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Interswitch Group has called for the development of interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identity frameworks and stronger digital infrastructure to unlock seamless cross-border trade and drive inclusive economic growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The payment technology company made the call during the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum (ADTF) 2026, held in Lagos, where it participated as a key sponsor and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional integration through technology-driven payment solutions.
Speaking during a plenary session titled “The Digital Backbone: Building Digital Public Infrastructure for an Inclusive AfCFTA Market,” the Managing Director of Interswitch Payment Tokens (Verve International), Vincent Ogbunude, identified fragmented payment standards, digital identity and Know Your Customer (KYC) challenges, foreign exchange and settlement complexities, as well as limited payment acceptance infrastructure as major obstacles to a fully integrated African payments ecosystem.
According to him, addressing these challenges will require stronger collaboration among governments, regulators, financial institutions and technology providers to build interoperable digital infrastructure capable of supporting the objectives of the AfCFTA.
He said Africa’s digital trade ambitions can only be achieved when cross-border payments become as seamless as the movement of information.
“Achieving that future requires interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identities, harmonised standards and stronger collaboration across the public and private sectors. At Interswitch, we remain committed to building the digital infrastructure and partnerships that make cross-border commerce simpler, faster and more inclusive for businesses and consumers across the continent,” Ogbunude said.
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The two-day forum, themed “Digital Trade for a Connected African Market,” brought together policymakers, regulators, technology companies, investors, development partners and private sector stakeholders to accelerate implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and strengthen Africa’s digital economy.
Beyond participating in policy discussions, Interswitch hosted a networking session for industry stakeholders and showcased its digital payment solutions, demonstrating how technology can simplify cross-border commerce and facilitate seamless movement of value across African markets.
Also speaking at the forum, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, stressed the importance of digital trade in unlocking Africa’s economic potential. She called for stronger collaboration among governments, regulators and the private sector to develop the policies, infrastructure and partnerships needed to build a trusted, inclusive and digitally connected continental marketplace.
Participants at the forum agreed that interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identities and resilient Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) will play a pivotal role in accelerating intra-African trade and delivering the objectives of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.
Interswitch said the priorities discussed at the forum align with its long-standing mission of enabling the seamless exchange of value across Africa. The company noted that for more than two decades it has continued to build payment infrastructure that supports commerce, expands financial inclusion and drives digital transformation across several African markets.
The company reiterated its commitment to working with governments, regulators and other stakeholders to eliminate barriers to cross-border trade through strategic partnerships, policy engagement and technology innovation aimed at creating a more integrated African digital economy.
