Interswitch Boosts Startup Ecosystem Growth at Kano Startup Weekend
Interswitch, a leading African provider of integrated payments and digital commerce solutions, played a vital role in nurturing innovation and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs during the inaugural Kano Startup Weekend, themed “Igniting Innovation & Empowering Entrepreneurs,” held from December 13 to 14, 2025, in Kano.
The company’s involvement included mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and active participation in the startup pitch competition. Through these engagements, Interswitch offered practical insights, introduced developer-friendly platforms, and provided guidance on creating scalable digital businesses.
Kano Startup Weekend (KSW) 2025 is the premier entrepreneurship and innovation event hosted by the Kano State Government via the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA). This initiative aligns with the Kano State Digital Transformation Agenda (2025–2030), aiming to stimulate the local startup ecosystem, promote collaboration, and establish Kano as a hub for technology and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
The event showcased pitch presentations from startups working across sectors such as technology, education, agriculture, mobility, and digital services. Participants also benefited from expert-led sessions on product development, funding readiness, customer acquisition, and scaling strategies—equipping founders with essential tools to develop their ideas and connect with potential partners for growth.
In his keynote address, Patrick Okebu, Chief Information Officer of Interswitch, emphasized the importance of fostering regional innovation ecosystems. He stated:
“Kano Startup Weekend reflects the depth of entrepreneurial potential emerging from Northern Nigeria. At Interswitch, we recognise that innovation thrives when founders have access to the right platforms, mentorship, and enabling infrastructure. Our support for this event aligns with our commitment to empowering startups with payment and digital commerce solutions that help them build confidently, scale sustainably, and compete effectively in today’s economy.”
Beyond mentorship and pitch sessions, KSW 2025 fostered collaboration among the public sector, private organizations, investors, and the startup community. This demonstrated how strategic partnerships can accelerate innovation and promote inclusive economic growth.
The success of Kano Startup Weekend underscored the increasing momentum within Kano’s tech ecosystem and the vital role of strategic collaborations in driving inclusive innovation. Interswitch highlighted that initiatives like KSW are essential for expanding economic opportunities, nurturing local talent, and strengthening Nigeria’s broader digital economy.
By sponsoring and actively engaging in the event, Interswitch significantly contributed to its success. The participation reaffirmed the company’s position as a trusted partner to founders, developers, and innovation enablers across Nigeria and beyond, while reflecting its dedication to supporting platforms that foster entrepreneurship and skills development.