Mr. Mulualem Syoum

Mulualem Syoum is a digital economy strategist, fintech innovator, and Founder & CEO of the AeTrade Group. With over 30 years of experience in technology, cybersecurity, and institutional transformation, he leads one of Africa’s most ambitious digital trade and financial inclusion ecosystems.

Mr. Syoum’s vision for AeTrade Group stems from his belief that public-private collaboration, youth and women entrepreneurship, and digital innovation are essential to Africa’s prosperity. Under his leadership, the AeTrade ecosystem has launched flagship initiatives such as Sokokuu.Africa, AeTrust (a multipayment and remittance platform), and the Africa Strategic Investment Alliance (ASIA), an SME finance aggregator. These platforms collectively aim to create millions of jobs and expand cross-border market access.

Prior to founding AeTrade, Mr. Syoum served as Chief Information Technology Officer at the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. He led efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience, business continuity, and risk mitigation across multiple UN-supported environmental programs.

Earlier in his career, he co-founded Micro-net Inc. in Montreal, which later merged with Cronomagic to become a regional leader in enterprise software and compliance consulting for international institutions.

He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from Roehampton University in London and certifications in Enterprise Risk Management from Harvard University, as well as credentials in global information security governance.

Mr. Syoum continues to be a pan-African voice for digitally enabled, inclusive growth and institutional cooperation that accelerates sustainable development.