led trainings, published papers, and recently directed extensive research on low fee schools in sub-Saharan Africa. CapPlus’ Small Business Banking Network, comprising SME-focused financial institution members from emerging economies, was established under her leadership before merging into the G20’s SME Finance Forum. Ms. Pikholz’s earlier experience and publications includes MSME finance, impact investing, financing of affordable education and low-income housing.

lynn@capplus.org

Rula Dababneh

Acting CEO

Ms. Dababneh is an international development specialist, practitioner and program manager with over 20 years of professional experience in MSME finance, banking, private sector development, economic growth, and programmatic and financial management. During her years as a Regional Director at CGAP and a Senior Financial Services Advisor at Development Innovations Group (DIG), Ms. Dababneh managed capacity building programs to financial institutions, including microfinance institutions, in North, East, and South Africa, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central and Southeast Asia. She has extensive technical experience in leading public and private sector financial and economic development programs, with comprehensive management skills in all aspects of operations, including strategic planning and budgeting.

Thompson Abagna

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Manager

Thompson Abagna, FIRST+II MERL Manager, is a seasoned expert in monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL); collaborative learning and adoption; management information systems; data analytics; and capacity development. He has broad experience working with government institutions, the private sector, and development agencies.

He specializes in designing sustainable data management systems, conducting in-depth qualitative and quantitative research, and overseeing program implementation at all levels. He is skilled in gathering insights on advocacy and creating impactful reports and presentations for policy and planning. During his career he has led data collection, monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. He has developed MIS tools and managed MERL for institutions such as MoFA/IFAD, MAPRONET, ARDA, NHIA, USAID, Palladium, and the ACDI VOCA Ghana-USAID ADVANCE II Project, with a focus on agricultural value chains. Prior to September 2024, he coordinated MERL and knowledge management for the USAID-supported Feed the Future Market Systems and Resilience Activity in Northern Ghana. Mr. Abagna is committed to professional excellence, poverty reduction, and empowering teams through coaching and mentoring.

James Kobina Abakah

Financial Institution Growth Manager

James Kobina Abakah is a finance and development professional with over 12 years of experience in credit management, financial sector development, impact measurement and industry-building initiatives. He is currently a Financial Institution Growth Manager (BDS & Industry Building) on the FIRST+II program, leading efforts to strengthen financial institutions, scale business development services (BDS), and advance financial inclusion. He works collaboratively with financial service providers, policymakers, and development partners to build institutional capacity and introduce innovative, inclusive financial solutions.

He began his career in the financial services sector, designing and delivering tailored credit solutions to individuals and businesses, ensuring portfolio sustainability, regulatory compliance, and effective loan recovery. With his substantial research and data analysis foundation, Mr.  Abakah can leverage data-driven insights to assess program performance, inform strategic decisions, and support sustainable financial interventions. Passionate about sustainable finance and inclusive economic growth, he is committed to bridging financial service gaps and empowering businesses and underserved communities. He holds an MPhil in Agricultural Economics and has contributed to research on impact evaluation and value chain development.

Esther Adu

Accountant

Ms. Esther Adu is a seasoned accountant with diverse experience in financial management and accounting, demonstrating expertise in financial reporting, payroll administration, and regulatory compliance. She is currently contributing to the FIRST+II Program as an accountant, with prior experience at Echo House Ghana Limited.

Her career spans roles in corporate services, economic development, and healthcare sectors. She fosters financial stability and optimizes financial operations through meticulous analysis and precise financial management. Her academic background includes an MSc in Accounting & Finance, a BBA in Accounting, and ongoing professional advancement at the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana. She is also actively engaged in leadership roles and continuous professional development. With a strong track record of excellence in financial operations and leadership, she is committed to driving organizational growth and financial integrity in every role she undertakes.

Vivian Ekua Afoom

Co-Lead for the CapPlus/CDC FIRST+II partnership

Vivian Ekua Afoom is an expert in banking, international trade, and inclusive finance. With over 21 years of experience in corporate and SME banking, digital payments, financial inclusion, learning and development, and consultancy, she has worked across diverse sectors and industries within the private sector, driving impactful changes through her strategic insights and expertise.

