(DDM) – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), commercial banks, fintech innovators, and technology leaders concluded the multi-city Interswitch TechConnect 5.0 series in Lagos, charting a collaborative course for Nigeria’s digital future.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the Lagos edition marked the finale of the series, following previous stops in Enugu and Abuja.

This year’s theme, “United Frontiers: Growth Powered by Innovation, Collaboration and Compliance,” emphasized stronger alignment between regulators and industry players amid rapid transformation in the fintech and payments sector.

Akeem Lawal, managing director of Payment Processing & Switching at Interswitch Purepay, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the platform’s role in fostering dialogue between regulators, banks, fintechs, and innovators.

“At Interswitch, innovation thrives in an environment of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose,” Lawal said. “TechConnect creates a space for the exchange of ideas and shows how compliance can drive scalable growth.

Powering Africa’s digital economy is about people, partnerships, and purpose, not just technology.”

Cherry Eromosele, executive vice president, group marketing and corporate communications at Interswitch, noted that TechConnect has evolved into a platform that unites innovators, regulators, and businesses to transform Africa’s digital ecosystem.

She added that over the past weeks, the series sparked partnerships, inspired ideas, and strengthened policy engagement.

The CBN, represented by Ajakaiye Itanola, deputy director, payments system policy, emphasized the regulator’s commitment to fostering innovation through inclusive and forward-looking regulations.

“We are engaging more industry players, revisiting existing rules, and framing policies that support innovation while ensuring sustainability,” Itanola said.

The Lagos event featured two high-impact panel discussions.

The first, “De-risking Innovation with Regulatory Compliance and Strategic Partnership for Growth,” explored balancing agility with accountability to drive sustainable fintech expansion.

The second, “Compliance as a Catalyst: Unlocking Scalable Innovation, Growth, and Collaboration in the Financial Ecosystem,” focused on how governance and foresight can serve as drivers of innovation.

Industry leaders shared insights on cybersecurity, open banking, artificial intelligence, and frameworks that promote responsible innovation.

Participants also engaged with interactive product showcases, where Interswitch unveiled its latest digital payment solutions designed to enhance efficiency, scalability, and customer experience across multiple sectors.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing partners and contributors who have advanced innovation and inclusion within Nigeria’s fintech landscape.

TechConnect 5.0’s Lagos finale reaffirmed its role as a central hub connecting innovation, regulation, and partnership to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation journey.

(DDM) – Airtel Nigeria has unveiled a new Smartphone Financing Programme designed to help millions of Nigerians upgrade from 2G and 3G devices to affordable 4G smartphones.

The initiative, Diaspora Digital Media DDM gathered, aims to accelerate digital inclusion by offering existing Airtel customers a flexible payment plan that allows them to own new devices without the burden of full upfront costs.

The telecom giant said the programme will begin with the Itel A50 model, a reliable entry-level smartphone built to provide wider access to fast mobile internet across urban and rural communities.

Airtel Nigeria explained that the financing model will operate through its exclusive retail outlets nationwide, giving eligible customers the opportunity to walk into any Airtel shop, make a small down payment, and walk out with a 4G smartphone already activated and ready for use.

Airtel Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, said the scheme is part of the company’s long-term commitment to bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and ensuring that connectivity becomes a tool for empowerment rather than privilege.

He stated that smartphones unlock access to education, financial services, government platforms, and digital work opportunities, adding that Airtel aims to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind due to economic limitations.

Balsingh added that the company’s goal is not merely to distribute devices but to enable progress, innovation, and a connected lifestyle that improves living standards across the country.

According to Airtel, eligibility requirements include active use of an Airtel SIM for at least three months, a registered SmartCash mobile money account, and a valid means of identification such as a National Identification Number, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s Licence.

Customers must also provide consent for eligibility verification through Intelligra, the technology partner responsible for risk scoring and data processing.

Once clearance is completed, customers can proceed to an Airtel-owned store where onboarding will be finalized.

Upon payment of either ₦19,000 or ₦21,000 as the initial deposit, customers will immediately receive their device along with access to high-speed 4G connectivity.

All instalment payments will be handled securely through SmartCash, reinforcing Airtel’s push toward financial inclusion and cashless transactions.

Airtel Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, said the programme is a deliberate effort to democratise access to technology by reducing economic barriers that prevent many Nigerians from owning quality smartphones.

He stated that the partnership-driven model, supported by intelligent scoring systems, provides a sustainable solution that will help expand digital access nationwide.

The Airtel Smartphone Financing Programme, according to the company, aligns with a broader vision to promote financial empowerment, digital participation, and technology-driven growth in Nigeria.

Customers can confirm eligibility by dialing *492# or by visiting any Airtel retail shop nationwide for processing.

(DDM) — Huawei has called on African governments, telecom operators, and digital-economy stakeholders to take decisive steps toward accelerating the continent’s digital transformation.

The appeal came from Song Xiaodi, president of Huawei’s small-cell product line, during his keynote address at AfricaCom 2025, where he highlighted three essential opportunities capable of shaping a fully digital Africa.

Song emphasised that the global digital economy has become a primary engine of development, adding that Africa stands on the brink of a major technological leap if the right investments and policies are prioritised.

DDM gathered that his message centred on Africa’s opportunity to boost connectivity, improve user experience on advanced networks, and pursue sustainable green-energy solutions as foundations for long-term digital growth.

Song stated that more than 170 countries have already launched digital strategies and that Africa’s own ambitions are increasingly assertive.

He revealed that Huawei research projects Africa’s digital economy to expand by nearly six times by the year 2050, a projection he described as evidence of the continent’s untapped potential.

First, Song urged African stakeholders to strengthen ubiquitous connectivity, describing it as the fundamental pillar of any meaningful digital transition.

He explained that the social and economic value of mobile networks multiplies once they are supported by digitalised systems and applications.

He illustrated his point with examples of how improved network coverage could transform rural communities, from enabling farmers to reach customers online to delivering virtual learning opportunities for children in underserved regions.

He referenced Indonesia’s Papua region, where enhanced connectivity unlocked digital access for thousands of people in isolated communities.

Second, he highlighted the need to improve user experience and fully harness 5G technology.

According to Song, Africa is entering an era where digital experience, rather than basic access, will define economic opportunity.

He predicted wider adoption of immersive technologies such as naked-eye 3D, 4K and 8K video, and free-viewpoint content, all of which require stronger network performance.

He noted that better services also provide telecom operators with new avenues for increasing revenue and strengthening business models.

To demonstrate this potential, he cited a Thai network operator that boosted its average revenue per user by 15% through strategic 5G upgrades and refined pricing structures.

Third, Song underscored the need for green development as part of Africa’s digital journey.

He argued that environmental sustainability does not hinder progress but instead enhances economic stability while delivering long-term benefits.

He pointed to Huawei’s renewable-energy initiative in Mali, where solar-powered base stations have reduced annual carbon emissions by 10 tons and lowered operational expenses for operators by €20 000.

He explained that such sustainable solutions also make it easier to extend network coverage into remote areas.

Song concluded by noting that Africa is advancing rapidly from 3G to newer generations of mobile technology, even as economic uncertainties persist globally.

He maintained that technological innovation offers the greatest certainty for Africa’s future, and Huawei remains committed to supporting African operators as they expand infrastructure, build digital value chains, and drive unprecedented levels of productivity across the continent.

He urged African leaders and industry players to work collaboratively toward a modern, 5G-enabled, low-carbon digital ecosystem capable of powering long-term economic transformation.