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Interswitch Group, a leading player in Africa’s payments and digital commerce sector, is reinforcing the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of work and driving economic progress.
Championing AI at InnovateAI Conference Lagos 2025
Speaking at the InnovateAI Conference Lagos 2025, held at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Interswitch, highlighted the urgency of AI adoption. As a Platinum Sponsor for the second consecutive year, Interswitch reaffirmed its commitment to advancing AI-driven innovation across Africa.
Themed “Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria: Catalysing Cross-Sectoral Innovation and Fostering Inclusive Growth,” the conference brought together industry experts, scholars, innovators, and AI enthusiasts. It provided a platform for insightful discussions and practical learning sessions, aiming to accelerate AI adoption in key sectors such as fintech, financial services, public services, and oil & gas.
AI and the Future of Work: Upskilling for Relevance
During the panel session “AI & The Future of Work in Nigeria,” Franklin Ali emphasized the critical need for young professionals to embrace AI-driven skills and a mindset shift to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.
“The AI economy is the gateway to the knowledge economy, and we must embrace this shift,” Ali stated. “Even in leading economies like the U.S. and China, AI adoption remains below 50%, yet they are at the forefront of innovation. To compete globally, Nigeria must prioritize reskilling and upskilling its workforce by fostering a mindset shift and equipping professionals with essential skills such as data literacy, JavaScript, and other technical competencies.”
He further stressed that AI should not be viewed as a trend but as a tool for solving real-world problems.
“For instance, traffic congestion in Lagos is a persistent issue that could be addressed using AI-driven solutions. However, effective implementation of AI requires a deep understanding of core tech skills, including natural language processing, robotics, and machine learning. We must approach AI not just for its novelty but as a means to address pressing societal and economic challenges.”
AI Adoption Beyond Tech: Opportunities and Growth
Ali also dispelled the misconception that AI is limited to the tech industry, emphasizing its applicability across all sectors.
“AI will undoubtedly displace some jobs, but it will also create new high-value opportunities for those equipped with the right skills,” he noted. Professionals across industries must embrace digital transformation or risk becoming obsolete.
He also encouraged young professionals to explore opportunities in the tech sector, highlighting AI’s financial rewards and career growth potential.
Showcasing AI-Driven Solutions for Nigeria
A key highlight of the conference was the Innovation Showcase, where groundbreaking AI-powered solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges were presented, reinforcing the technology’s potential to transform key industries.
By collaborating with key stakeholders and fostering industry-wide discussions, Interswitch is driving AI-powered innovation to propel Nigeria’s digital economy forward.
Pioneering AI-Driven Transformation in Africa
As a pioneer in Africa’s fintech ecosystem, Interswitch remains dedicated to leveraging technology’s transformative power to unlock new opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and enhance user experiences.
With AI adoption gaining momentum, Interswitch is committed to shaping its future and accelerating its integration into Africa’s digital landscape—ensuring that businesses and professionals alike are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven world.
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