In her role as Co-Lead for the CapPlus/CDC FIRST+II partnership, Ms. Afoom coordinates technical assistance to strengthen financial institutions’ capacity. She focuses on catalyzing access to innovative and inclusive finance solutions that foster transformative growth for MSMEs within the agribusiness and adjacent sectors.

As a certified trainer with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Learning Performance Institute, she is also a skilled professional in performance monitoring and assessment. She has facilitated numerous financial management and investment readiness training sessions to enhance the capacity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups, particularly in the agri-business, import, export, and trading value chains.

Ms. Afoom is a passionate advocate for gender equality and is a Certified Gender Equality Change Maker. She is dedicated to creating equitable access to finance and growth opportunities for women-led and women-owned businesses and ensuring that gender inclusivity remains at the forefront of economic development.

Francis Mensah Arthur

Co-Lead for Access to Finance

Francis Mensah Arthur is an access to finance expert on agricultural finance, agribusiness development, financial inclusion, and MSME development and finance. His expertise cuts across both the supply (financial institutions) and demand (MSMEs) sides. He is currently a Co-Lead for Access to Finance for the FIRST+II Program.

Over the last seven years, Mr. Arthur has led/worked on about 50 consulting assignments in investment advisory and funding services, agribusiness development, financial inclusion, SME development, and dorporate organizational development for clients and partners such as International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group), GIZ, USAID, UNICEF, DSIK, Bank of Ghana, FSD Africa, and Promasidor. Key tasks have included funding transaction advisory, training design and facilitation (for financial institutions and MSMEs), assignment implementation and management, institutional assessment, business and strategic plan development, financial management strengthening, corporate governance strengthening, development of business tools and templates, coaching and hands-on support, entrepreneurship, and SME development. He has completed over $4.2 million in funding, over 15 strategic and business plans, training assignments for over 5,000 beneficiaries, hands-on support in business improvement for over 100 SMEs, etc.

Mr. Arthur is a chartered accountant with an M.Sc. in International Business and a certified expert in agricultural finance. He has served as an accountant, finance manager and internal auditor in multiple sectors.

Eric Ayamga

Business Development Services Lead

Eric Ayamga is a development finance expert with over 12 years of experience managing and advising programs across sub-Saharan Africa. He currently serves as the Business Development Services Lead for the FIRST+II program.

His expertise spans business consulting, program design, management, climate finance, resource mobilization, applied research, curriculum development, capacity building, impact investing, proposal, concept note development, feasibility studies, and entrepreneurship development for MSMEs. He leverages his practical expertise in management and development consulting to drive impactful change and foster inclusive growth in developing and emerging economies across the global south.

Mr. Ayamga served as the National Climate Finance Expert on the FCDO-funded £48 million Green Climate Infrastructure Programme. He also worked as a Transaction Advisor on the $35 million USAID-funded Ghana Trade and Investment Activity in Accra, Ghana. Additionally, he served as a Development Finance Expert at the Management for Development Foundation (MDF West Africa), a Netherlands-based international management consulting firm with a regional office in Accra, Ghana. He also served as the lead consultant for the GIZ Green People’s Energy project, where he led the design of a curriculum on Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems for three universities in Ghana. At TechnoServe Inc., he served as a Business Advisor on three projects, further strengthening his expertise in enterprise development and investment facilitation.

Ekua Biney

Program Contracts and Procurement Manager

Ekua Biney is CapPlus’ Program Contracts and Procurement Manager for FIRST+II where she oversees contract administration, vendor engagement, and procurement compliance. Before joining CapPlus, Ms. Biney served as Administrative Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, managing procurement, logistics, office administration, and large-scale events across Africa. She also served as a Bilingual Project Officer with WACSI seconded to IREX to work on the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders where she managed professional development engagements regional grants and stakeholder partnerships across Francophone and Anglophone West and Central Africa.

Ms. Biney holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Diploma of French Studies (DUEF) from Université de Caen, France and a DALF C1 certification, demonstrating advanced proficiency in French. She is passionate about social impact and seeks to further contribute to grant-focused roles that strengthen sustainable development.

