In this interview, he shares how AI, mobile-first design, and deep local insight are powering scalable fintech and clean energy solutions and why Africa is poised to shape the future of global innovation.

How does AI improve transaction speed, security, and reliability on Nearpays?

AI is a game-changer for us in boosting transaction speed, security, and reliability. On speed, AI-driven predictive analytics help us optimize transaction routing, reducing processing times and making payments near-instant for our users. For security, AI-powered fraud detection kicks in big time – we’re talking real-time risk assessment, anomaly detection, and stopping suspicious transactions before they happen.

This means our users transact with confidence, knowing their money is safer.

On reliability, AI helps us anticipate and prevent downtime. Our systems learn from transaction patterns, flagging potential issues before they impact users.

This translates to higher uptime and smoother experiences for our 60,000+ SME users. Plus, AI-driven insights help us enhance our softPOS platform, making it more intuitive and adaptive to merchants’ needs. Bottom line: AI isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s core to how we deliver fast, secure, reliable payments

What technical challenges come with running payments purely on smartphones?

Running payments purely on smartphones throws up challenges like ensuring robust security on diverse devices, managing connectivity in areas with spotty networks, and optimizing for low-end phones common in our markets.

Then there’s balancing simplicity with feature-richness – our users range from tech-savvy merchants to first-time digital adopters. We tackle these by baking in layers of security like biometric auth and tokenization, building offline capabilities, and keeping our UI super intuitive. It’s about making payments work seamlessly, no matter the phone.

How do Nearpays and Yourrider share technology or data insights?

Our companies share a symbiotic tech relationship that drives efficiency and innovation. We leverage Nearpays’ payment infrastructure to power transactions for Yourrider’s logistics and delivery services – think merchants processing payments via softPOS and riders getting paid seamlessly for deliveries.

This integration boosts cash flow for riders and offers Nearpays deeper insights into merchant needs.

Data insights flow both ways. Yourrider’s logistics data helps Nearpays tailor financial products for SMEs in specific industries, like offering instant payouts to merchants based on delivery success rates.

It’s a win-win: Yourrider optimizes logistics with payment data, and Nearpays enhances financial services with rider and merchant insights.

In what ways can payment technology solve logistics and mobility problems?

Payment tech can revolutionize logistics and mobility by making transactions seamless, instant, and data-driven. In logistics, digital payments enable frictionless payouts to drivers/riders, automate invoice settlements, and track transactions in real-time.

This boosts cash flow, reduces admin hassles, and optimizes route planning with payment-linked data insights.

For mobility, integrating payments into transport apps (like tolls, parking, or ride-hailing) creates one-tap experiences for users and operators.

In Africa’s emerging markets, mobile-centric payment solutions help logistics players scale efficiently, manage risks, and expand services. By embedding payments into the journey, we unlock efficiency gains across the mobility ecosystem.

How do you design systems that work in low-connectivity environments?

For low connectivity environments, we’re building design systems that prioritize offline-first capabilities – think transactions that work offline and sync seamlessly when connection returns. We’re leveraging local data caching, PWA tech, and optimizing UIs to work with intermittent internet.

The goal? Payments happen smoothly whether you’re in Lagos traffic or rural Nigeria. We’re also testing mesh networks and SMS fallbacks to keep things moving.

What does scaling across African markets demand from your tech stack?

Scaling across African markets demands extreme agility and local relevance. We’ve built a flexible tech stack that adapts to diverse regulatory landscapes, payment preferences (mobile money, cards, bank transfers), and connectivity realities. Our softPOS is a hit because it works on basic smartphones – meeting users where they are.

To scale, we’re doubling down on local partnerships, hiring local experts, and iterating products with country-specific feedback loops. It’s about solving payments in ways that click locally, whether in Nairobi, Lagos, or Dakar.

How do you think about cybersecurity as adoption grows?

Cybersecurity is top-of-mind as we scale. With growth comes increased risk, so we’re doubling down on layered defenses – think AI-driven fraud detection, biometric auth, and tokenization for sensitive data.

