African Fintech Pioneer Fara Ashiru Jituboh Joins UK Startup Kernel Following Okra’s Closure
The African technology landscape is marking a significant transition as Fara Ashiru Jituboh, the co-founder and former CEO/CTO of the pioneering Nigerian fintech Okra, has embarked on a new chapter. Jituboh has taken on a new role as Head of Engineering at the British startup Kernel, a move that comes shortly after the confirmed shutdown of Okra. This development signals both the end of a notable era for one of Africa’s open finance leaders and a new international chapter for one of its most prominent tech figures. The move follows months after Okra launched Nebula, its in-house cloud infrastructure product, highlighting the fast-paced and often challenging nature of the startup world.
The End of an Era for Okra
In a move that has reverberated through the African tech ecosystem, Okra officially ceased its operations in May 2025. Jituboh confirmed the difficult decision to wind down the company, reflecting on an incredible journey. She expressed immense pride in the impactful technology the team built, the partnerships forged with major continental brands, and their role in trailblazing open banking across Africa. Founded in 2019 alongside David Peterside, Okra was at the forefront of building the API infrastructure that allowed users to securely link their bank accounts with third-party applications, a foundational element of modern financial services. Jituboh extended her deep gratitude to the community, customers, investors, and the talented team who supported Okra’s five-year mission to innovate within the continent’s financial sector.
Jituboh’s transition to Kernel in the UK represents a notable shift for a founder who was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s fintech scene. Her new position as Head of Engineering will see her apply her extensive experience in building complex financial technology to a new market. While the closure of Okra is a poignant moment for African open finance, Jituboh’s move underscores the global recognition of African tech talent. Her legacy with Okra remains a testament to the continent’s capacity for innovation, and her journey forward will be watched closely as she continues to influence the tech world from a new vantage point.
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