Stanbic IBTC’s Zest is rapidly emerging as the preferred payments partner for businesses that demand far more than basic transaction services.

Traditional banks bring stability, and challenger fintechs bring agility. Zest combines both.

Launched in October 2023, it immediately offered a multi-rail payments gateway supporting cards, QR, bank accounts, USSD, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. But its real edge lies in solving practical operational problems unique to each business vertical.

“It is not just about enabling payments,” note observers tracking Zest’s expansion, “it is the sector-led solutioning and customisation that truly set it apart.”

Recognising that businesses differ widely in how they operate, Zest operates a sector-first design that provides advanced features like direct debits, tokenization, subscription billing, and customizable ledger structures.

Their embedded digital enablement, turnkey eCommerce stacks, so that businesses can go online quickly, is a real game-changer for brick-and-mortar traditional businesses.

According to CEO Stanley Jacob,

“while the payments gateway allows plug-and-play for SMEs, Zest’s ambition is to build domain-specific solutions that will reshape payments across Nigeria and Africa.”

●     In the energy sector, large operators now use Zest’s aggregator module. This integrates transaction data with inventory metrics across multiple gas stations, offering near real-time business intelligence.

●     For FMCG chains, multi-outlet brands gain refined visibility via Zest’s business dashboards, enabling better operational control and sales monitoring.

●     In logistics, ports & shipping, and education, Zest’s configurable ledger and reconciliation tools have streamlined payment collection and back-office accounting. 

This emphasis on operational value, beyond mere transaction processing, may be the differentiator that endures.

For businesses looking to streamline operations and elevate customer experience, it is a compelling playbook; one built on deeper integration, customization, and domain intelligence. 

The Zest model is fast gaining momentum as processed value of payments in H1 2025 grew 20x when compared to H1 2024 resulting in a revenue growth of 14x within the same period. 

As e-commerce surges and mobile payment adoption rises across the continent, businesses are searching for unified solutions that streamline operations while enhancing customer experiences.

For businesses looking to turn their payment systems from an operational necessity into a strategic asset, one company offers a compelling path forward.

With its sector-specific approach to payment orchestration, Zest, the fintech subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, is positioning itself as a crucial partner for businesses seeking growth in Africa’s digital economy.

At its core, Zest offers something desperately needed in Africa’s diverse payment ecosystem: unification. Through sophisticated payment orchestration, their flagship platform, a payment gateway, brings multiple payment capabilities like cards, mobile money, bank transfers, and QR codes, into a single, comprehensive business dashboard.

This consolidation eliminates the headaches of managing separate systems while providing businesses with powerful tools: aggregator capabilities for multi-location collections, real-time reporting, instant settlements, reduced payment failures, and valuable customer insights that drive strategic decisions.

“Businesses today don’t just need to accept payments, they need to orchestrate experiences that are fast, seamless, and scalable,” explains Stanley Jacob, CEO of Zest.

Industry-Specific Solutions

Beyond the plug and play payment gateway, what truly sets Zest apart is its commitment to sector-led customization. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the fintech delivers customizations of its platform to address industry-specific challenges.

One energy sector client now manages over 100 gas stations nationwide with real-time transaction monitoring against available inventory.

Additionally, Zest powers the client’s card-based loyalty system and pre-funding capabilities—a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple business needs simultaneously.

In another example, a major ports industry player benefits from custom-fitted payment collection infrastructure designed specifically for its complex operational requirements.

Empowering businesses of all sizes

While large corporations benefit from Zest’s enterprise-level customizations, smaller businesses aren’t left behind. The platform offers multi-rail payment checkout systems and free customizable storefronts embedded in its business dashboard.

With some of the most competitive pricing across different payment rails; cards, account-based transactions, USSD, QR codes, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, Zest enables even small merchants to offer customers multiple payment options. The platform’s bank-agnostic nature allows merchants to receive settlements in any bank of their choice.

“For Africa’s SMEs and corporates, orchestrated payments are no longer a nice-to-have, they are survival infrastructure,” emphasizes Ifeoluwa Adekunle-Yusuf, VP of Products and Engineering at Zest.

With digital payments in Africa projected to exceed $40 billion in annual revenue by 2025 according to McKinsey, and mobile money penetration now reaching 46% across the continent, businesses need reliable payment partners who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the African market.

Zest’s seamless architecture ensures that businesses of all types—from small retailers and educators to artisans and service providers—can deliver professional, reliable payment experiences that power sustainable growth.

As African businesses continue their digital transformation journey, payment orchestration platforms like Zest will play an increasingly vital role in determining which companies thrive in the digital economy and which get left behind.

Smart businesses who are looking to grow more efficiently can get started with Zest, click here.

