Professional History: Gilles Kounou is a digital innovator dedicated to advancing financial inclusion across Africa through technology. He is the founder and CEO of Open SI and Kkiapay, platforms that enable small businesses and public institutions to accept digital payments via mobile money and bank cards. Gilles has played a pivotal role in Benin’s digital transformation, developing the country’s largest developer community and leading impactful public platforms such as service-public.bj and the eCouncil of Ministers.

His work has earned international recognition, including the World Bank Mission Billion Challenge, the WURI Prize for Tonti+, and the FAO Award for Agrikalpay, an AI and blockchain-backed wallet for farmers.

Gilles has been featured as one of the top ten personalities in Benin’s digital ecosystem by CIO Mag (2018) and has consistently ranked among the Choiseul 100 Africa since 2021.

Beyond entrepreneurship, he is a mentor and trainer, supporting young digital innovators through initiatives such as SolidarIT Tech Hub and Jumia’s MTN Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Academic and professional credentials: Doctoral Studies (ongoing) — Mathematics & Computer Science (Telecommunications), École Supérieure Polytechnique, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
Ingénieur en Génie Informatique & Sciences Appliquées (Software Engineering & Information Systems) — University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin (2013)
ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) (2015)
ISO 27005 IT Risk Analyst & MEHARI (2013)
AFNOG/AfriNIC UNIX & Linux Systems Administration (2012)
Baccalauréat — Mathematics & Physical Sciences, Collège Catholique Père Aupiais, Cotonou, Benin (2005)
Military Avionics Certification — École technique des Forces Royales Air du Maroc, Marrakech (2006–2009)

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