The 2025 Bootcamp marked another defining milestone in DSN’s bold mission to train one million AI talents within ten years and position Africa as a global hub for inclusive and sustainable technological innovation.

This year’s edition attracted over 32,000 applications from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, a record that underscores the growing national appetite for AI capacity development and the trust DSN has earned as the continent’s foremost AI learning and research non-profit.

Through a rigorous multi-stage process that assessed technical aptitude, problem-solving potential, and collaborative mindset, only 150 of the most outstanding learners emerged as finalists and were invited to the fully residential, all-expenses-paid Bootcamp hosted at the University of Lagos.

The Bootcamp’s curriculum was designed to deliver an end-to-end learning experience that merged technical depth with social impact. Participants explored cutting-edge themes such as Generative and Agentic AI, Geospatial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Responsible AI.

The training followed a structured model that progressed from foundational sessions to advanced project development, enabling participants to transition quickly from concept to deployable prototypes with real-world relevance.

The approach reflected DSN’s enduring philosophy of “learning, building, and sharing,” ensuring that every participant not only gained world-class knowledge but also understood how to apply it toward solving Africa’s most pressing challenges.

The Bootcamp was powered by a strong coalition of global partners and industry leaders, including Microsoft, Meta, MTN, Google DeepMind, Boaz Integrated Energy, Hyperspace, NVIDIA, NitHub, EqualyzAI, TechCabal, Askya Investment, the Fintech Association of Nigeria, and the University of Lagos. These organizations brought together expertise, resources, and mentorship, making the programme a world-class experience.

In all, 32 renowned experts from across the globe facilitated technical and strategy sessions, drawing from institutions such as the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Mastercard Foundation, Access Holdings Plc, Interswitch Group, MTN, PwC, PIC, ARM, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, WorldPop, and the University of Southampton.

Among the high points of the Bootcamp were the masterclasses delivered by some of the most respected voices in technology and development.

Dr. Uyi Stewart, Chief Data and Technology Officer at Data.org, shared an inspiring keynote on “AI for Inclusive Growth,” emphasizing how data and technology can accelerate social progress.

Olubunmi Okunowo and Toyosi Odukoya led an engaging session on how open-source frameworks and Digital Public Infrastructure can enable national development and inclusive service delivery.

Dr. Chris Nnanatu’s presentation on “Powering Africa’s Growth with Location Intelligence” highlighted the transformative power of geospatial data for economic and environmental planning.

Collectively, these sessions underscored the thematic focus of this year’s Bootcamp, that Africa’s future in AI must be both inclusive and indigenous, built on solutions that reflect local realities and global best practices.

Beyond classroom learning, the participants participated in a high-impact Hackathon designed to convert theory into tangible solutions.

Working in multidisciplinary teams, the learners tackled real-world problems across healthcare, agriculture, financial inclusion, and public service delivery sectors.

One of the most inspiring moments came from EqualyzAI, a DSN-incubated startup, which showcased its pioneering work on localizing Small Language Models (SLMs) for African languages.

The demonstration aligned with DSN’s ongoing work in AI for social good and reflected the broader vision of building equitable digital futures for Africa’s linguistically diverse population.

The Bootcamp culminated in an awards ceremony celebrating excellence, creativity, and community spirit.

The DSN Community at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) emerged as the AI School of the Year, a recognition sponsored by Boaz Integrated Energy and Hyperspace, and received a $1,000 grant to establish a mini AI library that will serve as a lasting legacy of continuous learning on campus.

Individual awards also highlighted exceptional performance: the Mr. & Ms. Algorithm Awards, sponsored by Microsoft, celebrated participants who demonstrated commitment and core values of DSN Community; Best Academic Poster, sponsored by Google DeepMind; Best Hackathon Project, sponsored by MTN Foundation; and Best Project Participation, also supported by Microsoft, all rewarded brilliance and consistency with tiered cash prizes.

