Interswitch has called on African governments and policymakers to prioritise investment in energy infrastructure, describing reliable electricity as a critical foundation for expanding financial inclusion, accelerating digital transformation and driving sustainable economic growth across the continent.
The appeal was made by the company’s Founder and Group Managing Director, Mitchell Elegbe, during the 11th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) 2026 in Lagos. Represented by Adeyinka Adekoya, Vice President of the Energy Ecosystem, Elegbe highlighted the strong connection between dependable power supply, digital financial services and inclusive economic participation.
Addressing policymakers, regulators, investors and development partners, Adekoya stressed that while access to digital financial services has improved significantly across Africa, unreliable electricity continues to prevent millions of people from fully participating in the digital economy, Brandspur Brand News reports.
According to Interswitch, stable energy infrastructure is essential for powering payment systems, digital commerce and other financial technologies that support businesses and consumers. The company warned that inadequate electricity supply continues to limit economic opportunities, particularly for underserved communities.
The firm also emphasised the importance of creating an environment that enables innovation, noting that Africa’s growing youth population represents a major opportunity to develop technology-driven solutions capable of attracting investment and supporting long-term development.
For more than two decades, Interswitch has invested in payment infrastructure designed to strengthen digital commerce, improve access to financial services and promote economic inclusion across African markets through strategic partnerships and technology ecosystems.
The company believes stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector and development institutions will be necessary to build resilient infrastructure that supports the continent’s increasingly digital economy.
Through its participation at the Nigeria Energy Forum, Interswitch reaffirmed its commitment to promoting integrated solutions that connect energy, finance and technology, arguing that sustained investment in these sectors will be essential to unlocking wider financial inclusion and long-term economic prosperity across Africa.
