‘Digital payments are foundation of broader transformation in commerce’

Chinwe Uzoho is Network International’s group regional managing director for Western Africa. Uzoho, an alumna of Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria; member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Scotland (MCIBS); and executive member of the Global Council for Women in Banking and Fintech, who is passionate about women in technology and leadership. She speaks in this interview with Iheanyi Nwachukwu. Excerpts

How would you describe Network International’s role in advancing digital financial inclusion across West Africa?

Network International is more than just a payments processor. We are an enabler of growth and commerce. Our role is to bridge the gap between economies, businesses and opportunities through secure, accessible digital payment solutions. Across West Africa, we’re helping financial institutions and fintechs, power their businesses, serve their customer base through robust, safe, secure and seamless technology.

What are some of the biggest challenges to inclusion in the region, and how is Network International helping to overcome them, particularly in underserved communities?

Inclusion isn’t just about access it’s about trust, affordability, and relevance. Many people in underserved communities still rely on cash because digital alternatives feel too complex or too costly. At Network International, we partner with banks and fintechs to roll out user-friendly, localised, and cost-effective solutions.

For example, our support for agency banking and mobile wallets allows people in rural areas to make payments and access services that were previously out of reach. We’re also investing in security and education, because trust is essential if people are to embrace digital finance fully. Our recent MoMo partnership with Blue Penguin demonstrates our commitment to inclusion in West Africa.

Can you share how Network International’s technology is enabling banks and fintechs to reach more people and accelerate innovation?

Our technology is built for scale, speed, and simplicity. We’ve made it easier for banks and fintechs to roll out new products whether that’s virtual cards, tap-to-pay features, or embedded finance solutions without needing to reinvent their systems. Our open APIs, modern architecture, and robust support mean our partners can go to market faster and innovate with more confidence. That agility is critical in a region like West Africa where needs evolve quickly, and digital adoption is fast.

With the launch of Network One in Nigeria, what specific impact do you expect it to have on local financial ecosystems?

Network One represents the future of payments infrastructure. Moreso, it’s agile, secure, and designed for the realities of Africa. For Nigeria specifically, we expect it to significantly boost reliability and performance for banks, fintechs, and merchants. It also opens the door to faster innovation meaning new services can be launched in weeks, not months. Beyond performance, Network One improves fraud detection, data intelligence, and customer experience, which will have ripple effects across the financial value chain.

How is Network International contributing to broader digital transformation across sectors in West Africa beyond just financial services?

Digital payments are the foundation of broader transformation in commerce. When we enable seamless payments in retail, hospitality, education, or transport, we’re actually digitizing the way people live and do business. We’re proud to support merchants across multiple sectors to accept cards and digital payments, including SMEs who were previously cash-only.

The speed and efficiency of our payment platforms has made our partners and clients trust us. The value they enjoy from partnering with Network International can be seen in revenue growth, increased customer confidence and loyalty. As a leader in this space, we boast of a 99 percent uptime on our platforms, this is what makes Network International tick.

Fintechs are booming across West Africa. How does Network International support their growth and foster collaboration with traditional financial institutions?

We see fintechs as key to expanding financial access and deepening innovation. At Network International, we provide them with the infrastructure they need to issue cards, process transactions, and scale operations all with minimal friction. At the same time, we help traditional banks tap into fintech innovation through APIs, shared platforms, and co-creation initiatives. This collaborative model benefits everyone, while end users get better products, and the ecosystem becomes stronger and more inclusive.

As a woman leading in the finance and tech space, what has your journey been like, and what keeps you motivated?

It’s been a journey of growth, grit, and grace. I’ve had to learn how to lead with clarity, make tough decisions, and stay grounded in a space that’s constantly evolving. What motivates me is the knowledge that our work matters that we’re not just moving money, we’re moving lives. I’m also passionate about representation. When young women see someone who looks like them leading in this space, it expands their sense of what’s possible.

What are some concrete ways the industry can better support women in leadership and technical roles? Does Network International have any initiatives aimed at empowering women internally or externally across West Africa?

We need more intentionality not just in hiring, but in retention, mentorship, and promotion. It’s not enough to invite women to the table; we must ensure they have a voice and support to thrive. At Network International, we have internal leadership programs that support women’s growth. We’re committed to building workplaces and solutions that reflect the diversity of the markets we serve and the people who work in Network International.

What advice would you give to young African women looking to build careers in tech, finance, or digital innovation?

First, believe in your right to be there that’s half the battle. Be curious, stay open to learning, and take your seat at the table, even when you feel intimidated. The landscape is shifting in Africa, and there’s room for bold, creative, and purpose-driven women. Don’t wait to be perfect to start; growth comes in the doing.

What trends or innovations in payments are you most excited about that could reshape financial access in West Africa?

Real-time payments and mobile-first solutions are reshaping the way people transact. I’m excited about innovations like contactless cards, QR payments, and cross-border mobile wallets all of which have huge potential for inclusion. I’m also watching how AI is helping improve fraud prevention and customer personalisation. These aren’t just “tech trends” they’re tools that can expand access and transform livelihoods if deployed with intention.

Looking ahead, what’s your long-term vision for Network International’s impact in the region?

Our long-term vision is to be the partner of choice for digital commerce and financial access in West Africa. We want to be the trusted backbone powering the future of payments not just for big institutions, but also for small businesses, startups, and individuals. It’s about sustainable growth, inclusive impact, and building a future where digital payments are seamless, secure, and accessible to all.