In addition, every participant received a Microsoft-sponsored certification voucher, a tangible step that enhances employability and global recognition in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Throughout the Bootcamp, industry partners played a visible role not only as sponsors but as co-educators, mentors, and advocates for inclusive innovation.

Their contributions underscored a shared belief that Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy depends on collective investment in human capital and home-grown innovation.

The partnership between DSN and Microsoft continued to provide the foundational bridge between learning and opportunity, through advanced skilling, access to certification, and exposure to real-world AI applications.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, Data Science Nigeria’s founder and chief executive officer, reflected on the transformative journey of the AI Bootcamp since its inception.

He described the 2025 edition as reaffirming the belief that Africa’s future will not be imported but intelligently built by its people.

He urged participants to act as ambassadors of knowledge, extend the mentorship culture, and replicate the Bootcamp’s impact within their local communities.

“We have built not just coders but catalysts, people who will use AI to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges,” he said. “As you have freely received, freely give.”

The 8th Data Science Nigeria AI Bootcamp is a powerful testament to the potential of strategic collaboration, purposeful learning, and inclusive access.

It represents a generation of young innovators equipped with technical competence and a shared vision of using AI as a tool for national transformation and global relevance.

As the participants return to their campuses, startups, and communities, they carry the collective energy of an ecosystem determined to make AI work for all, ensuring that Africa’s intelligence revolution remains open, inclusive, and transformative.

Speaking at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Soft Power (ASP) Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Key industry players and leaders at the Summit 2025 summarily called for greater economic self-determination and stronger artificial intelligence governance as the continent seeks to reduce dependence on foreign capital and prevent unregulated technology deployment.

The 4th edition of the two-day summit, running through May 22nd – 23rd, brought together thought leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and other African nations to address leadership, investment, and technological development challenges.

The discussions at the summit highlighted the current reality that most African startup capital Decision-makers remain external to the Continent, limiting the ecosystem’s potential, and called for unified perspective towards challenging this longstanding reality.

Speaking at the summit, Interswitch Group, represented by Bernard Kinara, Country General Manager in Kenya asserted that the company, as a fintech leader proudly rooted in Africa remains resolutely championing technology solutions that connect and empower individuals, businesses, and communities, to drive prosperity across the continent.

He noted that beyond her role as a pioneering innovator in the digital payments & commerce space, Interswitch is always enthused at opportunities to advocate and advance the conversation around digital transformation geared towards enabling financial inclusion.

Speaking on a pivotal panel discussion themed “Inclusive Leadership & Disruptions: Shaping Growth and Navigating Global Shifts”,

He highlighted Interswitch’s impact – being the continent’s first fintech/payments unicorn – in strengthening cross-ecosystem linkages and partnerships by bringing together fintechs, banks and other financial service delivery enablers; in advancing borderless payments and cross-country value-exchange; and in driving required affirmative action on the social development front through the creation of opportunities for women and youth through corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives; such as #InterswitchSPAK, in line with the organization’s corporate purpose – inspiring Africa to greatness through innovation, value-creation and excellence.

He furthermore highlighted AI’s potential to democratize access through natural language coding tools that break down gender and linguistic barriers, while cautioning against biases in AI systems.

The summit also discussed topical themes such as AI Models, Sovereignty, and Democratizing Access, and highlighted the necessity of policy autonomy in the global digital landscape, citing successful regulatory actions by governments in Uganda and Nigeria against multinational tech platforms.

Philip Ikeazor, director general, Financial System Stability at Nigeria’s Central Bank, emphasized that anti-money laundering and fraud detection standards are becoming mandatory, with AI supporting but policy leading these efforts.

However, challenges remain around weak data protection and low digital literacy, which policy must address.

The AI governance panel emphasized AI literacy for policymakers and the public, advocating tailored education approaches to ensure that AI tools solve practical problems for farmers, creatives, and civil servants.

A technologist noted the paradox of rising public AI awareness alongside skepticism, reinforcing the need for transparent, trustworthy AI systems.

