Interswitch Urges Increased Investment in Energy Infrastructure to Deepen Financial Inclusion in Africa

Interswitch Urges Increased Investment in Energy Infrastructure to Deepen Financial Inclusion in Africa

Interswitch has called for greater investment in energy infrastructure across Africa, saying reliable electricity is essential to expanding financial inclusion, supporting digital transformation, and driving sustainable economic growth across the continent.

The call was made at the 11th edition of the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) 2026 held in Lagos, where the company's Vice President, Energy Ecosystem, Adeyinka Adekoya, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the company's Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Elegbe.

Speaking on the theme, "Rewiring Financial Inclusion, Infrastructure & Investments," Adekoya stressed that access to reliable energy is fundamental to building the digital infrastructure required for seamless payments, financial services, and inclusive economic development.

Addressing policymakers, regulators, investors, development partners, private sector leaders, and innovators, he noted that although Africa has recorded significant progress in digital financial services, millions of people will remain excluded from the formal economy without dependable electricity.

According to him, energy serves as the backbone of digital commerce and financial services, enabling businesses and individuals to participate fully in economic activities.

"Financial inclusion extends beyond providing access to financial services. It is about creating the conditions that enable people and businesses to participate meaningfully in the economy. Energy is one of those critical conditions. Where energy is unavailable or unreliable, economic opportunities are constrained, digital services are limited, and financial exclusion persists. In many ways, energy poverty is financial exclusion in disguise," Adekoya said.

He also highlighted the importance of innovation and youth empowerment in addressing Africa's development challenges, describing young people as the continent's greatest competitive advantage.

According to him, creating an enabling environment that supports innovation and attracts investment will accelerate inclusive development and unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Africa.

Adekoya said Africa's future would be driven by its youthful population, innovative ideas, and strategic investments capable of solving real societal challenges.

For more than two decades, Interswitch has invested in payment infrastructure that supports commerce, expands access to financial services, and accelerates digital transformation across Africa.

The company said it remains committed to strengthening critical infrastructure through strategic partnerships and ecosystem collaborations while advocating integrated solutions that connect energy, technology, and finance.

According to Interswitch, resilient infrastructure, long-term investments, and cross-sector collaboration will be critical to achieving broader financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth as Africa's economies continue to digitise.