London, March 18th, 2025 – Verve International, Africa’s first and largest domestic payments scheme and a subsidiary of the Interswitch Group, has been named in the first-ever Global Payments Power 50 list by The Power 50, recognising the most innovative companies driving innovation and transformation in the global payments industry. Founded in 2018, The Power 50 shines a spotlight on those who are transforming financial services for the better and delivers ongoing support and development for participants. Bringing together a diverse yet interconnected community, the Payments Power 50 will serve as a reminder of the significant strides being made in the payments space. From established financial giants to rising fintech stars, the list will also include well-known influencers whose insights and contributions continue to inspire and challenge the industry. Since its launch in 2009, Verve has had a spectacular trajectory against daunting odds, carving an impressive niche for itself as Africa’s first world-standard EMV chip and PIN payments card, starting from Nigeria and expanding its issuance and acceptance across over 25 African Countries. Verve Payment Cards in Nigeria, Africa’s largest consumer market and its pioneer country of issuance have, to date, surpassed 70 million issued payment cards. Over the last few years, Verve has grown to become the payment card of choice across various tiers of banking service and particularly within the burgeoning fintech/neobank space in Nigeria. This growth has been driven by significant strategic partnerships across commercial and microfinance banking spheres, as well as fintechs, OFIs, and the public sector supported by sustained innovation and demonstrated understanding of the requirements of its local markets.As Africa’s premier and leading domestic payment cards scheme, Verve remains focused on addressing peculiar market challenges in Africa by providing secure and cost-effective payment options for individuals and businesses to exchange value, offering both virtual and physical cards that facilitate payment for an increasing number of international services in local currency. In the last three years, Verve has made significant progress in this regard, having achieved merchant acceptance with platforms such as Google, Spotify, Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Microsoft, Uber, and Flywire, to mention a few, underscoring a strong resolve to continue to drive relevant partnerships that provide its users in Africa with convenient opportunities to access global services in local denominations.”We are thoroughly delighted at Verve International and Interswitch with this global recognition on the Payments Power 50 list for 2025, as we continue to consolidate our delivery of global-standard payment solutions essentially tailored to economic and operational realities of the markets where we play across Africa, whilst leveraging value-adding partnerships that ensure we scale our impact and turbo-charge financial inclusion on the African continent. We are grateful to all our customers and partners, and indeed all our colleagues at Verve and Interswitch whose passion and consistent hard work have invariably facilitated global acclaim….” Stated Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director for Payment Cards and Tokens at Interswitch and CEO for Verve International.“Each year, The Power 50 celebrates the standout talent within the fintech community, showcasing ground-breaking companies and influential leaders from across the globe,” says Jason Williams, CEO of The Power 50. “Earning a place on The Power 50 is a testament to the impact individuals and businesses are making in shaping the future of fintech. It also serves as a trusted benchmark for excellence in the industry.” It would be recalled that Interswitch Group also achieved recognition in the 2022 Global Fintech Power-50, in its 20th anniversary year. The Payments Power 50 will be featured on www.thepower50.com, with honourees benefiting from exclusive content opportunities, networking events, and year-round industry engagement. Members of this 2025 inaugural cohort of The Payments Power-50 will be celebrated at the Payments Power 50 Launch Party in London at the Blue Marlin Ibiza on Wednesday, March 26, powered by The Power 50, Pay360, CCGroup, and Paymentology.

