For millions of Nigerians, digital payments have become part of everyday life, from paying transport fares and school fees to receiving salaries and running businesses. But experts say the next stage of Nigeria’s digital economy will depend on building stronger, safer and more reliable financial infrastructure.
That was the focus of TechConnect 6.0, organised by Interswitch in Abuja, where government officials, financial institutions, technology experts and business leaders met to discuss how digital infrastructure can better serve Nigerians and support economic growth.
The event, held on Tuesday, was the second stop in the nationwide TechConnect 6.0 series after its opening edition in Owerri. It is themed, “Built for What’s Next: Designing Adaptive Financial Infrastructure for a Dynamic Market.”
Participants examined how technology, payment systems, government policies and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors can create digital systems that are more secure, efficient and accessible to businesses and consumers.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, the agency’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho, said financial infrastructure now plays a much bigger role than simply moving money.
He said stronger digital systems help connect consumers, businesses, financial institutions and government agencies while improving service delivery across the country.
Koleosho stressed that interoperability, cybersecurity, data protection and public trust are essential for building a digital economy that can support secure transactions, regulatory compliance and changing market demands.
Speaking at the event, Vice President, Business Innovation and Growth at Interswitch, Tyoyila Aga, said TechConnect was created to encourage practical conversations and partnerships that can help Nigeria prepare for the future.
“The future of financial infrastructure will be shaped by how effectively we connect technology, institutions and people around the needs of a changing economy. Building for what’s next requires adoption of new technologies. However, beyond that, it requires the partnerships, interoperability and shared understanding needed to turn those technologies into practical solutions that can scale. TechConnect provides a platform for these conversations, bringing stakeholders together to exchange ideas and explore how we can collectively build infrastructure that supports sustainable digital growth,” Aga said.
A fireside discussion focused on how technology and digital payments are creating new business opportunities across Africa and helping more people participate in the digital economy.
Another panel session examined how government, payment providers and industry players can work together to build connected digital systems that promote inclusive economic growth and improve access to financial services.
Speakers agreed that Nigeria’s digital future will depend on financial infrastructure that is secure, resilient, interoperable and capable of meeting the needs of a fast-changing economy.
The event also featured demonstrations of Interswitch’s payment and technology solutions, showing how organisations can improve customer experience and adapt to changing market expectations.
Following the Abuja edition, TechConnect 6.0 will continue in Ibadan on October 22 before concluding with a grand finale in Lagos on October 27.
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation, stakeholders say sustained collaboration between government and the private sector will be critical to ensuring that technology delivers real benefits to businesses, public institutions and ordinary Nigerians.