Nael Hailemariam is a Co-Founder and CEO of Chapa, Ethiopia’s leading online payment gateway, where he advances digital payment solutions across the country and beyond. Recently recognized for his contributions to digital finance, Nael has played a pivotal role in broadening payment access and supporting Africa's emerging tech ecosystem. Before Chapa, he conducted research at Tencent, focusing on game design and digital payments in Africa and the Middle East, giving him key insights into regional digital trends and user behavior. Nael earned his Master’s in Data Science from Tsinghua University, where he specialized in technology design and data-driven solutions. With a focus on financial inclusion and economic empowerment, Nael actively supports initiatives aimed at fostering local innovation and enhancing digital infrastructure. Beyond his technical and business acumen, Nael is passionate about community impact and building cultural bridges through technology. His work reflects a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities in Africa's fast-growing digital landscape, leveraging his expertise to drive financial accessibility and support local entrepreneurs.