Digital PayExpo 2026 brought together key stakeholders from Africa’s financial services and technology sectors as conversations around digital payments, financial inclusion, and next-generation infrastructure took centre stage in Lagos.
Held at the Landmark Centre from June 17 to 18, the event convened regulators, financial institutions, fintech companies, payment providers, technology experts, and industry leaders to examine the evolving landscape of digital commerce across the continent.
The conference was organised around the theme, “Seamless Digital: Fostering Pan-African Market Expansion in the AI Era,” reflecting growing interest in how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are shaping Africa’s economic future.
As one of the continent’s leading digital payments conferences, Digital PayExpo 2026 served as a platform for discussions on innovation, cross-border transactions, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and the infrastructure needed to support a more connected African marketplace.
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Crest Africa and Empire Magazine Africa participated as media partners for the event, helping amplify conversations and insights emerging from the gathering.
A major focus of the conference was the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises to financial inclusion. Speaking during one of the sessions, Mrs. Mayowa Olaniyan, Group Managing Director, highlighted the important role SMEs play in expanding access to financial services across developing economies.
She stressed that providing small businesses with the right digital payment solutions, financial tools, and supporting infrastructure can help integrate more individuals into the formal financial system while stimulating broader economic participation.
The conference also examined the changing nature of money and the opportunities emerging for Africa’s growing youth population.
During discussions on the future of digital finance, Lekan Latona, Managing Director of CardCentre, shared perspectives on how technology-driven financial services are transforming consumer expectations, payment experiences, and economic engagement across the continent.
Industry leaders emphasised the need for payment ecosystems that are secure, scalable, and inclusive enough to meet the demands of Africa’s increasingly connected population.
Attention was also given to the critical role of infrastructure in ensuring reliable payment experiences. Mudiaga Umukoro, Managing Director of ChamsSwitch, spoke on the growing relevance of intelligent transaction infrastructure in supporting modern financial systems.
He explained how advanced technologies are helping organisations improve transaction success rates, reduce operational challenges, and enhance trust in digital payment channels.
His presentation reinforced the importance of resilient infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable growth within the digital economy.
Throughout the two-day conference, participants repeatedly underscored the need for stronger collaboration among regulators, innovators, financial institutions, and technology providers.
Discussions highlighted that while innovation remains essential, long-term progress will depend on building the systems, partnerships, and regulatory frameworks capable of supporting Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
As digital adoption continues to accelerate across the continent, Digital PayExpo 2026 reinforced the growing consensus that the future of African commerce will be shaped by inclusive financial systems, intelligent infrastructure, and stronger regional cooperation.
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