Beyond the impressive number, this accomplishment reflects deeper shifts taking place across the continent, including the rising adoption of digital payments, broader financial inclusion, and growing confidence in home-grown technology designed to meet Africa’s everyday needs.

Over the years, Verve has evolved from a domestic payment option into one of the most widely used card brands in Nigeria and several African markets, including Kenya, Uganda, Benin Republic, The Gambia, Senegal, among others.

Its footprint extends across daily activities such as cash withdrawals, POS transactions, online shopping, bill payments, transportation, and mobile-led commerce. This growing integration into daily life demonstrates Verve’s pivotal role in helping individuals and businesses transition from cash-heavy routines to more secure, efficient digital payment channels.

A key driver of this adoption has been Verve’s strong network of collaborations with banks, fintechs, processors, merchants, and other ecosystem partners. These relationships have broadened access to payment solutions for students, SMEs, families, corporate users, and communities that previously had limited interaction with formal financial services.

The 100-million-card milestone is therefore a shared success, celebrating both ecosystem collaboration and the trust of millions of users.

For Verve’s leadership, reaching the 100-million threshold represents a meaningful step forward in Africa’s digital economy. It reflects the impact of millions of individuals who now transact more easily and safely, as well as the institutions that continue to support an African-built card scheme tailored to the continent’s unique realities.

Innovation has been a defining feature of Verve’s growth. The brand has continually introduced features that meet evolving customer expectations from contactless (tap-and-go) solution to virtual cards for secure online transactions and enhanced compatibility with global e-commerce platforms.

These upgrades are underpinned by robust security measures, cutting-edge technology, and continuous improvements designed to protect users and ensure consistent transaction reliability.

Looking ahead, Verve remains focused on expanding acceptance points, strengthening partnerships, and elevating user experience across both digital and physical touchpoints. Its mission is to keep delivering solutions that simplify payments, support economic mobility, and accelerate Africa’s transition toward a more connected, cashless society.

Reaching 100 million cards is a major accomplishment, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter. Verve’s continued evolution, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of consumer needs and aspirations, signals a promising future for digital finance across the continent.

The company, a subsidiary of the Interswitch Group, was established in 2009 and became an independent entity after a group restructuring in 2013. Since then, Verve has recorded steady growth.

It reached 20 million cards in 2013, hit 50 million in July 2023, grew to 70 million in October 2024, crossed 85 million shortly after, and has now reached 100 million in 2025.

Verve cards are widely adopted by commercial banks, FinTech Firms such as Opay and PalmPay. The card is used across Africa and in several international locations, enabling seamless transactions and supporting financial inclusion, especially in underserved and rural communities.

Speaking to the Journalists during the “Verve 100+ Million Cards Issued” media parley at the Verve Boardroom in Victoria Island, Lagos, Vincent Ogbunude, managing director of Verve International, recounted the company’s growth over the last 15 years and its role in driving Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem.

“Today marks a special moment for Verve International, one that reflects not just a corporate milestone, but a shared African success story. Over 15 years ago, when we launched Verve as Africa’s first domestic payment card scheme, our vision was clear.

“It was to build a secure, reliable, and proudly African payment solution that could connect people to the possibilities of a modern digital economy. Back then, the environment was quite challenging, electronic payments were still emerging, infrastructure gaps were real, and many doubted that a home-grown brand could compete globally. Yet today, we stand as Nigeria’s first domestic card scheme and Africa’s largest home-grown payment card brand.”

Ogbunude also announced two new strategic partnerships with Adobe and Glovo. He said the Adobe partnership supports Africa’s expanding creative sector by enabling Verve cardholders to access Adobe tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator. The collaboration with Glovo, he added, strengthens Verve’s mission to support everyday consumer convenience across the continent.

“Central to our growth is a strategic approach to partnership, and that’s what keeps Verve relevant, keeps us competitive, and connected to the lifestyle of our users. In recent years, we have expanded our global reach through collaborations with leading brands, including Google, Spotify, Netflix, Aliexpress, Shein and Flywire. Today, I’m pleased to announce an addition to our partnership portfolio.

Our partnership with Adobe supports Africa’s rapidly growing creative economy, and Verve Cardholders can now access Adobe’s industry-leading creative tools, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and the rest.

We’ve also entered into a partnership with Glovo, one of Africa’s fastest-growing on-demand delivery platforms, further reflecting our mission to power everyday convenience for Africans.

Our partnership with Glovo brings Verve users special discounts, rewards, and a smoother checkout experience across Glovo’s services.”

Also speaking at the event, Vice President, Issuing & Acquiring, Paul Ohakim, said Verve’s growth is driven by customer-focused innovation and stronger collaborations across markets.

“This milestone is not just about scale; it is about impact. One guiding principle for us has always been to build technology grounded in meaningful consumer insight. Verve continues to grow because it understands the heartbeat of consumers.

“That is why we keep strengthening security, improving user experience, broadening acceptance, and creating loyalty initiatives that bring people closer to the lives they aspire to. Through strong partnerships, Verve is now widely accepted across Africa and increasingly connected to global platforms.”

Verve says the 100-million-card milestone represents the daily stories across the continent, traders receiving payments without delay, students paying fees with ease, shoppers transacting securely, entrepreneurs powering their businesses, and travellers moving across borders with confidence.