The Africa Soft Power Summit 2025 assembled Leaders, Innovators, and Creatives from across the Continent to address challenges in leadership, infrastructure, and technological development, with participants calling for frameworks that prioritize African decision-making and economic sovereignty.

The discussions covered infrastructure, digital finance, and artificial intelligence, with a consistent theme of moving beyond external dependence toward sustainable, locally-driven development models.

Interswitch Group remains a leading technology-driven company focused on the digitization of payments and commerce across Africa.

The company affirmed this as it announced the Interswitch Career Fair 4.0 set to hold at the Landmark Event Centre, in Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

The highly anticipated Career Fair event, tagged “The Talent Paradox: Enabling the Talent Ecosystem in Africa” aims to spotlight the various resources and insights available to skilled, career-driven individuals and young professionals to strategically align them for the workplace of today and the future.

Going into the fourth edition, the event will host experts from Interswitch Group including Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer and Oremeyi Akah, Chief Customer Officer, alongside other industry experts including Lanre Basamta,  Co-Founder, Optimus AI Labs; Isioma Utomi, CEO, Catalyst Experience Solutions; Adora Ikwuemesi, CEO, Kendor Consulting; Olushola Olaleye, Business Consultant and Gloria Babarinde who will draw from their prolific experiences and expertise to unravel the theme in a panel session.

The event will also feature other engaging segments such as keynote and thought leadership sessions bordering trends and masterclasses on upskilling and thriving in the workplace amongst other pertinent discussions.

Attendees can also look forward to the job fair where potential candidates can have face-to-face interactions with the expansive pool of hiring experts on ground.

The Interswitch Career Fair also presents an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals as well as a resourceful platform for the active exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Mitchell Elegbe, the founder and group managing director at Interswitch, underscored the essence of the Interswitch Career Fair 4.0 event, highlighting that the programme is a pathway to recognize and equip emerging talents and raise transformative leaders that consistently innovate to solve Nigeria’s biggest challenges and impact the African labour market overall.

According to Elegbe,

“The Interswitch Career Fair reflects our deep-rooted commitment to nurturing African talent. This platform was conceptualized to cast the spotlight on individuals ready to lead, manage effectively, and create meaningful impact wherever they go. It’s more than just an event—it’s a launchpad for career advancement, connecting high-potential professionals with the right opportunities.”

Also commenting on the programme, Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resource Officer, Interswitch, said that

“This Career Fair goes beyond simply matching people with jobs—it’s designed to equip ambitious talent with the tools and skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving world of work. As a company that values the power of collaboration, we’ve joined forces with respected partners like ALX, Philips Consulting, Udemy, GLSS and Pluralsight to enrich the experience and broaden what’s possible for every attendee.

Interswitch Group, which recently bagged the 2024 ‘Happiest Workplaces around the Globe’ award, remains unwavering in its mission to Inspire Africa to greatness.

Interested participants are encouraged to follow Interswitch’s social media handles for more information about the upcoming Career Fair.

The event, themed “Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare: Transforming Nigeria through Innovation, Partnership, and Sustainability,” took place on February 27th and 28th, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, bringing together key stakeholders across the healthcare value chain, including policymakers, industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and technology innovators.

The event served as a platform for discussions on digital transformation in healthcare financing, the role of technology in improving service delivery, and strategic partnerships aimed at facilitating sustainable growth within the industry.

As a key player in digital payments, Interswitch showcased its suite of innovative healthcare solutions, including eClinic, its electronic medical record suite and health insurance management systems. The company also demonstrated its secure and reliable digital payment platforms, designed to help healthcare providers streamline revenue collection, enhance service delivery, and improve access to quality care.

Babajide Oyeduntan, vice president, Business Development and Sales, Interswitch eClat, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to advance healthcare operations in Nigeria.

“At Interswitch, we recognize the transformative power of technology in driving efficiency across systems and organizations. While we have successfully used technology to deliver seamless payment solutions, we are now extending our expertise to other sectors, including healthcare, to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

Our healthcare solutions are designed to empower providers by simplifying the adoption of technology, improving patient management, and enabling sustainable growth. As a trusted partner in delivering innovative technology solutions, we have a growing portfolio of satisfied customers who have experienced increased productivity through our platforms. We are thrilled to participate in this forum to share our solutions and collaborate with other stakeholders to drive the future of healthcare in Nigeria,” Oyeduntan said.

