Business and Brand
Interswitch Champions Seamless Digital Payments for Hospitality Sector at Mega HORECA Expo 2025
L-R: Olugbenga Sunday, CEO, Tojum Hospitality and Convener/DG, Hotel Management Conference Africa; Anika Aggarwal, Addme HORECA Manager; Angela Uponi, Deputy Director, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority; Jude Chime, Convener, Mega HORECA Expo 2025; Edith Egube, Wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Lagos State; Victory Wilson, Host, Mega HORECA Expo 2025; and Osasere Atohengbe, Vice President, Sales and Account Management, Interswitch, at the opening ceremony of the Mega HORECA Expo 2025, held recently in Lagos.
Lagos, Nigeria – March 6, 2025 – Interswitch one of Africa’s leading digital payment and commerce companies, showcased its cutting-edge innovations at the Mega HORECA Expo 2025, which held at the Balmoral Convention Center in Victoria Island, Lagos from the 26th to 28th of February.
The event attracted business owners, hospitality stakeholders, and industry leaders looking to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency, ultimately elevating the world-class hospitality experience.
Organized by Elan Expo, this premier event for the Hotel, Restaurant, and Café (HORECA) industry featured a diverse range of products from both local and international markets, serving as a strategic platform for networking, fostering partnerships, and driving business expansion across the West African hospitality sector.
During the three-day exhibition, Interswitch showcased a robust suite of innovative payment solutions tailored to meet the dynamic needs of the hospitality industry.
The Interswitch Smart POS, designed for fast-paced hospitality environments, enables seamless transactions for guest check-ins, restaurant billing, and payment acceptance, enhancing operational efficiency while ensuring customer satisfaction.

L-R: Angela Uponi, Deputy Director, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority; Edith Egube, Wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Lagos State; Jude Chime, Convener, Mega HORECA Expo 2025; and Osasere Atohengbe, Vice President, Sales and Account Management, Interswitch, at the opening ceremony of the Mega HORECA Expo 2025, held recently in Lagos.
The Interswitch Payment Gateway enables hotels and restaurants to offer frictionless online booking and reservation experience while also streamlining takeaway orders through secure and swift digital transactions.
Also, the Interswitch Disbursement solution (Autopay) simplifies bulk payment processing, allowing businesses to efficiently manage vendor payments, staff salaries, and supplier settlements with accuracy.
In addition, the Till Integration solution ensures seamless synchronisation between POS systems and tills, eliminating manual errors and transaction delays, thereby further enhancing overall operational efficiency.
The company’s solutions attracted strong interest from industry professionals at the event. At the Interswitch booth, visitors experienced live demonstrations, gaining firsthand insights into how these solutions can optimise business operations and enhance service delivery.
Speaking on the company’s participation, Muyiwa Asagba, Managing Director, Commercial Inclusion at Interswitch, highlighted the significance of the event in driving industry innovation:
“The International MEGA HORECA 2025 was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our solutions are reshaping payment experiences in the hospitality sector. The engagement with industry stakeholders reinforced the growing demand for seamless, technology-driven payment systems that enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
At Interswitch we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that not only simplify transactions but also empower businesses to scale and thrive in an evolving digital landscape.
“Osasere Atohengbe, Vice President, Sales and Account Management for Commercial Inclusion at Interswitch, added:
“We are delighted by the overwhelming response our solutions received at the International MEGA HORECA 2025 expo. The event provided a valuable opportunity to engage with hospitality professionals, understand their evolving needs, and showcase how our solutions can transform their businesses.
From seamless payment acceptance to operational efficiency, our technology is designed to enhance customer experience while driving revenue growth for merchants. By leveraging insights gained at the event, we remain committed to delivering solutions that not only meet industry standards but also anticipate and address the future needs of the hospitality and food service sectors.”
Overall, the Mega HORECA Expo 2025 highlighted the burgeoning potential of Nigeria’s hospitality market, offering a comprehensive showcase of products and services designed to elevate the standards of the industry across the continent.
Interswitch’s participation at the Mega HORECA Expo 2025 underscores its commitment to transforming the hospitality experience through seamless digital payments.
By equipping businesses with cutting-edge solutions that drive efficiency, enhance guest satisfaction, and optimise financial operations, Interswitch is setting new industry standards and redefining the future of digital transactions in the hospitality sector.
