Interswitch Backs Emerging Founders at Maiden Kano Startup Weekend 2025

Interswitch Backs Emerging Founders at Maiden Kano Startup Weekend 2025

Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s startup ecosystem with its sponsorship and active participation at the maiden Kano Startup Weekend 2025.

The two-day event, themed “Igniting Innovation & Empowering Entrepreneurs”, was held from December 13 to 14, 2025, in Kano and brought together aspiring founders, developers, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders to explore opportunities within the state’s growing technology landscape.

During the event, Interswitch supported early-stage entrepreneurs through mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and hands-on engagement during the startup pitch competition. Participants were exposed to practical insights on building scalable digital businesses, leveraging developer-friendly platforms, and navigating the early stages of product development and growth.

Kano Startup Weekend (KSW) 2025 is the flagship entrepreneurship and innovation initiative of the Kano State Government, organised through the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA). The programme aligns with the Kano State Digital Transformation Agenda (2025–2030), which seeks to stimulate innovation, encourage collaboration, and position Kano as a major technology and innovation hub in Nigeria.

The event featured pitch presentations from startups operating across sectors such as technology, education, agriculture, mobility, and digital services. These were complemented by expert-led sessions focusing on funding readiness, customer acquisition, product development, and scaling strategies, equipping founders with tools to refine their ideas and connect with potential partners.

Delivering a keynote address, Interswitch’s Chief Information Officer, Patrick Okebu, underscored the importance of supporting innovation at the regional level. According to him, Kano represents a significant source of entrepreneurial talent in Northern Nigeria.

“Kano Startup Weekend reflects the depth of entrepreneurial potential emerging from Northern Nigeria. At Interswitch, we believe innovation flourishes when founders have access to the right platforms, mentorship, and enabling infrastructure. Our support for this initiative aligns with our commitment to empowering startups with digital payment and commerce solutions that enable sustainable growth and competitiveness,” Okebu said.

Beyond individual mentorship and pitch sessions, KSW 2025 facilitated collaboration between the public and private sectors, investors, and the wider startup community, highlighting the role of partnerships in accelerating innovation and inclusive economic development.

The success of the inaugural edition points to increasing momentum within Kano State’s technology ecosystem and underscores the growing importance of strategic collaborations in nurturing local talent and expanding economic opportunities.

Through its sponsorship and engagement, Interswitch contributed to the overall success of the event, reinforcing its position as a key partner to startups, developers, and innovation enablers across Nigeria, while further demonstrating its commitment to initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, skills development, and regional innovation.