Lagos, Nigeria – Femi Akintunde, Group Managing Director (GMD), Alpha Mead Group has called for increased financial support and strategic investment in sustainable construction across Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking at a recently held workshop themed; “Financing Green Building Solutions: Access Bank’s Role in Promoting Sustainable Construction for the Future,” Akintunde emphasized the long-term economic benefits of green buildings despite the perceived high initial costs.

“The reality is that sustainable buildings may require higher upfront costs, but when you look at operational savings over time, the numbers speak for themselves. With the right design and value engineering, we can drive costs down significantly, making green buildings more accessible and financially viable,” he stated.

Akintunde further urged stakeholders in the real estate sector to deepen their understanding of green construction and affordable housing, noting that the industry must evolve to remain relevant. “We have to commit to learning more about affordable housing and sustainable building because this is the future. This is how we can unlock the full potential of our built environment or preserve it for future generations,” he said.

Speaking on financing challenges, Akintunde underscored the importance of access to funding, stating that “for green building to gain real momentum, the availability, accessibility, and affordability of finance are absolutely essential. Without these, progress will be slow, and we can’t afford that delay.”

He also acknowledged the risks associated with real estate investments but reassured financial institutions and investors that working with credible developers minimizes these risks. “Yes, real estate comes with its risks, but when you partner with developers who have a strong track record, you’re not just mitigating those risks—you’re positioning yourself for solid returns,” he explained. He further encouraged developers to be proactive in structuring financial solutions that support sustainability, emphasizing that expertise in sourcing finance is key to managing investment risks.

Referring to a recent statement by Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), regarding the anti-graft agency’s significant recoveries—including an unprecedented 700-units estate in Abuja, Akintunde emphasized the importance of financial transparency in business operations.

“You must ensure that when you’re doing your business and raising your capital, the sources are legitimate. It shouldn’t be some people depositing money with you to build capital as a means of cleaning it up for them,” he cautioned.

He further explained that financial authorities scrutinize projects where cash equity appears disproportionately large, which may lead to inquiries. However, he reassured that if the source of funds is clean and verifiable, there is no cause for concern. “The authorities are not there to make trouble for you, but you must be sure the money you say is your equity is truly your equity and it’s been gotten through legitimate sources,” he stated.

Highlighting Alpha Mead’s innovation in construction, Akintunde revealed that the company’s cutting-edge technology enables them to build homes in just 10 to 15 days. He pointed out that in a volatile economy, speed translates directly to cost savings. “In an environment of rising costs and high inflation, every single day saved on-site means more money saved. Efficiency is no longer optional, it’s a necessity,” he noted.

Additionally, Akintunde reinforced the idea that sustainable construction is not just a passing trend but an inevitable shift the industry must embrace. “Green building is here to stay, and the sooner we align with this reality, the better positioned we will be to create long-term value—for businesses, investors, and society as a whole,” he said.

His presentation served as a call to action for developers, financial institutions, and policymakers to work together in making sustainable housing more accessible. By leveraging innovative construction techniques and ensuring adequate financing, the transition to greener, more cost-effective building solutions in Nigeria and Africa can be accelerated.

Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has emphasised the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of work and the digital economy. Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch, shared these insights during the InnovateAI Conference Lagos 2025, recently held at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Interswitch participated as a Platinum Sponsor for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to advancing AI-driven innovation across Africa. Themed “Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria: Catalysing Cross-Sectoral Innovation and Fostering Inclusive Growth,” the conference brought together AI enthusiasts, industry experts, scholars, and innovators and provided a platform for knowledge exchange, thought-provoking discussions, and hands-on learning sessions. These sessions aimed to accelerate AI adoption across key industries, including fintech, financial services, public services, and oil and gas, to boost operational efficiency and drive economic growth.During a panel session titled “AI & The Future of Work in Nigeria,” Ali highlighted the urgent need for young professionals to embrace AI skills, mindset shifts, and continuous learning to stay relevant in an increasingly automated world.“The AI economy is a gateway to the knowledge economy, and it is imperative that we embrace this shift,” Franklin stated. “While AI adoption in leading economies like America and China remains below 50 per cent, these nations are at the forefront of AI advancements. To compete globally, Nigeria must prioritise reskilling and upskilling its workforce, fostering a mindset shift, and equipping professionals with core and enabling skills such as data literacy, JavaScript, and other technical competencies.”He also emphasised the importance of targeted learning and problem-solving: “AI is not just a buzzword; it is a tool for solving real-world problems. For instance, traffic congestion in Lagos is a challenge that can be addressed through AI-driven solutions. However, adept use of AI technology requires a deep understanding of core tech skills in areas like natural language processing, robotics, and machine learning. We must learn AI not for the sake of it but to solve specific problems that impact our society and economy.”Ali further encouraged young professionals to seize opportunities in the tech industry, noting its significant financial rewards and career growth potential. He also challenged the misconception that AI is exclusive to tech fields, urging professionals across all industries to embrace digital transformation or risk obsolescence. He pointed out that while AI could lead to job displacement for those unwilling to adapt, whilst presenting new opportunities for those equipped with relevant skills. One of the standout segments at the event, the Innovation Showcase, spotlighted groundbreaking AI-driven solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges, further reinforcing the role of AI in transforming key sectors.Interswitch’s sponsorship of the InnovateAI Conference Lagos 2025 underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to advancing technology and its applications, including AI, to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation. By collaborating with key stakeholders and fostering industry-wide conversations, Interswitch aims to drive AI-powered innovation that will propel Nigeria’s digital economy forward.As a pioneer in Africa’s fintech space, Interswitch remains dedicated to championing initiatives that harness technology’s transformative potential to unlock new opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and elevate user experiences. As the conversation around AI continues to gain momentum, Interswitch remains fully invested in shaping its future and accelerating its integration into Africa’s dynamic digital landscape.

Lagos, Nigeria – February 25, 2025 – Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has been recognised as one of the “Happiest Workplaces Around the Globe 2024”.

This prestigious recognition, awarded by Happy Workplaces®, a company dedicated to making employee well-being a benchmark for business success, places Interswitch among just nine companies in Nigeria to receive this honour, highlighting the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture.The “Happiest Workplaces Around the Globe 2024” certification is based on a comprehensive methodology that includes meta-analysis, employee surveys, and HR-checks. Happy Workplaces® evaluated workplaces across 23 countries, leveraging insights from over one million employees and 236 workplace rankings.

In Nigeria, 42 companies were assessed, with Interswitch earning recognition for its outstanding dedication to employee well-being, engagement, and satisfaction.Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch, commented on the recognition:“We are honoured to be recognised as one of the ‘Happiest Workplaces Around the Globe 2024.’

This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to excel. At Interswitch, we believe our people are our greatest strength, and this recognition celebrates the inclusive, innovative, and supportive culture we’ve built together.”

Research from Happy Workplaces® reveals that only 66 per cent of recognised companies report challenges with talent acquisition and retention, compared to a higher 84 per cent among companies that did not make the list.

This competitive advantage positions Interswitch to continue attracting and retaining top talent in the competitive fintech landscape.

Interswitch’s recognition comes as the company continues to expand its footprint across Africa, driving financial inclusion and digital payment innovation across the continent.

The company’s positive workplace culture has earned it several other awards and recognitions including the Best Employer Brand (Sub-Saharan Africa) in the 2023 LinkedIn Talent Awards; Winner, HR Best Practices Award in the 2023 HR Oscars and the 2022 Leading Company in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Hofstede Insights.Interswitch’s focus on creating and maintaining an enabling workplace environment has been instrumental in fuelling the creativity, collaboration, and dedication needed to maintain its position as an industry leader.For more information about Interswitch and career opportunities, visit www.interswitchgroup.com.