Bassim Haidar Image

Founder and CEO Optasia

  • London, UK
  • Optasia
Bassim Haidar is a Nigerian-born Lebanese executive and entrepreneur. He has a strong track record of founding and scaling businesses in Africa and the Middle East, and now heads up a multi-sector conglomerate
Bassim Haidar

Professional Experience

Experience & Expertise That Define Leadership

Optasia
Founder and CEO at Optasia
  • Jan 2011
  • Dubai,, AE

Achievements at this Role

  • Optasia, formerly Channel VAS, provides a flexible AI platform that enables financial inclusion for all, allows responsible financing decision making, and drives a superior business model and good customer experience.
Channel IT
Group Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Channel IT
  • Jan 2003
  • Lagos,, NG

Achievements at this Role

  • Channel IT, part of the Channel IT Group, is an independent distributor of mobile network infrastructure that has helped mobile operators in several countries, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, Athens, Cairo and Delhi.
Knuru Capital
Founder and Chairman at Knuru Capital
  • Jan 2003
  • Dubai,, AE

Achievements at this Role

  • Knuru invests in technology companies in the GCC, Africa and Southern Europe, with an emphasis on fintech and marketplace verticals.
BH Holdings
Owner/Backer at BH Holdings
  • Jan 2022

Achievements at this Role

  • BH Holdings is a group of companies and brands owned or backed by Bassim Haidar.
SafriCanna
Co-Founder and Co-Owner at SafriCanna
  • Jan 2020
  • Centurion,, ZA

Achievements at this Role

  • SafriCanna is a cannabis firm based in South Africa that specialises in the cultivation, processing, and export of therapeutic EU-GMP cannabis products to international markets.
GMT Nigeria
Founder at GMT Nigeria
  • Jan 1999

Achievements at this Role

  • GMT is a finance, inbound logistics and integrated procurement provider in West Africa.
Intercom Telecoms Limited
Co-Founder at Intercom Telecoms Limited
  • Jan 1999

Achievements at this Role

  • Intercom Telecoms Limited is a Nigerian IT & Telecommunications company. Its goal is to offer comprehensive information and communication technology services and solutions to help customers build their businesses.
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South African Government
Honorary Consul in the United Kingdom at South African Government
  • Apr 2024

Achievements at this Role

  • South Africa have appointed Bassim as Honorary Consul in the United Kingdom with the brief to strengthen trade links between the two countries.
Amnesty International
Global Council Member at Amnesty International
  • Jan 2016 - Sep 2026
  • London,, UK

Achievements at this Role

  • Amnesty International is the world's foremost human rights organisation, fighting injustice and inequality all across the world. Global Council Members are encouraged to act as champions within their own networks and to assist the organisation's Secretary General in identifying and engaging new human rights supporters.
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Moments That Matter

A Bassim Haidar’s career path in photos

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Media & Insights

Amplifying Expertise Through Media

Videos

Helping emerging market consumers gain access to mobile financial services
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How technology is helping underdeveloped regions financially
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Africa Can't Be Summed Up As A Continent: Channel IT CEO Bassim Haider | CNBC
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Bassim Haidar

Founder and CEO Optasia

  • London, UK
  • Optasia
Bassim Haidar