Meet Rodney Amematekpo, the Managing Director of Amtek Financial Solutions. From an early age, he developed a desire to assist others in realizing their potential. Upon joining AMTEK Financial Solutions, the firm focused on intermediary banking operations with banks as its primary partners. Rodney played a key role in transforming AMTEK into the leading Support and Advisor Structure (SAE) in Côte d’Ivoire under the BCEAO’s SME program. The company introduced new services, including Mergers & Acquisitions and Valuation, while also partnering with investment funds.
Recently, they launched Côte d’Ivoire’s first Operating Partner service. The intent is to address clients’ needs for operational support alongside financing. It focuses on key areas such as financial management, sales strategy, and business development. AMTEK aims to assist clients in acquiring stock market financing. They aspire to establish themselves as the market leader in fostering growth and wealth creation for SMEs and businesses throughout Côte d’Ivoire and the surrounding region.
Perception about Business Growth
To Rodney, business growth transcends mere revenue and profitability. It fundamentally revolves around generating sustainable value. This includes providing employees with career development opportunities and offering clients transformative solutions that enhance their daily lives and contribute to their financial and social well-being. “True growth,” in his view, “is defined by a company’s assiduous pursuit of a positive and enduring legacy, cultivating a strong culture, and fostering trust.”
In the current African context, the emphasis on creating enduring organizations is increasingly vital. As African nations strive for economic sovereignty, Rodney’s insightful perspective highlights the need to support innovative businesses. He sees them as means that can uplift an entire generation by creating sustainable job opportunities.
A Real-World Influence in Leadership
The person who leaves a lasting mark on Rodney’s whole approach to leadership is his dad, Mr. Jacob AMEMATEKPO. He’s the one who started AMTEK Financial Solutions. As a role model and a mentor, his influence has been absolutely priceless.
What’s kind of amazing is that early on in Rodney’s time at AMTEK, he actually got to share an office with his father for several years. Even with a massive plate of responsibilities, Mr. AMEMATEKPO consistently managed to stay remarkably organized and totally collected even when things were hitting the fan.
There’s this one moment that really sticks out. It was during a fundraising round that dragged on way longer than anyone had anticipated. Every single time they thought they were closing in on a win, some unexpected snag would pop up. However, Mr. Amematekpo deftly pinpointed the core issues and firmly guided the whole team toward the right fixes. Throughout the situation, he never lost his composure or his fierce determination. His absolute steadfastness is what eventually saw them through to a successful finish of that entire fundraising saga.
That defining experience was like a lightbulb moment for Rodney. It really drove home the truth that effective leadership is so much more than just making the right call. No, it truly encompasses things like that unflappable calm, sheer perseverance, and a clear vision. Above all, the ability to energize and unite the team around one shared objective. That initial, deep-seated realization still shapes how Rodney leads today. The veteran makes a conscious effort to stay level-headed, project confidence, and always diligently search for solutions when things get tough. Simultaneously, he ensures the entire group is aligned accordingly.
“Anyone who surrounds themselves with the right expertise paves the way to success with greater certainty.”
AMTEK Bridges Compliance and Innovation
“Compliance is not a constraint, but our foundation,” says Rodney. AMTEK upholds a strong commitment to both professionalism and regulatory complaince. The company’s high standards are formally established through its accreditation as a Banking Operations Intermediary by Minister in charge of Finance. Additionally, it has been selected by the BCEAO (Central Bank of West African States) as a Support and Advising Structure (SAE) for SMEs. Rodney explains that this dual recognition attests to its adherence to rigorous professional standards, granting the regulatory peace of mind necessary to prioritize innovation. Free from compliance concerns, which they ensure through continuous legal monitoring, AMTEK focuses on developing new strategies, notably via its Operating Partner service. This service moves beyond traditional financing by also serving as a strategic and operational partner, helping SMEs and businesses improve their management.