The unveiling, held today, showcased an initiative set to redefine the landscape of financial services in Nigeria and beyond.

Basil Omiyi CON, the Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, set the tone for the event with a warm welcome address, noting that the bank received the regulatory approval to create a Fintech in the first quarter of this year, 2023.

He emphasized the company’s longstanding commitment to being the preferred end-to-end financial services provider for businesses and individuals in the region. 

“As you know, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has always depended on partnerships and we appreciate you for joining us today. Stanbic IBTC’s motto always says that we want to be and we aim to be and stay that way, the preferred end-to-end financial services provider to businesses and persons in our country and region. That’s our goal.

Of course, as you know, we have subsidiaries that are aligned towards this, whether in banking, pension, insurance, asset management and so on. With the group of subsidiaries, it was very clear to us that Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC needs a fintech. Because without a Fintech, orchestrating platforms could help in generating the next growth coming to the financial services sector for businesses, consumers, technology developers and without that, with our integrated financial services, we are probably one of those in the best position to exploit a Fintech for the benefit of the society itself. 

All the subsidiaries were aligned indeed towards the need to have one, and of course, we chose that this Fintech should be a solution-driven platform orchestrator. We then bring partners into that platform and together, we create a home grown solution, both for ourselves and for our partners in the platform, businesses deserve. That’s how the idea of Zest was born.”

Acknowledging the power of partnerships, Omiyi expressed gratitude to all stakeholders present, emphasizing the role of collaboration in achieving the goals.

The genesis of Zest was traced back to the collective vision of the Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC management team. Dr. Demola Sogunle, the Chief Executive, shared insights into the group’s strategic focus, encapsulated in the acronym SUV – Scale, User experience, and Velocity. With an eye on digitization and global demands, the decision to establish Zest as a wholly-owned fintech subsidiary was made.

Zest emerges as a standalone fintech powerhouse, intricately woven into the fabric of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC’s future endeavors. At its core, Zest embodies the concept of platform orchestration, enabling diverse payment options, seamless business transactions, and the facilitation of embedded finance. 

Its mission extends beyond conventional payments, encompassing nano and micro insurance, pensions, consumer credit, investment opportunities, mutual funds, collective investment schemes, and other value-added services. In essence, Zest serves as a catalyst for true financial inclusion, empowering ordinary Nigerians with unprecedented access to a myriad of financial products and services.

“Zest is made to help us to orchestrate that especially in the areas of e-commerce, buy-now-pay-later, working capital solutions and value added services. With Zest, we see opportunities to unlock new networks of partnerships and deliver deliberate and intentionally better experiences in the areas of payments and customized solution delivery. 

We consistently improved based on feedback received from enagagents and interactions in the past few months.” Dr. Sogunle said.

Stanley Jacob, the Chief Executive of Zest, highlighted the platform’s design principles, elucidating the core foundations upon which it stands.

“Businesses not just in Nigeria, but all over the world are constantly looking out for ways and tools to grow and expand. They want to access digital solutions and platforms that can help them reach a new network of customers.” he said. “At Zest, we have been able to execute a true platform orchestration strategy and this strategy is hinged on four broad principles: 

Zest’s first principle — Multi-Railed Payment — ensures stability, security, and flexibility for businesses, enabling them to collect payments through various channels, including card payments, account-based payments, Quick Response codes, transfers, USSD, and more. 

Notably, Zest made history by becoming the first fintech to go live on AfriGo, a proof of its pioneering spirit.

The second principle — Human-Centered Design — prioritizes customer needs, fostering a seamless user experience. Zest simplifies onboarding processes, allowing businesses and consumers to make payments online effortlessly. Innovation, customer-centricity, and user experience form the cornerstone of Zest’s approach.

Business Growth Powered by e-Commerce was nailed as the third principle. Zest empowers businesses of all sizes, enabling them to showcase products and reach new customer networks. Through customizable stores and an e-commerce marketplace, the fintech provides a platform for businesses to thrive, whether online or offline.

Operational Excellence, which was the fourth principle emphasizes the platform operating within the highest standards of integrity and regulatory compliance. Zest adheres strictly to applicable card schemes and processing rules. Strong governance and global compliance underscore Zest’s commitment to operational excellence.

Business owners who have embraced Zest for their enterprises have praised its speed, accessibility, and accuracy. Transactions are executed swiftly, enabling businesses to operate seamlessly in the digital arena.

The launch of Zest marks a significant milestone, reaffirming Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC’s goal in the financial services industry. As Zest begins its journey as a catalyst for financial empowerment, it promises a future where financial services are not just accessible but tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual and business. 

With Zest, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has ushered in a new era of financial innovation and inclusivity, inviting everyone to join in the journey towards a more connected and empowered financial future.