Beyond its sponsorship of the HFN Conference, Interswitch has a track record of driving digital transformation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Notably, its recent partnership with the Lagos State Government led to the development of the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (Lagos SHIP).

The initiative, aimed at digitising healthcare services in Lagos State, highlights Interswitch’s broader commitment to leveraging technology to tackle inefficiencies across essential industries like healthcare.

By integrating digital solutions into healthcare administration and payments, Interswitch continues to enhance service delivery, improve patient experiences, and drive financial sustainability, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for innovation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Through continued sponsorship and active participation in key industry events like the HFN Conference, Interswitch remains at the forefront of championing digital adoption in healthcare, driving financial inclusion, and fostering an ecosystem where technology empowers healthcare providers and patients alike.

This partnership follows a recent directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which mandates that all Point of Sale (POS) transactions must be routed through the Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA).

This directive, issued to improve the monitoring of electronic transactions nationwide, marks a key step in strengthening the country’s payment ecosystem.

Under this agreement, NIBSS will serve as the primary PTSA for Interswitch, creating a foundation for improved transaction efficiency and regulatory compliance.

The partnership also opens avenues for collaboration in other areas, with both organisations focused on driving innovation and advancing Nigeria’s broader payment infrastructure.

Akeem Lawal, managing director, Payment Processing and Switching (Interswitch Purepay), expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasising its significance in advancing the payments industry in Nigeria: 

“We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with NIBSS as we align with the CBN’s directive. This partnership reinforces our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in payment processing in Nigeria, while driving significant value for our stakeholders and the broader industry.

“By bringing our robust infrastructure to bear in this partnership with NIBSS, we will ensure further improvements in connection capacity, system uptime, and transaction success rates. This collaboration ensures full compliance with the CBN’s requirements and delivers a seamless, reliable experience for merchants and consumers across Nigeria,” Lawal said.

In addition to meeting the CBN’s compliance directive, Interswitch and NIBSS are working on introducing solutions for terminal re-certification and optimising transaction processing uptime.

These efforts will provide merchants and consumers with enhanced reliability and efficiency in transaction processing.

Speaking on the outcome of the directives by the CBN, Mr. Premier Oiwoh, the managing director and CEO of NIBSS, stated:

“This collaboration with key industry players like Interswitch represents a significant milestone in our mission to drive innovation and enhance payment system efficiency. The strategic alliance strengthens the monitoring of electronic transactions, improving tracking and oversight across Nigeria. Ultimately, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the global payment industry.”

Through this collaboration, customers and partners can expect enhanced reliability and efficiency in transaction processing. Interswitch and NIBSS are committed to ensuring a smooth transition, with ongoing pilots and rigorous testing to prevent service disruptions.

The two companies will continue to roll out new solutions, features, and enhancements as part of this alliance, contributing to the sustained growth and development of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

This partnership highlights the dedication of both Interswitch and NIBSS to delivering innovative and efficient solutions that strengthen the compliance and resilience of Nigeria’s payment infrastructure.

Interswitch remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation to deliver payment solutions that enable commerce across Africa.

Held at IBIS Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos; Tokyu Grand Hotel in Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt; 3 J’s Hotel and Suites in Abuja; and Soprom Hotel in Onitsha, the forums were specifically designed to assist Quickteller Paypoint agents who have yet to complete the mandatory Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration before the extended deadline of September 5, 2024.

To lighten the financial burden and ease the process for its agents, Quickteller Paypoint offered a substantial 50 per cent discount on the CAC registration fees for agents that attended the events. In addition, agents received on-ground support to facilitate their registration.

The regional engagement forums also provided a unique opportunity for the Quickteller Paypoint team to engage directly with their agents.

