Business and Brand
Interswitch Qcon: Redefining Software Engineering Excellence in Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria; January 27, 2024 – Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, recently put together the maiden edition of its startup innovation mixer, which took place at the Interswitch Innovation Hub at the company’s Lagos HQ.Themed “Unlocking Synergies between Startups and Established Corporates,” the event took place on January 24, 2025 and attracted a cross-section of stakeholders across the broader tech, fintech and payments industries, including Interswitch Alumni.This Innovation Mixer was conceptualized by Interswitch to bridge the gap between startups and established businesses and the program is designed to provide a periodically sustainable platform for stakeholders across the tech ecosystem to collaborate, share ideas, and forge partnerships, progressively bringing together a vibrant mix of innovators, tech enthusiasts, investors, and industry leaders for an evening of transformative solutions and networking.Highlighting the significance of the event, Adaobi Okerekeocha, Chief Innovation Officer, Interswitch, noted that partnership remains central to driving innovation within Africa’s tech ecosystem. She expressed optimism about the mixer’s potential to generate lasting impact, saying:”At Interswitch, we believe collaboration is the bedrock of innovation. As the tech and innovation landscape in Nigeria and across Africa continues to evolve, its immense and untapped potential calls for platforms like this to unlock new possibilities.Our Startup Mixer series represents a pivotal step toward building a vibrant community where startups and established corporates can exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and forge synergies that drive impactful solutions.”Last Friday’s event featured panel discussions, including that moderated by Akeem Hassan, Technical Adviser to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Lagos State Government. Panelists on the line-up at the event included Ireayo Oladunjoye, Managing Director, Endeavor Nigeria represented by Esther Otusanya, Selection and Growth Manager, Endeavor Nigeria; Linda Ochugbua, Digital Sales Manager, BusinessDay; and Olapeju Nwanganga, Founder, Pepcode, and collectively, they delved into salient themes, exploring practical ways to strengthen collaboration between startups and established corporates.Participants at the event contributed to stimulating discussions, which afforded meaningful networking opportunities as well as a tour of Interswitch’s brand new Innovation and Ventures Labs and co-working spaces available to Interswitch partners and startup companies. The mixer also included a session in which Interswitch’s Innovation Team shared inspiring success stories, and examples of transformative partnerships championed by Africa’s pioneer tech/payments unicorn, which are shaping the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and driving innovation across Africa.By hosting this event, Interswitch reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering partnerships that drive growth within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and beyond.Interswitch is a leading technology-driven company focused on the digitization of payments and commerce across Africa. Founded in Nigeria in 2002, Interswitch disrupted the traditional cash-based payments value chain in Nigeria by supporting the introduction of electronic payments processing and switching services, and also launched Verve, Africa’s premier and leading domestic EMV-standard chip and pin payments card scheme.Today, Interswitch is a leading player with critical mass across Africa’s developing financial ecosystem and is active across the payments value chain, providing a full suite of omni-channel payment solutions. Interswitch’s vision is to make payments a seamless part of everyday life in Africa, and its mission is to create transaction solutions that enable individuals and communities to prosper across Africa. Interswitch’s broad network and robust payments platform have been instrumental to the development of the Nigerian payments ecosystem and provide Interswitch with the infrastructure to expand across Africa. See more at www.interswitchgroup.com
Business and Brand
Verve Expands Payment Frontiers with Global Partnerships and Contactless Innovation

Verve, Africa’s largest domestic payment card and token brand, has continued to strengthen its position as a leader in digital payments through a series of strategic partnerships and technological advancements. The brand remains committed to providing seamless and secure transactions across a growing network of acceptance points.As part of its global expansion, Verve has recently partnered with leading international and regional payment platforms, including Temu, AliExpress, PalmPay, and FortisPay. These integrations enhance Verve cardholders’ access to global e-commerce marketplaces and digital payment solutions, reinforcing the brand’s mission to facilitating easy transactions across borders.Building on this momentum, Verve has also accelerated its adoption of contactless payment solutions, strengthening its presence across key fintech and payment service provider platforms, including Opay, PalmPay, Global Accelerex, Interswitch, and Paystack terminals. This development aligns with the growing demand for faster, more secure digital payment methods, benefiting both merchants and consumers.Commenting on these milestones, Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director, Verve International, stated:”At Verve, we remain committed to driving innovation in digital payments while ensuring our cardholders enjoy secure and hassle-free transactions. Our recent integrations with global e-commerce platforms and the growing acceptance of our contactless solutions reflect our dedication to advancing financial inclusion and enhancing payment experiences.”With over 75 million Verve cards issued to date, the brand continues to expand its footprint across ATMs, PoS terminals, online, agency banking outlets, e-commerce platforms, and mobile applications. As Verve consolidates its leadership in Africa’s payment ecosystem, it remains focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower individuals and businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Business and Brand
Over 35 million PalmPay Customers Now have Access to Verve-Powered Debit Cards

L-R: Chibuzor Mela, Head of Partnerships, Palmpay; Uche Uzoebo, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, SANEF; Chika Nwosu, Chief Executive Officer, PalmPay Nigeria; Paul Ohakim, Vice President, Issuing & Acquiring (Africa), Verve International; Sofia Zab, Chief Marketing Officer, PalmPay; Chidi Oluaoha, Divisional Head, Growth Marketing, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch; during the Official Launch of the Verve powered PalmPay DebitCard at the Tech Unite Africa event recently held in Lagos.