Business and Brand
Interswitch Welcomes Largest-Ever Developer Academy Cohort, Strengthening Africa’s Tech Talent Pipeline
Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has announced the induction of the third and largest cohort of developer interns into its Developer Academy, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to building world-class technology talent and strengthening Africa’s digital ecosystem. Selected from a pool of over 20,000 applications, the new cohort emerged through a rigorous multi-stage process involving technical assessments, and interviews. Their induction into the Developer Academy highlights both the scale of interest in software engineering opportunities in Nigeria and Interswitch’s role in nurturing the next generation of highly skilled technology professionals. The 9-month programme brings together talents across key engineering tracks, including Backend Development, DevOps, Mobile Development, Frontend Engineering, and Quality Assurance. Designed as an intensive and structured learning experience, the Developer Academy combines theoretical instruction with real-world application, equipping participants with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly global and competitive technology landscape. Commenting on the initiative, Mitchell Elegbe, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Interswitch, emphasised the importance of taking a long-term, ecosystem-driven approach to talent development.“At Interswitch, we have always believed in the capacity to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on long-term impact. While the migration of skilled talent remains a reality, our approach is to actively shape the outcomes by building a strong and sustainable pipeline of technology professionals. We are therefore committed to equipping individuals with the capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the broader technology ecosystem, locally and globally, not just for our own needs at Interswitch. In doing so, we are not only strengthening the industry but also reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a source of globally competitive engineering talent,” Elegbe said. Beyond its immediate training objectives, the Interswitch’s Developer Academy is anchored on a broader strategic vision, one that addresses the ongoing migration of skilled talent from Nigeria and other developing economies. As global demand for software engineers continues to rise, many highly skilled professionals are increasingly recruited by international organisations. Interswitch’s approach reframes this trend, positioning talent development both as a means of local capacity building and as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a global hub for technology expertise. Also commenting, Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch, highlighted the broader impact of the programme. He stated:“The Developer Academy reflects our long-term commitment to building talent at scale. We are equipping these young professionals not just with technical skills, but with the mindset, discipline, and adaptability required to thrive in diverse environments. Whether they build their careers within Interswitch, contribute to the local ecosystem, or explore global opportunities, they represent the strength and potential of Nigerian talent and carry forward the standard of excellence we are committed to building.” Drawing parallels with the evolution of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where local talent has successfully achieved global recognition, Interswitch envisions a similar trajectory for the technology sector, one in which Nigerian developers are not only participants in the global digital economy but key contributors shaping its future. The Developer Academy also plays a critical role in addressing local industry needs. As fintechs, banks, and startups continue to scale, the demand for highly skilled engineers remains significant. By consistently developing and releasing new cohorts of trained professionals into the ecosystem, Interswitch is contributing to a more resilient talent pipeline and supporting sustained innovation across the sector. During the 9-month programme, participants will benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, exposure to enterprise-grade systems, and the development of workplace readiness skills essential for today’s dynamic work environment. At the end of the programme, top-performing interns may be offered full-time roles within Interswitch, while others are well-positioned to pursue opportunities across the broader technology landscape. Further demonstrating its commitment to talent development at scale, Interswitch has also invested in dedicated learning infrastructure, including the opening of a new facility in Victoria Island, Lagos, designed to serve as a specialised hub for the Developer Academy and other training initiatives. This move signals a deliberate effort to institutionalise talent development and expand capacity for future cohorts. The continued expansion of the Developer Academy reflects Interswitch’s long-term vision of building a sustainable pipeline of globally competitive talent, positioning Nigeria, and Africa at large, as a leading source of innovation and technical expertise in the global digital economy.
Business and Brand
NESCAFÉ Launches “Next Level Promo” to Reward and Empower Consumers
NESCAFÉ, Nigeria’s leading coffee brand, is pleased to announce the launch of its nationwide Next Level Promo, running from April to June 2026. The campaign offers consumers over ₦80 million in cash and meaningful prizes that support entrepreneurial growth.During the campaign, consumers stand a chance to win cash, airtime, laptops, professional cameras, makeup kits, sewing machines, and access to exclusive masterclasses.Participation is simple: purchase any NESCAFÉ Original 3-in-1 promo pack from a participating store. Each pack contains a unique code. Dial *7022# and follow the prompts to enter your code for a chance to win.Winners will be selected through bi-weekly and monthly draws, giving multiple opportunities to win throughout the campaign period.Speaking on the launch, Jean Pierre Duplan, Category Manager, NESCAFÉ, said: “NESCAFÉ is deeply connected to the Nigerian hustle and the resilience it represents. We understand the discipline it takes to show up every day and keep pushing forward. The Next Level Promo is how we bring this understanding to life, helping you make your world while rewarding your everyday effort’’NESCAFÉ is more than a coffee brand; it is a daily companion that fuels focus, energy, and ambition for millions of Nigerians. Through this initiative, the brand continues to celebrate the everyday commitment consumers show in pursuing their goals.The prize pool reflects NESCAFÉ’s commitment to delivering real value, with rewards designed to support different aspects of consumers’ lives, from essential tools and learning opportunities to financial prizes that can make a meaningful difference.The Next Level Promo runs until June 2026. Consumers are encouraged to look out for NESCAFÉ promo packs nationwide and participate for a chance to win while enjoying their favorite coffeeAbout Nestlé NigeriaNestlé Nigeria is a leading food and beverage company committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for future generations. With a wide range of products, including popular brands such as NESTLÉ PURELIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI and NESCAFÉ, Nestlé Nigeria is dedicated to providing nutritious and delicious food and beverages to consumers across Nigeria.
Business and Brand
Plateau Grocery Seller Wins ₦5 Million as Golden Morn Golden Hunt Rewards Nigerians
A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.
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