Recall that the Federal Government through the CAC recently mandated all fintech and agency banking companies to register their agents and merchants with the Commission.

This is in line with Section 863, Subsection 1 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA 2020 as well as the 2013 Central Bank of Nigeria’s guidelines on agent banking.

Titilola Shogaolu, managing director, Interswitch Financial Inclusion Services (IFIS), during her presentation explained that by offering a 50 per cent discount on CAC registration, Quickteller Paypoint is not only helping their agents to meet the regulatory requirements but also empowering them to expand their business opportunities and build customers’ trust.

She further opined,

“We are mindful that meeting regulatory requirements can sometimes prove daunting for small business owners. This is why we’re taking proactive steps to support our agents. As a business which supports the development agenda of the government while also enabling the growth of the financial ecosystem, we understand the importance of regulatory compliance. It is on this premise that we are partnering the CAC and offering our agents 50 per cent discount on registration fees to ease the registration process and ensure the sustenance of their businesses.

We are committed to being an enabler in the financial inclusion sector, helping our agents unlock new opportunities, achieve their business goals and drive financial inclusion. We are excited about the turnout and engagement here today and we believe that by supporting our agents through initiatives like this, we are fostering a stronger and more resilient agent network,” Shogaolu remarked.

The forums featured educational sessions and saw agents participate in Quickteller Paypoint’s promotional offers. Top-performing agents also shared their experiences and success stories, highlighting how the platform has been instrumental in achieving their business goals.

Interactive Q&A sessions across the various locations allowed agents to ask questions and get insights and direct responses from Quickteller Paypoint representatives.

The forums equally introduced new products and updates, designed to enhance the agents’ service offerings and increasing their earning potential.

The Regional Engagement Forums enabled Quickteller PayPoint reach more of its agents and engage them on the importance of regulatory compliance, its benefits and offerings to enhance their business operations.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to support and empower its network of agents.

As Quickteller Paypoint continues its regional forums across Nigeria, it remains dedicated to supporting its agents in achieving their business goals and contributing to the broader financial inclusion agenda.

The company encourages all its agents to take advantage of the subsidized CAC registration fee and the wealth of information that would be provided at these forums.

That’s why Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading digital payments and commerce companies, has teamed up with Thales, a global heavyweight in digital security, to launch the CipherTrust Data Security Solution.

The security solution is a game-changer for businesses to keep their data safe and secure.

The CipherTrust solution was recently unveiled recently at a Customer Engagement Forum in Lagos, where key players from the financial and tech industries gathered to discuss the future of data security.

Hosted at The Wheatbaker Hotel, the event brought together Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and Compliance and Risk executives from various sectors, including commercial and microfinance banks, as well as fintech companies.

So, what makes CipherTrust standout? This solution is all about making sure that businesses can protect their sensitive information no matter where it’s stored—whether on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment.

It’s got everything from advanced encryption to multiple-factor authentication, key management and access controls.

Basically, it’s the full package when it comes to data protection.

These features ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive information, giving businesses peace of mind about the  security of their data.

Plus, the platform’s compliance tools make it easier for organisations to meet both local and international regulatory requirements, which is increasingly crucial in today’s stringent regulatory environment.

One of the key takeaways from the forum was the importance of collaboration in fighting cyber threats. Data security isn’t just the responsibility of one organisation or sector, it’s a collective effort that requires cooperation across industries and borders.

By combining Interswitch’s expertise in payment solutions with Thales’ advanced data security technologies, the CipherTrust platform is setting a new standard for how Nigeria businesses should protect their data.

Discussions at the event also emphasised the need for continuous innovation in data security. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, so must the tools and strategies we use to combat them.

The CipherTrust Data Security Solution is designed with this in mind, offering a scalable and flexible platform that adapts to the ever-changing landscape of digital security.

As organisations continue to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, the CipherTrust platform stands out as a beacon of innovation and reliability.

For businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve, investing in advanced data security solutions like CipherTrust is a necessity.

Interswitch is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, driving positive change and setting new standards for data protection.

