One of Africa's leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, Interswitch, recently hosted the sixth edition of its flagship industry engagement series, Interswitch Techconnect, in Owerri, Imo State capital. The event brought together stakeholders from government, financial services, technology, and business to explore the need for adaptive financial infrastructure that can support a rapidly changing market. Discussions centered on the importance of financial and digital infrastructure that can evolve with changing customer expectations, emerging technologies, and business models.
The event, themed "Built for What's Next: Designing Adaptive Financial Infrastructure for a Dynamic Market," featured Robinta Aliyu, Interswitch Chief Sales Officer, who delivered opening remarks. Justice R. Okoye, executive chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service, examined the role of connected and adaptive infrastructure in strengthening institutions, improving service delivery, and expanding economic participation. The discussions highlighted the need for infrastructure that can withstand disruption, adapt to change, and ensure inclusivity.
Tyoyila Aga, vice president of Business Innovation and Growth at Interswitch, emphasized the importance of designing financial infrastructure with resilience, flexibility, security, and inclusiveness in mind. As financial services, businesses, and government processes become increasingly digital, Aga noted that infrastructure must evolve from standalone systems into connected ecosystems capable of supporting new services, channels, and customer expectations. He also highlighted interoperability, cybersecurity, data governance, and inclusion as crucial considerations.
A panel discussion on "Building a Digital Economy: The Role of Government, Industry, and Talent in Shaping the Future" featured Chuck Chukuemeka, commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Imo State, and other stakeholders. They explored the interconnected roles of government, industry, and human capital in shaping the pace and sustainability of digital transformation. The importance of supportive policy, private-sector innovation, and digital capabilities development was also emphasized.
A fireside chat on "Driving Digital Transformation Through Public-Private Partnerships" examined the role of collaboration between government, financial institutions, technology providers, and businesses in building more connected and sustainable digital solutions. Speakers highlighted the need for supportive institutional frameworks, collaboration across the ecosystem, skilled people, reliable systems, and a clear focus on the needs of businesses and citizens.
The event featured product showcases, highlighting Interswitch's portfolio of enterprise payment and digital commerce solutions. The company demonstrated its commitment to driving digital payments transformation in Nigeria and beyond. The discussions and presentations at Interswitch Techconnect 6.0 underscored the importance of adaptive financial infrastructure in supporting Nigeria's rapidly changing digital payments landscape.
The outcome of the event is expected to shape the future of digital payments in Nigeria, with stakeholders committed to working together to build more connected and sustainable digital solutions. The importance of collaboration, supportive policy, and private-sector innovation was emphasized, as Nigeria seeks to deepen its digital economy and expand economic participation.
Key points
- Adaptive financial infrastructure is crucial for Nigeria's rapidly changing digital payments landscape.
- Collaboration between government, industry, and human capital is essential for shaping the pace and sustainability of digital transformation.
- Supportive institutional frameworks, skilled people, and reliable systems are necessary for sustainable digital transformation.
