The maiden edition of the Nigerian Fintech Festival, Nigeria’s largest fintech event, will take place on September 26, 2024, in Lagos, with FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution, serving as a key sponsor. The event aims to foster collaboration and partnerships within the fintech and financial services sectors to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, the festival will gather over 1,000 stakeholders, including industry leaders, innovators, and key players in the fintech space. Themed **“The Convergence to Co-Create & Celebrate Nigeria’s Truly Digital Economy,”** the event underscores its commitment to fueling innovation and advancing Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem.
Top speakers at the event include Damilare Odueso, Co-Founder of Crendly; Mayowa Owolabi, Co-Founder of PaddyCover; Lanre Adelanwa, Co-Founder and CEO of Optimus AI Labs; and Adaobi Igwe-Okerekeocha, Chief Innovations Officer at Interswitch Limited. These experts will engage participants in keynote presentations, panel sessions, and fireside chats, addressing critical topics on the future of fintech and financial services in Nigeria.
According to Callistus Obetta, Group Executive of Technology, Digital Innovation & Services at FirstBank, the bank’s sponsorship of the Nigerian Fintech Festival aligns with its long-standing commitment to innovation and collaboration. “FirstBank’s partnership with the Nigerian Fintech Festival not only reflects our dedication to driving digital transformation but also promotes collaboration between the bank and fintechs to advance the Nigerian financial services sector. As a leader in the banking space for over 130 years, we are committed to fostering thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and initiatives that benefit both businesses and customers in Nigeria’s digital economy.”
The Nigerian Fintech Festival, free for all attendees, will serve as a vital platform for discussing the latest industry trends and challenges. It will also provide participants with opportunities to gain insights and skills that can further accelerate Nigeria’s digital payment transformation.
Speaking on the purpose behind the festival’s creation, Ikechukwu Ugwu, Founder and Managing Director of Total Scope Marketing Solutions and Convener of the Nigerian Fintech Festival, emphasized the festival’s mission to drive innovation and collaboration. “The Nigerian Fintech Festival is designed to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities in Africa’s fast-evolving fintech landscape. Our goal is to stimulate meaningful discussions and promote sustainable growth in Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem.”
The festival has partnered with top organizations such as FirstBank, MTN, Guiness, Optimus AI Labs, and Cybervergent, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for all participants.
Capping off the day will be an exciting afterparty featuring live performances by The Octaves Band, Mario Sings, and DJ Sammie, offering attendees a chance to unwind, network, and enjoy premium entertainment after a day filled with insightful discussions and industry networking.
The Nigerian Fintech Festival 2024 is set to be a landmark event, cementing Nigeria’s position as a leader in the global fintech space while paving the way for future advancements in digital payments and financial innovation.
