Tag: Africa’s digital future

Interswitch has emphasised that Africa’s next technological leap will be anchored on scalable infrastructure and trust-driven partnerships, not just innovation and capital.

This was the central message delivered by Akeem Lawal, Managing Director, Interswitch Purepay, during his keynote address titled “Building Africa’s Digital Economy on Trusted Infrastructure” at Moonshot by TechCabal 2025, a two-day gathering of Africa’s foremost innovators, thinkers, and technology leaders held at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos.

Lawal emphasised that Africa’s long-term digital growth hinges on resilient systems built through collaboration, local investment, and reliable technology frameworks.

“When you build the infrastructure, you create a community of partnerships. Every time you tap your card, pay a bill, or transfer money, you’re relying on something invisible — trust. That’s what we build every single day at Interswitch. But it’s not enough to innovate; we must modernise, embed AI, and strengthen the resilient digital systems that will support both current and future needs, especially in the payments and financial technology sectors,” Lawal said.

Read Also: China, NCIC partnership to boost investment in Nigeria

He continued: “Infrastructure lays the rails, collaboration drives momentum, and trust fuels the journey. Together, they power Africa’s digital future. Africa’s growth will not be driven by technology alone, but by the infrastructure that endures, the partnerships that unite, and the trust that turns innovation into impact.”

Lawal further stressed that achieving sustainable progress requires more than innovation. He said that it demands structured investment and collaboration. He highlighted the importance of blended models, including public-private partnerships, domestic resource mobilisation, and regional integration, to move from concept to large-scale implementation.

Citing the State of Africa’s Infrastructure 2025 report, he noted that the continent holds over $1.1 trillion in domestic capital through pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. Unlocking these homegrown resources, he said, will redefine Africa’s growth trajectory by driving African-led innovation at scale.

Across its diverse touchpoints from Verve and Quickteller to its switching and processing solutions, Interswitch continues to lead with technology that empowers businesses and consumers alike, enabling interoperability, deepening financial inclusion, and driving digital connectivity across Africa.

Interswitch’s participation at Moonshot by TechCabal 2025, where the company served as Platinum Sponsor and owned the Big Tech and Enterprise Stage, reflects its broader commitment to shaping Africa’s digital future through thought leadership, ecosystem collaboration, and technology-driven trust.

As Moonshot 2025 drew to a close, one message resonated across conversations, the future of Africa’s digital economy will be shaped by collaboration and sustained by infrastructure rooted in trust. Interswitch remains at the heart of that mission, building confidence, enabling growth, and powering Africa’s digital future.

Africa’s prosperity is inextricably tied to the quality of its digital infrastructure, says Mr ‘Deremi Atanda, Managing Director of Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL).

Speaking at the Hyperscalers Convergence Africa Conference during a panel session themed ‘Innovating Towards Africa’s Digital Future,’ Mr Atanda emphasised that Africa’s development depends on innovative strategies that cater to the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.

The panel session brought together key industry leaders, including Wabo Majavu, Executive, Strategy & Business Operations at Africa Data Centres; Ifeanyi Akosionu, Managing Director, INQ Digital; and Frank Eleanya, Senior Writer, Infrastructure, Business and BigTech at TechCabal. The discussions centred on how digital infrastructure could unlock new possibilities for Africa’s economic growth and sustainability.

“Africa’s prosperity is fundamentally tied to the quality of its digital infrastructure,” Mr Atanda remarked. “Solving Africa’s problems within its context will yield multidimensional benefits. Improved digital infrastructure will enhance the quality of life across the continent, connecting Africa in unprecedented ways. Moreover, expanding digital infrastructure will significantly enhance skills development in Africa, connecting more people and creating vast opportunities. This capacity building is crucial for our continent’s growth.”

Read Also: eTranzact’s Food Connect initiative gets kudos from govt

“Africa’s digital transformation requires a unified vision and a comprehensive infrastructure agenda, driven by dedicated promoters and community involvement. By integrating diverse skills and fostering collaboration, we can accelerate trade, expand local economies, and enhance the quality of life across the continent. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will ensure sustainable progress, making Africa a significant player in the global digital landscape,” he added.