Zibrim Biosama

Technical Assistance Project Manager

Zibrim serves as the Technical Assistance Project Manager for the Access to Finance and Financial Institution Industry Building components of the FIRST+II program. Before joining the CapPlus FIRST+I team  as a Senior Banker, he served as a Senior Analyst for the Ghana Covid-19 Alleviation and Revitalization of Enterprise Support (GHANA CARES) where he provided credit reviews of corporate and SME credit guarantee applications from participating financial institutions.

Mr. Biosama is a seasoned banker and a development finance consultant with over 17 years of distinguished experience in and outside Ghana. His core competence areas are due diligence, project management, financial institution transformation and turnaround strategy, MSME credit and credit risk management, loan portfolio and NPL/recovery management, credit analysis, and capacity building.

He worked in and outside Ghana as a banker and consultant, supervising various credit and credit risk functions within microfinance institutions and commercial banks. His focus was on preventing, mitigating, and reducing a bank’s credit risk, as well as strengthening sustainable portfolio growth in the MSMSE sectors. He also served as a Principal Banker and Technical Advisor, assisting microfinance institutions, rural banks, and commercial banks in East Africa with their turnaround and sustainable growth strategies. He was also the Business Development Expert (STE) for GOPA AFC GmbH under the Ministry of Finance of Ghana, implementing the KfW Development Bank Ghana – Accompanying Measure Project, part of the Reform Partnership Program.

Dr. Peter Colenso

Director, Education Outcomes

Dr. Colenso is an international education expert with field experience in Africa, Asia and Europe. He was Executive Director (Education) at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Head of Education at DFID. His track record includes the World Bank, UNICEF, Government of Australia, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, LEGO Foundation, Sesame Workshop, Ark, and the Global Schools Forum. He has a history of building innovative partnerships with governments, multilaterals, civil society and the private sector.

Fedelis Dadzie

Technical and Gender Director, Financial Institution Resilience and Strengthening Program (FIRST+II)

Fedelis Dadzie currently serves as the Technical and Gender Program Director for the Financial Institution Resilience and Strengthening (FIRST+II) program, an initiative funded by the Mastercard Foundation, aimed at impacting 307,000 jobs for young rural women and men in Ghana. In this role, Mr. Dadzie leads the technical implementation, enhancing financial resilience and strengthening institutions.

Previously, Mr. Dadzie was the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the USAID Feed the Future Mobilizing Finance in Agriculture (MFA) Activity, where he provided technical oversight, mobilizing over $200 million in agricultural financing and investments, benefiting more than 40,000 enterprises. He also served as Chief of Party (COP) for the USAID West Africa – Analytical Support Services and Evaluations for Sustainable Systems (ASSESS) Project, managing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) services across 21 countries in West and Central Africa. His leadership covered diverse evaluations in agriculture, energy, environment, and trade sectors, offering critical insights for evidence-based decision-making and program improvement.

He also made significant contributions to the development of USAID’s Private Sector Engagement Policy, particularly in “Unlocking Private Investment.”

With over 15 years of expertise in managing complex international development projects, Mr. Dadzie excels in financial inclusion, agricultural and rural finance. He has a proven track record in leading multi-million-dollar programs, mobilizing investments, building partnerships across Africa, and delivering large-scale projects for USAID and other development partners, especially in facilitating access to financial services for underserved populations.

fdadzie@capplus.org

Joseph Darko

Youth Engagement and Partnerships Lead

Joseph Darko is FIRST+II’s Youth Engagement and Partnerships Lead. With 25 years of experience in international development, he specializes in designing, implementing, and managing youth-centered programs that drive meaningful and sustainable change. His expertise lies in fostering program growth by setting benchmarks, developing resilience strategies, and ensuring long-term sustainability for impactful initiatives.