Our partnership with Cybersource is a big boost; their global expertise in payment security complements our local know-how. Together, we’re baking in robust security as we expand, protecting our users and their transactions. It’s about building trust, fast.

What role can African startups play in the global fintech ecosystem?

I firmly believe African startups can absolutely play in the global fintech ecosystem – and we’re proving it. With tech talent, innovative solutions, and a huge underserved market, African fintechs bring unique value. Our softPOS tech, for instance, solves real problems for merchants here and has potential elsewhere. The key is solving local challenges exceptionally well, then scaling smartly.

Global partnerships are a big enabler. Collaborations with international players like Cybersource give us access to tech, expertise, and networks. But it’s not just about plugging into the global ecosystem – African fintechs need to lead with solutions that work locally, then expand. With the right blend of innovation, partnerships, and execution, African startups can go big globally.

How do you see Africa’s fintech market evolving over the next decade?

I see Africa’s fintech market evolving explosively over the next decade, driven by mobile penetration, regulatory maturity, and innovative solutions. We’ll see massive growth in digital payments, Buy Now Pay Later services, and embedded finance – think payments integrated into everyday apps and platforms. The rise of super-apps and decentralised finance (DeFi) will further accelerate financial inclusion.

Regulatory clarity will boost cross-border payments, stablecoin adoption, and partnerships between telcos, banks, and fintechs. AI-driven credit scoring will unlock financial inclusion for millions. Sustainability and compliance will become key differentiators. Africa’s fintechs will lead globally, exporting solutions and attracting international investment. It’s an exciting time.

But with a soft POS, mobility gets a whole lot easier. This solution turns your phone into a powerful payment tool, letting you accept tap-to-pay transactions instantly wherever you are,  whether you’re navigating crowded markets, setting up at outdoor events, or selling door-to-door in remote areas.

The beauty of it is flexibility, no need for a fixed location or clanky hardware. You move, you sell. In a bustling market like Ajegunle or at a tech conference in Lagos, payments happen on your terms.

Even if network drops momentarily, transactions queue up securely and sync when you’re back online.

Imagine focusing on closing deals at an open-air expo in Calabar while payments flow seamlessly through your phone. No queues, no fuss.

Customers love the quick, card-based payments, and you keep growing your business without missing a beat.

Small businesses in Nigeria’s dynamic neighborhoods thrive when they can move fast, and a soft POS keeps you moving.

From food vendors in Port Harcourt to fashion sellers in Abuja, accepting payments is now as mobile as you are. Offline or online, it works.

This shift to mobile payments isn’t just convenient, it’s a growth lever. More sales happen when customers can pay with a tap, and you can manage everything from your phone. Real-time updates mean you stay on top of business without being tied to a desk.

In Nigeria’s vibrant markets or quieter towns, a soft POS keeps you agile and connected – and that’s where business happens nowadays.

Victor Daniyan is the founder and CEO of Nearpays and Yourrider, two startups transforming fintech and clean energy in Africa. A Certified Management Consultant and Forbes 30 Under 30 nominee for 2024, he is recognized as one of Africa’s bold voices in payment innovation and sustainable energy.

Established in 2023, Nearpays operates within Africa’s digital payments landscape, providing technology-driven solutions designed to expand access to electronic payments.

The company focuses on building accessible and sustainable financial infrastructure that supports businesses and underserved communities across the continent.

Nearpays’ product offerings include Soft POS and Offline Soft POS solutions, which enable merchants to accept card payments with or without internet connectivity.

According to the company, this capability addresses connectivity limitations in many markets and supports broader participation in digital commerce.

The company also operates a digital receipt system aimed at reducing reliance on paper, promoting environmentally responsible transactions and supporting clean finance practices.

Beyond its commercial operations, Nearpays has gained international recognition for its approach to applying technology to financial inclusion challenges.

