Interswitch Advocates for AI Adoption in the Workplace

Interswitch Group, a leading player in Africa’s integrated payments and digital commerce sector, has underscored the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming the future of work and driving the digital economy.

Franklin Ali, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer of Interswitch, shared these insights at the recent InnovateAI Conference Lagos 2025, held at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. As a Platinum Sponsor for the second consecutive year, Interswitch reaffirmed its commitment to fostering AI-driven innovation throughout Africa.

The conference, themed “Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria: Catalysing Cross-Sectoral Innovation and Fostering Inclusive Growth,” attracted a diverse audience of AI enthusiasts, industry professionals, academics, and innovators. It served as a vital platform for knowledge sharing, engaging discussions, and practical learning sessions aimed at accelerating AI adoption across various sectors, including fintech, public services, and oil and gas, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and promoting economic development.

During a panel discussion on “AI & The Future of Work in Nigeria,” Ali stressed the urgent need for young professionals to develop AI competencies, adapt their mindsets, and engage in lifelong learning to remain competitive in an increasingly automated landscape.

“The AI economy serves as a gateway to a knowledge-driven economy, making it essential for us to embrace this transformation,” Ali remarked. “While countries like the United States and China lead in AI adoption, with rates below 50%, Nigeria must focus on reskilling and upskilling its workforce to compete on a global scale. This includes fostering a mindset shift and equipping professionals with essential skills such as data literacy and programming languages like JavaScript.”

He further highlighted the necessity of targeted learning and practical problem-solving: “AI is far more than a trend; it’s a powerful tool for addressing real-world issues. For example, we can tackle traffic congestion in Lagos with AI solutions. However, effectively leveraging AI requires a solid foundation in core technical skills, including natural language processing, robotics, and machine learning. We must learn AI not just for its own sake, but to address pressing societal and economic challenges.”

Ali encouraged young professionals to pursue opportunities in the tech industry, which offers substantial financial rewards and career advancement. He also challenged the notion that AI is solely relevant to tech sectors, urging individuals from all fields to embrace digital transformation or risk being left behind.

While acknowledging that AI may lead to job displacement for those resistant to change, he emphasized that it also creates new opportunities for individuals equipped with the right skills. The event featured an Innovation Showcase, highlighting groundbreaking AI solutions designed to address Nigeria’s unique challenges, reinforcing AI’s transformative potential across key sectors.

Interswitch’s involvement in the InnovateAI Conference Lagos 2025 reflects its ongoing dedication to advancing technology and its applications, including AI, to promote financial inclusion and digital advancement. By collaborating with key stakeholders and fostering industry-wide dialogue, Interswitch aims to drive AI-powered innovation that will elevate Nigeria’s digital economy.

As a forerunner in Africa’s fintech landscape, Interswitch remains committed to initiatives that leverage technology’s transformative capabilities to unlock new opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and enhance user experiences. As discussions around AI gain momentum, Interswitch is poised to play a significant role in shaping its future and facilitating its integration into Africa’s evolving digital ecosystem.