Over the years, he has driven capacity-building efforts to strengthen government institutions and enhance the innovation and efficiency of departments and agencies. His work spans critical areas, including gender and youth empowerment, education, climate-smart agriculture, financial inclusion, cooperative strengthening, and disability inclusion. He has worked extensively with minority groups, women, and vulnerable populations in underserved areas. By crafting and operationalizing strategies tailored to their unique needs, these programs have successfully enhanced access to finance and resources, fostering inclusion and opportunity. Mr. Darko is driven by the belief that strengthened collaboration between international development agencies and governments will create humane and enabling environments for all. This vision fuels his work, inspiring him daily to make meaningful contributions toward a more just and prosperous world for all, especially vulnerable populations.

Gilbert Dotsey

Director of Finance, Administration, and Operations

Gilbert Dotsey is the Director of Finance, Administration, and Operations for the CapitalPlus Exchange FIRST+ II program. He oversees the finance, administration, MERL, and communication teams.

With over 20 years of experience in financial management, reporting, capacity building, procurement, contract management, investment, and internal controls, Mr. Dotsey has worked across various sectors, including impact investing, construction, consulting, pharmaceuticals, and international development. He has successfully coached and mentored staff into senior leadership roles and managed projects with complex financing structures, ensuring compliance with the requirements of private and institutional donors.

Before CapPlus, Mr. Dotsey was the Finance Manager for the Africa Growth Fund at Mennonite Economic Development Associates, overseeing its financial reporting. He also served as Country Finance Officer for Right to Play, Ghana, leading the finance team in donor reporting and compliance. He is a chartered accountant and holds a master’s degree in development finance.

Divine Hadzor

Finance and Accounting Manager

Divine Hadzor, Finance and Accounting Manager at CapPlus on the FIRST+ II program, is a highly qualified financial controller with over 15 years of experience in budgeting, reporting, accounting, and financial management across various sectors in sub-Saharan Africa. In his previous roles as Assistant Finance Controller for SSA and Finance Operations Controller for West Africa at Nielsen, Mr. Hadzor demonstrated proficiency in managing cash flow, establishing strong internal controls to protect organizational assets, preparing accurate financial statements, ensuring adherence to accounting standards, and supervising financial control operations.

With a solid foundation in forecasting, tax compliance, and financial report analysis, Mr. Hadzor successfully managed cross-functional and multiple-country teams, streamlining procedures, increasing productivity, and supporting cost-cutting measures. He is a collaborative leader who prioritizes upholding a high degree of ethics and financial accuracy.

Peter Hinton

Senior Banker

Peter Hinton has worked with CapPlus over the past decade and is currently CapPlus’ Senior Advisor of Affordable Education. In addition to his expertise in low-fee schools, he is an investment specialist and former African fund manager with a background in private equity investment and banking, with more than more than 25 years’ emerging market experience. Previously Mr. Hinton was CEO and founder of Enterprise Banking Group, a Botswana-based regional banking group that invested in banks in Kenya and Botswana. He also worked at CDC plc, a private equity investor in emerging markets and four years as Managing Director of Africa Trading, a South African fair trade business that won awards and international recognition. He currently heads up the Summit Development Group and serves as a core part of CapPlus Education Markets Impact team.

phinton@capplus.org

Paul Issifu

Finance and Accounting Manager

Paul Issifu is a CIMA-qualified management accountant and results-driven finance professional with robust experience in international development, financial management, and social investment. He currently serves as the Finance and Accounting Manager at CapPlus for the FIRST+II project, where he ensures effective financial oversight, compliance, and accountability for the program’s initiatives.

Mr. Issifu has successfully contributed to managing programs funded by leading global donors including USAID, UKAID-DHSC, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and the Mastercard Foundation. Previously, he was pivotal as Regional Finance Officer for West Africa at Mott MacDonald on the Fleming Fund, a £235 million program. His efforts contributed to advancing global health systems in 25 low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on combating antimicrobial resistance.

Beyond his professional roles, Mr. Issifu contributes to social impact initiatives as Finance and Operations Lead at InspireHer Ghana and mentors entrepreneurs through Mercy Corps’ MicroMentor program. He is also an alumnus of the AFC Climate Challenge Leadership Fellowship, demonstrating his commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change. He also contributes to thought leadership as a Research Associate at AREF Consult.

