Big Stages, Bold Ideas, and the Future of African Fintech

A word from our CEO

There’s a moment in every organization when you can tell whether governance is real.

Let me surprise you, it’s not during growth. It’s not during announcements either. It is when someone important gets it wrong.

That’s the real test.

I’ve watched this play out more than once. A policy is violated. A risk warning is ignored. Everyone knows what happened. The facts are clear. And then the room goes quiet. Because people are calculating. Who was involved? How senior are they? How valuable are they? How inconvenient would enforcement be? That is the exact moment governance either strengthens or evaporates.

Read more: 

https://seyiebenezer.medium.com/no-consequences-no-governance-8125ce96d750

Nigeria–UK Digital Trade Engagement

Last month, Payaza’s CEO, Mr Seyi Ebenezer, participated in a two-day engagement in London focused on strengthening digital trade and innovation infrastructure between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

At Westminster Hall, he joined Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Anthony Atuche, CFA, Kofo Akinkugbe OON, and Tunde Hassan-Odukale to discuss the foundations needed to scale cross-border digital services, with a focus on building trusted, interoperable systems that support long-term growth across markets.

During the visit, he also engaged with key public and private sector leaders, including Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (OON), Oliver Alawuba, Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Florence Eshalomi, Richard Montgomery, Amaka Onwughalu, and Johnson Ememandu FiOD.

The discussions reflect growing collaboration between stakeholders in both countries and the continued momentum toward enabling cross-border innovation and trade.

Triple Nomination, Double Win at the Ghana Fintech Awards

In a remarkable milestone for our team, we are proud to announce that we emerged victorious at the Ghana Fintech Awards, winning both IT/Tech Firm of the Year and Fintech Platform of the Year for our Give Platform.

This achievement follows our triple nomination, which also included Leading Fintech Solutions Provider, and reflects our unwavering commitment to technical excellence and our leadership in delivering innovative solutions that are reshaping the financial landscape in Ghana and across Africa.

Big Stage. Bold Conversations. Real Impact.

The future of African fintech isn’t just being imagined, it’s being built. From March 10–12, the global eyes of the industry turned toward Kigali, Rwanda, for the Inclusive Fintech Forum 2026.

We are incredibly proud to share that Frank Anwelle, our Country Manager for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, took to the stage to represent Payaza Africa. Alongside policymakers and fellow innovators, Frank shared deep insights on:

• Building Scalable Infrastructure: How we ensure payments move as fast as the people using them.
• Financial Inclusion: Real-world strategies to bridge the gap in emerging markets.
• Expansion: Navigating the complexities of the West African landscape.

At Payaza, we don’t just observe the dialogue; we help shape it. We’re excited to bring these insights back home to continue driving impact for you.

The Standard of Excellence at Payaza

Why does recognition like the Women in FinTech Powerlist matter so much to us? Because it reinforces the culture we’ve built here at Payaza. Seeing Perkins Ogedengbe honored as a Senior Leader serves as a reminder that behind every transaction, every line of code, and every partnership, there are world-class experts driving the mission forward.

We are proud to foster a workspace where female leadership isn’t just welcomed, it’s foundational. Perkins’ dedication to excellence is the same energy we pour into every solution we provide for our clients and partners. 

Join us in raising a virtual toast to our superstar for this well-deserved achievement!

Nigeria's Tax Era Has Begun

Nigeria's most ambitious tax overhaul in decades passed its first major compliance test yesterday. March 31 marked the deadline for all Nigerian residents to file annual personal income tax returns, the first filing cycle under a reformed framework that took effect 1 January 2026.

The deadline applied broadly. Employees, freelancers, business owners, and landlords were all required to file, including those already taxed at source through PAYE. Non-filers now face monthly penalties under Section 101 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act until they comply.

The stakes are significant. Nigeria collected ₦28.3 trillion in revenue in 2025, against a 2026 target of ₦40.7 trillion. Closing that gap depends heavily on broader, more consistent compliance. The reforms also introduce a ₦800,000 tax-free threshold for low-income earners, abolish the minimum tax, and push Nigeria firmly toward digital tax administration, including mandatory e-invoicing now being rolled out nationally.

For investors, the reforms signal a more transparent and structured fiscal environment. For Payaza, this transition toward a more digitized and compliance-driven financial ecosystem strengthens the long-term demand for the digital payment and cross-border infrastructure the company is building.