Sophia ALJ

Co-Founder & COO / Chari

Sophia Alj is the co-founder & COO of Chari, a start-up that offers a comprehensive suite of FinTech and e-commerce apps tailored for retailers in Morocco. As a licensed financial institution, Chari provides acquiring, issuing, processing and value-added services to merchants, while building a robust agency banking network. The startup participated in Y Combinator’s Summer 2021 cohort and secured the largest Series A funding round in Moroccan history.
Sophia is also a member of Endeavor, a global organization that supports high-impact entrepreneurs driving significant economic and social change in their regions. Additionally, she serves on the boards of various organizations.
Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Sophia worked as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company, where she was involved in projects across Africa for four years. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a mother of three and a passionate outdoor enthusiast. Sophia is a dedicated triathlete and a licensed skydiver, embodying her drive both in and out of the business world.