PalmPay, one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech platforms, has collaborated with Verve, Africa’s largest domestic card scheme, to officially unveil its new Debit Card. This partnership aligns with Verve and PalmPay’s ongoing commitment to promoting a more financially inclusive economy by widening its reach and value in the digital payment ecosystem. With over 35 million users and a network of 1.1 million agents and merchants across Nigeria, PalmPay is building one of the continent’s most dynamic fintech ecosystems. The launch of its debit card represents a key milestone in PalmPay’s transformation from a mobile wallet and agent network into a comprehensive digital financial services provider – offering integrated solutions for payments, savings, credit, insurance, and now, card access.This collaboration also strengthens Verve’s commitment to meeting the evolving payment needs of Nigerians following its issuance of over 75 million cards in Nigeria alone, a remarkable achievement that highlights the trust Nigerians have placed in the Verve brand: And with collaborations like this, Verve does not seem to be slowing down.The PalmPay Debit Card, powered by Verve, is seamlessly integrated with the PalmPay wallet, combining the convenience of a traditional bank card with the speed and flexibility of a digital platform, and access to PalmPay’s unique financial ecosystem.Key Features include:● Zero maintenance fees● Easy in-app application and nationwide delivery● Exclusive cashback and merchant rewards● Full wallet integration, including access to high-yield savings (up to 16% APR, paid daily)● Seamless offline and online payments across the Verve networkThe card is accepted at all major payment terminals within Nigeria, offering both debit and contactless options. With this launch, PalmPay aims to redefine the everyday banking experience – making it more accessible, reliable, and rewarding.Alongside the standard debit card, PalmPay is also rolling out PalmPay Premium, a tailored offering for high-volume users. Benefits include:● A dedicated PalmPay Premium Card● Priority customer support● Higher transaction cashbacks and savings interest rates● Exclusive merchant rewards and advanced financial toolsThis premium service reinforces PalmPay’s commitment to empower users at every stage of their financial journey – from first-time account holders to high-earning professionals seeking more from their financial tools.“PalmPay is dedicated to using technology to broaden financial access,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria. “This collaboration enables us to offer secure, widely accepted payment cards integrated with the full power of PalmPay’s ecosystem. Together, we’re reshaping how Nigerians experience digital finance.”Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director of Verve International, added: “We are proud to partner with PalmPay on this important milestone. Our alliance with PalmPay reflects our shared mission of accelerating financial inclusion and delivering payment innovation that meets the needs of African consumers.”PalmPay Debit Cards, powered by Verve, will be widely accepted across Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Merchant Outlets, Digital and Online platforms, including Google, YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, Showmax, AliExpress, Temu, Prime Video, Facebook Ads, Microsoft, Uber, Flywire, among others, ensuring seamless transactions for users.
Business and Brand
Empowering Women in Tech: Glovo, She Code Africa, and Lagos State Celebrate FirstBootcamp Graduation with 100 women.

Top 2 Capstone Project Winners and Overall Best Graduating Students Recognized for
Innovation and Excellence
LAGOS, NIGERIA – March 2025 – Glovo, a leading multi-category app in partnership with She
Code Africa and the Lagos State Government—through the Ministry of Commerce,
Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, led by H.C Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, and the
Ministry of Science and Technology, led by H.C Dr. Olatubosun Alake—proudly celebrated the
graduation of 100 women from the Women in Tech Bootcamp. This transformative 12-week
program was designed to equip women with technical skills, mentorship, and career
development opportunities in the tech industry.
The graduation ceremony, held in March to commemorate Women’s Month, aligned with the
theme “Accelerate Action,” which emphasizes the need for swift and decisive steps toward
gender equality in STEM and beyond.
