Bassim Haidar is an entrepreneur and a force in the telecom and fintech sectors, particularly in emerging markets across Africa and the Middle East. Born in Nigeria and of Lebanese descent, Bassim co-founded his first company, Intercomm Ltd, in 1991, followed by GMT in 1995, now the leading provider of integrated procurement, finance, and logistics in West Africa. These early ventures set the stage for his remarkable career, characterized by his ability to identify and address critical infrastructure needs in some of the world’s most dynamic and underserved markets.

In 2003, Bassim founded Channel IT, a company that has since become a cornerstone in providing essential supplies and services to the telecom industry in Nigeria and beyond. Under his leadership, Channel IT now operates in 19 countries, playing a pivotal role in the development of telecom infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East.

Bassim’s entrepreneurial vision reached new heights in 2011 when he launched Channel VAS, now a global leader in Mobile Financial and Fintech Services for emerging markets. Channel VAS is a key player in driving financial inclusion by offering smart handset financing and other fintech solutions to underserved populations, enabling over 650 million customers in more than 30 countries to access essential financial services. His focus on bridging the digital and financial divide has positioned Channel VAS as a transformative force, bringing banking and telecom services to previously unreachable areas.

With over 20 years of experience in the African market, Bassim has earned his reputation as one of the most successful and influential pioneers in his industry. His relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to empowering underserved communities has not only reshaped telecom and fintech landscapes but also helped to foster greater economic development across the regions where he operates.