Truly, the ecosystem has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviour, and the evolution of fintechs.

In this evolving landscape, Interswitch Group, one of the continent’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has reinforced its longstanding partnership with ACI Worldwide, a global leader in real-time payments software, to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.

This new phase of the partnership elevates Interswitch’s relationship with ACI from reseller to strategic partner, granting Interswitch the right to sell ACI’s innovative payment solutions across 32 African countries.

This milestone agreement consolidates the 20-year relationship, paving the way for the deployment of even more cutting-edge payment infrastructure across the continent.

Interswitch has integrated the ACI Enterprise Payments Platform into its technology stack, offering a robust end-to-end payments hub solution for retail and wholesale payments.

This comprehensive platform encompasses issuing, low-value real-time payments, acquiring, ATM and self-service banking, and fraud management, future-proofing payments infrastructure and meeting customer demands for all payment types.

By leveraging ACI’s innovative payment solutions, Interswitch is enabling banks, fintech, and other financial institutions across Africa to respond swiftly to evolving trends, regulatory mandates, and competition.

According to the 2024 Prime Time for Real-Time report published by ACI Worldwide in partnership with GlobalData, Africa had the highest real-time share of electronic payments in 2023 at 40%, with Nigeria as the undisputed real-time payments leader in Africa.

The country recorded 7.9 billion transactions in 2023; real-time payments had an impressive 82.1% share of all electronic payments in 2023.

The partnership will drive digital transformation and innovation across the continent, meeting the growing demands for digital payment.

During recent customer engagement events in Kenya and Nigeria, hosted by ACI and Interswitch, prominent financial institutions such as banks, microfinance banks, and fintech companies gathered to explore the latest trends and innovations in digital payments and payment modernization.

These insightful conversations highlight how businesses and customers can harness technology to foster digital payment capabilities and unlock transformative opportunities within the financial sector.

Santhosh Rao, senior vice president of MEASA at ACI, commented, 

“Our partnership with Interswitch signifies our commitment to revolutionize digital payments across the continent. By combining our expertise and cutting-edge technology, we aim to create a seamless, inclusive, and modern payment ecosystem that empowers individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive.”

Rao highlighted that flexible, agile, and innovative payment software solutions will now be available to banks and other financial institutions across Africa, enabling them to future-proof their payments infrastructure and meet new customer demands.

Jonah Adams, managing director of Digital Infrastructure and Managed Services (Interswitch Systegra) emphasized the importance of sustainable payments infrastructure to support the rising demand for digital transactions.

“With the continued rise in real-time transactions and digital payments, providing sustainable payments infrastructure is imperative. We are excited to join forces with ACI to unlock the vast potential of Africa’s payments landscape and create a brighter future for all stakeholders. This collaboration will enable faster, more secure, and more inclusive payment experiences across the continent,” said Adams.

Interswitch reiterated its commitment to meeting the unique needs of its customers through cutting-edge technologies like ACI’s Enterprise Payment Platform and its own technology stack, driving growth and profitability for financial players’ businesses.

As Africa’s payments ecosystem continues to evolve, the partnership between Interswitch and ACI Worldwide is poised to play a significant role in shaping the continent’s digital payments landscape.

With their combined expertise and innovative solutions, both organizations are committed to driving digital transformation and innovation across Africa, unlocking new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

According to EY, the World Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame is an elite corps of men and women who have been recognized for their exceptional entrepreneurial achievements. For 38 years, since 1986, EY has been celebrating ingenuity through the Entrepreneur of the Year program.

The program has recognized more than 10,000 outstanding entrepreneurs for their vision, innovation, courage, and leadership in building and growing successful businesses — businesses that influence the way people live, the products and services we depend on, and the economic vibrancy of our local communities and global markets.

In June 2023, Elegbe, alongside 48 other accomplished entrepreneurs from 45 countries across the world were inducted into the 2023 WEOY Hall of Fame with Interswitch’s Elegbe holding the unique distinction of being the only black and African global finalist and inductee into the coveted hall of fame, as well as the only entrepreneur in the 38-year history of the awards to have won in both the emerging and master categories at various times in their region (West Africa).

