Kuda Technologies, one of Africa’s fastest-growing digital banks, is under legal scrutiny following allegations of workplace discrimination, harassment, and wrongful dismissal. The accusations were brought forward by the company’s former Group Chief People Officer (CPO), Rosemary Hewat, who filed a case with the UK Employment Tribunal. According to Hewat, Kuda and its CEO, Babatunde Ogundeyi, engaged in discriminatory practices that led to her unfair dismissal.
The claims suggest a pattern of mistreatment within Kuda’s corporate environment. Hewat alleges that she was subjected to ongoing harassment, including public berating of female employees and exclusion from critical strategy discussions. She contends that these actions created a toxic workplace culture, directly contradicting Kuda’s stated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy.
In addition to discrimination claims, Hewat has raised concerns about discrepancies in her employee stock options (ESOP). She asserts that the company issued her stock at a higher valuation than originally promised, effectively reducing the value of her equity stake. This, she argues, was another way in which Kuda undermined her position within the company.
The legal battle comes at a time when African tech companies are facing increasing scrutiny over governance and corporate accountability. Investors and regulators have been calling for greater transparency in workplace policies, especially as startups scale and attract global funding. The case against Kuda is likely to spark wider discussions about fair treatment of employees and the ethical responsibilities of high-growth companies.
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Kuda Technologies, which has rapidly expanded its customer base across Nigeria and the UK, has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations. Industry analysts suggest that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes within Africa’s booming fintech sector. If the claims are upheld, it may force other startups to reassess their internal policies and employee relations practices.
The tribunal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months, with observers closely watching for any implications on the future of corporate governance in African tech. Regardless of the final ruling, the case underscores the growing demand for accountability in workplaces that aspire to global success.
