- L-R; Ubong Nkanta, Director of Operations, AI in Nigeria; Adejoke Adekunle, AI Operations Consultant, Abby & Partners; Babafemi Ogungbamila, EVP, Operations and Technology, Interswitch; Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive, Sterling Bank; and Chinedu Onyia, Technical Support Team Lead, Representing the MD, CreditRegistry (Credit Bureau) following a panel session on “Rights, Equity, and Inclusive Development in Nigeria’s AI Future” at the 2026 Innovate AI Conference which held recently in Lagos
Admin I Wednesday, February 25.26
LAGOS, Nigeria – Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) adoption as a 3-time headline sponsor of the InnovateAI 2026 Conference. The event convened technology leaders, policymakers, innovators, and ecosystem stakeholders to explore the transformative potential of AI in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
As a key sponsor, Interswitch maintained a strong presence throughout the conference with an engaging on-ground presence that highlighted its focus on innovation. Participants engaged with the Interswitch team to gain insights into how emerging technologies, including AI-enabled systems, are strengthening digital payments infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding financial access across Nigeria and the broader African market.
The exhibition attracted developers, startups, enterprise leaders, and regulators eager to explore how intelligent systems can drive scalable and secure digital transformation. Through interactive conversations, Interswitch reinforced its role as a technology leader focused on building resilient, future-ready platforms that power commerce and economic growth.
Beyond the exhibition experience, Interswitch contributed significantly to thought leadership discussions at the conference. The company featured prominently in a high-level panel session titled “Rights, Equity, and Inclusive Development in Nigeria’s AI Future.” The session examined the ethical implications of AI deployment, equitable access to emerging technologies, regulatory alignment, and the importance of safeguarding digital rights in an increasingly automated world.
Representing Interswitch on the panel, Babafemi Ogungbamila, Executive Vice President, Operations and Technology, emphasized the need for intentional and responsible AI adoption.
“Artificial intelligence holds immense potential to accelerate economic progress, but its deployment must be guided by fairness, transparency, and accountability. For AI to truly deliver value, it must be designed to close gaps, not widen them, and supported by strong governance, responsible data practices, and cross-sector collaboration,” Ogungbamila said.
He noted that organizations integrating AI into financial systems and digital infrastructure must be deliberate in ensuring that innovation relies on strong governance frameworks, scalable infrastructure and trust between the public and private sectors.
The panel also highlighted the importance of capacity building, local talent development, and policy frameworks that support sustainable AI growth in Nigeria. Interswitch reiterated its commitment to investing in advanced technologies, strengthening partnerships, and supporting initiatives that enable responsible innovation across the ecosystem.
Interswitch’s participation at InnovateAI 2026 aligns with its broader strategy of leveraging technology to drive economic empowerment and accelerate Africa’s digital transformation. As AI continues to reshape industries globally, the company remains focused on developing secure, scalable, and inclusive solutions for individuals, businesses, and governments.
Best Regards,
