Nigeria Neobank Kuda Faces Case Over Workplace Discrimination Claims

STARTUP VENTURE CAPITALFebruary 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM UTC

TLDR

Kuda faces a U.K. employment tribunal case over allegations of workplace discrimination, harassment, and wrongful dismissal
Former Chief People Officer (CPO) Rosemary Hewat filed the complaint, accusing CEO Babatunde Ogundeyi of sex discrimination and victimization
The case also involves an equity dispute, where she claims her stock options were reduced unfairly

Kuda Technologies, one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital banks, faces a U.K. employment tribunal case over allegations of workplace discrimination, harassment, and wrongful dismissal.

Former Chief People Officer (CPO) Rosemary Hewat filed the complaint, accusing CEO Babatunde Ogundeyi of sex discrimination and victimization before her dismissal in April 2024.

Hewat alleges she was excluded from key decisions, faced intimidation, and was pressured to withdraw discrimination complaints. The case also involves an equity dispute, where she claims her stock options were reduced unfairly. Kuda denies wrongdoing but has yet to respond in detail.

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Key Takeaways

The lawsuit places Kuda under scrutiny as African fintech firms face increasing pressure to strengthen corporate governance. Investors, regulators, and industry stakeholders are closely watching the case, given past workplace controversies in the sector. The legal battle raises concerns about gender equality in African tech and how rapidly growing startups manage internal culture. With Kuda’s reputation and talent retention at stake, its handling of the case could impact its long-term credibility in fintech.

Startups

Nigeria

Fintech

Digital Bank

Neobank

Kuda Bank