The Biggest Challenges in Business Growth
Success without setback is rare. Every professional, businessman, or entrepreneur has to go through something or other. For Rodney, one of AMTEK’s biggest challenges is raising awareness of its role as a broker in banking operations and as an Operating Partner in Côte d’Ivoire and across Africa, where the need for financial education is ubiquitous. To overcome this obstacle, the team has adopted a two-pronged strategic approach. It begins with structuring and professionalizing the activity. Then comes raising awareness and providing active training to SMEs and banks.
AMTEK has initiated steps to organize and structure the brokers in the banking operations sector. The purpose is to create a professional body that fosters stronger collaboration among various brokers. It will also strengthen the credibility of the profession with authorities and economic stakeholders.
Rodney explains, “We don’t simply wait for SMEs to come to us. We are actively working to educate them about the financing and support solutions available outside of traditional banking channels. We regularly organize training and introductory campaigns.” This, he adds, allows SME leaders to understand better how a broker in banking operations (IOB) like AMTEK can be a key partner.
By addressing these two fronts, like market structure and stakeholder awareness, AMTEK is transforming initial unawareness into an opportunity for education and leadership within the financial sector.
“Working with an Operating Partner means turning the experience of others into a powerful lever for your company’s growth.”
The Core Values That Inspire Leadership
The core values guiding his leadership are empathy and adaptability. Together, they have helped in shaping AMTEK’s people-centered culture. It’s this balanced mindset that recently earned him recognition among ‘Africa’s Most Visionary Managing Directors Powering Business Growth in 2025.’
Empathy allows Rodney to build trusting and attentive relationships with both clients and colleagues. Being able to step into their shoes and grasp their challenges and expectations is an important ability for crafting genuinely customized solutions.
Then there’s adaptability. That is the secret to flourishing in an ecosystem characterized by all types of diversity among the companies AMTEK supports. His roles, both as an Operating Partner and a Banking Operations Broker, necessitate a deep comprehension of each sector’s specific quirks. This allows him to fine-tune their methods to match the complex, real-world scenario of every single client.
Rodney demonstrates these values in his day-to-day management. He is completely convinced that leading by example is the most effective form of leadership. He feels this demeanor is what truly galvanizes his colleagues toward both professional mastery and their own personal growth.
A Typical Day, in Action!
His day usually starts with a workout. It’s a way for him to refocus before diving into the intense pace of work. Being physically fit helps him maintain his energy, especially on long days. Managing a business, being a husband, a father, and the President of a service club requires a great deal of discipline and rigorous organization. To remain effective, Rodney anticipates his tasks and plans his priorities well in advance. The role of an Operating Partner demands significant involvement, requiring a high level of concentration. He consciously tries to maintain this proactive attitude, a method that has proven quite successful for him so far.
Amtek’s Role in Africa’s Financial Advancement
Rodney believes that AMTEK contributes to financial inclusion and economic empowerment in Africa by breaking down traditional barriers and making financing more accessible and relevant for those who need it most: SMEs. He highlights that the core of their business as a Banking Operations Broker (BOI) is to bridge the gap between SMEs, often excluded from traditional banking channels, and sources of financing. They explore alternative funding options like investment funds, private equity, venture capital, etc. that are tailored to the specific needs and development stages of SMEs, particularly those emerging from the informal economy. They assist businesses in formalizing and professionalizing their loan applications. This indeed is a necessary step toward inclusion, as a well-structured SME becomes “bankable” or “investable.” It opens the door to previously inaccessible capital.
Rodney shares that this development requires more than just a loan. Therefore, their Operating Partner model goes beyond financial advisory. They work closely with business leaders on both practical and strategic management. Their focus is on improving governance structures, internal processes, and market strategies so that businesses can concentrate on their core functions. They also guide SMEs toward better management, stronger reporting, and improved compliance. This helps them turn raised capital into sustainable, well-structured growth. These stronger SMEs, in effect, create jobs and local wealth.