• For the 2024 edition, he was invited by EY’s global leadership to join the global jury being 1 of 9 former finalists who form the judging committee for the 2024 global awards of the initiative, holding this week in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
• The 2029 jury is made up of entrepreneurs drawn from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, India, Poland, Nigeria (Elegbe), The United Kingdom, The USA and South Korea.

Elegbe is widely regarded as one of the pivotal architects of Nigeria’s payment innovation revolution and has gained acclaim globally for his contributions as an exceptional African entrepreneur, who has contributed in no small measure to the economic development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole, having distinguished himself in business leadership and technology development.

A multiple award-winning professional and a renowned business leader in the Information Technology and Financial Services industry, he has won several awards, some of which include Harvard Business School Association (Nigeria) Leadership Award in the General Management Category; African Banker Awards 2019 as the African Banker Icon; CNBC/Forbes All African Business Leader (AABLA) Awards for West Africa as well as Financial Technology (Fintech) Africa Awards, Payments and Transfer category in 2016, among other deserving recognitions.

He is also a Bishop Desmond Tutu Fellow of the African Leadership Institute, an Endeavor Entrepreneur and also a member of the Board of Endeavor in Nigeria.

Mitchell Elegbe founded Interswitch in 2002 to provide a solution to problems associated with payments in Nigeria and has since led the company to consolidated growth as a leading payment and digital commerce company that helps to build and manage payment infrastructure and provides robust technology-based solutions to individuals, financial institutions, and governments across Africa.

See the full list and profiles of the 2024 Jury Members for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards here.

The training programme took place from Friday, May 24th to Saturday, May 25th, 2024, and focused on deepening the members’ understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing digital banking and fintech in Nigeria.

The training session, which was the first of its kind from Interswitch’s stables, featured a robust lineup of experts and top executives from Interswitch Group who facilitated various informative sessions during the two-day programme.

• The sessions were carefully curated to furnish participants with essential knowledge and valuable insights to navigate the evolving landscape of digital banking and fintech regulation in Nigeria.

The programme saw the participation of 40 members of the House, led by Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (PhD), Chairman of the House Committee on Digital Economy.

Attendees engaged in insightful sessions covering a diverse range of topics crucial to the digital banking ecosystem, including payments and regulation in fintech operations, fintech innovation and emerging technologies, digital transformation and financial inclusion, risk management and security, among others.

Attendees were also given a holistic perspective on the evolving dynamics of the digital payments industry. On the first day, Halima Usman, divisional head of Core Operations at Interswitch Group, discussed the ‘Regulatory Landscape of Fintech Operations’.

This was followed by Oremeyi Akah, chief customer success officer, who presented on ‘Innovation and Emerging Technologies’.

The day concluded with Titilola Shogaolu, MD of Interswitch Financial Inclusion Services, emphasizing the ‘Role of Digital Transformation in Financial Inclusion’.

The focus shifted on the second day to the ‘Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Digital Banking’, facilitated by Isimenmen Omiunu, Head of Legal Operations, who provided an overview of the legal landscape.

Alexander Ude, Chief Compliance Officer, then explored ‘Fintech Regulations and Regulatory Technology (Regtech)’.

The training ended with Griffith Ehebha, EVP of Risk and Information Security, discussing ‘Risk Management and Security Trends’.

Speaking about the training session, Mitchell Elegbe, founder and group managing director, Interswitch Group, said,

“We are delighted to have hosted such an impactful event aimed at empowering these Honourable Members of the House with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of digital banking and electronic finance. At Interswitch, we are committed to driving positive change and innovation in the digital payment industry through collaborative initiatives like this, at every level“

• The training underscored Interswitch’s commitment to promoting knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives that contribute to the advancement of the digital economy in Nigeria.

By partnering with key stakeholders such as the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Digital and Electronic Banking, Interswitch continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial services in Africa.