The Women in Tech Bootcamp provided participants with specialized training in Frontend
Development, Backend Development, and Mobile Development. In addition to technical training,
the program incorporated career coaching, soft skills workshops, and hands-on capstone
projects to prepare participants for real-world careers in tech. This holistic approach ensured
that participants not only gained technical expertise but also the confidence and resources
needed to navigate the tech industry successfully.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Lamide Akinola, General Manager of Glovo
Nigeria, emphasized Glovo’s commitment to driving diversity and inclusion. She stated:
“At Glovo, we believe that true innovation comes from diverse perspectives.
This bootcamp is just the beginning—one of our many steps in a long-term
commitment to empowering women in technology and creating more
inclusive opportunities in the industry. We are proud to champion diversity,
and this initiative is one of many to come as we continue to accelerate action
towards gender equity in STEM.”
A key highlight of the event was the Top 2 Capstone Project presentations, where outstanding
teams showcased innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges such as financial
literacy, food waste reduction, and academic productivity. These projects were judged based on
functionality, problem-solving approach, teamwork, and presentation skills.
The winning teams of the Backend and Frontend Capstone Project competition were:
- Group 1, led by Linda Gift Awo and Abisola Odusanwo, with team members:
- Aminat Ismaila
- Adebisi Adesanya
- Nafisat Akokhia
- Elizabeth Gabriel
Reflecting on their experience in the program and the capstone project, Linda Gift Awo and
Abisola Odusanwo, leaders of the winning group, shared:
“This bootcamp has been a game-changer for us. Not only did we gain
technical skills in backend development, but we also learned the power of
collaboration and problem-solving. Winning the Capstone Project competition
has given us the confidence to pursue careers in tech and contribute to
innovative solutions in our communities.”
Their project, titled Food Waste Management App, connects restaurants, grocery stores, and
individuals with surplus food to charities and food banks—promoting sustainability and social
impact.
The second runner-up for the Capstone Project presentation was Group 2, led by Shukurat
Akanbi and Melody Anaka, who emerged as first runners-up.
In her opening remarks, Omotola Spence, Expansion Manager at Glovo Nigeria, reflected on
the program’s broader impact:
“This graduation is not just a milestone—it’s a movement. The Women in
Tech Bootcamp represents Glovo’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in the
tech industry and accelerating action towards gender equity. We are proud of
the achievements of these 100 women and confident that they will drive
meaningful change in the digital economy.”
Ada Nduka Oyom, Founder and Executive Director of She Code Africa, added:
“At She Code Africa, our mission has always been to create pathways for
women to thrive in technology. The impact of this bootcamp goes beyond
technical training, it’s about building confidence, fostering community, and
accelerating action towards greater representation of African women in
STEM.”
In addition to the Capstone Project winners, the top two best-performing students were also
recognized for their excellence:
- Abisola Odusanwo, who scored over 90%
- Shukurat Akande, who scored over 80%
Abisola Odusanwo shared her excitement:
“Before this bootcamp, I never imagined myself writing code or building
applications. Now, I have the skills, mentorship, and network to thrive in the
industry. The support from Glovo, She Code Africa, and my peers has been
incredible, and I am excited for what’s next.”
Shukurat Akande expressed:
“This experience has helped me unlock new potentials. I feel more confident,
more capable, and more ready than ever to contribute meaningfully to the
tech ecosystem.”
Graduates will continue to receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to career
pathways through the She Code Africa community, thanks to Glovo’s ongoing support.
With the success of this inaugural program, Glovo awarded the winning Capstone Project team
monetary prizes, tech gifts, and other exciting rewards—reinforcing its commitment to fostering
gender inclusivity in tech. Glovo, She Code Africa, and the Lagos State Government reaffirm
their dedication to creating sustainable opportunities for women in technology, ensuring that this
initiative marks the beginning of a long-term movement toward inclusivity in the industry.
This program lays the groundwork for future collaborations, expanding access to digital skills
and creating more career pathways for women in tech.
About Glovo
Glovo is a pioneering multi-category app that connects users with businesses
and couriers, offering on-demand services from local restaurants, grocers,
supermarkets, and high-street retail stores. Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Glovo
operates across 23 countries in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, with a vision to
build the largest online marketplace, giving everyone access to anything in their
city within minutes.
For more information, please visit: https://about.glovoapp.com/
About She Code Africa
She Code Africa is a community-driven organization focused on empowering and
supporting young girls and women across Africa in pursuing careers in
technology through training, mentorship, and community engagement.
For more information, please visit: http://www.shecodeafrica.org