Powering Performance Through People
To really ignite growth within an organization, you must have a workforce that feels both motivated and truly fulfilled. Rodney feels, “sustainable performance naturally arises from a culture where every single person feels heard, supported, and genuinely appreciated.”
That’s precisely why he makes a point of understanding his team’s specific requirements. And, just as importantly, delivering practical solutions that pave the way for shared success. For example, at AMTEK, much importance is attached to continuous professional development through ongoing training initiatives. He’s also introduced flexible work arrangements, which, of course, help everyone better harmonize their career aspirations with their personal lives.
What’s more? He dedicates significant attention to mental health and general well-being on the job. This line of business can be quite taxing sometimes, Rodney knows it. Providing the team with opportunities to recharge while simultaneously honing their individual capabilities is a must here. That, to him, is a profound source of both motivation and increased output across the board.
Most Proud Achievement
Having established AMTEK Financial Solutions as the leading Support and Advising Structure (SAE) for SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire, and having received recognition from leading financial institutions that seek their feedback, is a significant achievement for Rodney. AMTEK is also the first company to offer Operating Partner services in Côte d’Ivoire. Its support contributed to one of its clients winning the National Excellence Award in Côte d’Ivoire.
Rodney considers operational support as an Operating Partner an ideal solution for generating growth and wealth for businesses across Côte d’Ivoire and Africa. This approach directly contributes to the expansion of African companies and helps increase the GDP of their respective nations.
Work-life Balance Technique
Rodney acknowledges, “Maintaining a work-life balance is a real challenge, especially when you’re an Operating Partner and aware that your long-term health and well-being impact the company’s performance, directly.”
That’s precisely why flexibility is so critical to Rodney. He makes an effort to maximize remote work whenever the situation permits, especially while he’s traveling for business. In fact, he uses those business trips to carve out periods for relaxation or a little leisure time. This approach, to him, is the key to maintaining his efficiency while still setting aside time for himself that he needs.
Achieving this balance is tough, particularly when you have such a deep passion for your work. Thus, Rodney takes a systematic approach to scheduling. He ensures that he intentionally carves out time for leisure and family. These moments, he finds, are absolutely fundamental to his personal equilibrium and, ultimately, to his professional performance.
Advice for the Financial Aspirants
Rodney’s advice to future leaders in the African financial sector is precise. He advises, “Make an impact your strategic compass.” He emphasizes that leaders should focus on distributing capital and designing solutions that bring real change and empower key economic players across the continent.
To achieve this in practice, Rodney recommends two main approaches. First, Transforming Finance into Sustainable Development. He believes true leadership lies in the ability to think beyond conventional boundaries. Leaders must build teams capable of supporting SMEs in structuring their growth and improving their daily operations, essentially becoming true Operational Partners. This means adopting a long-term vision by prioritizing investments and solutions that enhance governance, resilience, and innovation capacity—not merely those that guarantee quick returns.
Finally, Seize the Local Opportunity. Rodney highlights, “Africa needs solutions tailored to its unique realities. Future leaders must move away from imported Western models that overlook the informal economy or local culturalcontexts.” He believes innovation must serve inclusion. By fully understanding local needs, leaders can design financing and support mechanisms that unlock the potential of traditionally excluded entrepreneurs.
The Legacy that Lasts
Rodney hopes to leave behind a legacy that transcends the success of AMTEK Financial Solutions. He wants to be remembered as a catalyst for a new generation of economic champions, particularly within SMEs. His most meaningful legacy would be making financing mechanisms more equitable, transparent, and accessible for SMEs. He wants AMTEK to be recognized as proof that it is possible to build a solid and compliant financial institution. He also aims to leave behind a structured and respected profession of Banking Operations Brokers.
Ultimately, Rodney hopes the Operating Partner model will become a reference point, showing that the transfer of management skills is just as vital as the transfer of funds. He aspires to inspire a new wave of African finance leaders who dare to put innovation in the service of inclusion.
