The maiden Nigerian Fintech Festival is scheduled for September 26, 2024, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos. Under the theme The Convergence to Co-Create & Celebrate Nigeria’s Truly Digital Economy, the event seeks to foster innovation and collaboration within Nigeria’s digital financial sector.

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Bringing Together Fintech Industry Stakeholders 

The festival, sponsored by FirstBank, will gather over 1,000 stakeholders from the fintech and financial services industries. It will focus on deepening digital payments and unlocking value for Nigeria’s business ecosystem. Key speakers include Crendly Co-Founder Damilare Odueso, PaddyCover Co-Founder Mayowa Owolabi, and Interswitch Chief Innovations Officer Adaobi Igwe-Okerekeocha.

FirstBank’s partnership with the festival aligns with its commitment to innovation, said Callistus Obetta, Group Executive, Technology, Digital Innovation & Services. Obetta emphasized that this collaboration is key to driving the future of Nigeria’s digital economy, benefiting both customers and businesses alike. He noted, “Our 130-year legacy of enabling individuals and businesses underscores our dedication to initiatives fostering thought leadership and collaboration in the financial sector.”

A Platform for Thought Leadership and Growth

The festival aims to equip participants with essential skills for advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. Sessions will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, and fireside chats, offering insights on trends, challenges, and opportunities in the evolving fintech landscape. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with key players in the industry.

According to Ikechukwu Ugwu, Founder/MD of Total Scope Marketing Solutions and the festival’s convener, the event aims to drive innovation and collaboration in Nigeria’s financial service ecosystem. “By uniting thought leaders and innovators, the festival addresses challenges and opportunities in Africa’s fintech space,” Ugwu remarked, emphasizing the event’s potential to stimulate meaningful discussions and sustainable growth.

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Strategic Partnerships and Industry Impact

In addition to FirstBank, the festival has forged partnerships with MTN, Optimus AI Labs, Crendly, and others, ensuring an immersive experience for attendees.

These collaborations underscore Nigeria’s leading role in fintech while paving the way for future advancements. Ugwu expressed excitement about the festival’s potential to shape Nigeria’s fintech industry and contribute to the country’s digital transformation.

The Nigerian Fintech Festival 2024 marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a truly digital economy. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and thought leadership, the event is set to elevate Nigeria’s fintech landscape, positioning the country as a leader in the African fintech space.

With strategic partnerships and a strong focus on digital payments, the festival promises to deliver impactful insights and drive sustainable growth for businesses and consumers across the continent.