Interswitch has called for accelerated implementation of interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identity frameworks and stronger digital infrastructure to unlock seamless cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The appeal was made during the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum (ADTF) 2026 held in Lagos, where the payments technology company participated as a major sponsor and joined policymakers, regulators, technology firms and private sector leaders in discussions on advancing Africa’s digital economy.
According to Brandspur Banking News Desk, Interswitch said the successful implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol will depend on building reliable digital public infrastructure capable of supporting secure payments, regional commerce and financial inclusion across African markets.
Speaking at a plenary session focused on digital public infrastructure, Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director of Interswitch Payment Tokens (Verve International), identified fragmented payment standards across countries, digital identity and Know Your Customer (KYC) challenges, foreign exchange and settlement issues, as well as limited payment acceptance infrastructure as key obstacles slowing regional digital trade.
He stressed that governments, regulators, financial institutions and technology providers must work together to develop interoperable systems that allow businesses and consumers to move money across borders as easily as information flows across digital platforms. He added that stronger collaboration would be essential to creating a more connected African marketplace.
The forum, themed “Digital Trade for a Connected African Market,” brought together stakeholders from across the continent to explore strategies for accelerating implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and strengthening digital commerce through policy reforms, technology and strategic partnerships.
In addition to participating in policy discussions, Interswitch showcased its payment technologies designed to simplify cross-border transactions and hosted networking engagements with industry stakeholders, highlighting solutions aimed at supporting regional trade and expanding financial inclusion.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, also addressed participants, emphasising the importance of coordinated action between governments and the private sector to establish the policy environment, infrastructure and partnerships required to support a trusted and inclusive continental digital economy.
Industry participants agreed that interoperable payment networks, trusted digital identities and resilient digital public infrastructure will play a central role in expanding intra-African trade and delivering the full economic benefits envisioned under the AfCFTA agreement.
Interswitch said it remains committed to working with governments, regulators and ecosystem partners to remove barriers to cross-border commerce through technology-driven innovation, payment infrastructure and strategic collaborations that support Africa’s growing digital economy.
