Interswitch Advocates Interoperable Payment Systems to Boost AfCFTA Digital Trade

 Interswitch Advocates Interoperable Payment Systems to Boost AfCFTA Digital Trade

Interswitch has called for interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identity frameworks and stronger digital infrastructure to accelerate seamless cross-border trade and inclusive economic growth across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

LAGOS, Nigeria – Interswitch, one of Africa's leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has urged governments, regulators and private sector stakeholders to prioritise interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identity frameworks and robust digital infrastructure to unlock the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The call was made by the Managing Director of Interswitch Payment Tokens (Verve International), Vincent Ogbunude, during the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum (ADTF) 2026, held from July 1 to 2 at the National Theatre in Lagos, where the company participated as a key sponsor.

The forum, themed "Digital Trade for a Connected African Market," brought together policymakers, regulators, technology leaders, investors, development partners and private sector players from across Africa to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and strengthen the continent's digital economy.

As part of its participation, Interswitch contributed to policy discussions, hosted a networking session for industry stakeholders and showcased innovative payment solutions designed to simplify cross-border transactions and facilitate seamless movement of value across African markets.

Speaking during a plenary session titled "The Digital Backbone: Building Digital Public Infrastructure for an Inclusive AfCFTA Market," Ogbunude identified fragmented payment standards across jurisdictions, digital identity and Know Your Customer (KYC) challenges, foreign exchange and settlement complexities, and limited payment acceptance infrastructure as key obstacles to Africa's digital payments integration.

He stressed that addressing these challenges would require stronger collaboration among governments, regulators, financial institutions and technology providers to build interoperable digital infrastructure capable of supporting the ambitions of the AfCFTA.

According to him, Africa's digital trade aspirations can only be achieved when cross-border payments become as seamless as the exchange of information.

"Africa's digital trade ambitions will only be fully realised when moving money across borders becomes as seamless as moving information. Achieving that future requires interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identities, harmonised standards and stronger collaboration across the public and private sectors," Ogbunude said.

He reaffirmed Interswitch's commitment to developing digital infrastructure and strategic partnerships that make cross-border commerce simpler, faster and more inclusive for businesses and consumers across the continent.

The forum also featured remarks by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Co-Champion of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who highlighted the transformative role of digital trade in unlocking Africa's economic potential.

She called for deeper collaboration among governments, regulators and the private sector to establish the policy frameworks, infrastructure and partnerships needed to build a trusted, inclusive and digitally connected African marketplace.

Participants at the forum agreed that interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identities and resilient Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) are critical to accelerating intra-African trade and achieving the objectives of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.

Interswitch noted that these priorities align with its mission of enabling the seamless exchange of value across Africa. The company said it has spent more than two decades building payment infrastructure that supports commerce, promotes financial inclusion and drives digital transformation across several African markets.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, regulators and ecosystem partners to remove barriers to cross-border trade through strategic partnerships, policy engagement and technology-driven innovation aimed at creating a more integrated African digital economy.