Nigeria’s booming digital payments sector will take centre stage next month as regulators, banks and fintech leaders converge in Lagos for the third edition of the Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 3.0).
Scheduled for April 24, the forum is expected to attract over 600 participants and more than 20 speakers, reinforcing its position as a key platform for shaping the future of digital finance in the country.
The event comes at a pivotal time for Nigeria’s payments ecosystem, which continues to expand rapidly on the back of mobile technology and fintech innovation. However, the growth has also exposed critical gaps around financial inclusion, cybersecurity, consumer trust and regulatory coordination.
Organisers say the forum will provide a rare opportunity for direct engagement between policymakers and industry players. Key institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are expected to interact with fintech startups, commercial banks and telecom operators.
According to co-convener, Chike Onwuegbuchi, the forum goes beyond a traditional conference.
“PAFON 3.0 is a policy-industry dialogue designed to shape the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. Our goal is to ensure a fair, accessible and innovation-driven payments ecosystem that puts consumers first,” he said.
Focus on Inclusion and Innovation
A major highlight of the forum will be discussions on deepening financial inclusion in a country where millions remain unbanked despite rising digital transactions.
One of the headline sessions, “Fair Digital Payments as a Catalyst for Deepening Financial Inclusion in Nigeria,” will explore how policy and technology can work together to expand access for small businesses and underserved communities.
Industry analysts believe outcomes from such sessions could influence how regulators and operators tackle persistent challenges such as affordability, infrastructure gaps and digital literacy.
AI, Cybersecurity and Trust in Focus
The growing role of artificial intelligence in financial services will also take centre stage. Experts are expected to examine how AI is being deployed in fraud detection, customer experience and risk management—alongside the regulatory concerns it introduces.
Cybersecurity will be another key talking point, as increased reliance on digital platforms continues to expose users and institutions to fraud and data breaches. Stakeholders are expected to discuss stronger safeguards to boost consumer confidence.
Innovation Showcase and Industry Deals
Beyond policy conversations, PAFON 3.0 will feature exhibitions and live product demonstrations, with companies showcasing innovations ranging from digital wallets to advanced point-of-sale systems.
The forum will also host business-to-business engagements aimed at fostering partnerships across the payments value chain, including fintech firms, merchant aggregators and infrastructure providers.
Organised by TechCastle Foundation and supported by Techeconomy, the event is designed to not only spotlight innovation but also address tensions around regulation, competition and consumer protection.
As one of Africa’s leading digital payments markets, Nigeria faces increasing pressure to sustain its growth. Stakeholders say stronger collaboration between regulators and industry players will be critical—and PAFON 3.0 could prove decisive in shaping that path forward.
Registration for the forum remains open to stakeholders across finance, technology and media, as conversations intensify over the future of one of Nigeria’s most dynamic sectors.
