Interswitch TechConnect 6.0 Unfolds Next Phase of Digital Payments Transformation

Tony Icheku in Owerri

Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has flagged-off the sixth edition of its flagship industry engagement series, TechConnect 6.0, in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Stakeholders across government, financial services, technology, and business gathered at the event to explore how adaptive financial infrastructure could support a rapidly changing market.

The event, held at Protea Hotel, Owerri, was themed, “Built for What’s Next: Designing Adaptive Financial Infrastructure for a Dynamic Market.”

Discussions focused on the need for financial and digital infrastructure that could evolve with changing customer expectations, emerging technologies, business models, and the wider demands of a digital economy.

The Owerri edition marked the first stop of the TechConnect 6.0 nationwide tour, with subsequent editions scheduled for Abuja on October 13, Ibadan on October 22, and Lagos on October 27.

The series will continue to bring together stakeholders across financial services, technology, government, and business to examine the infrastructure, innovation, and collaboration required to support a changing digital economy.

Delivering a keynote address, Mr. Justice R. Okoye, FCA, ACTI, Executive Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Service, examined the role of connected and adaptive infrastructure in strengthening institutions, improving service delivery, and expanding economic participation.

Speaking on the theme, Vice President, Business Innovation and Growth, Interswitch, Tyoyila Aga, said, “As financial infrastructure evolves, we have an opportunity to design that change deliberately, with the resilience to withstand disruption, the flexibility to adapt, the security to earn trust and the inclusiveness to ensure that more people can participate in the economy.”

Aga stated that as financial services, businesses, and government processes became increasingly digital, infrastructure must evolve from standalone systems into connected ecosystems capable of supporting new services, channels, and customer expectations.

He also highlighted interoperability, cybersecurity, data governance, and inclusion as important considerations in building infrastructure that could remain relevant as the market changes.

The panel discussion, themed, “Building a Digital Economy: The Role of Government, Industry and Talent in Shaping the Future,” explored the interconnected roles of government, industry and human capital in shaping the pace and sustainability of digital transformation.

Speakers examined the importance of supportive policy, private-sector innovation and the development of digital capabilities in building an ecosystem that can respond to emerging opportunities.

The fireside chat, “Driving Digital Transformation Through Public-Private Partnerships,” examined how government, financial institutions, technology providers and businesses could work together to build more connected and sustainable digital solutions.

The discussion also considered the role of collaboration in improving access, strengthening service delivery, and supporting economic activity beyond major commercial centres.

Speakers also highlighted that sustainable digital transformation required more than technology investment, pointing to the importance of supportive institutional frameworks, collaboration across the ecosystem, skilled people, reliable systems and a clear focus on the needs of businesses and citizens.

The event also featured product showcases highlighting Interswitch’s portfolio of enterprise payment and digital commerce solutions.

Through live demonstrations, attendees explored how technology and infrastructure could support transaction processing, streamline operations, and create more seamless payment experiences across physical and digital channels.

Through TechConnect, Interswitch continues to provide a platform for industry dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collaboration, bringing stakeholders together to explore the infrastructure, capabilities, and partnerships required to support sustainable digital growth.