Nizar Chaddad has been appointed as the new CEO of Société Monétique Tunisie (SMT), the national operator of electronic payment infrastructure in Tunisia. He joins SMT from the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT), where he worked for 27 years. Chaddad's appointment comes as Tunisia aims to accelerate its transition to digital payments and reduce its reliance on cash. As CEO of SMT, he will oversee the development of a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

Chaddad announced his appointment on LinkedIn, outlining his vision to strengthen innovation, interoperability, trust, and security in digital payments. He aims to build on his experience at BCT, where he contributed to strategic initiatives on modernizing financial infrastructure, developing electronic payments, and promoting financial inclusion. His expertise will be crucial in driving SMT's role in Tunisia's digital payment landscape.

During his tenure at BCT, Chaddad represented the institution in various regional and international committees. In January 2024, he joined the Expert Group on Financial Inclusion Policies (EGFIP) of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), an international organization promoting cooperation between financial institutions and public authorities on financial inclusion. His international experience will likely benefit SMT's operations.

Société Monétique Tunisie plays a strategic role in Tunisia's payment ecosystem, ensuring interoperability between electronic payment actors. As the country seeks to reduce its cash dependency, SMT's services will be essential in facilitating this transition. Chaddad's appointment is expected to drive growth and innovation in digital payments.

Chaddad's background is closely tied to the evolution of Tunisia's payment systems. He has been instrumental in shaping the country's financial infrastructure, and his expertise will be valuable in addressing the challenges and opportunities in the digital payment space. His leadership at SMT is anticipated to have a significant impact on Tunisia's financial sector.

The appointment of Nizar Chaddad as CEO of SMT reflects Tunisia's efforts to modernize its financial sector and promote digital payments. With his extensive experience and international connections, Chaddad is well-positioned to drive SMT's growth and contribute to the country's financial development. His vision for a more inclusive financial ecosystem aligns with Tunisia's goals for economic growth and financial stability.

As Chaddad takes on his new role, he will need to address the challenges facing SMT and the broader Tunisian financial sector. With a focus on innovation, security, and inclusivity, he is expected to play a key role in shaping the country's digital payment landscape. The success of his initiatives will be closely watched by stakeholders in Tunisia's financial sector.

Key points

  • Nizar Chaddad aims to strengthen innovation, interoperability, trust, and security in digital payments as CEO of Société Monétique Tunisie.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.