Six Stories, One Month of Transformation

Ramadan is a period that brings families and communities together in Muslim communities worldwide. It is a season that connects loved ones from Suhoor to Iftar, through shared moments and meals that nourish both body and soul.During this time, food is more than just a source of nourishment – it carries stories, evokes emotions, brings people closer, and creates enlightening moments. In this inspiring series by MAGGI titled Tales of Ramadan, five women embark on a month-long journey of transformation, discovering the perfect recipe for friendship and connection through six captivating stories.With a stellar cast that includes Rekiate Ibrahim-Attah, Ramadan Booth, Rabiu Rikadawa, and Uzee Usman, MAGGI Tales of Ramadan delivers captivating characters and delicious, unmissable storytelling for six weeks starting this Ramadan. As the characters navigate the highs and lows, they experience the power of food to heal emotional wounds, strengthen bonds, and preserve family tradition. These values are familiar to everyone and become even more profound as families and communities gather during Ramadan.Each episode highlights how the true spirit of Ramadan lies not in perfection but in love, meaningful connections, and the treasured memories shared during mealtime. Through unexpected moments of understanding, relationships are transformed, proving that friendship – like the perfect blend of spices – brings warmth and harmony to even the most stressful situations.Speaking on MAGGI’s commitment to connecting with its consumers during Ramadan, Category Manager for Culinary, Nestlé Nigeria, Rahamatou Palm-Zakari said “Ramadan is a season of sharing, love and reflection; values which MAGGI also firmly represents. We are evolving from our much-loved series MAGGI Diaries to Tales of Ramadan which we are launching today. We remain as dedicated as we have been over the past ten years, to fostering meaningful connections with our consumers. Through our products and recipes, we’ll continue to support individuals and families to make healthier and tastier food choices every day.”Viewers can catch Tales of Ramadan across multiple terrestrial channels, on Africa Magic Hausa and on the MAGGI YouTube channel. As a brand committed to bringing people together through food, MAGGI believes in the power of great tasting food to nurture, inspire, and transform.MAGGI is an iconic brand from the stable of Nestlé, the Good Food, Good Life company committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Nestlé Professional, the Out of Home
business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, successfully hosted the 10th edition of its Business of Food
workshop in Benin. This initiative has transformed and equipped over 2,000 food businesses
across Nigeria in the last three years, providing essential skills and knowledge to enhance
operations, drive growth, and increase income.
This edition of the Business of Food workshop focused on empowering and uniting over 200
female industry experts, restaurant operators, seasoned chefs, culinary school students,
street food vendors, caterers, and grillers. Recognizing their vital role in serving their
communities, the workshop provided participants with free hands-on training in culinary
techniques, menu development, customer engagement, and hygiene best practices, along
with the resources necessary to thrive in their businesses.
In line with the theme “Accelerate Action” for International Women’s Day, this initiative
underscores the urgent need to empower women and drive gender equality in the food
industry, enabling them to take meaningful steps towards success and community impact.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Funmi Osineye, Business Manager for Nestlé Professional in
Nigeria, stated: “Food vendors play a vital role in providing essential nutrition to their
communities. Over the course of 10 editions of this workshop in various states, we have
received numerous testimonials, particularly from women whose businesses have
experienced significant growth. This is why as the world unites to accelerate action in
creating more opportunities for women to thrive, we are excited to offer this workshop, which
empowers them to build sustainable businesses and enhance their impact in this vital sector.
Additionally, we aim to foster networking opportunities that enable women to forge valuable
business connections and collaborations.”
For the first time in the series, this edition included a panel discussion with prominent figures
in the food industry. Here, Princess Esther Eruanga, Deputy Director of the Ministry of
Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State and Dame Joy Ozigbo Ideh, Founder of
Edo Caterers and Managing Director of 70’s Grill Caterers, shared their inspiring journeys
and offered actionable insights on overcoming challenges in the sector.
Applauding the initiative, Princess Esther Eruanga said, “The workshop aligns with this
year’s International Women’s Day theme, emphasizing the crucial role women play in
shaping communities and economies. By empowering female food entrepreneurs, the event
supports broader efforts to create a more inclusive and thriving food ecosystem.”
Another major highlight of the event was a masterclass hosted by celebrity Chef Vivian,
Managing Director of Wedding and Things Events, which showcased practical skills and
techniques designed to enhance the participants’ business operations. Feedback from

attendees indicated significant improvements in their understanding of essential business
practices, paving the way for better service delivery and increased sales.
Adai Favour from Caviar Culinary Art Schools stated, “I really learned a lot during the panel
discussions from the professionals. This experience will help me when I start my own food
kitchen in the future.”
The event not only celebrated the achievements of women in the food industry but also
reinforced Nestlé Professional’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where
women can thrive. Through initiatives like the Business of Food workshop, Nestlé continues
to support and empower entrepreneurs in building successful businesses.

About Nestlé Professional:
Nestlé Professional is the Out-of-Home arm of Nestle and it focuses on providing innovative, high-
quality food and beverage solutions to the out-of-home, or foodservice, industry in Nigeria. This
division caters to a wide range of customers, including restaurants, hotels, cafes, offices, catering
companies, coffee shops and other foodservice providers. Our Vision is to be the trusted partner of
choice in ​Out-of-Home, by providing affordable and nutritious food and beverage solutions that help
our customers win.

About Nestlé:
Nestlé Nigeria is Africa’s top food and beverage company, known for its quality, excellence, and
commitment to creating shared value. With a heritage of more than 63 years in Nigeria and its house-
hold brands, the firm continues to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious food and
beverage products. In addition, the firm supports the communities closest to its operations and takes
action to safeguard the environment through sustainable business practices.
With over 2,300 direct employees, 3 factories and 7 branch offices across Nigeria, Nestlé produces
and markets iconic brands including Maggi, Milo, Golden Morn, Nestlé Pure Life and Cerelac.