PalmPay, a multinational fintech company providing digital financial services across emerging markets, was honored to participate in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum (AEMF 2026), held on July 29-30, 2026, in Abuja. At the forum, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director, PalmPay Nigeria, shared his perspective on the need for greater investment in interoperable payment infrastructure to support Africa’s next phase of economic transformation.
The forum brought together policymakers, regulators, development institutions, and private sector leaders to examine how stronger regional collaboration, digital innovation, and coordinated financial systems can deepen economic integration across the continent.
Speaking on the research paper titled “Deepening Regional Economic Integration Through Cross-Border Payments, Fintech, Infrastructure, and Policy Coordination,” Nwosu highlighted that Africa’s next priority should be moving beyond financial inclusion to financial integration. “The opportunity is no longer just connecting more people to financial services. It is connecting African markets through financial services. True regional integration means making it easier for businesses to pay suppliers, receive payments, and grow across borders with confidence.”
PalmPay also emphasized that reliability must remain at the center of Africa’s digital transformation. As payment ecosystems become increasingly interconnected, strengthening cybersecurity will be critical to sustaining growth and building confidence in digital finance. The company reaffirmed its commitment to building a safer digital financial ecosystem through continued investment in consumer education, industry partnerships, and its robust security architecture.
The company’s position aligned with broader discussions at the forum.
Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso called for Africa to move beyond being consumers of technology and become creators of solutions designed for the continent’s specific challenges. In a LinkedIn post by the CBN, the governor also emphasized the need to unlock women’s full economic participation, noting that “Africa cannot fly with one wing.” This aligns with PalmPay’s commitment to drive inclusive finance. In 2025, the company supported more than 3,000 women entrepreneurs in Kano and Kaduna with digital banking tools and capacity-building opportunities, while continuing to expand access to digital financial services for SMEs and other underserved communities. Reaching underserved groups is PalmPay’s core priority.
During a fireside discussion, WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also urged African leaders to prioritize implementation, strengthen regional integration, and create conditions that attract greater domestic investment, noting that sustainable development begins with confidence from local investors.
For PalmPay, this reflects a broader belief: Africa’s next economic transformation will be defined not only by the agreements it signs, but also by the systems it builds.
PalmPay said it will continue to strengthen Nigeria’s payment infrastructure and work with regulators, financial institutions, and ecosystem partners to support a more connected, secure, and inclusive digital economy.