Desmond Kaledzi

MERL Specialist

Desmond Kaledzi is a seasoned Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist applying his expertise to the FIRST+II Program. He has over a decade of experience in agribusiness, financial management, policy development, and project evaluation. He has an extensive background in designing and implementing MEL frameworks, theory of change, evidence and gap maps (EGMs), conducting impact assessments, and applying evidence-based decision-making approaches to enhance policy effectiveness and project sustainability.

His expertise spans across agricultural value chain financing, rural development, financial sector analysis, institutional capacity-building, financial inclusion strategies, climate change adaptation strategies, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive governance. Mr. Kaledzi has collaborated on projects funded by organizations such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Hewlett Foundation, Science for Africa Foundation, United States African Development Foundation (USADF), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), World Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the European Union, and USAID.

Millicent Kaleem

Gender and Inclusive Finance Manager

Millicent Kaleem has over 20 years of experience in gender development, safeguarding, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) development and financing, and project management. She is the Gender and Inclusive Finance Manager for FIRST+II.

She specializes in creating and managing large-scale projects that support MSME development, promote gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive growth, with a strong focus on disability inclusion. She has a proven track record of successfully working with donors, financial institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners to design and implement gender-sensitive and inclusive interventions that drive sustainable change. Her technical expertise spans program management, monitoring and evaluation, partnership building, and organizational development. She has developed tailored training programs, conducted needs assessments, and created strategies that address the specific challenges faced by MSMEs, particularly women-led and disability-inclusive enterprises.

Ms. Kaleem holds a Master’s degree in Business and Public Sector Administration and has completed various professional certifications in project management, entrepreneurship development, gender finance, and organizational development. Her strong leadership, people management, and communication skills have enabled her to lead diverse teams, foster collaborative relationships, and deliver results in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Yves Anougbre Kouadio

Contract and Procurement Manager

Yves Kouadio is a seasoned development professional currently serving as a Contract and Procurement Manager for FIRST+II. With over 20 years of experience, his expertise spans diverse domains, including procurement, operations, financial and grant management, project startup and closeout, and field mission coordination.

He has a proven ability to navigate complex donor environments, particularly with USAID and Mastercard Foundation-funded initiatives, and has successfully contributed to the missions of international organizations like ACDI/VOCA where he served as Finance, Administrative and Grant Manager; Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI)where he served as Finance and Administrative Manager;  OIC International where he served as Credit Officer; and Habitat for Humanity Côte d’Ivoire where he served as Program Administrator.

Fluent in both French and English, Mr. Kouadio has a distinguished record of working in multicultural and multilingual environments across West and Central Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills consistently made him a valuable asset in diverse and challenging operational contexts. He has a masters degree in engineering and project management.

Tutu Kwachie

Industry Building and Enabling Environment Lead

Tutu Kwachie is a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in investment advisory and sustainable finance. His expertise encompasses green and transition taxonomies, REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), carbon taxation, and voluntary carbon markets (VCM). He is dedicated to unlocking investments in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), promoting debt sustainability, and advancing sustainable development.

With a robust background in investment and transaction advisory, business valuation, restructuring, capital raising, ESG practices, and climate risk management, Tutu is a Certified Risk Manager and a Sustainability and Climate Risk Expert. His credentials are further complemented by a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. He champions stewardship and financial inclusivity, contributing to economic resilience and sustainable development.

Tutu holds an MBA in Finance from Charles Sturt University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Statistics from the University of Ghana. His multidisciplinary approach equips organizations to navigate complex financial landscapes while achieving sustainability objectives.

Currently, as the Industry Building and Enabling Environment Lead for the $43 million FIRST+II Program funded by the Mastercard Foundation, Tutu leads initiatives to strengthen institutional capacities, enhance regulatory frameworks, and broaden financial inclusion for non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) targeting agriculture, ag-adjacent businesses, and MSMEs. His work drives significant impact, fostering economic growth and sustainability.

tkwachie@capplus.org

Marian Lamptey

Program Support and Partnerships Manager

Marian Lamptey is FIRST+II’s seasoned Program Support and Partnerships Manager with over a decade of experience in program coordination, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building initiatives. She fosters partnerships, coordinates training programs, and ensures the seamless implementation of programs. Her technical expertise, combined with her practical execution, drives a meaningful impact in Ghana’s financial sector.

