By SCM Staff Writer I Tuesday, October 14, 2025
ABUJA, Nigeria – Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, successfully held the Abuja leg of its nationwide TechConnect 5.0 series this week, advancing conversations on how innovation, collaboration, and compliance must harmonise to unlock the next phase of growth in Nigeria’s evolving financial ecosystem.
The event, themed “United Frontiers: Growth Powered by Innovation, Collaboration and Compliance,” convened financial institution leaders, fintech innovators, and regulators at The Wells Carlton, Asokoro, following an initial impactful stop in Enugu.
It underscored the industry’s recognition that sustainable expansion in digital payments requires a delicate balance between technological agility and a robust regulatory framework.
A Catalyst for Collaboration
Akeem Lawal, Managing Director, Payment Processing & Switching (Interswitch Purepay), reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enabling an inclusive and empowered ecosystem.
“At Interswitch, we believe that collaboration and compliance are not opposing forces but essential catalysts for growth,” Lawal stated.
“Through platforms like TechConnect, we continue to engage stakeholders across regions to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and collectively unlock new possibilities for Nigeria’s digital economy. The energy and turnout in Abuja reaffirm that the future of financial innovation in Africa is not just promising, it’s already taking shape.”
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Eddy Bassey Orok, Executive Secretary of the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), echoed this sentiment. He stressed the need for a unified approach to build a resilient financial ecosystem.
“Innovation and regulation are not opposing forces; they are twin engines driving Nigeria’s financial evolution,” Dr. Orok remarked. “True progress comes when innovation, regulation, and partnership move in harmony, creating a financial ecosystem that is resilient, inclusive, and built on trust.”
Driving Scalable Growth
The day’s agenda featured a dynamic panel session and a compelling fireside chat, both focusing on the synergy required between policymakers and innovators to achieve scalable growth and deepen financial inclusion, particularly for underserved segments.
The panel, which included Tunji Ashiru, Vice President of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs at Interswitch, explored how public-private partnerships and forward-thinking regulation can foster trust and innovation. Conversations highlighted the critical role of aligning policy, technology, and industry partnerships to sustainably expand the reach of Nigeria’s payments infrastructure.
Attendees were also given a preview of Interswitch’s commitment to enhancing the user experience, security, and efficiency across multiple sectors through product demo showcases of its latest payment and digital solutions.
The Abuja meeting marks the second stop in the TechConnect 5.0 tour, which will culminate in a grand finale set for November 11, 2025, in Lagos.
As the series continues its nationwide drive, Interswitch reinforces its position as a key driver of technology-driven innovation and collaborative growth within the continent’s digital commerce landscape.
PIX 1: L-R: Ayo Tanimowo, Regional Business Head, North and Federal Business, Interswitch; Tunji Ashiru, Vice President, Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs, Interswitch; Eddy Bassey Orok, Executive Secretary, National Association of Microfinance Banks, Nigeria; Ogechi Okwechime, Divisional Head, Growth Marketing (Enterprise), Marketing & Corporate Communications, Interswitch; Dr. Charles Bassey, Executive Director, NIRSAL Microfinance Bank Limited; and Thomas Ezeh, Vice President, Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs, Interswitch; at the Techconnect 5.0 event held recently at The Wells Carlton Hotel, Abuja.