In 2026, the company was selected to represent Africa at the United Nations “AI for Good” event in Johannesburg, highlighting its role in leveraging innovation to address access gaps within the financial system.

Nearpays also recorded a global milestone after winning the inaugural GITEX Africa Innovation Award in Morocco, a recognition that placed the company among emerging technology firms demonstrating scalable and impactful solutions on an international stage.

The BusinessDay Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs ranking is determined using criteria such as revenue growth, scalability, innovation, market expansion and business sustainability.

Nearpays’ inclusion reflects its operational progress and growing participation within Africa’s fintech and digital payments ecosystem.

Nearpays stated that it will continue to strengthen its technology, support digital adoption among businesses and advance Africa’s transition towards inclusive, sustainable and technology-driven financial systems as it scales its operations.

Nearpays was awarded a cash prize of 10,000 US Dollars and free all-expenses trip to GITEX Global to be hosted by the Dubai World Trade Center in the United Arab Emirates, in October, 2023.

Nearpays is a full-service financial payment platform that acts as an end-to-end financial service for clients.

It has various features to simplify online payments as much as possible, based on the principle that payments should be seamless.

It also offers a wide range of services including personal and corporate banking, virtual debit cards, and online banking.

The platform, founded by Victor Daniyan, uses blockchain technology to create a decentralised payment and makes the network more secure and efficient than traditional payment systems.

As a fintech payment company that seeks to promote financial inclusion by making card transactions more accessible and convenient through the use of NFC and scan-to-pay technology.

Nearpays is currently making inroads into the Nigerian market aims to expand into other African markets and has plans to launch its services in Europe and the United States in the near future.

Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), commended Nearpays for, yet again, putting Nigeria’s name on the global stage, adding that the victory was a “proud moment for Nigeria and that it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the company’s founders and team”.

Inuwa also said that the Nigerian government is committed to creating a favorable environment for startups and that it would continue to support the sector.

“The government is committed to creating a conducive environment for the growth of the startup ecosystem. We will continue to provide support to startups through enabling policies, programs, and initiatives”, he added.

He further said that the Nigerian government has made a number of policies in recent years, particularly the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) that provides a favorable environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive. In addition, the Nigerian government equally enacted the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) to provide an enabling environment for the establishment, development and operation of startups in Nigeria.

“The government’s policies have helped to attract investments in the Nigerian digital economy sector and have led to the growth of a number of thriving startups, such as Nearpays. The government’s continued support for the sector is helping Nigeria to become a leading hub for talent and innovation in the world.”

“The success of Nearpays is a testament to the potential of the Nigerian startup ecosystem. The country has a large and growing population of young and tech-savvy entrepreneurs. With the support of the government, these entrepreneurs are poised to make a significant impact on the global economy,” he added.

Victor Daniyan, the CEO and Co-founder of Nearspays, while appreciating the honour, said that the award is a “significant milestone” for the company and that it would “help us to further accelerate our growth and expansion plans.”

He also said that it was “an honour to represent Nigeria at the global stage” and that they are “committed to using technology to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing Africa.”

Nearpays’s victory at GITEX Africa Morocco is a sign of many things to come for the Nigerian startup ecosystem, especially now that the Nigeria Startup Act is in the implementation stage. The country has a large and growing population of young and tech-savvy entrepreneurs. With the support of the government, these entrepreneurs are poised to make a significant impact on the global economy.

Sixty-seven (67) Nigerian startups participated at inaugural edition of GITEX Africa, which reaffirmed the country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, and provided a platform for them to exhibit their cutting-edge ideas, gain invaluable exposure from the global tech community, and attract potential investments that will catalyze Nigeria’s digital economy.

As Nigerian startups continue to shine on the global stage, they are reshaping the narrative around Africa’s tech potential. With their innovative ideas, entrepreneurial drive, and the support of the government and international investors, Nigerian startups are poised to drive a transformative change, positioning the country at the forefront of technological innovation in Africa and beyond.