Ms. Lamptey’s expertise spans procurement, office operations, partnership management, and strategic communications. Before joining the CapPlus team, Marian worked with the African Cashew Alliance and on several USAID-funded projects focused on trade and investment, where she led and coordinated high-level meetings, training, events, conferences, workshops, and supporting public-private partnerships.  Her experience working with USAID and private sector-driven programs has equipped her with a unique understanding of development initiatives. She speaks French and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communications.

Benjamin Ashong Lartey

MERL Specialist

Benjamin Ashong Lartey is a dynamic Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Specialist with expertise in data analytics, business intelligence, and financial sector resilience. In the FIRST+II program he designs and implements data management systems, integrates consortium partner data, and develops performance-tracking dashboards to enhance management decision-making.

His experience extends to USAID’s Ghana Trade and Investment Activity, where he contributed to investment facilitation, SME pipeline development, and data-driven monitoring and evaluation processes. He previously worked at Republic Investments, a subsidiary of Republic Bank Ghana PLC, where he played a key role in investment research, portfolio analysis, and client reporting.

Mr. Lartey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Geography from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and is a certified Business Intelligence and Data Analyst (CFI).

Keenan Mueller

Project Management Unit Manager

Keenan Mueller brings a wealth of institutional knowledge, providing strategic oversight and visionary leadership. In his current capacity as the Project Management Unit (PMU) Manager for FIRST+II, he plays a central role in expanding the CapPlus field office in Accra, Ghana, where he offers mentorship and drives the successful implementation of key initiatives, furthering the organization’s mission of transformative impact in the region.

Since 2019, he has been an integral member of CapitalPlus Exchange, initially serving as the Accounting and Operations Associate. During the initial phase of the FIRST+ program, he efficiently managed a diverse portfolio of responsibilities, including contracting, accounting, payments, and financial reporting, ensuring seamless operational execution.

Mr. Mueller is a distinguished graduate of Elmhurst University, where he earned undergraduate degrees in Economics and Business Administration. During his studies, he led a local business marketing research and strategy, and provided accounting services to another local small business.

George Neequaye

Visual Design Consultant

George Neequaye is a multifaceted individual who is passionate about creativity, design, communications, technology, and community impact, culminating in his current role as a Visual Design Consultant for the FIRST+II program. In this role he leverages his expertise to develop and implement impactful communication strategies and foster effective stakeholder collaboration.

Mr. Neequaye’s commitment to education and innovation is evident in his roles as a Lecturer at Webster University and a Design Teaching Fellow at Parsons. Through diverse professional experiences, he has refined his skills in graphics, motion, and web design, from senior design roles in Ghana to motion design projects in London and the United States. As the founder of the Pencils of Promise Ashesi club, he has demonstrated his dedication to social impact by spearheading initiatives to build schools and mentor children in rural villages in Ghana.

With a rich tapestry of experiences and a commitment to innovation and social change, Mr. Neequaye continues to work hard in design, communications, technology, and education. He holds a solid foundation in Computer Science from Ashesi University and has further explored design and technology through an MFA at Parsons School of Design. This unique blend of technical expertise and artistic flair defines his skill set.

Richard Obuobi

Program Director, Financial Institution Resilience and Strengthening Program (FIRST+II)

Richard Obuobi is a seasoned investment and business leader with over 23 years of distinguished experience across 20+ countries in Africa, Europe, and the US. He possesses a deep understanding of global financial markets and a proven track record of success in driving business growth and value creation.

As a Part Qualified Risk Actuary and a certified professional in finance, energy, and climate risk, Richard brings a unique blend of financial acumen, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the African business landscape. He is passionate about empowering businesses to thrive by addressing key challenges and enhancing their competitiveness, profitability, and long-term sustainability.

His expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, aviation, agriculture, healthcare, IT, oil and gas, telecommunications, banking, real estate, and water and sanitation. He possesses a deep understanding of corporate and structured finance, financial risk management, alternative investments, energy risk, debt and capital markets, business development services, investment advisory, financial modeling and valuations, and business planning and strategy.