Echoing this sentiment, Wabo Majavu, Executive, Strategy & Business Operations at Africa Data Centres, stated, “We are building for a future we have not yet seen, and this requires constant collaboration and communication. Adopting a DevOps culture is essential for our success. We must focus on interconnected solutions and collaborate with government programmes to execute our plans effectively.” Her call for collaboration underscores the need for a unity of vision in Africa’s digital transformation, highlighting that innovation cannot exist in isolation.

In Nigeria, digital adoption has grown significantly, with internet penetration reaching 52% of the population in 2023, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The country also witnessed a rise in mobile broadband subscriptions, which surpassed 92.3 million users in 2022, reflecting the increasing demand for digital services across the nation. Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure development and digital inclusion are still lagging. Expanding digital infrastructure to unserved and underserved regions will be key to addressing these challenges and driving sustainable growth.

Olusola Teniola, Director of Strategic Business Initiatives at IPNX, reinforced this perspective by stating that, “With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.4 billion by 2050, the urgency of investing in digital infrastructure has never been more evident. This investment is not just about laying fibre-optic cables or expanding data centres; it is about building a foundation for collaboration, future growth, innovation, and economic prosperity.” This sense of urgency adds a compelling dimension to the need for swift and strategic investment across the continent.

Mr Atanda further emphasised the critical role that innovation plays in addressing Africa’s challenges. He noted that while there have been significant advancements in the digital payment space, there is still much work to be done, particularly in creating intra-African payment systems that facilitate trade and economic collaboration without relying on external channels. He affirms that Remita is at the forefront of this innovation, redefining the ease of connected payments digitally.

“Pan-African payments have been a long time coming. It’s time to take ownership of our digital future and ensure that our solutions are designed by Africans, for Africans. We need to build capacity at scale and create opportunities for the continent to thrive,” he quipped.

One of the key messages Remita’s Managing Director delivered during the session was the importance of community involvement in shaping Africa’s digital future. He called for a collective effort from various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and educational institutions, to promote and implement a unified digital infrastructure agenda.

“To succeed, we need to engage communities at all levels—whether it’s local communities, governments, or the investment community. This will ensure that Africa’s digital infrastructure meets the unique needs of each region while driving sustainable development,” he explained.

Mr Atanda concluded by advocating for the creation of an African digital infrastructure investment bond, which would encourage both local and international stakeholders to invest in the continent’s digital future.

“Africans must take responsibility for shaping our digital destiny. If we don’t, others will do it for us. We need to start framing the conversation around digital infrastructure in a way that highlights the immense opportunities available and encourages investment in this critical sector,” he said.

By Motunrayo Akintunde

Technology experts and industry leaders at the weekend explored the transformative potential of technology in shaping Africa’s future.

They spoke at the TeXellence conference in Lagos. The theme of the event was: Revealing Tomorrow.

Chief Executive Officer, CWG Plc, Adewale Adeyipo, emphasised the crucial role of technology in nation-building during his keynote address.

“We must begin to see and leverage technology in nation-building,” he stated, underscoring the need for synergy in financial technology (Fintech) to drive financial inclusion and innovation across the continent.

Adeyipo highlighted that technology is a key factor in planning for the future and called for a deliberate integration of efforts between the public and private sectors to bolster economic growth.

The conference featured a keynote address from Karl Olutokun Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, who discussed the company’s transition from a traditional telecom provider to a technology-focused organisation. “For MTN to evolve beyond providing voice, SMS, and data services, we must become a provider of broader digital and technology solutions,” Toriola explained.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), was represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy.

He reiterated the agency’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a digitally empowered nation that fosters inclusive economic growth through technological innovation. He outlined NITDA’s initiatives, including a commitment to enhancing digital literacy and implementing the 3 Million Tech Talent (3MTT) program to engage youth across rural areas in Nigeria.

Read Also: Nigerians groan as new PMS pump price raises cost of living

The conference also hosted a panel discussion focusing on collaborative innovation in shaping Africa’s economy. Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), stressed the importance of collaboration for the growth of the digital economy. “It is pertinent that the government develop policies that support collaboration rather than hinder ICT development,” she stated.

Abdullahi, also a panelist, highlighted the significant opportunities that arise from collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and research institutions. “If innovations are to have sustainable value, collaboration must be the bedrock; without it, there can be no innovation,” he noted.

The TeXellence conference was a turning point for Africa, showcasing the continent’s potential as a growing center for digital innovation and a key player on the global tech stage.