Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s foremost digital payments and commerce companies, has renewed its call for stronger support of indigenous innovation and economic sovereignty across the continent. This renewed advocacy was prominently featured during the 2025 Africa Soft Power Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, where thought leaders, innovators, and policy experts convened to discuss the future of Africa’s digital economy and technological independence.
Representing Interswitch at the summit, Bernard Kinara, the Group’s Country General Manager for Kenya, delivered a compelling message that emphasized the need for Africa to chart its own path in the global digital space by investing in homegrown technology solutions. He described innovation not just as a business imperative, but as a key tool for unlocking Africa’s potential and asserting its role in the future of global commerce.
According to Kinara, “Africa cannot afford to remain a passive consumer of imported technologies. The time has come for us to create, invest in, and promote solutions that reflect our realities, meet our unique challenges, and scale with our ambitions. Interswitch has been doing this for over two decades, and we remain committed to advancing the innovation narrative on the continent.”
This message of self-determination through technology was echoed throughout the summit, which focused on leadership, cultural influence, technological growth, and the importance of African narratives in global development. With participants from across the public and private sectors, the gathering highlighted the urgent need for African governments and companies to take ownership of their digital futures.
Interswitch’s advocacy is not just rhetorical—it is backed by consistent investment in innovation ecosystems. The company has been instrumental in nurturing talent and supporting young innovators through initiatives such as the InterswitchSPAK National Science competition, a platform that rewards academic excellence and promotes STEM education among high school students across Africa.
Additionally, the company has launched projects like the Interswitch Technovation Hackathon, which brings together developers, designers, and entrepreneurs to build technology solutions for real-world challenges. These programs are aimed at sparking a culture of innovation from the grassroots level while connecting bright minds with the resources they need to grow.
At the heart of Interswitch’s mission is the drive to digitize payments and integrate commerce systems across Africa. This is most evident in its flagship product, the Verve card, which has grown to become the largest domestic card scheme in Africa. With millions of users and a growing international footprint, Verve represents the power of African innovation to compete and thrive on a global stage.
Interswitch has also facilitated countless financial transactions across its platforms, providing vital infrastructure for governments, businesses, and individuals to transact seamlessly. Its ecosystem approach, which connects banks, fintechs, retailers, and other service providers, is designed to foster collaboration and remove barriers to digital transformation.
During the Africa Soft Power Summit, Kinara also addressed the growing presence of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data. While recognizing their immense potential, he cautioned against the unregulated deployment of foreign technologies in African markets. “We must not repeat the mistakes of the past. These technologies are powerful tools, but they must be developed, governed, and deployed in ways that prioritize African interests,” he said.
This view is supported by a growing number of African tech leaders who argue that economic sovereignty cannot be achieved without technological autonomy. They stress the importance of building local capacity in software development, data science, and cybersecurity to ensure that Africa is not left behind or overly dependent on external solutions.
Interswitch’s position aligns with broader continental goals, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasizes innovation-led development, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services. In this context, the company’s advocacy for local innovation is both timely and essential.
Interswitch is also partnering with educational institutions, tech hubs, and regulatory bodies to ensure that innovation is nurtured responsibly and inclusively. These collaborations are designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and to ensure that emerging talents are equipped with both technical and entrepreneurial skills.
Looking ahead, Interswitch intends to expand its support for domestic innovation across more countries and sectors. The company is exploring new partnerships and product offerings that will further entrench digital payment systems and drive economic inclusion.
In conclusion, Interswitch’s call for domestic innovation is more than a slogan—it is a strategic approach grounded in action, investment, and vision. As Africa seeks to build a future that is self-reliant and technologically advanced, companies like Interswitch are playing a critical role in shaping the narrative and laying the foundation for a more independent and prosperous continent.
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