Richard has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing innovative risk mitigation strategies in Ghana and Rwanda. His contributions have significantly impacted the development of the risk profession within the East and West African region

robuobi@capplus.org

Josephine Odonkor

Accountant

Josephine Odonkor is an Accountant for the FIRST+II program, with 17 years of work experience. She has developed strong skills and a proven track record of success in accounting, customer care, insurance, and procurement. In her previous role, she demonstrated high leadership skills in accounts, claims, and administration.

She holds a degree in Accounting from Central University College and is studying for her master’s degree in business administration at Liverpool John Moores University. Ms Odonkor is highly motivated and willing to learn and achieve the organization’s targets.

Lynn Railsback

Vice President

Ms. Railsback is Director, Industry Building and Impact for CapPlus’ FIRST+ programme (Financial Institution Resilience and STrengthening) in Ghana.  She has more than 25 years’ experience in development finance, many of them at ShoreBank Corporation where she led implementation of major strategic initiatives, including strategies to serve new customer segments as well as marketing, IT and human resources strategies. At CapPlus, she also coordinates CapPlus’ low-fee private school market research and manages thought leadership and corporate communications, as well as leads the performance and impact measurement initiatives.

lrailsback@capplus.org

Roberto Randrianarison

Access to Finance Lead

Roberto Randrianarison is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning the banking and microfinance sectors across Africa. He serves as the Access to Finance Lead for the FIRST+II program.

In previous senior executive roles across diverse institutions, Mr. Randrianarison has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to propel businesses towards growth, efficiency, and sustainability, even in challenging environments. Throughout his career, he has led strategic initiatives, including greenfield projects, that achieved profitability in record time, as well as institutional turnarounds that fostered operational excellence. His focus on digital transformation, financial inclusion, and innovative business development has consistently delivered value and positive impact to stakeholders.

As a practical and empowering leader, Mr. Randrianarison excels in strategy, project management, risk assessment, and operational efficiency. His expertise includes steering ambitious projects in product development, network expansion, process optimization, and digitization, while ensuring the timely achievement of milestones with high-quality deliverables. Fluent in Malagasy, French, and English, he connects seamlessly with diverse teams and partners, building lasting relationships that drive progress and sustainability.

Roselyn Siaw

Communications Manager

Roselyn Siaw is the Communications Manager for the FIRST+II program. In this role, she leads strategic communications to amplify the program’s impact, share compelling stories of youth, women and MSMEs, and elevate the visibility of CapPlus and its partners across Ghana’s development finance landscape.

Previously, Ms. Siaw was the Head of Corporate Affairs & Communication at the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), where she established the Exchange’s first communications office and successfully coordinated the national launch of GCX operations in 2018. She has also led high-profile stakeholder engagements, moderated industry forums, and authored multiple publications on agriculture and commodity trading.

Ms. Siaw holds an MA in Development Communication from UNIMAC, an MPhil in Marketing, and a BSc in E-Commerce and Customer Management from the University of Ghana Business School. She also completed a Public Relations training program at the Ghana Institute of Journalism and has received training in Data and Marketing Analytics from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG). For her achievements, she was named Emerging Communications & Marketing Professional of the Year at the 2022 Ghana National Communications Awards.

Linda Tetteh

Administrative Officer

Linda Tetteh is a result-driven and skilled bilingual administrator with expertise in market research, procurement, and office operations. Currently serving as an Admin Officer for FIRST+II, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth office operations, coordinating procurement activities, and conducting research to support informed decision-making. She manages vendor relationships and enhances cost efficiency while ensuring compliance with company policies and best operational practices. Additionally, she oversees administrative functions, ensuring compliance with company policies and optimizing workflow processes for greater productivity.

Ms. Tetteh has a background in Human Resource Management from the University of Cape Coast, and worked on several USAID-funded projects where she coordinated logistics, managed budgets, facilitated partnerships, and ensured compliance with donor regulations. Her in-depth understanding of development projects and private sector-driven initiatives makes her a valuable asset in operational and stakeholder engagement efforts.