Nairobi, Kenya. June 18, 2024- Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital
commerce companies and ACI Worldwide, a global leader in real-time payments software, have restated
their commitment to continuously developing cutting-edge solutions that will transform and modernize
the digital payments infrastructure for banks, SACCOs, fintechs, and other financial institutions in East
Africa.
The firms made this known during the second leg of the stakeholders’ engagement session, which held
at the Radisson Blu, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya. Following the successful first edition of the stakeholders’
session in Lagos, Nigeria, the Nairobi edition provided a platform to showcase ways in which financial
services industry players can leverage world-class digital payment to unlock opportunities which will
drive growth and profitability across the East African region.
The event brought together industry experts, thought leaders, fintech entrepreneurs and financial
analysts who engaged in constructive discussions on vital topics such as cross-border payments,
modernizing payment infrastructure, open banking, and securing transactions with next-generation
technology. These insightful conversations shed light on how businesses and customers can harness
technology to foster digital payments and capitalize on opportunities that drive positive transformation
within the financial sector.
Delivering his keynote address, Peter Kawumi, Managing Director, Interswitch East Africa said the
region’s digital payment landscape is evolving and Interswitch and ACI are poised to boost its
transformation. He stated
The East African financial services sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by
changing consumer behavior and technological advancements. Our partnership with ACI is
pivotal in analyzing these shifts and rapidly delivering tailored solutions that address the
evolving needs of the market.”
In his remarks, Santhosh Rao, Senior Vice President, Sales ACI Worldwide – Middle East, Africa, and
South Asia (MEASA) reiterated the visionary partnership of Interswitch and ACI towards the
development of Africa’s financial sector.
ACI Worldwide and Interswitch’s visionary partnership signifies our commitment to
transforming the African financial services landscape. Through our shared dedication to
developing modernized digital payment solutions, we aim to deepen digital payment
penetration, thus enhancing financial inclusion across the continent. By joining forces, we will
drive further innovation, elevate payment systems, and cultivate a more inclusive and secure
financial ecosystem across the continent. This strategic collaboration unlocks immense potential,
streamlining payment processes and empowering businesses and consumers to thrive in Africa’s
dynamic digital economy.
Jonah Adams, Managing Director, Digital Infrastructure and Managed Services (Interswitch Syetegra)
stressed the need for players in the financial space to synergize and provide expanded opportunities for
industry growth and profitability.
“Cross-border trade and commerce thrive on collaboration and co-creation. Through strategic
partnerships, Interswitch and ACI are dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering
seamless digital payment, empowering businesses to expand their global footprint and drive
economic growth by opening new markets and opportunities”, he said.
The event served as an invaluable platform for meaningful interactions, enabling participants to directly
engage with experts from the Interswitch Group and ACI Worldwide and gain insights into how the
cutting-edge solutions can streamline their financial operations.
Additionally, the session facilitated valuable networking opportunities, enabling participants to connect
with industry leaders, stakeholders, and potential business partners.
Interswitch and ACI Worldwide have through these stakeholders’ engagement sessions reiterated their
commitment to transforming the payments landscape across Africa. The events have sparked
collaborative commitments to building a more robust, secure, and inclusive payments ecosystem for the greater good.
